bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Char From Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass and Plastic Waste
Authors: Burra K. G. , Gupta A. K.
Published: October 2018

Development of alternative, clean and renewable energy production from different hydrocarbon materials helps to partially replace the limited resources of fossil fuels and also help reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels that drives global warming. Biomass and bio-wastes are renewable and sustainable hydrocarbon resources, which can be used for energy and fuels production along with permanent disposal of plastic wastes. Landfills of wastes is unsustainable with additional problems of non-degradability and growing burden to the environment and society. Co-pyrolysis and co-gasification of biomass with different types of plastic wastes has shown to provide enhanced product yields and quality for syngas and liquid fuel production. To date, limited information is available on the understanding of chars produced from co-pyrolysis. The effect of co-pyrolysis on the type, quality and yield of chars produced is essential for efficient utilization of a wide variety of biomass, bio-waste and plastic waste resources.

This paper provides information on the effect of plastic addition to the pyrolysis of biomass as well as the quality and quantity of char produced with different amounts of plastic waste added at different pyrolysis temperatures. TGA reactor was used for all these investigations and the quality of char produced was examined from the perspective of char combustion for energy production. Char is commonly produced as a by-product from pyrolysis and gasification reactors. Carbonization temperatures investigated were in the range of 573–773 K for 30 min using pinewood biomass, while recycled polyethylene terephthalate was used as plastic waste. The investigations revealed that chars produced from co-pyrolysis especially for carbonization temperature (Tc) of 673 K and above behaved completely differently than the chars produced from separate pyrolysis of biomass and plastic waste under the same pyrolysis conditions. These chars produced from co-pyrolysis were more uniform in their behavior in oxidation environment, with higher heat flow for almost similar quantities of chars during oxidation. This was conjectured to be from enhanced quality of chars produced having increased C content (from increased heavy aromatics and efficient loss of volatiles) during co-pyrolysis without any loss of char yield. The char yield was found to be equal or higher during co-pyrolysis compared to the weighted aggregate of individual pyrolysis. These investigations provided novel results on the behavior and capabilities of chars produced from co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic wastes to provide a new avenue for the quality enhancement of bio-chars and efficient utilization of carbonaceous solid waste resources.
Performance Analysis of Solar Thermal Powered Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle Assisted Low-Temperature Multi Effect Desalination Coupled With Mechanical Vapor Compression
Authors: Almatrafi Eydhah , Moloney Francesca , Goswami D. Y.
Published: October 2018

Power and freshwater demand are increasing as populations around the world keep growing. Due to the environmental impact of using fossil fuels and limited resources, using solar thermal in desalination application is a valuable option. In this paper, an innovative new design of low temperature multi-effect desalination coupled with mechanical vapor compression (LT-MED-MVC) powered by supercritical organic Rankine cycle utilizing a low-grade solar heat source using evacuated tube collectors is analyzed. The proposed design has the potential to desalinate water of high salt concentrations or brine with high salinity more than 100,000 ppm or effluent streams from a power plant with low energy consumption and high efficiency when compared to the previously discussed systems. The performance of the LT-MED-MVC was found to be better than similar systems found in the literature. The specific power consumption for MVC is lower than 4 kWh/m3 for seawater feed salinity of 100,000 ppm, 14 forward feed effects, and a recovery rate of 50%. The overall system efficiency is about 14%. The impact of increasing the number of effects, motive steam temperature, pressure of supercritical-ORC and salt concentration on the specific power consumption, solar collector area, and the system efficiency are also analyzed.
Development of a Small Solar Thermal Power Plant for Heat and Power Supply to Domestic and Small Business Buildings
Authors: Mahkamov Khamid , Pili Piero , Manca Roberto , Leroux Arthur , Mintsa Andre Charles , Lynn Kevin , Mullen David , Halimic Elvedin , Bartolini Carlo , Pirro Matteo , Costa Sol-Carolina , Cabeza Luisa F. , de Gracia Cuesto Alvaro , Kenisarin Murat , Makhkamova Irina
Published: October 2018

The small solar thermal power plant is being developed with funding from EU Horizon 2020 Program. The plant is configured around a 2-kWel Organic Rankine Cycle turbine and solar field, made of Fresnel mirrors. The solar field is used to heat thermal oil to the temperature of about 240 °C. This thermal energy is used to run the Organic Rankine Cycle turbine and the heat rejected in its condenser (about 18-kWth) is utilized for hot water production and living space heating.

The plant is equipped with a latent heat thermal storage to extend its operation by about 4 hours during the evening building occupancy period. The phase change material used is Solar salt with the melting/solidification point at about 220 °C. The total mass of the PCM is about 3,800 kg and the thermal storage capacity is about 100 kWh. The operation of the plant is monitored by a central controller unit. The main components of the plant are being manufactured and laboratory tested with the aim to assemble the plant at the demonstration site, located in Catalonia, Spain. At the first stage of investigations the ORC turbine will be directly integrated with the solar filed to evaluate their joint performance. During the second stage of tests, the Latent Heat Thermal Storage will be incorporated into the plant and its performance during the charging and discharging processes will be investigated. It is planned that the continuous filed tests of the whole plant will be performed during the 2018–2019 period.
PID Control Design and Demonstration Using a Cyber-Physical Fuel Cell/Gas Turbine Hybrid System
Authors: Restrepo Bernardo , Pezzini Paolo , Tucker David , Bonilla Harry , Bryden Kenneth “Mark”
Published: October 2018

The emphasis on traditional control in power systems has traditionally focused on the application of first order transfer functions to develop gains in distributed PI or PID control. The application of traditional PI or PID control in fuel cell turbine hybrid power systems for setpoint tracking or disturbance rejection during transient operation has proved to be challenging because the interaction and nonlinearities. In this work, a systematic approach to specifying ideal gains for PID control was established and then applied to hybrid systems using the cyber-physical emulation facility at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. Through testing on hardware, it was proved that the control variable response to actuator modulation was not first order. By developing second order transfer functions to specify gains, the response of the system was predicted as expected by simulation. Testing of a hot air bypass valve to control fuel cell cathode airflow setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection was effectively demonstrated with response behaviors as expected, rise times under 3.5 seconds, and overshoot predicted for the underdamped case.
Hybrid Cooling for Power Generation and Water Scarcity in the South African Context
Authors: Tshamala Mubenga Carl , Ehlers Derik
Published: October 2018

Traditionally, water is used in thermal power plant for heat rejection processes such as in the steam condenser for use in a Rankine cycle. Typically, research has shown that approximately 2 litres of water are required to generate 1 kWh of electricity on a wet-cooling system; which on a bigger scale could translated to more than 11000000 m3 per year of make-up water for a 600 MWe coal-fired plant. The ever-increasing cost of water resources as well as the water resource scarcity have paved a path to dry-cooling systems which alternatively provide a significant cooling potential. However, dry-cooling systems performance are generally driven by the atmospheric conditions which at time do not meet the desired cooling temperatures resulting in significant drop in their performance. Recent developments in cooling technology suggest that hybrid systems (dry-wet) be used to insure good and manageable performances while maintaining the cost of operation at admissible range. In light of the recent draught experienced in South Africa, attention was drawn to evaluation of deluged systems performance as well as water consumption to increase the public awareness in the field. In this study, a deluged bundle was used to experimentally determine the cooling performance characteristic as well as water consumption for performance management. The above is then considered on a bigger scale to in order to open floor for further discussion on future strategies in term of the South African policy on water usage.
Studying the Degradation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using an Empirical Model for Aircraft Applications
Authors: Alhadri Muapper , Esmaeeli Roja , Mohammed Abdul Haq , Zakri Waleed , Hashemi Seyed Reza , Aliniagerdroudbari Haniph , Barua Himel , Farhad Siamak
Published: October 2018

At present, the lithium-ion battery (LIB) is the most important candidate for electrical energy storage for different applications, including electric and hybrid vehicles and aircraft. Although many studies have been done so far to evaluate performance and durability of LIB cells and packs for vehicle application, there is no study for the application of LIBs in electric and hybrid aircraft. In this paper, the cycle life and calendar life of a typical aftermarket LIB are studied through an empirical modeling method. The degradation rate of the battery for a typical light-weight passenger aircraft with a flight range of less than 1000 km is presented. The real duty-cycle of the battery for this aircraft is used for the cycle-life analysis.
Thermodynamic Analysis of a Solar-Coal Hybrid Poly-Generation Process for Methanol Synthesis and Power Generation
Authors: Xin Tuantuan , Xu Cheng , Xu Gang , Liu Wenyi , Yang Yongping
Published: October 2018

To advance the utilization of the solar energy and coal resources as well as improve the flexibility of coal-based power plant, an improved solar-coal hybrid system for methanol production and power generation is proposed and thermodynamically analyzed. In the proposed system, the concentrated solar energy at high-temperature is used for heating the coal gasification to produce syngas for methanol synthesis; the waste material and heat from coal-to-methanol process are efficiently recovered in the conjunct power generation system; and the surplus electric power is optionally used for methanol synthesis by electrolysis process during the off-peak period. Through employing the proposed system, the solar energy and electricity (optional) could be effectively converted into methanol as stable chemical energy together with a preferable overall system thermal efficiency. The thermodynamic analysis results showed that, the overall energy and exergy efficiencies reaches 48.6 and 47.3%, respectively; the equivalent solar-to-methanol conversion efficiency can soar to 66.2%; and the net electricity-to-methanol efficiency reaches 61.6% with the power load reducing from 48.7% to 31.0%.
Coal- and Gas-Fired Power Construction and Cancellation Trends in Countries With the Most New Coal Power Capacity Since 2003
Authors: Smouse Scott M. , Jones Ayaka , Fapohunda Babatunde O. , Render Mark , Hindman John W.
Published: October 2018

This paper attempts to quantify global development of coal- and natural gas-based power between 2003 and 2016 by analyzing the progression of individual coal and natural gas power units of 100 megawatts or greater as reported by S&P Global Platts. About 1,000 gigawatts (GW) of new coal capacity entered service worldwide in this period, nearly doubling the world coal power fleet. About 96% of this new capacity was built in 10 countries led by China and India. The momentum of global coal power development has slowed since 2014 with cancelled, deferred, or delayed capacity in 2016 more than quintupling that reported in 2013. This slowdown occurred mainly in China and India, where 426 GW of coal capacity were cancelled during 2015 and 2016, while only 26 GW was built. The vast majority of the new coal capacity built in Germany, Japan, and South Korea since 2003, and the majority in China since 2008, use supercritical or ultra-supercritical (USC) technologies. Subcritical technology still prevails among units constructed in developing countries, but USC units are being built in all the top 10 countries except the United States, where no new coal power plant is currently under construction.
Data Segmentation Criteria Assessment for Fault Detection Techniques Based on Principal Component Analysis for Natural Gas Transmission System
Authors: Audivet Cinthia , Pinzón Horacio , García Jesus , Consuegra Marlon , Alexander Javier , Sanjuán Marco
Published: October 2018

Statistical analytics, as a data extraction and fault detection strategy, may incorporate segmentation techniques to overcome its underlying limitations and drawbacks. Merging both techniques shall provide a more robust monitoring structure to address the proper identification of normal and abnormal conditions, to improve the extraction of fundamental correlation among variables, and to improve the separation of both main variation and natural variation (noise) subspaces. This additional feature is key to limit the false alarm rate and to optimize the fault detection time when it is implemented on industrial applications.

This paper presents an analysis to determine whether a segmentation approach, as a previous step of detection, enhances the fault detection strategies, specifically the principal component analysis performance. The data segmentation criteria assessed in this study includes two approaches: a) Sources (well) of the transmitted natural gas and b) Promigas’ natural gas pipeline division defined by the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG in Spanish).

The performance assessment of segmentation criteria was carried out evaluating the false alarm rate and detection time when the natural gas transmission network presents faults of different magnitude. The results show that the implementation of a segmentation criteria provides an advantage in terms of the detection time, but it depends of the fault magnitude and the number of clusters. The detection time is improved by 25% in the case scenario I, when transition zones are considered. On the other hand, the detection time is slightly better with less than 10% in the case scenario II, where the segmentation is geographical.
A Modeling Study of a Hybrid System Using the Waste Heat in Solar Cells to Run an Electric Generator
Authors: Homadi Abdulrahman , Hall Tony
Published: October 2018

Renewable energy is one of the most promising solutions to energy shortage that may occur in the future particularly in remote areas. Solar cells suffer from the problem of high temperature, which reduces the electrical efficiency and operational life. In this study we investigate a new hybrid technique of cooling and voltage induction. A set of small generators installed on the back of a solar panel operating under the influence of heat and magnetic energy are called thermo-magneto-electric generators (TMEG). A modeling study was done using COMSOL Multiphysics5.2a (COMSOL) software as a package to simulate the physical states of the system. This study showed that a TMEG has the ability to improve the efficiency as a result of reducing the temperature. An induction voltage is also an output of the system and can be combined with the output of the solar panel composing the hybrid system.
In situ collection of dust grains falling from Saturn’s rings into its atmosphere
Authors: Hsu Hsiang-Wen , Schmidt Jürgen , Kempf Sascha , Postberg Frank , Moragas-Klostermeyer Georg , Seiß Martin , Hoffmann Holger , Burton Marcia , Ye ShengYi , Kurth William S. , Horányi Mihály , Khawaja Nozair , Spahn Frank , Schirdewahn Daniel , O’Donoghue James , Moore Luke , Cuzzi Jeff , Jones Geraint H. , Srama Ralf
Published: October 2018

Cassini's final phase of exploration

The Cassini spacecraft spent 13 years orbiting Saturn; as it ran low on fuel, the trajectory was changed to sample regions it had not yet visited. A series of orbits close to the rings was followed by a Grand Finale orbit, which took the spacecraft through the gap between Saturn and its rings before the spacecraft was destroyed when it entered the planet's upper atmosphere. Six papers in this issue report results from these final phases of the Cassini mission. Dougherty
et al.
measured the magnetic field close to Saturn, which implies a complex multilayer dynamo process inside the planet. Roussos
et al.
detected an additional radiation belt trapped within the rings, sustained by the radioactive decay of free neutrons. Lamy
et al.
present plasma measurements taken as Cassini flew through regions emitting kilometric radiation, connected to the planet's aurorae. Hsu
et al.
determined the composition of large, solid dust particles falling from the rings into the planet, whereas Mitchell
et al.
investigated the smaller dust nanograins and show how they interact with the planet's upper atmosphere. Finally, Waite
et al.
identified molecules in the infalling material and directly measured the composition of Saturn's atmosphere.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat5434
, p.
eaat1962
, p.
eaat2027
, p.
eaat3185
, p.
eaat2236
, p.
eaat2382
Reprogramming normal human epithelial tissues to a common, lethal neuroendocrine cancer lineage
Authors: Park Jung Wook , Lee John K. , Sheu Katherine M. , Wang Liang , Balanis Nikolas G. , Nguyen Kim , Smith Bryan A. , Cheng Chen , Tsai Brandon L. , Cheng Donghui , Huang Jiaoti , Kurdistani Siavash K. , Graeber Thomas G. , Witte Owen N.
Published: October 2018

Some (re)programming notes on cancer

Epithelial cancers develop resistance to targeted therapies in a number of different ways. Several cancer types do so by undergoing phenotypic conversion to a highly aggressive cancer called small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC). Whether distinct cancer types accomplish this “reprogramming” through the same mechanism has been unclear. Park
et al.
show that the same set of oncogenic factors transforms both normal lung and normal prostate epithelial cells into SCNCs that resemble clinical samples (see the Perspective by Kareta and Sage). This convergence of molecular pathways could potentially simplify the development of new therapies for SCNC, which is currently untreatable.

Science
, this issue p.
91
; see also p.
30
Quantum oscillations in an insulator
Authors: Ong N. P.
Published: October 2018

Even without a Fermi surface, a Kondo insulator exhibits magnetoresistance oscillations
Younger age of onset in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a result of pathogenic gene variants, rather than ascertainment bias
Authors: Mehta Puja R , Jones Ashley R , Opie-Martin Sarah , Shatunov Aleksey , Iacoangeli Alfredo , Al Khleifat Ahmad , Smith Bradley N , Topp Simon , Morrison Karen E , Shaw Pamela J , Shaw Christopher E , Morgan Sarah , Pittman Alan , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: September 2018

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease of motor neurons with a median survival of 2 years. Familial ALS has a younger age of onset than apparently sporadic ALS. We sought to determine whether this younger age of onset is a result of ascertainment bias or has a genetic basis.

Methods

Samples from people with ALS were sequenced for 13 ALS genes. To determine the effect of genetic variation, age of onset was compared in people with sporadic ALS carrying a pathogenic gene variant and those who do not; to determine the effect of family history, we compared those with genetic sporadic ALS and familial ALS.

Results

There were 941 people with a diagnosis of ALS, 100 with familial ALS. Of 841 with apparently sporadic ALS, 95 carried a pathogenic gene variant. The mean age of onset in familial ALS was 5.3 years younger than for apparently sporadic ALS (p=6.0×10−5, 95% CI 2.8 to 7.8 years). The mean age of onset of genetic sporadic ALS was 2.9 years younger than non-genetic sporadic ALS (p=0.011, 95% CI 0.7 to 5.2 years). There was no difference between the mean age of onset in genetic sporadic ALS and familial ALS (p=0.097).

Conclusions

People with familial ALS have an age of onset about 5 years younger than those with apparently sporadic ALS, and we have shown that this is a result of Mendelian gene variants lowering the age of onset, rather than ascertainment bias.
Recurrent back pain during working life and exit from paid employment: a 28-year follow-up of the Whitehall II Study
Authors: Lallukka Tea , Mänty Minna , Cooper Cyrus , Fleischmann Maria , Kouvonen Anne , Walker-Bone Karen E , Head Jenny A , Halonen Jaana I
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To examine the impact of recurrent, as compared with single, reports of back pain on exit from paid employment over decades of follow-up.

Methods

The study sample was from the British Whitehall II Study cohort (n=8665, 69% men, aged 35–55 at baseline), who had provided information about their reports of back pain between 1985 and 1994. Data about exit from paid employment (health-related and non-health related exit, unemployment and other exit) were collected between 1995 and 2013. Repeated measures logistic regression models were fitted to examine the associations, and adjust for covariates.

Results

Recurrent pain was reported by 18% of participants, while 26% reported pain on an occasion and 56% did not report pain. Report of back pain on an occasion was not associated with health-related job exit, whereas recurrent pain was associated with such an exit (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.99), when compared with those who did not report pain. These associations were somewhat stronger among middle-grade and lower-grade employees, while these associations were not seen among higher-grade employees. Differences in associations by age and psychosocial working conditions were small.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for early detection of recurrent back pain to prevent exit out of paid employment for health reasons. As the risk varies by occupational grade, this emphasises the importance of identification of high-risk groups and finding ways to address their modifiable risk factors.
Crosscap number and knot projections
Authors: Ito Noboru , Takimura Yusuke
Published: September 2018

We introduce an unknotting-type number of knot projections that gives an upper bound of the crosscap number of knots. We determine the set of knot projections with the unknotting-type number at most two, and this result implies classical and new results that determine the set of alternating knots with the crosscap number at most two.
Generalized quivers, orthogonal and symplectic representations, and Hitchin–Kobayashi correspondences
Authors: de Araujo Artur
Published: September 2018

We review the theory of quiver bundles over a Kähler manifold, and then introduce the concept of generalized quiver bundles for an arbitrary reductive group [Formula: see text]. We first study the case when [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], interpreting them as orthogonal (respectively symplectic) bundle representations of the symmetric quivers introduced by Derksen–Weyman. We also study supermixed quivers, which simultaneously involve both orthogonal and symplectic symmetries. In particular, we completely characterize the polystable forms of such representations. Finally, we discuss Hitchin–Kobayashi correspondences for these objects.
Heisenberg–Pauli–Weyl inequality for connected nilpotent Lie groups
Authors: Smaoui Kais
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and prove an analogue of the classical Heisenberg–Pauli–Weyl uncertainty inequality for connected nilpotent Lie groups with noncompact center. Representation theory and a localized Plancherel formula play an important role in the proof.
Gravitational energy is well defined
Authors: Chen Chiang-Mei , Liu Jian-Liang , Nester James M.
Published: September 2018

The energy of gravitating systems has been an issue since Einstein proposed general relativity: considered to be ill defined, having no proper local density. Energy–momentum is now regarded as quasi-local (associated with a closed 2-surface). We consider the pseudotensor and quasi-local proposals in the Lagrangian–Noether–Hamiltonian formulations. There are two ambiguities: (i) many expressions, (ii) each depends on some nondynamical structure, e.g. a reference frame. The Hamiltonian approach gives a handle on both problems. Our remarkable discovery is that with a 4D isometric Minkowski reference, a large class of expressions — those that agree with the Einstein pseudotensor’s Freud superpotential to linear order — give a common quasi-local energy value. With a best-matched reference on the boundary, this value is the nonnegative Wang–Yau mass.
Gravity’s light in the shadow of the Moon
Authors: Gretarsson Andri , Jones Preston , Singleton Douglas
Published: September 2018

In this essay, we look at the possibility of vacuum production of very low frequency electromagnetic radiation from a gravitational wave background (i.e. gravity’s light). We also propose that this counterpart electromagnetic radiation should be detectable by a lunar orbiting satellite which is periodically occulted by the Moon (i.e. in the shadow of the Moon). For concreteness, we consider the possibility of detection of both the gravitational wave and hypothesized electromagnetic radiation counterpart from the supernova core collapse of Betelgeuse.
No smooth beginning for spacetime
Authors: Lehners Jean-Luc
Published: September 2018

In this paper, I will review an obstruction for theories of the beginning of the universe which can be formulated as semiclassical path integrals. Hartle and Hawking’s no boundary proposal and Vilenkin’s tunneling proposal are examples of such theories. Each may be formulated as the quantum amplitude for obtaining a final 3-geometry by integrating over 4-geometries. The result is obtained using a new mathematical tool — Picard–Lefschetz theory — for defining the semiclassical path integral for gravity. The Lorentzian path integral for quantum cosmology with a positive cosmological constant is mathematically meaningful in this approach, but the Euclidean version is not. Framed in this way, the resulting framework and predictions are unique. Unfortunately, the outcome is that primordial gravitational wave fluctuations are unsuppressed.
Role of new resonance states on fluctuations and correlations of conserved charges in hadron resonance gas model
Authors: Samanta Subhasis , Panda Susil Kumar , Mohanty Bedangadas
Published: September 2018

We investigate the role of suspected resonance states, that are yet to be confirmed experimentally, on different thermodynamic quantities as well as the higher-order fluctuations and the correlation between conserved charges using ideal hadron resonance gas (HRG) model. We have discussed the temperature dependence of the various thermodynamic quantities and compared them with the lattice QCD result. We observe that the values of the bulk thermodynamic variables such as pressure, energy density, entropy density and second-order susceptibilities are increased by the inclusion of the additional resonances. Further, we find that the hadronic phase of lattice QCD result of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] can be described well in ideal HRG model with the additional resonances. We have also studied the [Formula: see text] dependence of the fluctuation observables of net-proton, net-kaon and net-charge. Proper experimental acceptance cuts have been used in the model to compare with the data from experimental measurements. It has been observed that the experimental data of lower-order fluctuation observable can be described well by the ideal HRG model. However, higher-order fluctuation observables cannot be described by ideal HRG model for all [Formula: see text] studied here, which indicates the possibility of presence of critical or nonequilibrium physics for those energies. The effect of additional resonances on fluctuation observables of net-charge at different [Formula: see text] has also been studied. Finally, the chemical freeze-out parameters have been extracted from the experimental data of [Formula: see text] of net-proton and net-charge using two different sets of hadronic spectra. We find that for both the sets, the extracted temperature is slightly lower than those obtained from the hadronic yields. Moreover, it is observed that the extracted temperature of the system gets further reduced with addition of more resonances.
The tensor product of supersymmetric N = (1,1) spectral data
Authors: Guin Satyajit
Published: September 2018

We define the notion of tensor product of supersymmetric [Formula: see text] spectral data in the context of supersymmetric quantum theory and noncommutative geometry. We explain in which sense our definition is canonical and also establish its compatibility with the tensor product of [Formula: see text] spectral data defined earlier by Connes. As an application, we show that the unitary connections on the individual [Formula: see text] spectral data give rise to a unitary connection on the product [Formula: see text] spectral data.
Anatomical Basis for Arthroscopy of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joints
Authors: Okamoto Hideki , Sekiya Isato , Mizutani Jun , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Otsuka Takanobu
Published: October 2018

Background: Arthroscopy is a widely used minimally invasive technique. Nevertheless, no report describes the arthroscopic anatomy of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint for portal creation. To facilitate arthroscopy, this study elucidated the anatomy of the lateral bands of the extensor mechanism and collateral ligaments of PIP joints.

Methods: A total of 39 fingers from the right hands of 10 cadavers (4 males, 6 females) were evaluated in this study. We defined the extension line from the proximal interphalangeal volar crease as the C-line. We also defined an imaginary line along the distal edge of the proximal phalanx, which is parallel to the C-line, as the J-line. The distance between J-line and C-line was measured. On the C-line and J-line, we measured the following: from the dorsal skin to the lateral edge of the lateral band (LB), the dorsal edge of the collateral ligament (CL) and from the lateral band and the collateral ligament (D), the width of the finger (W). The finger half-width (M) was measured on the J-line. Comparison between the digits and comparison between radial and ulnar distance were measured and statistical analysis was performed.

Results: All PIP joint spaces were distal from the C-line, except for one ring finger. The average distances between the J-line and C-line were 1.8–3.2 mm. On the C-line, only 11 cases (14.1%) showed an interval between the lateral bands and the collateral ligaments, but, on the J-line 72, cases (92.3%) had such an interval. The interval was located 1.6–2.9 mm in a dorsal direction from the midlateral on the J-line.

Conclusions: Portal creation at the J-line is safer than at the C-line. This study revealed that safe portals for arthroscopy of the PIP joint are 2 mm dorsal to the midlateral line of the finger on the J-line.
Fixed Anterior Position of Ulnar Nerve around Medial Condyle of Elbow with Bony Mass Causing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Lee Seung Hoo , Lee Ki Ho , Yoo Hye Jin
Published: October 2018

A 20-year-old male has presented with mild numbness and tingling sensation at 4, 5thfinger of his left hand. Simple radiograph and MRI images revealed bony mass at medial joint space of ulno-humeral joint. After surgical exploration, we found that there were two cause of ulnar nerve irritation symptom. Fixed ulnar nerve position at anterior aspect to medial condyle with deficiency of nerve gliding was one cause, and friction irritation around bony mass was another. It is rarely reported that ulnar nerve always travels to the anterior side of the medial condyle of the elbow, and there are no cases involving skeletal variation. In this case, the ulnar nerve may be penetrated while forming an anterior medial portal around elbow joint. It is important to know the path of the ulnar nerves very carefully through imaging and physical examination when there is a bony variant in the elbow joint.
Repair Technique Using a Combination of Suture Anchor and Miniscrew in Flexor Digitorum Profundus Bony Avulsion Fracture with Bone Fragment in Zone 1
Authors: Nho Jae-Hwi , Lee Sang-Woo , Nam Mi-Ae , Kim Byung-Sung , Jung Ki Jin
Published: October 2018

Avulsion fracture of the volar base of the distal phalanx is a rare injury. Zone 1 flexor tendon injuries can be treated with either internal or external fixation techniques. Pull-out suture repairs are often used for FDP tendon avulsion injuries. However, the pull out suture technique is associated with a number of well documented complications including nail bed injury and pressure necrosis. Despite the variety of techniques available for the repair of acute distal zone 1 flexor tendon injuries, no one technique has proven to be superior to all others. We address our experience with treatment of FDP avulsion injuries using suture anchor and miniscrew. Our technique supplements the suture anchor technique, which often causes a lack of strength, with an additional miniscrew. We introduce two cases of combined method using both suture anchor and miniscrew for treatment of FDP avulsion injuries.
Goodness of machine learning models
Authors: Barr Joseph R.
Published: October 2018

In this context, a model is an algorithm or a procedure that applies to data resulting in a functional relation [Formula: see text] between “input space” [Formula: see text] and “output space” [Formula: see text]. In this short paper, we will delineate objective criteria which help to disambiguate and rate models’ credibility. We will define pertinent concepts and will voice an opinion on the matter of good versus bad versus so–so models.
Experimental Study on Strength, Acoustic Emission, and Energy Dissipation of Coal under Naturally and Forcedly Saturated Conditions
Authors: Wang Shen , Li Huamin , Wang Wen , Li Dongyin , Yang Weijie
Published: September 2018

Coal seam water injection (CSWI) is an effective technology that is widely used for preventing rock burst in coal mines. To deepen the understanding of the mechanism of CSWI to prevent rock burst, new equipment was designed to prepare forcedly saturated coal samples in this study and a series of mechanical experiments was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties, acoustic emission (AE), and energy dissipation characteristics of the coal samples in natural, naturally saturated, and forcedly saturated states. The experimental results show that the forced saturation treatment can significantly improve P‐wave velocity and water content of coal samples, as water can penetrate more into micropores and fractures. The forced saturation method also significantly promotes the deformation capacity of the coal sample and reduces the strength by 83.37%. The main reason of the bearing capacity decrease for the forcedly saturated coal samples is plastic yielding rather than brittle crack propagation and slip. The derivative of the volumetric dissipation energy was proposed to evaluate the outburst proneness. The forced saturation method significantly reduces the risk of sudden release of energy and is more effective in preventing rock burst in coal seams than the natural saturation method.
Angular Dependence of η Photoproduction in Photon-Induced Reaction
Authors: Wang Jun-Zhen , Li Bao-Chun
Published: September 2018

Photoproduction of η mesons from nucleons can provide valuable information about the excitation spectrum of the nucleons. The angular dependence of η photoproduction in the photon-induced reaction is investigated in the multisource thermal model. The results are compared with experimental data from the η→3π0→6γ decay mode. They are in good agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that the movement factor increases linearly with the photon beam energies. And the deformation and translation of emission sources are visually given in the formalism.
A Finite-Time Disturbance Observer Based Full-Order Terminal Sliding-Mode Controller for Manned Submersible with Disturbances
Authors: Fang Xing , Liu Fei
Published: September 2018

A novel full-order terminal sliding-mode controller (FOTSMC) based on the finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO) is proposed for the “JIAOLONG” manned submersible with lumped disturbances. First, a finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO) is developed to estimate the lumped disturbances including the external disturbances and model uncertainties. Second, a full-order terminal sliding-mode surface is designed for the manned submersible, whose sliding-mode motion behaves as full-order dynamics rather than reduced-order dynamics in conventional sliding-mode control systems. Then, a continuous sliding-mode control law is developed to avoid chattering phenomenon, as well as to drive the system outputs to the desired reference trajectory in finite time. Furthermore, the closed-loop system stability analysis is given by Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the satisfactory tracking performance and excellent disturbance rejection capability of the proposed finite-time disturbance observer based full-order terminal sliding-mode control (FTDO-FOTSMC) method.
Experimental Study on Drop‐Weight Impact Response of Basalt Fiber Aluminum Laminates (BFMLs)
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Luo Yunrong , Wang Qingyuan
Published: September 2018

The basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (epoxy resin), which has even better mechanical properties than glass fiber‐reinforced polymer, is a good choice for making FML (fiber‐metal laminate) composite. Herein, drop‐weight impact tests of basalt fiber‐based FMLs (called BFMLs) were conducted in the INSTON 9520HV testing machine to investigate the low‐velocity impact properties of BFMLs. The specimens were of two diameters. And the impactors had two sizes of nose, dropping from different heights. The load‐deflection behavior of aluminum sheet, BFRP (basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer) panel, and BFML plate and their energy dissipation patterns during impact perforation were obtained. The test results showed that aluminum alloy sheet and BFMLs had no strain rate effect, while BFRP did. It was also concluded that the behavior of the thick BFML plate was clearly affected by debonding between aluminum sheet and BFRP panel, while the behavior of the thin BFML plate was controlled by membrane force. In failure analysis, it was found that the deformation and breakage of BFRP are the main contributions to energy absorption of BFMLs which counts for more than 75%. The energy absorbed by the aluminum sheet through plastic deformation and petaling is about 20%, while the energy absorbed in debonding can be ignored. In addition, with the help of ABAQUS simulation, it was found that decreasing the value of MVF (metal volume fraction) can increase the specific energy absorption of BFMLs, but the ductility of BFMLs may decrease.
Retroodontoid Pseudotumor Related to Development of Myelopathy Secondary to Atlantoaxial Instability on Os Odontoideum
Authors: Hamard M. , Martin S. P. , Boudabbous S.
Published: September 2018

Retroodontoid pseudotumor (ROP) is a nonneoplasic lesion of unknown etiology, commonly associated with inflammatory conditions, and the term of pannus is usually used. Less frequently, ROP formation can develop with other noninflammatory entities, with atlantoaxial instability as most accepted pathophysiological mechanism for posttraumatic or degenerative ROP. As it can clinically and radiologically mimic a malignant tumor, it is paramount for the radiologist to know this entity. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice to reveal the possible severe complication of ROP in the form of a compressive myelopathy of the upper cervical cord. The purpose of the surgical treatment is the regression or complete disappearance of ROP, with posterior decompression by laminectomy and posterior C1-C2 or occipitocervical fixation. We present the case of an elderly patient with retroodontoid soft tissue mass secondary to a chronic atlantoaxial instability on os odontoideum, an extremely rare cause of ROP. The patient developed a posttraumatic cervical myelopathy related to the decompensation of this C1-C2 instability responsible for the formation of a compressive ROP. We will overview the retroodontoid pseudotumor and its differential diagnosis.
Utilization Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine among Fracture Patients: A Taiwan Hospital‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Tseng Chu-Yao , Huang Ching-Wen , Huang Hsin-Chia , Tseng Wei-Chen
Published: September 2018

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) divides fracture treatment into three stages. Many TCM herbs and formulas have been used to treat fractures for thousands of years. However, research regarding the Chinese herbal products (CHPs) that should be used at different periods of treatment is still lacking. This study aims to identify the CHPs that should be used at different periods of treatment as well as confirm the TCM theory of fracture periods medicine. We used prescriptions of TCM outpatients with fracture diagnoses analyzed using the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) from 2000 to 2015. According to the number of days between the date of the fracture and the clinic visit date, all patients were assigned to one of three groups. Patients with a date gap of 0‐13 days were assigned to the early period group; those with a date gap of 14‐82 days were assigned to the middle period group; and those with a date gap of 83‐182 days were assigned to the late period group. We observed the average number of herbal formulas prescribed by the TCM doctor at each visit was 2.78, and the average number of single herbs prescribed was 6.47. The top three prescriptions in the early fracture period were Zheng‐gu‐zi‐jin‐dang, Shu‐jing‐huo‐xue‐tang, and Wu‐ling‐san. In the middle fracture period, the top three formulas were Zheng‐gu‐zi‐jin‐dang, Shu‐jing‐huo‐xue‐tang, and Zhi‐bai‐di‐huang‐wan. In the late fracture period, the top three formulas were Shu‐jing‐huo‐xue‐tang, Gui‐lu‐er‐xian‐jiao, and Du‐huo‐ji‐sheng‐tang. The main single herbs used in the early fracture period were Yan‐hu‐suo, Gu‐sui‐bu, and Dan‐shen. From the middle to the late period, the most prescribed single herbs were Xu‐duan, Gu‐sui‐bu, and Yan‐hu‐suo. We concluded that the results showed that the CGRD utilization pattern roughly meets the TCM theory at different fracture periods.
Numerical Prediction and Risk Analysis of Hydraulic Cavitation Damage in a High‐Speed‐Flow Spillway
Authors: Wan Wuyi , Liu Bin , Raza Awais
Published: September 2018

Hydraulic cavitation is usually an undesirable phenomenon since it can damage the concrete surface of a chute spillway. In order to numerically predict the potential cavitation of a high‐speed flow in a chute spillway, a compound risk assessment is proposed by combining probabilistic analysis with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. Based on the local pressure and flow velocity of the nodes, the traditional cavitation number is introduced to characterize the possibility of cavitation. The distribution of cavitation numbers was obtained according to the numerical simulation of the flow field in an open spillway. A hydraulic experiment was conducted to validate the numerical result. As a result, the potential cavitation region could be shown by visualizing the numerical result. Comparing the numerical results with the experimental results, hydraulic model validates the numerical simulation. The proposed numerical approach is economical and saves time; moreover, it can provide greater information about the potential cavitation region. This approach is more convenient for designers in their efforts to optimize the spillway shape and protect the concrete structure from cavitation erosion while maintaining lower costs and achieving higher visualization.
Understanding the Motives of Undertaking Physical Activity with Different Levels of Intensity among Adolescents: Results of the INDARES Study
Authors: Król-Zielińska Magdalena , Groffik Dorota , Bronikowski Michał , Kantanista Adam , Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Bronikowska Małgorzata , Korcz Agata , Borowiec Joanna , Frömel Karel
Published: September 2018

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the motives for undertaking physical activity (PA) and the intensity of PA in Polish adolescents. Methods. The study included 1,231 students, 515 boys (age 16.2 ± 0.7 years) and 716 girls (age 16.3 ± 0.6 years). The participants were recruited from secondary schools in 20 conurbations throughout Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form and the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised were used. Results. In boys, all motives predicted a 10.4% variance in vigorous intensity of PA (F(5, 509) = 11.822, p < .001). Higher scores on competence and appearance motives for PA were found to be predictors of higher level of vigorous intensity of PA. In girls, all motives explained a 7.4% variance in vigorous intensity of PA (F(5, 710) = 11.292, p < .001). Higher scores on competence and appearance motives for PA were found to be predictors of higher level of vigorous intensity of PA. Conclusions. This study shows that competence and appearance related motives for PA are important motivations for Polish adolescent girls and boys in undertaking vigorous intensity PA.
Hydrogen Sulfide Protects against Chemical Hypoxia-Induced Injury via Attenuation of ROS-Mediated Ca2+Overload and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Liu Cai-Xia , Tan Yu-Rong , Xiang Yang , Liu Chi , Liu Xiao-Ai , Qin Xiao-Qun
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress induced by hypoxia/ischemia resulted in the excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the relative inadequate antioxidants. As the initial barrier to environmental pollutants and allergic stimuli, airway epithelial cell is vulnerable to oxidative stress. In recent years, the antioxidant effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has attracted much attention. Therefore, in this study, we explored the impact of H2S on CoCl2-induced cell injury in 16HBE14o- cells. The effect of CoCl2on the cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) and the level of ROS in 16HBE14o- cells in response to varying doses (100–1000μmol/L) of CoCl2(a common chemical mimic of hypoxia) was measured by using fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. It was shown that, in 16HBE14o- cells, CoCl2acutely increased the ROS content in a dose-dependent manner, and the increased ROS was inhibited by the NaHS (as a donor of H2S). Moreover, the calcium ion fluorescence probe Fura-2/AM and fluorescence dye Rh123 were used to investigate the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) in 16HBE14o- cells, respectively. In addition, we examined apoptosis of 16HBE14o- cells with Hoechst 33342. The results showed that the CoCl2effectively elevated the Ca2+influx, declined the MMP, and aggravated apoptosis, which were abrogated by NaHS. These results demonstrate that H2S could attenuate CoCl2-induced hypoxia injury via reducing ROS to perform an agonistic role for the Ca2+influx and MMP dissipation.