bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of changes in oxygen saturation in muscular tissue and ischemic episodes in cardiac muscle during the bicycle ergometry
Authors: Poškaitis Vytautas , Miseckaitė Birutė , Venskaitytė Eurelija , Poderys Jonas , Vainoras Alfonsas
Published: July 2018

There is a strong need for more studies devoted to the analysis of changes in physiological processes during the incremental bicycle exercise when increasing the intensity of physical activity, serious ischemic episodes in cardiac muscle occur. The aim of this study was a synchronous observation of physiological changes during bicycle ergometry. Participants of the study were 27 healthy male volunteers. All participants of the study performed a graded exercise test to maximal efforts. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was recorded during exercise test and the first three minutes of recovery. Heart rate and ST-segment depression (sum of negative amplitudes) was analyzed. InSpectra Standad System Model 325 (Hutchinson Technology, Hutchinson, Minnesota, USA) was used for the registration of changes in oxygen saturation during exercise and recovery. The InSpectra sensor was placed on m. vastus lateralis. The results obtained in this study showed that changes in oxygen saturation depended on the intensity of workload. During the incremental increase in workload, oxygen saturation decreased in active muscles. While performing the final stages of exercise, a gradual increase in oxygen saturation is observed in the muscles of some participants. Increasing the intensity of physical activity to maximal efforts, rise in oxygen saturation (second phase) coincides with augmentative ischemic episodes in cardiac muscle.
Liver diseases unique to pregnancy
Authors: Kondrackienė Jūratė , Kupčinskas Limas
Published: July 2018

The aim of this review article is to improve knowledge of the liver disease in pregnancy. The article summarizes the results of own experience and the recent reviews of liver disorders unique to pregnancy. Abnormalities in liver tests occur in 3% of pregnancies with causes ranging from self-limiting to rapidly fatal. In Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital, a retrospective analysis disclosed a rate of 0.52% of liver diseases in 16252 pregnant women over a 5-year period. Several liver diseases occur only during pregnancy and are considered to be associated with the pregnant state. The liver disorders unique to pregnancy have characteristic clinical features and timing of onset. Hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in the first trimester, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in the second or third trimester, preeclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy usually in the third trimester. The disorders of late pregnancy – preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy – may progress to severe liver dysfunction. The correct diagnosis is critical, as any delay can result in morbidity or mortality of both the mother and fetus. Early delivery and advances in supportive management are the only available option for improving the prognosis.
The evaluation of psychomotor development in preterm infants
Authors: Rimdeikienė Inesa , Kriščiūnas Aleksandras , Markūnienė Eglė
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to assess psychomotor development of very-low-birth-weight infants. Material and methods. A prospective study was carried out in the Clinic of Neonatology, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital. Two groups of infants were selected: the study group consisted of 79 preterm infants treated in the Clinic of Neonatology; the control group consisted of 31 term infants. Psychomotor development of the infants was evaluated five times at the age of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Results. The results showed that at the age of 1 month, a significantly delayed psychomotor development was noted in 15.2% of preterm infants and in none of term infants; moderately delayed development – in 25.3% of preterm infants and in none of term infants; normal – in 54.4% and 90.3%, respectively; and accelerated development – 5.1% and 9.7%, respectively. At the age of 12 months, 21.8% of preterm infants and none of term infants showed a significantly delayed psychomotor development; 26.9% of study group patents and none in control group – moderately delayed development; 51.3% and 93.5%, respectively – normal development; and 6.5% and none, respectively – accelerated development. Conclusion. Psychomotor development of preterm infants is retarded during all first year of life.
A new approach to the treatment of dyslipidemia
Authors: Kėvelaitienė Sigita , Šlapikas Rimvydas
Published: July 2018

During the last decade, the evidence of beneficial effects of cholesterol lowering in patients with coronary heart disease has been proven in many clinical trials. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) released 2004 update to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines. The new guidelines of European Society of Cardiology announced in 2007 support more intensive LDL-C lowering in patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. For patients at the highest risk of cardiovascular diseases (diabetic patients with coronary heart disease), the recommended LDL-C goal is <1.8 mmol/L. In very high-, high-, and moderately high-risk patients, statin therapy should be considered with a treatment targeting an LDL-C reduction of 30– 40%. Clinical studies have shown that statin therapy alone is not always effective, especially in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, high doses of statins can increase the possibility of adverse events. The combination of statins with intestinal cholesterol absorption inhibitors is more effective than statin monotherapy in LDL-C lowering and is well tolerated.
The value of hysterosalpingography in the diagnosis of tubal pathology among infertile patients
Authors: Tvarijonavičienė Eglė , Nadišauskienė Rūta
Published: July 2018

Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of hysterosalpingography in the diagnosis of tubal pathology among infertile patients. Patients and methods. A prospective cross-sectional study in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital within the period of 18 months was performed. Consecutive infertile women formed the study group according to defined criteria. Hysterosalpingography was performed in the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Laparoscopy and dye test was performed within one – three months after hysterosalpingography. General tubal pathology, tubal occlusion, and peritubal adhesions detected at hysterosalpingography were compared with general tubal pathology, tubal occlusion, and peritubal adhesions detected at laparoscopy. Results. The study population comprised 149 infertile women. The sensitivity of 81.4% and specificity of 47.8% the likelihood ratio of a positive test result of 1.6 and a negative test result of 0.4 for hysterosalpingography while evaluating general tubal pathology was determined. Sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 59.1% and likelihood ratios of 2.1 and 0.3, respectively, were calculated, when tubal occlusion was defined as any abnormality of tubal patency. When definition of tubal occlusion was limited to two-sided occlusion, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.5% and 90% and likelihood ratios 9.0 and 0.1, respectively. As a test of peritubal adhesions, hysterosalpingography had sensitivity of 35.5% and specificity of 81.3% and likelihood ratios of 1.9 and 0.8, respectively. Conclusion. The diagnostic performance of hysterosalpingography in the diagnosis of general tubal pathology and peritubal adhesions is poor. Hysterosalpingography is more accurate in the diagnosis of tubal occlusion.
Primary health care development in 2002–2006 in Lithuania: Will we achieve the objective set?
Authors: Plieskis Mindaugas , Gaižauskienė Aldona , Garbuvienė Milda
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to identify the changes in the development of primary health care in 2002–2006 and to predict its potential results in 2008, based on various criteria (indicators). Data from the compulsory health insurance system “Sveidra” have been used for the analysis. A share of the private primary health care institutions, the persons enrolled with them, and visits in such institutions from all primary health care institutions during the study period have significantly statistically increased (average annual changes were 6.9%, 22.2%, and 27.2%, respectively). In 2008, this part would make up 61.0%, 30.6%, and 27.2%, respectively. The proportion of persons registered with family doctors and the number of visits to family doctors were significantly increasing (average annual changes were 22.5% and 27.2%, respectively). It is predicted that this part would make up 27.8% and 35.2% in 2008. More detailed analysis has shown that relatively more young and working-age persons (aged 18–44 years) were enrolled in private primary health care institutions. It is in particular evident in Vilnius and Kaunas where the choice of such institutions is high. The number of persons registered with family doctors was increasing in both private and public institutions (average annual changes were 22.5% and 8.3%, respectively; P<0.05). In private institutions, the proportion of persons registered with local district pediatricians was also significantly increasing. The study results have shown significant differences in the developments of primary health care in 2002– 2006 by various indicators. The objective defined in the strategy of restructuring will be achieved in 2008 only in respect of the number of institutions. Assessing by the aspect of services, the results achieved will be approximately two times lower. The practice of the institution of the family doctor is becoming more intensive in both private and public institutions.
L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart: Structure and regulation
Authors: Treinys Rimantas , Jurevičius Jonas
Published: July 2018

This review analyzes the structure and regulation mechanisms of voltagedependent L-type Ca2+ channel in the heart. L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart are composed of four different polypeptide subunits, and the pore-forming subunit a1 is the most important part of the channel. In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ enter cell cytoplasm from extracellular space mainly through L-type Ca2+ channels; these channels are very important system in heart Ca2+ uptake regulation. L-type Ca2+ channels are responsible for the activation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channels (RyR2) and force of muscle contraction generation in heart; hence, activity of the heart depends on L-type Ca2+ channels. Phosphorylation of channel-forming subunits by different kinases is one of the most important ways to change the activity of L-type Ca2+ channel. Additionally, the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels depends on Ca2+ concentration in cytoplasm. Ca2+ current in cardiac cells can facilitate, and this process is regulated by phosphorylation of L-type Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Disturbances in cellular Ca2+ transport and regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels are directly related to heart diseases, life quality, and life span.
The factors influencing the functional state recovery in cerebral stroke patients during the second rehabilitation stage
Authors: Milinavičienė Eglė , Rastenytė Daiva , Kriščiūnas Aleksandras
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the functions influencing the recovery of the motor and cognitive functions and general functional state in cerebral stroke patients during the second rehabilitation stage, and their prognostic value. The contingent and methods. The studied contingent consisted of 226 cerebral stroke patients: 109 men and 117 women who had undergone the second stage rehabilitation in Viršužiglis Rehabilitation Hospital, a branch institution of Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine. The mean age of the patients was 67.8±10.4 years. The greatest proportion of the patients (88.5%) was with cerebral infarction. The mean duration of rehabilitation was 38.8±8.9 days. The functional state of the patients was assessed by functional IndependenceMeasure; the cognitive function, by the short mental function study method; the severity of the stroke, in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The prognostic value of the factors was evaluated by the logistic regression method. A study analyzed the influence of patient’s gender, age, social factors, clinical symptoms and signs, risk factors for stroke, comorbities, the character and localization of the stroke, and psychoemotional state on the recovery of capacities related to motor and cognitive functions, and restoration of general functional state. Results. During the second stage of rehabilitation, the score of the functional state of the patients assessed by the Functional Independence Measures significantly improved from 65.9±20.3 to 93.5±20.9 (P<0.0001). At the end of rehabilitation, good efficacy of rehabilitation was determined in 64.2% of the rehabilitees; moderate, in 19.4%; insufficient, in 16.4%. In prognosing insufficient recovery of general functional state during the second stage of rehabilitation, the following factors had a significant influence: extremity hemiplegia, disturbed cognitive functions, urination impairment, joint and heart diseases. In cases of insufficient recovery of capacities linked with motor function in the second stage of rehabilitation, exerted extremity hemiplegia, neglect of the affected side of the body, urination impairments, joint and heart disorders had a significant influence, whereas localization of the stroke lesion in the left hemisphere of the brain, impairment of cognitive functions (disturbance of speech and perception), urination disturbances – on the insufficient recovery of capacities related to cognitive functions. Conclusion. Insufficient efficacy of rehabilitation of the rehabilitees with cerebral stroke in the second stage of rehabilitation was influenced by impairment of motor and cognitive functions, urination disturbancies, and comorbidities. In forming individualized inpatient rehabilitation programs and prognosing the further health care of patients with cerebral stroke, it is important to pay attention to factors, influencing insufficient efficacy of rehabilitation.
Distinctions of bipolar disorder symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Gudienė Devika , Leskauskas Darius , Markevičiūtė Aurelija , Klimavičius Dalius , Adomaitienė Virginija
Published: July 2018

Bipolar disorder in adolescents is a serious mental illness with problematic diagnosis that adversely affects social, academic, emotional, and family functioning. The objective of this study was to analyze features of premorbid and clinical symptoms, comorbidity, and course of bipolar disorder in adolescence. Data for analysis were collected from all case histories (N=6) of 14–18-year-old patients, hospitalized with diagnosis of bipolar disorder in theUnit of Children’s and Adolescents’ Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine, during the period from 2000 to 2005. Analysis of bipolar disorder course showed that five patients previously had been diagnosed with an episode of depression. The most frequent symptoms typical to bipolar disorder were disobedience and impulsive behavior, rapid changes of mood. The most common premorbid features were frequent changes of mood, being active in communication, hyperactive behavior. Adolescence-onset bipolar disorder was frequently comorbid with emotionally instable personality disorder, borderline type. Findings of the study confirm the notion that oppositional or impulsive behavior, rapid changes of mood without any reason, dysphoric mood and euphoric mood episodes with increased energy were cardinal symptoms of bipolar disorder with mania in adolescents. Most frequent premorbid features of these patients were quite similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder making differential diagnosis problematic.
Endothelium and nitric oxide
Authors: Garalienė Vida
Published: July 2018

Studied nature of the “blood vessels relaxing factor” derived fromendotheliumthat was identified as nitric oxide caused intensive scientific research on nitric oxide regarding some aspects of its impact on human physiological and pathological processes. The objective of this short review is to discuss widely used (in the clinical practice) direct and indirect donors of nitric oxide and/or other agents, increasing nitric oxide concentration in human body, and their beneficial role for the prevention of atherosclerosis. Under physiological conditions, endotheliumregulates the tone of blood vessels, homeostasis of which is maintained by endotheliumgenerated vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. The most important vasodilator and the main substance produced by the endothelium is nitric oxide. The failure of synthesis and/or the lost of nitric oxide bioavailability is the major feature of endothelial dysfunction and key factor initiating progression of atherosclerosis. The endothelial dysfunction initiates the series of events, which stimulate and aggravate the course of atherosclerosis by increasing endothelial permeability, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion, and cytokine expression. Further, the review deals with the mechanisms of action of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, L-arginine, direct nitric oxide donors (nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate), and indirect nitric oxide donors (phosphodiesterase-V inhibitors, KATP openers).
The Role of Notch Signaling and Leptin-Notch Crosstalk in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Harbuzariu Adriana , Oprea-Ilies Gabriela , Gonzalez-Perez Ruben
Published: July 2018

There is accumulating evidence that deregulated Notch signaling affects cancer development, and specifically pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. Notch canonical and non-canonical signaling has diverse impact on PC. Moreover, the actions of RBP-Jk (nuclear partner of activated Notch) independent of Notch signaling pathway seem to affect differently cancer progression. Recent data show that in PC and other cancer types the adipokine leptin can modulate Notch/RBP-Jk signaling, thereby, linking the pandemic obesity with cancer and chemoresistance. The potential pivotal role of leptin on PC, and its connection with Notch signaling and chemoresistance are still not completely understood. In this review, we will describe the most important aspects of Notch-RBP-Jk signaling in PC. Further, we will discuss on studies related to RBP-Jk-independent Notch and Notch-independent RPB-Jk signaling. We will also discuss on the novel crosstalk between leptin and Notch in PC and its implications in chemoresistance. The effects of leptin-Notch/RBP-Jk signaling on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance require more investigation. Data from these investigations could help to open unexplored ways to improve PC treatment success that has shown little progress for many years.
A Review of Metastable Beta Titanium Alloys
Authors: Kolli R. Prakash , Devaraj Arun
Published: July 2018

In this article, we provide a broad and extensive review of beta titanium alloys. Beta titanium alloys are an important class of alloys that have found use in demanding applications such as aircraft structures and engines, and orthopedic and orthodontic implants. Their high strength, good corrosion resistance, excellent biocompatibility, and ease of fabrication provide significant advantages compared to other high performance alloys. The body-centered cubic (bcc) β-phase is metastable at temperatures below the beta transus temperature, providing these alloys with a wide range of microstructures and mechanical properties through processing and heat treatment. One attribute important for biomedical applications is the ability to adjust the modulus of elasticity through alloying and altering phase volume fractions. Furthermore, since these alloys are metastable, they experience stress-induced transformations in response to deformation. The attributes of these alloys make them the subject of many recent studies. In addition, researchers are pursuing development of new metastable and near-beta Ti alloys for advanced applications. In this article, we review several important topics of these alloys including phase stability, development history, thermo-mechanical processing and heat treatment, and stress-induced transformations. In addition, we address recent developments in new alloys, phase stability, superelasticity, and additive manufacturing.
A Review of the Precision Glass Molding of Chalcogenide Glass (ChG) for Infrared Optics
Authors: Zhou Tianfeng , Zhu Zhanchen , Liu Xiaohua , Liang Zhiqiang , Wang Xibin
Published: July 2018

Chalcogenide glass (ChG) is increasingly demanded in infrared optical systems owing to its excellent infrared optical properties. ChG infrared optics including ChG aspherical and freeform optics are mainly fabricated using the single point diamond turning (SPDT) technique, which is characterized by high cost and low efficiency. This paper presents an overview of the ChG infrared optics fabrication technique through precision glass molding (PGM). It introduces the thermo-mechanical properties of ChG and models the elastic-viscoplasticity constitutive of ChG. The forming accuracy and surface defects of the formed ChG are discussed, and the countermeasures to improve the optics quality are also reviewed. Moreover, the latest advancements in ChG precision molding are detailed, including the aspherical lens molding process, the ChG freeform optics molding process, and some new improvements in PGM.
Transition from Endothermic to Exothermic Dissolution of Hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO4)3OH–Johnbaumite Ca5(AsO4)3OH Solid Solution Series at Temperatures Ranging from 5 to 65 °C
Authors: Puzio Bartosz , Manecki Maciej , Kwaśniak-Kominek Monika
Published: July 2018

Five crystalline members of the hydroxyapatite (HAP; Ca5(PO4)3OH)–johnbaumite (JBM; Ca5(AsO4)3OH) series were crystallized at alkaline pH from aqueous solutions and used in dissolution experiments at 5, 25, 45, and 65 °C. Equilibrium was established within three months. Dissolution was slightly incongruent, particularly at the high-P end of the series. For the first time, the Gibbs free energy of formation ΔGf0, enthalpy of formation ΔHf0, entropy of formation Sf0, and specific heat of formation Cpf0 were determined for HAP–JBM solid solution series. Based on the dissolution reaction, Ca5(AsO4)m(PO4)3−mOH = 5Ca2+(aq) + mAsO43−(aq) + (3 − m)PO43−(aq) + OH−(aq), their solubility product Ksp,298.15 was determined. Substitution of arsenic (As) for phosphorus (P) in the structure of apatite resulted in a linear increase in the value of Ksp: from HAP logKsp,298.15 = −57.90 ± 1.57 to JBM logKsp,298.15 = −39.22 ± 0.56. The temperature dependence of dissolution in this solid solution series is very specific; in the temperature range of 5 °C to 65 °C, the enthalpy of dissolution ΔHr varied around 0. For HAP, the dissolution reaction at 5 °C and 25 °C was endothermic, which transitioned at around 40 °C and became exothermic at 45 °C and 65 °C.
Trace Element Partitioning Dualism under Mineral–Fluid Interaction: Origin and Geochemical Significance
Authors: Tauson Vladimir L. , Lipko Sergey V. , Smagunov Nikolay V. , Kravtsova Raisa G.
Published: July 2018

Trace element (TE) partitioning in the system “mineral-hydrothermal solution” is studied by the method of thermo-gradient crystal growth coupled with internal sampling of a fluid phase. The analytical procedure used enables evaluating of structurally bound and superficially bound modes of TE in crystals and determining corresponding dual partition coefficients. The case of precious metals (PM—Au, Pt, Pd) at 450 and 500 °C and 100 MPa pressure is considered. The minerals are pyrite, As-pyrite, magnetite, Mn-magnetite and hematite and fluids are ammonium chloride-based hydrothermal solutions. The partition coefficients for structural and surficial modes, Dpstr and Dpsur, are found to be unexpectedly high (except for Au in pyrite). High concentrations of PM are attributed to superficial nonautonomous phases (NAPs), which can be considered as primary concentrators of PM. We also have studied the co-crystallization (exchange) coefficients (De) of REE (Ce, Eu, Er, Yb) and Fe in magnetite and hematite at 450 °C and 100 MPa. Desur is elevated to two orders of magnitude as compared to Destr. It is shown that not only physicochemical parameters affect REE distribution in hydrothermal systems, but also NAP presence and its composition. The crystal growth mechanism specified by the agency of NAP is suggested. The study of PM distribution in natural pyrite of gold-ore deposits supported the importance of differentiating between structurally and superficially bound TE modes for correct use of experimental D values to determining element concentrations in ore-forming fluids.
Application of the Fluorescent Dye BODIPY in the Study of Lipid Dynamics of the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wang Jiaoyu , Guo Xiaoyu , Li Ling , Qiu Haiping , Zhang Zhen , Wang Yanli , Sun Guochang
Published: July 2018

Rice blast is one of the most serious diseases affecting rice yield which is caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, a model organism for studies on plant pathogenic fungi. Lipids stored in M. oryzae cells have been shown to be crucial for the development of appressorium turgor and the ability of the pathogen to cause infection. Nile red staining is a common method to study lipid dynamics in phytopathogenic fungi. However, the disadvantages of this dye include its wide spectrum, poor water solubility, and susceptibility to quenching. Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) is a new type of fluorescent dye that has a different emission wavelength to that of Nile red as well as many desirable spectral and chemical properties. In this study, we used BODIPY to stain the lipids in M. oryzae cells to seek a possible substitute to Nile red in the study of lipid dynamics in plant pathogenic fungi. Our data showed that through simple and routine procedures, BODIPY was able to distinctly label lipids in the cells of mycelia and conidia. The positions of lipids labeled by BODIPY were essentially identical to those labeled by Nile red, but with more clear fluorescence labelling, lower background, and higher specificity. The use of BODIPY to stain germinating M. oryzae conidia allowed the lipid dynamics to be clearly tracked during this process. We also achieved double and multiple fluorescent staining conidia by combining BODIPY with the red fluorescent protein mCherry and other fluorescent dyes, such as Calcofluor white and DAPI, in conidia, mycelia, and sexual structures of M. oryzae. These results indicate that BODIPY is an ideal fluorescent dye for staining fungal lipids and provide a method for the study of the lipid dynamics and lipid metabolism in plant pathogenic fungi.
Solid Wettability Modification via Adsorption of Antimicrobial Sucrose Fatty Acid Esters and Some Other Sugar-Based Surfactants
Authors: Krawczyk Joanna
Published: July 2018

Solid–liquid interface properties play a crucial role in the adsorption and adhesion of different microorganisms to the solid. There are some methods to inhibit microorganisms’ adsorption at the solid–liquid interface and their adhesion to the solid. These methods can be divided into bulk phase and surface modification. They are often based on the surfactants’ effect on the wettability of the solid in a given system, due to the fact that adsorption and wetting properties of the food additive antimicrobial surfactants (sucrose monolaurate and sucrose monodecanoate as well as some other sugar-based ones (n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-β-d- glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside)) in the solid-aqueous solution of surfactant-air system were considered. Quantitative description of adsorption of the studied compounds at the solid–liquid interface was made based on the contact angle of the aqueous solutions of studied surfactants on polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyamide and quartz surface and their surface tension. From the above-mentioned considerations, it can be seen that during the wettability process of the studied solids, surfactants are oriented in a specific direction depending on the type of the solid and surfactant. This specific orientation and adsorption of surfactant molecules at the solid–water interface cause changes of the solid surface properties and its wettability, which was successfully predicted in the studied systems.
Using Natural Biomacromolecules for Adsorptive and Enzymatic Removal of Aniline Blue from Water
Authors: You Xiaojuan , Li Enzhong , Liu Jiayang , Li Songhua
Published: July 2018

The present study investigated the adsorptive and enzymatic removal of aniline blue dye (AB) from aqueous solution using waxy riceprocessing waste (RW), peanut shell (PS), microbial waste of Aspergillus niger (MW) as low cost adsorbents, and laccase (Lac) as a biocatalyst. Commercial activated carbon (AC) was also employed to compare the adsorption performance with the three adsorbents. Dye removal was examined under various parameters in batch experiments. It was found that dye removal by RW and Lac was 89–94% noticeably better than that by MW and PS (20–70%). In any cases, AC produced the highest dye removal among the tested materials. The kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were then analyzed to elucidate the adsorption process by the four adsorbents. The pseudo-second order kinetic was superior to the pseudo first order kinetic model in describing adsorption for all adsorbents. The Langmuir model fitted the adsorption process very well, indicating monolayer coverage of dyes on a solid surface. A thermodynamic analysis of enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy (ΔS°), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) classified the adsorption as a nonspontaneous and endothermic process. The results reveal diverse natural materials (e.g., processing waste RW) as novel substitutes for traditional activated carbon, as well as laccase as a green catalyst for the treatment of dye wastewater.
Exploring Emergent Features of Student Interaction within an Embodied Science Learning Simulation
Authors: Kang Jina , Lindgren Robb , Planey James
Published: July 2018

Theories of embodied cognition argue that human processes of thinking and reasoning are deeply connected with the actions and perceptions of the body. Recent research suggests that these theories can be successfully applied to the design of learning environments, and new technologies enable multimodal platforms that respond to students’ natural physical activity such as their gestures. This study examines how students engaged with an embodied mixed-reality science learning simulation using advanced gesture recognition techniques to support full-body interaction. The simulation environment acts as a communication platform for students to articulate their understanding of non-linear growth within different science contexts. In particular, this study investigates the different multimodal interaction metrics that were generated as students attempted to make sense of cross-cutting science concepts through using a personalized gesture scheme. Starting with video recordings of students’ full-body gestures, we examined the relationship between these embodied expressions and their subsequent success reasoning about non-linear growth. We report the patterns that we identified, and explicate our findings by detailing a few insightful cases of student interactions. Implications for the design of multimodal interaction technologies and the metrics that were used to investigate different types of students’ interactions while learning are discussed.
Fabrication of Scaffold-Based 3D Magnetic Nanowires for Domain Wall Applications
Authors: Sanz-Hernández Dédalo , Hamans Ruben F. , Osterrieth Johannes , Liao Jung-Wei , Skoric Luka , Fowlkes Jason D. , Rack Philip D. , Lippert Anna , Lee Steven F. , Lavrijsen Reinoud , Fernández-Pacheco Amalio
Published: July 2018

Three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures hold great potential to revolutionize information technologies and to enable the study of novel physical phenomena. In this work, we describe a hybrid nanofabrication process combining bottom-up 3D nano-printing and top-down thin film deposition, which leads to the fabrication of complex magnetic nanostructures suitable for the study of new 3D magnetic effects. First, a non-magnetic 3D scaffold is nano-printed using Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition; then a thin film magnetic material is thermally evaporated onto the scaffold, leading to a functional 3D magnetic nanostructure. Scaffold geometries are extended beyond recently developed single-segment geometries by introducing a dual-pitch patterning strategy. Additionally, by tilting the substrate during growth, low-angle segments can be patterned, circumventing a major limitation of this nano-printing process; this is demonstrated by the fabrication of ‘staircase’ nanostructures with segments parallel to the substrate. The suitability of nano-printed scaffolds to support thermally evaporated thin films is discussed, outlining the importance of including supporting pillars to prevent deformation during the evaporation process. Employing this set of methods, a set of nanostructures tailored to precisely match a dark-field magneto-optical magnetometer have been fabricated and characterized. This work demonstrates the versatility of this hybrid technique and the interesting magnetic properties of the nanostructures produced, opening a promising route for the development of new 3D devices for applications and fundamental studies.
Porous α-Fe2O3@C Nanowire Arrays as Flexible Supercapacitors Electrode Materials with Excellent Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Dong Yidi , Xing Lei , Chen Kunfeng , Wu Xiang
Published: July 2018

Porous α-Fe2O3 nanowire arrays coated with a layer of carbon shell have been prepared by a simple hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized products show an excellent electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance and good cycling life after 9000 cycles. A solid state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with a 2 V operation voltage window has been assembled by porous α-Fe2O3/C nanowire arrays as the anode materials, and MnO2 nanosheets as the cathode materials, which gives rise to a maximum energy density of 30.625 Wh kg−1and a maximum power density of 5000 W kg−1 with an excellent cycling performance of 82% retention after 10,000 cycles.
Plasmonic Sensor Based on Interaction between Silver Nanoparticles and Ni2+ or Co2+ in Water
Authors: Mochi Federico , Burratti Luca , Fratoddi Ilaria , Venditti Iole , Battocchio Chiara , Carlini Laura , Iucci Giovanna , Casalboni Mauro , De Matteis Fabio , Casciardi Stefano , Nappini Silvia , Pis Igor , Prosposito Paolo
Published: July 2018

Silver nanoparticles capped with 3-mercapto-1propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AgNPs-3MPS), able to interact with Ni2+ or Co2+, have been prepared to detect these heavy metal ions in water. This system works as an optical sensor and it is based on the change of the intensity and shape of optical absorption peak due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) when the AgNPs-3MPS are in presence of metals ions in a water solution. We obtain a specific sensitivity to Ni2+ and Co2+ up to 500 ppb (part per billion). For a concentration of 1 ppm (part per million), the change in the optical absorption is strong enough to produce a colorimetric effect on the solution, easily visible with the naked eye. In addition to the UV-VIS characterizations, morphological and dimensional studies were carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the systems were investigated by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS). On the basis of the results, the mechanism responsible for the AgNPs-3MPS interaction with Ni2+ and Co2+ (in the range of 0.5–2.0 ppm) looks like based on the coordination compounds formation.
The Effect of Diluent Mixture with Upper Critical Solution Temperature on Membrane Formation Process, Microstructure, and Performance of PVDF Hollow Fiber Membrane by TIPS Process
Authors: Cui Zhenyu , Xu Shanshan , Ding Jinyue , Zhang Jing , He Benqiao , Wang Hao , Li Jianxin
Published: July 2018

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) is a technique to prepare commercial membrane. However, the quick polymer crystallization during the quenching process will bring about a dense and thick skin layer and thus decrease permeability markedly. In this paper, a diluent mixture with upper critical solution temperature (UCST) was used to prepare polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane. That is, the separation between diluent (propylene carbonate (PC)) and non-diluent (dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP)) occurred during the quenching process when the temperature of the dope was lower than 110 °C. The effects of separation between PC and DOTP and the resulting coalescence of DOTP on the PVDF crystallization process, microstructure, and the permeability of the membranes were analyzed. The results showed that the suitable PC/DOTP weight ratio reduced the thickness of the skin layer near the outer surface markedly and resulted in a porous outer surface, and the microstructure evolution process was proposed. The maximum pure water flux for the prepared membrane is up to 128.5 L·m−2·h−1 even in a dry mode without using a hydrophilizing agent. The rejection rate of the carbonic particle is nearly 100%. This study presents a novel and simple way to fabricate the microporous membrane with the interconnected pore structure.
Modelling the Nanomechanical Responses of Biofilms Grown on the Indenter Probe
Authors: Xia Yuqing , Duan Pengfei , Chen Jinju
Published: July 2018

Biofilms have a profound impact on the environment, human health and industrial systems. In order to manage and control them, it is important to measure their mechanical properties intact. Therefore, it has been proposed to grow the biofilms on the atomic force microscope prior to nanoindentation tests with the same probe. However, for nanoindentation of biofilm grown on spherical indenter itself, the existing nanoindentation models become invalid. Therefore, modified models have been proposed to describe the nanoindentation response of biofilm grown on a sphere based on finite element modelling. It was found that the applicability of the models depends on the biofilm thickness and constitutive mechanical models adopted for biofilms. The models developed here would enable more reliable determination of viscoelastic properties of biofilms that grow intact on the indenter itself.
One-Birth, Many-Births: A Conversation Reborn A Response to “Perspectives on Reincarnation: Hindu, Christian, and Scientific,” a Thematic Issue of Religions
Authors: Clooney, SJ Francis X.
Published: July 2018

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Killing the Buddha: Ritualized Violence in Fight Club through the Lens of Rinzai Zen Buddhist Practice
Authors: Seton Gregory Max
Published: July 2018

David Fincher may not be an expert in Buddhism. But his description of Fight Club—as reprising the figurative admonishment to “kill the buddha” by Lin-ji Yi-xuan (9th cent.), the founder of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist school—illuminates the way that Fincher’s own directorial choices mirror the ritualized practices of Rinzai Zen aimed at producing insights into the imaginary and subjective nature of reality. Other articles have already looked from the perspective of film criticism at the many Buddhist (and non-Buddhist) diegetic elements in Fight Club’s story, plot, and dialogue. In contrast, this article analyzes the non-diegetic elements of Fincher’s mise-en-scène in Fight Club from the perspective of film theory in order to demonstrate the way they draw inspiration from certain Zen Buddhist pedagogical methods for breaking through to a “glimpse of awakening” (kenshō). By reading David Fincher’s directorial choices in light of Zen soteriology and the lived experience of Rinzai Zen informants, the article sheds light not only on the film’s potentially revelatory effects on its viewers, but also on esoteric aspects of Rinzai Zen pedagogy as encapsulated in Lin-ji’s “Three Mysterious Gates” and Hakuin’s three essentials of practice.
Can Pension Funds Partially Manage Longevity Risk by Investing in a Longevity Megafund?
Authors: Debonneuil Edouard , Eyraud-Loisel Anne , Planchet Frédéric
Published: July 2018

Pension funds, which manage the financing of a large share of global retirement schemes, need to invest their assets in a diversified manner and over long durations while managing interest rate and longevity risks. In recent years, a new type of investment has emerged, that we call a longevity megafund, which invests in clinical trials for solutions against lifespan-limiting diseases and provides returns positively correlated with longevity. After describing ongoing biomedical developments against ageing-related diseases, we model the needed capital for pension funds to face longevity risk and find that it is far above current practices. After investigating the financial returns of pharmaceutical developments, we estimate the returns of a longevity megafund. Combined, our models indicate that investing in a longevity megafund is an appropriate method to significantly reduce longevity risk and the associated economic capital need.
Monitoring Forest Phenology and Leaf Area Index with the Autonomous, Low-Cost Transmittance Sensor PASTiS-57
Authors: Brede Benjamin , Gastellu-Etchegorry Jean-Philippe , Lauret Nicolas , Baret Frederic , Clevers Jan G. P. W. , Verbesselt Jan , Herold Martin
Published: July 2018

Land Surface Phenology (LSP) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) are important variables that describe the photosynthetically active phase and capacity of vegetation. Both are derived on the global scale from optical satellite sensors and require robust validation based on in situ sensors at high temporal resolution. This study assesses the PAI Autonomous System from Transmittance Sensors at 57° (PASTiS-57) instrument as a low-cost transmittance sensor for simultaneous monitoring of LSP and LAI in forest ecosystems. In a field experiment, spring leaf flush and autumn senescence in a Dutch beech forest were observed with PASTiS-57 and illumination independent, multi-temporal Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) measurements in five plots. Both time series agreed to less than a day in Start Of Season (SOS) and End Of Season (EOS). LAI magnitude was strongly correlated with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.98. PASTiS-57 summer and winter LAI were on average 0.41 m2m−2 and 1.43 m2m−2 lower than TLS. This can be explained by previously reported overestimation of TLS. Additionally, PASTiS-57 was implemented in the Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) Radiative Transfer Model (RTM) model for sensitivity analysis. This confirmed the robustness of the retrieval with respect to non-structural canopy properties and illumination conditions. Generally, PASTiS-57 fulfilled the CEOS LPV requirement of 20% accuracy in LAI for a wide range of biochemical and illumination conditions for turbid medium canopies. However, canopy non-randomness in discrete tree models led to strong biases. Overall, PASTiS-57 demonstrated the potential of autonomous devices for monitoring of phenology and LAI at daily temporal resolution as required for validation of satellite products that can be derived from ESA Copernicus’ optical missions, Sentinel-2 and -3.
Mapping China’s Ghost Cities through the Combination of Nighttime Satellite Data and Daytime Satellite Data
Authors: Lu Heli , Zhang Chuanrong , Liu Guifang , Ye Xinyue , Miao Changhong
Published: July 2018

One of the side-effects generated by mainland China’s urbanization process is “ghost cities”—generally defined as clusters of abandoned buildings or housing structures—but there is a notable lack of studies on the basic characteristics related to this phenomenon, such as size, growth, level, distribution, scale, intensity, pattern and determinants. Through a combination of nighttime satellite data and daytime satellite data as a useful proxy, in this paper, we present the spatial pattern and temporal evolution of China’s ghost cities over the last two decades. Nighttime light’s rate of change in newly built areas is developed based on DMSP/OLS and Normalized Difference Built-up Index to assess a city’s darkness. Results show that the ghost city problem is real, but, at least so far, confined to 22 smaller cities. However, further analysis reveals that nighttime lights change in newly built areas, following an inverted U-curve for big cities representing a reversion from positive to negative values for the trends in recent years. The methodology through the use of the complementary characteristics in time between DMSP/OLS and Landsat data in our study prove to serve as deposing the direct evidences to ascertain and quantify such social-economic phenomenon.
Perspective of a Ku-Ka Dual-Frequency Scatterometer for Simultaneous Wide-Swath Ocean Surface Wind and Current Measurement
Authors: Miao Yuanjing , Dong Xiaolong , Bao Qingliu , Zhu Di
Published: July 2018

Ocean surface wind and current are essential ocean dynamic environment and climate variables, and simultaneous observations at high resolution have attracted considerable interest. The study on surface wind and current will improve our knowledge of energy transfer between the atmosphere and the ocean, as well as the advection of heat, nutrients, and pollutants in the ocean. Since ocean surface wind and current are tightly coupled, we discuss the wind speed and direction errors effects on current, and find that current velocity is sensitive to wind speed and direction errors. Thus, it is necessary to obtain simultaneous wind field information to mitigate the effects of the wind on current retrieval. In this study, we present a Ka-Ku dual-frequency pencil-beam Doppler Scatterometer (DopScat), keeping the Ku-band for wind measurement and the Ka-band for current measurement. We establish an end-to-end simulation model to analyze the performance of the dual-frequency DopScat, and discuss the effects of satellite attitude and velocity determinations on current retrieval. The system parameters were optimized based on the simulation model. The simulation results show that the Kpc of the Ku-band DopScat is better than that of the traditional fan-beam and pencil-beam scatterometer, which is beneficial to improve wind measurement accuracy. In the Ka-band DopScat, the standard deviations (Stds) of current velocity in both along-track and cross-track directions could be smaller than 0.05 m/s, when the wind speed is larger than 5 m/s. When the wind speed is 7 m/s, the current field effective swath is 660 km, accounting for 63% of the DopScat swath, with an accuracy of 0.05 m/s. Our results indicate that the use of a Ku-Ka dual-frequency DopScat could be a feasible method for wide-swath and high-accuracy simultaneous measurements of ocean surface wind and current.