bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Remodeling After Surgical Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect in Different Age Group
Authors: Aminullah Mohammad , Rima Fahmida Akter , Hoque Asraful , Sazal Mokhlesur Rahman , Biswas Prodip , Hoque Rezwanul
Published: October 2017

Background: Cardiac remodeling is important issue after surgical closure of ventricular septal defect.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cardiac remodeling by echocardiography by measuring the ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular internal diameter during diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter during systole (LVIDs) after surgical closure of ventricular septal defect in different age group. Methodology: This prospective cohort studies was conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Dhaka. Patient with surgical closure of VSD were enrolled into this study purposively and were divided into 3 groups according to the age. In group A (n=10), patients were within the age group of 2.0 to 6.0 years; age of group B (n=8) patients were 6.1-18.0 years and the group C (n=6) aged range was 18.1-42.0 years. Echocardiographic variables such as ejection fraction, fractional shortening, LVIDd, LVIDs were taken preoperatively and at 1st and 3rd month of postoperative values. Result: A total number of 24 patients was recruited for this study. The mean ages of all groups were 12.60±12.09. After 1 month ejection fraction were decreased by 5.97%, 6.71% and 5.66% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 3 months ejection fraction were increased by 6.13%, 5.13% and 5.14% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 1 month fractional shortening were decreased by 13.55%, 9.30% and 9.09% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 3 months fractional shortening were increased by 7.23%, 7.35% and 4.55% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 1 month LVIDd were increased by 1.97%, 1.91% and 1.32% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 3 months LVIDd were decreased by 10.84%, 9.89% and 7.34% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 1 month LVIDs were increased by 2.19%, 2.86% and 1.98% in group A, group B and group C respectively. After 3 months LVIDs were decreased by 11.68%, 10.97% and 8.87% in group A, group B and group C respectively.Conclusion: Cardiac remodeling occurred after surgical closure of ventricular septal defect and remodeling were more significant in younger age group. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2016;2(2):69-74
Comorbid Risk Factors for Acute Stroke: A Case-Control Study in Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Feroz Salahuddin , Selim Shahjada , Ahammed Afsar , Chowdhury Rahat Afza , Chowdhury Shahabul Huda , Karim Md Nazmul , Rahman Md Ridwanur
Published: October 2017

Background: There is a high prevalence of coexisting medical conditions in patients with acute stroke; therefore, clinical investigators often need to adjust for comorbidities when assessing the effect of those risk factors on patient outcome. Objective: This study aimed to determines comorbid risk factors in patients with acute stroke.Methodology: A hospital-based case control study was conducted in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital between January-June 2011. The cases and controls studied consisted of 175 hospitalized patients with stroke (confirmed by computed tomography scan) and 171 matched-age and sex controls that were hospitalized at the study hospital for condition other than stroke. After obtaining written informed consent from the patient or the closest attendant, all the information included to record were age, sex, monthly family income, family size, family history of CVD death, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, ECG change, aspirin intake, blood pressure and heart rate, waist and hip circumference and psychosocial factors. The edited data then analyzed by SPSS V. 16.Result: The most predictive independent variables were history of hypertension (OR 4.056), psychosocial stress (OR 4.90) and increased WHR (OR 3.806) were found significant risk factor for developing stroke. Conclusion: Therefore, to recognize comorbid risk factors and to treat them appropriately is the key to establish primary preventive strategies in non-stroke patients or secondary preventive measures to avoid recurrence in stroke victims. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2016;2(2): 84-88
Insertion of Umbilical Cord on Placenta in Hypertensive Mother
Authors: Mohol Fatima Jomrud , Karim Mohammad Mahbubul , Afroze Aktari , Haque Mohammad Jawadul , Khatun Most Monzuara
Published: October 2017

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are responsible for significant amount of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to see the association of umbilical cord insretion on placenta in hypertensive mothers. Objective: This purpose of the present stufdy was to find out the site of umbilical cord insertion on placenta in pregnancy associated with hypertension and to correlate it with the weight of the placenta and the condition of the newborn. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Rajshahi Medical College and Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Rajshahi Medical College & Hospital, Bangladesh. Placental weight, diameter, thickness, insertion site of umbilical cord, insertion percentage of the cord and weight of newborn were noted. The site of cord insertion was detected and insertion percentage was calculated with the help of d/r x 100. Results: A total 130 cases were selected for the study, 30 from normal, 33 from mild, 34 from moderate and 33 from severe hypertensive group respectively. The study demonstrated that mild to severe hypertension had smaller placentas with the tendency of deviation of umbilical cord towards the margin for insertion. Newborns of such mothers had low birth weight mostly; few of them had birth asphyxia.Conclusion: This study has been established that the marginal insertion of umbilical cord on placenta is associated with hypertension and severity of hypertension deviates the insertion site towards the margin.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2016;2(2): 89-93
Does antenatal care reduce maternal mortality?
Authors: Das AC
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableMediscope Vol. 4, No. 1: Jan 2017, Page 1-3
An Optimization Algorithm Inspired by the Phase Transition Phenomenon for Global Optimization Problems with Continuous Variables
Authors: Cao Zijian , Wang Lei
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose a novel nature-inspired meta-heuristic algorithm for continuous global optimization, named the phase transition-based optimization algorithm (PTBO). It mimics three completely different kinds of motion characteristics of elements in three different phases, which are the unstable phase, the meta-stable phase, and the stable phase. Three corresponding operators, which are the stochastic operator of the unstable phase, the shrinkage operator in the meta-stable phase, and the vibration operator of the stable phase, are designed in the proposed algorithm. In PTBO, the three different phases of elements dynamically execute different search tasks according to their phase in each generation. It makes it such that PTBO not only has a wide range of exploration capabilities, but also has the ability to quickly exploit them. Numerical experiments are carried out on twenty-eight functions of the CEC 2013 benchmark suite. The simulation results demonstrate its better performance compared with that of other state-of-the-art optimization algorithms.
T-Spline Based Unifying Registration Procedure for Free-Form Surface Workpieces in Intelligent CMM
Authors: Han Zhenhua , Wang Yingmo , Ma Xinhui , Liu Shugui , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Guoxiong
Published: October 2017

With the development of the modern manufacturing industry, the free-form surface is widely used in various fields, and the automatic detection of a free-form surface is an important function of future intelligent three-coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). To improve the intelligence of CMMs, a new visual system is designed based on the characteristics of CMMs. A unified model of the free-form surface is proposed based on T-splines. A discretization method of the T-spline surface formula model is proposed. Under this discretization, the position and orientation of the workpiece would be recognized by point cloud registration. A high accuracy evaluation method is proposed between the measured point cloud and the T-spline surface formula. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has the potential to realize the automatic detection of different free-form surfaces and improve the intelligence of CMMs.
Effect of Spatial Variation of Convective Adjustment Time on the Madden–Julian Oscillation: A Theoretical Model Analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Wei Yuntao , Liu Fei
Published: October 2017

The observed convective adjustment time (CAT) associated with Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) precipitation is found to vary significantly in space. Here, we investigate the effect of different spatial distributions of CAT on MJO precipitation based on the frictional coupled dynamics moisture (FCDM) model. The results show that a large value of CAT tends to decrease the frequency and growth rate of eastward-propagating MJO-like mode in the FCDM model, delaying the occurrence of MJO deep convection and slowing down its eastward propagation. A large phase lag between circulation and convection decreases convective available potential energy (CAPE). In the observations, a small background vertical moisture gradient (BVMG) tends to increase the frequency associated with cold sea surface temperature (SST), while a large value of CAT tends to decrease the frequency. Due to their competing effect, the simulated frequency and phase speed remain the same when the convection moves from a warm to a cold SST region. The convection is heavily suppressed over the cold SST region due to the decreasing growth rate of unstable wavenumber-one mode with smaller BVMG and longer CAT. This theoretical finding should improve our understanding of MJO dynamics and simulation.
Unmanned Aerial Systems for Monitoring Trace Tropospheric Gases
Authors: Schuyler Travis , Guzman Marcelo
Published: October 2017

The emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has changed the composition of the atmosphere during the Anthropocene. Accurately documenting the sources and magnitude of GHGs emission is an important undertaking for discriminating the contributions of different processes to radiative forcing. Currently there is no mobile platform that is able to quantify trace gases at altitudes <100 m above ground level that can achieve spatiotemporal resolution on the order of meters and seconds. Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) can be deployed on-site in minutes and can support the payloads necessary to quantify trace gases. Therefore, current efforts combine the use of UASs available on the civilian market with inexpensively designed analytical systems for monitoring atmospheric trace gases. In this context, this perspective introduces the most relevant classes of UASs available and evaluates their suitability to operate three kinds of detectors for atmospheric trace gases. The three subsets of UASs discussed are: (1) micro aerial vehicles (MAVs); (2) vertical take-off and landing (VTOL); and, (3) low-altitude short endurance (LASE) systems. The trace gas detectors evaluated are first the vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), which is an infrared laser-absorption technique; second two types of metal-oxide semiconductor sensors; and, third a modified catalytic type sensor. UASs with wingspans under 3 m that can carry up to 5 kg a few hundred meters high for at least 30 min provide the best cost and convenience compromise for sensors deployment. Future efforts should be focused on the calibration and validation of lightweight analytical systems mounted on UASs for quantifying trace atmospheric gases. In conclusion, UASs offer new and exciting opportunities to study atmospheric composition and its effect on weather patterns and climate change.
Perspectives on the Role of Professional Laboratory Animal Science Associations
Authors: Turner Ann , Botovchenco Rivera Ekaterina , Pekow Cynthia
Published: October 2017

The three authors of this letter had the honor and pleasure of being invited to the international meeting “Laboratory Animal Science, Moving Forward Together: State of the Art in Non-Clinical Models for Neurodegenerative Diseases”, held in Varadero, Cuba, 21–24 June 2017.[...]
How Green Do We Want to Live in 2100? Lessons Learned from the Homes of the Present-Day Rich
Authors: Daams Michiel , Sijtsma Frans
Published: October 2017

This study explores the extent to which rich Dutch households live green, in the form of green surrounding homes directly and nearby public green. The authors interpret this ‘greenness’ as a signal of how green the wider population wishes to live in the long-term as it grows wealthier over time. In our analyses of property transaction data on the 2009–2012 residential market, we focus on 2303 properties that sold for at least 1 million Euros, the ‘properties of the rich’. Results indicate that the rich live relatively green: on average, and depending on local degrees of urbanization, the parcels of million Euro properties are up to 7.0 times larger than parcels of lower priced properties. We find too, that the rich live closer to public green spaces than the more general population does, especially if such green is highly appreciated by a wide public. Furthermore, the rich are found to live in either very highly urban locations or in the least urban locations—if these are nearby cities. We perform basic long-term land-use forecasts of demand for residential space across local property markets, and findings suggest that preference for green living will increase over time. Our results especially show that how well these green preferences are accommodated by existing residential structures may become increasingly problematic as and if we grow wealthier over time. Our findings may foster long ongoing research and policy debate on urban planning.
CD47-CAR-T Cells Effectively Kill Target Cancer Cells and Block Pancreatic Tumor Growth
Authors: Golubovskaya Vita , Berahovich Robert , Zhou Hua , Xu Shirley , Harto Hizkia , Li Le , Chao Cheng-Chi , Mao Mike Ming , Wu Lijun
Published: October 2017

CD47 is a glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is often overexpressed in different types of hematological and solid cancer tumors and plays important role in blocking phagocytosis, increased tumor survival, metastasis and angiogenesis. In the present report, we designed CAR (chimeric antigen receptor)-T cells that bind CD47 antigen. We used ScFv (single chain variable fragment) from mouse CD47 antibody to generate CD47-CAR-T cells for targeting different cancer cell lines. CD47-CAR-T cells effectively killed ovarian, pancreatic and other cancer cells and produced high level of cytokines that correlated with expression of CD47 antigen. In addition, CD47-CAR-T cells significantly blocked BxPC3 pancreatic xenograft tumor growth after intratumoral injection into NSG mice. Moreover, we humanized mouse CD47 ScFv and showed that it effectively bound CD47 antigen. The humanized CD47-CAR-T cells also specifically killed ovarian, pancreatic, and cervical cancer cell lines and produced IL-2 that correlated with expression of CD47. Thus, CD47-CAR-T cells can be used as a novel cellular therapeutic agent for treating different types of cancer.
Water–Gas Shift Reaction over Ni/CeO2 Catalysts
Authors: Bobrova Ludmilla , Andreev Dmitry , Ivanov Eugene , Mezentseva Natalia , Simonov Mikhail , Makarshin Lev , Gribovskii Alexander , Sadykov Vladislav
Published: October 2017

This paper reports the results of a study of a water–gas shift reaction over nickel–ceria catalysts with different metal loading. Within this study, the overall CO conversion and observed kinetic behavior were investigated over the temperature range of 250–550 °C in different reactor configurations (fixed-bed and microchannel reactors). The quasi-steady state kinetics of the CO water–gas shift reaction was studied for fractions of Ni-containing cerium oxide catalysts in fixed-bed experiments at lab-scale level using a very dilute gas (1% CO + 1.8% H2O in Не). A set of experiments with a microchannel reactor was performed using the feed composition (CO:H2O:H2:N2 = 1:2:2:2), representing a product gas from methane partial oxidation. The results were interpreted using computational models. The kinetic parameters were determined by regression analysis, while mechanistic aspects were considered only briefly. Simulation of the WGS reaction in the microreactor was also carried out by using the COMSOL Multiphysics program.
Review of Nanoindentation Size Effect: Experiments and Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Voyiadjis George , Yaghoobi Mohammadreza
Published: October 2017

Nanoindentation is a well-stablished experiment to study the mechanical properties of materials at the small length scales of micro and nano. Unlike the conventional indentation experiments, the nanoindentation response of the material depends on the corresponding length scales, such as indentation depth, which is commonly termed the size effect. In the current work, first, the conventional experimental observations and theoretical models of the size effect during nanoindentation are reviewed in the case of crystalline metals, which are the focus of the current work. Next, the recent advancements in the visualization of the dislocation structure during the nanoindentation experiment is discussed, and the observed underlying mechanisms of the size effect are addressed. Finally, the recent computer simulations using molecular dynamics are reviewed as a powerful tool to investigate the nanoindentation experiment and its governing mechanisms of the size effect.
Comparative Statistical Mechanics of Muscle and Non-Muscle Contractile Systems: Stationary States of Near-Equilibrium Systems in A Linear Regime
Authors: Lecarpentier Yves , Claes Victor , Krokidis Xénophon , Hébert Jean-Louis , Timbely Oumar , Blanc François-Xavier , Michel Francine , Vallée Alexandre
Published: October 2017

A. Huxley’s equations were used to determine the mechanical properties of muscle myosin II (MII) at the molecular level, as well as the probability of the occurrence of the different stages in the actin–myosin cycle. It was then possible to use the formalism of statistical mechanics with the grand canonical ensemble to calculate numerous thermodynamic parameters such as entropy, internal energy, affinity, thermodynamic flow, thermodynamic force, and entropy production rate. This allows us to compare the thermodynamic parameters of a non-muscle contractile system, such as the normal human placenta, with those of different striated skeletal muscles (soleus and extensor digitalis longus) as well as the heart muscle and smooth muscles (trachea and uterus) in the rat. In the human placental tissues, it was observed that the kinetics of the actin–myosin crossbridges were considerably slow compared with those of smooth and striated muscular systems. The entropy production rate was also particularly low in the human placental tissues, as compared with that observed in smooth and striated muscular systems. This is partly due to the low thermodynamic flow found in the human placental tissues. However, the unitary force of non-muscle myosin (NMII) generated by each crossbridge cycle in the myofibroblasts of the human placental tissues was similar in magnitude to that of MII in the myocytes of both smooth and striated muscle cells. Statistical mechanics represents a powerful tool for studying the thermodynamics of all contractile muscle and non-muscle systems.
Comparing Markov Chain Samplers for Molecular Simulation
Authors: Skeel Robert , Fang Youhan
Published: October 2017

Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling propagators, including numerical integrators for stochastic dynamics, are central to the calculation of thermodynamic quantities and determination of structure for molecular systems. Efficiency is paramount, and to a great extent, this is determined by the integrated autocorrelation time (IAcT). This quantity varies depending on the observable that is being estimated. It is suggested that it is the maximum of the IAcT over all observables that is the relevant metric. Reviewed here is a method for estimating this quantity. For reversible propagators (which are those that satisfy detailed balance), the maximum IAcT is determined by the spectral gap in the forward transfer operator, but for irreversible propagators, the maximum IAcT can be far less than or greater than what might be inferred from the spectral gap. This is consistent with recent theoretical results (not to mention past practical experience) suggesting that irreversible propagators generally perform better if not much better than reversible ones. Typical irreversible propagators have a parameter controlling the mix of ballistic and diffusive movement. To gain insight into the effect of the damping parameter for Langevin dynamics, its optimal value is obtained here for a multidimensional quadratic potential energy function.
Symmetries and Geometrical Properties of Dynamical Fluctuations in Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Jack Robert , Kaiser Marcus , Zimmer Johannes
Published: October 2017

We describe some general results that constrain the dynamical fluctuations that can occur in non-equilibrium steady states, with a focus on molecular dynamics. That is, we consider Hamiltonian systems, coupled to external heat baths, and driven out of equilibrium by non-conservative forces. We focus on the probabilities of rare events (large deviations). First, we discuss a PT (parity-time) symmetry that appears in ensembles of trajectories where a current is constrained to have a large (non-typical) value. We analyse the heat flow in such ensembles, and compare it with non-equilibrium steady states. Second, we consider pathwise large deviations that are defined by considering many copies of a system. We show how the probability currents in such systems can be decomposed into orthogonal contributions that are related to convergence to equilibrium and to dissipation. We discuss the implications of these results for modelling non-equilibrium steady states.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Harm the Environment in Developing Countries? Dynamic Panel Analysis of Latin American Countries
Authors: Baek Jungho , Choi Yoon
Published: October 2017

This article sets out to study the FDI–environment nexus within a dynamic panel data framework. To that end, the pooled mean group (PMG) method of Pesaran et al. (1999) is used to assess the impact of FDI on CO2 emissions, controlling for income and energy consumption, using a panel of 17 Latin American countries. Our results using the full sample show that FDI increases CO2 emissions, confirming the pollution haven hypothesis. But when splitting the data into different income groups, FDI inflows only in high-income countries increase CO2 emissions. In addition, CO2 emissions with growth tend to increase monotonically within the full sample and middle-income countries. Finally, energy consumption is found to increase CO2 emissions in all cases: the full sample, high-, middle- and low-income countries.
A Microcontroller-Based Adaptive Model Predictive Control Platform for Process Control Applications
Authors: Short Michael , Abugchem Fathi
Published: October 2017

Model predictive control (MPC) schemes employ dynamic models of a process within a receding horizon framework to optimize the behavior of a process. Although MPC has many benefits, a significant drawback is the large computational burden, especially in adaptive and constrained situations. In this paper, a computationally efficient self-tuning/adaptive MPC scheme for a simple industrial process plant with rate and amplitude constraints on the plant input is developed. The scheme has been optimized for real-time implementation on small, low-cost embedded processors. It employs a short (2-step) control horizon with an adjustable prediction horizon, automatically tunes the move suppression (regularization) parameter to achieve well-conditioned control, and presents a new technique for generating the reference trajectory that is robust to changes in the process time delay and in the presence of any inverse response. In addition, the need for a full quadratic programming procedure to handle input constraints is avoided by employing a quasi-analytical solution that optimally fathoms the constraints. Preliminary hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test results indicate that the resulting scheme performs well and has low implementation overhead.
Aggregation Potentials for Buildings—Business Models of Demand Response and Virtual Power Plants
Authors: Ma Zheng , Billanes Joy , Jørgensen Bo
Published: October 2017

Buildings as prosumers have an important role in the energy aggregation market due to their potential flexible energy consumption and distributed energy resources. However, energy flexibility provided by buildings can be very complex and depend on many factors. The immaturity of the current aggregation market with unclear incentives is still a challenge for buildings to participate in the aggregation market. However, few studies have investigated business models for building participation in the aggregation market. Therefore, this paper develops four business models for buildings to participate in the energy aggregation market: (1) buildings participate in the implicit Demand Response (DR) program via retailers; (2) buildings with small energy consumption participate in the explicit DR via aggregators; (3) buildings directly access the explicit DR program; (4) buildings access energy market via Virtual Power Plant (VPP) aggregators by providing Distributed Energy Resources (DER)s. This paper also determines that it is essential to understand building owners’ needs, comforts, and behaviours to develop feasible market access strategies for different types of buildings. Meanwhile, the incentive programs, national regulations and energy market structures strongly influence buildings’ participation in the aggregation market. Under the current Nordic market regulation, business model one is the most feasible one, and business model two faces more challenges due to regulation barriers and limited monetary incentives.
A Multi-Energy System Expansion Planning Method Using a Linearized Load-Energy Curve: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Ko Woong , Park Jong-Keun , Kim Mun-Kyeom , Heo Jae-Haeng
Published: October 2017

Multi-energy systems can integrate heat and electrical energy efficiently, using resources such as cogeneration. In order to meet energy demand cost-effectively in a multi-energy system, adopting appropriate energy resources at the right time is of great importance. In this paper, we propose an expansion planning method for a multi-energy system that supplies heat and electrical energy. The proposed approach formulates expansion planning as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. The objective is to minimize the sum of the annualized cost of the multi-energy system. The candidate resources that constitute the cost of the multi-energy system are fuel-based power generators, heat-only boilers, a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, energy storage resources, and a renewable electrical power source. We use a load-energy curve, instead of a load-duration curve, for constructing the optimization model, which is subsequently linearized using a Douglas-Peucker algorithm. The residual load-energy curve, for utilizing the renewable electrical power source, is also linearized. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method through a comparison with a conventional linearization method. In addition, we evaluate the cost and planning schedules of different case studies, according to the configuration of resources in the multi-energy system.
An Improved Coordinated Control Strategy for PV System Integration with VSC-MVDC Technology
Authors: Che Yanbo , Li Wenxun , Li Xialin , Zhou Jinhuan , Li Shengnan , Xi Xinze
Published: October 2017

The rapid development of renewable energy calls for feasible and reliable technologies to transmit and integrate power into grids. Voltage Source Converter (VSC)- Direct Current (DC) technology is considered as a promising solution for its independent control of active and reactive power. Modeling and coordinated control of a large-scale concentrating photovoltaic integration system with VSC-MVDC (Voltage Source Converter-Medium Voltage Direct Current) technology have been investigated in this paper. The average controlled-source model of PhotoVoltaic (PV) integration system is firstly established. Then, a novel control strategy without fast communication is proposed to improve the reliability of the coordinated control system. An extra voltage loop is added to the basic control block, which is able to assure stable operation of the PV system in various conditions. Finally, the proposed control strategy is verified with simulation results.
Solar-Enhanced Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for Geothermal Power Plants
Authors: Hooman Kamel , Huang Xiaoxue , Jiang Fangming
Published: October 2017

This paper focuses on the optimization of a Solar-Enhanced Natural-Draft Dry-Cooling Tower (SENDDCT), originally designed by the Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence (QGECE), as the air-cooled condenser of a geothermal power plant. The conventional method of heat transfer augmentation through fin-assisted area extension is compared with a metal foam-wrapped tube bundle. Both lead to heat-transfer enhancement, albeit at the expense of a higher pressure drop when compared to the bare tube bundle as our reference case. An optimal design is obtained through the use of a simplified analytical model and existing correlations by maximizing the heat transfer rate with a minimum pressure drop goal as the constraint. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of sunroof diameter, as well as tube bundle layouts and tube spacing, on the overall performance of the system. Aiming to minimize the flow and thermal resistances for a SENDDCT, an optimum design is presented for an existing tower to be equipped with solar panels to afterheat the air leaving the heat exchanger bundles, which are arranged vertically around the tower skirt. Finally, correlations are proposed to predict the total pressure drop and heat transfer of the extended surfaces considered here.
Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Management from Potato Starch Production: Present Status and Alternative Biotreatments
Authors: Souza Filho Pedro , Brancoli Pedro , Bolton Kim , Zamani Akram , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Potato liquor, a byproduct of potato starch production, is steam-treated to produce protein isolate. The heat treated potato liquor (HTPL), containing significant amounts of organic compounds, still needs to be further treated before it is discarded. Presently, the most common strategy for HTPL management is concentrating it via evaporation before using it as a fertilizer. In this study, this scenario was compared with two biotreatments: (1) fermentation using filamentous fungus R. oryzae to produce a protein-rich biomass, and (2) anaerobic digestion of the HTPL to produce biogas. Technical, economic and environmental analyses were performed via computational simulation to determine potential benefits of the proposed scenarios to a plant discarding 19.64 ton/h of HTPL. Fungal cultivation was found to be the preferred scenario with respect to the economic aspects. This scenario needed only 46% of the investment needed for the evaporation scenario. In terms of the environmental impacts, fungal cultivation yielded the lowest impacts in the acidification, terrestrial eutrophication, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity impact categories. The lowest impact in the climate change category was obtained when using the HTPL for anaerobic digestion.
Development of Novel N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) Based Hydrogels with Varying Content of Chrysin Multiacrylate
Authors: Tang Shuo , Floy Martha , Bhandari Rohit , Dziubla Thomas , Hilt J.
Published: October 2017

A series of novel temperature responsive hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization with varying content of chrysin multiacrylate (ChryMA). The goal was to study the impact of this novel polyphenolic-based multiacrylate on the properties of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) hydrogels. The temperature responsive behavior of the copolymerized gels was characterized by swelling studies, and their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was characterized through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was shown that the incorporation of ChryMA decreased the swelling ratios of the hydrogels and shifted their LCSTs to a lower temperature. Gels with different ChryMA content showed different levels of response to temperature change. Higher content gels had a broader phase transition and smaller temperature response, which could be attributed to the increased hydrophobicity being introduced by the ChryMA.
Chromosome Synapsis and Recombination in Male Hybrids between Two Chromosome Races of the Common Shrew (Sorex araneus L., Soricidae, Eulipotyphla)
Authors: Belonogova Nadezhda M. , Polyakov Andrei V. , Karamysheva Tatyana V. , Torgasheva Anna A. , Searle Jeremy B. , Borodin Pavel M.
Published: October 2017

Hybrid zones between chromosome races of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) provide exceptional models to study the potential role of chromosome rearrangements in the initial steps of speciation. The Novosibirsk and Tomsk races differ by a series of Robertsonian fusions with monobrachial homology. They form a narrow hybrid zone and generate hybrids with both simple (chain of three chromosomes) and complex (chain of eight or nine) synaptic configurations. Using immunolocalisation of the meiotic proteins, we examined chromosome pairing and recombination in males from the hybrid zone. Homozygotes and simple heterozygotes for Robertsonian fusions showed a low frequency of synaptic aberrations (<10%). The carriers of complex synaptic configurations showed multiple pairing abnormalities, which might lead to reduced fertility. The recombination frequency in the proximal regions of most chromosomes of all karyotypes was much lower than in the other regions. The strong suppression of recombination in the pericentromeric regions and co-segregation of race specific chromosomes involved in the long chains would be expected to lead to linkage disequilibrium between genes located there. Genic differentiation, together with the high frequency of pairing aberrations in male carriers of the long chains, might contribute to maintenance of the narrow hybrid zone.
Novel Tetra-Primer ARMS-PCR Assays for Thiopurine Intolerance Susceptibility Mutations NUDT15 c.415C>T and TPMT c.719A>G (TPMT*3C) in East Asians
Authors: Ho Chi-Chun , Fong Wai-Ying , Lee Yuen-Hon , Poon Wing-Tat
Published: October 2017

Thiopurines are clinically useful in the management of diverse immunological and malignant conditions. Nevertheless, these purine analogues can cause lethal myelosuppression, which may be prevented by prospective testing for variants in the thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) and, in East Asians, Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) genes. Two single-tube, tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) assays were developed to genotype the common loss-of-function variants NUDT15 c.415C>T (rs116855232) and TPMT*3C c.719A>G (rs1142345). In a group of 60 unselected patients, one and seven were found to be homozygous and heterozygous, respectively, for NUDT15 c.415C>T; one was found to be heterozygous for TPMT*3C c.719A>G. There was no non-specific amplification, and the genotypes were 100% concordant with Sanger sequencing. Limit-of-detection for both assays was below 1 ng of heterozygous template per reaction. Time- and cost-effective ARMS-PCR assays, suitable for genotyping East-Asian patients for thiopurine intolerance, were successfully developed and validated.
Aptamers for DNA Damage and Repair
Authors: McKeague Maureen
Published: October 2017

DNA is damaged on a daily basis, which can lead to heritable mutations and the activation of proto-oncogenes. Therefore, DNA damage and repair are critical risk factors in cancer, aging and disease, and are the underlying bases of most frontline cancer therapies. Much of our current understanding of the mechanisms that maintain DNA integrity has been obtained using antibody-based assays. The oligonucleotide equivalents of antibodies, known as aptamers, have emerged as potential molecular recognition rivals. Aptamers possess several ideal properties including chemical stability, in vitro selection and lack of batch-to-batch variability. These properties have motivated the incorporation of aptamers into a wide variety of analytical, diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. However, their use in DNA repair studies and DNA damage therapies is surprisingly un-tapped. This review presents an overview of the progress in selecting and applying aptamers for DNA damage and repair research.
Diversity and Phylogenetic Analyses of Bacterial Symbionts in Three Whitefly Species from Southeast Europe
Authors: Skaljac Marisa , Kanakala Surapathrudu , Zanic Katja , Puizina Jasna , Pleic Ivana Lepen , Ghanim Murad
Published: October 2017

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), and Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) are whitefly species that harm agricultural crops in many regions of the world. These insects live in close association with bacterial symbionts that affect host fitness and adaptation to the environment. In the current study, we surveyed the infection of whitefly populations in Southeast Europe by various bacterial symbionts and performed phylogenetic analyses on the different symbionts detected. Arsenophonus and Hamiltonella were the most prevalent symbionts in all three whitefly species. Rickettsia was found to infect mainly B. tabaci, while Wolbachia mainly infected both B. tabaci and S. phillyreae. Furthermore, Cardinium was rarely found in the investigated whitefly populations, while Fritschea was never found in any of the whitefly species tested. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a diversity of several symbionts (e.g., Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus, Rickettsia), which appeared in several clades. Reproductively isolated B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum shared the same (or highly similar) Hamiltonella and Arsenophonus, while these symbionts were distinctive in S. phillyreae. Interestingly, Arsenophonus from S. phillyreae did not cluster with any of the reported sequences, which could indicate the presence of Arsenophonus, not previously associated with whiteflies. In this study, symbionts (Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Cardinium) known to infect a wide range of insects each clustered in the same clades independently of the whitefly species. These results indicate horizontal transmission of bacterial symbionts between reproductively isolated whitefly species, a mechanism that can establish new infections that did not previously exist in whiteflies.
Investigating the Diversity and Variability of Eastern Mediterranean Landscapes
Authors: Vogiatzakis Ioannis , Manolaki Paraskevi
Published: October 2017

The aim of the paper is to examine the variability of eastern Mediterranean landscapes using a common mapping framework relying on Landscape Character Mapping (LCM). LCM was adapted to the region’s specificities placing emphasis on the area’s coastal nature, landform variation, land use, in particular pastoral tradition, and settlement patterns, an important output of this study. We selected six study areas, in four countries namely Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Lebanon, based on their rich cultural and natural heritage, covering a NW to SE gradient of both environmental and cultural settings. We used commonly employed landscape metrics to quantify landscape diversity in the study areas. Similarity in landscape types among study area was measured using Sørensen similarity index. The Kruskall–Walis test was used to test the variability among countries in terms of landscape character variation due to physical and cultural factors. Linear regression was used to assess whether landscape diversity increases with area size. The work has identified and mapped a total of 69 landscape types, of which 18 are rare. Rare landscape types were related to specific geomorphology or intensive anthropogenic activities, which do not occur elsewhere in the East Mediterranean region. The highest similarity was recorded between islands and between mountainous areas. The larger the area the higher is its landscape diversity. This works fills a gap in Mediterranean and sets a benchmark standard for landscape characterization work in the East Mediterranean, so as to enable much greater consistency between countries in future landscape mapping exercises and, ultimately, facilitate trans-boundary cooperation in landscape-scale nature and culture conservation.
Modeling and Predicting the Stress Relaxation of Composites with Short and Randomly Oriented Fibers
Authors: Obaid Numaira , Kortschot Mark , Sain Mohini
Published: October 2017

The addition of short fibers has been experimentally observed to slow the stress relaxation of viscoelastic polymers, producing a change in the relaxation time constant. Our recent study attributed this effect of fibers on stress relaxation behavior to the interfacial shear stress transfer at the fiber-matrix interface. This model explained the effect of fiber addition on stress relaxation without the need to postulate structural changes at the interface. In our previous study, we developed an analytical model for the effect of fully aligned short fibers, and the model predictions were successfully compared to finite element simulations. However, in most industrial applications of short-fiber composites, fibers are not aligned, and hence it is necessary to examine the time dependence of viscoelastic polymers containing randomly oriented short fibers. In this study, we propose an analytical model to predict the stress relaxation behavior of short-fiber composites where the fibers are randomly oriented. The model predictions were compared to results obtained from Monte Carlo finite element simulations, and good agreement between the two was observed. The analytical model provides an excellent tool to accurately predict the stress relaxation behavior of randomly oriented short-fiber composites.
Assembly of 1D Granular Structures from Sulfonated Polystyrene Microparticles
Authors: Mikkelsen Alexander , Kertmen Ahmet , Khobaib Khobaib , Rajňák Michal , Kurimský Juraj , Rozynek Zbigniew
Published: October 2017

Being able to systematically modify the electric properties of nano- and microparticles opens up new possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of advanced materials such as the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) colloidal and granular materials. Fabricating 1D structures from individual particles offers plenty of applications ranging from electronic sensors and photovoltaics to artificial flagella for hydrodynamic propulsion. In this work, we demonstrate the assembly of 1D structures composed of individual microparticles with modified electric properties, pulled out of a liquid environment into air. Polystyrene particles were modified by sulfonation for different reaction times and characterized by dielectric spectroscopy and dipolar force measurements. We found that by increasing the sulfonation time, the values of both electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of the particles increase, and that the relaxation frequency of particle electric polarization changes, causing the measured dielectric loss of the particles to shift towards higher frequencies. We attributed these results to water adsorbed at the surface of the particles. With sulfonated polystyrene particles exhibiting a range of electric properties, we showed how the electric properties of individual particles influence the formation of 1D structures. By tuning applied voltage and frequency, we were able to control the formation and dynamics of 1D structures, including chain bending and oscillation.
A Constitutive Relationship for Gravelly Soil Considering Fine Particle Suffusion
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Chen Yulong
Published: October 2017

Suffusion erosion may occur in sandy gravel dam foundations that use suspended cutoff walls. This erosion causes a loss of fine particles, degrades the soil strength and deformation moduli, and adversely impacts the cutoff walls of the dam foundation, as well as the overlying dam body. A comprehensive evaluation of these effects requires models that quantitatively describe the effects of fine particle losses on the stress-strain relationships of sandy gravels. In this work, we propose an experimental scheme for studying these types of models, and then perform triaxial and confined compression tests to determine the effects of particle losses on the stress-strain relationships. Considering the Duncan-Chang E-B model, quantitative expressions describing the relationship between the parameters of the model and the particle losses were derived. The results show that particle losses did not alter the qualitative stress-strain characteristics of the soils; however, the soil strength and deformation moduli were degraded. By establishing the relationship between the parameters of the model and the losses, the same model can then be used to describe the relationship between sandy gravels and erosion levels that vary in both time and space.
SERS Detection of Penicillin G Using Magnetite Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Pinheiro Paula , Fateixa Sara , Trindade Tito
Published: October 2017

Sensitive and reliable procedures for detecting vestigial antibiotics are of great relevance for water quality monitoring due to the occurrence of such emergent pollutants in the aquatic environment. As such, we describe here research concerning the use of multifunctional nanomaterials combining magnetic and plasmonic components. These nanomaterials have been prepared by decorating magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) with colloidal gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of distinct particle size distributions. Several analytical conditions were investigated in order to optimize the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of penicillin G (PG) dissolved in water. In particular, the dependence of the SERS signal by using distinct sized Au NPs adsorbed at the MNP was investigated. Additionally, microscopic methods, including Raman confocal microscopy, were employed to characterize the SERS substrates and then to qualitatively detect penicillin G using such substrates. For example, magnetic–plasmonic nanocomposites can be employed for magnetically concentrate analyte molecules and their removal from solution. As a proof of concept, we applied magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents in the removal of aqueous penicillin G and demonstrate the possibility of SERS sensing this antibiotic.