bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vitro study examining a novel suction curette device for lumbar discectomy compared with standard manual discectomy
Authors: Lavelle William F. , Ordway Nathaniel R. , Araghi Ali , Buckley Rudolph A. , Fayyazi Amir H.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

This purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate and assess the efficacy and efficiency of discectomy and endplate preparation during transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using traditional manual instrumentation versus a novel suction discectomy curette. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is the most widely used approach for lumbar arthrodesis, and its success depends on the ability to achieve fusion. Complete preparation of intervertebral disc space (removal of the nucleus, endplate cartilage, and margin of inner annulus) is the surgical goal. Performing an adequate discectomy requires numerous instrument passes, increasing surgical time and the risk of complications.

METHODS

Four experienced spinal surgeons performed transforaminal discectomies from T-12 to S-1 on 5 whole-body cadavers. Each level (n = 26) was randomly assigned to either a control group using traditional instruments (12 levels) or to a suction curette group (14 levels). The time required to perform the discectomy and the number of passes through the annulus were recorded. Motion segments were dissected and analyzed by digital photogrammetric analysis. The intervertebral disc and the discectomy cross-sectional areas were measured on both superior and inferior images of each dissected surgical level. Areas were divided into 4 quadrants based on a midsagittal and midcoronal axis and analyzed for regional efficiency. In addition, a cross-sectional area of bony endplate (the area still covered with cartilage) and an area of endplate perforation were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in surgical time between the techniques (7:51 ± 2:43 minutes in the manual discectomy [MD] group and 7:06 ± 3:33 minutes in the suction curette discectomy [SD] group). There were significantly fewer (p < 0.01) instrument passes in the SD group (13 passes) compared with the MD group (43 passes). For both techniques, the amount of disc removed depended upon the anatomical region, with the posterior-contralateral side having the least amount of disc material removed. There was significantly less (p < 0.01) disc material removed in the MD group (38%) compared with the SD group (48%). The amount of disc material removed was significantly more (p < 0.05) in each quadrant when comparing the SD and MD groups, with the anterior regions showing the largest difference. For both techniques, the preparation of the endplate within the discectomy area resulted in a mostly cartilaginous interface (50% MD, 48% SD); a smaller amount of bony interface area (31% MD, 38% SD); and a smaller amount of perforation to the interface area (19% MD, 13% SD). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of endplate preparation.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved discectomy observed with the suction curette device could potentially improve the clinical fusion rate.
The Cahn–Hilliard equation as limit of a conserved phase-field system
Authors: Bonfoh Ahmed , Enyi Cyril D.
Published: January 2017

Recently, in Bonfoh and Enyi [ Commun. Pure Appl. Anal. 15 2016 , 1077–1105], we considered the conserved phase-field system [Formula: see text] in a bounded domain of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a relaxation time, [Formula: see text] is the viscosity parameter, [Formula: see text] is the heat capacity, ϕ is the order parameter, u is the absolute temperature and [Formula: see text] is a nonlinear function. The system is subject to the boundary conditions of either periodic or Neumann type. We proved a well-posedness result, the existence and continuity of the global and exponential attractors at [Formula: see text]. Then, we proved the existence of inertial manifolds in one space dimension, and in the case of two space dimensions in rectangular domains. Stability properties of the intersection of inertial manifolds with a bounded absorbing set were also proven. In the present paper, we show the above-mentioned existence and continuity properties at [Formula: see text]. To establish the existence of inertial manifolds of dimension independent of the two parameters δ and ε, we require ε to be dominated from above by δ. This work shows the convergence of the dynamics of the above mentioned problem to the one of the Cahn–Hilliard equation, improving and extending some previous results.
High frequency approximation of solutions to Klein–Gordon equation in Orlicz framework
Authors: Ben Ayed Ines
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of solutions to 2D Klein–Gordon equation in the framework of Orlicz norm. The analysis we conducted in this article, which is based on profiles decompositions, emphasizes the distinguished role played by the [Formula: see text]-oscillating component of the sequence of the Cauchy data. This phenomenon is strikingly different from those obtained in previous works, such as in Bahouri and Gérard [ American Journal of Mathematics 121 ( 1999 ), 131–175] and Merle and Vega [ International Mathematics Research Notices 8 ( 1998 ), 399–425].
Head and neck cancers—major changes in the American Joint Committee on cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual
Authors: Lydiatt William M. , Patel Snehal G. , O'Sullivan Brian , Brandwein Margaret S. , Ridge John A. , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Loomis Ashley M. , Shah Jatin P.
Published: January 2017

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

The recently released eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, Head and Neck Section, introduces significant modifications from the prior seventh edition. This article details several of the most significant modifications, and the rationale for the revisions, to alert the reader to evolution of the field. The most significant update creates a separate staging algorithm for high‐risk human papillomavirus‐associated cancer of the oropharynx, distinguishing it from oropharyngeal cancer with other causes. Other modifications include: the reorganizing of skin cancer (other than melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma) from a general chapter for the entire body to a head and neck‐specific cutaneous malignancies chapter; division of cancer of the pharynx into 3 separate chapters; changes to the tumor (T) categories for oral cavity, skin, and nasopharynx; and the addition of extranodal cancer extension to lymph node category (N) in all but the viral‐related cancers and mucosal melanoma. The Head and Neck Task Force worked with colleagues around the world to derive a staging system that reflects ongoing changes in head and neck oncology; it remains user friendly and consistent with the traditional tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) staging paradigm. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:122–137. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Circe’s Beasts and the Image of God: More’s Creative Appropriation of Pico’s Humanist Spirituality
Authors: Koterski Joseph W.
Published: January 2017

In More’s preface to the first of the letters of Pico that he translated for inclusion in his Life of Pico, he explains Pico’s account of the beasts into which Circe changes various men. To what he finds in Pico, More adds his own comments about possible deformations of the image of God within us. This paper reviews relevant portions of More’s Life of Pico and of Pico’s letters in light of the general question of Pico’s grounds for the dignity of human nature and argues that More has provided a kind of friendly amendment to the views of Pico on the ultimate grounds for human dignity, not only in the preface to the letters but also in his way of handling Pico’s three sets of rules for spiritual warfare.
A New Gaskinetic Model to Analyze Background Flow Effects on Weak Gaseous Jet Flows from Electric Propulsion Devices
Authors: Cai Chunpei
Published: January 2017

Recent work on studying rarefied background and jet flow interactions is reported. A new gaskinetic method is developed to investigate two closely related problems. The first problem is how a collisionless background flow can affect a highly rarefied jet flow. The rarefied jet and background flow conditions are assumed available and described with seven parameters. Gaskinetic theories are applied and formulas are obtained for the mixture properties. Simulations are performed to validate these expressions, and excellent agreement is obtained. The second problem is to recover the collisionless background and jet flow parameters with limited measurements. A group of linearized equations are derived for the flowfield properties. The solving process includes initial estimations on the seven parameters, followed with iterations. Numerical tests are performed and the results indicate the procedure is accurate and efficient. The new method and expressions can reduce the amount of experimental work and numerical simulations to analyze facility effects. Parameter studies with particle simulations may require several months; however, the new methods may require minutes. These methods can be used to quantify and predict jet performance, vacuum chamber designs and optimization. Applications may be for many societies using vacuum conditions.
A Numerical Investigation on the Natural Frequencies of FGM Sandwich Shells with Variable Thickness by the Local Generalized Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Tornabene Francesco , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Bacciocchi Michele , Viola Erasmo , Reddy Junuthula
Published: January 2017

The main aim of the present paper is to solve numerically the free vibration problem of sandwich shell structures with variable thickness and made of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). Several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs), defined by a unified formulation, are employed in the study. The FGM structures are characterized by variable mechanical properties due to the through-the-thickness variation of the volume fraction distribution of the two constituents and the arbitrary thickness profile. A four-parameter power law expression is introduced to describe the FGMs, whereas general relations are used to define the thickness variation, which can affect both the principal coordinates of the shell reference domain. A local scheme of the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method is employed as numerical tool. The natural frequencies are obtained varying the exponent of the volume fraction distributions using higher-order theories based on a unified formulation. The structural models considered are two-dimensional and require less degrees of freedom when compared to the corresponding three-dimensional finite element (FE) models, which require a huge number of elements to describe the same geometries accurately. A comparison of the present results with the FE solutions is carried out for the isotropic cases only, whereas the numerical results available in the literature are used to prove the validity as well as accuracy of the current approach in dealing with FGM structures characterized by a variable thickness profile.
Analysis of the Chip Geometry in Dry Machining of Aeronautical Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Vilches Francisco , Hurtado Lorenzo , Fernández Francisco , Gamboa Carolina
Published: January 2017

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the manufacturing of structural parts for aircraft, frequently in combination with other materials such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer), to form FML (Fiber Metal Laminates) structures (CFRP/Al). The dry machining of these structures presents several problems, some of which are related to chip evacuation, either when machining aluminum alloys as an isotropic material, or during hybridization with composites. In this work, a study of the way in which cutting parameters influence the chip morphology in the dry machining of UNS A97075-T6 (Al-Zn) and UNS A92024-T3 (Al-Cu) alloys, is performed. Thus, different geometric parameters of the chip morphology have been obtained, and their evolution with feed has been analysed. Finally, the different relationships which occur between these geometric parameters and feed, have been obtained. These relationships allow a prediction of the evolution of some of the geometric parameters of the chip, as a function of feed.
Production of Nigella sativa Beverage Powder under Foam Mat Drying Using Egg Albumen as a Foaming Agent
Authors: Affandi Norhazirah , Zzaman Wahidu , Yang Tajul , Easa Azhar
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of producing Nigella sativa powder under a foam mat drying technique. A central, composite design of experiments was used to optimize the drying condition and compare the solubility, the antioxidant and mineral content of roasted Nigella sativa, and the foam mat dried Nigella sativa powder. Foams were prepared from Nigella sativa solution by adding different concentrations of egg albumen (2.5%, 8.75%, and 15% w/w) and methyl cellulose (0, 0.5% and 1% w/w), using whipping times of 2, 5, and 8 min. The drying temperature was set at 50–70 °C, with a foam thickness of 1, 2, and 3 mm. The optimum recorded conditions for the foaming process were 15% of egg albumen concentration, 0.69% of methyl cellulose concentration, and a whipping time of 8 min. Thus, the optimum conditions for the drying process were 60 °C, with 2 mm of foam thickness. The results showed that there were significant differences in DPPH inhibition, the total phenolic content, and mineral content, whereas no significant differences were recorded in the water solubility index between the roasted Nigella sativa and the foam mat dried Nigella sativa powder.
Immune Modulation by Androgen Deprivation and Radiation Therapy: Implications for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Kalina Jennifer , Neilson David , Comber Alexandra , Rauw Jennifer , Alexander Abraham , Vergidis Joanna , Lum Julian
Published: January 2017

Prostate cancer patients often receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in combination with radiation therapy (RT). Recent evidence suggests that both ADT and RT have immune modulatory properties. First, ADT can cause inﬁltration of lymphocytes into the prostate, although it remains unclear whether the inﬂux of lymphocytes is beneﬁcial, particularly with the advent of new classes of androgen blockers. Second, in rare cases, radiation can elicit immune responses that mediate regression of metastatic lesions lying outside the ﬁeld of radiation, a phenomenon known as the abscopal response. In light of these ﬁndings, there is emerging interest in exploiting any potential synergy between ADT, RT, and immunotherapy. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the rationale behind combining immunotherapy with ADT and RT for the treatment of prostate cancer, including an examination of the current clinical trials that employ this combination. The reported outcomes of several trials demonstrate the promise of this combination strategy; however, further scrutiny is needed to elucidate how these standard therapies interact with immune modulators. In addition, we discuss the importance of synchronizing immune modulation relative to ADT and RT, and provide insight into elements that may impact the ability to achieve maximum synergy between these treatments.
Systemic Immunotherapy for Urothelial Cancer: Current Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Gupta Shilpa , Gill David , Poole Austin , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: January 2017

Urothelial cancer of the bladder, renal pelvis, ureter, and other urinary organs is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, and systemic platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard of care for first-line treatment of advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). Until recently, there were very limited options for patients who are refractory to chemotherapy, or do not tolerate chemotherapy due to toxicities and overall outcomes have remained very poor. While the role of immunotherapy was first established in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in the 1970s, no systemic immunotherapy was approved for advanced disease until the recent approval of a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, atezolizumab, in patients with advanced/metastatic UC who have progressed on platinum-containing regimens. This represents a significant milestone in this disease after a void of over 30 years. In addition to atezolizumab, a variety of checkpoint inhibitors have shown a significant activity in advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma and are expected to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the near future. The introduction of novel immunotherapy agents has led to rapid changes in the field of urothelial carcinoma. Numerous checkpoint inhibitors are being tested alone or in combination in the first and subsequent-line therapies of metastatic disease, as well as neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. They are also being studied in combination with radiation therapy and for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer refractory to BCG. Furthermore, immunotherapy is being utilized for those ineligible for firstline platinum-based chemotherapy. This review outlines the novel immunotherapy agents which have either been approved, or are currently being investigated in clinical trials in UC.
Social Learning and the Mitigation of Transport CO2 Emissions
Authors: Al Sabbagh Maha
Published: January 2017

Social learning, a key factor in fostering behavioural change and improving decision making, is considered necessary for achieving substantial CO2 emission reductions. However, no empirical evidence exists on how it contributes to mitigation of transport CO2 emissions, or the extent of its influence on decision making. This paper presents evidence addressing these knowledge gaps. Social learning-oriented workshops were conducted to gather the views and preferences of participants from the general public in Bahrain on selected transport CO2 mitigation measures. Social preferences were inputted into a deliberative decision-making model and then compared to a previously prepared participative model. An analysis of the results revealed that social learning could contribute to changes in views, preferences and acceptance regarding mitigation measures, and these changes were statistically significant at an alpha level of 0.1. Thus, while social learning evidently plays an important role in the decision-making process, the impacts of using other participatory techniques should also be explored.
The Impact of Shale Gas on the Cost and Feasibility of Meeting Climate Targets—A Global Energy System Model Analysis and an Exploration of Uncertainties
Authors: Few Sheridan , Gambhir Ajay , Napp Tamaryn , Hawkes Adam , Mangeon Stephane , Bernie Dan , Lowe Jason
Published: January 2017

There exists considerable uncertainty over both shale and conventional gas resource availability and extraction costs, as well as the fugitive methane emissions associated with shale gas extraction and its possible role in mitigating climate change. This study uses a multi-region energy system model, TIAM (TIMES integrated assessment model), to consider the impact of a range of conventional and shale gas cost and availability assessments on mitigation scenarios aimed at achieving a limit to global warming of below 2 °C in 2100, with a 50% likelihood. When adding shale gas to the global energy mix, the reduction to the global energy system cost is relatively small (up to 0.4%), and the mitigation cost increases by 1%–3% under all cost assumptions. The impact of a “dash for shale gas”, of unavailability of carbon capture and storage, of increased barriers to investment in low carbon technologies, and of higher than expected leakage rates, are also considered; and are each found to have the potential to increase the cost and reduce feasibility of meeting global temperature goals. We conclude that the extraction of shale gas is not likely to significantly reduce the effort required to mitigate climate change under globally coordinated action, but could increase required mitigation effort if not handled sufficiently carefully.
A Note on the Drag Coefficient of Steady Flow of Non-Newtonian, Power-Law Fluids across Unbounded Two-Dimensional Bodies at Low Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: January 2017

The flow of a non-Newtonian, power-law fluid, directed normally to long, two-dimensional horizontal bodies, is considered in the present note. It is found that for low Reynolds numbers ( Re ≤ 0.1 ) and a low power-law index (shear-thinning fluids) the drag coefficient always obeys the relationship c D = A / Re , whereas at a high power-law index (shear-thickening fluids) the drag coefficient tends to become identical for all bodies irrespective of their cross-section form.
Correction of Monogenic and Common Retinal Disorders with Gene Therapy
Authors: Sengillo Jesse , Justus Sally , Cabral Thiago , Tsang Stephen
Published: January 2017

The past decade has seen major advances in gene‐based therapies, many of which show promise for translation to human disease. At the forefront of research in this field is ocular disease, as the eye lends itself to gene‐based interventions due to its accessibility, relatively immune‐privileged status, and ability to be non‐invasively monitored. A landmark study in 2001 demonstrating successful gene therapy in a large‐animal model for Leber congenital amaurosis set the stage for translation of these strategies from the bench to the bedside. Multiple clinical trials have since initiated for various retinal diseases, and further improvements in gene therapy techniques have engendered optimism for alleviating inherited blinding disorders. This article provides an overview of gene‐based strategies for retinal disease, current clinical trials that engage these strategies, and the latest techniques in genome engineering, which could serve as the next frontline of therapeutic interventions.
Smoking Patterns and Smoking Cessation Willingness—A Study among Beneficiaries of Government Welfare Assistance in Poland
Authors: Milcarz Katarzyna , Makowiec-Dąbrowska Teresa , Bak-Romaniszyn Leokadia , Kaleta Dorota
Published: January 2017

This study examines the prevalence and tobacco use patterns among adult social assistance beneficiaries and their interest in quitting. The results are based on data collected in a cross-sectional survey conducted among adults in the Piotrkowski district. A sample of 3636 social assistance beneficiaries produced a total of 1817 respondents who completed face-to-face questionnaires. Overall, 37.1% of the respondents, including 52.8% men and 29.6% women, were current smokers. Over one third of the smokers reported their willingness to quit. In the study population, several characteristics were significantly associated with the current daily smoking: male gender, low educational attainment, unemployment or temporary employment, lack of awareness of smoking-associated health risks, use of e-cigarettes, and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The intention to quit smoking among the daily smokers was positively correlated with their awareness of smoking-associated health risks, lack of previous quit attempts, and low exposure to ETS. Smoking prevalence among social assistance recipients tends to be higher than in the general population, but more than half of the smokers are willing to quit. There is an urgency to develop policies tailored to the needs of these disadvantaged population groups.
From Belly to Brain: Targeting the Ghrelin Receptor in Appetite and Food Intake Regulation
Authors: Howick Ken , Griffin Brendan , Cryan John , Schellekens Harriët
Published: January 2017

Ghrelin is the only known peripherally-derived orexigenic hormone, increasing appetite and subsequent food intake. The ghrelinergic system has therefore received considerable attention as a therapeutic target to reduce appetite in obesity as well as to stimulate food intake in conditions of anorexia, malnutrition and cachexia. As the therapeutic potential of targeting this hormone becomes clearer, it is apparent that its pleiotropic actions span both the central nervous system and peripheral organs. Despite a wealth of research, a therapeutic compound specifically targeting the ghrelin system for appetite modulation remains elusive although some promising effects on metabolic function are emerging. This is due to many factors, ranging from the complexity of the ghrelin receptor (Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor, GHSR-1a) internalisation and heterodimerization, to biased ligand interactions and compensatory neuroendocrine outputs. Not least is the ubiquitous expression of the GHSR-1a, which makes it impossible to modulate centrallymediated appetite regulation without encroaching on the various peripheral functions attributable to ghrelin. It is becoming clear that ghrelin’s central signalling is critical for its effects on appetite, body weight regulation and incentive salience of food. Improving the ability of ghrelin ligands to penetrate the blood brain barrier would enhance central delivery to GHSR-1a expressing brain regions, particularly within the mesolimbic reward circuitry.
Oral Administration of Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers and Chitosan Inhibit 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in Mice
Authors: Koizumi Ryo , Azuma Kazuo , Izawa Hironori , Morimoto Minoru , Ochi Kosuke , Tsuka Takeshi , Imagawa Tomohiro , Osaki Tomohiro , Ito Norihiko , Okamoto Yoshiharu , Saimoto Hiroyuki , Ifuku Shinsuke
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the prophylactic effects of orally administered surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SDACNFs) and chitosan against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis, which is a common side effect of 5-FU chemotherapy. SDACNFs and chitosan abolished histological abnormalities associated with intestinal mucositis and suppressed hypoproliferation and apoptosis of intestinal crypt cells. These results indicate that SDACNF and chitosan are useful agents for preventing mucositis induced by anti-cancer drugs.
Marine Antifreeze Proteins: Structure, Function, and Application to Cryopreservation as a Potential Cryoprotectant
Authors: Kim Hak , Lee Jun , Hur Young , Lee Chang , Park Sun-Ha , Koo Bon-Won
Published: January 2017

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are biological antifreezes with unique properties, including thermal hysteresis(TH),ice recrystallization inhibition(IRI),and interaction with membranes and/or membrane proteins. These properties have been utilized in the preservation of biological samples at low temperatures. Here, we review the structure and function of marine-derived AFPs, including moderately active ﬁsh AFPs and hyperactive polar AFPs. We also survey previous and current reports of cryopreservation using AFPs. Cryopreserved biological samples are relatively diverse ranging from diatoms and reproductive cells to embryos and organs. Cryopreserved biological samples mainly originate from mammals. Most cryopreservation trials using marine-derived AFPs have demonstrated that addition of AFPs can improve post-thaw viability regardless of freezing method (slow-freezing or vitriﬁcation), storage temperature, and types of biological sample type.
Influence of Temperature on the Formation of Ag Complexed in a S2O32−–O2 System
Authors: Teja-Ruiz Aislinn , Juárez-Tapia Julio , Hernández-Cruz Leticia , Reyes-Pérez Martín , Patiño-Cardona Francisco , Reyes-Dominguez Ivan , Flores-Guerrero Mizraim , Palacios-Beas Elia
Published: January 2017

Metallic elements of higher economic value, occurring in the mineralogy of Zimapán, are Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe; said elements are sold as concentrates, which, even after processing, generally include significant concentrations of Mo, Cd, Sb, Ag, and As that can be recovered through different leaching methods. In this work, the influence of temperature in the complexation of silver contained in a concentrate of Zn using the technology of thiosulfate with oxygen injection was studied. Chemical and mineralogical characterization of the mineral concentrate from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico confirmed the existence of silver contained in a sulfide of silver arsenic (AgAsS2) by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results obtained by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) reported abundant metallic contents (% w/w) (48% Zn, 10.63% Fe, 1.97% Cu, 0.84% Pb, 0.78% As, and 0.25% Ag). These results corroborate the presence of metallic sulfides such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and wurtzite; this last species was identified as the matrix of the concentrate by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Pourbaix diagrams were constructed for the AgAsS2–S2O32−–O2 system at different temperatures, which allowed the chemical reaction of leaching to be established, in addition to determining Eh-pH conditions in which to obtain silver in solution. The highest recoveries of the precious metal (97% Ag) were obtained at a temperature of 333 K and [S2O32−] = 0.5 M. The formation of silver dithiosulfate complex (Ag(S2O3)23−) was confirmed by the characterization of the leach liquors obtained from the experiments performed in the temperature range of 298 to 333 K using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Efficient Synthesis of Novel Pyridine-Based Derivatives via Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction of Commercially Available 5-Bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-amine: Quantum Mechanical Investigations and Biological Activities
Authors: Ahmad Gulraiz , Rasool Nasir , Ikram Hafiz , Gul Khan Samreen , Mahmood Tariq , Ayub Khurshid , Zubair Muhammad , Al-Zahrani Eman , Ali Rana Usman , Akhtar Muhammad , Alitheen Noorjahan
Published: January 2017

The present study describes palladium-catalyzed one pot Suzuki cross-coupling reaction to synthesize a series of novel pyridine derivatives 2a–2i, 4a–4i. In brief, Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of 5-bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-amine (1) directly or via N-[5-bromo-2-methylpyridine-3-yl]acetamide (3) with several arylboronic acids produced these novel pyridine derivatives in moderate to good yield. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were carried out for the pyridine derivatives 2a–2i and 4a–4i by using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis with the help of GAUSSIAN 09 suite programme. The frontier molecular orbitals analysis, reactivity indices, molecular electrostatic potential and dipole measurements with the help of DFT methods, described the possible reaction pathways and potential candidates as chiral dopants for liquid crystals. The anti-thrombolytic, biofilm inhibition and haemolytic activities of pyridine derivatives were also investigated. In particular, the compound 4b exhibited the highest percentage lysis value (41.32%) against clot formation in human blood among all newly synthesized compounds. In addition, the compound 4f was found to be the most potent against Escherichia coli with an inhibition value of 91.95%. The rest of the pyridine derivatives displayed moderate biological activities.
Identification of Larvicidal Constituents of the Essential Oil of Echinops grijsii Roots against the Three Species of Mosquitoes
Authors: Zhao Mei , Liu Qi , Liu Qiyong , Liu Zhi
Published: January 2017

The screening of Chinese medicinal herbs for insecticidal principles showed that the essential oil of Echinops grijsii Hance roots possessed significant larvicidal activity against mosquitoes. The essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation and its constituents were determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. GC‐MS analyses revealed the presence of 31 components, with 5‐(3‐buten‐1‐yn‐1‐yl)‐2,2′‐bithiophene (5‐BBT, 27.63%), αterthienyl (α‐T, 14.95%),1,8‐cineole (5.56%) and cis‐β‐ocimene (5.01%) being the four major constituents. Based bioactivity‐directed chromatographic separation of the essential oil led to the isolation of 5‐BBT, 5‐(4‐isovaleroyloxybut‐1‐ynyl)‐2,2′‐bithiophene (5‐IBT) and αT as active compounds. The essential oil of E. grijsii exhibited larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae of Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis and Culex pipiens pallens with LC50 values of 2.65 μg/mL, 3.43 μg/mL and 1.47 μg/mL, respectively. The isolated thiophenes, 5‐BBT and 5‐IBT, possessed strong larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae of Ae. albopictus(LC50 = 0.34 μg/mL and 0.45 μg/mL, respectively) and An. sinensis(LC50 = 1.36 μg/mL and 5.36 μg/mL, respectively). The two isolated thiophenes also had LC50 values against the fourth instar larvae of C. pipiens pallens of 0.12 μg/mL and 0.33 μg/mL, respectively. The findings indicated that the essential oil of E. grijsii roots and the isolated thiophenes have an excellent potential for use in the control of Ae.albopictus, An. sinensis and C. pipiens pallens larvae and could be used in the search for new, safer and more effective natural compounds as larvicides.
Limitation of SAR Quasi-Linear Inversion Data on Swell Climate: An Example of Global Crossing Swells
Authors: Jiang Haoyu , Mouche Alexis , Wang He , Babanin Alexander , Chapron Bertrand , Chen Ge
Published: January 2017

Numerical wave models are powerful tools for investigating global wave climate. Here a global wave hindcast is employed to estimate the global pattern of crossing swells. However, the global patterns of crossing swells derived from the model are different from those derived from the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) wave mode products of quasi-linear inversion, indicating one of them is questionable. The comparison shows that the first two most energetic swells inversed by SAR are often not in accordance with the first two most energetic swells in the model, and this will have a large impact on the statistics of the data. Before this problem is solved, SAR wave products of quasi-linear inversion should be treated with care in wave climate studies.
Cross-Comparison of Albedo Products for Glacier Surfaces Derived from Airborne and Satellite (Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8) Optical Data
Authors: Naegeli Kathrin , Damm Alexander , Huss Matthias , Wulf Hendrik , Schaepman Michael , Hoelzle Martin
Published: January 2017

Surface albedo partitions the amount of energy received by glacier surfaces from shortwave fluxes and modulates the energy available for melt processes. The ice-albedo feedback, influenced by the contamination of bare-ice surfaces with light-absorbing impurities, plays a major role in the melting of mountain glaciers in a warming climate. However, little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution and variability of bare-ice glacier surface albedo under changing conditions. In this study, we focus on two mountain glaciers located in the western Swiss Alps and perform a cross-comparison of different albedo products. We take advantage of high spectral and spatial resolution (284 bands, 2 m) imaging spectrometer data from the Airborne Prism Experiment (APEX) and investigate the applicability and potential of Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data to derive broadband albedo products. The performance of shortwave broadband albedo retrievals is tested and we assess the reliability of published narrow-to-broadband conversion algorithms. The resulting albedo products from the three sensors and different algorithms are further cross-compared. Moreover, the impact of the anisotropy correction is analysed depending on different surface types. While degradation of the spectral resolution impacted glacier-wide mean albedo by about 5%, reducing the spatial resolution resulted in changes of less than 1%. However, in any case, coarser spatial resolution was no longer able to represent small-scale variability of albedo on glacier surfaces. We discuss the implications when using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 to map dynamic glaciological processes and to monitor glacier surface albedo on larger spatial and more frequent temporal scales.
A Quantitative Comparison of Calibration Methods for RGB-D Sensors Using Different Technologies
Authors: Villena-Martínez Víctor , Fuster-Guilló Andrés , Azorín-López Jorge , Saval-Calvo Marcelo , Mora-Pascual Jeronimo , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose , Garcia-Garcia Alberto
Published: January 2017

RGB-D (Red Green Blue and Depth) sensors are devices that can provide color and depth information from a scene at the same time. Recently, they have been widely used in many solutions due to their commercial growth from the entertainment market to many diverse areas (e.g., robotics, CAD, etc.). In the research community, these devices have had good uptake due to their acceptable levelofaccuracyformanyapplicationsandtheirlowcost,butinsomecases,theyworkatthelimitof their sensitivity, near to the minimum feature size that can be perceived. For this reason, calibration processes are critical in order to increase their accuracy and enable them to meet the requirements of such kinds of applications. To the best of our knowledge, there is not a comparative study of calibration algorithms evaluating its results in multiple RGB-D sensors. Speciﬁcally, in this paper, a comparison of the three most used calibration methods have been applied to three different RGB-D sensors based on structured light and time-of-ﬂight. The comparison of methods has been carried out by a set of experiments to evaluate the accuracy of depth measurements. Additionally, an object reconstruction application has been used as example of an application for which the sensor works at the limit of its sensitivity. The obtained results of reconstruction have been evaluated through visual inspection and quantitative measurements.
A Novel Method for Separating and Locating Multiple Partial Discharge Sources in a Substation
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhou Wenjun , Yang Shuai , Liu Yushun , Tian Yan , Wang Yong
Published: January 2017

To separate and locate multi-partial discharge (PD) sources in a substation, the use of spectrum differences of ultra-high frequency signals radiated from various sources as characteristic parameters has been previously reported. However, the separation success rate was poor when signal-to-noise ratio was low, and the localization result was a coordinate on two-dimensional plane. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to improve the separation rate and the localization accuracy. A directional measuring platform is built using two directional antennas. The time delay (TD) of the signals captured by the antennas is calculated, and TD sequences are obtained by rotating the platform at different angles. The sequences are separated with the TD distribution feature, and the directions of the multi-PD sources are calculated. The PD sources are located by directions using the error probability method. To verify the method, a simulated model with three PD sources was established by XFdtd. Simulation results show that the separation rate is increased from 71% to 95% compared with the previous method, and an accurate three-dimensional localization result was obtained. A field test with two PD sources was carried out, and the sources were separated and located accurately by the proposed method.
A Hybrid Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Photovoltaic Solar Plant Location Selection
Authors: Lee Amy , Kang He-Yau , Liou You-Jyun
Published: January 2017

Due to decaying fossil resource and increasing environmental consciousness, the demand of renewable energy resources is escalating these days. Photovoltaic solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy resources in places where sunlight is abundant. The selection of a desirable location for constructing a photovoltaic solar plant is the ﬁrst and one of the most important stages in the plant construction to provide a long-term energy production. In this paper, a comprehensive multiple-criteria decision-making model, which incorporates the interpretive structural modeling (ISM), fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) and VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska OptimizacijaI Kompromisno Resenje in Serbian,meaning multi-criteria optimization and compromise solution), is proposed to select the most suitable photovoltaic solar plant location. The ISM is applied ﬁrst to determine the interrelationships among the criteria and among the sub-criteria,andtheresults are used to construct a decision-making network. The FANP is applied next to solve the network and to calculate the importance weights of the sub-criteria. Finally, the VIKOR is adopted to determine the ranking of the photovoltaic solar plant locations. The proposed model is applied in a case study in evaluating photovoltaic solar plant locations in Taiwan. By applying the proposed model, decision makers can have a better thinking process and make more appropriate decisions justiﬁably.
Forecasting Long-Term Crude Oil Prices Using a Bayesian Model with Informative Priors
Authors: Lee Chul-Yong , Huh Sung-Yoon
Published: January 2017

In the long-term, crude oil prices may impact the economic stability and sustainability of many countries, especially those depending on oil imports. This study thus suggests an alternative model for accurately forecasting oil prices while reflecting structural changes in the oil market by using a Bayesian approach. The prior information is derived from the recent and expected structure of the oil market, using a subjective approach, and then updated with available market data. The model includes as independent variables factors affecting oil prices, such as world oil demand and supply, the financial situation, upstream costs, and geopolitical events. To test the model’s forecasting performance, it is compared with other models, including a linear ordinary least squares model and a neural network model. The proposed model outperforms on the forecasting performance test even though the neural network model shows the best results on a goodness-of-fit test. The results show that the crude oil price is estimated to increase to $169.3/Bbl by 2040.
Phenomenological Review on Quark–Gluon Plasma: Concepts vs. Observations
Authors: Pasechnik Roman , Šumbera Michal
Published: January 2017

In this review, we present an up-to-date phenomenological summary of research developments in the physics of the Quark–Gluon Plasma (QGP). A short historical perspective and theoretical motivation for this rapidly developing field of contemporary particle physics is provided. In addition, we introduce and discuss the role of the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) ground state, non-perturbative and lattice QCD results on the QGP properties, as well as the transport models used to make a connection between theory and experiment. The experimental part presents the selected results on bulk observables, hard and penetrating probes obtained in the ultra-relativistic heavy-ion experiments carried out at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (BNL RHIC) and CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) and Large Hadron Collider (LHC) accelerators. We also give a brief overview of new developments related to the ongoing searches of the QCD critical point and to the collectivity in small (p + p and p + A) systems.
Robust Initial Wetness Condition Framework of an Event-Based Rainfall–Runoff Model Using Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture
Authors: Sunwoo Wooyeon , Choi Minha
Published: January 2017

Runoff prediction in limited-data areas is vital for hydrological applications, such as the design of infrastructure and flood defenses, runoff forecasting, and water management. Rainfall–runoff models may be useful for simulation of runoff generation, particularly event-based models, which offer a practical modeling scheme because of their simplicity. However, there is a need to reduce the uncertainties related to the estimation of the initial wetness condition (IWC) prior to a rainfall event. Soil moisture is one of the most important variables in rainfall–runoff modeling, and remotely sensed soil moisture is recognized as an effective way to improve the accuracy of runoff prediction. In this study, the IWC was evaluated based on remotely sensed soil moisture by using the Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCS-CN) method, which is one of the representative event-based models used for reducing the uncertainty of runoff prediction. Four proxy variables for the IWC were determined from the measurements of total rainfall depth (API5), ground-based soil moisture (SSMinsitu), remotely sensed surface soil moisture (SSM), and soil water index (SWI) provided by the advanced scatterometer (ASCAT). To obtain a robust IWC framework, this study consists of two main parts: the validation of remotely sensed soil moisture, and the evaluation of runoff prediction using four proxy variables with a set of rainfall–runoff events in the East Asian monsoon region. The results showed an acceptable agreement between remotely sensed soil moisture (SSM and SWI) and ground based soil moisture data (SSMinsitu). In the proxy variable analysis, the SWI indicated the optimal value among the proposed proxy variables. In the runoff prediction analysis considering various infiltration conditions, the SSM and SWI proxy variables significantly reduced the runoff prediction error as compared with API5 by 60% and 66%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed IWC framework with remotely sensed soil moisture indicates an improved Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency from 0.48 to 0.74 for the four catchments in the Korean Peninsula. It can be concluded that the SCS-CN method extended with remotely sensed soil moisture for reducing uncertainty in the runoff prediction and the proxy variables obtained from the soil moisture data provided by the ASCAT can be useful in enhancing the accuracy of runoff prediction over a range of spatial scales.
Extreme Precipitation Frequency Analysis Using a Minimum Density Power Divergence Estimator
Authors: Seo Yongwon , Hwang Junshik , Kim Byungsoo
Published: January 2017

The recently observed hydrologic extremes are unlike what has been experienced so far. Both the magnitude and frequency of extremes are important indicators that determine the flood safety design criteria. Therefore, how are design criteria updated faced with these extremes? Both a sudden increase of design rainfall by the inclusion of these extremes and complete ignorance are inappropriate. In this study, the changes in extremes were examined and an alternative way to estimate the design rainfall amounts was developed using the data from 60 stations in South Korea. The minimum density power divergence estimator (MDPDE) with the optimal value of a tuning parameter, α, was suggested as an alternative estimator instead of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE); its performance was evaluated using the Gumbel (GUM) and the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. The results revealed an increase in both the frequency and magnitude of extreme events over the last two decades, which imply that the extremes are already occurring. The performance of the MDPDE was evaluated. The results revealed decreased and adjusted values of the design rainfall compared to MLE. On the other hand, the MDPDE of the GEV distribution with a positive shape parameter, ξ, does not show its advantage conditionally because the GEV distribution has a heavier right tail than the GUM distribution (ξ = 0). In contrast, the results showed the high sensitivity of the MLE to the extremes compared to MDPDE.