bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life on the Wellington Fault: Managing Geological Collections and Earthquake Risk
Authors: Strong Delia , Terezow Marianna
Published: June 2018

GNS Science is home to New Zealand’s national rock, mineral and fossil collections. The National Petrology Reference Collection (NPRC) is a ‘nationally significant’ collection of rocks and minerals from on- and off-shore New Zealand, Antarctica and the rest of the world. The National Paleontological Collection (NPC) is another nationally significant collection; of fossil material from New Zealand, the South West Pacific region and Antarctica, with some overseas additions. Their status as nationally significant collections mean that GNS Science is contracted by the New Zealand Government to provide long-term collection management. Collectively, the NPC and NPRC constitute more than 200,000 samples, dating from the earliest days of New Zealand geology exploration in the late 1800s. The collections continue to grow by hundreds to thousands of samples per year, and are loaned nationally and internationally for scientific research. They are by far the largest collections of fossils, rocks and minerals housed in New Zealand, and are important earth science archives for the entire Zealandian Southern Ocean region.

The collections are housed on-site at GNS Science in Lower Hutt, a few hundred meters from the surface trace of the Wellington Fault and within striking distance of other active faults that could generate major earthquakes. Best estimates suggest that the Wellington Region has an average return time of about 150 years for very strong or extreme ground shaking. Such proximity to this significant, active hazard means that steps must be taken to ensure the long-term security and integrity of the collections in the event of earthquake shaking, as well as other natural and non-natural disasters. To that end, the collection managers have written and implemented disaster mitigation, preparedness and recovery plans for the National Petrology Reference Collection and National Paleontological Collection. Here we define the earthquake hazard posed by the Wellington Fault, assess the risk to the collections, and present steps taken to manage that risk.
Sources and characteristics of summertime organic aerosol in the Colorado Front Range: perspective from measurements and WRF-Chem modeling
Authors: Bahreini Roya , Ahmadov Ravan , McKeen Stu A. , Vu Kennedy T. , Dingle Justin H. , Apel Eric C. , Blake Donald R. , Blake Nicola , Campos Teresa L. , Cantrell Chris , Flocke Frank , Fried Alan , Gilman Jessica B. , Hills Alan J. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Huey Greg , Kaser Lisa , Lerner Brian M. , Mauldin Roy L. , Meinardi Simone , Montzka Denise D. , Richter Dirk , Schroeder Jason R. , Stell Meghan , Tanner David , Walega James , Weibring Peter , Weinheimer Andrew
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The evolution of organic aerosols (OAs) and their precursors in the boundary layer (BL) of the Colorado Front Range during the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Éxperiment (FRAPPÉ, July–August 2014) was analyzed by in situ measurements and chemical transport modeling. Measurements indicated significant production of secondary OA (SOA), with enhancement ratio of OA with respect to carbon monoxide (CO) reaching 0.085±0.003 µg m−3 ppbv−1. At background mixing ratios of CO, up to  ∼  1.8 µg m−3 background OA was observed, suggesting significant non-combustion contribution to OA in the Front Range. The mean concentration of OA in plumes with a high influence of oil and natural gas (O&G) emissions was  ∼  40 % higher than in urban-influenced plumes. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) confirmed a dominant contribution of secondary, oxygenated OA (OOA) in the boundary layer instead of fresh, hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA). Combinations of primary OA (POA) volatility assumptions, aging of semi-volatile species, and different emission estimates from the O&G sector were used in the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) simulation scenarios. The assumption of semi-volatile POA resulted in greater than a factor of 10 lower POA concentrations compared to PMF-resolved HOA. Including top-down modified O&G emissions resulted in substantially better agreements in modeled ethane, toluene, hydroxyl radical, and ozone compared to measurements in the high-O&G-influenced plumes. By including emissions from the O&G sector using the top-down approach, it was estimated that the O&G sector contributed to  <  5 % of total OA, but up to 38 % of anthropogenic SOA (aSOA) in the region. The best agreement between the measured and simulated median OA was achieved by limiting the extent of biogenic hydrocarbon aging and consequently biogenic SOA (bSOA) production. Despite a lower production of bSOA in this scenario, contribution of bSOA to total SOA remained high at 40–54 %. Future studies aiming at a better emissions characterization of POA and intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) from the O&G sector are valuable.
Thin Arctic sea ice in L-band observations and an ocean reanalysis
Authors: Tietsche Steffen , Alonso-Balmaseda Magdalena , Rosnay Patricia , Zuo Hao , Tian-Kunze Xiangshan , Kaleschke Lars
Published: June 2018

Abstract. L-band radiance measurements of the Earth's surface such as those from the
SMOS satellite can be used to retrieve the thickness of thin sea ice in the
range 0–1 m under cold surface conditions. However, retrieval uncertainties
can be large due to assumptions in the forward model, which converts
brightness temperatures into ice thickness and due to uncertainties in
auxiliary fields which need to be independently modelled or observed. It is
therefore advisable to perform a critical assessment with independent
observational and model data before using sea-ice thickness products from
L-band radiometry for model validation or data assimilation. Here, we discuss
version 3.1 of the University of Hamburg SMOS sea-ice thickness data set
(SMOS-SIT) from autumn 2011 to autumn 2017 and compare it to the global ocean
reanalysis ORAS5, which does not assimilate the SMOS-SIT data. ORAS5
currently provides the ocean and sea-ice initial conditions for all coupled
weather, monthly and seasonal forecasts issued by ECMWF. It is concluded that
SMOS-SIT provides valuable and unique information on thin sea ice during
winter and can under certain conditions be used to expose deficiencies in the
reanalysis. Overall, there is a promising match between sea-ice thicknesses
from ORAS5 and SMOS-SIT early in the freezing season (October–December),
while later in winter, sea ice is consistently modelled thicker than
observed. This is mostly attributable to refrozen polynyas and fracture
zones, which are poorly represented in ORAS5 but easily detected by SMOS-SIT.
However, there are other regions like Baffin Bay, where biases in the
observational data seem to be substantial, as comparisons with independent
observational data suggest. Despite considerable uncertainties and
discrepancies between thin sea ice in SMOS-SIT and ORAS5 on local scales,
interannual variability and trends of its large-scale distribution are in
good agreement. This gives some confidence in our current ability to monitor
climate variability and change in thin sea ice. With further improvements in
retrieval methods, forecast models and data assimilation methods, the huge
potential of L-band radiometry to derive the thickness of thin sea ice in
winter will be realised and will provide an important building block for
improved predictions in polar regions.
Interrelación de los conceptos de término, uso, fuero y costumbre en el derecho medieval ibérico (siglos IX-XII)
Authors: Álvarez Cora Enrique
Published: June 2018

El trabajo analiza la función del término y el uso en la configuración espacial y normativa que desarrollan los fueros, costumbres y privilegios ibéricos entre los siglos IX y XII, en el proceso de la repoblación, teniendo en cuenta, a su vez, el significado de la costumbre, el juicio y la escritura como factores jurídicos que se incorporan a la regulación de la presencia humana en la naturaleza.
Capital relacional y capital social en el acceso de la alta nobleza al gobierno municipal burgalés a principios del siglo XVI: la provisión de la alcaldía mayor a Francisco de Brizuela
Authors: Montero Málaga Alicia Inés
Published: June 2018

Este trabajo tiene como propósito examinar los mecanismos ejecutados por la nobleza con el objetivo de insertar a sus servidores dentro de los gobiernos urbanos. Para ello, se tomará como ejemplo el acceso en 1516 de Francisco de Brizuela, contador de la casa de Velasco, a una alcaldía en Burgos. De este modo, se analizará el recurso al capital económico, frecuentemente empleado por la nobleza a través de la compraventa de oficios, pero sobre todo el capital relacional movilizado por este grupo social para tal fin.
Análisis del álbum fotográfico de la Montaña Palentina: las lagunas literarias de Piedad Isla
Authors: Alvoz Eliana
Published: June 2018

El objeto de estudio de este artículo es analizar de forma cuantitativa y cualitativa el Álbum fotográfico de la Montaña Palentina. Álbum que recoge parte de las fotografías que fueron exhibidas en una exposición que lleva el mismo título, y que tuvo lugar en la Casa Regional de Palencia de Madrid en 1957. En dicha exposición intervinieron numerosos fotógrafos palentinos, destacando notablemente la participación de la fotógrafa y etnóloga Piedad Isla (1926-2009), siendo esta la única mujer en la muestra. El objetivo de este artículo, por un lado es reivindicar la figura de Piedad Isla, y por otro, reivindicar el papel de la fotografía etnográfica como estudio y reconocimiento de la cultura propia.
Los muros de México: un reto para las artistas españolas del exilio
Authors: Gaitan Salinas Carmen
Published: June 2018

El presente texto trata sobre la intervención de las artistas españolas exiliadas en México en el muralismo del citado país. Aunque veremos casos muy concretos de artistas españolas, los murales que aquí se presentan, algunos de ellos desconocidos hasta el momento, manifiestan el interés de las refugiadas por insertarse de forma activa no sólo en la sociedad mexicana sino también en su cultura. Gracias a estudios como los de Germaine Greer podemos dilucidar cuáles fueron las dificultades que experimentaron las españolas en tierras mexicanas y por qué sus intervenciones fueron tan limitadas. Finalmente, estas creadoras no se doblegaron a las prácticas artísticas que supuestamente les correspondían, sino que supieron adaptarse a los nuevos requisitos para hacerse visibles en los muros de México.
La huella de Lee Krasner: determinación, posguerra y energía plástica
Authors: Blanco Arroyo María Antonia
Published: June 2018

El tema central de este artículo es la obra de la pintora Lee Krasner, cuya producción artística, especialmente durante el periodo de posguerra, ha contribuido de forma sublime a forjar el triunfo del expresionismo abstracto en América. Además, partiendo de que aún existe un gran vacío en torno a su trabajo, tenemos la imperiosa necesidad de poner en liza la huella de una artista que se reveló contra los cánones sociales preestablecidos, para mostrar su determinación y voluntad artística como mujer en un contexto desigualitario que mantuvo en la sombra a su potencial creativo durante décadas. El recorrido narrativo de este artículo comienza con un primer apartado en el que se analiza el espíritu libre e independiente que caracterizó a la artista durante toda su vida, y continua indagando en el diálogo entre arte y vida de uno de los periodos de mayor trascendencia para Lee Krasner, el que vivió junto a su marido Jackson Pollock a partir de 1945 en Long Island. Por último, se aborda un tercer apartado que versa sobre su serie de pinturas denominada Little Images, que comenzó en 1946, un punto de inflexión en la madurez artística de Krasner, que influiría notablemente en su carrera artística y posterior reconocimiento en el mundo del arte.
Conservação da agrobiodiversidade e soberania alimentar em assentamento rural no Pantanal de Cáceres, Mato Grosso
Authors: Santos Thais Martins dos , Santos Júnior Porfírio dos , Castrillon Solange Kimie Ikeda , Carniello Maria Antonia
Published: June 2018

A agricultura familiar tem conseguido manter em pequenos espaços uma produção agrícola diversificada visando o autoconsumo, soberania alimentar, obtenção de renda e conservação da agrobiodiversidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar como é desenvolvida a produção agrícola no Assentamento Laranjeira I, situado na borda do Pantanal de Cáceres – MT, bem como relacioná-la com a conservação da agrobiodiversidade e manutenção da soberania familiar local. À coleta de dados adotou-se abordagem qualitativa: questionário estruturado e métodos antropológicos. A amostra reuniu 43 lotes próximos às nascentes de água. Para a análise dos dados socioeconômicos e da produção agrícola utilizou-se abordagem quantitativa (FR%). Dos lotes visitados 51% utilizam a agricultura principalmente para o autoconsumo de suas famílias em espaços como quintal e roça. Alguns cultivam apenas no quintal por ser um espaço de fácil acesso próximo ao domicílio e organizado pelas mulheres e filhos, por redução de perdas por roubos e/ou adversidades meteorológicas. Os moradores cultivam principalmente variedades de verduras, leguminosas e tubérculos tornando o sistema de produção estável e diversificado. Apenas 17% utilizam sistema com apenas uma cultura. Em 32% dos lotes foram identificadas a utilização de práticas tradicionais agrícolas como orientação da lua no cultivo e formação de roças coletivas, com a repartição de alimentos produzidos para consumo das famílias e comercialização do excedente. Constatou-se a presença da produção por experimentação por um morador. Esta população possui forte identidade cultural com a vida camponesa, e mesmo que as condições de produção comercial não tenham sido favoráveis não abandona o lote visto como fruto de suas lutas em movimentos sociais. A terra representa a história de vida desses moradores, garantindo a manutenção da soberania alimentar das famílias assentadas bem como a conservação da agrobiodiversidade.
Effect of gellan, xanthan or locust bean gum and/or emulsified maize oil on proteins edible films properties
Authors: Rodríguez-Huezo Erick C. Téllez-Rangel, Eva , Totosaus Alfonso
Published: June 2018

Composite edible films properties depend on the functionality of the different components employed, like protein and/or polysaccharides, and/or lipids, in order to enhance mechanical properties. Collagen and egg white albumin edible films were elaborated with three different gums (locust bean gum, gellan gum or xanthan gum), with or without emulsified oil. Egg white albumin edible films were more opaque, less permeable and less soluble than collagen samples. Collagen edible films were tougher and ductile/extensible than egg white albumin samples. Emulsified oil increased opacity and decrease water vapor permeability. Although inherent differences related to protein type on water vapor permeability and mechanical properties, gellan and xanthan gums improved mechanical properties resulting in more resistant samples. Water vapor permeability was higher in samples with no-charged polysaccharide, locust bean gum, where other kind of interactions different to electrostatic ones occurred. Changes due to the presence of a lipid phase increased all tensile parameters of emulsified films based are due to strong interaction between the biopolymers and the lipid particles as a cross-linking effect.
Antiparasitics (PC)
Authors: Fürst Michael C.D. , Pirzer Anna S. , Heinrich Markus R.
Published: June 2018

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.P01 Treatments for Protozoal Illnesses2.1.P01A Treatments for Amoebiasis and Other Protozoal Illnesses2.2.P01B Antimalarials2.3.P01C Treatments for Leishmaniasis and Trypanosomiasis3.P02 Anthelmintics3.1.P02B Drugs Acting against Trematodes3.2.P02C Drugs Acting against Nematodes3.3.P02D Drugs Acting against Cestodes (Tapeworms)4.P03 Treatments against Ectoparasites, and Insecticides and Repellents4.1.P03A Treatments against Ectoparasites, Including Antiscabiosa4.2.P03B Insecticides and Repellents5.Repellents without P‐number
Applying three different methods of measuring CTDIfree air to the extended CTDI formalism for wide‐beam scanners (IEC 60601–2–44): A comparative study
Authors: Bujila Robert , Kull Love , Danielsson Mats , Andersson Jonas
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) has been extended for a nominal total collimation width (nT) greater than 40 mm and relies on measurements of . The purpose of this work was to compare three methods of measuring and subsequent calculations of CTDIw to investigate their clinical appropriateness.

Methods

The , for multiple nTs up to 160 mm, was calculated from (1) high‐resolution air kerma profiles from a step‐and‐shoot translation of a liquid ionization chamber (LIC) (considered to be a dosimetric reference), (2) pencil ionization chamber (PIC) measurements at multiple contiguous positions, and (3) air kerma profiles obtained through the continuous translation of a solid‐state detector. The resulting was used to calculate the CTDIw, per the extended formalism, and compared.

Results

The LIC indicated that a 40 mm nT should not be excluded from the extension of the CTDIw formalism. The solid‐state detector differed by as much as 8% compared to the LIC. The PIC was the most straightforward method and gave equivalent results to the LIC.

Conclusions

The CTDIw calculated with the latest CTDI formalism will differ most for 160 mm nTs (e.g., whole‐organ perfusion or coronary CT angiography) compared to the previous CTDI formalism. Inaccuracies in the measurement of will subsequently manifest themselves as erroneous calculations of the CTDIw, for nTs greater than 40 mm, with the latest CTDI formalism. The PIC was found to be the most clinically feasible method and was validated against the LIC.
Budesonide irrigation with olfactory training improves outcomes compared with olfactory training alone in patients with olfactory loss
Authors: Nguyen Teresa P. , Patel Zara M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Olfactory training (OT) helps many patients with olfactory loss, but unfortunately it is ineffective for a significant number of patients. Budesonide irrigations are widely used to help patients with paranasal sinus inflammation, but have never been tested as a treatment for olfactory loss. We sought to examine the effect of adding budesonide irrigation to olfactory training on patients with olfactory loss without any visible sign of sinonasal inflammation.

Methods

In this randomized, controlled trial, 138 patients with olfactory loss and without any visible sign of sinonasal inflammation were randomized to either OT with saline irrigations or OT with budesonide irrigations. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was administered at the beginning of the study and at 6 months.

Results

A total of 133 patients completed the study. Forty‐seven patients (35.3%) had a clinically significant change in UPSIT score. Among those in the budesonide irrigation + olfactory therapy group, 43.9% improved, compared with 26.9% in the saline irrigation + olfactory therapy group (p = 0.039); this corresponds to an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.20‐12.88) in a fully adjusted model (p = 0.024). Younger age and shorter duration of olfactory loss were also significant predictors of improvement.

Conclusion

Adding budesonide irrigation to olfactory training significantly improved olfactory ability compared with olfactory training plus saline irrigation.
Is axillary ultrasound imaging necessary for all patients with breast cancer?
Authors: Ahmed M , Douek M
Published: June 2018

Better use selectively
Modeling Drying Time of Dynamic Freeze Drying
Authors: Pliske Roland , Müller Ulrich , Kohlus Reinhard
Published: June 2018

Bei der dynamischen Gefriertrocknung wird die sich bildende Trockenschicht permanent abgerieben, was eine Steigerung der Trocknungsleistung mit sich bringt. Über die experimentelle Ermittlung der Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten in Abhängigkeit einiger Prozessparameter (Drehfrequenz, Beladung, Trocknungstemperatur) kann der Wärmeübergangskoeffizient mittels des vorgestellten Modells interpoliert werden und daraus die Trocknungsdauer bestimmt werden. Als Modellsysteme wurden Milchkugeln, Milchpellets sowie Starterkulturpellets des Stamms Pediococcus pentosaceus verwendet.
Träume aus Salz
Authors: Lichtenthaler Martin R.
Published: June 2018

Salze sind mehr als ein Würzmittel. Sie sind eine der wichtigsten Stoffklassen der Chemie. Täglich entdecken und synthetisieren Forscherinnen und Forscher neue Salze. Einige von ihnen überraschen durch ihre pure Existenz, andere können als Katalysatoren in chemischen Reaktionen eingesetzt werden.
A simple power management circuit for microbial fuel cell operation with intermittent electrical load connection
Authors: Woodward Lyne , Tartakovsky Boris
Published: June 2018

Practical implementation of microbial fuel cell (MFC)‐based power sources requires stable MFC performance regardless of the variations in the composition and quantity of a carbon source (fuel). This study describes a simple power management circuit (PMC) utilizing low and high voltage boundaries for intermittent MFC connection and disconnection to the electrical load. The PMC performance is demonstrated during MFC operation at carbon source‐replete and carbon source‐deplete conditions. In spite of MFC operation at external resistance values significantly below the estimated internal MFC resistance (e.g., 5.5 versus 24.5 Ω, respectively), the proposed PMC optimized MFC performance at all tested influent acetate concentrations, resulting in a volumetric power output of up to 56 mW · L−1. Furthermore, MFC operation with an up‐converter is tested and approaches for optimizing the voltage boundaries are discussed. The robustness and simplicity of the proposed PMC algorithm allows for its implementation in a standalone microprocessor with ultralow energy consumption, which enables MFC application as an autonomous power source.
Kinetics and mechanism of low‐concentration CO2 adsorption on solid amine in a humid confined space
Authors: Si Wenting , Ye Sha , Zhang Dongxiao , Yang Bin , Hou Yang , Li Zhongjian , Zhang Xingwang , Zhu Jingke , Lei Lecheng
Published: June 2018

The kinetics and mechanism of low‐concentration CO2 adsorption on a solid‐supported polyethylenimine (PEI) adsorbent in a humid confined space were investigated, where the content of CO2 was about 0.4 % (v). A flow system, equipped with a dew point meter and IR gas analyzer connected in series for online measurement, was developed and the co‐adsorption performance of CO2 and H2O was analyzed. It was found that the H2O adsorption capacity and activation energy were not significantly changed when 0.4 % (v) CO2 was applied in the co‐adsorption process, indicating that the effect of dilute CO2 could be neglected. However, the CO2 adsorption capacity increased with the assistance of H2O, and then it decreased slightly when the H2O content in air flow was above 1.56 % (v). This implied that the adsorption activation energy of CO2 could be significantly reduced due to the existence of H2O in air flow. The direct formation of bicarbonate on the supported PEI adsorbent was favoured for the co‐adsorption process of CO2 and H2O.
Black swans in space: modeling spatiotemporal processes with extremes
Authors: Anderson Sean C. , Ward Eric J.
Published: June 2018

In ecological systems, extremes can happen in time, such as population crashes, or in space, such as rapid range contractions. However, current methods for joint inference about temporal and spatial dynamics (e.g., spatiotemporal modeling with Gaussian random fields) may perform poorly when underlying processes include extreme events. Here we introduce a model that allows for extremes to occur simultaneously in time and space. Our model is a Bayesian predictive‐process GLMM (generalized linear mixed‐effects model) that uses a multivariate‐t distribution to describe spatial random effects. The approach is easily implemented with our flexible R package glmmfields. First, using simulated data, we demonstrate the ability to recapture spatiotemporal extremes, and explore the consequences of fitting models that ignore such extremes. Second, we predict tree mortality from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in the U.S. Pacific Northwest over the last 16 yr. We show that our approach provides more accurate and precise predictions compared to traditional spatiotemporal models when extremes are present. Our R package makes these models accessible to a wide range of ecologists and scientists in other disciplines interested in fitting spatiotemporal GLMMs, with and without extremes.
Building Close Ties Between CO2 and Functional Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials with Green Chemistry Strategy
Authors: Ren Yumei , Xu Qun
Published: June 2018

Two‐dimensional nanomaterials represented an emerging class of nanomaterials that have attracted dramatically increasing attention in both academia and industries. With the development of green chemistry, supercritical carbon dioxide with unique properties can be used as excellent reaction media for two‐dimensional nanomaterials preparation and processing. In this review, we summarize the recent state‐of‐art progress on the ultrathin two‐dimensional nanomaterials fabricated with the assistance of supercritical carbon dioxide, including carbon dioxide‐induced liquid exfoliation, phase engineering, and the formation of amorphous materials, as well as the construction of heterostructures and novel functional nanomaterials. Based on the potential and versatility of supercritical carbon dioxide in materials processing and synthesis, we will also give some personal perspectives on the existing challenges and future research directions.
Understanding the Effect of Germanium as an Efficient Auxiliary Pre‐Dopant in Carbon Nanotubes on Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Kangming , Chen Xiaoyang , Han Yumeng , Wang Juan , Zhu Tenglong , Wang Zhigang , Yu Yang , Li Chenguang , Kawi Sibudjing , Zhong Qin
Published: June 2018

In this study, sulfur‐doped carbon nanotubes with germanium as a pre‐dopant (SGe‐CNTs) are successfully prepared by sequential doping of germanium and sulfur, and their activity oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is evaluated. As comparison, Ge‐doped CNTs and S‐doped CNTs are synthesized. The electrochemical results reveal that both Ge‐doping and S‐doping could improve the ORR activity of CNTs. In the synthesis process of SGe‐CNTs, germanium is deemed to be an efficient auxiliary pre‐dopant, since germanium modifies the microstructure of CNTs, and germanium content on the surface of Ge‐CNTs decreases dramatically after sulfur doping. Meanwhile, sulfur content on the surface of SGe‐CNTs is much higher than that of S‐CNTs with equivalent sulfur‐comprising dopants. Due to the Ge pre‐doping effect and synergistic effect of S/Ge doping, SGe‐CNTs with appropriate ratio of Ge and S atoms exhibit prominently enhanced ORR performance compared with those of single Ge‐ or S‐doped CNTs. By virtue of the outstanding ORR performance, SGe‐CNTs materials are expected to be highly active and cost‐effective ORR electrocatalysts in metal‐air batteries and alkaline fuel cells. The excellent ORR catalytic performance of SGe‐CNTs could be ascribed to the auxiliary Ge pre‐doping effect.
Development of Bi‐layer Metal Substrate Architectures for Suspension Plasma Sprayed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Arevalo‐Quintero O. , Kesler O.
Published: June 2018

Metal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells have several advantages, which could potentially increase the overall competitiveness of the technology, compared to their cermet‐supported counterparts. However, surface imperfections and rapid oxidation of the metal supports at operating temperatures are factors that affect the electrochemical performance and durability of the cells. In this study, we have developed bi‐layer metal supports consisting of a thin, finely structured top layer and a thicker, more coarsely structured bottom layer. The fine top layer has small surface pore sizes which facilitate the deposition of defect‐free electrolyte layers, while the coarse layer provides greater open porosity and larger pore sizes to facilitate mass transport and to decrease the rate of oxidation. An open circuit voltage (OCV) as high as 1.105 V at 750 °C in 3% humidified hydrogen is reported in this study, which deviates from the Nernst potential by only 5 mV. This result shows that the bi‐layer support has the potential to minimize electrode and electrolyte defects, which are known to be detrimental to cell performance. In addition, the bi‐layer supports show better oxidation resistance compared to benchmark finely‐structured single‐layer supports fabricated in this study for comparison.
The Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Air Pollution Index and Meteorological Elements in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, China
Authors: Shi Huading , Critto Andrea , Torresan Silvia , Gao Qingxian
Published: June 2018

With rapid economic development and continuous population growth, several important cities in China suffer serious air pollution, especially in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei economic developing area. Based on the daily air pollution index (API) and surface meteorological elements in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang (the capital of Hebei province) from 2001 to 2010, the relationships between API and meteorological elements were analyzed. The statistical analysis focused on the relationships at seasonal and monthly average scales, on different air pollution grades and air pollution processes. The results revealed that the air pollution conditions in the 3 areas gradually improved from 2001 to 2010, especially during summer; the worst conditions in air quality were recorded in Beijing in spring due to the influences of dust, and in Tianjin and Shijiazhuang in winter due to household heating. Meteorological elements exhibited different influences on air pollution, showing similar relationships between API in monthly averages and 4 meteorological elements (i.e., the average, maximum, and minimum temperatures; maximum air pressure; vapor pressure; and maximum wind speed), whereas the relationships on a seasonal average scale demonstrated significant differences. Compared with seasonal and monthly average scales of API, the relation coefficients based on different air pollution grades were significantly lower, whereas the relationship between API and meteorological elements based on air pollution processes reduced the smoothing effect due to the average processing of seasonal and monthly API and improved the accuracy of the results. Finally, statistical analysis of the distribution of pollution days in different wind directions indicated the directions of extreme and maximum wind speeds that mainly influence air pollution, representing valuable information that could support the definition of air pollution control strategies through the identification of the regions (and the located emission sources) where the implementation of emission reduction actions should be focused. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:710–721. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

The relationships between air pollution index and meteorological elements in 3 Chinese cities were analyzed. Meteorological elements exhibited different influences on air pollution in temporal and spatial scales. Statistical analysis of the distribution of pollution days in different wind directions was conducted. Comparisons of 6 representative types of air pollution process were made.
Silk nanofibrous electrospun scaffold enhances differentiation of embryonic stem like cells derived from testis in to mature neuron
Authors: Bojnordi Maryam Nazm , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Vojoudi Elham , Hamidabadi Hatef Ghasemi
Published: June 2018

The scaffolds accompanied with stem cells have great potential for applications in neural tissue engineering. Fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold similar to extracellular matrix is one of the applicable methods in neural tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was the fabrication of a silk nanofibrous scaffold as a microenvironment for neural guiding differentiation of embryonic stem like cells (ES Like cells) derived from testis toward neuron‐like cells. ES Like derived from culturing of testicular cells in vitro, were seeded on silk scaffolds and induced to neuronal phenotype using 4−/4± RA technique following culturing the cells in the neurobasal medium supplemented with 20 ng/mL bFGF,10 ng/mL EGF, B27, and N2 for 8–12 days. The neural differentiation was confirmed via the evaluation of specific neural markers; Nestin, NF68, MAP2 and β tubulin using immunocytochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that silk scaffold support the attachment and proliferation of ES Like cells. The expression of Nestin, NF68, Map2, and ß tubulin markers were higher in cells grown on silk scaffold in compare to monolayer group. This study suggests electrospun silk nanofibrous scaffold as an appropriate substrate for neural induction of stem cells that is applicable for repairmen of damaged neural tissues. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2662–2669, 2018.
The effects of bone implants’ coating mechanical properties on osseointegration:In vivo,in vitro, and histological investigations
Authors: Ghadami Farhad , Saber‐Samandari Saeed , Rouhi Gholamreza , Amani Hamedani Mohsen , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Farzad Mohajeri Saeed , Mashhadi‐Abbas Fatemeh , Gholami Hossein
Published: June 2018

The main goal of this work was to investigate the effects of implants coatings’ mechanical properties and morphology on the osseointegration. In order to produce different mechanical properties of coatings, two thermal spray techniques, high velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) and air plasma spray (APS) were employed. Titanium pins were coated and implanted into the distal femurs and proximal tibias of fifteen New Zealand white rabbits, equally distributed in three study groups, and a total of 20 pins implanted in each group. Eight weeks after insertion, the rabbits were euthanized and the femur samples were taken out for biomechanical tests and tibia samples for histological evaluations of osseointegration. Scanning electron microscopy results showed enhanced density and a better morphology of HVOF coatings, compared to APS samples, and X‐ray diffraction characterized an enhanced crystallinity of HVOF coatings. Nanoindentation tests revealed greater hardness and elastic modulus of HVOF coatings, whereas greater tensile residual stress and more pronounced creep was observed for APS coatings. Neither in biomechanical tests, nor in the histological analyses, a significant difference was observed between HVOF and APS coated samples (p > 0.05, andp > 0.05, respectively). The lack of significant difference between the HVOF and APS coated implants’ osseointegration rejected our hypothesis to have a more enhanced osseointegration due to a better morphology, as well as stronger mechanical properties of HA coatings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2679–2691, 2018.
Meta‐analysis of meta‐analyses of anterior cruciate ligament injury reduction training programs
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: June 2018

Several meta‐analyses have been published on the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention training programs to reduce ACL injury risk, with various degrees of risk reduction reported. The purpose of this research was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of overlapping meta‐analyses evaluating the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention training programs so as to summarize the amount of reduction in risk for all ACL and non‐contact ACL injuries into a single source, and determine if there were sex differences in the relative efficacy of ACL injury prevention training programs. Five databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane) were searched to identify meta‐analyses that evaluated the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention training programs on ACL injury risk. ACL injury data were extracted and the results from each meta‐analysis were combined using a summary meta‐analysis based on odds ratios (OR). Eight meta‐analyses met eligibility criteria. Six of the eight only included data for female athletes. Summary meta‐analysis showed an overall 50% reduction (OR = 0.5 [0.41–0.59]; I2 = 15%) in the risk of all ACL injuries in all athletes and a 67% reduction (OR = 0.33 [0.27–0.41]; I2 = 15%) for non‐contact ACL injuries in females. This paper combines all previous meta‐analyses into a single source and shows conclusive evidence that ACL injury prevention programs reduce the risk of all ACL injuries by half in all athletes and non‐contact ACL injuries by two‐thirds in female athletes. There is insufficient data to make conclusions as to the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention programs in male athletes. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2696–2708, 2018.
Metabolic responses of meniscal explants to injury and inflammation ex vivo
Authors: Cook Alex E. , Stoker Aaron M. , Leary Emily V. , Pfeiffer Ferris M. , Cook James L.
Published: June 2018

This study was designed to characterize metabolic responses of meniscal tissue explants to injury and inflammation. We hypothesized that impact injury and interleukin (IL‐1β) stimulation of meniscal explants would result in significant increases in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and relevant cytokine production compared to controls. Mature canine meniscal explants (n = 9/group) were randomly assigned to: (i) IL‐1β (0.1 ng/ml) treated (IL); (ii) 25% strain (25); (iii) 75% strain (75); (iv) 25% + IL‐1β (25IL); (v) 75% + IL‐1β (75IL); or (vi) 0% + no IL‐1β control (NC). Explants were impacted at 100 mm/s to 0%, 25%, or 75% strain and then cultured for 12 days with or without 0.1 ng/ml rcIL‐1β. Media were refreshed every 3 days and analyzed for MMP activity, ADAMTS‐4 activity, MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, GAG, NO, PGE2, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and KC concentrations. Treatment with IL‐1β alone significantly increased NO, PGE2, general MMP activity, IL‐6, IL‐8, KC, and MCP‐1 media concentrations compared to negative controls. Impact at 75% significantly increased PGE2, IL‐6, IL‐8, and KC media concentrations compared to negative controls. The combination of IL‐1β and 75% strain significantly increased production of PGE2 compared to IL‐1β or 75% strain alone. Impact injury to meniscal explants ex vivo is associated with increased production of pro‐inflammatory mediators and degradative enzyme activity, which are exacerbated by stimulation with IL‐1β. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2657–2663, 2018.
Ecological factors associated with site occupancy of an endemic chipmunk
Authors: Perkins‐Taylor Ian E. , Frey Jennifer K.
Published: June 2018

The Oscura Mountains Colorado chipmunk (Neotamias quadrivittatus oscuraensis) is a rare subspecies of the Colorado chipmunk that is listed as threatened by the state of New Mexico, primarily because it is an endemic subspecies with a small, isolated habitat and the potential for continuing habitat loss. Knowledge about its ecology is limited, which has hindered the development of scientifically defensible management plans. Our goal was to better understand the ecological factors related to the distribution and habitat selection of this chipmunk. We deployed baited camera traps in the Oscura Mountains, New Mexico, USA, using an occupancy modeling framework to determine which ecological factors are associated with occupancy and detection probability. We collected microhabitat and landscape‐level data for use as covariates in the occupancy models. We detected the Oscura Mountains chipmunk at 26 of the 137 survey sites. Occupancy probability was not influenced by the microhabitat characteristics measured and the final model contained only landscape‐level covariates on occupancy. Probability of occupancy was positively associated with proximity to an escarpment, two‐needle pinyon (Pinus edulis) woodland vegetation community type, and elevation. Detection probability was positively associated with the presence of mature two‐needle pinyons at the site. Habitat loss is a major concern for this taxon, especially because climate change is expected to exacerbate threats to pinyon woodlands. Drought, wildfire, bark beetle (Ips confusus) outbreaks, and other diseases pose a large risk to conifer woodlands throughout the southwestern United States. Conserving the pinyon woodlands on the Oscura Mountains, particularly in areas near escarpments, will help maintain habitat that is important for the Oscura Mountains chipmunk. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of the prior cold work on the corrosion resistance of lean duplex stainless steel welded by GMAW process
Authors: Souza Carla S. , Soares Renata B. , de Faria Ricardo A. D. , Bracarense Alexandre Q. , des M. M. R. Castro Maria , de F. C. Lins Vanessa
Published: June 2018

The influence of the prior cold work (0, 10, 30, and 30% thickness reduction) on the microstructure evolution and corrosion resistance of UNS S32304 lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) welded by gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process was investigated. The cold work promotes flattening of the ferrite and austenite bands, deformed regions in the austenite and increase of the hardness of the material. The welding of the cold‐worked steel generated, besides the typical regions of the welded DSS joints (fusion zone (FZ), heat‐affected zone (HAZ), and base metal zone (BM)), an annealed region around the HAZ, that showed partial recovery of the microstructure and hardness reduction. The HAZ presented excessive ferritization and precipitation of chromium nitrides. The cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests, in an aqueous solution of 3.5 wt% NaCl at room temperature, showed for the only cold‐worked samples an increase of the pitting corrosion resistance up to a level of 30% thickness reduction and a decrease of the localized corrosion for 50% thickness reduction. The welding of the cold‐worked samples promoted the reduction of pitting corrosion resistance for all levels of thickness reduction evaluated.
Study of the corrosion characteristics of the metal materials of an aero‐engine under a marine atmosphere
Authors: Xing Wenhao , Wang Xiaohui , Guo Bingxiu , Shao Yue , Wang Yanyan
Published: June 2018

The corrosion tests are carried out on stainless steel, titanium alloy, copper alloy and high temperature alloy samples commonly used in an aviation engine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) were used to observe the corrosion morphology of the corroded materials and 3D images after the corrosion products were removed. The corrosion rate was calculated by a weight loss method. A gradient boosting regression tree algorithm has good robustness for high‐dimensional data and is suitable for small‐sample data. The model can accurately predict the corrosion rate of metals and can analyze the factors that influence the corrosion rate.
Influence of surface grinding on corrosion behavior of ferritic stainless steels in boiling magnesium chloride solution
Authors: Zhou Nian , Pettersson Rachel , Schönning Mikael , Peng Ru Lin
Published: June 2018

The influence of grinding operations on surface properties and corrosion behavior of a ferritic stainless steel (FSS), EN 1.4509, has been investigated and limited comparisons also made to the grade EN 1.4622. Surface grinding was performed along the rolling direction of the material. Corrosion tests were conducted in boiling magnesium chloride solution according to ASTM G36; specimens were exposed both without external loading and under four‐point bend loading. The surface topography and cross‐section microstructure before and after exposure were investigated, and residual stresses were measured on selected specimens before and after corrosion tests using X‐ray diffraction. In addition, in situ surface stress measurements were performed to evaluate the actual surface stresses of specimens subject to four‐point bend loading according to ASTM G39. Micro‐pits showing branched morphology initiated from the highly deformed ground surface layer which contained fragmented grains, were observed for all the ground specimens but not those in the as‐delivered condition. Grain boundaries under the surface layer appeared to hinder the corrosion process. No macro‐cracking was found on any specimen after exposure even at high calculated applied loads.
Polymeric Janus Nanoparticles: Recent Advances in Synthetic Strategies, Materials Properties, and Applications
Authors: Fan Xiaoshan , Yang Jing , Loh Xian Jun , Li Zibiao
Published: June 2018

Polymeric Janus nanoparticles with two sides of incompatible chemistry have received increasing attention due to their tunable asymmetric structure and unique material characteristics. Recently, with the rapid progress in controlled polymerization combined with novel fabrication techniques, a large array of functional polymeric Janus particles are diversified with sophisticated architecture and applications. In this review, the most recently developed strategies for controlled synthesis of polymeric Janus nanoparticles with well‐defined size and complex superstructures are summarized. In addition, the pros and cons of each approach in mediating the anisotropic shapes of polymeric Janus particles as well as their asymmetric spatial distribution of chemical compositions and functionalities are discussed and compared. Finally, these newly developed structural nanoparticles with specific shapes and surface functions orientated applications in different domains are also discussed, followed by the perspectives and challenges faced in the further advancement of polymeric Janus nanoparticles as high performance materials.
A bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Public Affairs
Authors: Morkunas Vida J. , Moore Shane , Duncan Sherese Y.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a bibliometric study of the Journal of Public Affairs from its inception in 2001, up to and including the final issue of 2016. The background of the journal is presented, followed by a content analysis of the journal. With a focus on peer‐reviewed articles, 465 articles are analyzed in terms of authorship characteristics, manuscript characteristics, and content characteristics. The analysis and discussion examine the journal's output against its stated aims and provide a detailed overview of the journal's contributions and its impact.
An efficient intensity‐based ready‐to‐use X‐ray image stitcher
Authors: Wang Junchen , Zhang Xiaohui , Sun Zhen , Yuan Fuzhen
Published: June 2018

Background: The limited field of view of the X‐ray image intensifier makes it difficult to cover a large target area with a single X‐ray image. X‐ray image stitching techniques have been proposed to produce a panoramic X‐ray image.

Methods: This paper presents an efficient intensity‐based X‐ray image stitcher, which does not rely on accurate C‐arm motion control or auxiliary devices and hence is ready to use in clinic. The stitcher consumes sequentially captured X‐ray images with overlap areas and automatically produces a panoramic image. The gradient information for optimization of image alignment is obtained using a back‐propagation scheme so that it is convenient to adopt various image warping models.

Results: The proposed stitcher has the following advantages over existing methods: (1) no additional hardware modification or auxiliary markers are needed; (2) it is robust against feature‐based approaches; (3) arbitrary warping models and shapes of the region of interest are supported; (4) seamless stitching is achieved using multi‐band blending. Experiments have been performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Conclusion: The proposed X‐ray image stitcher is efficient, accurate and ready to use in clinic.