bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding Frenzy!: Nibbling Away Problem Algae
Authors: Gipson Tyler
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an effort at the A.B. Jewell Water Treatment Plant (ABJ) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to use fish to control algae. It was decided to use tilapia to mitigate the algae problem, since tilapia had already been successfully used for this purpose in water and wastewater treatment applications. Native to Africa, tilapia is a freshwater fish that has been introduced to freshwater systems all over the world because of the fish's popularity for human consumption. The article discusses a testing protocol that included measuring the: time required for the tilapia to eat the strands of algae; cost of tilapia vs. copper sulfate; percentage of fish that survived the test period; and, average weight gain per fish.
Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?
Authors: Welter Gregory
Published: June 2018

This article stresses the importance of advance planning for disasters, and cites information from a publication titled, “Recovery Practices Primer for Natural Disasters,” a guide produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‐funded Water Infrastructure Security Enhancements (WISE) initiative. The guide reviews recent utility disaster experiences to document actions that can be or have been successfully undertaken to mitigate disaster impact or expediently restore service operations. This article examines pre‐event mitigation measures for three types of natural disasters that include: river floods and coastal hurricanes; wildfires; and, earthquakes. The article provides an inset that recommends identifying critical system records and storing backup copies in a secure location, along with including drills in disaster planning for manual system operations in the event of SCADA system failures.
Advanced: SCADA Tools: Solve Operational Mysteries
Authors: Gilmore Laurie , Ubert David , Montague Kevin
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the DeKalb County (Georgia) Department of Watershed Management used a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to control an entire distribution system, identify single malfunctions, and provide trending data to analyze operational anomalies. The utility was building a new treatment plant and had to integrate the old facility's signals with the new SCADA system, and ultimately the SCADA system made the transition easier. The article includes an insert, “Putting the System Together”, that describes the extensive planning and development that went into the design of treatment processes and controls for the new plant.
How Can We Prevent Frozen Pipes?
Authors:   AWWA SMALL SYSTEMS DIVISION
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks how a small water system can prevent service lines from freezing in the winter. The article suggests prevention as the best preparation. When the service lines are installed, they should be buried below the frost line. If your utility is in an extremely cold environment, the service line may need to be encased or insulated to prevent freezing. Other suggestions include: keep records of problem areas; notify customers to keep water flowing; run insulated lines through heated tunnels in the far north; and, recirculate water from the distribution system back to the treatment plant. Defining service line ownership is discussed, along with approved electric thawing machines, and hot water thawing.
Risk Management Prepare for Watershed Events to Enhance Water Treatment
Authors: Lane Diana , Cromwell John , Strange Elizabeth
Published: June 2018

After major events such as a wildfire, hurricane, flood, or mudslide, utilities may have to shift to emergency operations because of water quality variables outside the range of normal treatment processes. The risks depend on the ecological and sociological characteristics of a utility's watershed and the utility's collection, storage, treatment, and distribution systems. This article discusses four suggestions for utilities to consider for minimizing risks to their drinking water supplies: assessing specific risks with respect to large‐scale vegetation changes; understanding the impact of fire, storm, and urbanization events on water quality and quantity; understanding potential management strategies that can help reduce risks of large‐scale vegetation changes or mitigate the effects of these changes; and, learning from experiences of other water utilities that have coped with major events and their aftermath.
Hiring and Retention: Getting Past the Generation Gap
Authors: Mestayer Kathi
Published: June 2018

This article discusses strategies that deal with worker differences, including: become an employer of choice by working with high schools to offer apprenticeships, mentoring and training to attract and engage teenagers; coach employees on interpersonal skills and the distinctive culture of utilities in general and each utility specifically; identify flexible work options such as flextime, telecommuting, and job‐sharing, “leave banks”, and on‐site child care; gather data on perceptions and preferences of key groups throughout the hiring cycle, and use data as marketing tools; and, conduct follow‐up by periodically reviewing knowledge management, generational differences, and teamwork.
Leadership Attributes: Inspire Others to Greatness
Authors: Bickerstaff Richard E.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses leadership attributes, including ability and desire, vision, planning and organizational skills, integrity, competence and confidence, communication and follow‐up skills, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, risk‐taking capabilities, and, motivation and success.
How Can Systems Preserve Institutional Knowledge?
Authors: Mercer Ken
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks how to document operational processes and assets in order to preserve institutional knowledge. The answer suggests categorizing system records into two basic categories, static records that document physical information and dynamic records that provide a snap‐shot of how the treatment and distribution systems currently function. Different sub‐categories within each of the static or dynamic records are provided. Maps are considered the most valuable sources of institutional information and should be created during installation and updated with each repair. System components that should be included on each map are provided, along with suggestions for developing water system maps. The importance of long‐term planning for regularly collecting and maintaining system information is stressed.
Hydrant Stand Supports, Protects Equipment
Authors: Sheline Tom
Published: June 2018

This article describes an adjustable‐height stand to support a backflow preventer and hydrant meter. Directions for constructing the stand are provided, along with materials and costs. Benefits include relieving stress on the hydrant's fire hose outlet and protecting the town's equipment, thus allowing the town to pursue a new income source.
Hydraulic Models Shed Light on Water Age
Authors: Cruickshank Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses water quality in terms of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) related to distribution system water age. The Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule requires utilities to conduct initial distribution system evaluations (IDSEs) to select new DBP sampling sites. DBP compliance monitoring begins in 2012 or 2013, depending on the population served. Many utilities have chosen to conduct IDSEs using hydraulic models instead of extensive monitoring programs. This article discusses the benefits of using hydraulic modeling, along with methods for reducing water age that were originally demonstrated by case studies.
What's Inside the Hidden World of Biofilm?
Authors: Hwang Chiachi
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how biofilm is formed, its effects on distribution systems, and identification of bacteria in biofilm. The article provides tables that list common proteobacteria found in drinking water distribution systems, and the types of bacteria found by a University of Illinois, Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC) study.
Committees Streamline, Coordinate Water Quality Control Efforts
Authors: Burlingame Gary A. , Estes‐Smargiassi Stephen , Akagi Yone
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how committees formed by three different utilities have transformed water quality control efforts into a coordinated communicative process. Committee team members, committee tasks, and team efforts are discussed for the three utilities that include the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the Portland (Oregon) Water Bureau, and the Philadelphia Water Department.
Optimized Chemical Delivery: An Innovative Approach to Chemical Storage and Feed at Drinking Water Treatment Plants
Authors: Waters Christopher J. , Grimes Douglas K. , Bucceri Ryan H. , Barrack Thomas J.
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a project by the Corbalis Water Treatment Plant, Fairfax County, Virginia to improve its chemical storage and feed system by: increasing chemical feed for 225‐mgd plant capacity; simplifying system operation; maximizing on‐site chemical storage; increasing chemical system automation; and, enhancing reliability and redundancy. The article discusses the replacement of the gaseous chlorine disinfection system at Corbalis WTP with a new sodium hypochlorite storage and feed system.
What's the Correct Backwash Rate for Dual‐Media Filters?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about the correct backwash rate for dual media filters. The article recommends that the rate should be whatever adequately cleans the filter. The article discusses filter‐coring and solids‐retention profiling as filter inspection methods that can ensure the optimum rate is being achieved. These methods should be an important feature of any annual filter surveillance program.
Slipline Methodology Rehabilitates Large‐Diameter Water Main
Authors: Abusaoud Mustafa , Botteicher Richard
Published: June 2018

Because of increasing leaks in a water main and costly repairs, a U.S. Virgin Islands utility turned to slipline technology to rehabilitate the main, minimize commercial disruptions during the rehabilitation, and mitigate corrosion.
Leverage Operations Data and Improve Utility: Performance
Authors: Serjeantson Bill , McKinney Scott , van Buskirk Rod
Published: June 2018

This article discusses the operations data management system (ODMS), that uses data capture and a time‐series database to provide a uniform view of a utility's operations data, regardless of the source. Time‐series databases are commonly called historians and may be custom‐built, supplied by a utility's human‐machine interface vendor, or developed by an independent ODMS solution provider. The benefits of an ODMS system are discussed, along with the importance of data quality and data accessibility when building and maintaining an ODMS. The article includes an insert that provides examples of the impact such a system has made in two water utilities in recent years.
Use Zeta Potential to Improve Direct Filtration Operation
Authors: Pernitsky David J. , Cantwell Raymond E. , Murphy Ella , Paradis Natalie , Boutilier Jaime , Bache Geoff
Published: June 2018

This article discusses an optimization program that used zeta‐potential analyses to improve plant performance at the 10 ML/d (2.6 mgd) Beach Road Water Treatment Plant in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada. The use of zeta‐potential analyses optimized coagulant conditions to increase plant production by 50 percent.
High‐Desert City Decreases Water Scarcity Problems
Authors: Scott Jerry , Andrade German
Published: June 2018

This article discusses a multifaceted sustainability program by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, the largest water utility in New Mexico. The article discusses program components that include: water conservation; commissioning a surface water plant to supplement deep wells; a recycling and reclamation program; and, conversion to on‐site hypochlorite generation for water disinfection.
Declining Residential Water Use Presents Challenges, Opportunities
Authors: Hunter Margaret , Donmoyer Kelly , Chelius Jim , Naumick Gary
Published: June 2018

This article briefly discusses several factors that appear to contribute to declining household water use such as high‐efficiency plumbing fixtures; a decline in persons per household; utility‐led water efficiency programs; increased conservation practices; economic conditions; and, price elasticity. The article also briefly discusses the financial implications of reduced consumption on utilities, along with opportunities presented by declining residential water use.
Where Can I Find Good Training to Further My Career?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: June 2018

This month's question asks about training for career enhancement. The answer discusses the wealth of information offered by AWWA in the form of training courses and reference materials on all aspects of water system management and operation. Specifically, the article describes how to navigate AWWA's website to find information on training/education opportunities offered by AWWA.
Evaluating Cavitation Solutions—Past and Present
Authors: Clarke Brad , Oksanen Kari
Published: June 2018

This article provides a brief history of past and present cavitation solutions, along with an explanation of typical applications where anticavitation trim will eliminate or substantially reduce the effects of cavitation. Last month's issue of Opflow (June 2011) contained an article on the consequences of cavitation, “Take the Mystery Out of Cavitation.” This article contains an inset, “Cavitation Is Prevalent in Common Applications,” that discusses some typical applications to explain where anticavitation trim will eliminate or substantially reduce the normal effects of cavitation.
Portable Mixer Enhances Chlorine Residual Monitoring
Authors: Ramirez Tom C. , Beckstrand Doug , Rhodes Stan , Reshaw Ratch , Ibbeson And Troy
Published: June 2018

The Portable Treated Water Reservoir Mixer was developed to boost chlorine residual and mix the water in treated water tanks and reservoirs to prevent or eliminate undesirable conditions, such as nitrification or stratification. The mixer can also be used for dechlorination or pH adjustment in a reservoir prior to draining and discharge into receiving waters. The Portable Reservoir Mixer has many advantages, including safety, performance, and cost savings.
Preparing a Sustainable Leakage Management Program
Authors: Leauber Chris
Published: June 2018

Intake offers Opflow readers guidelines and best practices collected from AWWA Manuals of Water Supply Practices.
Developing a Successful Hydraulic Model
Authors: Robinson Larado
Published: June 2018

Intake offers Opflow readers guidelines and best practices collected from AWWA Manuals of Water Supply Practices.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of HBsAg inhibits proliferation and tumorigenicity of HBV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Song Jia , Zhang Xiaochao , Ge Qianyun , Yuan Chaoyi , Chu Liang , Liang Hui‐fang , Liao Zhibin , Liu Qiumeng , Zhang Zhanguo , Zhang Bixiang
Published: June 2018

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) levels are highly correlated with hepatocarcinogenesis and HBV‐associated HCC development. However, the role and detailed mechanisms associated with HBsAg in HCC development remain elusive. In this study, we designed specific single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting the open reading frames, preS1/preS2/S, of the HBV genome and established HBsAg knockout HCC cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We showed that knockout of HBsAg in HCC cell lines decreased HBsAg expression and significantly attenuated HCC proliferation in vitro, as well as tumorigenicity in vivo. We also found that overexpression of HBsAg, including the large (LHBs), middle (MHBs), and small (SHBs) surface proteins promoted proliferation and tumor formation in HCC cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that knockout of HBsAg in HCC cells decreased interleukin (IL)‐6 production and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, while overexpression of HBsAg induced a substantial accumulation of pY‐STAT3. Collectively, these results highlighted the tumorigenic role of HBsAg and implied that the IL‐6‐STAT3 pathway may be implicated in the HBsAg‐mediated malignant potential of HBV‐associated HCC.
Baicalin effects on rats with spinal cord injury by anti‐inflammatory and regulating the serum metabolic disorder
Authors: Kang Shufeng , Liu Shizhao , Li Hongzhu , Wang Dapeng , Qi Xiangbei
Published: June 2018

Baicalin had neuroprotective effects on inhibiting neuronal cell apoptosis induced by spinal cord ischemic injury. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of Baicalin on rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) and its mechanism of action. The recovery of spinal cord nerve function in rats was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score and the combine behavioral score (CBS). The expressions of cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐6 were detected by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Expressions of inflammation‐related proteins were detected by Western blot. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed for serum metabolites. The BBB and CBS score results showed that Baicalin had a certain improvement on rats with SCI. SCI symptoms were significantly improved in low‐dose and high‐dose groups. The levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in the SCI group were significantly increased. The expressions of NF‐κB p65, NF‐κB p50, p‐IκBα, and IKKα in the SCI group showed the opposite trend compared with the low‐dose and high‐dose groups. Compared with the sham group, glutamine, levels of 3‐OH‐butyrate, N‐acetylaspartate, and glutathione were significantly reduced, and the levels of glutamate and betaine were significantly increased in the SCI group. When Baicalin was administered, the contents of glutamine synthase (GS) and glutaminase (GLS) were significantly reduced, indicating that Baicalin had the effect of improving GS and GLS. Baicalin has protective effects on improving SCI and lower extremity motor function, has a significant anti‐inflammatory effect, and regulates the serum metabolic disorder caused by SCI in rats.
Effect of the calcium silicate‐based sealer removal protocols and time‐point of acid etching on the dentin adhesive interface
Authors: Morais Jéssika Mayhara Pereira , Victorino Keli Regina , Escalante‐Otárola Wilfredo Gustavo , Jordão‐Basso Keren Cristina Fagundes , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects when acid etching on the dentin surface was immediately performed (I) or 7 days (D) after calcium silicate‐based sealer (MTA Fillapex) removal, using 95% ethanol (E) or xylol (X). First study, 60 bovine incisor dentin specimens were impregnated with sealer and divided into six groups (n = 10): (EI), E + I; (XI), X + I; (ED), E + D; (XD), X + D, (UN), untreated and (MR), mechanical removal of sealer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images (500×) were obtained from each specimen and scores assessed the sealer residues persistence. Second study, 60 specimens were similarly treated; however, the specimens were restored with composite resin after the removal protocols. Hybrid layer formation was evaluated using confocal laser microscopy (1,024×). Third study, 60 specimens were similarly obtained and subjected to micro‐shear test to evaluate the effects of removal protocols on the bond strength of etch‐and‐ rinse adhesive system to dentin. XI showed the highest persistence of sealer residues (p < .05), similar to MR (p > .05). EI showed the greatest hybrid layer extension, except in relation to UN (p < .05). XI and MR presented the lowest bond strength adhesive system to dentin (p < .05). Acid etching immediately after calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealer removal using xylol presented the highest residues persistence and negatively affected the adhesive interface between dentin and etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system.
Heterochronic opsin expression due to early light deprivation results in drastically shifted visual sensitivity in a cichlid fish: Possible role of thyroid hormone signaling
Authors: Karagic Nidal , Härer Andreas , Meyer Axel , Torres‐Dowdall Julián
Published: June 2018

During early ontogeny, visual opsin gene expression in cichlids is influenced by prevailing light regimen. Red light, for example, leads to an early switch from the expression of short‐wavelength sensitive to long‐wavelength sensitive opsins. Here, we address the influence of light deprivation on opsin expression. Individuals reared in constant darkness during the first 14 days post‐hatching (dph) showed a general developmental delay compared with fish reared under a 12:12 hr light–dark cycle (control group). Several characters including pigmentation patterns and eye development, appeared later in dark‐reared individuals. Quantitative real‐time PCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization at six time points during the 14 days period revealed that fish from the control group expressed opsin genes from 5 dph on and maintained a short‐wavelength sensitive phenotype (sws1, rh2b, and rh2a). Onset of opsin expression in dark‐reared Midas cichlids was delayed by 4 days and visual sensitivity rapidly progressed toward a long‐wavelength sensitive phenotype (sws2b, rh2a, and lws). Shifts in visual sensitivities toward longer wavelengths are mediated by thyroid hormone (TH) in many vertebrates. Compared to control fish, dark‐reared individuals showed elevated dio3 expression levels ‐ a validated proxy for TH concentration ‐ suggesting higher circulating TH levels. Despite decelerated overall development, ontogeny of opsin gene expression was accelerated, resulting in retinae with long‐wavelength shifted predicted sensitivities compared to light‐reared individuals. Indirect evidence suggests that this was due to altered TH metabolism.
Trim27 confers myeloid hematopoiesis competitiveness by up-regulating myeloid master genes
Authors: Wang Tongjie , Xia Chengxiang , Dong Yong , Chen Xiaoli , Wang Jinyong , Du Juan
Published: June 2018

Trim27 (Zinc finger protein RFP) is a potential regulator of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), yet its role in hematopoiesis remains elusive. Here, we investigated the roles of Trim27 in hematopoiesis by enforcing its expression in mouse and human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Ectopic expression of Trim27 in mouse fetal liver (FL) HSPC confers repopulating advantage with myeloid dominance. However, the number of HSC from Trim27 group was comparable with empty vector control group, indicating that overexpression of Trim27 unlikely expanded HSC. Transcriptome analysis of Trim27-overexpressing myeloid progenitor cells (MP) indicated that Trim27 up-regulated essential regulators of myelopoiesis, including Spi1 and Cebpg, up-regulated myeloid proliferation-related signaling genes Nras, Runx1, and Cbfb, up-regulated JAK/STAT signaling inhibitors Socs2, Socs3, and Cish, and up-regulated myeloid maturation-related genes Adam8 and Dek. Moreover, the myeloproliferative advantage caused by overexpressing Trim27/TRIM27 is conserved between mouse and human hematopoiesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that Trim27 confers competitive hematopoiesis by promoting myeloid bias differentiation of HSPC, but not by expanding HSC.

TTrim27 overexpression confers competitive hematopoiesis by promoting myeloid bias differentiation of HSPC, but not by expanding HSC.
Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance in HIV patients with virologic failure of first‐line therapy in the country of Georgia
Authors: Karkashadze Ekaterine , Dvali Natia , Bolokadze Natalia , Sharvadze Lali , Gabunia Pati , Karchava Marine , Tchelidze Tamar , Tsertsvadze Tengiz , DeHovitz Jack , del Rio Carlos , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz
Published: June 2018

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance is a major threat to the sustained impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We studied the epidemiology of drug resistance in the country of Georgia. The study included all adult patients who experienced virologic failure on first line ART and received HIV drug resistance testing between 2005 and 2016. The Stanford HIV Sequence Database was used for interpretation of the resistance data. Patient‐level data were extracted from the national AIDS health information system. Of the 447 patients included, 85.5% harbored the subtype A6 virus, 8.0% – subtype B, 2.9% – subtype G, and other subtypes were <1%. The most frequent first‐line regimens were Tenofovir/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz (28.4%), Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Efavirenz (28.4%), and Abacavir/Lamivudine/Efavirenz (15.9%). A total of 85.0% of the patients with treatment failure developed at least one drug resistance mutation affecting their susceptibility to ART. The most frequent nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations were M184V (65.3%), K65R (19.7%) and L74V (17.0%). At least three thymidine analogue mutations were detected in 6.3% of the patients. From non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations, G190S was shown to be the most prevalent (49.4%), followed by K101E (27.10%) and K103N (24.4%). G190S and K101E were more common in subtype A as compared with non‐A viruses (G190S: 54.9% vs 11.3%, P < 0.0001; K101E: 29.8% vs 11.3%, P = 0.005). On the other hand, K103N was more frequent in non‐A subtypes (43.4%) compared with subtype A (22.2%), P = 0.0008. A majority of persons failing on ART had HIV drug resistance. Drug resistance patterns may vary by subtype. K65R mutation remains below 20%, but given the high use of Tenofovir in the country, continuing surveillance of drug resistance is needed.
Novel human astroviruses in pediatric respiratory samples: A one‐year survey in a Swiss tertiary care hospital
Authors: Cordey Samuel , Zanella Marie‐Celine , Wagner Noemie , Turin Lara , Kaiser Laurent
Published: June 2018

Although classical human astroviruses (HAstV) are known to be a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of novel HAstV remain largely unknown. There is mounting evidence that, in contrast to classical astroviruses, novel HAstV exhibit tropism for the upper respiratory tract. This one‐year period prevalence screened all available clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from pediatric patients aged ≤5 years for novel and classical HAstV using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A total of 205 samples were tested; two novel HAstV cases were detected for a prevalence of 1.3%, with viral loads suggesting active upper respiratory tract replication. No classical HAstV was detected.
The university's Janus face: The innovation–inequality nexus
Authors: Florida Richard , Gaetani Ruben
Published: June 2018

The university is a key source of talent and a key driver of innovation and economic growth in a knowledge‐based economy. But, in performing these economic functions, it also contributes to economic and spatial inequality. Our research uses a variety of new data to examine this Janus face of the university in innovation and inequality across U.S. metro areas. We find evidence that the university plays a role in both regional innovation, boosting local patenting and startup companies, and in economic inequality, with higher rates of income and occupational segregation in metros with highly rated universities.
Existence of positive solutions of a nonlinear differential equation for a thermostat model
Authors: Shen Chunfang , Zhou Hui , Yang Liu
Published: June 2018

We consider a second‐order nonlinear differential equation with various boundary conditions that arises as a model of a thermostat. By means of the Avery‐Peterson fixed‐point theorem, we establish the existence result of at least triple positive solutions. The results complete the previous work in the thermostat model in the way that the first‐order derivative is involved in the nonlinearity explicitly.
UWB active antenna using dielectric resonator
Authors: Kumari Bibha , Gupta Nisha
Published: June 2018

This article presents the experimental study of a ultra‐wideband (UWB) active antenna comprising of a chaotic oscillator coupled to a dielectric resonator antenna. Wideband spectrum properties of chaotic signals are used to design an UWB active antenna. In contrast to classical active UWB antenna designed using patch, the proposed active antenna is capable of enhancing the bandwidth, easy to integrate with the oscillator and is small in size. The proposed UWB antenna using DR can be employed in UWB wireless communication systems.
Investigation of a miniaturized reflectarray antenna radiating in unusually tilted directions
Authors: Jo Eon‐Seok , Cho Soo‐Bean , Kim Dongho
Published: June 2018

We investigate the overall performance of a miniaturized reflectarray antenna radiating in unusually inclined directions. In our previous work, we successfully reduced an overall electrical volume of a conventional reflectarray antenna by more than hundreds of times. In the previous work, beam scan directions were strictly limited on only one plane, i.e., an H‐plane which is a general beam scan plane for the used source half‐wavelength dipole antenna. However, for unrestricted beam control required to cover entire hemispherical radiation space, beam scanning on an E‐plane is also much required. Accordingly, we examine antenna gain and aperture efficiency for inclined radiation on an E‐plane, which is disadvantageous for the source dipole antenna. To minimize expected antenna gain decrease, each cell of the reflectarray is designed to present desired reflection phase which is required to provide constructive interference between direct and reflected waves coming from the dipole and the reflectarray, respectively. Consequently, even though the proposed antenna scans on an unusual E‐plane including a dipole axis, we can show our miniaturization method can still provide relatively high aperture efficiency, which is important to scan a main beam in any arbitrary directions collaborating on our previous work.
Compact slotted CPW‐fed Y‐shape patch antenna for Wi‐Fi and WiMAX applications
Authors: Fang Xiao Chuan , Inserra Daniele , Huang Yong Jun , Wen Guang Jun , Hu Wei
Published: June 2018

A compact slotted Y‐shape patch antenna fed with a coplanar waveguide is described in this manuscript. The proposed antenna configuration comprises a modified rectangular slot printed on a single FR4 substrate which holds a Y‐shape patch antenna, and 2 equal length arms used to widen the impedance bandwidth. The antenna is manufactured and measurement results show good correspondence with the simulation analysis, with measured impedance bandwidth (defined for S11 ≤ −10 dB) of 44.9% (from 2.28 to 3.6 GHz) and stable gain larger than 2 dBi within the bandwidth of interest. The proposed antenna can be used for Wi‐Fi and WiMAX applications.
Modified Gysel power combiner with second harmonic control and internal matching characteristics
Authors: Ko Kwangjo , Park Youngcheol
Published: June 2018

In this article, a modified two‐way Gysel power combiner, which has second harmonic control and internal matching characteristic, is implemented to reduce the overall circuit size. Further, we proposed a generalized mathematical method for N‐way design, as an extension. The modified two‐way Gysel power combiner is implemented to have fundamental input impedance of 33.1 + j13.4 at 2.1 GHz and second harmonic of 4.5–j23.7 at 4.2 GHz to achieve the return loss of −41dB. To verify the mathematical method of the modified N‐way power combiner, it is applied to a four‐way Gysel power combiner, and the simulated return loss of −41.67 dB and isolation of −50.43 dB validated the proposed design method.
Multimode interference in single mode‐multimode‐single mode fiber structure for steel beam compressive strain measurement
Authors: Yusof N. H. , Razak H. A. , Arof H. , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: June 2018

A simple optical sensor based on singlemode‐multimode‐singlemode (SMS) optical fiber structure is proposed and demonstrated for the measurement of steel beam compression strain. The SMS sensor probe is fabricated by splicing both ends of a short multimode fiber with two pieces of standard single‐mode fibers using a fusion splicer. The strain sensitivity stems from the difference in the effective refractive index of the core, which induces resonant wavelength shift against the strain. In the experiment, parallel measurements were also made using an electrical resistance (ER) strain gauge for comparison purpose. The SMS sensor was also able to detect the elastic limit of the steel beam from the abrupt shift in the interference wavelength as the compressive strain was increased above 5.351 mm/mm. The sensor showed that the steel beam had an elastic limit at a compressive load of 130 kN, which was in good agreement with the ER strain gauge measurement. Furthermore, the SMS sensor exhibited a compressive strain sensitivity of 0.0323 nm/kN from the initial load until it reached the elastic limit.
Self‐reported chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment compared with cognitive complaints following menopause
Authors: Vega Jennifer N. , Dumas Julie , Newhouse Paul A.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is commonly reported following the administration of cancer treatment. Current longitudinal studies, primarily in women with breast cancer, suggest that up to 35% to 60% of patients exhibit persistent CRCI (pCRCI) following completion of chemotherapy. Complaints of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are also commonly reported by women during and following the menopause transition in noncancer patients. Although the majority of evidence for cognitive difficulties in cancer patients and survivors is attributed to chemotherapy, there is growing evidence to suggest that menopausal status can also influence cognitive function in cancer patients.

Methods

Given that menopausal status may be contributing to pCRCI, we compared a group of primarily postmenopausal women with pCRCI to 2 groups of postmenopausal women: women who endorse menopause‐associated SCD (maSCD+) and women who do not (maSCD−) to explore the similarities/differences between maSCD and pCRCI and the potential role of menopause in pCRCI.

Results

Persistent CRCI participants report more severe SCD symptoms than women after natural menopause, despite being on average 2.5‐year postchemotherapy, supporting previous findings that CRCI can persist for months to years after completing treatment. Persistent CRCI participants not only endorsed greater SCD but also exhibited objective performance differences. In addition, pCRCI participants endorsed significantly greater menopausal symptoms compared with either maSCD group. Results were not related to menopausal status prior to chemotherapy or current endocrine therapy use.

Conclusions

These results suggest that while menopausal symptoms may contribute to SCD experienced by cancer patients after chemotherapy, they do not fully account for pCRCI.
Effect of Doping and Morphology on UV Emission in Low‐Dimensional ZnO:Na Structures
Authors: Straube Benjamin , Bridoux German , Zapata Cecilia , Ferreyra Jorge M. , Villafuerte Manuel , Simonelli Gabriela , Esquinazi Pablo , Rodríguez Torres Claudia , Perez de Heluani Silvia I.
Published: June 2018

Band‐edge photoluminescence of zinc oxide materials reveals a phonon‐assisted ultraviolet emission enhanced by Na doping. We report the synthesis of ZnO and Na‐doped ZnO, the changes in structure and optical properties as a function of doping concentration and synthesis temperature. The obtained samples are nanoneedles, microparticles, and microwires. The structural effect of Na doping is studied by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Room temperature photoluminescence reveals a contribution of band bending at the surface of the nanostructures, decreasing with Na concentration. Franz–Keldysh effect predicts strong electric field localized in the depletion region and appears to be the cause of red‐shift in UV band emission of nanoneedles in comparison to microwires. Our results indicate that Na doping introduces an acceptor level between 150 and 200 meV above the valence band.
Stakeholder engagement to evaluate tourist development plans with a sustainable approach
Authors: Gonzalez‐Urango Hannia , García‐Melón Mónica
Published: June 2018

This study provides an evaluation of tourist development plans in the city of Cartagena de Indias (Colombia). Different stakeholders are involved in the search for solutions to this problem. The proposal is based on a model that combines two techniques, namely the analytic network process (ANP) and social network analysis (SNA). SNA is used to assess the relationships among stakeholders by identifying those who are most relevant and ANP is used to aggregate their opinions and evaluate tourist development plans of Cartagena to improve tourist experiences in a participatory way. The results suggest that the combination of SNA and ANP is a novel and suitable tool for strategic planning of a city.
An efficient placement of sinks and SDN controller nodes for optimizing the design cost of industrial IoT systems
Authors: Faragardi Hamid Reza , Vahabi Maryam , Fotouhi Hossein , Nolte Thomas , Fahringer Thomas
Published: June 2018

Recently, a growing trend has emerged toward using Internet of Things (IoT) in the context of industrial systems, which is referred to as industrial IoT. To deal with the time‐critical requirements of industrial applications, it is necessary to consider reliability and timeliness during the design of an industrial IoT system. Through the separation of the control plane and the data plane, software‐defined networking provides control units (controllers) coexisting with sink nodes, efficiently coping with network dynamics during run‐time. It is of paramount importance to select a proper number of these devices (i.e., software‐defined networking controllers and sink nodes) and locate them wisely in a network to reduce deployment cost. In this paper, we optimize the type and location of sinks and controllers in the network, subject to reliability and timeliness as the prominent performance requirements in time‐critical IoT systems through ensuring that each sensor node is covered by a certain number of sinks and controllers. We propose PACSA‐MSCP, an algorithm hybridizing a parallel version of the max‐min ant system with simulated annealing for multiple‐sink/controller placement. We evaluate the proposed algorithm through extensive experiments. The performance is compared against several well‐known methods, and it is shown that our approach outperforms those methods by lowering the total deployment cost by up to 19%. Moreover, the deviation from the optimal solution achieved by CPLEX is shown to be less than 2.7%.
Density and success of upland duck nests in native‐ and tame‐seeded conservation fields
Authors: Sherfy Mark H. , Anteau Michael J. , Shaffer Terry L. , Johnson Michael A. , Reynolds Ronald E. , Ringelman James K.
Published: June 2018

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) generates substantial benefits to continental duck populations by providing grassland nesting habitat in rested cropland. Seeding mixes of CRP grasslands vary among numerous conservation practices, but one contrast of interest in the Prairie Pothole Region is the use of introduced, or “tame” versus native grass. Although the benefits of CRP to duck populations are well‐known, relative values of these planting practices to nesting ducks have received little attention. Understanding differences in benefits to ducks due to planting practices would aid in prioritizing and selecting management practices for CRP and other restoration activities. We evaluated nest survival and density of ducks nesting in tame‐ and native‐seeded CRP fields in 36 study areas in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and South Dakota, USA, during 2002–2003. We searched for duck nests in 209 fields totaling 5,386 ha and found 2,941 nests. We found no support for differences in nest survival for any upland‐nesting duck species between fields seeded to tame versus native grass based on a design and analyses that accounted for spatial and temporal variation. Additionally, nest densities, adjusted for nest survival rates, of all duck species were similar between tame‐seeded and native‐seeded fields. We conclude that benefits to nesting ducks from native‐grass seeding practices of CRP were similar to those of tame‐grass seeding practices. Although there may be other reasons to plant native seed mixes when establishing CRP tracts (e.g., native pollinators or insects, other wildlife species, etc.), our study suggests that duck nesting density and nest survival are not among those reasons. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A new algebraic structure in the standard model of particle physics
Authors: Boyle Latham , Farnsworth Shane
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We introduce a new formulation of the real-spectral-triple formalism in non-commutative geometry (NCG): we explain its mathematical advantages and its success in capturing the structure of the standard model of particle physics. The idea, in brief, is to representA(the algebra of differential forms on some possibly-noncommutative space) onH(the Hilbert space of spinors on that space); and to reinterpret this representation as a simple super-algebraB=A⊕Hwith even partAand odd partH. Bis the fundamental object in our approach: we show that (nearly) all of the basic axioms and assumptions of the traditional real-spectral-triple formalism of NCG are elegantly recovered from the simple requirement thatBshould be a differential graded ∗-algebra (or “∗-DGA”). Moreover, this requirement also yields other, new, geometrical constraints. When we apply our formalism to the NCG traditionally used to describe the standard model of particle physics, we find that these new constraints are physically meaningful and phenomenologically correct. In particular, these new constraints provide a novel interpretation of electroweak symmetry breaking that is geometric rather than dynamical. This formalism is more restrictive than effective field theory, and so explains more about the observed structure of the standard model, and offers more guidance about physics beyond the standard model.
Solitons and black hole in shift symmetric scalar-tensor gravity with cosmological constant
Authors: Brihaye Yves , Hartmann Betti , Urrestilla Jon
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We demonstrate the existence of static, spherically symmetric globally regular, i.e. solitonic solutions of a shift-symmetric scalar-tensor gravity model with negative cosmological constant. The norm of the Noether current associated to the shift symmetry is finite in the full space-time. We also discuss the corresponding black hole solutions and demonstrate that the interplay between the scalar-tensor coupling and the cosmological constant leads to the existence of new branches of solutions. To linear order in the scalartensor coupling, the asymptotic space-time corresponds to an Anti-de Sitter space-time with a non-trivial scalar field on its conformal boundary. This allows the interpretation of our solutions in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence. Finally, we demonstrate that — for physically relevant, small values of the scalar-tensor coupling — solutions with positive cosmological constant do not exist in our model.
Magnetic Anastomosis for Biliojejunostomy: First Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Liu Xue‐Min , Yan Xiao‐Peng , Zhang Hong‐Ke , Ma Feng , Guo Yan‐Guang , Fan Chao , Wang Shan‐Pei , Shi Ai‐Hua , Wang Bo , Wang Hao‐Hua , Li Jian‐Hui , Zhang Xiao‐Gang , Wu Rongqian , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Lv Yi
Published: June 2018

Background

Magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis, MCA) has been verified safe and effective by us and others in animal bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA). The objective of the present study was to introduce clinical application of magnetic compression bilioenteric anastomosis (MC‐BEA) with a unique device in series of patients.

Methods

Patients with obstructive jaundice with an indication of BEA were prospectively enrolled from 2012 to 2015. After dissection of bile ducts, the mother ring and drainage tube were placed in the proximal bile duct and the purse‐string suture was tightened over the drainage tube. The drainage tube was introduced into the jejunal lumen at the anastomotic site and used to guide the daughter ring to assemble with the mother ring. All the patients were routinely followed up for magnets discharge or any complications associated.

Results

Forty‐one patients were included. Thirty‐four (82.9%) patients had a malignant primary disease, while seven (17.1%) had benign disease. The median time for MC‐BEA was 10.5 min (interquartile range [IQR] 8.3–13.0 min). No perioperative morbidity or mortality associated with MC‐BEA was observed. The median time for a patent bilioenteric anastomosis formation was 19.0 days (IQR 14.5–23.0 days), and the magnets were discharged with a median postoperative duration of 35.0 days (IQR 28.0–43.0 days). With a median follow‐up of 547.5 days (range 223–1042 days), no patients had biliary fistula, while two (4.9%) developed anastomotic stricture at 4 months and 14 months after surgery, and underwent reoperation for reconstruction of BEA.

Conclusions

MCA is a safe, effective, and time‐saving modality for biliojejunostomy.
How Durable Are Ethnoracial Segregation and Spatial Disadvantage? Intergenerational Contextual Mobility in France
Authors: McAvay Haley
Published: June 2018

Building on emerging research into intergenerational contextual mobility, I use longitudinal data from France (1990–2008) to investigate the extent to which second-generation immigrants and the French majority continue to live in similar neighborhood environments during childhood and adulthood. To explore the persistence of ethnoracial segregation and spatial disadvantage, I draw on two measures of neighborhood composition: the immigrant share and the unemployment rate. The analysis explores the individual and contextual factors underpinning intergenerational contextual mobility and variation across immigrant-origin groups. The results document a strong stability of neighborhood environments from childhood to adulthood, especially with regard to the ethnoracial composition of the neighborhood. Individual-level factors are quite weak in accounting for these patterns compared with the characteristics of the city of origin. Moreover, the degree of contextual mobility between childhood and adulthood varies across groups. I find that neighborhood environments are more stable over time for non-European second-generation immigrants. The findings offer important new empirical contributions to the French literature on the residential segregation of immigrants and will more broadly be of interest to scholars of intergenerational spatial and social mobility.
Two-factor inauthentication – the rise in SMS phishing attacks
Authors: Jakobsson Markus
Published: June 2018

There are countless ways to carry out a cyber-attack, but in the vast majority the key is deception – typically involving identity deception in which the attacker poses as a trusted party to the intended victim. Many of these attacks involve stealing passwords from victims in order to access their accounts and pose as them. Therefore, with cyber-criminals constantly on the prowl to capture passwords and other credentials, two-factor authentication (2FA) has become one of the most widely accepted back-up verifications for many services and companies.

With cyber-criminals constantly on the prowl to capture passwords and other credentials, two-factor authentication (2FA) has become one of the most widely accepted back-up verifications for many services and companies. However, as Markus Jakobsson of Agari points out, 2FA has its own issues. Other options are on the way, but it's more important than ever for organisations to be aware that their workforce's digital identities may be compromised.