bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of extended length of stay, discharge to inpatient rehab, and hospital readmission following elective lumbar spine surgery: introduction of the Carolina-Semmes Grading Scale
Authors: McGirt Matthew J. , Parker Scott L. , Chotai Silky , Pfortmiller Deborah , Sorenson Jeffrey M. , Foley Kevin , Asher Anthony L.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Extended hospital length of stay (LOS), unplanned hospital readmission, and need for inpatient rehabilitation after elective spine surgery contribute significantly to the variation in surgical health care costs. As novel payment models shift the risk of cost overruns from payers to providers, understanding patient-level risk of LOS, readmission, and inpatient rehabilitation is critical. The authors set out to develop a grading scale that effectively stratifies risk of these costly events after elective surgery for degenerative lumbar pathologies.

METHODS

The Quality and Outcomes Database (QOD) registry prospectively enrolls patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease. This registry was queried for patients who had undergone elective 1- to 3-level lumbar surgery for degenerative spine pathology. The association between preoperative patient variables and extended postoperative hospital LOS (LOS ≥ 7 days), discharge status (inpatient facility vs home), and 90-day hospital readmission was assessed using stepwise multivariate logistic regression. The Carolina-Semmes grading scale was constructed using the independent predictors for LOS (0–12 points), discharge to inpatient facility (0–18 points), and 90-day readmission (0–6 points), and its performance was assessed using the QOD data set. The performance of the grading scale was then confirmed separately after using it in 2 separate neurosurgery practice sites (Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates [CNSA] and Semmes Murphey Clinic).

RESULTS

A total of 6921 patients were analyzed. Overall, 290 (4.2%) patients required extended LOS, 654 (9.4%) required inpatient facility care/rehabilitation on hospital discharge, and 474 (6.8%) were readmitted to the hospital within 90 days postdischarge. Variables that remained as independently associated with these unplanned events in multivariate analysis included age ≥ 70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Classification System class > III, Oswestry Disability Index score ≥ 70, diabetes, Medicare/Medicaid, nonindependent ambulation, and fusion. Increasing point totals in the Carolina-Semmes scale effectively stratified the incidence of extended LOS, discharge to facility, and readmission in a stepwise fashion in both the aggregate QOD data set and when subsequently applied to the CNSA/Semmes Murphey practice groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors introduce the Carolina-Semmes grading scale that effectively stratifies the risk of prolonged hospital stay, need for postdischarge inpatient facility care, and 90-day hospital readmission for patients undergoing first-time elective 1- to 3-level degenerative lumbar spine surgery. This grading scale may be helpful in identifying patients who may require additional resource utilization within a global period after surgery.
Computational Complexity on the Blackboard
Authors: Kopczyński Eryk
Published: May 2017

This paper is an introduction to the computational complexity theory. I believe that the standard courses in complexity theory make some things much more important than they really are, while things which I find extremely interesting are marginalized. Thus, it can be seen as my subjective view on what is important and interesting in computational complexity, and what is not. We state the basic facts from computational complexity theory using the blackboard computations (one-dimensional cellular automata) as the standard computation model; we argue the benefits of such approach. This article is somewhat based on my series of talks from Warsztaty Logiczne 2014 in Białka Tatrzańska, although these talks covered more topics, such as NL=coNL, and links between BPP and the polynomial hierarchy.
Interval-valued Fuzzy Soft Decision Making Methods Based on MABAC, Similarity Measure and EDAS
Authors: Peng Xindong , Dai Jingguo , Yuan Huiyong
Published: May 2017

Interval-valued fuzzy soft decision making problems have obtained great popularity recently. Most of the current methods depend on level soft set that provide choice value of alternatives to be ranked. Such choice value always encounter the equal condition that the optimal alternative can’t be gained. Most important of all, the current decision making procedure is not in accordance with the way that the decision makers think about the decision making problems. In this paper, we initiate a new axiomatic definition of interval-valued fuzzy distance measure and similarity measure, which is expressed by interval-valued fuzzy number (IVFN) that will reduce the information loss and keep more original information. Later, the objective weights of various parameters are determined via grey system theory, meanwhile, we develop the combined weights, which can show both the subjective information and the objective information. Then, we present three algorithms to solve interval-valued fuzzy soft decision making problems by Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC), Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) and new similarity measure. Three approaches solve some unreasonable conditions and promote the development of decision making methods. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of approaches are demonstrated by some numerical examples.
A New Health Assessment Index of Tunnel Lining Based on the Digital Inspection of Surface Cracks
Authors: Wu Xuezhen , Jiang Yujing , Wang Jianhua , Masaya Kusaba , Taniguchi Tetsuya , Yamato Takahide
Published: May 2017

The stability assessment of aged tunnel linings are mainly evaluated based on the visual inspection, and the Tunnel-lining Crack Index (TCI) is one of the most widely used tunnel lining health assessment indexes in Japan. However, the intersection and distribution of cracks, which could influence the stability of tunnel lining greatly, were not considered in TCI. A new method was proposed for the health assessment of tunnel lining, which evaluated the lining states according to the fractal dimension of cracks. Based on the machine vision-based method, the crack image could be extracted efficiently. The fractal dimension of lining cracks in one span could be obtained in a few minutes. A series of comparative tests and field tests were conducted to evaluate the validity of this new method. The comparative tests confirmed that fractal dimension was able to characterize the density, width, and distribution of cracks. The intersection of cracks, which would increase the risk of lining collapse, could also increase the fractal dimension. The fractal dimensions of tunnel lining cracks were obtained according to the digital inspection test of Hidake Tunnel in Japan for all the 65 spans. Moreover, the TCI was obtained through statistical methods. The correlation between fractal dimension and TCI of tunnel lining was studied. The significance of the new evaluation index is that it can identify the unusual spans of tunnel lining and provide a basis for further internal testing. As a complement to the conventional visual inspection method, the fractal dimension of the cracks is a promising health assessment index.
Exploring Natural Stone and Building a National Identity: The Geological Exploration of Natural Stone Deposits in the Nordic Countries and the Development of a National-Romantic Architecture
Authors: Seelow Atli
Published: May 2017

In the second half of the 19th century, new methods for quarrying and processing natural stone were developed. In the Nordic countries Sweden, Norway, and Finland, this technological progress went hand in hand with a systematic geological mapping and large-scale exploitation of natural stone deposits. As a result, new constructions were developed, changing the building practice in these countries. With the end of historicism, a new architecture arose that, particularly in Norway and Finland, acquired a national-romantic character. This paper examines the interaction between geological exploration, commercial development, technical inventions, and the development of national-romantic architecture.
Meristem Plant Cells as a Sustainable Source of Redox Actives for Skin Rejuvenation
Authors: Korkina Liudmila , Mayer Wolfgang , De Luca Chiara
Published: May 2017

Recently, aggressive advertisement claimed a “magic role” for plant stem cells in human skin rejuvenation. This review aims to shed light on the scientific background suggesting feasibility of using plant cells as a basis of anti-age cosmetics. When meristem cell cultures obtained from medicinal plants are exposed to appropriate elicitors/stressors (ultraviolet, ultrasound ultraviolet (UV), ultrasonic waves, microbial/insect metabolites, heavy metals, organic toxins, nutrient deprivation, etc.), a protective/adaptive response initiates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Highly bioavailable and biocompatible to human cells, low-molecular weight plant secondary metabolites share structural/functional similarities with human non-protein regulatory hormones, neurotransmitters, pigments, polyamines, amino-/fatty acids. Their redox-regulated biosynthesis triggers in turn plant cell antioxidant and detoxification molecular mechanisms resembling human cell pathways. Easily isolated in relatively large quantities from contaminant-free cell cultures, plant metabolites target skin ageing mechanisms, above all redox imbalance. Perfect modulators of cutaneous oxidative state via direct/indirect antioxidant action, free radical scavenging, UV protection, and transition-metal chelation, they are ideal candidates to restore photochemical/redox/immune/metabolic barriers, gradually deteriorating in the ageing skin. The industrial production of plant meristem cell metabolites is toxicologically and ecologically sustainable for fully “biological” anti-age cosmetics.
Analyzing the Effect and Performance of Lossy Compression on Aeroacoustic Simulation of Gas Injector
Authors: Najmabadi Seyyed , Offenhäuser Philipp , Hamann Moritz , Jajnabalkya Guhathakurta , Hempert Fabian , Glass Colin , Simon Sven
Published: May 2017

Computational fluid dynamic simulations involve large state data, leading to performance degradation due to data transfer times, while requiring large disk space. To alleviate the situation, an adaptive lossy compression algorithm has been developed, which is based on regions of interest. This algorithm uses prediction-based compression and exploits the temporal coherence between subsequent simulation frames. The difference between the actual value and the predicted value is adaptively quantized and encoded. The adaptation is in line with user requirements, that consist of the acceptable inaccuracy, the regions of interest and the required compression throughput. The data compression algorithm was evaluated with simulation data obtained by the discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method. We analyzed the performance, compression ratio and inaccuracy introduced by the lossy compression algorithm. The post processing analysis shows high compression ratios, with reasonable quantization errors.
Assessment of Energy Storage Operation in Vertically Integrated Utility and Electricity Market
Authors: Luburić Zora , Pandžić Hrvoje , Plavšić Tomislav
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to compare the operational pattern of an energy storage system (ESS) in a vertically-integrated utility and in a deregulated market environment for different levels of wind integration. As the main feature of a vertically-integrated utility is a centralized decision-making process, all of the investment and operating decisions are made with a single goal of minimizing the overall system operating costs. As a result, an ESS in such an environment is operated in a way that is optimal for the overall system economics. On the other hand, the system operator in a deregulated market has less power over the system resources, and commitment and dispatch decisions are a result of the market clearing procedure. In this setting, the ESS owner aims at maximizing its profit, which might not be in line with minimizing overall system operating costs or maximizing social welfare. To compare the ESS operation in these two environments, we analyze the storage operation in two different settings. The first one is a standard unit commitment model with the addition of centrally-controlled storage. The second one is a bilevel model, where the upper level is a coordinated ESS profit maximization problem, while the lower level a simulated market clearing. The case study is performed on a standardized IEEE RTS-96 system. The results show a reduction in the generation dispatch cost, online generation capacity and wind curtailment for both models. Moreover, ESS significantly increases social welfare in the market-based environment.
Drones as a Tool for Monoculture Plantation Assessment in the Steepland Tropics
Authors: Miller Ethan , Dandois Jonathan , Detto Matteo , Hall Jefferson
Published: May 2017

Smallholder tree plantations are expanding in the steepland tropics due to demand for timber and interest in ecosystem services, such as carbon storage. Financial mechanisms are developing to compensate vegetation carbon stores. However, measuring biomass—necessary for accessing carbon funds—at small scales is costly and time-intensive. Therefore, we test whether low-cost drones can accurately estimate height and biomass in monoculture plantations in the tropics. We used Ecosynth, a drone-based structure from motion technique, to build 3D vegetation models from drone photographs. These data were filtered to create a digital terrain model (DTM) and digital surface model (DSM). Two different canopy height models (CHMs) from the Ecosynth DSM were obtained by subtracting terrain elevations from the Ecosynth DTM and a LIDAR DTM. We compared height and biomass derived from these CHMs to field data. Both CHMs accurately predicted the height of all species combined; however, the CHM from the LiDAR DTM predicted heights and biomass on a per-species basis more accurately. Height and biomass estimates were strong for evergreen single-stemmed trees, and unreliable for small leaf-off species during the dry season. This study demonstrates that drones can estimate plantation biomass for select species when used with an accurate DTM.
Experimental and Analytical Modeling of GFRP Strengthened Grouted Mortarless Masonry Prisms
Authors: Huang Liang , Gao Chang , Yan Libo , Li Xiaoxi , Ma Gao , Wang Tianfeng
Published: May 2017

The compressive performance of grouted mortarless masonry prisms strengthened with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites was investigated in this study. A total of 18 grouted mortarless masonry specimens, i.e., nine strengthened with GFRP (called G-GMM) and nine without GFRP (called GMM), were tested under uniaxial compression. The effect of grout strength on the compressive strength of the prisms was discussed. Moreover, the effect of GFRP on the cracking load, modulus of elasticity, ultimate bearing capacity, failure modes, compressive stress–strain behavior, and deformation behavior of the specimens was analyzed. The test results indicated that GFRP strengthening increased the ratio of initial cracking load and ultimate load bearing capacity of mortarless masonry to a great extent, i.e., the ratio is 50–80% for G-GMM and 40–65% for GMM. In addition, GFRP clearly improved the deformation capability of the GMM. The tested experimental data were in good agreement with the predicted values using classic expressions.
Assessing the Risk of Hg Exposure Associated with Rice Consumption in a Typical City (Suzhou) in Eastern China
Authors: Wang Gang , Gong Yu , Zhu Yi-Xin , Miao Ai-Jun , Yang Liu-Yan , Zhong Huan
Published: May 2017

Recent studies have revealed that not only fish but also rice consumption may significantly contribute to human exposure to mercury (Hg) in Asian countries. It is therefore essential to assess dietary exposure to Hg in rice and its associated health risk. However, risk assessments of Hg in rice in non-contaminated areas are generally lacking in Asian countries. In the present study, Hg concentrations were measured in rice samples collected from markets and supermarkets in Suzhou, a typical city in Eastern China. In addition, the rice ingestion rates (IR) were assessed via a questionnaire-based survey of Suzhou residents. The data were then used to assess the risk of Hg exposure associated with rice consumption, by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ). Hg contents in rice samples were well below the national standard (20 μg/kg), ranging from 1.46 to 8.48 ng/g. They were also significantly (p > 0.05) independent of the area of production and place of purchase (markets vs. supermarkets in the different districts). Our results indicate a low risk of Hg exposure from rice in Suzhou (HQ: 0.005–0.05), despite the generally high personal IR (0.05–0.4 kg/day). The risk of Hg associated with rice consumption for Suzhou residents was not significantly affected by the age or sex of the consumer (p > 0.05). Overall, our results provide a study of human exposure to Hg in rice in Chinese cities not known to be contaminated with Hg. Future studies should examine Hg exposure in different areas in China and in potentially vulnerable major food types.
Differential Immune Responses to New World and Old World Mammalian Arenaviruses
Authors: Ly Hinh
Published: May 2017

Some New World (NW) and Old World (OW) mammalian arenaviruses are emerging, zoonotic viruses that can cause lethal hemorrhagic fever (HF) infections in humans. While these are closely related RNA viruses, the infected hosts appear to mount different types of immune responses against them. Lassa virus (LASV) infection, for example, results in suppressed immune function in progressive disease stage, whereas patients infected with Junín virus (JUNV) develop overt pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These viruses have also evolved different molecular strategies to evade host immune recognition and activation. This paper summarizes current progress in understanding the differential immune responses to pathogenic arenaviruses and how the information can be exploited toward the development of vaccines against them.
Structure, Expression, and Functional Analysis of the Hexokinase Gene Family in Cassava
Authors: Geng Meng-Ting , Yao Yuan , Wang Yun-Lin , Wu Xiao-Hui , Sun Chong , Li Rui-Mei , Fu Shao-Ping , Duan Rui-Jun , Liu Jiao , Hu Xin-Wen , Guo Jian-Chun
Published: May 2017

Hexokinase (HXK) proteins play important roles in catalyzing hexose phosphorylation and sugar sensing and signaling. To investigate the roles of HXKs in cassava tuber root development, seven HXK genes (MeHXK1–7) were isolated and analyzed. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MeHXK family can be divided into five subfamilies of plant HXKs. MeHXKs were clearly divided into type A (MeHXK1) and type B (MeHXK2–7) based on their N-terminal sequences. MeHXK1–5 all had typical conserved regions and similar protein structures to the HXKs of other plants; while MeHXK6–7 lacked some of the conserved regions. An expression analysis of the MeHXK genes in cassava organs or tissues demonstrated that MeHXK2 is the dominant HXK in all the examined tissues (leaves, stems, fruits, tuber phloems, and tuber xylems). Notably, the expression of MeHXK2 and the enzymatic activity of HXK were higher at the initial and expanding tuber stages, and lower at the mature tuber stage. Furthermore, the HXK activity of MeHXK2 was identified by functional complementation of the HXK-deficient yeast strain YSH7.4-3C (hxk1, hxk2, glk1). The gene expression and enzymatic activity of MeHXK2 suggest that it might be the main enzyme for hexose phosphorylation during cassava tuber root development, which is involved in sucrose metabolism to regulate the accumulation of starch.
HepPar1-Positive Circulating Microparticles Are Increased in Subjects with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Predict Early Recurrence after Liver Resection
Authors: Abbate Valeria , Marcantoni Margherita , Giuliante Felice , Vecchio Fabio , Gatto Ilaria , Mele Caterina , Saviano Antonio , Arciuolo Damiano , Gaetani Eleonora , Ferrari Maria , Giarretta Igor , Ardito Francesco , Riccardi Laura , Nicoletti Alberto , Ponziani Francesca , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio , Pola Roberto
Published: May 2017

Circulating microparticles (MPs) are novel potential biomarkers in cancer patients. Their role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is under intensive investigation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that MPs expressing the antigen HepPar1 are increased in the blood of subjects with HCC and may serve as markers of early recurrence after liver resection (LR). We studied 15 patients affected by HCC undergoing LR, and used flow cytometry to assess the number of circulating HepPar1+ MPs. Ten subjects without HCC (five with liver cirrhosis and five with healthy livers) were used as controls. After LR, HCC patients underwent a follow-up to check for early recurrence, which occurred in seven cases. The number of circulating HepPar1+ MPs was significantly higher in subjects affected by HCC, compared to individuals without cancer (p < 0.01). We also found that, among HCC patients, the number of circulating HepPar1+ MPs, measured before LR, was significantly higher in those who displayed early recurrence compared to those without recurrence (p = 0.02). Of note, other types of circulating MPs, such as those derived from endothelial cells (CD144+) or those produced by the activated endothelium (CD144+/CD62+), were not associated with HCC, nor could they predict HCC recurrence. HepPar1+ MPs deserve further investigation as novel biomarkers of disease and prognosis in HCC patients.
CTC-mRNA (AR-V7) Analysis from Blood Samples—Impact of Blood Collection Tube and Storage Time
Authors: Luk Alison , Ma Yafeng , Ding Pei , Young Francis , Chua Wei , Balakrishnar Bavanthi , Dransfield Daniel , Souza Paul de , Becker Therese
Published: May 2017

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are an emerging resource for monitoring cancer biomarkers. New technologies for CTC isolation and biomarker detection are increasingly sensitive, however, the ideal blood storage conditions to preserve CTC-specific mRNA biomarkers remains undetermined. Here we tested the preservation of tumour cells and CTC-mRNA over time in common anticoagulant ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and acid citrate dextrose solution B (Citrate) blood tubes compared to preservative-containing blood tubes. Blood samples spiked with prostate cancer cells were processed after 0, 24, 30, and 48 h storage at room temperature. The tumour cell isolation efficiency and the mRNA levels of the prostate cancer biomarkers androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7) and total AR, as well as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) were measured. Spiked cells were recovered across all storage tube types and times. Surprisingly, tumour mRNA biomarkers were readily detectable after 48 h storage in EDTA and Citrate tubes, but not in preservative-containing tubes. Notably, AR-V7 expression was detected in prostate cancer patient blood samples after 48 h storage in EDTA tubes at room temperature. This important finding presents opportunities for measuring AR-V7 expression from clinical trial patient samples processed within 48 h—a much more feasible timeframe compared to previous recommendations.
Increased Corticospinal Excitability and Muscular Activity in a Lower Limb Reaction Task under Psychological Pressure
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi , Shimo Tatsunori
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of psychological pressure on corticospinal excitability, the spinal reflex, lower limb muscular activity, and reaction times during a task involving dominant leg movements. Ten healthy participants performed a simple reaction time task by raising the heel of their dominant foot from a switch. After 20 practice trials, participants performed 20 non-pressure and 20 pressure trials in a counterbalanced order. A combination of pressure manipulations, including reward and penalty by monetary incentives, was used in the pressure trials. Stress responses were successfully induced, as indexed by significant increases in state anxiety, mental effort, and heart rates under pressure. Significant increases in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) occurred under pressure. In terms of task-related electromyography (EMG) amplitude, the co-contraction rate between the soleus (SOL) and TA muscles significantly increased along with SOL and TA EMG amplitudes under pressure. Hoffmann reflexes for SOL and reaction times did not change under pressure. These results indicate that corticospinal excitability and leg muscle-related EMG activity increase homogeneously during lower limb movements that are performed under psychological pressure.
Carbides Evolution in a Ni-16Mo-7Cr Base Superalloy during Long-Term Thermal Exposure
Authors: Han Fenfen , Jiang Li , Ye Xiangxi , Lu Yanling , Li Zhijun , Zhou Xingtai
Published: May 2017

The effect of long-term thermal exposure on the carbide evolution in a Ni-16Mo-7Cr base superalloy was investigated. The results show that M12C carbides are mainly precipitated on the grain boundaries during thermal exposure, and the primary massive M6C carbides can be completely transformed to M12C carbides in situ at temperatures above 750 °C for long-term thermal exposure. The transformation from M6C carbides to M12C carbides is attributed to the release of C atoms from M6C, which results in the morphology changes of massive carbides, and stabilization of the sizes of M12C carbides precipitated on the grain boundaries.
High-Strength Konjac Glucomannan/Silver Nanowires Composite Films with Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Lei Jia , Zhou Lei , Tang Yongjian , Luo Yong , Duan Tao , Zhu Wenkun
Published: May 2017

Robust, high-strength and environmentally friendly antibacterial composite films were prepared by simply blending konjac glucomannan (KGM) and silver nanowires (Ag NWs) in an aqueous system. The samples were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis, mechanical property tests, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and antimicrobial tests. The results showed that there was a high ratio of Ag NWs uniformly distributed in the composite films, which was vital for mechanical reinforcement and stable antibacterial properties. The enhanced thermal stability and mechanical intensity increased, while the elongation at break was reduced with an increase in the amount of Ag NWs found in the composite films. When the percentage of Ag NWs in the composite films reached 5%, the tensile strength was 148.21 MPa, Young’s modulus was 13.79 GPa and the ultimate strain was 25.28%. Antibacterial tests showed that the KGM films had no antibacterial effect. After the addition of Ag NWs, the composite films had an obvious inhibitory effect on bacteria, with the uniform dispersion of Ag NWs promoting the antibacterial effect to a certain degree. These results indicated that these composite films would have a potential application in the fields of environmentally friendly packaging or medicine.
Modification of Cellulose with Succinic Anhydride in TBAA/DMSO Mixed Solvent under Catalyst-Free Conditions
Authors: Xin Ping-Ping , Huang Yao-Bing , Hse Chung-Yun , Cheng Huai , Huang Chaobo , Pan Hui
Published: May 2017

Homogeneous modification of cellulose with succinic anhydride was performed using tetrabutylammonium acetate (TBAA)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixed solvent. The molar ratio of succinic anhydride (SA) to free hydroxyl groups in the anhydroglucose units (AGU), TBAA dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time were investigated. The highest degree of substitution (DS) value of 1.191 was obtained in a 10 wt% TBAA/DMSO mixed solvent at 60 °C for 60 min, and the molar ratio of SA/AGU was 6/1. The molar ratio of SA/AGU and the TBAA dosage showed a significant influence on the reaction. The succinoylated cellulose was characterized by ATR-FTIR, TGA, XRD, solid state CP/MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy (CP/MAS 13C NMR), and SEM. Moreover, the modified cellulose was applied for the adsorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+, and both the DS values of modified cellulose and pH of the heavy metal ion solutions affected the adsorption capacity of succinylated cellulose. The highest capacity for Cu2+ and Cd2+ adsorption was 42.05 mg/g and 49.0 mg/g, respectively.
Wide Range Simulation Study of Taylor Bubbles in Circular Milli and Microchannels
Authors: Rocha Luis , Miranda João , Campos Joao
Published: May 2017

A deep knowledge of the hydrodynamics of two-phase flow in millichannels and microchannels is relevant to the design and control of micro structured equipment. While there is plenty of work published in this area, there is a lack of studies over a wide range of dimensionless numbers and some factors have not been properly addressed, such as the role of the Reynolds number, the features of recirculation regions in the liquid slug and the liquid film development length. Therefore, a wide range parametric study of isolated gas Taylor bubbles flowing in co-current with liquid in circular milli- and microchannels is presented, in a wide range of Capillary (CaB) (0.01–2) and Reynolds numbers (ReB) (0.01–700). The shape and velocity of the bubbles are, together with the flow patterns in the flowing liquid, analyzed and compared with numerical and experimental correlations available in the literature. For low values of CaB, the streamlines (moving reference frame (MRF)) in the liquid slug show semi-infinite recirculations occupying a large portion of the cross-section of the channel. The mean velocity of the fluid moving inside the external envelope of the semi-infinite streamlines is equal to the bubble velocity. For high values of CaB, there are no recirculations and the bubble is moving faster or at least at the velocity of the liquid in the center of the tube; this flow pattern is often called bypass flow. The results also indicate that the liquid film surrounding the bubbles is for low CaB and ReB numbers almost stagnant, and its thickness accurately estimated with existing correlations. The stagnant film hypothesis developed provides an accurate approach to estimate the velocity of the bubble, in particular for low values of CaB. The asymptotic behavior of the studied parameters enables the extrapolation of data for CaB lower than 0.01. In addition to the simulations of isolated bubbles, simulations with two consecutive bubbles were also carried out; coalescence was only observed in very specific conditions. The results obtained in this study are directly applicable to co-current slug flow in milli- and microchannels for 0.1 < ReB < 1000 and 0.02 < CaB < 2.
Nutrients Turned into Toxins: Microbiota Modulation of Nutrient Properties in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fernandez-Prado Raul , Esteras Raquel , Perez-Gomez Maria , Gracia-Iguacel Carolina , Gonzalez-Parra Emilio , Sanz Ana , Ortiz Alberto , Sanchez-Niño Maria
Published: May 2017

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), accumulation of uremic toxins is associated with an increased risk of death. Some uremic toxins are ingested with the diet, such as phosphate and star fruit-derived caramboxin. Others result from nutrient processing by gut microbiota, yielding precursors of uremic toxins or uremic toxins themselves. These nutrients include l-carnitine, choline/phosphatidylcholine, tryptophan and tyrosine, which are also sold over-the-counter as nutritional supplements. Physicians and patients alike should be aware that, in CKD patients, the use of these supplements may lead to potentially toxic effects. Unfortunately, most patients with CKD are not aware of their condition. Some of the dietary components may modify the gut microbiota, increasing the number of bacteria that process them to yield uremic toxins, such as trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and indole-3 acetic acid. Circulating levels of nutrient-derived uremic toxins are associated to increased risk of death and cardiovascular disease and there is evidence that this association may be causal. Future developments may include maneuvers to modify gut processing or absorption of these nutrients or derivatives to improve CKD patient outcomes.
A Cover Story: Music Educators Journal and Historical-Political Narrativity
Authors: Freer Patrick
Published: May 2017

This article reports results of a comprehensive content analysis of the 644 Music Educators Journal (MEJ) covers published between September 1914 and December 2015. For more than a century, MEJ’s covers conveyed carefully selected visual and textual imagery to all members of the growing association. The results of the content analysis were secondarily analyzed for elements of historical narrativity and political narrativity in music education. Results indicate that imagery related to nationalism and patriotism increased during times of conflict, the representation of people diversified as time progressed, and there is evidence that the first images of Black people on MEJ covers were intentionally placed for maximum impact. The article includes related historical information about MEJ and its evolving editorial processes.
Mimesis or Metamorphosis? Eastern Orthodox Liturgical Practice and Its Philosophical Background
Authors: Gschwandtner Christina
Published: May 2017

What does Eastern Orthodox liturgy do? Is it a mimetic remembrance of Christ’s acts or about a transformation of the believers who come to worship? This paper explores the larger philosophical worldview within which patristic liturgy emerged in order to negotiate this tension between mimetic and transformative aspects of liturgical practice. It suggests that ancient philosophical conceptions of the cosmos and of soul and body underlie and can hence elucidate what Byzantine liturgy does. Liturgy tries to unify soul and body, heaven and earth, in a particular way. Liturgy seeks to transform the human person and the cosmos in such a manner that they come to image and match each other. The introduction to the paper briefly examines some contemporary accounts to show the stakes of the question about what liturgy “does” and the role mimesis and metamorphosis play in this debate. The main part of the paper explores the shared philosophical heritage regarding imitation and transformation, inner and outer, heavenly and earthly in order to understand more fully the background for how liturgy negotiates these dimensions. The conclusion to the paper draws out the implications of this patristic heritage for making sense of what contemporary liturgy does in a broader sense.
A Formal Approach to the Selection by Minimum Error and Pattern Method for Sensor Data Loss Reduction in Unstable Wireless Sensor Network Communications
Authors: Kim Changhwa , Shin DongHyun
Published: May 2017

There are wireless networks in which typically communications are unsafe. Most terrestrial wireless sensor networks belong to this category of networks. Another example of an unsafe communication network is an underwater acoustic sensor network (UWASN). In UWASNs in particular, communication failures occur frequently and the failure durations can range from seconds up to a few hours, days, or even weeks. These communication failures can cause data losses significant enough to seriously damage human life or property, depending on their application areas. In this paper, we propose a framework to reduce sensor data loss during communication failures and we present a formal approach to the Selection by Minimum Error and Pattern (SMEP) method that plays the most important role for the reduction in sensor data loss under the proposed framework. The SMEP method is compared with other methods to validate its effectiveness through experiments using real-field sensor data sets. Moreover, based on our experimental results and performance comparisons, the SMEP method has been validated to be better than others in terms of the average sensor data value error rate caused by sensor data loss.
Metal–Organic Frameworks as Active Materials in Electronic Sensor Devices
Authors: Campbell Michael , Dincă Mircea
Published: May 2017

In the past decade, advances in electrically conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-based electronic devices have created new opportunities for the development of next-generation sensors. Here we review this rapidly-growing field, with a focus on the different types of device configurations that have allowed for the use of MOFs as active components of electronic sensor devices.
Easy and Fast Reconstruction of a 3D Avatar with an RGB-D Sensor
Authors: Mao Aihua , Zhang Hong , Liu Yuxin , Zheng Yinglong , Li Guiqing , Han Guoqiang
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes a new easy and fast 3D avatar reconstruction method using an RGB-D sensor. Users can easily implement human body scanning and modeling just with a personal computer and a single RGB-D sensor such as a Microsoft Kinect within a small workspace in their home or office. To make the reconstruction of 3D avatars easy and fast, a new data capture strategy is proposed for efficient human body scanning, which captures only 18 frames from six views with a close scanning distance to fully cover the body; meanwhile, efficient alignment algorithms are presented to locally align the data frames in the single view and then globally align them in multi-views based on pairwise correspondence. In this method, we do not adopt shape priors or subdivision tools to synthesize the model, which helps to reduce modeling complexity. Experimental results indicate that this method can obtain accurate reconstructed 3D avatar models, and the running performance is faster than that of similar work. This research offers a useful tool for the manufacturers to quickly and economically create 3D avatars for products design, entertainment and online shopping.
Recent Advances in Microextraction Techniques of Antipsychotics in Biological Fluids Prior to Liquid Chromatography Analysis
Authors: Manousi Natalia , Raber Georg , Papadoyannis Ioannis
Published: May 2017

Antipsychotic drugs are a class of psychiatric medication worldwide used to treat psychotic symptoms principally in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psycho-organic disorders. The traditional sample preparation techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid phase extraction (SPE), which were widely used, tend to have many drawbacks because they include complicated, time-consuming steps and they require large sample size as well large amounts of organic solvent. Therefore, due to the modern analytical requirements, such as miniaturization, automation and reduction of solvent volume and time, many microextraction procedures have been developed. In this review we aim to present an overview of those techniques which are used prior to liquid chromatography analyses both for forensic toxicology in different biological matrices as well as for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Nutrition and Supplementation in Soccer
Authors: Oliveira César , Ferreira Diogo , Caetano Carlos , Granja Diana , Pinto Ricardo , Mendes Bruno , Sousa Mónica
Published: May 2017

Contemporary elite soccer features increased physical demands during match-play, as well as a larger number of matches per season. Now more than ever, aspects related to performance optimization are highly regarded by both players and soccer coaches. Here, nutrition takes a special role as most elite teams try to provide an adequate diet to guarantee maximum performance while ensuring a faster recovery from matches and training exertions. It is currently known that manipulation and periodization of macronutrients, as well as sound hydration practices, have the potential to interfere with training adaptation and recovery. A careful monitoring of micronutrient status is also relevant to prevent undue fatigue and immune impairment secondary to a deficiency status. Furthermore, the sensible use of evidence-based dietary supplements may also play a role in soccer performance optimization. In this sense, several nutritional recommendations have been issued. This detailed and comprehensive review addresses the most relevant and up-to-date nutritional recommendations for elite soccer players, covering from macro and micronutrients to hydration and selected supplements in different contexts (daily requirements, pre, peri and post training/match and competition).
Exercise, Osteoporosis, and Bone Geometry
Authors: Harding Amy , Beck Belinda
Published: May 2017

Exercise is commonly recommended in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. The most common method to monitor bone mass and its response to interventions is bone densitometry. While closely associated with risk of fracture, densitometry-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) does not provide a reliable indication of bone geometry or morphological adaptation to stimuli. In fact, the effects of exercise interventions on aBMD are frequently modest, and may not fully represent the benefit of exercise to bone. Animal models suggest that mechanical loading indeed influences bone geometry and thus strength. Such an effect in humans has the potential to reduce osteoporotic fracture. The aim of the current narrative review is to provide an overview of what is known about the effects of exercise on bone geometry, with a focus on relevance to osteoporosis.
Low Purchase Willingness for Battery Electric Vehicles: Analysis and Simulation Based on the Fault Tree Model
Authors: Li Qianwen , Long Ruyin , Chen Hong , Geng Jichao
Published: May 2017

Purchase intention is the key to popularizing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and to developing the industry. This study combines classical theoretical and qualitative research, and applies fault tree analysis (FTA) methods to study factors that hinder BEV purchase, and identify the logical relationship between top fault events and basic events, by calculating minimal cut sets and minimal path sets. Activity based classification analysis was used to investigate the key basic event and key event combination (i.e., minimal cut sets) that hinders purchase intention, with the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method verified by Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate (1) there were 26 minimal cut sets and 18 minimal path sets in the fault tree model, and the fault tree was defined by four key event combinations and five key basic events; and (2) by reducing key events’ failure probability, the probability of fault tree cumulative occurrence was reduced from 0.86021 to 0.57406 over 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations, i.e., the willingness to purchase BEVs was significantly increased. Thus, the proposed FTA method was feasible and effective for addressing low purchase intentions. Consequently, some policy implications are suggested.
Techno-Economic Forecasts of Lithium Nitrates for Thermal Storage Systems
Authors: Montané Macarena , Cáceres Gustavo , Villena Mauricio , O’Ryan Raúl
Published: May 2017

Thermal energy storage systems (TES) are a key component of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants that generally use a NaNO3/KNO3 mixture also known as solar salt as a thermal storage material. Improvements in TES materials are important to lower CSP costs, increase energy efficiency and competitiveness with other technologies. A novel alternative examined in this paper is the use of salt mixtures with lithium nitrate that help to reduce the salt’s melting point and improve thermal capacity. This in turn allows the volume of materials required to be reduced. Based on data for commercial plants and the expected evolution of the lithium market, the technical and economic prospects for this alternative are evaluated considering recent developments of Lithium Nitrates and the uncertain future prices of lithium. Through a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis it is concluded that some of the mixtures could allow a reduction in the costs of CSP plants, improving their competitiveness.
What Is a Sustainable Level of Timber Consumption in the EU: Toward Global and EU Benchmarks for Sustainable Forest Use
Authors: O’Brien Meghan , Bringezu Stefan
Published: May 2017

Renewable energy targets in the European Union (EU) have raised the demand for timber and are expected to increase dependence on imports. However, EU timber consumption levels are already disproportionally high compared to the rest of the world. The question is, how much timber is available for the EU to sustainably harvest and import, in particular considering sustainable forest management practices, a safe operating space for land-system change, and the global distribution of “common good” resources. This article approaches this question from a supply angle to develop a reference value range for the current as well as future sustainable supply of timber at the EU-27 and global levels. For current supply estimates, national-level data on forest area available for wood supply, productivity in that area, as well as the rate available for harvest were collected and aggregated into three potential supply scenarios. For future supply estimates, a safe operating space scenario halting land use change, a sensitivity analysis, and a literature review were performed. To provide both a comparison of global versus EU sustainable supply capacities and to develop a benchmark toward evaluating and comparing levels of consumption to sustainable supply capacities, per capita calculations were made. Results revealed that the per capita sustainable supply potential of EU forests is estimated to be around three times higher than the global average in 2050. Whether a global or EU reference value is more appropriate for EU policy orientation, considering both strengthened economic and cultural ties to the forest in forest-rich countries as well as the need to prevent problem shifting associated with exporting land demands abroad, is discussed. Further research is needed to strengthen and harmonize data, improve methods for modeling future scenarios and incorporate interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder perspectives toward the development of robust and politically relevant reference values for sustainable consumption levels.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Managed Aquifer Recharge System for Irrigation under Climate Change Conditions in Southern Spain
Authors: Rupérez-Moreno Carmen , Pérez-Sánchez Julio , Senent-Aparicio Javier , Flores-Asenjo Pilar , Paz-Aparicio Carmen
Published: May 2017

Droughts and climate change in regions with profitable irrigated agriculture will impact groundwater resources with associated direct and indirect impacts. In the integrated water resource management (IWRM), managed aquifer recharge (MAR) offers efficient solutions to protect, conserve, and ensure survival of aquifers and associated ecosystems, as the Water Framework Directive requires. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the socio-economic feasibility of the MAR system in the overexploited Boquerón aquifer in Hellín (Albacete, Spain) under climate change and varying irrigation demand conditions. To assess, in monetary terms, the profitability of the MAR system, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) has been carried out. The results for the period 2020–2050 showed that the most favourable situations would be scenarios involving artificial recharge, in which future irrigation demand remains at the present level or falls below 10% of the current irrigation surface, as these scenarios generated an internal rate of return of between 53% and 57%. Additionally, the regeneration of the habitat will take between 5 and 9 years. Thus, the IWRM with artificial recharge will guarantee the sustainability of irrigation of the agricultural lands of Hellín and will achieve water balance even in severe climate change conditions.