bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economical Efficiency of Combined Cooling Heating and Power Systems Based on an Enthalpy Method
Authors: Xu Yan , Li Wenyu , Yuan Jiahai
Published: November 2017

As the living standards of Chinese people have been improving, the energy demand for cooling and heating, mainly in the form of electricity, has also expanded. Since an integrated cooling, heating and power supply system (CCHP) will serve this demand better, the government is now attaching more importance to the application of CCHP energy systems. Based on the characteristics of the combined cooling heating and power supply system, and the method of levelized cost of energy, two calculation methods for the evaluation of the economical efficiency of the system are employed when the energy production in the system is dealt with from the perspective of exergy. According to the first method, fuel costs account for about 75% of the total cost. In the second method, the profits from heating and cooling are converted to fuel costs, resulting in a significant reduction of fuel costs, accounting for 60% of the total cost. Then the heating and cooling parameters of gas turbine exhaust, heat recovery boiler, lithium-bromide heat-cooler and commercial tariff of provincial capitals were set as benchmark based on geographic differences among provinces, and the economical efficiency of combined cooling heating and power systems in each province were evaluated. The results shows that the combined cooling heating and power system is economical in the developed areas of central and eastern China, especially in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces, while in other regions it is not. The sensitivity analysis was also made on related influencing factors of fuel cost, demand intensity in heating and cooling energy, and bank loans ratio. The analysis shows that the levelized cost of energy of combined cooling heating and power systems is very sensitive to exergy consumption and fuel costs. When the consumption of heating and cooling energy increases, the unit cost decreases by 0.1 yuan/kWh, and when the on-grid power ratio decreases by 20%, the cost may increase by 0.1 yuan/kWh. Finally, some suggestions were offered from the perspective of the power grid, gas sector reform, heating and cooling systems and other aspects to promote the use of combined cooling heating and power systems in the future.
High Quality Unigenes and Microsatellite Markers from Tissue Specific Transcriptome and Development of a Database in Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, L. Taub)
Authors: Rawal Hukam , Kumar Shrawan , Mithra S.V. Amitha , Solanke Amolkumar , Nigam Deepti , Saxena Swati , Tyagi Anshika , V. Sureshkumar , Yadav Neelam , Kalia Pritam , Singh Narendra , Singh Nagendra , Sharma Tilak , Gaikwad Kishor
Published: November 2017

Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub), is an important industrial, vegetable and forage crop. This crop owes its commercial importance to the presence of guar gum (galactomannans) in its endosperm which is used as a lubricant in a range of industries. Despite its relevance to agriculture and industry, genomic resources available in this crop are limited. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to generate RNA-Seq based transcriptome from leaf, shoot, and flower tissues. A total of 145 million high quality Illumina reads were assembled using Trinity into 127,706 transcripts and 48,007 non-redundant high quality (HQ) unigenes. We annotated 79% unigenes against Plant Genes from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Swiss-Prot, Pfam, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG databases. Among the annotated unigenes, 30,020 were assigned with 116,964 GO terms, 9984 with EC and 6111 with 137 KEGG pathways. At different fragments per kilobase of transcript per millions fragments sequenced (FPKM) levels, genes were found expressed higher in flower tissue followed by shoot and leaf. Additionally, we identified 8687 potential simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with an average frequency of one SSR per 8.75 kb. A total of 28 amplified SSRs in 21 clusterbean genotypes resulted in polymorphism in 13 markers with average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.21. We also constructed a database named ‘ClustergeneDB’ for easy retrieval of unigenes and the microsatellite markers. The tissue specific genes identified and the molecular marker resources developed in this study is expected to aid in genetic improvement of clusterbean for its end use.
Learning from Loss: Eroding Coastal Heritage in Scotland
Authors: Graham Ellie , Hambly Joanna , Dawson Tom
Published: November 2017

Heritage sites are constantly changing due to natural processes, and this change can happen fastest at the coast. Much legislation has been enacted to protect sites of historic interest, but these do not protect sites from natural processes. Change is already happening, and climate change predictions suggest that the pace will accelerate in the future. Instead of seeing the potential destruction of heritage sites as a disaster, we should embrace the opportunity that they can provide for us to learn about the past and to plan for the future. Heritage laws often enshrine a policy of preservation in situ, meaning that our most spectacular sites are preserved in a state of equilibrium, with a default position of no permitted intervention. However, the options for threatened coastal sites mirror those of shoreline management plans, which usually recommend either the construction of a coastal defence or, more likely, a strategy of managed retreat, where erosion is allowed to take its course after appropriate mitigations strategies have been enacted. Managed retreat can lead to a range of research projects, some of which would not normally be possible at similar, unthreatened and legally protected monuments. Such research also has the potential to involve members of the public, who can help in the discovery process, and cascade what they have learned through their communities. Information shared can be about the heritage site itself, including how communities in the past coped at times of climatic stress; and also about the processes that are now threatening the monument, thus helping teach about present day climate change.
Are PCI Service Volumes Associated with 30-Day Mortality? A Population-Based Study from Taiwan
Authors: Yu Tsung-Hsien , Chou Ying-Yi , Wei Chung-Jen , Tung Yu-Chi
Published: November 2017

The volume-outcome relationship has been discussed for over 30 years; however, the findings are inconsistent. This might be due to the heterogeneity of service volume definitions and categorization methods. This study takes percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an example to examine whether the service volume was associated with PCI 30-day mortality, given different service volume definitions and categorization methods. A population-based, cross-sectional multilevel study was conducted. Two definitions of physician and hospital volume were used: (1) the cumulative PCI volume in a previous year before each PCI; (2) the cumulative PCI volume within the study period. The volume was further treated in three ways: (1) a categorical variable based on the American Heart Association’s recommendation; (2) a semi-data-driven categorical variable based on k-means clustering algorithm; and (3) a data-driven categorical variable based on the Generalized Additive Model. The results showed that, after adjusting the patient-, physician-, and hospital-level covariates, physician volume was associated inversely with PCI 30-day mortality, but hospital volume was not, no matter which definitions and categorization methods of service volume were applied. Physician volume is negatively associated with PCI 30-day mortality, but the results might vary because of definition and categorization method.
Variation in Point-of-Care Testing of HbA1c in Diabetes Care in General Practice
Authors: Kristensen Troels , Waldorff Frans , Nexøe Jørgen , Skovsgaard Christian , Olsen Kim
Published: November 2017

Background: Point-of-care testing (POCT) of HbA1c may result in improved diabetic control, better patient outcomes, and enhanced clinical efficiency with fewer patient visits and subsequent reductions in costs. In 2008, the Danish regulators created a framework agreement regarding a new fee-for-service fee for the remuneration of POCT of HbA1c in general practice. According to secondary research, only the Capital Region of Denmark has allowed GPs to use this new incentive for POCT. The aim of this study is to use patient data to characterize patients with diabetes who have received POCT of HbA1c and analyze the variation in the use of POCT of HbA1c among patients with diabetes in Danish general practice. Methods: We use register data from the Danish Drug Register, the Danish Health Service Register and the National Patient Register from the year 2011 to define a population of 44,981 patients with diabetes (type 1 and type 2 but not patients with gestational diabetes) from the Capital Region. The POCT fee is used to measure the amount of POCT of HbA1c among patients with diabetes. Next, we apply descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression to analyze variation in the prevalence of POCT at the patient and clinic level. We include patient characteristics such as gender, age, socioeconomic markers, health care utilization, case mix markers, and municipality classifications. Results: The proportion of patients who received POCT was 14.1% and the proportion of clinics which were “POCT clinics” was 26.9%. There were variations in the use of POCT across clinics and patients. A part of the described variation can be explained by patient characteristics. Male gender, age differences (older age), short education, and other ethnicity imply significantly higher odds for POCT. High patient costs in general practice and other parts of primary care also imply higher odds for POCT. In contrast, high patient costs for drugs and/or morbidity in terms of the Charlson Comorbidity index mean lower odds for POCT. The frequency of patients with diabetes per 1000 patients was larger in POCT clinics than Non-POCT clinics. A total of 22.5% of the unexplained variability was related to GP clinics. Conclusions: This study demonstrates variation in the use of POCT which can be explained by patient characteristics such as demographic, socioeconomic, and case mix markers. However, it appears relevant to reassess the system for POCT. Further studies are warranted in order to assess the impacts of POCT of HbA1c on health care outcomes.
Factors Associated with Activities of Daily Life Disability among Centenarians in Rural Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Tingting , Lu Lu , Luo Li , Guo Yingqi , Ying Liying , Tao Qingliu , Zeng Huan , Han Lingli , Shi Zumin , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2017

Objective: This study aims to ascertain the health and lifestyle factors associated with the activities of daily living (ADL) disability of centenarians in rural Chongqing, China. Method: 564 centenarians living in rural Chongqing were selected for this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics and self-reported lifestyle factors were obtained from face-to-face interviews. ADL disability was measured using the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale. Result: Among the respondents, 65.7% were considered ADL disability centenarians. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that preference for salt, drinking habits, social activities, physical activity, and failure to follow good diet habits were significantly associated with the ADL disability of centenarians. Conclusion: ADL disability of centenarians was associated with certain lifestyle habits. This outcome suggested that target intervention may help maintain ADL independence even among the oldest of the elderly population.
A Comprehensive Study on Pyrolysis Mechanism of Substituted β-O-4 Type Lignin Dimers
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyan , Lu Qiang , Hu Bin , Liu Ji , Dong Changqing , Yang Yongping
Published: November 2017

In order to understand the pyrolysis mechanism of β-O-4 type lignin dimers, a pyrolysis model is proposed which considers the effects of functional groups (hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl and methoxyl) on the alkyl side chain and aromatic ring. Furthermore, five specific β-O-4 type lignin dimer model compounds are selected to investigate their integrated pyrolysis mechanism by density functional theory (DFT) methods, to further understand and verify the proposed pyrolysis model. The results indicate that a total of 11 pyrolysis mechanisms, including both concerted mechanisms and homolytic mechanisms, might occur for the initial pyrolysis of the β-O-4 type lignin dimers. Concerted mechanisms are predominant as compared with homolytic mechanisms throughout unimolecular decomposition pathways. The competitiveness of the eleven pyrolysis mechanisms are revealed via different model compounds, and the proposed pyrolysis model is ranked in full consideration of functional groups effects. The proposed pyrolysis model can provide a theoretical basis to predict the reaction pathways and products during the pyrolysis process of β-O-4 type lignin dimers.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Predicts Outcome in Complex Aortic Surgery
Authors: Gombert Alexander , Stoppe Christian , Foldenauer Ann , Schuerholz Tobias , Martin Lukas , Kalder Johannes , Schälte Gereon , Marx Gernot , Jacobs Michael , Grommes Jochen
Published: November 2017

The perioperative inflammatory response is associated with outcome after complex aortic repair. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) shows protective effects in ischemia-reperfusion (IR), but also adverse pro-inflammatory effects in acute inflammation, potentially leading to adverse outcome, which should be investigated in this trial. This prospective study enrolled 52 patients, of whom 29 (55.7%) underwent open repair (OR) and 23 (44.3%) underwent endovascular repair (ER) between 2014 and 2015. MIF serum levels were measured until 72 h post-operatively. We used linear mixed models and ROC analysis to analyze the MIF time-course and its diagnostic ability. Compared to ER, OR induced higher MIF release perioperatively; at 12 h after ICU admission, MIF levels were similar between groups. MIF course was significantly influenced by baseline MIF level (P = 0.0016) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (P = 0.0005). MIF level at 24 h after ICU admission showed good diagnostic value regarding patient survival [sensitivity, 80.0% (28.4–99.5%); specificity, 51.2% (35.1–67.1%); AUC, 0.688 (0.534–0.816)] and discharge modality [sensitivity, 87.5% (47.3–99.7%); specificity, 73.7% (56.9–86.6%), AUC, 0.789 (0.644–0.896)]. Increased perioperative MIF-levels are related to an increased risk of adverse outcome in complex aortic surgery and may represent a biomarker for risk stratification in complex aortic surgery.
Elemental Ingredients in the Macrophage Cocktail: Role of ZIP8 in Host Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pyle Charlie , Azad Abul , Papp Audrey , Sadee Wolfgang , Knoell Daren , Schlesinger Larry
Published: November 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global epidemic caused by the infection of human macrophages with the world’s most deadly single bacterial pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). M.tb resides in a phagosomal niche within macrophages, where trace element concentrations impact the immune response, bacterial metal metabolism, and bacterial survival. The manipulation of micronutrients is a critical mechanism of host defense against infection. In particular, the human zinc transporter Zrt-/Irt-like protein 8 (ZIP8), one of 14 ZIP family members, is important in the flux of divalent cations, including zinc, into the cytoplasm of macrophages. It also has been observed to exist on the membrane of cellular organelles, where it can serve as an efflux pump that transports zinc into the cytosol. ZIP8 is highly inducible in response to M.tb infection of macrophages, and we have observed its localization to the M.tb phagosome. The expression, localization, and function of ZIP8 and other divalent cation transporters within macrophages have important implications for TB prevention and dissemination and warrant further study. In particular, given the importance of zinc as an essential nutrient required for humans and M.tb, it is not yet clear whether ZIP-guided zinc transport serves as a host protective factor or, rather, is targeted by M.tb to enable its phagosomal survival.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei Attenuate Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Heidelberg and Salmonella Typhimurium Colonization and Virulence Gene Expression In Vitro
Authors: Muyyarikkandy Muhammed Shafeekh , Amalaradjou Mary
Published: November 2017

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), and Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) have been responsible for numerous outbreaks associated with the consumption of poultry meat and eggs. Salmonella colonization in chicken is characterized by initial attachment to the cecal epithelial cells (CEC) followed by dissemination to the liver, spleen, and oviduct. Since cecal colonization is critical to Salmonella transmission along the food chain continuum, reducing this intestinal association could potentially decrease poultry meat and egg contamination. Hence, this study investigated the efficacy of Lactobacillus delbreuckii sub species bulgaricus (NRRL B548; LD), Lactobacillus paracasei (DUP-13076; LP), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NRRL B442; LR) in reducing SE, ST, and SH colonization in CEC and survival in chicken macrophages. Additionally, their effect on expression of Salmonella virulence genes essential for cecal colonization and survival in macrophages was evaluated. All three probiotics significantly reduced Salmonella adhesion and invasion in CEC and survival in chicken macrophages (p < 0.05). Further, the probiotic treatment led to a significant reduction in Salmonella virulence gene expression (p < 0.05). Results of the study indicate that LD, LP, and LR could potentially be used to control SE, ST, and SH colonization in chicken. However, these observations warrant further in vivo validation.
Inkjet Printed Fully-Passive Body-Worn Wireless Sensors for Smart and Connected Community (SCC)
Authors: Morshed Bashir , Harmon Brook , Zaman Md , Rahman Md , Afroz Sharmin , Rahman Mamunur
Published: November 2017

Future Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) will utilize distributed sensors and embedded computing to seamlessly generate meaningful data that can assist individuals, communities, and society with interlocking physical, social, behavioral, economic, and infrastructural interaction. SCC will require newer technologies for seamless and unobtrusive sensing and computation in natural settings. This work presents a new technology for health monitoring with low-cost body-worn disposable fully passive electronic sensors, along with a scanner, smartphone app, and web-server for a complete smart sensor system framework. The novel wireless resistive analog passive (WRAP) sensors are printed using an inkjet printing (IJP) technique on paper with silver inks (Novacentrix Ag B40, sheet resistance of 21 mΩ/sq) and incorporate a few discrete surface mounted electronic components (overall thickness of <1 mm). These zero-power flexible sensors are powered through a wireless inductive link from a low-power scanner (500 mW during scanning burst of 100 ms) by amplitude modulation at the carrier signal of 13.56 MHz. While development of various WRAP sensors is ongoing, this paper describes development of a WRAP temperature sensor in detail as an illustration. The prototypes were functionally verified at various temperatures with energy consumption of as low as 50 mJ per scan. The data is analyzed with a smartphone app that computes severity (Events-of-Interest, or EoI) using a real-time algorithm. The severity can then be anonymously shared with a custom web-server, and visualized either in temporal or spatial domains. This research aims to reduce ER visits of patients by enabling self-monitoring, thereby improving community health for SSC.
Tensile Fracture Behavior and Failure Mechanism of Additively-Manufactured AISI 4140 Low Alloy Steel by Laser Engineered Net Shaping
Authors: Kim Hoyeol , Liu Zhichao , Cong Weilong , Zhang Hong-Chao
Published: November 2017

AISI 4140 powder was directly deposited on AISI 4140 wrought substrate using laser engineered net shaping (LENS) to investigate the compatibility of a LENS-deposited part with the substrate. Tensile testing at room temperature was performed to evaluate the interface bond performance and fracture behavior of the test specimens. All the samples failed within the as-deposited zone, indicating that the interfacial bond is stronger than the interlayer bond inside the deposit. The fracture surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy disperse X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Results show that the tensile fracture failure of the as-deposited part is primarily affected by lack-of-fusion defects, carbide precipitation, and oxide particles inclusions, which causes premature failure of the deposit by deteriorating the mechanical properties and structural integrity.
Intelligent System for Data Tracking in Image Editing Company
Authors: Ngin Kimlong , Yat Yen , Hafeez Rufai , Ali Khuhro Sijjad , Sushchenko Mariia
Published: November 2017

The success of data transaction in a company largely depends on the intelligence system used in its database and application system. The complex and heterogeneous data in the log file make it more difficult for users to manage data effectively. Therefore, this paper creates an application system that can manage data from the log file. A sample was collected from an image editing company in Cambodia by interviewing five customers and seven operators, who worked on the data files for 300 images. This paper found two results: first, the agent script was used for retrieving data from the log file, classifying data, and inserting data into a database; and second, the web interface was used for the viewing of results by the users. The intelligence capabilities of our application, together with a friendly web-based and window-based experience, allow the users to easily acquire, manage, and access the data in an image editing company.
Inhibition of Brass (80/20) by 5-Mercaptopentyl-3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole in Neutral Solutions
Authors: Arkhipushkin Ivan , Shikhaliev Khidmet , Potapov Andrei , Sapronova Lyudmila , Kazansky Leonid
Published: November 2017

The effect of the adsorption of 5-mercaptopentyl-3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (MPATA) on the corrosive behavior of brass (Cu80/Zn20) in neutral (pH 7.4) borate buffer solutions with and without 0.01 M NaCl was studied. Electrochemical methods show significant decrease of the anodic and cathodic currents on the polarization curves in the presence of MPATA. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals MPATA adsorption on the brass surface from an inhibitor solution. After 17 h of exposure, a mixed complex [CuxZnyMPATAz] with a thickness of about 3–3.5 nm is formed on the surface. This nanolayer has sufficient protective ability to withstand corrosion tests in a salt fog chamber: after 5 days of testing, the samples remain glossy and less than 1% of the surface has been damaged. After corrosion tests in a salt fog chamber, the surface of unprotected samples is enriched with zinc, while at the surface of inhibitor-treated samples, the copper and zinc are present in practically equal contents.
Effect of Dynamic Reheating Induced by Weaving on the Microstructure of GTAW Weld Metal of 25% Cr Super Duplex Stainless Steel Weld Metal
Authors: Sung Hee-Joon , Na Hye-Sung , Kang Chung-Yun
Published: November 2017

The importance of the additional growth and/or transformation of the austenite phase that occurs in weld metals of super duplex stainless steel upon reheating is known. However, the effects have not been fully investigated, especially with respect to reheating induced by weaving during single-pass welding. In this work, bead-on-pipe gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) was conducted on super duplex stainless steel to understand the effect of weaving on the microstructure of weld metal. Microstructural analysis, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and focused ion beam transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM) were carried out to investigate the relationship between weaving and microstructural change. The weaving of GTAW produced a dynamic reheated area just before the weld bead during welding. It was revealed that extensive reheated weld existed even after one welding pass, and that the content of the austenite phase in the reheated area was higher than that in the non-reheated area, indicating the existence of a large quantity of intragranular austenite phase. In addition, the Cr2N content in the reheated area was lower than that in the non-reheated area. This reduction of Cr2N was closely related to the reheating resulting from weaving. TEM analysis revealed that Cr2N in the non-reheated area was dispersed following heating and transformed to secondary austenite.
Label-Free Monitoring of Diffusion in Microfluidics
Authors: Tølbøl Sørensen Kristian , Kristensen Anders
Published: November 2017

Label-free, real-time detection of concentration gradients is demonstrated in a microfluidic H-filter, using an integrated photonic crystal slab sensor to monitor sample refractive index with spatial resolution. The recorded diffusion profiles reveal root-mean-square diffusion lengths for non-fluorescing and non-absorbing molecules, both small (glucose, 180 Da) and large (bovine serum albumin, 67 kDa).
Asymmetric Drain Extension Dual-kk Trigate Underlap FinFET Based on RF/Analog Circuit
Authors: Han Ke , Qiao Guohui , Deng Zhongliang , Zhang Yannan
Published: November 2017

Among multi-gate field effect transistor (FET) structures, FinFET has better short channel control and ease of manufacturability when compared to other conventional bulk devices. The radio frequency (RF) performance of FinFET is affected by gate-controlled parameters such as transconductance, output conductance, and total gate capacitance. In recent years, high-k spacer dielectric materials for manufacturing nanoscale devices are being widely explored because of their better electrostatic control and being less affected by short channel effects (SCEs). In this paper, we aim to explore the potential benefits of using different Dual-k spacers on source and drain, respectively: (AsymD-kk) trigate FinFET structure to improve the analog/RF figure of merit (FOM) for low-power operation at 14 nm gate length. It has been observed from the results that the AsymD-kk FinFET structure improves the coupling of the gate fringe field to the underlap region towards the source and drain side, improving the transconductance (gm) and output conductance (gds) at the cost of an increase in Miller capacitance. Furthermore, to reduce the drain field influence on the channel region, we also studied the effect of asymmetric drain extension length on a Dual-kk FinFET structure. It can be observed that the new asymmetric drain extension structures significantly improve the cutoff frequency (fT) and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) given the significant reduction of inner fringe capacitance towards drain side due to the shifting of the drain extension’s doping concentration away from the gate edge. Therefore, the asymmetric drain extension Dual-kk trigate FinFET (AsymD-kkDE) is a new structure that combines different Dual-k spacers on the source and drain and asymmetric drain extension on a single silicon on insulator (SOI) platform to enhance the almost all analog/RF FOM. The proposed structure is verified by technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations with varying device physical parameters such as fin height, fin width, aspect ratio, spacer width, spacer material, etc. From comprehensive 3D device simulation, we have demonstrated that the proposed device is superior in performance to a conventional trigate FinFET and can be used to design low-power digital circuits.
Use of Cemented Super-Fine Unclassified Tailings Backfill for Control of Subsidence
Authors: Yang Lei , Qiu Jingping , Jiang Haiqiang , Hu Shiqiang , Li Hao , Li Songbo
Published: November 2017

Known for its advantages in preventing geological and environmental hazards, cemented paste backfill (CPB) has become a topic of interest for scientists and mining engineers in recent decades. This paper presents the results of a study on the use of cemented super-fine tailings backfill (CSUTB) in an underground mine for control of surface subsidence. An analytical solution is developed based on the available model to calculate the required strength of backfill when in contact with non-cemented tailings (NCT). The effect of solid contents on the rheological properties of CSUTB is investigated. A reasonable mix proportion (RMP) of CSUTB is determined for Zhongguan Iron Mine (ZGIM) based on laboratory experiments. The validity of RMP in surface subsidence control is verified by a 3D numerical model. The obtained results show that CSUTB requires higher strength when in contact with NCT than when in contact with orebody. Rheological characteristics, e.g., slump, fluidity, and bleeding rate of fresh CSUTB, decrease with higher solids content, of which values with a certain solids content can be determined by quadratic polynomial regression equations. RMP with a cement to tailings (c/t) ratio of 1:10 and a solids content of 70% is recommended for ZGIM, as it shows favorable mechanical and rheological abilities. The deformation parameters (curvature, inclination, and horizontal deformation rate) obtained from numerical modeling are acceptable and lower than critical values, meaning CSUTB can feasibly be used with RMP in subsidence control.
Simultaneous Determination of Seven Components in Rat Plasma by the UPLC-MS/MS Method and Application of Pharmacokinetic Studies to SimiaoYong’an Decoction
Authors: Liu Yuanyan , Chi Sensen , Wang Weihua , Su Lei , Liu Bin
Published: November 2017

SimiaoYong’an Decoction (SYD) is a classical traditional Chinese prescription that is used for the treatment of gangrene, heat-clearing, detoxification and pain alleviation. We developed a sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrum (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of seven major active ingredients of SYD extract (i.e., harpagide, chlorogenic acid, sweroside, loganin, liquiritin, angoroside C and harpagoside) in rat plasma. The preliminary steps in the plasma analysis were the addition of an internal standard such as linarin, followed by protein precipitation with methanol. Separation of the active ingredients was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min with methanol/water 0.1% formic acid aqueous (V/V) as the mobile phase. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem MS (QqQ-MS) via negative ion electrospray ionization in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.99) over the concentration range with a low limit of quantification between 0.029 and 5.813 ng/mL. Precision was evaluated by intra-day and inter-day assays, and the percentages of the RSD were all within 8.1%. The extraction efficiency and matrix effect were 80.6–113.6% and 82.9–99.5%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats after oral administration of SYD extract and the corresponding single and combined traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The pharmacokinetic properties of the seven ingredients showed dynamic changes due to counteraction among the different coexisting components. The established approach has proven useful in the study of the active constituents in a traditional Chinese prescription.
Engineering the Surface/Interface Structures of Titanium Dioxide Micro and Nano Architectures towards Environmental and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Zhao Yanyan , Mølhave Kristian , Sun Hongyu
Published: November 2017

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials have been intensively studied in the past years because of many varied applications. This mini review article focuses on TiO2 micro and nano architectures with the prevalent crystal structures (anatase, rutile, brookite, and TiO2(B)), and summarizes the major advances in the surface and interface engineering and applications in environmental and electrochemical applications. We analyze the advantages of surface/interface engineered TiO2 micro and nano structures, and present the principles and growth mechanisms of TiO2 nanostructures via different strategies, with an emphasis on rational control of the surface and interface structures. We further discuss the applications of TiO2 micro and nano architectures in photocatalysis, lithium/sodium ion batteries, and Li–S batteries. Throughout the discussion, the relationship between the device performance and the surface/interface structures of TiO2 micro and nano structures will be highlighted. Then, we discuss the phase transitions of TiO2 nanostructures and possible strategies of improving the phase stability. The review concludes with a perspective on the current challenges and future research directions.
Coffee Decreases the Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Lafranconi Alessandra , Micek Agnieszka , Galvano Fabio , Rossetti Sabrina , Del Pup Lino , Berretta Massimiliano , Facchini Gaetano
Published: November 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of the association between coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer. Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases. The dose–response relationship as well as the risk of endometrial cancer for the highest versus the lowest categories of coffee consumption were assessed. Subgroup analyses considering the menopausal and receptor statuses, the smoking status, and the BMI (Body Mass Index) were performed in order to identify potential confounders. Results: We identified a total of 12 studies eligible for meta-analysis. A dose–response meta-analysis showed a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Moreover, a subgroup analysis indicated that coffee consumption is significantly associated with a decreased risk of postmenopausal cancer. Increasing coffee consumption by four cups per day was associated with a 20% reduction in endometrial cancer risk (relative risk (RR) 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 0.89) and with a 24% reduction in postmenopausal cancer risk (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.83). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased coffee consumption is associated with decreased risk of endometrial cancer, and this association is observed also for postmenopausal cancer.
A Low Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index Is Associated with Progression to Dialysis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kuo I-Ching , Huang Jiun-Chi , Wu Pei-Yu , Chen Szu-Chia , Chang Jer-Ming , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: November 2017

Evaluating nutritional status is crucial to detecting malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) has been associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in the dialysis population. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the GNRI is associated with progression to dialysis in patients with moderate to advanced CKD. We enrolled 496 patients with stage 3–5 CKD who had received echocardiographic examinations, and categorized them according to baseline GNRI values calculated using the serum albumin level and body weight. The renal end-point was defined as the commencement of dialysis. During follow-up (mean, 25.2 ± 12.5 months; range, 3.3–50.1 months), 106 (21.4%) of the patients progressed to dialysis. The GNRI was positively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.111, p = 0.014), and negatively correlated with the left ventricular mass index (r = −0.116, p = 0.001), left ventricular hypertrophy (r = −0.095, p = 0.035), and LVEF < 50% (r = −0.138, p = 0.002). In multivariable Cox analysis, a low GNRI, female sex, high systolic blood pressure, high fasting glucose, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate were independently associated with progression to dialysis. A low GNRI was independently associated with progression to dialysis in our study cohort. The GNRI may be useful in predicting the risk of adverse renal outcomes in patients with CKD stages 3–5. Additional studies are needed to explore whether an improvement in GNRI delays CKD progression.
Concentrations of Carotenoids and Tocopherols in Breast Milk from Urban Chinese Mothers and Their Associations with Maternal Characteristics: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xue Yong , Campos-Giménez Esther , Redeuil Karine , Lévèques Antoine , Actis-Goretta Lucas , Vinyes-Pares Gerard , Zhang Yumei , Wang Peiyu , Thakkar Sagar
Published: November 2017

Milk composition remains the best estimate of infant requirements. The aims of this study were to quantify carotenoids and tocopherols in human milk from healthy Chinese mothers, and to explore their associations with lactation stage, region, socio-economic and obstetric characteristics, and dietary intake. Human milk was obtained from 509 healthy mothers, and concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols were analyzed by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The mothers’ socio-economic and obstetric characteristics and dietary intake through a single 24-h dietary recall were evaluated. The median concentrations (μg/100 mL) of each component of 0–4 days, 5–11 days, 12–30 days, 31–60 days, 61–120 days, and 121–240 days postpartum were respectively as follows: β-carotene 8.0, 2.8, 2.1, 1.7, 1.9, 1.8; β-cryptoxanthin 6.2, 3.4, 2.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1; lutein 5.7, 7.0, 2.2, 2.9, 2.8, 3.7; lycopene 6.3, 2.5, 1.8, 1.4, 1.4, 1.5; zeaxanthin 1.0, 1.4, 0.8, 0.8, 1.0, 1.1; α-tocopherol 645, 382, 239, 206, 212, 211; γ-tocopherol 68, 63, 70, 73, 68, 88. The levels of those components varied significantly among different lactation stages and presented regional differences. Associations of carotenoid contents with maternal education, delivery mode, and present body mass index were found in multivariate analyses. These results suggested that lactation stage, region, and socio-economic and obstetric factors were associated with human milk concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols in healthy Chinese mothers.
Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Enhanced Physical Stability and Controlled Release
Authors: Cao Yizheng , Teng Jing , Selbo Jon
Published: November 2017

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been recognized as the most prominent green tea extract due to its healthy influences. The high instability and low bioavailability, however, strongly limit its utilization in food and drug industries. This work, for the first time, develops amorphous solid dispersion of EGCG to enhance its bioavailability and physical stability. Four commonly used polymeric excipients are found to be compatible with EGCG in water-dioxane mixtures via a stepwise mixing method aided by vigorous mechanical interference. The dispersions are successfully generated by lyophilization. The physical stability of the dispersions is significantly improved compared to pure amorphous EGCG in stress condition (elevated temperature and relative humidity) and simulated gastrointestinal tract environment. From the drug release tests, one of the dispersions, EGCG-Soluplus® 50:50 (w/w) shows a dissolution profile that only 50% EGCG is released in the first 20 min, and the remains are slowly released in 24 h. This sustained release profile may open up new possibilities to increase EGCG bioavailability via extending its elimination time in plasma.
Enhancing Stereocomplexation Ability of Polylactide by Coalescing from Its Inclusion Complex with Urea
Authors: Liu Ping , Chen Xiao-Tong , Ye Hai-Mu
Published: November 2017

In this study, polylactide/urea complexes were successfully prepared by the electrospinning method, then the host urea component was removed to obtain a coalesced poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) blend. The crystallization behavior of the coalesced PLLA/PDLA blend (c-PLLA/PDLA) was studied by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The c-PLLA/PDLA was found to show better crystallization ability than normal PLLA/PDLA blend (r-PLLA/PDLA). More interestingly, the c-PLLA/PDLA effectively and solely crystallized into stereocomplex crystals during the non-isothermal melt-crystallization process, and the reason was attributed to the equally-distributing state of PLLA and PDLA chains in the PLLA/PDLA/urea complex, which led to good interconnection between PLLA and PDLA chains when the urea frameworks were instantly removed.
Multistage Stochastic Programming Models for Pharmaceutical Clinical Trial Planning
Authors: Zeng Zuo , Cremaschi Selen
Published: November 2017

Clinical trial planning of candidate drugs is an important task for pharmaceutical companies. In this paper, we propose two new multistage stochastic programming formulations (CM1 and CM2) to determine the optimal clinical trial plan under uncertainty. Decisions of a clinical trial plan include which clinical trials to start and their start times. Its objective is to maximize expected net present value of the entire clinical trial plan. Outcome of a clinical trial is uncertain, i.e., whether a potential drug successfully completes a clinical trial is not known until the clinical trial is completed. This uncertainty is modeled using an endogenous uncertain parameter in CM1 and CM2. The main difference between CM1 and CM2 is an additional binary variable, which tracks both start and end time points of clinical trials in CM2. We compare the sizes and solution times of CM1 and CM2 with each other and with a previously developed formulation (CM3) using different instances of clinical trial planning problem. The results reveal that the solution times of CM1 and CM2 are similar to each other and are up to two orders of magnitude shorter compared to CM3 for all instances considered. In general, the root relaxation problems of CM1 and CM2 took shorter to solve, CM1 and CM2 yielded tight initial gaps, and the solver required fewer branches for convergence to the optimum for CM1 and CM2.
A Decentralized Compositional Framework for Dependable Decision Process in Self-Managed Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zuo Decheng , Hou Kun-Mean , Zhang Zhan
Published: November 2017

Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) need to interact with the changeable environment under various interferences. To provide continuous and high quality services, a self-managed CPS should automatically reconstruct itself to adapt to these changes and recover from failures. Such dynamic adaptation behavior introduces systemic challenges for CPS design, advice evaluation and decision process arrangement. In this paper, a formal compositional framework is proposed to systematically improve the dependability of the decision process. To guarantee the consistent observation of event orders for causal reasoning, this work first proposes a relative time-based method to improve the composability and compositionality of the timing property of events. Based on the relative time solution, a formal reference framework is introduced for self-managed CPSs, which includes a compositional FSM-based actor model (subsystems of CPS), actor-based advice and runtime decomposable decisions. To simplify self-management, a self-similar recursive actor interface is proposed for decision (actor) composition. We provide constraints and seven patterns for the composition of reliability and process time requirements. Further, two decentralized decision process strategies are proposed based on our framework, and we compare the reliability with the static strategy and the centralized processing strategy. The simulation results show that the one-order feedback strategy has high reliability, scalability and stability against the complexity of decision and random failure. This paper also shows a way to simplify the evaluation for dynamic system by improving the composability and compositionality of the subsystem.
Highly Selective Polypyrrole MIP-Based Gravimetric and Electrochemical Sensors for Picomolar Detection of Glyphosate
Authors: Mazouz Zouhour , Rahali Seyfeddine , Fourati Najla , Zerrouki Chouki , Aloui Nadia , Seydou Mahamadou , Yaakoubi Nourdin , Chehimi Mohamed , Othmane Ali , Kalfat Rafik
Published: November 2017

There is a global debate and concern about the use of glyphosate (Gly) as an herbicide. New toxicological studies will determine its use in the future under new strict conditions or its replacement by alternative synthetic or natural herbicides. In this context, we designed biomimetic polymer sensing layers for the selective molecular recognition of Gly. Towards this end, complementary surface acoustic wave (SAW) and electrochemical sensors were functionalized with polypyrrole (PPy)-imprinted polymer for the selective detection of Gly. Their corresponding limits of detection were on the order of 1 pM, which are among the lowest values ever reported in literature. The relevant dissociation constants between PPy and Gly were estimated at [Kd1 = (0.7 ± 0.3) pM and Kd2 = (1.6 ± 1.4) µM] and [Kd1 = (2.4 ± 0.9) pM and Kd2 = (0.3 ± 0.1) µM] for electrochemical and gravimetric measurements, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations permitted to estimate the interaction energy between Gly and PPy film: ΔE = −145 kJ/mol. Selectivity and competitivity tests were investigated with the most common pesticides. This work conclusively shows that gravimetric and electrochemical results indicate that both MIP-based sensors are perfectly able to detect and distinguish glyphosate without any ambiguity.
What Makes Urban Transportation Efficient? Evidence from Subway Transfer Stations in Korea
Authors: Kim Changhee , Kim Soo , Kang Hee , Song Seung-Min
Published: November 2017

Subway stations have been proliferating underneath cosmopolitan metropolises with subway lines forming complex webs connected in strategic transfer stations. The efficiency of the subway system thus heavily weighs on the efficiency at these transfer stations. However, few studies have been conducted on transfer efficiency at transfer stations due to the complexities involved. As the first study of its kind in the subway context, we analyze the transfer efficiency of the subway transfer stations in Seoul, one of the megacities in the world, and demonstrate how transfer efficiency can be analyzed using bootstrap-based DEA technique. Based on the results, we discuss the reasons behind the inefficiency of subway transfer stations and possible ways to improve them into efficient decision-making units.
Policy Uncertainty and the US Ethanol Industry
Authors: Jones Jason , Wang Zidong , McCarl Bruce , Wang Minglu
Published: November 2017

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), as implemented, has introduced uncertainty into US ethanol producers and the supporting commodity market. First, the fixed mandate for what is mainly cornstarch-based ethanol has increased feedstock price volatility and exerts a general effect across the agricultural sector. Second, the large discrepancy between the original Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) intentions and the actual RFS2 implementation for some fuel classes has increased the investment uncertainty facing investors in biofuel production, distribution, and consumption. Here we discuss and analyze the sources of uncertainty and evaluate the effect of potential RFS2 adjustments as they influence these uncertainties. This includes the use of a flexible, production dependent mandate on corn starch ethanol. We find that a flexible mandate on cornstarch ethanol relaxed during drought could significantly reduce commodity price spikes and alleviate the decline of livestock production in cases of feedstock production shortfalls, but it would increase the risk for ethanol investors.