bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cesium and Strontium Retentions Governed by Aluminosilicate Gel in Alkali-Activated Cements
Authors: Jang Jeong , Park Sol , Lee Haeng
Published: April 2017

The present study investigates the retention mechanisms of cesium and strontium for alkali-activated cements. Retention mechanisms such as adsorption and precipitation were examined in light of chemical interactions. Batch adsorption experiments and multi-technical characterizations by using X-ray diffraction, zeta potential measurements, and the N2 gas adsorption/desorption methods were conducted for this purpose. Strontium was found to crystalize in alkali-activated cements, while no cesium-bearing crystalline phases were detected. The adsorption kinetics of alkali-activated cements having relatively high adsorption capacities were compatible with pseudo-second-order kinetic model, thereby suggesting that it is governed by complex multistep adsorption. The results provide new insight, demonstrating that characteristics of aluminosilicate gel with a highly negatively charged surface and high micropore surface area facilitated more effective immobilization of cesium and strontium in comparison with calcium silicate hydrates.
Production of High-Purity Anhydrous Nickel(II) Perrhenate for Tungsten-Based Sintered Heavy Alloys
Authors: Leszczyńska-Sejda Katarzyna , Benke Grzegorz , Kopyto Dorota , Majewski Tomasz , Drzazga Michał
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a method for the production of high-purity anhydrous nickel(II) perrhenate. The method comprises sorption of nickel(II) ions from aqueous nickel(II) nitrate solutions, using strongly acidic C160 cation exchange resin, and subsequent elution of sorbed nickel(II) ions using concentrated perrhenic acid solutions. After the neutralization of the resulting rhenium-nickel solutions, hydrated nickel(II) perrhenate is then separated and then dried at 160 °C to obtain the anhydrous form. The resulting compound is reduced in an atmosphere of dissociated ammonia in order to produce a Re-Ni alloy powder. This study provides information on the selected properties of the resulting Re-Ni powder. This powder was used as a starting material for the production of 77W-20Re-3Ni heavy alloys. Microstructure examination results and selected properties of the produced sintered heavy alloys were compared to sintered alloys produced using elemental W, Re, and Ni powders. This study showed that the application of anhydrous nickel(II) perrhenate in the production of 77W-20Re-3Ni results in better properties of the sintered alloys compared to those made from elemental powders.
A Thrombomodulin Gene Polymorphism (C1418T) Is Associated with Early Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with a Conventional Cardiopulmonary Bypass during Hospitalization
Authors: Pai Ching-Chou , Lin Yi-Wen , Tsai Yi-Ting , Loh Shih-Hurng , Lin Chih-Yuan , Lin Chin-Sheng , Lin Yi-Chang , Ke Hung-Yen , Lin Feng-Yen , Tsai Chien-Sung
Published: April 2017

Background: Thrombomodulin (TM) is a type of cell membrane-bound anticoagulant protein cofactor in the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C. Previous evidence has shown an association between TM polymorphisms and systemic inflammation. Conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), beating-heart CPB, and off-pump techniques have been widely used in cardiac surgery. However, these techniques may also cause systemic inflammatory responses in the patients. Whether TM polymorphisms are associated with systemic inflammation after cardiac surgery is still unclear. Methods: We analyzed the TM gene C1418T polymorphisms in 347 patients who underwent coronary artery bridge graft (CABG) surgery using allele-specific primers in a PCR assay. The clinical data during the hospital stay were collected and tested for correlations with the TM gene C1418T polymorphisms. Results: We separated the patients into two groups based on their TM C1418T genotype (CC genotype group and CT/TT genotype group). The days spent in an intensive care unit (ICU) and the incidence of fever in the ICU were significantly lower in the beating-heart CPB and off-pump groups than in the conventional CPB group. Additionally, the TM gene C1418T polymorphisms did not affect the early outcomes in patients in the beating-heart CPB and off-pump groups. Interestingly, in the conventional CPB group, patients with the CC genotype had a lower rate of fever, shorter duration of fever, and delay of ICU when compared with the CT/TT genotype. Conclusion: Surgeons may use a patient’s TM gene C1418T polymorphism to predict the strength of systemic inflammation and speculate on early outcomes during hospitalization before conventional CPB is performed.
Multiple UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase and Sulfotransferase Enzymes are Responsible for the Metabolism of Verproside in Human Liver Preparations
Authors: Kim Ju-Hyun , Hwang Deok-Kyu , Moon Ju-Yeon , Lee Yongnam , Yoo Ji , Shin Dae , Lee Hye
Published: April 2017

Verproside, an active iridoid glycoside component of Veronica species, such as Pseudolysimachion rotundum var. subintegrum and Veronica anagallis-aquatica, possesses anti-asthma, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, and cytostatic activities. Verproside is metabolized into nine metabolites in human hepatocytes: verproside glucuronides (M1, M2) via glucuronidation, verproside sulfate (M3) via sulfation, picroside II (M4) and isovanilloylcatalpol (M5) via O-methylation, M4 glucuronide (M6) and M4 sulfate (M8) via further glucuronidation and sulfation of M4, and M5 glucuronide (M7) and M5 sulfate (M9) via further glucuronidation and sulfation of M5. Drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for verproside metabolism, including sulfotransferase (SULT) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), were characterized. The formation of verproside glucuronides (M1, M2), isovanilloylcatalpol glucuronide (M7), and picroside II glucuronide (M6) was catalyzed by commonly expressed UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 and gastrointestinal-specific UGT1A7, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10, consistent with the higher intrinsic clearance values for the formation of M1, M2, M6, and M7 in human intestinal microsomes compared with those in liver microsomes. The formation of verproside sulfate (M3) and M5 sulfate (M9) from verproside and isovanilloylcatalpol (M5), respectively, was catalyzed by SULT1A1. Metabolism of picroside II (M4) into M4 sulfate (M8) was catalyzed by SULT1A1, SULT1E1, SULT1A2, SULT1A3, and SULT1C4. Based on these results, the pharmacokinetics of verproside may be affected by the co-administration of relevant UGT and SULT inhibitors or inducers.
Photocatalytic and Adsorption Performances of Faceted Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) Particles for the Removal of Methyl Orange (MO) from Aqueous Media
Authors: Ho Weng , Tay Qiuling , Qi Huan , Huang Zhaohong , Li Jiao , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2017

Particles of sub-micron size possess significant capacity to adsorb organic molecules from aqueous media. Semiconductor photocatalysts in particle form could potentially be utilized for dye removal through either physical adsorption or photo-induced chemical process. The photocatalytic and adsorption capabilities of Cu2O particles with various exposed crystal facets have been studied through separate adsorption capacity test and photocatalytic degradation test. These crystals display unique cubic, octahedral, rhombic dodecahedral, and truncated polyhedral shapes due to specifically exposed crystal facet(s). For comparison, Cu2O particles with no clear exposed facets were also prepared. The current work confirms that the surface charge critically affects the adsorption performance of the synthesized Cu2O particles. The octahedral shaped Cu2O particles, with exposed {111} facets, possess the best adsorption capability of methyl orange (MO) dye due to the strongest positive surface charge among the different types of particles. In addition, we also found that the adsorption of MO follows the Langmuir monolayer mechanism. The octahedral particles also performed the best in photocatalytic dye degradation of MO under visible light irradiation because of the assistance from dye absorption. On top of the photocatalytic study, the stability of these Cu2O particles during the photocatalytic processes was also investigated. Cu(OH)2 and CuO are the likely corrosion products found on the particle surface after the photocorrosion in MO solution. By adding hole scavengers in the solution, the photocorrosion of Cu2O was greatly reduced. This observation confirms that the photocatalytically generated holes were responsible for the photocorrosion of Cu2O.
Suppression of Oxidative Stress and NFκB/MAPK Signaling by Lyophilized Black Raspberries for Esophageal Cancer Prevention in Rats
Authors: Shi Ni , Chen Fang , Zhang Xiaoli , Clinton Steven , Tang Xiaofei , Sun Zheng , Chen Tong
Published: April 2017

Research in the laboratory has shown that lyophilized black raspberries (BRB) significantly inhibit N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis in rats. The objective of the present study is to characterize the underlying mechanism(s) of anti-cancer action of BRB in this preclinical animal model focusing on oxidative stress and its related oncogenic signaling pathways. Esophageal epithelial tissues were collected and assessed for markers of oxidative stress and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). BRB reduced the incidence of esophageal cancer from 100% in NMBA-treated rats to 81.5% in rats treated with NMBA plus BRB (p < 0.05). Tumor multiplicity was reduced from 4.73 ± 0.45 tumors per esophagus in NMBA-treated rats to 1.44 ± 0.26 in rats treated with NMBA plus BRB (p < 0.001). The data indicated that NMBA treatment increased production of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxide, reduced expression and activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase 2, and activated NFκB/MAPK signaling in rat esophagus. The study’s results show that BRB reverses oxidative stress and suppresses NFκB/MAPK pathways, which could be the mechanisms for esophageal cancer chemopreventive action of BRB in rats.
Sweet Taste Receptor Activation in the Gut Is of Limited Importance for Glucose-Stimulated GLP-1 and GIP Secretion
Authors: Saltiel Monika , Kuhre Rune , Christiansen Charlotte , Eliasen Rasmus , Conde-Frieboes Kilian , Rosenkilde Mette , Holst Jens
Published: April 2017

Glucose stimulates the secretion of the incretin hormones: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). It is debated whether the sweet taste receptor (STR) triggers this secretion. We investigated the role of STR activation for glucose-stimulated incretin secretion from an isolated perfused rat small intestine and whether selective STR activation by artificial sweeteners stimulates secretion. Intra-luminal administration of the STR agonists, acesulfame K (3.85% w/v), but not sucralose (1.25% w/v) and stevioside (2.5% w/v), stimulated GLP-1 secretion (acesulfame K: 31 ± 3 pmol/L vs. 21 ± 2 pmol/L, p < 0.05, n = 6). In contrast, intra-arterial administration of sucralose (10 mM) and stevioside (10 mM), but not acesulfame K, stimulated GLP-1 secretion (sucralose: 51 ± 6 pmol/L vs. 34 ± 4 pmol/L, p < 0.05; stevioside: 54 ± 6 pmol/L vs. 32 ± 2 pmol/L, p < 0.05, n = 6), while 0.1 mM and 1 mM sucralose did not affect the secretion. Luminal glucose (20% w/v) doubled GLP-1 and GIP secretion, but basolateral STR inhibition by gurmarin (2.5 µg/mL) or the inhibition of the transient receptor potential cation channel 5 (TRPM5) by triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) (100 µM) did not attenuate the responses. In conclusion, STR activation does not drive GIP/GLP-1 secretion itself, nor does it have a role for glucose-stimulated GLP-1 or GIP secretion.
Electrical and Electrochemical Properties of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Le Thanh-Hai , Kim Yukyung , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: April 2017

Conducting polymers (CPs) have received much attention in both fundamental and practical studies because they have electrical and electrochemical properties similar to those of both traditional semiconductors and metals. CPs possess excellent characteristics such as mild synthesis and processing conditions, chemical and structural diversity, tunable conductivity, and structural flexibility. Advances in nanotechnology have allowed the fabrication of versatile CP nanomaterials with improved performance for various applications including electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and energy devices. The aim of this review is to explore the conductivity mechanisms and electrical and electrochemical properties of CPs and to discuss the factors that significantly affect these properties. The size and morphology of the materials are also discussed as key parameters that affect their major properties. Finally, the latest trends in research on electrochemical capacitors and sensors are introduced through an in-depth discussion of the most remarkable studies reported since 2003.
Mechanical Behavior of Hybrid Glass/Steel Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: McBride Amanda , Turek Samuel , Zaghi Arash , Burke Kelly
Published: April 2017

While conventional fiber-reinforced polymer composites offer high strength and stiffness, they lack ductility and the ability to absorb energy before failure. This work investigates hybrid fiber composites for structural applications comprised of polymer, steel fiber, and glass fibers to address this shortcoming. Varying volume fractions of thin, ductile steel fibers were introduced into glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Non-hybrid and hybrid composite specimens were prepared and subjected to monolithic and half-cyclic tensile testing to obtain stress-strain relationships, hysteresis behavior, and insight into failure mechanisms. Open-hole testing was used to assess the vulnerability of the composites to stress concentration. Incorporating steel fibers into glass/epoxy composites offered a significant improvement in energy absorption prior to failure and material re-centering capabilities. It was found that a lower percentage of steel fibers (8.2%) in the hybrid composite outperformed those with higher percentages (15.7% and 22.8%) in terms of energy absorption and re-centering, as the glass reinforcement distributed the plasticity over a larger area. A bilinear hysteresis model was developed to predict cyclic behavior of the hybrid composite.
Polymerization Kinetics of Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Hydrogels and Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Achilias Dimitris , Siafaka Panoraia
Published: April 2017

Hydrogels based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) are a very important class of biomaterials with several applications mainly in tissue engineering and contacts lenses. Although the polymerization kinetics of HEMA have been investigated in the literature, the development of a model, accounting for both the chemical reaction mechanism and diffusion-controlled phenomena and valid over the whole conversion range, has not appeared so far. Moreover, research on the synthesis of nanocomposite materials based on a polymer matrix has grown rapidly recently because of the improved mechanical, thermal and physical properties provided by the polymer. In this framework, the objective of this research is two-fold: to provide a kinetic model for the polymerization of HEMA with accurate estimations of the kinetic and diffusional parameters employed and to investigate the effect of adding various types and amounts of nano-additives to the polymerization rate. In the first part, experimental data are provided from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements on the variation of the reaction rate with time at several polymerization temperatures. These data are used to accurately evaluate the kinetic rate constants and diffusion-controlled parameters. In the second part, nanocomposites of PHEMA are formed, and the in situ bulk radical polymerization kinetics is investigated with DSC. It was found that the inclusion of nano-montmorillonite results in a slight enhancement of the polymerization rate, while the inverse holds when adding nano-silica. These results are interpreted in terms of noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding between the monomer and polymer or the nano-additive. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) measurements were carried out to verify the results.
Interference of Heavy Aerosol Loading on the VIIRS Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) Retrieval Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yang , Chen Liangfu , Li Shenshen , Wang Xinhui , Yu Chao , Si Yidan , Zhang Zili
Published: April 2017

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) has been widely used in climate research, atmospheric environmental observations, and other applications. However, high AOD retrieval remains challenging over heavily polluted regions, such as the North China Plain (NCP). The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which was designed as a successor to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), will undertake the aerosol observations mission in the coming years. Using the VIIRS AOD retrieval algorithm as an example, we analyzed the influence of heavy aerosol loading through the 6SV radiative transfer model (RTM) with a focus on three aspects: cloud masking, ephemeral water body tests, and data quality estimation. First, certain pixels were mistakenly screened out as clouds and ephemeral water bodies because of heavy aerosols, resulting in the loss of AOD retrievals. Second, the greenness of the surface could not be accurately identified by the top of atmosphere (TOA) index, and the quality of the aggregation data may be artificially high. Thus, the AOD retrieval algorithm did not perform satisfactorily, indicated by the low availability of data coverage (at least 37.97% of all data records were missing according to ground-based observations) and overestimation of the data quality (high-quality data increased from 63.42% to 80.97% according to radiative simulations). To resolve these problems, the implementation of a spatial variability cloud mask method and surficial index are suggested in order to improve the algorithm.
Imaging of the Finger Vein and Blood Flow for Anti-Spoofing Authentication Using a Laser and a MEMS Scanner
Authors: Lee Jaekwon , Moon Seunghwan , Lim Juhun , Gwak Min-Joo , Kim Jae , Chung Euiheon , Lee Jong-Hyun
Published: April 2017

A new authentication method employing a laser and a scanner is proposed to improve image contrast of the finger vein and to extract blood flow pattern for liveness detection. A micromirror reflects a laser beam and performs a uniform raster scan. Transmissive vein images were obtained, and compared with those of an LED. Blood flow patterns were also obtained based on speckle images in perfusion and occlusion. Curvature ratios of the finger vein and blood flow intensities were found to be nearly constant, regardless of the vein size, which validated the high repeatability of this scheme for identity authentication with anti-spoofing.
Experimental Demonstration and Circuitry for a Very Compact Coil-Only Pulse Echo EMAT
Authors: Rueter Dirk
Published: April 2017

This experimental study demonstrates for the first time a solid-state circuitry and design for a simple compact copper coil (without an additional bulky permanent magnet or bulky electromagnet) as a contactless electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for pulse echo operation at MHz frequencies. A pulsed ultrasound emission into a metallic test object is electromagnetically excited by an intense MHz burst at up to 500 A through the 0.15 mm filaments of the transducer. Immediately thereafter, a smoother and quasi “DC-like” current of 100 A is applied for about 1 ms and allows an echo detection. The ultrasonic pulse echo operation for a simple, compact, non-contacting copper coil is new. Application scenarios for compact transducer techniques include very narrow and hostile environments, in which, e.g., quickly moving metal parts must be tested with only one, non-contacting ultrasound shot. The small transducer coil can be operated remotely with a cable connection, separate from the much bulkier supply circuitry. Several options for more technical and fundamental progress are discussed.
Using Wavelet Packet Transform for Surface Roughness Evaluation and Texture Extraction
Authors: Wang Xiao , Shi Tielin , Liao Guanglan , Zhang Yichun , Hong Yuan , Chen Kepeng
Published: April 2017

Surface characterization plays a significant role in evaluating surface functional performance. In this paper, we introduce wavelet packet transform for surface roughness characterization and surface texture extraction. Surface topography is acquired by a confocal laser scanning microscope. Smooth border padding and de-noise process are implemented to generate a roughness surface precisely. By analyzing the high frequency components of a simulated profile, surface textures are separated by using wavelet packet transform, and the reconstructed roughness and waviness coincide well with the original ones. Wavelet packet transform is then used as a smooth filter for texture extraction. A roughness specimen and three real engineering surfaces are also analyzed in detail. Profile and areal roughness parameters are calculated to quantify the characterization results and compared with those measured by a profile meter. Most obtained roughness parameters agree well with the measurement results, and the largest deviation occurs in the skewness. The relations between the roughness parameters and noise are analyzed by simulation for explaining the relatively large deviations. The extracted textures reflect the surface structure and indicate the manufacturing conditions well, which is helpful for further feature recognition and matching. By using wavelet packet transform, engineering surfaces are comprehensively characterized including evaluating surface roughness and extracting surface texture.
Progress in the Correlative Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Microscopy
Authors: Zhou Lulu , Cai Mingjun , Tong Ti , Wang Hongda
Published: April 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has evolved from the originally morphological imaging technique to a powerful and multifunctional technique for manipulating and detecting the interactions between molecules at nanometer resolution. However, AFM cannot provide the precise information of synchronized molecular groups and has many shortcomings in the aspects of determining the mechanism of the interactions and the elaborate structure due to the limitations of the technology, itself, such as non-specificity and low imaging speed. To overcome the technical limitations, it is necessary to combine AFM with other complementary techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy. The combination of several complementary techniques in one instrument has increasingly become a vital approach to investigate the details of the interactions among molecules and molecular dynamics. In this review, we reported the principles of AFM and optical microscopy, such as confocal microscopy and single-molecule localization microscopy, and focused on the development and use of correlative AFM and optical microscopy.
Temporal Changes in Ecosystem Services in European Cities in the Continental Biogeographical Region in the Period from 1990–2012
Authors: Szumacher Iwona , Pabjanek Piotr
Published: April 2017

Ecosystem services (ES) in cities and surrounding suburban areas are one of the major factors which guarantee quality of life. Most studies directly referring to urban ecosystem services are conducted on a local scale or for selected cities. There are few studies which focus on temporal changes of the provision of ecosystem services across a large number of cities. This paper analyzes selected land use type (forest, green urban area), soil sealing, selected ecosystem services (food provisioning, climate regulation, recreation), and biodiversity potential in 85 large cities (over 100,000 citizens) from the Continental (Central and Eastern) biogeographical region in Europe. We used the Corine Land Cover (CLC) data for 1990, 2000, 2006, and 2012. Our main findings are as follows: (1) The increase of forest areas was the highest in 2006–2012, and of urban green areas in 2000–2006, mostly in cities in Germany and the western part of the Czech Republic; (2) The process of soil sealing growth occurred in all studied cities and the rate was the most intense in Polish cities; (3) There was a decrease of food production and biodiversity potential in all the analyzed cities; (4) climate regulating services experienced only slight changes; (5) There was a very positive trend of the recreation indicator in most core zones of the cities in Germany and several cities in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Denmark. Moreover, our results of the temporal changes of land use and ES in European cities in the Continental biogeographical region indicate how important it is to monitor CLC and ES for potential spatial planning and regional policy interventions.
Urban Competitiveness Measurement of Chinese Cities Based on a Structural Equation Model
Authors: Yuan Zhiyuan , Zheng Xinqi , Zhang Lulu , Zhao Guoliang
Published: April 2017

In the current era, competition among countries and regions is in fact among cities. Thus, how to measure urban competitiveness precisely is a basic and important question. The two main approaches to this are comprehensive evaluation based on a set of indicators and network analysis based on inter-city relations. However, both have shortcomings. In this study, we introduced structural equation model (SEM) into urban competitiveness measurement to integrate the two approaches. We built a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS–SEM) according to the analysis of causal relationship among urban attribute indicators → urban functions → urban competitiveness → urban flow intensities. Following the processes of algorithm selection, model building, fitting and assessment, and modification in PLS-SEM modeling, we measured the urban competitiveness of Chinese cities in 2010 and analyzed its distribution quantitatively and spatially. The results revealed relationships between factors contained in the model and urban competitiveness and proved that the PLS-SEM urban competitiveness measurement approach we proposed is theoretically reliable and statistically valid.
The Higher Carbon Intensity of Loans, the Higher Non-Performing Loan Ratio: The Case of China
Authors: Guan Rong , Zheng Haitao , Hu Jie , Fang Qi , Ren Ruoen
Published: April 2017

In response to the call of the Chinese government to support low-carbon development, the issue has come to the view gradually as to whether the behaviors of banks’ green credit will contribute to easing their own credit risk. To reflect the behaviors of green credit of banks in detail, an indicator, named the carbon intensity of loans (CIL), is first proposed in this paper to measure the carbon emissions with association of the loans for commercial banks, on basis of the series of the input–output table. Then, a panel data model is used to explore the relationship between CIL and non-performing loan ratio, which measures the credit risk of banks. Based on the data of China’s commercial banks from 2007 to 2014, an empirical study has been conducted to investigate the impacts of CIL upon the non-performing loan ratio from a microscopic-level perspective. The result indicates that CIL has a positive effect on the non-performing loan ratio of banks. Since CIL is considered a significant indicator for the banks’ green credit, this paper comes to a conclusion that the green credit policy not only contributes to achieving of the emission-reduction targets for the society, but also promotes the development of banks’ credit risk.
Energy Conservation in China’s Cement Industry
Authors: Lin Boqiang , Zhang Zihan , Ge Fei
Published: April 2017

China, as the world’s largest cement producer, accounts for more than 60% of global cement production. With the continuous development of the Chinese economy, resource and environmental constraints are becoming increasingly serious, and energy saving and emission reduction has become one of the choices with which all industries are faced in the process of development. The cement industry is one of the major sources of China’s carbon dioxide emissions and its effect on energy saving and emissions’ reduction determines the realization of the national goals of energy conservation and emissions reduction. Taking China’s cement industry as the main focus, this paper carries out quantitative analysis of the relationship between energy consumption in the cement industry and a number of variables: energy structure, energy prices, energy efficiency and total output value of the cement industry based on a cointegration model. The study further analyzes the energy saving potential of the cement industry by assuming different scenarios. The research results show that the energy saving potential of the cement industry is 19.06% and 33.69%, with medium and high energy efficiency, respectively.
How Do Quality Practices Affect the Results?: The Experience of Thalassotherapy Centres in Spain
Authors: Álvarez-García José , Del Río-Rama María , Miras-Rodríguez María
Published: April 2017

Most thalassotherapy centres in Spain do not have any quality certification but they are carrying out several actions of quality management in an attempt to obtain better results. Consequently, the aim of this research is to study if the implementation of quality practices on thalassotherapy centres has the same impact on companies’ results as on the results of those companies that got the quality certifications. In addition, the relationships between different factors considered are going to be studied. Our sample is composed of Spanish thalassotherapy centres, and the statistical technique used is based on structural equation modelling, in particular partial least squares (PLS) regression. The data were provided by the answers given by 31 managers (70.45% of the selected sample) to a structured questionnaire based on previous research and statistically validated. The results of this research allow us to conclude that these kinds of organizations have implemented informal practices to improve the quality of the service in terms of leadership, personnel management, alliances, and resources and show that the practices that have been carried out by these centres to enhance the quality of the service have an impact on companies’ results. Managers of these kinds of establishments that want to improve customer results should focus their efforts on continuous improvement, whereas, if they are pursuing enhancement of other results, their efforts should be focused on process management.
EH-GC: An Efficient and Secure Architecture of Energy Harvesting Green Cloud Infrastructure
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Sharma Pradip , Moon Seo , Park Jong
Published: April 2017

Nowadays, the high power consumption of data centers is the biggest challenge to making cloud computing greener. Many researchers are still seeking effective solutions to reduce or harvest the energy produced at data centers. To address this challenge, we propose a green cloud infrastructure which provides security and efficiency based on energy harvesting (EH-GC). The EH-GC is basically focused on harvesting the heat energy produced by data centers in the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) infrastructure. A pyroelectric material is used to generate the electric current from heat using the Olsen cycle. In order to achieve efficient green cloud computing, the architecture utilizes a genetic algorithm for proper virtual machine allocation, taking into consideration less Service Level Agreement (SLA) violations. The architecture utilizes Multivariate Correlation Analysis (MCA) correlation analysis based on a triangular map area generation to detect Denial of Service (DoS) attacks in the data center layer of the IaaS. Finally, the experimental analysis is explained based on the energy parameter, which proves that our model is efficient and secure, and that it efficiently reuses the energy emitted from the data center.
The Impacts of Technical Progress on Sulfur Dioxide Kuznets Curve in China: A Spatial Panel Data Approach
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Ye Xinyue , Ge Xiangyu
Published: April 2017

This paper aims to reveal the nexus for sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission and income, as well as the effects of technical progress on SO2 emission in China based on environment Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. The spatial panel technique is used in case the coefficient estimates are biased due to the negligence of spatial dependence. With the provincial panel data of China from 2004 to 2014, this is the first research that finds an inverse N-trajectory of the relationship between SO2 emission and economic growth and confirms the beneficial impacts of technical advancement on SO2 emission abatement. The empirical results also suggest that the industrial structure change is an important driving force of the SO2 EKC. In addition, the direct and spillover effects of determinants on sulfur emission are clarified and estimated by a correct approach. Finally, we check the stability of our conclusions on the EKC shape for SO2 and technical progress effects when controlling for different variables and specifications, through which we find the turning points are sensitive to variables selections.
The Re-Conceptualization of the Port Supply Chain as a Smart Port Service System: The Case of the Port of Salerno
Authors: Botti Antonio , Monda Antonella , Pellicano Marco , Torre Carlo
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a re-conceptualization of the port supply chain as a smart service system, in accordance with the theory of service science. Starting from a short literature review about the port supply chain approach and service science, a new comprehensive framework is provided to better understand seaport dynamics and the creation of competitive port supply chains. The methodology used is the case study approach. The Authors examined the Port of Salerno (Italy) and re-conceptualized it as a smart port service system. The originality of the work lies in the application of service science as a lens to re-conceptualize the port supply chain, that allows the implementation of a logistic framework. Both theoretical and practical implications are provided to enrich the literature about port supply chains and to support port operators.
Chloroviruses Have a Sweet Tooth
Authors: Van Etten James , Agarkova Irina , Dunigan David , Tonetti Michela , De Castro Christina , Duncan Garry
Published: April 2017

Chloroviruses are large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses that infect certain isolates of chlorella-like green algae. They contain up to approximately 400 protein-encoding genes and 16 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. This review summarizes the unexpected finding that many of the chlorovirus genes encode proteins involved in manipulating carbohydrates. These include enzymes involved in making extracellular polysaccharides, such as hyaluronan and chitin, enzymes that make nucleotide sugars, such as GDP-L-fucose and GDP-D-rhamnose and enzymes involved in the synthesis of glycans attached to the virus major capsid proteins. This latter process differs from that of all other glycoprotein containing viruses that traditionally use the host endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi machinery to synthesize and transfer the glycans.
Replication and Oncolytic Activity of an Avian Orthoreovirus in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kozak Robert , Hattin Larissa , Biondi Mia , Corredor Juan , Walsh Scott , Xue-Zhong Max , Manuel Justin , McGilvray Ian , Morgenstern Jason , Lusty Evan , Cherepanov Vera , McBey Betty-Anne , Leishman David , Feld Jordan , Bridle Byram , Nagy Éva
Published: April 2017

Oncolytic viruses are cancer therapeutics with promising outcomes in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Animal viruses have the possibility to avoid pre-existing immunity in humans, while being safe and immunostimulatory. We isolated an avian orthoreovirus (ARV-PB1), and tested it against a panel of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. We found that ARV-PB1 replicated well and induced strong cytopathic effects. It was determined that one mechanism of cell death was through syncytia formation, resulting in apoptosis and induction of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). As hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, we investigated the effect of ARV-PB1 against cells already infected with this virus. Both HCV replicon-containing and infected cells supported ARV-PB1 replication and underwent cytolysis. Finally, we generated in silico models to compare the structures of human reovirus- and ARV-PB1-derived S1 proteins, which are the primary targets of neutralizing antibodies. Tertiary alignments confirmed that ARV-PB1 differs from its human homolog, suggesting that immunity to human reoviruses would not be a barrier to its use. Therefore, ARV-PB1 can potentially expand the repertoire of oncolytic viruses for treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma and other malignancies.
Numerical Simulation of Soil Evaporation with Sand Mulching and Inclusion
Authors: Zhao Wenju , Yu Ping , Ma Xiaoyi , Sheng Jie , Zhou Changquan
Published: April 2017

A model of unsaturated soil-water movement using a prediction model of basic physical soil properties for calculating correlation functions was developed using VADOSE/W. The reliability of the model was assessed by comparing the results with those of a soil-column test. Coefficients of determination, R2, between the simulated and the measured daily evaporation for sand-mulch thicknesses of 0 (control, CK), 1.7, 3.6 and 5.7 cm were 0.8270, 0.8214, 0.8589 and 0.9851, respectively. R2, between the simulated and measured cumulative evaporation for mulch thicknesses of 0, 1.7, 3.6 and 5.7 cm were 0.9755, 0.9994, 0.9997 and 0.9983, respectively. The fits were, thus, good, verifying the reliability of the model. The program accurately predicted the distribution of cumulative evaporation and volumetric water content during evaporation from a soil column with mulch thicknesses of 1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 2, 3, 5 cm and depths of sand inclusion thick of 0, 5, 10 and 15 cm for 20 days. Cumulative evaporation of sand inclusion was lower than in CK. Cumulative evaporation was independent of the mulch thickness and depended only on the depth of the inclusion: the deeper the inclusion, the higher the evaporation. The best mulch thickness was 5 cm, and the best inclusion depth was 5 cm. This study offers a new method to study the evaporation process with sand mulching and inclusion, which can provide guidance for improving the utilization efficiency of soil water.
Understanding and Control of Biopolymer Fouling in Ultrafiltration of Different Water Types
Authors: Zheng Xing , Zietzschmann Frederik , Plume Stephan , Paar Hendrik , Ernst Mathias , Wang Zi , Jekel Martin
Published: April 2017

The present work focuses on understanding and control of biopolymer fouling in ultrafiltration of a typical surface water and nearby secondary effluent for direct and indirect portable use. Characterization results show that both kinds of biopolymers are of similar molecular weight. Longer than one year water quality monitoring results show that the C/N ratio in the secondary effluent biopolymers was relatively constant at around 4.8, while that in the surface water macromolecules fluctuated at around 6.9. Under a similar mass load, the investigated secondary effluent biopolymers lead to hydraulic resistance slightly higher than that caused by filtering surface water macromolecules; however, the correspondingly formed fouling is significantly less reversible by hydraulic backwashing. The quantity of the nitrogenous biopolymers in the secondary effluent demonstrated a strong correlation with the extent of the irreversible fouling in ultrafiltration (UF), while that from the surface water did not. In membrane fouling cleaning tests, certain detergent demonstrated high efficiency in removing the irreversible fouling after UF of the secondary effluent, but presented no effect in eliminating fouling caused by the surface water foulants. In-line coagulation using FeCl3 prior to UF was shown as an effective fouling control method, but the effect depends heavily on the type of feed water.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Monotherapy is Superior to Entecavir-Adefovir Combination Therapy in Patients with Suboptimal Response to Lamivudine-Adefovir Therapy for Nucleoside-Resistant HBV: A 96-Week Prospective Multicentre Trial
Authors: Lee Sae Hwan , Cheon Gab Jin , Kim Hong Soo , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young Seok , Jeong Soung Won , Jang Jae Young , Kim Boo Sung , Jun Baek Gyu , Kim Young Don , Jun Dae Won , Sohn Joo Hyun , Kim Tae Yeob , Lee Byung Seok
Published: April 2017

Background

A complete virological response is closely related to the long-term outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis B and prevention of emerging HBV mutations. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy compared to entecavir-adefovir dipivoxil (ETV-ADV) combination therapy in patients with suboptimal responses to long-term lamivudine-adefovir dipivoxil (LAM-ADV) therapy for nucleoside analogue-resistant chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

Patients ( n=60) were randomized to TDF monotherapy or ETV-ADV combination therapy for 96 weeks. All patients had the rt204I/V mutation and serum HBV DNA was measured (>60 IU/ml) during LAM-ADV therapy. The primary end point was a complete virological response (HBV DNA <20 IU/ml) at week 96.

Results

The median duration of prior LAM-ADV rescue therapy was 43 (7–108) months. A complete virological response was achieved in 86.6% and 53.3% of patients in the TDF and ETV-ADV groups, respectively, at week 96 ( P=0.005). Reduction in serum HBV DNA was significantly greater in the TDF group than in ETV-ADV group (-3.2 ±1.2 versus -2.6 ±1.2; P=0.01). Hepatitis B e antigen loss (22.2% versus 16.6%; P=0.731) and biochemical responses (76.7% versus 73.3%; P=0.766) were not different between the TDF and ETV-ADV groups. No newly emerged mutations were detected. Both therapies demonstrated favourable safety profiles.

Conclusions

TDF therapy achieved a better complete virological response than ETV-ADV therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with suboptimal response to long-term LAM-ADV rescue therapy. (KCT0000627).
Union, Knee Alignment, and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Treated With Autologous Bone Grafting for Medial Tibial Defects in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hosaka Kunihiro , Saito Shu , Oyama Teruyasu , Fujimaki Hirohisa , Cho Eiji , Ishigaki Kanki , Tokuhashi Yasuaki
Published: April 2017

Autologous bone grafting is an established method to overcome bone deficiencies in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, recently, metal augments have been used by many surgeons. Although autologous bone grafting is a common technique, few large studies have described its success in achieving bone union in primary TKA. The goal of this study was to evaluate primary TKA with autologous bone grafting for tibial defects. A total of 68 knees that had undergone arthroplasty with autologous bone grafting with more than 1 year of follow-up were evaluated. Average follow-up was 6.6 years (range, 1.2–14.6 years). The autologous bone grafting procedure attached the proximal portion of the tibial resection from the lateral side to the bone graft on the medial side with 2 screws. The prosthesis, which had a standard and nonrevision stem, was implanted with cement. Bone union was assessed with fluoroscopic radiography with a weight-bearing anteroposterior view. The rate of bone union was 97% (65 knees). Correction of preoperative alignment was achieved and maintained until final follow-up. Postoperative knee angle and knee and function scores showed significant improvement. One infection occurred, but there were no local complications, such as backout of screws or collapse of bone grafts. The authors believe that autologous bone graft within TKA is a relatively simple and effective procedure that provides good bone union. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(4):e604–e608.]
Concordance of Patient and Physician Perceptions of Care in an Orthopedic Clinic
Authors: Zhang Kelly , Day Charles , Iorio Matthew L.
Published: April 2017

It is essential to study whether physicians' perceptions align with their patients' views, as understanding patient perception leads to superior satisfaction and health outcomes. Previous studies have established differences in physician–patient perceptions, but no studies have been conducted in orthopedic clinics. The authors' primary goal was to evaluate differences in physician and patient perceptions of an orthopedic clinic visit. Their secondary objective was to determine the influence of visit length, demographics, and depression risk-level on patient satisfaction. The authors surveyed 143 new patients being seen by orthopedic surgeons at a level I trauma center. After their appointment, these patients completed surveys on satisfaction and likelihood of depression. The authors recorded wait times and visit lengths. Simultaneously, the physicians completed a self-evaluative satisfaction survey. Patients' and physicians' answers were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mann–Whitney and Spearman correlation analyses were used to assess factors that impact satisfaction. Physicians and patients showed no significant differences on most questions of the satisfaction survey, except that physicians reported feeling less satisfied with their own explanations (
P
<.001). Length of visit was positively correlated with patient satisfaction (
R
=0.276,
P
=.001), while waiting times had no effect. Patients at risk for depression were less satisfied with physicians' effort to include them in decision-making (
P
=.044). Age was a predictor of greater satisfaction with explanations (
P
=.032) and instructions (
P
=.009) from the physician. Thus, orthopedic clinics may not exhibit the same physician–patient perception patterns as primary care clinics, potentially because of differences in patient populations, conditions, or expectations. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(4):242–246.]
Arthroscopic Treatment of a Displaced Nonunion of the Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Causing Extra-articular Impingement
Authors: Shibahara Motoi , Ohnishi Yasuo , Honda Eisaburo , Matsuda Dean K. , Uchida Soshi
Published: April 2017

This report describes a case of nonunion of an anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) apophyseal avulsion fracture with resultant subspine impingement combined with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A 16-year-old male soccer player presented with a 6-month history of right groin pain exacerbated by kicking and running. The patient was diagnosed with a displaced nonunion of the AIIS apophysis avulsion fracture causing secondary extra-articular impingement beyond cam-type FAI by physical examination and radiological findings. The authors performed arthroscopic AIIS decompression, with concurrent FAI correction and labral repair and capsular closure. At 4 months after surgery, a radiograph and a computed tomography scan showed complete bony union of the AIIS apophyseal nonunion. Modified Harris Hip Sore and Nonarthritic Hip Score improved from 74.8 and 61, respectively, to 100 for both at final follow-up. The effectiveness of arthroscopic decompression of the AIIS as part of a comprehensive minimally invasive surgery including FAI correction and labral repair resulted in complete union of the AIIS and pain-free return to sport and bony union. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(4):e725–e728.].