bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant Hybrid Flyback, a New Topology for High Density Power Adaptors
Authors: Medina-Garcia Alfredo , Schlenk Manfred , Morales Diego P. , Rodriguez Noel
Published: December 2018

In this article, an innovative power adaptor based on the asymmetrical pulse width modulation (PWM) flyback topology will be presented. Its benefits compared to other state-of-the-art topologies, such as the active clamp flyback, are analyzed in detail. It will also describe the control methods to achieve high efficiency and power density using zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) techniques over the full range of the input voltage and the output load, providing comprehensive guidelines for the practical design. Finally, we demonstrate the convenience of the proposed design methods with a 65 W adaptor prototype achieving a peak efficiency of close to 95% and a minimum efficiency of 93.4% at full load over the range of the input voltage, as well as a world-class power density of 22 W/inch3 cased.
Performance Comparison of Carry-Lookahead and Carry-Select Adders Based on Accurate and Approximate Additions
Authors: Balasubramanian Padmanabhan , Mastorakis Nikos
Published: December 2018

Addition is a fundamental operation in microprocessing and digital signal processing hardware, which is physically realized using an adder. The carry-lookahead adder (CLA) and the carry-select adder (CSLA) are two popular high-speed, low-power adder architectures. The speed performance of a CLA architecture can be improved by adopting a hybrid CLA architecture which employs a small-size ripple-carry adder (RCA) to replace a sub-CLA in the least significant bit positions. On the other hand, the power dissipation of a CSLA employing full adders and 2:1 multiplexers can be reduced by utilizing binary-to-excess-1 code (BEC) converters. In the literature, the designs of many CLAs and CSLAs were described separately. It would be useful to have a direct comparison of their performances based on the design metrics. Hence, we implemented homogeneous and hybrid CLAs, and CSLAs with and without the BEC converters by considering 32-bit accurate and approximate additions to facilitate a comparison. For the gate-level implementations, we considered a 32/28 nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process targeting a typical-case process–voltage–temperature (PVT) specification. The results show that the hybrid CLA/RCA architecture is preferable among the CLA and CSLA architectures from the speed and power perspectives to perform accurate and approximate additions.
Certificate Based Authentication Mechanism for PMU Communication Networks Based on IEC 61850-90-5
Authors: Farooq Shaik Mullapathi , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Kiran Siddavaram , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: December 2018

Smart grids are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their ability to operate with higher precision and smaller margins. Dynamic operation control in smart grids can be achieved with phasor measurement unit (PMU) based wide area monitoring and control systems. The data communication requirements for the PMU based applications are well addressed in the IEEE C37.118.2 and IEC 61850-90-5 standards. Due to the higher probability of cyberattacks and the scale of their impact, data security is a critical requirement in PMU communication networks. The IEC 61850-90-5 communication standard addresses this security concern and proposes the HMAC (hash based message authentication code) with key distribution center (KDC) scheme for achieving information authentication and integrity. However, these IEC 61850-90-5 security recommendations do not consider the mechanism for attacks such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks during KDC key exchanges. MITM attacks can be easily implemented and may have a large impact on the grid operation. This paper proposed an explicit certificate-based authentication mechanism to mitigate MITM attacks in PMU communication networks. The proposed certificate-based authentication mechanisms were implemented in real-time using Python-based terminals to observe their performance with different signature algorithms.
A State-of-the-Art Literature Review on Capacitance Resistance Models for Reservoir Characterization and Performance Forecasting
Authors: Holanda Rafael Wanderley de , Gildin Eduardo , Jensen Jerry L. , Lake Larry W. , Kabir C. Shah
Published: December 2018

Capacitance resistance models (CRMs) comprise a family of material balance reservoir models that have been applied to primary, secondary and tertiary recovery processes. CRMs predict well flow rates based solely on previously observed production and injection rates, and producers’ bottomhole pressures (BHPs); i.e., a geological model and rock/fluid properties are not required. CRMs can accelerate the learning curve of the geological analysis by providing interwell connectivity maps to corroborate features such as sealing faults and channels, as well as diagnostic plots to determine sweep efficiency and reservoir compartmentalization. Additionally, it is possible to compute oil and water rates by coupling a fractional flow model to CRMs which enables, for example, optimization of injected fluids allocation in mature fields. This literature review covers the spectrum of the CRM theory and conventional reservoir field applications, critically discussing their advantages and limitations, and recommending potential improvements. This review is timely because over the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of publications in this subject; however, a paper dedicated to summarize them has not yet been presented.
Energy Management System for the Photovoltaic Battery Integrated Module
Authors: Vega-Garita Victor , Sofyan Muhammad , Narayan Nishant , Ramirez-Elizondo Laura , Bauer Pavol
Published: December 2018

Given the complementary nature of photovoltaic (PV) generation and energy storage, the combination of a solar panel and a battery pack in one single device is proposed. To realize this concept, the PV Battery-Integrated Module (PBIM), it is fundamental to analyze the system architecture and energy management. This paper focuses on selecting a suitable architecture among the different options, while also indicating the control strategy that the converters must follow to ensure appropriate performance. Also, several modes of operation for the complete system are introduced to implement energy management. For the selected DC architecture, two case studies, viz. off-grid and peak-shaving for a grid-tied system, were employed to characterize the response of the model demonstrating its utility to perform maximum power-point tracking, excess solar power curtailment, and battery charging and discharging. The proposed control and system architecture prove to be feasible for a PV battery-integrated device such as PBIM.
Expected Global Warming Impacts on the Spatial Distribution and Productivity for 2050 of Five Species of Trees Used in the Wood Energy Supply Chain in France
Authors: Garbolino Emmanuel , Daniel Warren , Hinojos Mendoza Guillermo
Published: December 2018

The development of collective and industrial energy systems, based on wood biomass, knows a significant increase since the end of the 90’s in France, with more than 6000 power plants and heating plants developed currently. Because these systems are built for a minimal duration of 30 years, it is relevant to assess the availability of wood resources according to the potential impacts of global warming on five tree species mainly used in such a supply chain. The assessment of the potential spatial distribution of the suitable areas of these trees in 2050, by using the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) RCP6.0 scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway), shows an average decrease of 22% of the plots in comparison with the current situation. The results also point out that mountain areas would maintain a high probability of the development of four tree species. The assessment of the Net Primary Productivity (NPP) underlines a potential decrease for 93% of the plots in 2050, and an increase of this parameter in mountain areas. According to these assumptions, the proposed ecosystem based methodology can be considered as a prospective approach to support stakeholders’ decisions for the development of the wood energy supply chain.
A Method toward Real-Time CFD Modeling for Natural Ventilation
Authors: Wu Wentao , Wang Bing , Malkawi Ali , Yoon Nari , Sehovic Zlatan , Yan Bin
Published: December 2018

Natural ventilation is often used as a passive technology to reduce building energy consumption. To leverage the rule-based natural ventilation control to more advanced control at multiple spatial scales, mathematical modeling is needed to calculate the real-time ventilation rate, indoor air temperatures, and velocities at high spatial resolution. This study aims to develop a real-time mathematical modeling framework based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The real-time concept is implemented by using real-time sensor data, e.g., wall surface temperatures as boundary conditions, while data assimilation is employed to implement real-time self-calibration. The proof of concept is demonstrated by a case study using synthetic data. The results show that the modeling framework can adequately predict real-time ventilation rates and indoor air temperatures. The data assimilation method can nudge the simulated air velocities toward the observed values to continuously calibrate the model. The real-time CFD modeling framework will be further tested by the real-time sensor data once building construction is fully completed.
One Health, Fermented Foods, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Bell Victoria , Ferrão Jorge , Pimentel Lígia , Pintado Manuela , Fernandes Tito
Published: December 2018

Changes in present-day society such as diets with more sugar, salt, and saturated fat, bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the likelihood of the involvement of the microbiota in inflammatory diseases, which contribute to global epidemics of obesity, depression, and mental health concerns. The microbiota is presently one of the hottest areas of scientific and medical research, and exerts a marked influence on the host during homeostasis and disease. Fermented foods and beverages are generally defined as products made by microbial organisms and enzymatic conversions of major and minor food components. Further to the commonly-recognized effects of nutrition on the digestive health (e.g., dysbiosis) and well-being, there is now strong evidence for the impact of fermented foods and beverages (e.g., yoghurt, pickles, bread, kefir, beers, wines, mead), produced or preserved by the action of microorganisms, on general health, namely their significance on the gut microbiota balance and brain functionality. Fermented products require microorganisms, i.e., Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, yielding alcohol and lactic acid. Ingestion of vibrant probiotics, especially those contained in fermented foods, is found to cause significant positive improvements in balancing intestinal permeability and barrier function. Our guts control and deal with every aspect of our health. How we digest our food and even the food sensitivities we have is linked with our mood, behavior, energy, weight, food cravings, hormone balance, immunity, and overall wellness. We highlight some impacts in this domain and debate calls for the convergence of interdisciplinary research fields from the United Nations’ initiative. Worldwide human and animal medicine are practiced separately; veterinary science and animal health are generally neither considered nor inserted within national or international Health discussions. The absence of a clear definition and subsequent vision for the future of One Health may act as a barrier to transdisciplinary collaboration. The point of this mini review is to highlight the role of fermented foods and beverages on gut microbiota and debate if the need for confluence of transdisciplinary fields of One Health is feasible and achievable, since they are managed by separate sectors with limited communication.
Hydrostats: A Python Package for Characterizing Errors between Observed and Predicted Time Series
Authors: Roberts Wade , Williams Gustavious P. , Jackson Elise , Nelson E. James , Ames Daniel P.
Published: December 2018

Hydrologists use a number of tools to compare model results to observed flows. These include tools to pre-process the data, data frames to store and access data, visualization and plotting routines, error metrics for single realizations, and ensemble metrics for stochastic realizations to calibrate and evaluate hydrologic models. We present an open-source Python package to help characterize predicted and observed hydrologic time series data called hydrostats which has three main capabilities: Data storage and retrieval based on the Python Data Analysis Library (pandas), visualization and plotting routines using Matplotlib, and a metrics library that currently contains routines to compute over 70 different error metrics and routines for ensemble forecast skill scores. Hydrostats data storage and retrieval functions allow hydrologists to easily compare all, or portions of, a time series. For example, it makes it easy to compare observed and modeled data only during April over a 30-year period. The package includes literature references, explanations, examples, and source code. In this note, we introduce the hydrostats package, provide short examples of the various capabilities, and provide some background on programming issues and practices. The hydrostats package provides a range of tools to make characterizing and analyzing model data easy and efficient. The electronic supplement provides working hydrostats examples.
Selected Risk Factors of Developmental Delay in Polish Infants: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Drozd-Dąbrowska Marzena , Trusewicz Renata , Ganczak Maria
Published: December 2018

Despite a number of studies on the risk factors of developmental delay (DD) in children conducted in developed countries, Polish data are scarce, which hinder an early diagnosis and initiation of prevention/control measures. Objective: To assess selected risk factors of DD in infants. A case-control survey was conducted in 2017–2018 on 50 infants (≤1 year old) with DD and 104 healthy controls from three outpatient clinics in Szczecin, Poland. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire distributed among mothers. The most common risk factors in infants with DD were: Caesarian section (68%), infections (46%), and chronic diseases during pregnancy (48%). DD was significantly correlated with maternal infections and chronic diseases during pregnancy (both: p < 0.001), caesarian section (p < 0.001), preterm birth (p = 0.004), birth weight <2500 g (p = 0.03), Apgar score ≤7 (p < 0.01), prolonged hyperbilirubinemia (p < 0.001), and no breast-feeding (p = 0.04). This study reinforces multiple etiologies of DD. Preventive strategies regarding DD in Polish infants should focus on the pre/peri/postnatal risk factors identified in this study. Strategies that prevent and control such risk factors and those on early detection and intervention in high-risk infants are highly recommended.
Effects of a Dynamic Chair on Chair Seat Motion and Trunk Muscle Activity during Office Tasks and Task Transitions
Authors: Nüesch Corina , Kreppke Jan-Niklas , Mündermann Annegret , Donath Lars
Published: December 2018

Employing dynamic office chairs might increase the physical (micro-) activity during prolonged office sitting. We investigated whether a dynamic BioSwing® chair increases chair sway and alters trunk muscle activation. Twenty-six healthy young adults performed four office tasks (reading, calling, typing, hand writing) and transitions between these tasks while sitting on a dynamic and on a static office chair. For all task-transitions, chair sway was higher in the dynamic condition (p < 0.05). Muscle activation changes were small with lower mean activity of the left obliquus internus during hand writing (p = 0.07), lower mean activity of the right erector spinae during the task-transition calling to hand writing (p = 0.036), and higher mean activity of the left erector spinae during the task-transition reading to calling (p = 0.07) on the dynamic chair. These results indicate that an increased BioSwing® chair sway only selectively alters trunk muscle activation. Adjustments of chair properties (i.e., swinging elements, foot positioning) are recommended.
Association Between the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status and Physical Performance in Healthy Recreational Athletes
Authors: Zeitler Cornelia , Fritz Robert , Smekal Gerhard , Ekmekcioglu Cem
Published: December 2018

Molecular and clinical studies have linked vitamin D (vitD) deficiency to several aspects of muscle performance. For this retrospective cross-sectional study data from 297 male (M) and 284 female (F) healthy recreational athletes were used to evaluate the prevalence of vitD deficiency in athletes living in Austria and to determine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) correlates with maximal (Pmax) and submaximal physical performance (Psubmax) measured on a treadmill ergometer. The data were controlled for age, season, weekly training hours (WTH), body mass index (BMI) and smoking status. 96 M and 75 F had 25(OH)D levels ≤ 20 ng/mL. 25(OH)D levels showed seasonal variations, but no seasonal differences in Pmax and Psubmax were detected. M with 25(OH)D levels ≤ 20 ng/mL had significantly lower Psubmax (p = 0.045) than those with normal levels. In F no significant differences in Pmax or Psubmax were detected. Stepwise multiple regression analysis including all covariates revealed significant correlations between 25(OH)D levels and Pmax (β = 0.138, p = 0.003) and Psubmax (β = 0.152, p = 0.002) in M. Interestingly, for F significant correlations between 25(OH)D and both Pmax and Psubmax disappeared after adding WTH to the model. In conclusion, our data suggest that 25(OH)D status is associated with physical performance especially in M, while in F, WTH and BMI seem to affect the correlation.
Low HIF-1α and low EGFR mRNA Expression Significantly Associate with Poor Survival in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients; the Proteins React Differently
Authors: Rot Swetlana , Taubert Helge , Bache Matthias , Greither Thomas , Würl Peter , Holzhausen Hans-Jürgen , Eckert Alexander W. , Vordermark Dirk , Kappler Matthias
Published: December 2018

In various tumors, the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) have an impact on survival. Nevertheless, the prognostic impact of both markers for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is not well studied. We examined 114 frozen tumor samples from adult soft tissue sarcoma patients and 19 frozen normal tissue samples. The mRNA levels of HIF-1α, EGFR, and the reference gene hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) were quantified using a multiplex qPCR technique. In addition, levels of EGFR or HIF-1α protein were determined from 74 corresponding protein samples using ELISA techniques. Our analysis showed that a low level of HIF-1α or EGFR mRNA (respectively, relative risk (RR) = 2.8; p = 0.001 and RR = 1.9; p = 0.04; multivariate Cox´s regression analysis) is significantly associated with a poor prognosis in STS patients. The combination of both mRNAs in a multivariate Cox’s regression analysis resulted in an increased risk of early tumor-specific death of patients (RR = 3.1, p = 0.003) when both mRNA levels in the tumors were low. The EGFR protein level had no association with the survival of the patient’s cohort studied, and a higher level of HIF-1α protein associated only with a trend to significance (multivariate Cox’s regression analysis) to a poor prognosis in STS patients (RR = 1.9, p = 0.09). However, patients with low levels of HIF-1α protein and a high content of EGFR protein in the tumor had a three-fold better survival compared to patients without such constellation regarding the protein level of HIF-1α and EGFR. In a bivariate two-sided Spearman’s rank correlation, a significant correlation between the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and expression of EGFR mRNA (p < 0.001) or EGFR protein (p = 0.001) was found, additionally, EGFR mRNA correlated with EGFR protein level (p < 0.001). Our results show that low levels of HIF-1α mRNA or EGFR mRNA are negative independent prognostic markers for STS patients, especially after combination of both parameters. The protein levels showed a different effect on the prognosis. In addition, our analysis suggests a possible association between HIF-1α and EGFR expression in STS.
Breakfast Canyon Discovered in Honeybee Hive Weight Curves
Authors: Holst Niels , Meikle William G.
Published: December 2018

Electronic devices to sense, store, and transmit data are undergoing rapid development, offering an ever-expanding toolbox for inventive minds. In apiculture, both researchers and practitioners have welcomed the opportunity to equip beehives with a variety of sensors to monitor hive weight, temperature, forager traffic and more, resulting in huge amounts of accumulated data. The problem remains how to distil biological meaning out of these data. In this paper, we address the analysis of beehive weight monitored at a 15-min resolution over several months. Inspired by an overlooked, classic study on such weight curves we derive algorithms and statistical procedures to allow biological interpretation of the data. Our primary finding was that an early morning dip in the weight curve (‘Breakfast Canyon’) could be extracted from the data to provide information on bee colony performance in terms of foraging effort. We include the data sets used in this study, together with R scripts that will allow other researchers to replicate or refine our method.
Sequential Infection of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes with Chikungunya Virus and Zika Virus Enhances Early Zika Virus Transmission
Authors: Magalhaes Tereza , Robison Alexis , Young Michael , Black William , Foy Brian , Ebel Gregory , Rückert Claudia
Published: December 2018

In urban settings, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue viruses are transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Since these viruses co-circulate in several regions, coinfection in humans and vectors may occur, and human coinfections have been frequently reported. Yet, little is known about the molecular aspects of virus interactions within hosts and how they contribute to arbovirus transmission dynamics. We have previously shown that Aedes aegypti exposed to chikungunya and Zika viruses in the same blood meal can become coinfected and transmit both viruses simultaneously. However, mosquitoes may also become coinfected by multiple, sequential feeds on single infected hosts. Therefore, we tested whether sequential infection with chikungunya and Zika viruses impacts mosquito vector competence. We exposed Ae. aegypti mosquitoes first to one virus and 7 days later to the other virus and compared infection, dissemination, and transmission rates between sequentially and single infected groups. We found that coinfection rates were high after sequential exposure and that mosquitoes were able to co-transmit both viruses. Surprisingly, chikungunya virus coinfection enhanced Zika virus transmission 7 days after the second blood meal. Our data demonstrate heterologous arbovirus synergism within mosquitoes, by unknown mechanisms, leading to enhancement of transmission under certain conditions.
Competing-Risk Analysis of Death and End Stage Kidney Disease by Hyperkalaemia Status in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Receiving Stable Nephrology Care
Authors: Provenzano Michele , Minutolo Roberto , Chiodini Paolo , Bellizzi Vincenzo , Nappi Felice , Russo Domenico , Borrelli Silvio , Garofalo Carlo , Iodice Carmela , De Stefano Toni , Conte Giuseppe , Heerspink Hiddo , De Nicola Luca
Published: December 2018

Hyperkalaemia burden in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) under nephrology care is undefined. We prospectively followed 2443 patients with two visits (referral and control with 12-month interval) in 46 nephrology clinics. Patients were stratified in four categories of hyperkalaemia (serum potassium, sK ≥ 5.0 mEq/L) by sK at visit 1 and 2: Absent (no-no), Resolving (yes-no), New Onset (no-yes), Persistent (yes-yes). We assessed competing risks of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and death after visit 2. Age was 65 ± 15 years, eGFR 35 ± 17 mL/min/1.73 m2, proteinuria 0.40 (0.14–1.21) g/24 h. In the two visits sK was 4.8 ± 0.6 and levels ≥6 mEq/L were observed in 4%. Hyperkalaemia was absent in 46%, resolving 17%, new onset 15% and persistent 22%. Renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors (RASI) were prescribed in 79% patients. During 3.6-year follow-up, 567 patients reached ESKD and 349 died. Multivariable competing risk analysis (sub-hazard ratio-sHR, 95% Confidence Interval-CI) evidenced that new onset (sHR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.72) and persistent (sHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02–1.58) hyperkalaemia predicted higher ESKD risk versus absent, independently from main determinants of outcome including eGFR change. Conversely, no effect on mortality was observed. Results were confirmed by testing sK as continuous variable. Therefore, in CKD under nephrology care, mild-to-moderate hyperkalaemia status is common (37%) and predicts per se higher ESKD risk but not mortality.
Effects of Exercise on the Resting Heart Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies
Authors: Reimers Anne Kerstin , Knapp Guido , Reimers Carl-Detlev
Published: December 2018

Resting heart rate (RHR) is positively related with mortality. Regular exercise causes a reduction in RHR. The aim of the systematic review was to assess whether regular exercise or sports have an impact on the RHR in healthy subjects by taking different types of sports into account. A systematic literature research was conducted in six databases for the identification of controlled trials dealing with the effects of exercise or sports on the RHR in healthy subjects was performed. The studies were summarized by meta-analyses. The literature search analyzed 191 studies presenting 215 samples fitting the eligibility criteria. 121 trials examined the effects of endurance training, 43 strength training, 15 combined endurance and strength training, 5 additional school sport programs. 21 yoga, 5 tai chi, 3 qigong, and 2 unspecified types of sports. All types of sports decreased the RHR. However, only endurance training and yoga significantly decreased the RHR in both sexes. The exercise-induced decreases of RHR were positively related with the pre-interventional RHR and negatively with the average age of the participants. From this, we can conclude that exercise—especially endurance training and yoga—decreases RHR. This effect may contribute to a reduction in all-cause mortality due to regular exercise or sports.
Clinical Course, Serologic Response, and Long-Term Outcome in Elderly Patients with Early Lyme Borreliosis
Authors: Boršič Katarina , Blagus Rok , Cerar Tjaša , Strle Franc , Stupica Daša
Published: December 2018

Infected elderly people often present with signs and symptoms that differ from those in younger adults, but data on the association between patient age and presentation of early Lyme borreliosis (LB) are limited. In this study, the association between patient age (18–44 years, young vs. 45–64 years, middle-aged vs. ≥ 65 years, elderly) and disease course, microbiologic characteristics, and the long-term outcome of treatment was investigated prospectively in 1220 adult patients with early LB manifesting as erythema migrans (EM) at a single-center university hospital. Patients were assessed at enrolment and followed-up for 12 months. Age was associated with comorbidities, previous LB, presenting with multiple EM, and seropositivity to borreliae at enrolment. The time to resolution of EM after starting antibiotic treatment was longer in older patients. At 12 months, 59/989 (6.0%) patients showed incomplete response. The odds for incomplete response decreased with time from enrolment (odds ratio (OR) of 0.49, 0.50, and 0.48 for 2-month vs. 14-days, 6-month vs. 2-month, and 12-month vs. 6-month follow-up visits, respectively), but were higher with advancing age (OR 1.57 for middle-aged vs. young, and 1.95 for elderly vs. young), in women (OR 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.96), in patients who reported LB-associated constitutional symptoms at enrolment (OR 7.69, 95% CI 5.39–10.97), and in those who presented with disseminated disease (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.09–2.51). The long-term outcome of EM was excellent in patients of all age groups. However, older patients had slower resolution of EM and higher odds for an unfavorable outcome of treatment (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05–2.34 for middle-aged vs. young; and OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.14–3.32 for elderly vs. young), manifested predominantly as post-LB symptoms. The presence of LB-associated constitutional symptoms at enrolment was the strongest predictor of incomplete response.
Prevalence and Fracture Risk of Osteoporosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicenter Comparative Study of the FRAX and WHO Criteria
Authors: Choi Sang Tae , Kwon Seong-Ryul , Jung Ju-Yang , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Kim Sung-Soo , Kim Sang Hyon , Kim Ji-Min , Park Ji-Ho , Suh Chang-Hee
Published: December 2018

(1) Background: We evaluated the prevalence and fracture risk of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and compared the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) criteria and bone mineral density (BMD) criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). (2) Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study, which included 479 RA patients in 5 hospitals, was conducted between January 2012 and December 2016. The FRAX criteria for high-risk osteoporotic fractures were calculated including and excluding the BMD values, respectively. The definition of high risk for fracture by FRAX criteria and BMD criteria by WHO was 10-year probability of ≥ 20% for major osteoporotic fracture or ≥ 3% for hip fracture, and T score ≤ −2.5 or Z score ≤ −2.0, respectively. (3) Results: The mean age was 61.7 ± 11.9 years. The study included 426 female patients (88.9%), 353 (82.9%) of whom were postmenopausal. Osteoporotic fractures were detected in 81 (16.9%) patients. The numbers of candidates for pharmacological intervention using the FRAX criteria with and without BMD and the WHO criteria were 226 (47.2%), 292 (61%), and 160 (33.4%), respectively. Only 69.2%–77% of the patients in the high-risk group using the FRAX criteria were receiving osteoporosis treatments. The following were significant using the WHO criteria: female (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.46–8.63), age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.08–1.13), and BMI (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.75–0.87). Glucocorticoid dose (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.17), age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.12), and disease duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1–1.01) were independent risk factors for fracture. (4) Conclusions: The proportion of RA patients with a high risk of osteoporotic fractures was 33.4%–61%. Only 69.2%–77% of candidate patients were receiving osteoporotic treatments while applying FRAX criteria. Independent risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in RA patients were age, the dose of glucocorticoid, and disease duration.
Assessing Stormwater Nutrient and Heavy Metal Plant Uptake in an Experimental Bioretention Pond
Authors: Zanin Giampaolo , Bortolini Lucia , Borin Maurizio
Published: December 2018

With the purpose to study a solution based on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to reduce and treat stormwater runoff in urban areas, a bioretention pond (BP) was realized in the Agripolis campus of the University of Padova, Italy. The BP collected overflow water volumes of the rainwater drainage system of a 2270 m2 drainage area consisting almost entirely of impervious surfaces. Sixty-six Tech-IA® floating elements, supporting four plants each, were laid on the water surface. Eleven species of herbaceous perennial helophyte plants, with ornamental features, were used and tested. The early growth results of the BP functioning showed that nearly 50% of the total inflow water volume was stored or evapotranspirated, reducing the peak discharge on the urban drainage system. Among plants, Alisma parviflora, Caltha palustris, Iris ‘Black Gamecock’, Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’, Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’, and Typha laxmannii had the best survival and growth performances. A. parviflora and M. aquatica appeared interesting also for pollutant reduction in runoff water.
1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)imidazolidine-2-thione
Authors: Lee See Mun , Azizan Ainnul Hamidah Syahadah , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2018

1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)imidazolidine-2-thione (1) was obtained as a product from an in situ reaction between N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine, carbon disulfide, potassium hydroxide, and di(4-fluorobenzyl)tin dichloride. Compound 1 was characterized by IR, UV, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 2D (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopies. The cyclic molecular structure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography which showed the five-membered ring to be non-planar and the π-electron density to be localized over the CN2S chromophore. In the crystal, thioamide–N–H…O(hydroxy) and hydroxy–O–H…S(thione) hydrogen bonds lead to supramolecular layers in the bc-plane.
Manufacture of Sustainable Clay Bricks Using Waste from Secondary Aluminum Recycling as Raw Material
Authors: Bonet-Martínez Eduardo , Pérez-Villarejo Luis , Eliche-Quesada Dolores , Castro Eulogio
Published: December 2018

The aluminum recycling industry produces aluminum filter dust (AFD), a waste byproduct of the aluminum recycling process composed mainly of aluminum oxide in a percentage between 60–70%, 8% calcium oxide, almost 15% sodium chloride, and between 5–10% potassium chloride. Due to its aluminum content, this waste can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of ceramic bricks, at the same time reducing the environmental impact produced in landfill. In this work, the partial substitution of a clay mixture (40% black, 30% red, and 30% yellow clay) by different proportions of AFD in the range 0–25 wt % for the production of fired clay brick was studied. The raw materials, clays, and waste were characterized by XRF and XRD. The brick specimens were fired at 950 °C and their physical and mechanical properties, such as water absorption, water suction, loss of ignition, linear shrinkage, bulk density, and compressive strength, were analyzed. The more relevant results were obtained with the addition of up to 20 wt % AFD, obtaining bricks with physical properties comparable to pure clay-based bricks used as a reference and better compressive strength and thermal conductivity due to the balance between the melting and pore-forming effects of the waste. These sustainable bricks also comply with the regulations of heavy metals leached to the environment, as indicated by the leaching test.
Sulfonitric Treatment of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Dispersibility in Water
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Jianfeng , Wang Jiachen , Cui Suping
Published: December 2018

In this study, Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized by a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid (V:V = 3:1) at 70 °C for 1, 2, and 4 h, respectively. The oxidized MWCNTs were characterized by N2 adsorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy to determine the oxidation degree. The dispersion of the MWCNTs was investigated by UV-vis-NIR, SEM, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Results show that sulfonitric treatment increased the surface area and total pore volume and reduced the average pore diameter of MWCNTs. The treatment promoted the formation of oxidized species on the surface MWCNTs, as identified by FT-IR, TGA, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, and more oxygen-containing functional groups were generated when treatment time was extended. Moreover, a general relationship between oxidation degree and dispersibility of MWCNTs in water was established. UV-vis-NIR and dynamic light scattering measurements and SEM images revealed that MWCNTs with higher oxidation degree showed better dispersibility in water.
Coefficient Inequalities of Functions Associated with Petal Type Domains
Authors: Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Mahmood Shahid , Raza Mohsan , Farman Sumbal , Zainab Saira
Published: December 2018

In the theory of analytic and univalent functions, coefficients of functions’ Taylor series representation and their related functional inequalities are of major interest and how they estimate functions’ growth in their specified domains. One of the important and useful functional inequalities is the Fekete-Szegö inequality. In this work, we aim to analyze the Fekete-Szegö functional and to find its upper bound for certain analytic functions which give parabolic and petal type regions as image domains. Coefficient inequalities and the Fekete-Szegö inequality of inverse functions to these certain analytic functions are also established in this work.
Demographic, Social, and Behavioral Determinants of Lung Cancer Perceived Risk and Worries in a National Sample of American Adults; Does Lung Cancer Risk Matter?
Authors: Chalian Hamid , Khoshpouri Pegah , Assari Shervin
Published: December 2018

Background: Perceived risk and worries of developing cancer are important constructs for cancer prevention. Many studies have investigated the relationship between health behaviors and subjective risk perception. However, factors correlated with lung cancer risk perception and worries in individuals more susceptible to lung cancer have rarely been investigated. Objective: To determine demographic, social, and behavioral determinants of cancer perceived risk and worries and to explore heterogeneities in these associations by the level of lung cancer risk in a nationally representative sample of American adults. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, data came from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017, which included a 2277 representative sample of American adults. Smoking status, cancer perceived risk, cancer worries, age, gender, race, education, income, and insurance status were measured. We ran structural equation models (SEMs) for data analysis. Results: “Ever smoker” status was associated with higher cancer perceived risk (b = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.05–0.44, p = 0.013) and worries (b = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18–0.50, p < 0.001), suggesting that “ever smokers” experience higher levels of cancer perceived risk and worries regarding cancer, compared to “never smokers”. Other factors that correlate with cancer perceived risk and worries were race, age, income, and insurance status. Blacks demonstrated less cancer perceived risk and worry (b = −0.98, 95% CI = −1.37–0.60, p < 0.001) in both low and high risk lung cancer groups. However, the effects of social determinants (income and insurance status) and age were observed in low but not high risk group. Conclusions: Determinants of cancer perceived risk and worries vary in individuals depending on the level of lung cancer risk. These differences should be considered in clinical practice and policy makings with the goal of improving participation rates in lung cancer screening programs.
Thickness Effect on CO2/N2 Separation in Double Layer Pebax-1657®/PDMS Membranes
Authors: Selyanchyn Roman , Ariyoshi Miho , Fujikawa Shigenori
Published: December 2018

The effect of thickness in multilayer thin-film composite membranes on gas permeation has received little attention to date, and the gas permeances of the organic polymer membranes are believed to increase by membrane thinning. Moreover, the performance of defect-free layers with known gas permeability can be effectively described using the classical resistance in series models to predict both permeance and selectivity of the composite membrane. In this work, we have investigated the Pebax®-MH1657/PDMS double layer membrane as a selective/gutter layer combination that has the potential to achieve sufficient CO2/N2 selectivity and permeance for efficient CO2 and N2 separation. CO2 and N2 transport through membranes with different thicknesses of two layers has been investigated both experimentally and with the utilization of resistance in series models. Model prediction for permeance/selectivity corresponded perfectly with experimental data for the thicker membranes. Surprisingly, a significant decrease from model predictions was observed when the thickness of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (gutter layer) became relatively small (below 2 µm thickness). Material properties changed at low thicknesses—surface treatments and influence of porous support are discussed as possible reasons for observed deviations.
In Situ SAXS Measurement and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Magnetic Alignment of Hexagonal LLC Nanostructures
Authors: Cong Weiwei , Gao Weimin , Garvey Christopher J. , Dumée Ludovic F. , Zhang Juan , Kent Ben , Wang Guang , She Fenghua , Kong Lingxue
Published: December 2018

The alignment of nanostructures in materials such as lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) templated materials has the potential to significantly improve their performances. However, accurately characterising and quantifying the alignment of such fine structures remains very challenging. In situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and molecular dynamics were employed for the first time to understand the hexagonal LLC alignment process with magnetic nanoparticles under a magnetic field. The enhanced alignment has been illustrated from the distribution of azimuthal intensity in the samples exposed to magnetic field. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the relationship between the imposed force of the magnetic nanoparticles under magnetic field and the force transferred to the LLC cylinders which leads to the LLC alignment. The combinational study with experimental measurement and computational simulation will enable the development and control of nanostructures in novel materials for various applications.
Numerical Predictions of Uniform CO2 Corrosion in Complex Fluid Domains Using Low Reynolds Number Models
Authors: Hu Haijun , Xu Hao , Huang Changmeng , Chen Xing , Li Xiufeng , Li Yun
Published: December 2018

To get the knowledge of local corrosion, thinning is useful for developing targeted inspection plans for pipe components in the oil/gas industry. Aiming at this object, this work presents a computer fluid dynamics (CFD) method to predict CO2 aqueous corrosion in complex fluid domains. The processes involved in CO2 aqueous corrosion, including flow dynamics, mass transfer, chemical reactions, and electrochemical reactions, are modeled and simulated by a commercial CFD software of Fluent V15.0 (Version, manufacturer, city, country). Mass transfer in the straight pipe flow and jet impinging flow are simulated using three low-Reynolds-number turbulent models (Abe–Kondoh–Nagano k − ε model, Change–Hsieh–Chenk k − ε model, and k − ε shear stress transport model). The flow domains are meshed by grids with the first near-wall node at the position at y+ = 0.1. Comparisons between simulations and experimental data show the Abe–Kondoh–Nagano model provides the best predictions of near-wall flow and mass transfer. Thus, it is used to predict CO2 aqueous corrosion. Corrosion rates of dissolved CO2 in straight pipes and a jet impinging are predicted. The predicted corrosion rates are compared with experimental data and results derived from commercial software, Multicorp V5.2.105. The results show that predicted corrosion rates are reasonable. The locations of the highest corrosion rate for a jet impinging system are revealed.
Effect of Cold-Deformation on Austenite Grain Growth Behavior in Solution-Treated Low Alloy Steel
Authors: Zhang Xianguang , Matsuura Kiyotaka , Ohno Munekazu
Published: December 2018

The occurrence of abnormal grain growth (AGG) of austenite during annealing is a serious problem in steels with carbide and/or nitride particles, which should be avoided from a viewpoint of mechanical properties. The effects of cold deformation prior to annealing on the occurrence of AGG have been investigated. It was found that the temperature range of the occurrence of AGG is shifted toward a low temperature region by cold deformation, and that the shift increases with the increase of the reduction ratio. The lowered AGG occurrence temperature is attributed to the fine and near-equilibrium AlN particles that are precipitated in the cold-deformed steel, which is readily dissolved during annealing. In contrast, coarse and non-equilibrium AlN particles precipitated in the undeformed steel, which is resistant to dissolution during annealing.
Geometallurgy—A Route to More Resilient Mine Operations
Authors: Dominy Simon C. , O’Connor Louisa , Parbhakar-Fox Anita , Glass Hylke J. , Purevgerel Saranchimeg
Published: December 2018

Geometallurgy is an important addition to any evaluation project or mining operation. As an integrated approach, it establishes 3D models which enable the optimisation of net present value and effective orebody management, while minimising technical and operational risk to ultimately provide more resilient operations. Critically, through spatial identification of variability, it allows the development of strategies to mitigate the risks related to variability (e.g., collect additional data, revise the mine plan, adapt or change the process strategy, or engineer flexibility into the system). Geometallurgy promotes sustainable development when all stages of extraction are performed in an optimal manner from a technical, environmental, and social perspective. To achieve these goals, development of innovative technologies and approaches along the entire mine value chain are being established. Geometallurgy has been shown to intensify collaboration among operational stakeholders, creating an environment for sharing orebody knowledge and improving data acquisition and interpretation, leading to the integration of such data and knowledge into mine planning and scheduling. These aspects create better business optimisation and utilisation of staff, and lead to operations that are more resilient to both technical and non-technical variability. Geometallurgy encompasses activities that utilise improved understanding of the properties of ore and waste, which impact positively or negatively on the value of the product, concentrate, or metal. Properties not only include those that impact on processing efficiency, but also those of materials which will impact on other actions such as blasting and waste management. Companies that embrace the geometallurgical approach will benefit from increased net present value and shareholder value.