bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: The applicability of proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for determination of isocyanic acid (ICA) in work room atmospheres
Authors: Jankowski Mikolaj Jan , Olsen Raymond , Nielsen Claus Jørgen , Thomassen Yngvar , Molander Paal
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘The applicability of proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for determination of isocyanic acid (ICA) in work room atmospheres’ by Mikolaj Jan Jankowski et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014, 16, 2423–2431.
Hierarchical Fe-doped Ni3Se4 ultrathin nanosheets as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Du Jing , Zou Zehua , Liu Chen , Xu Cailing
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical Fe-doped Ni3Se4 ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized via solvothermal synthesis and a topotactic selenization process. The prepared (Ni,Fe)3Se4 ultrathin nanosheets supported on Ni foam needed an overpotential of only 225 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of about 41 mV dec−1.
Ultra-efficient and stable electro-optic dendrimers containing supramolecular homodimers of semifluorinated dipolar aromatics
Authors: Wu Jieyun , Wu Bo , Wang Wen , Chiang Kin Seng , Jen Alex. K.-Y. , Luo Jingdong
Published: February 2018

Self-assembled electro-optic dendrimers through homodimerization of fluoroaromatics have been systematically investigated.
SKLB023 hinders renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy by interfering TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling
Authors: Feng Yanhuan , Xu Jun , Guo Fan , Huang Rongshuang , Shi Min , Li Lingzhi , Ma Liang , Fu Ping
Published: February 2018

The novel small-molecule inhibitor of iNOS (SKLB023) hindered renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro by interfering with TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, highlighting that SKLB023 has potential in the therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis.
Azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions in water via recyclable heterogeneous Cu catalysts: reverse phase silica gel and thermoresponsive hydrogels
Authors: Lim Minkyung , Lee Heejin , Kang Minseok , Yoo Woncheol , Rhee Hakjune
Published: February 2018

Azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions were performed via copper catalysts immobilized onto two types of supports in water.
Synthesis of layered double hydroxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical and thermoresponsive performances
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Ji Jingwen , Li Haiping , Du Na , Song Shue , Hou Wanguo
Published: February 2018

Layered double hydroxide/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized. Different network structures are observed for the hydrogels along horizontal and vertical directions.
Composite right/left‐handed based compact and high gain leaky‐wave antenna using complementary spiral resonator on HMSIW for Ku band applications
Authors: Sarkar Anirban , Adhikary Moitreya , Sharma Abhishek , Biswas Animesh , Akhtar Mohammed Jaleel , Hu Zhirun
Published: February 2018

In this communication, a novel compact high gain composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) based leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) is presented at Ku band. A half‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide incorporated with a suitably oriented complementary quad spiral resonator (CQSR) is used to achieve a CRLH LWA. The unit cell is realised by a CQSR in such a way that the orientation of spirals exhibits higher leakage loss having a minimum cross coupling between them. The antenna is capable of scanning backward to forward along with a broadside direction in visible space. The proposed configuration has a length of 4.85λ0 which can scan within the frequency range of 13.5–17.8 GHz having a beam scanning range of 86° (−66° to 20°) and a maximum gain of 16 dBi. The simulated reflection coefficient of the proposed antenna is below −10 dB throughout the working frequency range with a side‐lobe level of below −10 dB. The designed prototype is more compact in nature having high gain, fair scanning range, and good cross‐polarisation level along with simpler design methodology and tuning capability to enhance the gain as well as radiation efficiency maintaining a fixed size. The proposed antenna could be a promising candidate in Ku‐band applications like fixed satellite services, and broadcast satellite services etc.
Hybrid iterative learning control strategy for single‐phase UPS inverter using inductor current active damping
Authors: Singh Santosh Kumar , Ghatak Choudhuri Sumit
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a hybrid iterative learning (HIL) control scheme for single‐phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) inverters using inductor current active damping technique. A UPS inverter maintains a tightly regulated output voltage independent of loading conditions and disturbances. To achieve such performance, a fast transient recovery time with a minimum steady‐state error is desired. Fast control techniques, such as proportional integral (PI), are not always known for good steady‐state performance in single‐phase applications. As the load voltage and current are periodic, therefore a hybrid control strategy has been proposed in which a PI controller is combined with an iterative learning controller to produce better transient and steady‐state dynamics. Adoption of such a strategy enables the UPS inverter control to be realised with one voltage and one current sensor, respectively. System modelling, filter magnitude‐frequency characteristics shaping and control design with stability analysis have been presented in this study. The designed HIL control strategy is examined through simulations in a MATLAB environment in the discrete time frame and experimentally verified for a single‐phase UPS inverter system prototype using a Texas TMS320F2812 digital signal processor.
Solid H2 in the interstellar medium
Authors: Füglistaler A. , Pfenniger D.
Published: February 2018

Context. Condensation of H2 in the interstellar medium (ISM) has long been seen as a possibility, either by deposition on dust grains or thanks to a phase transition combined with self-gravity. H2 condensation might explain the observed low efficiency of star formation and might help to hide baryons in spiral galaxies.

Aims. Our aim is to quantify the solid fraction of H2 in the ISM due to a phase transition including self-gravity for different densities and temperatures in order to use the results in more complex simulations of the ISM as subgrid physics.

Methods. We used molecular dynamics simulations of fluids at different temperatures and densities to study the formation of solids. Once the simulations reached a steady state, we calculated the solid mass fraction, energy increase, and timescales. By determining the power laws measured over several orders of magnitude, we extrapolated to lower densities the higher density fluids that can be simulated with current computers.

Results. The solid fraction and energy increase of fluids in a phase transition are above 0.1 and do not follow a power law. Fluids out of a phase transition are still forming a small amount of solids due to chance encounters of molecules. The solid mass fraction and energy increase of these fluids are linearly dependent on density and can easily be extrapolated. The timescale is below one second, the condensation can be considered instantaneous.

Conclusions. The presence of solid H2 grains has important dynamic implications on the ISM as they may be the building blocks for larger solid bodies when gravity is included. We provide the solid mass fraction, energy increase, and timescales for high density fluids and extrapolation laws for lower densities.
Changes of physicochemical and microbiologicalparameters of infiltration water at Debina intake in Poznan, unique conditions – a flood
Authors: Kołaska Sylwia , Jeż – Walkowiak Joanna , Dymaczewski Zbysław
Published: February 2018

The paper presents characteristics of Debina infiltration intake which provides water for Poznan and neighbouring communes. The evaluation of effectiveness of infiltration process has been done based on the quality parameters of river water and infiltration water. The analysed water quality parameters are as follows: temperature, iron, manganese, DOCKMnO4, TOC, turbidity, colour, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, conductivity, total hardness, carbonate hardness, pH, heavy metals, detergents and microorganisms. The paper also includes an assessment of the impact of flood conditions on the quality of infiltration water and operation of infiltration intake. In this part of the paper the following parameters were taken into account: iron, manganese, DOCKMnO4, TOC, turbidity, colour, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, conductivity, total hardness, the total number of microorganisms in 36°C (mesophilic), the total number of microorganisms in 22°C (psychrophilic), coli bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Enterococci. Analysis of the effects of flood on infiltration process leads to the following conclusions: the deterioration of infiltration water quality was due to the deterioration of river water quality, substantial shortening of groundwater passage and partial disappearance of the aeration zone. The observed deterioration of infiltration water quality did not affect the treated water quality, produced at water treatment plant.
Evaluation of the possibility of using the water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv (Ukraine) to supply the population with drinking water
Authors: Pietrzak D. , Mandryk O. , Wątor K. , Kmiecik E. , Zelmanowych A.
Published: February 2018

The article presents the results of the research carried out in order to assess the possibility of using surface water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv (western Ukraine), for the public supply of water intended for human consumption. For this purpose an existing database that contains the results of analyses of surface water samples collected in 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014 was used. Each year, from 8 to 13 samples were collected from the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in Cherniiv. Physicochemical analyses of the samples taken included the determination of pH value, temperature, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, suspended solids and ions: Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe2+, NH4+, Cu2+, Cl-, SO42-, PO43-, HCO3-, NO2-, NO3-. These chemical analyses were verified by calculation of errors based on the ionic balance.

The results of the analyses were referred to the polish applicable requirements for surface water used for public supply of water intended for human consumption and to the regulation regarding the classification of the surface water status and environmental quality standards for priority substances. The results indicate that water of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River in the area of Cherniiv was out of the class in the years 1999 and 2002 due to exceeding the limit values for category A3 for Cu2+. On the basis of incomplete assessment of the status of the Bystrytsya-Nadvirnyans'ka River water (due to the tests limitation to the physical and chemical components) determined that the water has a bad status because it exceeded the limits for class II for Cl-, SO42-, NO3- and TDS. In the samples collected in 1999 and 2002 it is also observed exceeding the maximum limit concentrations for Cu2+.
Evaluation on the Quality of Bangkok Tap Water with Other Drinking Purpose Water
Authors: Kordach A. , Chardwattananon C. , Wongin K. , Chayaput B. , Wongpat N.
Published: February 2018

The concern of drinking purposed water quality in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samutprakarn provinces has been a problem for over fifteen years. Metropolitan Water Works Authority (MWA) of Thailand is fully responsible for providing water supply to the mentioned areas. The objective of Drinkable Tap Water Project is to make people realize in quality of tap water. Communities, school, government agencies, hotels, hospitals, department stores, and other organizations are participating in this project. MWA have collected at least 3 samples of water from the corresponding places and the samples have to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines level. This study is to evaluate water quality of tap water, storage water, filtered water, and filtered water dispenser. The water samples from 2,354 attending places are collected and analyzed. From October 2011 to September 2016, MWA analyzed 32,711 samples. The analyzed water parameters are free residual chlorine, appearance color, turbidity, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pathogenic bacteria; E.coli. The results indicated that a number of tap water samples had the highest number compliance with WHO guidelines levels at 98.40%. The filtered water, filtered water dispenser, and storage water were received 96.71%, 95.63%, and 90.88%, respectively. However, the several samples fail to pass WHO guideline level because they were contaminated by E.coli. The result is that tap water has the highest score among other sources probably because tap water has chlorine for disinfection and always is monitored by professional team round-the-clock services compared to the other water sources with less maintenance or cleaning. Also, water quality reports are continuously sent to customers by mail addresses. Tap water quality data are shown on MWA websites and Facebook. All these steps of work should enhance the confidence of tap water quality.
Use of EPANET solver to manage water distribution in Smart City
Authors: Antonowicz A. , Brodziak R. , Bylka J. , Mazurkiewicz J. , Wojtecki S. , Zakrzewski P.
Published: February 2018

Paper presents a method of using EPANET solver to support manage water distribution system in Smart City. The main task is to develop the application that allows remote access to the simulation model of the water distribution network developed in the EPANET environment. Application allows to perform both single and cyclic simulations with the specified step of changing the values of the selected process variables. In the paper the architecture of application was shown. The application supports the selection of the best device control algorithm using optimization methods. Optimization procedures are possible with following methods: brute force, SLSQP (Sequential Least SQuares Programming), Modified Powell Method. Article was supplemented by example of using developed computer tool.
Monitoring of heavy metals in selected Water Supply Systems in Poland, in relation to current regulations
Authors: Szuster-Janiaczyk Agnieszka , Zeuschner Piotr , Noga Paweł , Skrzypczak Marta
Published: February 2018

The study presents an analysis of water quality monitoring in terms of the content of heavy metals, which is conducted in three independent water supply systems in Poland. The analysis showed that the monitoring of heavy metals isn't reliable - both the quantity of tested water samples and the location of the monitoring points are the problem. The analysis of changes in water quality from raw water to tap water was possible only for one of the analysed systems and indicate a gradual deterioration of water quality, although still within acceptable limits of legal regulations.
Stability evaluation of modernized bank protections in a culvert construction
Authors: Cholewa Mariusz , Plesiński Karol , Kamińska Katarzyna , Wójcik Izabela
Published: February 2018

The paper presents stability evaluation of the banks of the Wilga River on a chosen stretch in Koźmice Wielkie, Małopolska Province. The examined stretch included the river bed upstream from the culvert on a district road. The culvert construction, built over four decades ago, was disassembled in 2014. The former construction, two pipes that were 1.4 m in diameter, was entirely removed. The investor decided to build a new construction in the form of insitu poured reinforced concrete with a 4 x 2 m cross section. Change of geometry and different location in relation to the river current caused increase in the flow velocity and, as a consequence, erosion of both protected and natural banks. Groundwater conditions were determined based on the geotechnical tests that were carried out on soil samples taken from the banks and the river bed. Stability calculations of natural slopes of the Wilga River and the ones protected with riprap indicate mistakes in the design project concerning construction of the river banks. The purpose of the study was to determine the stability of the Wilga River banks on a selected section adjacent to the rebuilt culvert. Stability of a chosen cross section was analysed in the paper. Presented conclusions are based on the results of geotechnical tests and numerical calculations.
Use of a water treatment sludge in a sewage sludge dewatering process
Authors: Górka Justyna , Cimochowicz-Rybicka Małgorzata , Kryłów Małgorzata
Published: February 2018

The objective of the research study was to determine whether a sewage sludge conditioning had any impact on sludge dewaterability. As a conditioning agent a water treatment sludge was used, which was mixed with a sewage sludge before a digestion process. The capillary suction time (CST) and the specific filtration resistance (SRF) were the measures used to determine the effects of a water sludge addition on a dewatering process. Based on the CST curves the water sludge dose of 0.3 g total volatile solids (TVS) per 1.0 g TVS of a sewage sludge was selected. Once the water treatment sludge dose was accepted, disintegration of the water treatment sludge was performed and its dewaterability was determined. The studies have shown that sludge dewaterability was much better after its conditioning with a water sludge as well as after disintegration and conditioning, if comparing to sludge with no conditioning. Nevertheless, these findings are of preliminary nature and future studies will be needed to investigate this topic.
Photo-oxidation of PAHs with calcium peroxide as a source of the hydroxyl radicals
Authors: Kozak Jolanta , Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria
Published: February 2018

The efficiency of the removal of selected PAHs from the pretreated coking wastewater with usage of CaO2, Fenton reagent (FeSO4) and UV rays are presented in this article. The investigations were carried out using coking wastewater originating from biological, industrial wastewater treatment plant. At the beginning of the experiment, the calcium peroxide (CaO2) powder as a source of hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and Fenton reagent were added to the samples of wastewater. Then, the samples were exposed to UV rays for 360 s. The process was carried out at pH 3.5-3.8. After photo-oxidation process a decrease in the PAHs concentration was observed. The removal efficiency of selected hydrocarbons was in the ranged of 89-98%. The effectiveness of PAHs degradation was directly proportional to the calcium peroxide dose.
Evaluation of selected sewage sludge gasification technological parameters
Authors: Gałko Grzegorz , Król Danuta
Published: February 2018

Evaluation of selected sewage sludge gasification technological parameters was shown in this paper. Degree of carbon conducted in combustible substance and syngas efficiency (technological readiness coefficient) in accordance with equations were calculated. Enthalpy of individual compounds formation and energy balance were calculated in accordance with rule of Hess.
Feasibility of precise navigation in high and low latitude regions under scintillation conditions
Authors: Juan José Miguel , Sanz Jaume , González-Casado Guillermo , Rovira-Garcia Adrià , Camps Adriano , Riba Jaume , Barbosa José , Blanch Estefania , Altadill David , Orus Raul
Published: February 2018

Scintillation is one of the most challenging problems in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) navigation. This phenomenon appears when the radio signal passes through ionospheric irregularities. These irregularities represent rapid changes on the refraction index and, depending on their size, they can produce also diffractive effects affecting the signal amplitude and, eventually producing cycle slips. In this work, we show that the scintillation effects on the GNSS signal are quite different in low and high latitudes.

For low latitude receivers, the main effects, from the point of view of precise navigation, are the increase of the carrier phase noise (measured by σϕ) and the fade on the signal intensity (measured by S4) that can produce cycle slips in the GNSS signal. With several examples, we show that the detection of these cycle slips is the most challenging problem for precise navigation, in such a way that, if these cycle slips are detected, precise navigation can be achieved in these regions under scintillation conditions.

For high-latitude receivers the situation differs. In this region the size of the irregularities is typically larger than the Fresnel length, so the main effects are related with the fast change on the refractive index associated to the fast movement of the irregularities (which can reach velocities up to several km/s). Consequently, the main effect on the GNSS signals is a fast fluctuation of the carrier phase (large σϕ), but with a moderate fade in the amplitude (moderate S4). Therefore, as shown through several examples, fluctuations at high-latitude usually do not produce cycle slips, being the effect quite limited on the ionosphere-free combination and, in general, precise navigation can be achieved also during strong scintillation conditions.
Digitalisierung in der Medizin: Wer haftet für Kollege Roboter?
Authors: Dierks Christian
Published: February 2018

Wenn Roboter in den klinischen Alltag einziehen, sind Ärzte und Klinikmanager bezüglich Aufklärung, Haftung und Datenschutz oft unsicher. Und Politiker und der Gesetzgeber fragen sich, ob sie den Rechtsrahmen anpassen müssen. Dabei gibt das geltende Recht passende Antworten.
Hackathons: So bringen Nerds frische Ideen in die Gesundheitsbranche
Authors: König Romy
Published: February 2018

„Lasst uns neue Ideen aushacken“ – unter dieser Losung treffen sich Entwickler auf Großevents, um gemeinsam neue Anwendungen für die Gesundheitswelt zu erfinden. Von den Hackathons profitieren alle: die Tüftler, die Veranstalter, die Sponsoren. Ein Ende ist nicht abzusehen.
Editorial und Inhalt
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: February 2018

Die medizinische Bildgebung wird nicht nur in der Diagnostik immer wichtiger. So lassen sich durch intraoperative Bildgebung große Eingriffe durch minimal-invasive Operationen ersetzen. Die Systeme unterstützen die frühzeitige Erkennung von Krankheiten sowie die zielgerichtete Steuerung von Therapien und tragen so zu einer Senkung der Kosten im Gesundheitswesen bei. Was bieten die neuen Systeme? Antworten auf diese Fragen finden Sie in dieser Ausgabe. Lesen Sie außerdem, wie bildgebende Verfahren die Endoskopie verändern.
Medizinische Bildgebung: Hightech für die OP
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: February 2018

Der Effizienz- und Kostendruck im Bereich der Medizinischen Versorgung verändert die klinischen Arbeitsabläufe. Große Eingriffe werden immer öfter durch minimal-invasive Operationen ersetzt.
Surgical Management of the Thick-Skinned Nose
Authors: Hrisomalos Emily , Davis Richard
Published: February 2018

When executed properly, open structure rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the consistency, durability, and quality of the cosmetic surgical outcome. Moreover, in expert hands, dramatic transformations in skeletal architecture can be accomplished with minimal risk and unparalleled control, all while preserving nasal airway function. While skeletal enhancements have become increasingly more controlled and precise, the outer skin-soft tissue envelope (SSTE) often presents a formidable obstacle to a satisfactory cosmetic result. In noses with unusually thick skin, excessive skin volume and characteristically hostile healing responses frequently combine to obscure or sometimes even negate cosmetic skeletal modifications and taint the surgical outcome. For this challenging patient subgroup, care must be taken to optimize the SSTE using a graduated treatment strategy directed at minimizing skin thickness and controlling unfavorable healing responses. When appropriate efforts are implemented to manage thick nasal skin, cosmetic outcomes are often substantially improved, sometimes even negating the ill-effects of thick skin altogether.
Reducing Periorbital Edema and Ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty: Literature Review and Personal Approach
Authors: Tasman Abel-Jan
Published: February 2018

Postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis are most bothersome to rhinoplasty patients. The degree of swelling and bruising is influenced by several factors, and numerous prophylactic and therapeutic measures have been described in the literature. This article reviews the current literature and concludes with the author's suggestions on how to best minimize postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis.
Surgical Tips for the Management of the Wide Nasal Base
Authors: Carniol Eric , Adamson Peter
Published: February 2018

Alar base reduction (ABR) was first described by Weir in 1892, but continues to be a controversial topic in rhinoplasty in terms of optimal techniques. The authors describe the techniques for ABR including internal, external and combined ABR, flare excisions, and alar hooding reductions. The techniques described have resulted in consistent outcomes with acceptable scarring and high patient satisfaction.
Neues zur COPD – Die aktuellen GOLD-Empfehlungen 2017
Authors: Pfeifer Michael
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu

Neue Klassifikation der COPD nach GOLD 2017 Die neue Klassifikation erfasst den funktionellen Schweregrad GOLD 1 – 4 entsprechend dem FEV1-Prozent vom Soll getrennt von den Risikogruppen ABCD nach Symptomatik und Exazerbation-Historie.

Prävention Die Bedeutung der Prävention (Tabakentwöhnung, Impfungen) und nicht-medikamentösen Therapien (insbesondere REHA und Trainingstherapie) sind wesentliche Bestandteile der Therapie.

Medikamentöse Therapie Die jeweilige Risikogruppe und nicht die funktionelle Einschränkung der Lungenfunktion bestimmt über die medikamentöse Therapie.

Interventionelle Verfahren Sowohl die nicht-invasive Beatmung bei Hyperkapnie als auch die Volumenreduktion bei schwerem Lungenemphysem haben feste Indikationskriterien.
Long term rolling prediction model for solar radiation combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques
Authors: Li Fang-Fang , Wang Si-Ya , Wei Jia-Hua
Published: February 2018

Long-term prediction of solar radiation intensity plays an important role in the planning and design of photovoltaic power stations. Unlike previous research on solar radiation prediction requiring various meteorological and topographic data, this study proposed a rolling prediction model combining Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques with the need for historical solar radiation data only. To overcome the inconsistency problem of the number of intrinsic mode functions derived from the EMD, they are classified into high-frequency term, low-frequency term, and trend item, which are taken as the input parameters of the ANN model. With the historical data one-year after as the output parameter, the ANN model implies the complex, non-linear relationship between the adjacent periods, and it can be used to predict long-term solar radiation. The proposed methodology is applied to Gonghe county in the Qinghai province of China, where a large-scale photovoltaic power plant is under planning. The results indicate that the correlation coefficients between the daily and monthly predicted value and the historical data are 0.698 and 0.930, respectively, which are comparable to previous studies with a greater data requirement and a simpler model.
Comparative study about catalytic liquefaction of alkali lignin to aromatics by HZSM-5 in sub- and supercritical ethanol
Authors: Fan Di , Xie Xin-an , Li Yan , Li Lu , Sun Jiao
Published: February 2018

In this paper, HZSM-5 catalysts were first combined with sub- and supercritical ethanol (scEtOH) in alkali lignin catalytic liquefaction to produce bio-oil, and the synergistic effect of different reaction parameters (temperature, catalytic content, and reaction time) on conversion as well as product yields (bio-oil, solid residue, and aromatic compounds) was systematically studied. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were carried out to evaluate the composition of main products. Treatment of alkali lignin with 10%HZSM-5 catalyst in scEtOH at 360 °C for 90 min resulted in the highest bio-oil yield of 53.81 wt. %. It has also been confirmed that a combination of HZSM-5 catalyst in subcritical ethanol is beneficial for saving the reaction time and inhibitation of repolymerization reaction. On the basis of GC-MS analysis, the combination of HZSM-5 catalysts and scEtOH resulted in the highest relative content of total aromatic compounds, reaching 71.61% at 280 °C. The most abundant monomers produced in the identical liquefaction are phenols and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Enhanced terahertz magnetic dipole response by subwavelength
fiber
Authors: Atakaramians Shaghik , Shadrivov Ilya V. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Stefani Alessio , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Monro Tanya M. , Afshar V. Shahraam
Published: February 2018

Dielectric sub-wavelength particles have opened up a new platform for realization of magnetic light. Recently, we have demonstrated that a dipole emitter by a sub-wavelength fiber leads to an enhanced magnetic response. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an enhanced magnetic dipole source in the terahertz frequency range. By placing the fiber next to the hole in a metal screen, we find that the radiation power can be enhanced more than one order of magnitude. The enhancement is due to the excitation of the Mie-type resonances in the fiber. We demonstrate that such a system is equivalent to a double-fiber system excited by a magnetic source. This coupled magnetic dipole and optical fiber system can be considered a unit cell of metasurfaces for manipulation of terahertz radiation and is a proof-of-concept of a possibility to achieve enhanced radiation of a dipole source in proximity of a sub-wavelength fiber. It can also be scaled down to optical frequencies opening up promising avenues for developing integrated nanophotonic devices such as nanoantennas or lasers on fibers.
Tutorial: Terahertz beamforming, from concepts to realizations
Authors: Headland Daniel , Monnai Yasuaki , Abbott Derek , Fumeaux Christophe , Withayachumnankul Withawat
Published: February 2018

The terahertz range possesses significant untapped potential for applications including high-volume wireless communications, noninvasive medical imaging, sensing, and safe security screening. However, due to the unique characteristics and constraints of terahertz waves, the vast majority of these applications are entirely dependent upon the availability of beam control techniques. Thus, the development of advanced terahertz-range beam control techniques yields a range of useful and unparalleled applications. This article provides an overview and tutorial on terahertz beam control. The underlying principles of wavefront engineering include array antenna theory and diffraction optics, which are drawn from the neighboring microwave and optical regimes, respectively. As both principles are applicable across the electromagnetic spectrum, they are reconciled in this overview. This provides a useful foundation for investigations into beam control in the terahertz range, which lies between microwaves and infrared light. Thereafter, noteworthy experimental demonstrations of beam control in the terahertz range are discussed, and these include geometric optics, phased array devices, leaky-wave antennas, reflectarrays, and transmitarrays. These techniques are compared and contrasted for their suitability in applications of terahertz waves.
The effect of hydrogen on B4C coatings fabrication in inductively coupled plasma torch
Authors: Guo Q. J. , Zhao P. , Li L. , Zhou Q. J. , Ni G. H. , Meng Y. D.
Published: February 2018

Boron carbide (B4C) coatings are prepared by an RF inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch with different amounts of hydrogen introduced into the sheath gas. The effects of the added hydrogen on the characteristics of the plasma are diagnosed by optical emission spectroscopy and high speed photography. The effects on the melting of B4C particles in the plasma are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microstructure of the B4C coatings was determined with SEM imaging and x-ray diffraction analysis. The results show that adding hydrogen to the sheath gas leads to plasma contraction, which results in higher gas temperature of plasma. It also enhances B4C particles spheroidizing and improves the compactness of B4C coatings. Plasma processing does not change the main phase of boron carbide. The obtained results on B4C coatings on Cu substrates allows for improving the B4C coatings fabrication process.
Laser pulse shape design for laser-indirect-driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments
Authors: Xue Quanxi , Jiang Shaoen , Wang Zhebin , Wang Feng , Zhao Xueqing , Ding Yongkun
Published: February 2018

Laser pulse shape design is a key work in the design of indirect-laser-driven experiments, especially for long pulse laser driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments. A method for designing such a laser pulse shape is given here. What’s more, application experiments were performed, and the results of a typical shot are presented. At last of this article, the details of the application of the method are discussed, such as the equation parameter choice, radiation ablation pressure expression, and approximations in the method. The application shows that the method can provide reliable descriptions of the energy distribution in a hohlraum target; thus, it can be used in the design of long-pulse laser driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments and even other indirect-laser-driven experiments.
Carbon storage and its influencing factors in Hainan Dongzhangang mangrove wetlands
Authors: Xin Kun , Yan Kui , Gao Chun , Li Zhen
Published: February 2018

Mangrove wetlands are considered to be the largest carbon storage ecotype in subtropical and tropical coastal areas. The aim of the present study was to understand the distribution features of carbon storage in the Hainan Dongzhaigang mangrove wetlands in China. Using the 3S techniques (including remote sensing, geography information system and global position system) and field investigations, mangrove communities in study area were divided into 12 main types and carbon storage in each community was analysed. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was determined by the potassium dichromate external heating method, plant biomass was calculated using equations and the litter from each community was collected every month and its carbon storage was determined using the decomposition rate model. Total carbon storage in the 12 mangrove communities was 16.81×104Mg of which 13.45×104Mg (80.01%) was fixed by the soil, 2.66×104Mg (15.82%) was fixed by plants and 0.69×104Mg (4.10%) was fixed by litter. Comparisons of carbon storage between communities showed that the Sonneratia caseolaris community stored the most carbon (14.17MgCha–1), followed by the Bruguiera sexangula community (14.12MgCha–1), whereas carbon storage was lowest in the semimangrove community, including Pongamia pinnata and Hibiscus tiliaceus, and the herbaceous community, including Acrostichum aureum and Acanthus ilicifolius.
Re-assessing the origins of the invasive mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in southern Africa
Authors: Zardi G. I. , McQuaid C. D. , Jacinto R. , Lourenço C. R. , Serrão E. A. , Nicastro K. R.
Published: February 2018

Retracing the origins of invasive species is a first critical step in identifying potential mechanisms of introduction, implementation of management strategies and forecasting the spread of the invader. Mytilus galloprovincialis is an intertidal mussel that is widely distributed in many temperate and subtropical regions. It is invasive worldwide and the most successful invasive marine species in southern Africa. Previous studies have examined genetic relationships between a few South African populations from the south-western coast and other worldwide populations, presenting evidence of a north-eastern Atlantic origin of the invasion. Here, a combination of nuclear (Me15/16 PCR-based) and mitochondrial (16S restriction fragment-length polymorphism; 16S RFLP) DNA assays was applied to infer the origin of this strong invader across its entire southern African distribution (South Africa and Namibia). The 16S RFLP confirmed the northern hemisphere as being the likely sole source of invasion. Additionally, the frequencies of haplotypes at the 16S marker and alleles at the Me15/16 locus point to north-eastern Atlantic shores as the most likely origin throughout the Namibian and South African distribution of the species.
O-GlcNAcPRED-II: an integrated classification algorithm for identifying O-GlcNAcylation sites based on fuzzy undersampling and a K-means PCA oversampling technique
Authors: Jia Cangzhi , Zuo Yun , Zou Quan
Published: February 2018

Motivation

Protein O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) is an important post-translational modification of serine (S)/threonine (T) residues that involves multiple molecular and cellular processes. Recent studies have suggested that abnormal O-G1cNAcylation causes many diseases, such as cancer and various neurodegenerative diseases. With the available protein O-G1cNAcylation sites experimentally verified, it is highly desired to develop automated methods to rapidly and effectively identify O-GlcNAcylation sites. Although some computational methods have been proposed, their performance has been unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of prediction sensitivity.

Results

In this study, we developed an ensemble model O-GlcNAcPRED-II to identify potential O-GlcNAcylation sites. A K-means principal component analysis oversampling technique (KPCA) and fuzzy undersampling method (FUS) were first proposed and incorporated to reduce the proportion of the original positive and negative training samples. Then, rotation forest, a type of classifier-integrated system, was adopted to divide the eight types of feature space into several subsets using four sub-classifiers: random forest, k-nearest neighbour, naive Bayesian and support vector machine. We observed that O-GlcNAcPRED-II achieved a sensitivity of 81.05%, specificity of 95.91%, accuracy of 91.43% and Matthew’s correlation coefficient of 0.7928 for five-fold cross-validation run 10 times. Additionally, the results obtained by O-GlcNAcPRED-II on two independent datasets also indicated that the proposed predictor outperformed five published prediction tools.

Availability and implementation

http://121.42.167.206/OGlcPred/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Prevention of Axonal Degeneration by Perineurium Injection of Mitochondria in a Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury Model
Authors: Kuo Chi-Chung , Su Hong-Lin , Chang Tzu-Lin , Chiang Chien-Yi , Sheu Meei-Ling , Cheng Fu-Chou , Chen Chun-Jung , Sheehan Jason , Pan Hung-Chuan
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND: Axon degeneration leads to cytoskeletal disassembly, metabolism imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction during neurodegeneration or nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assess the possibility of mitigating axon degeneration by local injection of mitochondria in a crushed sciatic nerve.

METHODS: Sciatic nerve explants cocultured with mitochondria were assessed for the optimal dosage in local injection and nerve regeneration potential. The left sciatic nerve was crushed in Sprague-Dawley rats and then local injection of mitochondria into the distal end of the injured nerve was conducted for further assessment.

RESULTS: Mitochondrial coculture attenuated cytoskeletal loss and oxidative stress in isolated nerve explants. In Vivo analyses also showed that mitochondrial transplantation improved animal neurobehaviors, electrophysiology of nerve conduction, and muscle activities. Mitochondria injection significantly attenuated the oxidative stress and increased the expression of neurotrophic factors both in injured nerves and denervated muscles, as well as restored muscular integrity, and increased the pool of muscular progenitor cells and total muscle weight.

CONCLUSION: Mitochondria injection can protect injured nerves from axonal degeneration both in Vitro and in Vivo. This improvement was accompanied with the expression of neurotrophic factors as well as the reduction of oxidative stress, which may account for the functional recovery of both injured nerves and denervated muscles.
Comparison of Downstream Health Care Utilization, Costs, and Long-Term Opioid Use: Physical Therapist Management Versus Opioid Therapy Management After Arthroscopic Hip Surgery
Authors: Rhon Daniel I , Snodgrass Suzanne J , Cleland Joshua A , Greenlee Tina A , Sissel Charles D , Cook Chad E
Published: February 2018

Background

Physical therapy and opioid prescriptions are common after hip surgery, but are sometimes delayed or not used.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare downstream health care utilization and opioid use following hip surgery for different patterns of physical therapy and prescription opioids.

Design

The design of this study was an observational cohort.

Methods

Health care utilization was abstracted from the Military Health System Data Repository for patients who were 18 to 50 years old and were undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery between 2004 and 2013. Patients were grouped into those receiving an isolated treatment (only opioids or only physical therapy) and those receiving both treatments on the basis of timing (opioid first or physical therapy first). Outcomes included overall health care visits and costs, hip-related visits and costs, additional surgeries, and opioid prescriptions.

Results

Of 1870 total patients, 82.7% (n = 1546) received physical therapy only, 71.6% (n = 1339) received prescription opioids, and 1073 (56.1%) received both physical therapy and opioids. Because 24 patients received both opioids and physical therapy on the same day, they were eventually removed the final timing-of-care analysis. Adjusted hip–related mean costs were the same in both groups receiving isolated treatments (${\$}$11,628 vs ${\$}$11,579), but the group receiving only physical therapy had significantly lower overall total health care mean costs (${\$}$18,185 vs ${\$}$23,842) and fewer patients requiring another hip surgery. For patients receiving both treatments, mean hip-related downstream costs were significantly higher in the group receiving opioids first than in the group receiving physical therapy first (${\$}$18,806 vs ${\$}$16,955) and resulted in greater opioid use (7.83 vs 4.14 prescriptions), greater total days’ supply of opioids (90.17 vs 44.30 days), and a higher percentage of patients with chronic opioid use (69.5% vs 53.2%).

Limitations

Claims data were limited by the accuracy of coding, and observational data limit inferences of causality.

Conclusions

Physical therapy first was associated with lower hip-related downstream costs and lower opioid use than opioids first; physical therapy instead of opioids was associated with less total downstream health care utilization. These results need to be validated in prospective controlled trials.
Activator Protein-1 Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide Transfection Is Beneficial in Reducing Organ Injury and Mortality in Septic Mice
Authors: Imaizumi Takahiro , Matsuda Naoyuki , Tomita Kengo , Palikhe Sailesh , Ohashi Wakana , Hattori Kohshi , Hattori Yuichi
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Inflammation and apoptosis are decisive mechanisms for the development of end-organ injury in sepsis. Activator protein-1 may play a key role in regulating expression of harmful genes responsible for the pathophysiology of septic end-organ injury along with the major transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. We investigated whether in vivo introduction of circular dumbbell activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides can provide benefits for reducing septic end-organ injury.

Design:

Laboratory and animal/cell research.

Settings:

University research laboratory.

Subjects:

Male BALB/c mice (8–10 wk old).

Interventions:

Activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides were effectively delivered into tissues of septic mice in vivo by preparing into a complex with atelocollagen given 1 hour after surgery.

Materials and Main Results:

Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in mice. Activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotide transfection inhibited abnormal production of proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines after cecal ligation and puncture. Histopathologic changes in lung, liver, and kidney tissues after cecal ligation and puncture were improved by activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotide administration. When activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides were given, apoptosis induction was strikingly suppressed in lungs, livers, kidneys, and spleens of cecal ligation and puncture mice. These beneficial effects of activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides led to a significant survival advantage in mice after cecal ligation and puncture. Apoptotic gene profiling indicated that activator protein-1 activation was involved in the up-regulation of many of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate a detrimental role of activator protein-1 in the sepsis pathophysiology and the potential usefulness of activator protein-1 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides for the prevention and treatment of septic end-organ failure.
Using an Interactive Video Simulator to Improve Certified Nursing Assistants’ Dressing Assistance and Nursing Home Residents’ Dressing Performance
Authors: Tsai Pao-Feng , Kitch Stephanie , Beck Cornelia , Jakobs Thomas , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Jordan Kerry , Jakobs Erik , Adair Shawn
Published: February 2018

This pilot study examined the initial effects and estimated effect size of a computer-based simulation education program on certified nursing assistants' level of assistance when dressing nursing home residents with dementia and on residents' dressing performance. Nine dyads, assigned to either the experimental or control group, completed the study. Both groups received a traditional 1-hour education module delivered by a research assistant. The experimental group was then instructed to undertake an additional 2-hour intervention using a video simulator that enabled nursing assistants to practice level of assistance skills. The appropriateness of dressing assistance from nursing assistants and residents' dressing performance was measured before and 6 weeks after the intervention. The results showed that the two groups did not significantly differ in either appropriate levels of dressing assistance (P = .42) or residents' dressing performance (P = .38). A lack of effort by some assistants to properly assist residents and low statistical power may explain the lack of significance. The effect sizes of the experimental intervention on appropriate levels of dressing assistance and resident dressing performance were 0.69 and 0.89, respectively. Incorporating a strategy to improve motivation should be considered in future studies.