bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed fuzzy approach to unequal clustering and routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mazumdar Nabajyoti , Om Hari 
Published: May 2018

SummaryDue to inherent issue of energy limitation in sensor nodes, the energy conservation is the primary concern for large‐scale wireless sensor networks. Cluster‐based routing has been found to be an effective mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of sensor nodes. In clustered wireless sensor networks, the network is divided into a set of clusters; each cluster has a coordinator, called cluster head (CH). Each node of a cluster transmits its collected information to its CH that in turn aggregates the received information and sends it to the base station directly or via other CHs. In multihop communication, the CHs closer to the base station are burdened with high relay load; as a result, their energy depletes much faster as compared with other CHs. This problem is termed as the hot spot problem. In this paper, a distributed fuzzy logic‐based unequal clustering approach and routing algorithm (DFCR) is proposed to solve this problem. Based on the cluster design, a multihop routing algorithm is also proposed, which is both energy efficient and energy balancing. The simulation results reinforce the efficiency of the proposed DFCR algorithm over the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, ie, energy‐aware fuzzy approach to unequal clustering, energy‐aware distributed clustering, and energy‐aware routing algorithm, in terms of different performance parameters like energy efficiency and network lifetime.
Screening of drugs and homeopathic products from Atropa belladonna seed extracts: Tropane alkaloids determination and untargeted analysis
Authors: Marín‐Sáez Jesús , Romero‐González Roberto , Garrido Frenich Antonia , Egea‐González Francisco Javier 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHomeopathic products are still a controversial issue in modern medicine, understood as complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). In this particular case, homeopathic products prepared from Atropa belladonna extracts may present specific problems due to the effects derived from its components. This article applies a simple, rapid, reliable method to the analysis of different homeopathic products obtained from Atropa belladonna; drugs containing high concentration of plant extracts; and Atropa belladonna seeds. The method was based on a simple solid‐phase preconcentration method followed by ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry using Exactive‐Orbitrap as an analyser. An in‐house database was set and atropine and scopolamine were the compounds detected at highest concentrations in homeopathic products from Atropa belladonna extracts (4.57 and 2.56 μg/kg, respectively), in Belladonna ointment (4007 and 1139 μg/kg, respectively) and Belladonna seeds (338 and 32.1 mg/kg, respectively). Other tropane alkaloids such as tropine, apoatropine, aposcopolamine, tropinone, homatropine, and anisodamine were detected at lower concentrations (0.04–1.36 μg/kg). When untargeted analysis was performed, other tropane alkaloids were identified in the tested samples, such as ecgonine (0.003 μg/kg), benzoylecgonine (0.56 μg/kg), calystegines A (19.6 μg/kg), B (33.1 μg/kg), and C (1.01 μg/kg). Finally other compounds present in the homeopathic products, such as sugars (fructose, glucose, and lactose) or amino acids (valine, ornithine, leucine, and phenylalanine), were identified.
The role of environmental driving factors in historical and projected carbon dynamics of wetland ecosystems in Alaska
Authors: Lyu Zhou , Genet Hélène , He Yujie , Zhuang Qianlai , McGuire A. David , Bennett Alec , Breen Amy , Clein Joy , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Johnson Kristofer , Kurkowski Tom , Pastick Neal J. , Rupp T. Scott , Wylie Bruce K. , Zhu Zhiliang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWetlands are critical terrestrial ecosystems in Alaska, covering ~177,000 km2, an area greater than all the wetlands in the remainder of the United States. To assess the relative influence of changing climate, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, and fire regime on carbon balance in wetland ecosystems of Alaska, a modeling framework that incorporates a fire disturbance model and two biogeochemical models was used. Spatially explicit simulations were conducted at 1‐km resolution for the historical period (1950–2009) and future projection period (2010–2099). Simulations estimated that wetland ecosystems of Alaska lost 175 Tg carbon (C) in the historical period. Ecosystem C storage in 2009 was 5,556 Tg, with 89% of the C stored in soils. The estimated loss of C as CO2 and biogenic methane (CH4) emissions resulted in wetlands of Alaska increasing the greenhouse gas forcing of climate warming. Simulations for the projection period were conducted for six climate change scenarios constructed from two climate models forced under three CO2 emission scenarios. Ecosystem C storage averaged among climate scenarios increased 3.94 Tg C/yr by 2099, with variability among the simulations ranging from 2.02 to 4.42 Tg C/yr. These increases were driven primarily by increases in net primary production (NPP) that were greater than losses from increased decomposition and fire. The NPP increase was driven by CO2 fertilization (~5% per 100 parts per million by volume increase) and by increases in air temperature (~1% per °C increase). Increases in air temperature were estimated to be the primary cause for a projected 47.7% mean increase in biogenic CH4 emissions among the simulations (~15% per °C increase). Ecosystem CO2 sequestration offset the increase in CH4 emissions during the 21st century to decrease the greenhouse gas forcing of climate warming. However, beyond 2100, we expect that this forcing will ultimately increase as wetland ecosystems transition from being a sink to a source of atmospheric CO2 because of (1) decreasing sensitivity of NPP to increasing atmospheric CO2, (2) increasing availability of soil C for decomposition as permafrost thaws, and (3) continued positive sensitivity of biogenic CH4 emissions to increases in soil temperature.
Evaluation of Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified with Antimony and Copper Nanoparticles for Levofloxacin Oxidation
Authors: Da Silva Martin K. L. , Plana Simões Rafael , Cesarino Ivana 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis work presents, for the first time, the oxidation mechanism of levofloxacin combining electrochemical experiments and molecular modelling techniques. Levofloxacin is one of the most widely used antibiotics in the world. The detection of this antibiotic is important, because it cannot be fully assimilated by the human organism, therefore levofloxacin is considerate a hazardous pollutant for environment. Sensors based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with antimony and copper nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for the electrochemical detection of the levofloxacin. The morphological and electrochemical characterization of the composites confirmed that the rGO was modified with the metallic nanoparticles. Molecular modelling studies were performed applying Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach, which indicated that the mechanism of levofloxacin oxidation is given by the loss of two electrons: one from N14 atom and other from C13 atom of the levofloxacin molecule. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the SbNPs/rGO and CuNPs/rGO composites were evaluated for the determination of levofloxacin using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and achieved detection limit of 4.1×10−8 mol L−1 and 1.7×10−8 mol L−1, respectively, presenting as alternative composites to be used in the analysis of antibiotics.
An optimized microfluidic paper‐based NiOOH/Zn alkaline battery
Authors: Burrola Samantha , Gonzalez‐Guerrero Maria Jose , Avoundjian Ani , Gomez Frank A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an alkaline nickel oxide hydroxide/zinc (NiOOH/Zn) battery featuring a cellulose matrix separator between electrodes is presented. The metallic electrodes and the paper separator are inserted in a layer‐by‐layer assembly that provides mechanical stability to the system resulting in a lightweight and easy‐to‐use device. The battery was optimized for the amount of NiOOH‐ink used at the cathode (11.1 mg/cm2) and thickness of the paper membrane separating the electrodes (360 μm). The battery was able to function using a small volume (75 μL) of 1.5 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) producing a maximum voltage, current density, and power density of 1.35 ± 0.05 V, 10.62 ± 0.57 mA/cm², and 0.56 ± 0.01 mW/cm², respectively. The system displayed a maximum current of 23.9 mA and a maximum power of 1.26 mW. Moreover, four batteries connected in series were able to power a small flameless candle for approximately 22 min. This work has potential in fulfilling the demands for short‐term and lightweight power supplies.
Super Nanoteragonal ZrO2 Embedded in Carbon as Efficient Support of PdAg Nanoparticle for Boosting Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid
Authors: Feng Cheng , Gao Shutao , Shang Ningzhao , Zhou Xin , Wang Chun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe application of formic acid (FA) as a safe, renewable and promising hydrogen‐storage material has received considerable attention. However, exploring efficient heterogeneous catalysts for selective dehydrogenation of FA remains a challenging topic. In this paper, a super nanoteragonal ZrO2 (The crystallite size reached even 150 nm) is synthesized by calcining Zr‐based metal‐organic framework. Because the unique microstructures of the material which possess the electron‐rich property and surface basicity, the resulting PdAg@ZrO2/C catalyst exhibits excellent activity (Turnover frequency 9206 h−1 at 50 °C) for the decomposition of FA. These results may contribute to the design of efficient catalysts for dehydrogenation of FA and extended applications of tetragonal zirconia polycrysta without the dopants or reduction of the crystallite size.
Effect of irregular structural configuration on floor acceleration demand in hill‐side buildings
Authors: Surana Mitesh , Singh Yogendra , Lang Dominik H. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryA suite of reinforced‐concrete frame buildings located on hill sides, with 2 different structural configurations, viz step‐back and split‐foundation, are analyzed to study their floor response. Both step‐back and split‐foundation structural configurations lead to torsional effects in the direction across the slope due to the presence of shorter columns on the uphill side. Peak floor acceleration and floor response spectra are obtained at each storey's center of rigidity and at both its stiff and flexible edges. As reported in previous studies as well, it is observed that the floor response spectra are better correlated with the ground response spectrum. Therefore, the floor spectral amplification functions are obtained as the ratio of spectral ordinates at different floor levels to the one at the ground level. Peaks are observed in the spectral amplification functions corresponding to the first 2 modes in the upper portion of the hill‐side buildings, whereas a single peak corresponding to a specific kth mode of vibration is observed on the floors below the uppermost foundation level. Based on the numerical study for the step‐back and split‐foundation hill‐side buildings, simple floor spectral amplification functions are proposed and validated. The proposed spectral amplification functions take into account both the buildings' plan and elevation irregularities and can be used for seismic design of acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural components, given that the supporting structure's dynamic characteristics, torsional rotation, ground‐motion response spectrum, and location of the nonstructural components within the supporting structure are known, because current code models are actually not applicable to hill‐side buildings.
Comparative Analysis of Two Online Identification Algorithms in a Fuel Cell System
Authors: Kandidayeni M. , Macias A. , Amamou A. A. , Boulon L. , Kelouwani S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOutput power of a fuel cell (FC) stack can be controlled through operating parameters (current, temperature, etc.) and is impacted by ageing and degradation. However, designing a complete FC model which includes the whole physical phenomena is very difficult owing to its multivariate nature. Hence, online identification of a FC model, which serves as a basis for global energy management of a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), is considerably important. In this paper, two well‐known recursive algorithms are compared for online estimation of a multi‐input semi‐empirical FC model parameters. In this respect, firstly, a semi‐empirical FC model is selected to reach a satisfactory compromise between computational time and physical meaning. Subsequently, the algorithms are explained and implemented to identify the parameters of the model. Finally, experimental results achieved by the algorithms are discussed and their robustness is investigated. The ultimate results of this experimental study indicate that the employed algorithms are highly applicable in coping with the problem of FC output power alteration, due to the uncertainties caused by degradation and operation condition variations, and these results can be utilized for designing a global energy management strategy in a FCV.
Thresholds and relations for soil‐hydraulic and soil‐physical properties as a function of burn severity 4 years after the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Ebel Brian A. , Romero Orlando C. , Martin Deborah A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWildfire effects on soil‐physical and ‐hydraulic properties as a function of burn severity are poorly characterized, especially several years after wildfire. A stratified random sampling approach was used in 2015 to sample seven sites representing a spectrum of remotely sensed burn severity in the area impacted by the 2011 Las Conchas Fire in New Mexico, USA. Replicate samples from each site were analysed in the laboratory. Linear and linear indicator regression were used to assess thresholds in soil‐physical and ‐hydraulic properties and functional relations with remotely sensed burn severity. Significant thresholds were present for initial soil‐water content (θi) at 0–6 cm depth between the change in the Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) equal to 618–802, for bulk density (ρb) at 3–6 cm between dNBR equal to 416–533, for gravel fraction at 0–1 cm between dNBR equal to 416–533, for fines (the silt + clay fraction) at 0–1 cm for dNBR equal to 416–533, and for fines at 3–6 cm for dNBR equal to 293–416. Significant linear relations with dNBR were present between ρb at 0–1 cm, loss on ignition (LOI) at 0–1 cm, gravel fraction at 0–1 cm, and the large organic fraction at 1–3 cm. No thresholds or effects on soil‐hydraulic properties of field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity or sorptivity were observed. These results suggest that ρb and LOI at 0–1 cm have residual direct impacts from the wildfire heat impulse. The θi threshold is most likely from delayed groundcover/vegetation recovery that increases evaporation at the highest burn severity sites. Gravel and silt + clay thresholds at 0–1 cm at the transition to high burn severity suggest surface gravel lag development from hydraulic erosion. Thresholds in ρb from 3 to 6 cm and in silt + clay fraction from 3 to 6 cm appear to be the result of soil variability between sites rather than wildfire impacts. This work suggests that gravel‐rich soils may have increased resilience to sustained surface runoff generation and erosion following wildfire, with implications for assessments of postwildfire hydrologic and erosion recovery potential.
Variables Reflecting the Mineralization of Bone Tissue From Fracturing Versus Nonfracturing Postmenopausal Nonosteoporotic Women
Authors: Rizzo Sébastien , Farlay Delphine , Akhter Mohammed , Boskey Adele , Recker Robert , Lappe Joan , Boivin Georges 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTWomen with equivalent areal bone mineral densities may show a different fracture incidence due to differences in bone intrinsic quality. Previously, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging (FTIRI) on the same iliac bone biopsies reported here, showed that the only significantly different variable was the carbonate/phosphate ratio, which was decreased in the fracturing group. Nanoindentation showed that fracturing bone was less mechanically heterogeneous than nonfracturing bone and could propagate damage (microcracks) more easily. The hypothesis is that fracturing women have reduced mineralization of bone tissue compared to nonfracturing women. Transiliac bone biopsies were collected from fracturing (n = 60, 62.5 ± 7.4 years old) and nonfracturing (n = 60, 62.3 ± 7.3 years old) postmenopausal women, to assess the mineralization of bone tissue using digitized microradiography. The degree of mineralization of bone (DMB, g/cm3) and the heterogeneity index (HI, g/cm3) of the DMB were calculated for cancellous (canc), cortical (cort) and total bone. Results were compared to variables from nanoindentation, FTIRI, and histomorphometry. DMB and HI were not significantly different between fracturing and nonfracturing groups. In the nonfracturing group, cort and canc HI were weakly negatively associated with cort and canc DMB (r′ = −0.388, p < 0.003; r′ = −0.532, p < 0.0001, respectively). In the fracturing group, DMB and HI were negatively correlated only in canc (r′ = −0.295, p = 0.024). DMB and HI were not associated with nanoindentation variables. Cort and canc DMB were positively associated with mineral‐to‐matrix ratio measured by FTIRI (ratio between mineral and organic matrix representing the relative mineralization of the collagen matrix), and negatively associated with carbonate/phosphate ratio. None of the DMB variables were strongly associated with any of the histomorphometric variables. In conclusion, bone mineralization was not significantly different between fracturing and nonfracturing postmenopausal women, suggesting that bone fragility could be partly due to other variables, such as changes in hydration of bone matrix or an increase of non‐enzymatic crosslinks in bone collagen. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Genomewide Association Study of Fracture Nonunion Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: McCoy Thomas H , Fragomen Austin T , Hart Kamber L , Pellegrini Amelia M , Raskin Kevin A , Perlis Roy H 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTNonunion is a clinically significant complication of fracture associated with worse outcomes, including increased pain, disability, and higher healthcare costs. The risk for nonunion is likely to be complex and multifactorial, and as such, the biology underlying such risk remains poorly understood. Genetic studies represent one approach to identify implicated biology for further investigation, but to date the lack of large cohorts for study has limited such efforts. We utilized the electronic health records of two large academic medical centers in Boston to identify individuals with fracture nonunion and control individuals with fracture but no evidence of nonunion. We conducted a genomewide association study among 1760 individuals of Northern European ancestry with upper or lower extremity fracture, including 131 with nonunion, to examine whether common variants were associated with nonunion in this cohort. In all, one locus in the Calcyon (CALY) gene exceeded a genomewide threshold for statistical significance (p = 1.95e–8), with eight additional loci associated with p < 5e–7. Previously reported candidate genes were not supported by this analysis. Electronic health records should facilitate identification of common genetic variations associated with adverse orthopedic outcomes. The loci we identified in this small cohort require replication and further study to characterize mechanism of action, but represent a starting point for the investigation of genetic liability for this costly outcome. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Master Genes Expression Is Dependent on the Kir2.1 Potassium Channel Through the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway
Authors: Pini Jonathan , Giuliano Serena , Matonti Julia , Gannoun Lila , Simkin Dina , Rouleau Matthieu , Bendahhou Saïd 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Andersen's syndrome is a rare disorder affecting muscle, heart, and bone that is associated with mutations leading to a loss of function of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1. Although the Kir2.1 function can be anticipated in excitable cells by controlling the electrical activity, its role in non-excitable cells remains to be investigated. Using Andersen's syndrome–induced pluripotent stem cells, we investigated the cellular and molecular events during the osteoblastic and chondrogenic differentiation that are affected by the loss of the Ik1 current. We show that loss of Kir2.1 channel function impairs both osteoblastic and chondrogenic processes through the downregulation of master gene expression. This downregulation is the result of an impairment of the bone morphogenetic proteins signaling pathway through dephosphorylation of the Smad proteins. Restoring Kir2.1 channel function in Andersen's syndrome cells rescued master genes expression and restored normal osteoblast and chondrocyte behavior. Our results show that Kir2.1-mediated activity controls endochondral and intramembranous ossification signaling pathways. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diversity of dermal denticle structure in sharks: Skin surface roughness and three‐dimensional morphology
Authors: Ankhelyi Madeleine V. , Wainwright Dylan K. , Lauder George V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractShark skin is covered with numerous placoid scales or dermal denticles. While previous research has used scanning electron microscopy and histology to demonstrate that denticles vary both around the body of a shark and among species, no previous study has quantified three‐dimensional (3D) denticle structure and surface roughness to provide a quantitative analysis of skin surface texture. We quantified differences in denticle shape and size on the skin of three individual smooth dogfish sharks (Mustelus canis) using micro‐CT scanning, gel‐based surface profilometry, and histology. On each smooth dogfish, we imaged between 8 and 20 distinct areas on the body and fins, and obtained further comparative skin surface data from leopard, Atlantic sharpnose, shortfin mako, spiny dogfish, gulper, angel, and white sharks. We generated 3D images of individual denticles and measured denticle volume, surface area, and crown angle from the micro‐CT scans. Surface profilometry was used to quantify metrology variables such as roughness, skew, kurtosis, and the height and spacing of surface features. These measurements confirmed that denticles on different body areas of smooth dogfish varied widely in size, shape, and spacing. Denticles near the snout are smooth, paver‐like, and large relative to denticles on the body. Body denticles on smooth dogfish generally have between one and three distinct ridges, a diamond‐like surface shape, and a dorsoventral gradient in spacing and roughness. Ridges were spaced on average 56 µm apart, and had a mean height of 6.5 µm, comparable to denticles from shortfin mako sharks, and with narrower spacing and lower heights than other species measured. We observed considerable variation in denticle structure among regions on the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins, including a leading‐to‐trailing edge gradient in roughness for each region. Surface roughness in smooth dogfish varied around the body from 3 to 42 microns.