bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying three different methods of measuring CTDIfree air to the extended CTDI formalism for wide‐beam scanners (IEC 60601–2–44): A comparative study
Authors: Bujila Robert , Kull Love , Danielsson Mats , Andersson Jonas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThe weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) has been extended for a nominal total collimation width (nT) greater than 40 mm and relies on measurements of . The purpose of this work was to compare three methods of measuring and subsequent calculations of CTDIw to investigate their clinical appropriateness.MethodsThe , for multiple nTs up to 160 mm, was calculated from (1) high‐resolution air kerma profiles from a step‐and‐shoot translation of a liquid ionization chamber (LIC) (considered to be a dosimetric reference), (2) pencil ionization chamber (PIC) measurements at multiple contiguous positions, and (3) air kerma profiles obtained through the continuous translation of a solid‐state detector. The resulting was used to calculate the CTDIw, per the extended formalism, and compared.ResultsThe LIC indicated that a 40 mm nT should not be excluded from the extension of the CTDIw formalism. The solid‐state detector differed by as much as 8% compared to the LIC. The PIC was the most straightforward method and gave equivalent results to the LIC.ConclusionsThe CTDIw calculated with the latest CTDI formalism will differ most for 160 mm nTs (e.g., whole‐organ perfusion or coronary CT angiography) compared to the previous CTDI formalism. Inaccuracies in the measurement of will subsequently manifest themselves as erroneous calculations of the CTDIw, for nTs greater than 40 mm, with the latest CTDI formalism. The PIC was found to be the most clinically feasible method and was validated against the LIC.
Budesonide irrigation with olfactory training improves outcomes compared with olfactory training alone in patients with olfactory loss
Authors: Nguyen Teresa P. , Patel Zara M. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundOlfactory training (OT) helps many patients with olfactory loss, but unfortunately it is ineffective for a significant number of patients. Budesonide irrigations are widely used to help patients with paranasal sinus inflammation, but have never been tested as a treatment for olfactory loss. We sought to examine the effect of adding budesonide irrigation to olfactory training on patients with olfactory loss without any visible sign of sinonasal inflammation.MethodsIn this randomized, controlled trial, 138 patients with olfactory loss and without any visible sign of sinonasal inflammation were randomized to either OT with saline irrigations or OT with budesonide irrigations. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was administered at the beginning of the study and at 6 months.ResultsA total of 133 patients completed the study. Forty‐seven patients (35.3%) had a clinically significant change in UPSIT score. Among those in the budesonide irrigation + olfactory therapy group, 43.9% improved, compared with 26.9% in the saline irrigation + olfactory therapy group (p = 0.039); this corresponds to an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.20‐12.88) in a fully adjusted model (p = 0.024). Younger age and shorter duration of olfactory loss were also significant predictors of improvement.ConclusionAdding budesonide irrigation to olfactory training significantly improved olfactory ability compared with olfactory training plus saline irrigation.
Modeling Drying Time of Dynamic Freeze Drying
Authors: Pliske Roland , Müller Ulrich , Kohlus Reinhard 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBei der dynamischen Gefriertrocknung wird die sich bildende Trockenschicht permanent abgerieben, was eine Steigerung der Trocknungsleistung mit sich bringt. Über die experimentelle Ermittlung der Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten in Abhängigkeit einiger Prozessparameter (Drehfrequenz, Beladung, Trocknungstemperatur) kann der Wärmeübergangskoeffizient mittels des vorgestellten Modells interpoliert werden und daraus die Trocknungsdauer bestimmt werden. Als Modellsysteme wurden Milchkugeln, Milchpellets sowie Starterkulturpellets des Stamms Pediococcus pentosaceus verwendet.
Träume aus Salz
Authors: Lichtenthaler Martin R. 
Published: June 2018

ZusammenfassungSalze sind mehr als ein Würzmittel. Sie sind eine der wichtigsten Stoffklassen der Chemie. Täglich entdecken und synthetisieren Forscherinnen und Forscher neue Salze. Einige von ihnen überraschen durch ihre pure Existenz, andere können als Katalysatoren in chemischen Reaktionen eingesetzt werden.
A simple power management circuit for microbial fuel cell operation with intermittent electrical load connection
Authors: Woodward Lyne , Tartakovsky Boris 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPractical implementation of microbial fuel cell (MFC)‐based power sources requires stable MFC performance regardless of the variations in the composition and quantity of a carbon source (fuel). This study describes a simple power management circuit (PMC) utilizing low and high voltage boundaries for intermittent MFC connection and disconnection to the electrical load. The PMC performance is demonstrated during MFC operation at carbon source‐replete and carbon source‐deplete conditions. In spite of MFC operation at external resistance values significantly below the estimated internal MFC resistance (e.g., 5.5 versus 24.5 Ω, respectively), the proposed PMC optimized MFC performance at all tested influent acetate concentrations, resulting in a volumetric power output of up to 56 mW · L−1. Furthermore, MFC operation with an up‐converter is tested and approaches for optimizing the voltage boundaries are discussed. The robustness and simplicity of the proposed PMC algorithm allows for its implementation in a standalone microprocessor with ultralow energy consumption, which enables MFC application as an autonomous power source.
Kinetics and mechanism of low‐concentration CO2 adsorption on solid amine in a humid confined space
Authors: Si Wenting , Ye Sha , Zhang Dongxiao , Yang Bin , Hou Yang , Li Zhongjian , Zhang Xingwang , Zhu Jingke , Lei Lecheng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe kinetics and mechanism of low‐concentration CO2 adsorption on a solid‐supported polyethylenimine (PEI) adsorbent in a humid confined space were investigated, where the content of CO2 was about 0.4 % (v). A flow system, equipped with a dew point meter and IR gas analyzer connected in series for online measurement, was developed and the co‐adsorption performance of CO2 and H2O was analyzed. It was found that the H2O adsorption capacity and activation energy were not significantly changed when 0.4 % (v) CO2 was applied in the co‐adsorption process, indicating that the effect of dilute CO2 could be neglected. However, the CO2 adsorption capacity increased with the assistance of H2O, and then it decreased slightly when the H2O content in air flow was above 1.56 % (v). This implied that the adsorption activation energy of CO2 could be significantly reduced due to the existence of H2O in air flow. The direct formation of bicarbonate on the supported PEI adsorbent was favoured for the co‐adsorption process of CO2 and H2O.
Black swans in space: modeling spatiotemporal processes with extremes
Authors: Anderson Sean C. , Ward Eric J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn ecological systems, extremes can happen in time, such as population crashes, or in space, such as rapid range contractions. However, current methods for joint inference about temporal and spatial dynamics (e.g., spatiotemporal modeling with Gaussian random fields) may perform poorly when underlying processes include extreme events. Here we introduce a model that allows for extremes to occur simultaneously in time and space. Our model is a Bayesian predictive‐process GLMM (generalized linear mixed‐effects model) that uses a multivariate‐t distribution to describe spatial random effects. The approach is easily implemented with our flexible R package glmmfields. First, using simulated data, we demonstrate the ability to recapture spatiotemporal extremes, and explore the consequences of fitting models that ignore such extremes. Second, we predict tree mortality from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in the U.S. Pacific Northwest over the last 16 yr. We show that our approach provides more accurate and precise predictions compared to traditional spatiotemporal models when extremes are present. Our R package makes these models accessible to a wide range of ecologists and scientists in other disciplines interested in fitting spatiotemporal GLMMs, with and without extremes.
Understanding the Effect of Germanium as an Efficient Auxiliary Pre‐Dopant in Carbon Nanotubes on Enhancing Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Kangming , Chen Xiaoyang , Han Yumeng , Wang Juan , Zhu Tenglong , Wang Zhigang , Yu Yang , Li Chenguang , Kawi Sibudjing , Zhong Qin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, sulfur‐doped carbon nanotubes with germanium as a pre‐dopant (SGe‐CNTs) are successfully prepared by sequential doping of germanium and sulfur, and their activity oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is evaluated. As comparison, Ge‐doped CNTs and S‐doped CNTs are synthesized. The electrochemical results reveal that both Ge‐doping and S‐doping could improve the ORR activity of CNTs. In the synthesis process of SGe‐CNTs, germanium is deemed to be an efficient auxiliary pre‐dopant, since germanium modifies the microstructure of CNTs, and germanium content on the surface of Ge‐CNTs decreases dramatically after sulfur doping. Meanwhile, sulfur content on the surface of SGe‐CNTs is much higher than that of S‐CNTs with equivalent sulfur‐comprising dopants. Due to the Ge pre‐doping effect and synergistic effect of S/Ge doping, SGe‐CNTs with appropriate ratio of Ge and S atoms exhibit prominently enhanced ORR performance compared with those of single Ge‐ or S‐doped CNTs. By virtue of the outstanding ORR performance, SGe‐CNTs materials are expected to be highly active and cost‐effective ORR electrocatalysts in metal‐air batteries and alkaline fuel cells. The excellent ORR catalytic performance of SGe‐CNTs could be ascribed to the auxiliary Ge pre‐doping effect.
Development of Bi‐layer Metal Substrate Architectures for Suspension Plasma Sprayed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Arevalo‐Quintero O. , Kesler O. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMetal‐supported solid oxide fuel cells have several advantages, which could potentially increase the overall competitiveness of the technology, compared to their cermet‐supported counterparts. However, surface imperfections and rapid oxidation of the metal supports at operating temperatures are factors that affect the electrochemical performance and durability of the cells. In this study, we have developed bi‐layer metal supports consisting of a thin, finely structured top layer and a thicker, more coarsely structured bottom layer. The fine top layer has small surface pore sizes which facilitate the deposition of defect‐free electrolyte layers, while the coarse layer provides greater open porosity and larger pore sizes to facilitate mass transport and to decrease the rate of oxidation. An open circuit voltage (OCV) as high as 1.105 V at 750 °C in 3% humidified hydrogen is reported in this study, which deviates from the Nernst potential by only 5 mV. This result shows that the bi‐layer support has the potential to minimize electrode and electrolyte defects, which are known to be detrimental to cell performance. In addition, the bi‐layer supports show better oxidation resistance compared to benchmark finely‐structured single‐layer supports fabricated in this study for comparison.
The Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Air Pollution Index and Meteorological Elements in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, China
Authors: Shi Huading , Critto Andrea , Torresan Silvia , Gao Qingxian 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

With rapid economic development and continuous population growth, several important cities in China suffer serious air pollution, especially in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei economic developing area. Based on the daily air pollution index (API) and surface meteorological elements in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang (the capital of Hebei province) from 2001 to 2010, the relationships between API and meteorological elements were analyzed. The statistical analysis focused on the relationships at seasonal and monthly average scales, on different air pollution grades and air pollution processes. The results revealed that the air pollution conditions in the 3 areas gradually improved from 2001 to 2010, especially during summer; the worst conditions in air quality were recorded in Beijing in spring due to the influences of dust, and in Tianjin and Shijiazhuang in winter due to household heating. Meteorological elements exhibited different influences on air pollution, showing similar relationships between API in monthly averages and 4 meteorological elements (i.e., the average, maximum, and minimum temperatures; maximum air pressure; vapor pressure; and maximum wind speed), whereas the relationships on a seasonal average scale demonstrated significant differences. Compared with seasonal and monthly average scales of API, the relation coefficients based on different air pollution grades were significantly lower, whereas the relationship between API and meteorological elements based on air pollution processes reduced the smoothing effect due to the average processing of seasonal and monthly API and improved the accuracy of the results. Finally, statistical analysis of the distribution of pollution days in different wind directions indicated the directions of extreme and maximum wind speeds that mainly influence air pollution, representing valuable information that could support the definition of air pollution control strategies through the identification of the regions (and the located emission sources) where the implementation of emission reduction actions should be focused. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:710–721. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
The relationships between air pollution index and meteorological elements in 3 Chinese cities were analyzed. Meteorological elements exhibited different influences on air pollution in temporal and spatial scales. Statistical analysis of the distribution of pollution days in different wind directions was conducted. Comparisons of 6 representative types of air pollution process were made.
Silk nanofibrous electrospun scaffold enhances differentiation of embryonic stem like cells derived from testis in to mature neuron
Authors: Bojnordi Maryam Nazm , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Vojoudi Elham , Hamidabadi Hatef Ghasemi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe scaffolds accompanied with stem cells have great potential for applications in neural tissue engineering. Fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold similar to extracellular matrix is one of the applicable methods in neural tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was the fabrication of a silk nanofibrous scaffold as a microenvironment for neural guiding differentiation of embryonic stem like cells (ES Like cells) derived from testis toward neuron‐like cells. ES Like derived from culturing of testicular cells in vitro, were seeded on silk scaffolds and induced to neuronal phenotype using 4−/4± RA technique following culturing the cells in the neurobasal medium supplemented with 20 ng/mL bFGF,10 ng/mL EGF, B27, and N2 for 8–12 days. The neural differentiation was confirmed via the evaluation of specific neural markers; Nestin, NF68, MAP2 and β tubulin using immunocytochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that silk scaffold support the attachment and proliferation of ES Like cells. The expression of Nestin, NF68, Map2, and ß tubulin markers were higher in cells grown on silk scaffold in compare to monolayer group. This study suggests electrospun silk nanofibrous scaffold as an appropriate substrate for neural induction of stem cells that is applicable for repairmen of damaged neural tissues. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2662–2669, 2018.
The effects of bone implants’ coating mechanical properties on osseointegration:In vivo,in vitro, and histological investigations
Authors: Ghadami Farhad , Saber‐Samandari Saeed , Rouhi Gholamreza , Amani Hamedani Mohsen , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Farzad Mohajeri Saeed , Mashhadi‐Abbas Fatemeh , Gholami Hossein 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe main goal of this work was to investigate the effects of implants coatings’ mechanical properties and morphology on the osseointegration. In order to produce different mechanical properties of coatings, two thermal spray techniques, high velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) and air plasma spray (APS) were employed. Titanium pins were coated and implanted into the distal femurs and proximal tibias of fifteen New Zealand white rabbits, equally distributed in three study groups, and a total of 20 pins implanted in each group. Eight weeks after insertion, the rabbits were euthanized and the femur samples were taken out for biomechanical tests and tibia samples for histological evaluations of osseointegration. Scanning electron microscopy results showed enhanced density and a better morphology of HVOF coatings, compared to APS samples, and X‐ray diffraction characterized an enhanced crystallinity of HVOF coatings. Nanoindentation tests revealed greater hardness and elastic modulus of HVOF coatings, whereas greater tensile residual stress and more pronounced creep was observed for APS coatings. Neither in biomechanical tests, nor in the histological analyses, a significant difference was observed between HVOF and APS coated samples (p > 0.05, andp > 0.05, respectively). The lack of significant difference between the HVOF and APS coated implants’ osseointegration rejected our hypothesis to have a more enhanced osseointegration due to a better morphology, as well as stronger mechanical properties of HA coatings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2679–2691, 2018.
Meta‐analysis of meta‐analyses of anterior cruciate ligament injury reduction training programs
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Hewett Timothy E. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTSeveral meta‐analyses have been published on the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention training programs to reduce ACL injury risk, with various degrees of risk reduction reported. The purpose of this research was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of overlapping meta‐analyses evaluating the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention training programs so as to summarize the amount of reduction in risk for all ACL and non‐contact ACL injuries into a single source, and determine if there were sex differences in the relative efficacy of ACL injury prevention training programs. Five databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane) were searched to identify meta‐analyses that evaluated the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention training programs on ACL injury risk. ACL injury data were extracted and the results from each meta‐analysis were combined using a summary meta‐analysis based on odds ratios (OR). Eight meta‐analyses met eligibility criteria. Six of the eight only included data for female athletes. Summary meta‐analysis showed an overall 50% reduction (OR = 0.5 [0.41–0.59]; I2 = 15%) in the risk of all ACL injuries in all athletes and a 67% reduction (OR = 0.33 [0.27–0.41]; I2 = 15%) for non‐contact ACL injuries in females. This paper combines all previous meta‐analyses into a single source and shows conclusive evidence that ACL injury prevention programs reduce the risk of all ACL injuries by half in all athletes and non‐contact ACL injuries by two‐thirds in female athletes. There is insufficient data to make conclusions as to the effectiveness of ACL injury prevention programs in male athletes. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2696–2708, 2018.
Metabolic responses of meniscal explants to injury and inflammation ex vivo
Authors: Cook Alex E. , Stoker Aaron M. , Leary Emily V. , Pfeiffer Ferris M. , Cook James L. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to characterize metabolic responses of meniscal tissue explants to injury and inflammation. We hypothesized that impact injury and interleukin (IL‐1β) stimulation of meniscal explants would result in significant increases in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and relevant cytokine production compared to controls. Mature canine meniscal explants (n = 9/group) were randomly assigned to: (i) IL‐1β (0.1 ng/ml) treated (IL); (ii) 25% strain (25); (iii) 75% strain (75); (iv) 25% + IL‐1β (25IL); (v) 75% + IL‐1β (75IL); or (vi) 0% + no IL‐1β control (NC). Explants were impacted at 100 mm/s to 0%, 25%, or 75% strain and then cultured for 12 days with or without 0.1 ng/ml rcIL‐1β. Media were refreshed every 3 days and analyzed for MMP activity, ADAMTS‐4 activity, MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, GAG, NO, PGE2, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and KC concentrations. Treatment with IL‐1β alone significantly increased NO, PGE2, general MMP activity, IL‐6, IL‐8, KC, and MCP‐1 media concentrations compared to negative controls. Impact at 75% significantly increased PGE2, IL‐6, IL‐8, and KC media concentrations compared to negative controls. The combination of IL‐1β and 75% strain significantly increased production of PGE2 compared to IL‐1β or 75% strain alone. Impact injury to meniscal explants ex vivo is associated with increased production of pro‐inflammatory mediators and degradative enzyme activity, which are exacerbated by stimulation with IL‐1β. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2657–2663, 2018.
Ecological factors associated with site occupancy of an endemic chipmunk
Authors: Perkins‐Taylor Ian E. , Frey Jennifer K. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThe Oscura Mountains Colorado chipmunk (Neotamias quadrivittatus oscuraensis) is a rare subspecies of the Colorado chipmunk that is listed as threatened by the state of New Mexico, primarily because it is an endemic subspecies with a small, isolated habitat and the potential for continuing habitat loss. Knowledge about its ecology is limited, which has hindered the development of scientifically defensible management plans. Our goal was to better understand the ecological factors related to the distribution and habitat selection of this chipmunk. We deployed baited camera traps in the Oscura Mountains, New Mexico, USA, using an occupancy modeling framework to determine which ecological factors are associated with occupancy and detection probability. We collected microhabitat and landscape‐level data for use as covariates in the occupancy models. We detected the Oscura Mountains chipmunk at 26 of the 137 survey sites. Occupancy probability was not influenced by the microhabitat characteristics measured and the final model contained only landscape‐level covariates on occupancy. Probability of occupancy was positively associated with proximity to an escarpment, two‐needle pinyon (Pinus edulis) woodland vegetation community type, and elevation. Detection probability was positively associated with the presence of mature two‐needle pinyons at the site. Habitat loss is a major concern for this taxon, especially because climate change is expected to exacerbate threats to pinyon woodlands. Drought, wildfire, bark beetle (Ips confusus) outbreaks, and other diseases pose a large risk to conifer woodlands throughout the southwestern United States. Conserving the pinyon woodlands on the Oscura Mountains, particularly in areas near escarpments, will help maintain habitat that is important for the Oscura Mountains chipmunk. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.