bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofilm early stage development in two nutrient‐rich streams with different urban impacts
Authors: Cochero J. , Nicolosi Gelis M.M. , Sathicq M.B. , Gómez N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the colonization of the biofilm during its early stages under different concentrations of nutrients and organic matter, specifically in urban streams influenced by agriculture and urbanization. We hypothesized that in a stream with higher concentrations of nutrients and organic matter, the initial biomass growth would be faster, and the changes in the structure of the community would be greater. Sterile glass substrates were placed in 2 urban streams that differed in nutrient and organic matter concentrations; samples were collected during their first week of colonization to measure total biomass, bacterial biomass, chlorophyll a, activity of the electron transfer system, and the community composition. Results show that biofilm development in both streams began within a few hours and differed under different conditions of nutrients; in the stream with a better water quality, the colonization dynamics consisted of 2 increments of bacterial biomass linked with an increase of algal biomass. In the urban stream with higher nutrient and organic matter concentrations, biofilm development was slower and consisted of a simultaneous increase of bacteria and algae, consistent with a lower electron transfer system activity. Therefore, the dynamics of the colonization process in addition to those characteristics of the fully developed biofilm could have potential applications in water monitoring of urban streams.
Graphene oxide layers modified by irradiation with 1.0 MeV Au+ ions
Authors: Malinský Petr , Cutroneo Mariapompea , Macková Anna , Hnatowicz Vladimir , Szökölová Kateřina , Bohačová Marie , Luxa Jan , Sofer Zdeněk 
Published: May 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) foils were modified by irradiation using 1.0 MeV Au+ ions, and their elemental composition before and after the ion irradiation was investigated using Rutherford back‐scattering spectroscopy (RBS). The surface morphology was studied using SEM, and changes in elemental composition and structure of GO in shallow subsurface were characterized by various spectroscopy techniques including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Electrical properties were determined using standard 2‐point method. The analyses indicate that the Au irradiation up to 1.0 × 1015 cm−1 results in removal of oxygen functionalities and growth of graphene domains, leading to a surface conductivity increase dependent on the applied ion fluence. The Au irradiation with excessive ion fluencies leads to the amorphization of GO foil structure.
Metal‐Free Debromination of 5‐Bromopyrimidine Derivatives Using DMF/Trialkylamine as the Hydrogen Source
Authors: Mousavi Mahsa , Bakavoli Mehdi , Shiri Ali , Tajabadi Javad 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAttempted heterocyclization of 5‐bromo‐2,4‐diamino‐6‐substituted pyrimidines in a mixture of DMF and trialkylamines (Et3N or N,N‐diisopropylethylamine) under mild conditions, led to the formation of new dehalogenated derivatives as the main product. This metal‐free catalyzed debromination process presents DMF/R3N combination as a potential metal‐free reductive system.
A Two‐Stage Annealing Strategy for Crystallization Control of CH3NH3PbI3 Films toward Highly Reproducible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liang Wensheng , Yu Wei , Yu Shuwen , Wu Yiliang , Guo Xin , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Li Can 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe solvent‐engineering method is widely used to fabricate top‐performing perovskite solar cells, which, however, usually exhibit inferior reproducibility. Herein, a two‐stage annealing (TSA) strategy is demonstrated for processing of perovskite films, namely, annealing the intermediate phase at 60 °C for the first stage then at 100 °C for the second stage. Compared to conventional direct annealing temperature (DHA) at 100 °C, using this strategy, MAPbI3 films become more controllable, leading to superior film uniformity and device reproducibility with the champion device efficiency reaching 19.8%. More specifically, the coefficient of variation of efficiency for 49 cells is reduced to 5.9%, compared to 9.8% for that using DHA. The TSA process is carefully studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. It is found that in comparison with DHA the formation of hydrogen bonding and crystallization of perovskite are much slower and can be better controlled when using TSA. The improvements in film uniformity and device reproducibility are attributed to: 1) controllable MAPbI3 crystal growth stemming from the progressive formation of hydrogen bonding between methylammonium and halide; 2) suppression of intermediate phase film dewetting, which is believed to be due to its decreased mobility at the initial low‐temperature annealing stage.
Biological Spiking Synapse Constructed from Solution Processed Bimetal Core–Shell Nanoparticle Based Composites
Authors: Zhou Li , Mao Jing‐Yu , Ren Yi , Yang Jia‐Qin , Zhang Shi‐Rui , Zhou Ye , Liao Qiufan , Zeng Yu‐Jia , Shan Haiquan , Xu Zongxiang , Fu Jingjing , Wang Yan , Chen Xiaoli , Lv Ziyu , Han Su‐Ting , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInspired by the highly parallel processing power and low energy consumption of the biological nervous system, the development of a neuromorphic computing paradigm to mimic brain‐like behaviors with electronic components based artificial synapses may play key roles to eliminate the von Neumann bottleneck. Random resistive access memory (RRAM) is suitable for artificial synapse due to its tunable bidirectional switching behavior. In this work, a biological spiking synapse is developed with solution processed Au@Ag core–shell nanoparticle (NP)‐based RRAM. The device shows highly controllable bistable resistive switching behavior due to the favorable Ag ions migration and filament formation in the composite film, and the good charge trapping and transport property of Au@Ag NPs. Moreover, comprehensive synaptic functions of biosynapse including paired‐pulse depression, paired‐pulse facilitation, post‐tetanic potentiation, spike‐time‐dependent plasticity, and the transformation from short‐term plasticity to long‐term plasticity are emulated. This work demonstrates that the solution processed bimetal core–shell nanoparticle‐based biological spiking synapse provides great potential for the further creation of a neuromorphic computing system.
Recent Advances in Novel Nanostructuring Methods of Perovskite Electrocatalysts for Energy‐Related Applications
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Wang Wei , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPerovskite oxides hold great promise as efficient electrocatalysts for various energy‐related applications owing to their low cost, flexible structure, and high intrinsic catalytic activity. However, conventional synthetic methods can only obtain perovskite catalysts with large particle sizes, small surface areas, and few morphological features, leading to limited catalytic activity and thus posing a major challenge toward real‐world applications. Reducing the size of bulk perovskites down to the nanosize represents an efficient way to improve the electrocatalytic performance. A comprehensive overview of recent progress in the nanostructuring of perovskites for catalyzing several key reactions in metal–air batteries, water splitting, and solid oxide fuel cells is provided. A range of synthetic protocols for making perovskite nanostructures are summarized, followed by an emphasis on how each method can be tailored to obtain high‐performing perovskite nanocatalysts. These recent advances highlight the enormous potential of nanosized perovskites for facilitating the electrocatalytic reactions. The remaining challenges and future directions are pointed out for the development of next‐generation perovskite‐based nanostructured catalysts.
Application of systems engineering to structuring acquisition decisions for marine emission reduction technologies
Authors: Aspen Dina Margrethe , Haskins Cecilia , Fet Annik Magerholm 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDue to increasingly strict environmental regulation of marine transportation, vessel operators and other stakeholders are required to evaluate feasible compliance measures in the face of multiple criteria and with attention to uncertainties and risks. Several methods and models within operations research have been applied to explore such decision contexts, but little is reported on the problem structure itself and the key values, concerns, and uncertainties that apply to them. The objective of the paper is to present a problem structure for acquisition of marine emission reduction technologies in the Norwegian ferry fleet drawing on methods from decision science and systems engineering. To attain this objective, we utilize the SPADE methodology, which details five problem‐solving activities covering stakeholders, problem formulation, alternatives, decisions, and continuous evaluation. Each activity is informed by data collected through stakeholder interviews and literature analysis to establish an initial representation of acquisition decision issues. To keep a consistent and traceable problem structure, we provide a stakeholder diagram, value network, systemigram, and decision hierarchy centered around stakeholders and their values. These models may serve to inform decision‐makers in the development and appraisal of emission reduction technologies and strategies. The paper demonstrates the application of systems engineering as a problem‐structuring framework for complex, multidimensional marine technology acquisition decisions.
Software obsolescence risk assessment approach using multicriteria decision‐making
Authors: Bowlds Ted F. , Fossaceca John M. , Iammartino Ronald 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSystem obsolescence issues are a routine occurrence, especially for systems with a high utilization of commercial electronic components or software applications with a long operational life. The extended length of a system's development can often result in obsolescence well before system production and fielding begins. Obsolescence affects individual electronic components and availability of materials, as well as access to experienced personnel, processes, and software. Legacy application software obsolescence is influenced by multiple factors. Included in these factors are hardware obsolescence, increased software maintenance, commercial off‐the‐shelf software obsolescence, growth in technical debt, growth in complexity, and a lack of embedded business rule documentation. These criteria influence subjective management decisions in the remediation of current or future obsolescence risk. A multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) approach is proposed to evaluate the impact of multiple obsolescence elements over the life cycle of a software application with consideration for the knowledge, preference, and subjectivity of experts to better inform the risk assessment and timing of future mitigation strategies. The resulting MCDM score provides a break point for a quantifiable increase in obsolescence risk.
Using a systems engineering framework for additive manufacturing
Authors: Togwe Thembani , Tanju Bereket , Eveleigh Timothy J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSystem engineering life cycles can be used by enterprises to make assessments that facilitate the effective insertion of technology into existing practices. The updated systems life cycle processes standard, ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015, is examined to assess additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing. AM's digital nature emerges as a major theme. AM's introduction into the aviation spare part supply chain is also explored using a project crashing illustration. The illustration showed that AM could be leveraged as a project crashing tool. In addition, the use of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 standard revealed network configurations that could be explored to broaden AM's use and obtain additional value, both of which could justify the use of AM. In this study, we suggest the multiple effects of AM on the systems engineering development life cycle.
Entropy‐based system assessment metric for determining architecture's robustness to different stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Ahn Jaemyung , Choi Minkyu , Suh Eun Suk 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, a new system assessment metric is proposed to evaluate the robustness of system architectures to different stakeholder perspectives and decomposition preferences. Typically, the decomposition of a system architecture into a modular configuration is based on the function‐based perspective of the design teams, which can be different from the perspectives of other stakeholders such as the manufacturing teams and field service organization. In this paper, a system architecture is decomposed into different modular configurations on the basis of the preferred perspectives of various stakeholders. The generated configurations are then compared to function‐based modular configurations in terms of the diffusion of the original function‐based module components into modules generated from different perspectives. The degree of diffusion is measured using a newly proposed entropy based metric referred to as the module diffusion index. The proposed metric provides stakeholders with a quantifiable measure of the robustness of a particular system architecture with respect to the preferred decomposition strategy of different stakeholders. The proposed metric can be used to assess different system architectures in terms of their robustness to perspective‐based decompositions. A case study is conducted wherein different mechanical clock architectures are assessed in terms of the robustness to different perspective‐based decompositions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed metric.
Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Diazo Compounds with Terminal Alkynes: An Efficient Access to Allenes
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Lokman , Wang Jianbo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCu(I)‐catalyzed reaction of diazo compounds generates a Cu(I)‐carbene intermediate that undergoes diverse transformations. In the past few years, the diazo compounds (or their precursor N‐tosylhydrazones) have been established as cross‐coupling partners under transition‐metal catalysis, affording various organic compounds. Particularly the breakthrough has been made in allene synthesis by Cu(I)‐catalyzed carbene coupling with terminal alkynes. Moreover, the Cu(I)‐catalyzed coupling reaction of diazo compounds with terminal alkynes generates allene intermediate that undergoes tandem cyclization/coupling to afford cyclic compounds. This review article summarizes the most recent developments in allene synthesis based on the Cu(I)‐carbene coupling reactions and the utilization of allene intermediates in tandem reactions.
Variance in animal longevity: contributions of heterogeneity and stochasticity
Authors: Hartemink Nienke , Caswell Hal 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVariance in longevity among individuals may arise as an effect of heterogeneity (differences in mortality rates experienced at the same age or stage) or as an effect of individual stochasticity (the outcome of random demographic events during the life cycle). Decomposing the variance into components due to heterogeneity and stochasticity is crucial for evolutionary analyses.In this study, we analyze longevity from ten studies of invertebrates in the laboratory, and use the results to partition the variance in longevity into its components. To do so, we fit finite mixtures of Weibull survival functions to each data set by maximum likelihood, using the EM algorithm. We used the Bayesian Information Criterion to select the most well supported model. The results of the mixture analysis were used to construct an age × stage‐classified matrix model, with heterogeneity groups as stages, from which we calculated the variance in longevity and its components. Almost all data sets revealed evidence of some degree of heterogeneity. The median contribution of unobserved heterogeneity to the total variance was 35%, with the remaining 65% due to stochasticity. The differences among groups in mean longevity were typically on the order of 30% of the overall life expectancy. There was considerable variation among data sets in both the magnitude of heterogeneity and the proportion of variance due to heterogeneity, but no clear patterns were apparent in relation to sex, taxon, or environmental conditions.
Corn steep liquor as a nutritional source for biocementation and its impact on concrete structural properties
Authors: Joshi Sumit , Goyal Shweta , Reddy M Sudhakara 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has a potential to improve the durability properties and remediate cracks in concrete. In the present study, the main emphasis is placed upon replacing the expensive laboratory nutrient broth (NB) with corn steep liquor (CSL), an industrial by-product, as an alternate nutrient medium during biocementation. The influence of organic nutrients (carbon and nitrogen content) of CSL and NB on the chemical and structural properties of concrete structures is studied. It has been observed that cement-setting properties were unaffected by CSL organic content, while NB medium influenced it. Carbon and nitrogen content in concrete structures was significantly lower in CSL-treated specimens than in NB-treated specimens. Decreased permeability and increased compressive strength were reported when NB is replaced with CSL in bacteria-treated specimens. The present study results suggest that CSL can be used as a replacement growth medium for MICP technology at commercial scale.
Big data in nanocomposites: ONN approach and mesh-free method for functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composites
Authors: Jalal Mostafa , Moradi-Dastjerdi Rasool , Bidram Morteza 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper, the concept of big data in composite materials for design purpose with focus on functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composites (FG-CNTRC) has been addressed through mesh-free method and an optimized neural network (ONN) approach. With this regard, mesh-free method as a robust technique was used to analyze the FG-CNTRC for vibrational frequency. The applied nanocomposite is made of aggregated single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are embedded in an isotropic polymer as matrix. The material properties are estimated based on the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach. Then a new multi-step approach was used to find optimized neural network for accurate modeling of the nanocomposite which can be used for later goals of optimization and design. Computational time and accuracy of various algorithms were investigated and compared for big data modeling of nanocomposite to come up with the optimal model. Comparative study of the results was carried out to examine and compare the accuracy of the developed ONN model relative to mesh-free method. Furthermore, a comprehensive parametric study was also performed to investigate the effect of geometrical dimensions, CNT distribution and volume fraction on vibrational frequency of the nanocomposite.
Highlights Big data in nanocomposites. Analysis of nanocomposite through mesh-free method. Optimized neural network (ONN) for big data mining. Multi-step approach for finding an optimized model. Efficiency of ONN to handle big data.
Early Clinical Outcomes of Intra‐Articular Injections of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for the Treatment of Early Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fontan Francisco , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundBone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) is one of the few cell‐based therapies available as a possible biological treatment for early osteoarthritis (OA). Its efficacy, safety, and benefit compared with other treatments are still to be determined.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing intra‐articular injection of BMC for the treatment of early knee and hip OA.DesignProspective, cohort study.SettingSingle institution, quaternary level of care.PatientsNineteen patients (16 female and 3 male), totaling 25 joints (10 knees, 15 hips), treated with intra‐articular BMC for early OA between 2014 and 2016. The mean age at time of the procedure was 58 ± 12.7 years (range, 30‐80 years). The mean follow‐up was 13.2 ± 6.3 months (range, 6‐24 months). Inclusion criteria included ≥18 years; knee OA, Kellgren–Lawrence grade I‐II; hip OA, Tönnis grade I‐II; first‐time intra‐articular BMC therapy, after unsuccessful symptomatic and conservative treatments (ie, physical therapy, analgesics and anti‐inflammatory drugs) for 6 months. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy; malignancy; rheumatologic diseases; infection; Kellgren–Lawrence grade III‐IV; Tönnis grade III; and previous intra‐articular injections or surgery.InterventionsAll patients had autologous bone marrow aspirate harvested from the iliac crest and centrifuged to achieve BMC, for intra‐articular injection.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe hypothesis was formulated before the study. Patient‐reported outcomes measures were assessed preoperatively and at last follow‐up using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index.ResultsWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index improved from a baseline of 40.8 ± 18.3% to 20.6 ± 17% (P < .001) at final follow‐up. The satisfaction rate was 63.2%. The minimal clinically important difference threshold of 9.15 points was reached by 64% of the patients. Two patients were converted to total hip arthroplasty at 8 months after BMC injection.ConclusionsIntra‐articular injections of BMC for the treatment of early knee or hip OA were safe and demonstrated satisfactory results in 63.2% of patients. Future studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of this technique and its safety profile.Level of EvidenceII
Different Types of Heater-Cooler Units and Their Risk of Transmission of Mycobacterium chimaera During Open-Heart Surgery: Clues From Device Design
Authors: Kuehl Richard , Banderet Florian , Egli Adrian , Keller Peter M. , Frei Reno , Döbele Thomas , Eckstein Friedrich , Widmer Andreas F. 
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVEWorldwide, Mycobacterium chimaera infections have been linked to contaminated aerosols from heater-cooler units (HCUs) during open-heart surgery. These infections have mainly been associated with the 3T HCU (LivaNova, formerly Sorin). The reasons for this and the risk of transmission from other HCUs have not been systematically assessed.DESIGNProspective observational study.SETTINGUniversity Hospital Basel, Switzerland.METHODSContinuous microbiological surveillance of 3 types of HCUs in use (3T from LivaNova/Sorin and HCU30 and HCU40 from Maquet) was initiated in June 2014, coupled with an epidemiologic workup. Monthly water and air samples were taken. Construction design was analyzed, and exhausted airflow was measured.RESULTS
Mycobacterium chimaera grew in 8 of 12 water samples (66%) and 22 of 24 air samples (91%) of initial 3T HCUs in use, and in 2 of 83 water samples (2%) and 0 of 41 (0%) air samples of new replacement 3T HCUs. Moreover, 7 of 12 water samples (58%) and 0 of 4 (0%) air samples from the HCU30 were positive, and 0 of 64 (0%) water samples and 0 of 50 (0%) air samples from the HCU40 were positive. We identified 4 relevant differences in HCU design compared to the 3T: air flow direction, location of cooling ventilators, continuous cooling of the water tank at 4°C, and an electronic alarm in the HCU40 reminding the user of the next disinfection cycle.CONCLUSIONSAll infected patients were associated with a 3T HCU. The individual HCU design may explain the different risk of disseminating M. chimaera into the air of the operating room. These observations can help the construction of improved devices to ensure patient safety during cardiac surgery.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;834–840