bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Sparse Block Kaczmarz as Randomized Dual Block-Coordinate Descent
Authors: Petra Stefania 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
We show that the Sparse Kaczmarz method is a particular instance of the coordinate gradient method applied to an unconstrained dual problem corresponding to a regularized ℓ1-minimization problem subject to linear constraints. Based on this observation and recent theoretical work concerning the convergence analysis and corresponding convergence rates for the randomized block coordinate gradient descent method, we derive block versions and consider randomized ordering of blocks of equations. Convergence in expectation is thus obtained as a byproduct. By smoothing the ℓ1-objective we obtain a strongly convex dual which opens the way to various acceleration schemes.
A Computational Approach to Log-Concave Density Estimation
Authors: Rathke Fabian , Schnörr Christoph 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Non-parametric density estimation with shape restrictions has witnessed a great deal of attention recently. We consider the maximum-likelihood problem of estimating a log-concave density from a given finite set of empirical data and present a computational approach to the resulting optimization problem. Our approach targets the ability to trade-off computational costs against estimation accuracy in order to alleviate the curse of dimensionality of density estimation in higher dimensions.
Consistency issues in PDF methods
Authors: Suciu N. , Schüler L. , Attinger S. , Vamoș C. , Knabner P. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Concentrations of chemical species transported in random environments need to be statistically characterized by probability density functions (PDF). Solutions to evolution equations for the one-point one-time PDF are usually based on systems of computational particles described by Itô equations. We establish consistency conditions relating the concentration statistics to that of the Itô process and the solution of its associated Fokker-Planck equation to that of the PDF equation. In this frame, we use a recently proposed numerical method which approximates PDFs by particle densities obtained with a global random walk (GRW) algorithm. The GRW-PDF approach is illustrated for a problem of contaminant transport in groundwater.
Thermal Absorptivity Model of Knitted Rib Fabric and its Experimental Verification
Authors: Mangat Asif Elahi , Hes Lubos , Bajzik Vladimir , Mazari Adnan 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Thermal absorptivity is an indicator of warm and cool feeling of textile materials. An equation based on thermal absorptivity of polyester in solid form, porosity of a fabric, and relative contact area of human skin and fabric surface has been developed to characterize thermal absorptivity of fabric. For verification of suggested model, 15 knitted rib fabrics were produced using 100% polyester yarn and having different surface profile. ALAMBETA semiautomatic non-destructive instrument has been used for measuring the effective thermal absorptivity of knitted rib fabric. It was found that the suggested simple theoretical model exhibits significant agreement with the measured thermal absorptivity values of knitted rib fabric, which endorsed the approach applied.
Production of biogas: relationship between methanogenic and sulfate-reducing microorganisms
Authors: Kushkevych Ivan , Vítězová Monika , Vítěz Tomáš , Bartoš Milan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe production of high-quality methane depends on many factors, including temperature, pH, substrate, composition and relationship of the microorganisms. The qualitative and quantitative composition of methanogenic and sulfate-reducing microorganisms and their relationship in the experimental bioreactors has never been studied. The aim of this research was to characterize, for the first time, the diversity of the methanogenic microorganisms and sulfate-reducing bacteria, and study their relationship and biogas production in experimental bioreactors. Amplification of 16S rRNA gene fragments was carried out. Purified amplicons were paired-end sequenced on an Illumina Mi-Seq platform. The dominant morphotypes of these microorganisms in the bioreactor were homologous (99%) by the sequences of 16S rRNA gene to theMethanosarcina,Thermogymnomonas,Methanoculleusgenera andArchaeondeposited in GenBank. Three dominant genera of sulfate-reducing bacteria,Desulfomicrobium,DesulfobulbusandDesulfovibrio, were detected in the bioreactor. The phylogenetic trees showing their genetic relationship were constructed. The diversity and number of the genera, production of methane, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen in the bioreactor was investigated. This research is important for understanding the relationship between methanogenic microbial populations and other bacterial physiological groups, their substrate competition and, in turn, can be helpful for controlling methanogenesis in bioreactors.
Comparison of pneumatic tube system with manual transport for routine chemistry, hematology, coagulation and blood gas tests
Authors: Pupek Alex , Matthewson Beverly , Whitman Erin , Fullarton Rachel , Chen Yu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground:The pneumatic tube system (PTS) is commonly used in modern clinical laboratories to provide quick specimen delivery. However, its impact on sample integrity and laboratory testing results are still debatable. In addition, each PTS installation and configuration is unique to its institution. We sought to validate our Swisslog PTS by comparing routine chemistry, hematology, coagulation and blood gas test results and sample integrity indices between duplicate samples transported either manually or by PTS.Methods:Duplicate samples were delivered to the core laboratory manually by human courier or via the Swisslog PTS. Head-to-head comparisons of 48 routine chemistry, hematology, coagulation and blood gas laboratory tests, and three sample integrity indices were conducted on 41 healthy volunteers and 61 adult patients.Results:The PTS showed no impact on sample hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus indices (all p<0.05). Although alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and hemoglobin reached statistical significance (p=0.009, 0.027 and 0.012, respectively), all had very low average bias which ranged from 0.01% to 2%. Potassium, total hemoglobin and percent deoxyhemoglobin were statistically significant for the neonatal capillary tube study (p=0.011, 0.033 and 0.041, respectively) but no biases greater than ±4% were identified for these parameters. All observed differences of these 48 laboratory tests were not clinically significant.Conclusions:The modern PTS investigated in this study is acceptable for reliable sample delivery for routine chemistry, hematology, coagulation and blood gas (in syringe and capillary tube) laboratory tests.
Determination of free and bounded phenolic acids in the rhizomes and herb of Sanguisorba officinalis L.
Authors: Biernasiuk Anna , Wozniak Michal , Bogucka-Kocka Anna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
An analysis of the fractions of free acids and phenolic acids liberated by way of hydrolysis in the rhizomes and herbaceous tissues of Sanguisorba officinalis L. was conducted through utilizing the 2D-TLC method. Fifteen phenolic acids were identified. Our work showed that ellagic, protocatechuic, gentisic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, vannilic and ferulic acids were common in all tested fractions, and gallic and protocatechuic acids were dominant in fractions obtained from the rhizomes, while caffeic, p-coumaric, syringic, vannilic and ferulic acids were abundant in the herbaceous tissues. However, α and β - resorcylic acids were detected only in rhizome phenolic acid fractions liberated from their conjunction with sugars and alcohols. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid was present only in a free form in the herbaceous tissues, while p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid was liberated from conjunction from a herbaceous extract.
Credit Intermediation under the 2014 European Mortgage Credit Directive: a Call for Targeted Rules on Intermediary Remuneration
Authors: De Muynck Michiel , Bruloot Diederik 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn February 2014 the European legislator adopted a directive on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property, which had to be implemented by the member states by March 2016. This paper starts with some fundamentals on the policy objectives underlying this so-called „Mortgage Credit Directive” (MCD) and further provides an overview of the specific regulatory framework that has been developed for credit intermediaries. This serves as the starting point for an assessment of the level of consumer protection that has been established while regulating the activities of credit intermediaries. Particular risks for credit intermediaries’ clients stem from incentives caused by the way in which they are traditionally remunerated by consumers and/or creditors. Whereas information disclosure obligations included in the MCD are an insufficient means to mitigate some potentially harmful consequences of intermediary compensation, the authors argue for the introduction of targeted remuneration regulation.
Upgrading of commercial pulps to high-purity dissolving pulps by an ionic liquid-based extraction method
Authors: Wollboldt Petra , Strach Michael , Russler Axel , Jankova Stepanka , Sixta Herbert 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the course of the Ioncell-P process, hemicelluloses are extracted from wood pulps by a mild treatment with an ionic liquid (IL) water mixture, and the result is a high-purity dissolving pulp. The aim of the present work is to study the influence of pulp origin concerning different wood species and pulping processes on the resulting pulp purity and yield after extraction with IL/water, while the IL is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([emim][OAc]). The raw materials were chosen from commercial alkaline kraft and acid sulfite paper and dissolving pulps prepared from both hardwood (HW) and softwood (SW). The extraction was followed by a filtration step to separate the cellulose and the hemicellulose fractions. The hemicelluloses were precipitated from the IL/water filtrate. In general, the Ioncell-P process proved to be more selective toward the removal of xylan as compared to glucomannan indicating that HW pulps are easier to purify than those of SW. It was possible to reach high alpha pulp qualities by the extraction process.
Aeromonas sobria serine protease (ASP): a subtilisin family endopeptidase with multiple virulence activities
Authors: Imamura Takahisa , Murakami Yoji , Nitta Hidetoshi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAeromonas sobriaserine protease (ASP) is secreted fromAeromonas sobria, a pathogen causing gastroenteritis and sepsis. ASP resemblesSaccharomyces cerevisiaeKex2, a member of the subtilisin family, and preferentially cleaves peptide bonds at the C-terminal side of paired basic amino acid residues; also accepting unpaired arginine at the P1site. Unlike Kex2, however, ASP lacks an intramolecular chaperone N-terminal propeptide, instead utilizes the external chaperone ORF2 for proper folding, therefore, ASP and its homologues constitute a new subfamily in the subtilisin family. Through activation of the kallikrein/kinin system, ASP induces vascular leakage, and presumably causes edema and septic shock. ASP accelerates plasma clotting by α-thrombin generation from prothrombin, whereas it impairs plasma clottability by fibrinogen degradation, together bringing about blood coagulation disorder that occurs in disseminated intravascular coagulation, a major complication of sepsis. From complement C5 ASP liberates C5a that induces neutrophil recruitment and superoxide release, and mast cell degranulation, which are associated with pus formation, tissue injury and diarrhea, respectively. Nicked two-chain ASP also secreted fromA. sobriais more resistant to inactivation by α2-macroglobulin than single-chain ASP, thereby raising virulence activities. Thus, ASP is a potent virulence factor and may participate in the pathogenesis ofA. sobriainfection.
A rapid and multi-element method for the analysis of major nutrients in grass (Lolium perenne) using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Daly K. , Fenelon A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractElemental analysis of grass (Lolium perenne) is essential in agriculture to ensure grass quality and animal health. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy is a rapid, multi-element alternative to current methods using acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Percentage phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), determined from grass samples using EDXRF, were within 0.035, 0.319, 0.025 and 0.061, respectively, of ICP-OES values. Concordance correlation coefficients computed using agreement statistics ranged from 0.4379 to 0.9669 (values close to one indicate excellent agreement); however, the level of agreement for each element depended on the calibrations used in EDXRF. Empirical calibrations gave excellent agreement for percentage P, K and Ca, but moderate agreement for percentage Mg due to a weaker correlation between standards and intensities. Standardless calibration using the fundamental parameters (FP) approach exhibited bias, with consistently lower values reported for percentage P and Mg, when compared with ICP-OES methods. The relationship between the methods was plotted as scatter plots with the line of equality included, and although correlation coefficients indicated strong relationships, these statistics masked the effects of consistent bias in the data for percentage P and Mg. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing agreement from correlation when using statistical methods to compare methods of analysis. Agreement estimates improved when a matching library of grass samples was added to the FP method. EDXRF is a comparable alternative to conventional methods for grass analysis when samples of similar matrix type are used as empirical standards or as a matching library.
Elemental Mercury Removal from Flue Gas by Diperiodatoargentate(III) Solution
Authors: Zhao Yi , Qi Meng , Hao Runlong 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A series of experiments were conducted in a bubble column reactor to investigate the effects of key influencing factors such as the diperiodatoargentate (III) concentration, the reaction temperature, the solution pH, O2 concentration, SO2 concentration and NO concentration on the Hg0 removal. The results indicated that the average removal efficiency of 77.5 % was reached under the optimal conditions in which the DPA concentration was 1.03mmol/L, the reaction temperature was 40 °C and the solution pH was 8.5; SO2 inhibited Hg0 oxidation due to its competition for the limited oxidant; when NO was in a low concentration, it was found to be a promotion for Hg0 oxidation. The spent solution was analyzed by the CVAFS, The results illustrated that Hg0 was oxidized into Hg2+ by DPA then DPA was converted into Ag+, from which, the reaction mechanism was speculated accordingly.
The Micromorphic Approach to Generalized Heat Equations
Authors: Liu Weijie , Saanouni Khemais , Forest Samuel , Hu Ping 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the micromorphic approach, previously developed in the mechanical context is applied to heat transfer and shown to deliver new generalized heat equations as well as the nonlocal effects. The latter are compared to existing formulations: the classical Fourier heat conduction, the hyperbolic type with relaxation time, the gradient of temperature or entropy theories, the double temperature model, the micro-temperature model or micro-entropy models. A new pair of thermodynamically-consistent micromorphic heat equations are derived from appropriate Helmholtz-free energy potentials depending on an additional micromorphic temperature and its first gradient. The additional micromorphic temperature associated with the classical local temperature is introduced as an independent degree of freedom, based on the generalized principle of virtual power. This leads to a new thermal balance equation taking into account the nonlocal thermal effects and involving an internal length scale which represents the characteristic size of the system. Several existing extended generalized heat equations could be retrieved from constrained micromorphic heat equations with suitable selections of the Helmholtz-free energy and heat flux expressions. As an example the propagation of plane thermal waves is investigated according to the various generalized heat equations. Possible applications to fast surface processes, nanostructured media and nanosystems are also discussed.
Is like like like?: Evaluating the same variant across multiple variables
Authors: Maddeaux Ruth , Dinkin Aaron 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
We explore the linguistic variant – as opposed to the variable – as the object of sociolinguistic perception. The sociolinguistic principle of accountability, in centering the variable as a choice between variants, implicitly models variation from the perspective of the speaker, who makes that choice. But is it a good model for the perception of sociolinguistic meaning on the part of the listener? This paper reports the results of a matched-guise study designed to test eight distinct functions of the form like – as a verb, approximate adverb, discourse particle, etc. – in an attempt to determine whether listeners attach the same social meaning to this variant regardless of the variable it represents, and if so, whether this could be a partial explanation for why the use of like is increasing in apparent time in several variables at once. We do not find evidence to support the hypothesis that listeners evaluate the different functions of like in the same way. However, our results do offer empirical support for the division of like into sociolinguistically salient “vernacular” and non-salient “grammatical” categories. Moreover, we find a consistent pattern in which the more recently a function of like entered the speech community, the more salient it is to listeners.
Nanospheres caped Pt(II) and Pt (IV): synthesis and evaluation as antimicrobial and Antifungal Agent
Authors: Öğütçü Hatice , Yetim Nurdan K. , Özkan Elvan H. , Eren Orçun , Kaya Gamze , Sarı Nurşen , Dişli Ali 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Antimicrobial and antifungal polymers are gaining the attention of pharmaceutical makers and industrial design. Nanospheres-Polymers attached Platinum(II) / (IV) complexes have been synthesized to investigate antimicrobial activities. Firstly, nanospheres involving Schiff bases were synthesized from (aminomethyl) polystyrene and four substitute salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 5-fluoro-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 5-kloro-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 5-bromo-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde). Secondly, polymers attached Platinum(II) / (IV) complexes have been prepared by means of template method. The IR spectra show that the ligands act in a monovalent bidentate fashion all nanospheres involving Schiff bases. Square-planar and octahedral structures are proposed for Pt(II) and Pt(IV), respectively. All these substances have been examined for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains, and antifungal activity. In particular, Pt(IV) complexes were more potent bactericides than all of the synthesized substances.
Sonochemical-assisted magnesium borate synthesis from different boron sources
Authors: Yildirim Meral , Kipcak Azmi Seyhun , Derun Emek Moroydor 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this study, sonochemical-assisted magnesium borate synthesis is studied from different boron sources. Various reaction parameters are successfully applied by a simple and green method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies are used to characterize the synthesized magnesium borates on the other hand surface morphologies are investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD analyses showed that the products were admontite [MgO(B2O3)3· 7(H2O)] with JCPDS (Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards) no. of 01-076-0540 and mcallisterite [Mg2(B6O7(OH)6)2· 9(H2O)] with JCPDS no. of 01-070-1902. The results that found in the spectroscopic studies were in a good agreement with characteristic magnesium borate bands in both regions of infra-red and visible. According to SEM results, obtained borates were in micro and sub-micro scales. By the use of ultrasonication, reaction yields were found between 84.2 and 97.9%. As a result, it is concluded that the sonochemical approach is a practicable synthesis method to get high efficiency and high crystallinity in the synthesis magnesium borate compounds.
Preparation of micro-encapsulated strawberry fragrance and its application in the aromatic wallpaper
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Zhang Yu , Zhu Guangyong , Niu Yunwei , Xu Ziqi , Zhu Jiancai 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Micro-encapsulated strawberry fragrance was successfully prepared with wall materials including maltodextrin, sodium octenylsuccinate and gum Arabic. The micro-capsule was added to wallpaper and aromatic wallpaper with strawberry characteristics was obtained. The particle distribution, surface morphology, chemical structure, thermal property and controlled release performance of micro-encapsulated fragrance and aromatic wallpaper were investigated using laser particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-TR), thermal gravity analysis (TGA) and chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that the average diameter of micro-capsule was 2 μm and the particles mainly distributed in the tissues of wallpaper. The result of TGA showed that the micro-capsule had a good stability. Meanwhile, the aromatic wallpaper had strawberry aroma more than 3 months and took on excellent controlled release performance.
Impact of paint matrix composition and thickness of paint layer on the activity of photocatalytic paints
Authors: Homa Piotr , Tryba Beata , Gęsikiewicz-Puchalska Andżelika 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Silicate, acrylic and latex photocatalytic paints were analyzed in regards to impact of paint matrix composition and paint layer’s thickness on performance in two photocatalytic tests. These included performances in photocatalytic decomposition of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and assessment of photocatalytic activity through use of smart ink test. Silicate photocatalytic paints displayed lower photocatalytic activity in comparison to acrylic and latex photocatalytic paints in both tests, despite the similar content of nanocrystalline TiO2. Measurements of depth of UV light penetration through the paints layer were performed and it appeared, that more porous structure of coating resulted in deeper penetration of UV light. In the case of acrylic paint, the thickness of the photocatalytic layer was around 9 μm, but for silicate paint DR this thickness was higher, around 21 μm.
Synthesis and antifungal activity of new salicylic acid derivatives
Authors: Wodnicka Alicja , Huzar Elżbieta , Krawczyk Maria , Kwiecień Halina 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A simple one-step procedure for synthesis of 1-methoxy-1-oxoalkan-2-yl salicylates and 1-methoxy-1-oxoalkan-2-yl 2-[(1-methoxy-1-oxoalkan-2-yl)oxy]benzoates by reaction of salicylic acid with several methyl 2-bromoalkanoates was developed. The reactions were carried out in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. Conditions for regioselective synthesis of target compounds were established. The developed procedure could be easily applied in the industrial production process. The new salicylic acid derivatives were obtained with satisfactory yields and were characterized by MS and 1H NMR spectra. The fungicidal activity of the prepared compounds was tested in vitro against seven species of plant pathogenic fungi. The best results were observed for 1-methoxy-1-oxoalkan-2-yl salicylates which showed moderate or good activity against Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia solani.