bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets from flue gas using heterogeneous vapor condensation in a limestone‐gypsum desulfurization process
Authors: Wu Hao , Pan Danping , Bao Jingjing , Jiang Yezheng , Hong Guangxin , Yang Bing , Yang Linjun 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDEmissions of sulfuric acid droplets have caused many problems. Improving the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets is of great importance. A novel process based on heterogeneous vapor condensation was proposed in this paper to improve the removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets in a limestone–gypsum desulfurization process.RESULTSThe results indicated that the sulfuric acid droplets were relatively easily activated in a supersaturated vapor environment and condensed into larger droplets. The removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets in a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system could be significantly improved. The improvements were mainly related to the inlet flue gas moisture content and temperature. A relatively higher moisture content and lower temperature of inlet flue gas improved the removal performance. Moreover, the liquid‐to‐gas ratio and the SO3 concentration also contributed to the improvement in removal efficiency. However, a higher temperature of the desulfurization slurry was unfavorable.CONCLUSIONThe novel process based on heterogeneous vapor condensation is suitable for industrial application. The removal efficiency of sulfuric acid droplets can be improved from 30 ∼ 40% to greater than 60%. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The head morphology of Clambidae and its implications for the phylogeny of Scirtoidea (Coleoptera: Polyphaga)
Authors: Anton Eric , Yavorskaya Margarita I. , Beutel Rolf G. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTExternal and internal structures of the head of adults ofClambusare described and illustrated in detail. The results are compared with structural features found in the clambid genusCalyptomerus, in representatives of other scirtoid families, and also in species of other coleopteran suborders, notably Myxophaga. The results tentatively support the monophyly of Scirtoidea and a close relationship between Clambidae and Eucinetidae is suggested by one shared derived feature of the mandible, a long and slender apical tooth with a serrate edge. The monophyly of Clambidae is very strongly supported andAcalyptomerusis probably the sistergroup of a cladeCalyptomerus + Clambinae. Potential scirtoid autapomorphies are the loss of the dorsal tentorial arms, a bulging gula, a strongly transverse labrum, and a ridge separating the mediostipes from the lacinia. However, all these features are homoplasious. The monophyly of Clambidae is supported by modifications of the head capsule which is strongly flattened and broadened, by a deep clypeofrontal incision enabling vertical antennal movements, and a series of antennal features. Synapomorphies of Clambinae + Calyptomerus(Clambidae excludingAcalyptomerus) are the conglobate body form with the ventral side of the head capsule in contact with the mesocoxae, and compound eyes integrated in the contour of the head. The completely subdivided eye is an autapomorphy ofClambus. An entire series of features is shared by Clambidae (or Scirtoidea) and Myxophaga. Most of them are apomorphies that apparently evolved independently in both groups. However, the presence of well‐developed maxillary and labial glands is arguably a retained groundplan feature of Coleoptera, with parallel loss in Archostemata, Adephaga and various groups of Polyphaga. J. Morphol. 277:615–633, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved cerebrospinal fluid suppression for intracranial vessel wall MRI
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhang Xuefeng , Qin Qin , Liu Li , Wasserman Bruce A. , Qiao Ye 
Published: March 2016

PurposeTo develop and assess a three‐dimensional (3D) high resolution black blood MRI (BBMRI) method for evaluation of intracranial vessels with improved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression.Materials and MethodsThe anti‐driven‐equilibrium (ADE) pulse was incorporated into a variable flip‐angle TSE‐based 3D BBMRI to improve CSF suppression. ADE‐BBMRI was optimized in 8 participants and compared with BBMRI, with acquired 0.5 mm isotropic resolution and scan time of 5.4 min at 3 Tesla. Contrast‐enhanced ADE‐BBMRI protocol was implemented in nine patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Signal and morphological measurements were compared between ADE‐BBMRI and BBMRI, as well as pre‐ and postcontrast ADE‐BBMRI. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlations (ICC).ResultsADE‐BBMRI effectively suppressed the surrounding CSF signal of intracranial vessels, with a 36–44% reduction compared with BBMRI. ADE‐BBMRI also reduced the overall wall signal by 8–8.5%, but provided a significant improvement in wall‐to‐CSF contrast‐to‐noise ratio over BBMRI (middle cerebral artery, 5.93 ± 0.59 versus 3.95 ± 1.67, P < 0.01; basilar artery, 3.8 ± 1.76 versus 1.34 ± 0.54, P = 0.01, respectively). No differences were noted in morphological measurements between ADE‐BBMRI and BBMRI (lumen area, 6.35 ± 2.87 versus 6.32 ± 2.84 mm2; wall area, 1.28 ± 0.52 versus 1.27 ± 0.53 mm2; mean wall thickness, 0.93 ± 0.30 versus 0.93 ± 0.32 mm; maximum wall thickness, 1.27 ± 0.33 versus 1.28 ± 0.36 mm, all P > 0.05). Contrast enhanced ADE‐BBMRI improved the plaque delineation by the increased wall signal, wall‐to‐CSF and wall‐to‐blood contrast‐to‐noise ratio. ICC ranged from 0.54 to 0.95.ConclusionThe 3D ADE‐BBMRI provides excellent blood and CSF suppression, and accurate measurements of intracranial vessels at 0.5 mm isotropic resolution in 5 min. Its clinical application may provide insight into stroke risk. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:665–672.
Effects of color temperature and luminance of LEDs on color judgments involving various printing materials
Authors: Wu Chia‐Chen , Wu Chih‐Fu , Hung Chi‐Chen , Huang Wei‐Shin , Cheng Pei‐Jung 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study investigated errors in color judgment related to stimuli (cyan vs. magenta vs. yellow) printed on various materials (coated paper vs. cotton vs. polyester fiber) and occurring in a range of visual environments (color temperature × luminance: 4000 K × 1500 lx vs. 4000 K × 750 lx vs. 2700 K × 1500 lx vs. 2700 K × 750 lx) under illuminated light‐emitting diodes. Participants included 16 female and 14 male Taiwanese college students [age range, 20–26 years (M = 21.92, SD = 2.13)]. Subjects were instructed to perform a series of comparative judgments in which they carefully observed a standard stimulus color under illuminated LEDs and judged which of five simultaneously presented colors under illuminant D65 was the most similar to the standard color. Data analysis revealed that the effect of visual environment on accuracy of color judgments against the standard was significant. Additionally, the accuracy of color judgments against the standard was significantly better for polyester printing material than it was for coated paper. The color of the standard also significantly affected color judgment accuracy: cyan yielded significantly worse accuracy rates than did magenta or yellow. These results have implications for lighting design and interior design.
Habitat selection by juvenile Mojave Desert tortoises
Authors: Todd Brian D. , Halstead Brian J. , Chiquoine Lindsay P. , Peaden J. Mark , Buhlmann Kurt A. , Tuberville Tracey D. , Nafus Melia G. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTGrowing pressure to develop public lands for renewable energy production places several protected species at increased risk of habitat loss. One example is the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), a species often at the center of conflicts over public land development. For this species and others on public lands, a better understanding of their habitat needs can help minimize negative impacts and facilitate protection or restoration of habitat. We used radio‐telemetry to track 46 neonate and juvenile tortoises in the Eastern Mojave Desert, California, USA, to quantify habitat at tortoise locations and paired random points to assess habitat selection. Tortoise locations near burrows were more likely to be under canopy cover and had greater coverage of perennial plants (especially creosote [Larrea tridentata]), more coverage by washes, a greater number of small‐mammal burrows, and fewer white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) than random points. Active tortoise locations away from burrows were closer to washes and perennial plants than were random points. Our results can help planners locate juvenile tortoises and avoid impacts to habitat critical for this life stage. Additionally, our results provide targets for habitat protection and restoration and suggest that diverse and abundant small‐mammal populations and the availability of creosote bush are vital for juvenile desert tortoises in the Eastern Mojave Desert. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Riverine discharges impact physiological traits and carbon sources for shell carbonate in the marine intertidal mussel Perumytilus purpuratus
Authors: Pérez Claudia A. , Lagos Nelson A. , Saldías Gonzalo S. , Waldbusser George , Vargas Cristian A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnthropogenic modification watersheds and climate change have altered export from fluvial systems causing changes to the carbonate chemistry of river‐influenced near shore environments. To determine the possible effects of riverine discharges on the mussel Perumytilus purpuratus, we performed in situ transplant experiments between river‐influenced and open coastal habitats with contrasting seawater carbonate chemistries (i.e., pCO2, pH, Ωar) across four regions covering a wide latitudinal range (32°55′S–40°10′S). The river‐influenced habitats selected for transplant experiments were different than open coastal habitats; with higher pCO2 (354–1313 μatm), lower pH (7.6–7.9) and Ωar values (0.4–1.4) than in open coastal area. Growth, calcification, metabolism were measured in a reciprocal transplant experiment to determine physiological responses associated with river‐influenced sites and non‐influenced control sites. Growth and calcification rates were higher in river‐influenced habitats; however the organisms in this area also had lower metabolic rates, possibly due to enhanced food supply from river systems. Further analysis of carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) indicated that the relative contribution of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to the carbonate shells of P. purpuratus was much higher than respiratory carbon. Nevertheless, P. purpuratus incorporated between 7% and 26% of metabolic carbon in the shell depending on season. There was a strong, significant relationship between δ13CPOC and δ13CTissue, which likely influenced the isotopic composition of the shell carbon.
An improved anatomical MRI technique with suppression of fixative fluid artifacts for the investigation of human postmortem brain phantoms
Authors: Droby Amgad , Yuen Kenneth Sung Lai , Schänzer Anne , Spiwoks‐Becker Isabella , Acker Till , Lienerth Bianca , Zipp Frauke , Deichmann Ralf 
Published: March 2016

PurposePhantoms are often used to assess MR system stability in multicenter studies. Postmortem brain phantoms best replicate human brain anatomy, allowing for a combined assessment of the MR system and software chain for data analysis. However, a wash‐out of fixative fluid affecting T1 values and thus T1‐weighted sequences such as magnetization‐prepared 180 degrees radiofrequency pulses and rapid gradient‐echo (MP‐RAGE) has been reported for brain phantoms, hampering their immediate use. The purpose of this study was the creation of anatomical data that provide the characteristics of conventional data while avoiding this artifact.Theory and MethodsTwo brain phantoms were scanned at several time points, acquiring conventional MP‐RAGE data and quantitative T1 and proton density (PD) maps. Assuming a suitable cutoff value T1cut, synthetic MP‐RAGE data were created from these maps, being T1‐weighted for T1 > T1cut to reduce fluid signal in the sulci, but PD‐weighted for T1 < T1cut for artifact suppression.ResultsA time‐dependent artifact was observed in the T1 but not in the PD maps. The temporal stability of the synthetic data was greatly improved as compared to the conventional data.ConclusionThe proposed method enables anatomical imaging of postmortem brain phantoms, avoiding artifacts induced by the wash‐out of fixative fluid, and thus achieving high signal stability shortly after fixation. Magn Reson Med 77:1115–1123, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Effects of short‐term severe and long‐term mild STZ‐induced diabetes in urethral tissue of female rats
Authors: Marini Gabriela , Piculo Fernanda , Vesentini Giovana , Barbosa Angélica Mércia Pascon , Damasceno Débora Cristina , Matheus Selma Maria Michelin , Hijaz Adonis , Daneshgari Firouz , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha 
Published: March 2016

AimsTo estimate and compare the alterations in the urethral tissues of female rats with two diabetes models: short‐term severe and long‐term mild diabetes.MethodsTo induce mild diabetes (blood glucose levels between 120 and 300 mg/dl), female newborns received streptozotocin (100 mg/kg body weight, sc route), and to induce short‐term severe diabetes (blood glucose levels > 300 mg/d), adult animals received streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, iv route). The rats were killed on day 133 of the experimental via an i.p. Thiopentax®injection of 80 mg/kg, and the urethrovaginal tissues were harvested. Morphometric, pathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses were conducted.ResultsIn the long‐term mild diabetes group, collagen deposition, severe fibrosis, lipid droplets and numerous subsarcolemmal, and intermyofibrillar mitochondria were observed. In the short‐term severe diabetes group, centrally located myonuclei and a significantly reduced striated muscle area were noted. Both diabetic models exhibited similar immunohistochemistry patterns, with changes from fast to slow fibers and a decrease in the numbers of fast fibers.ConclusionsEither long‐term mild hyperglycemia or short‐term severe hyperglycemia have detrimental impacts on muscle health. They are both involved in the failure to maintain healthy skeletal muscle that may contribute to the development of pelvic floor dysfunctions via different pathways. These results have important implications for monitoring and prevention strategies for improving the quality of life of women with diabetes mellitus and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:574–579, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test in patients with severe obesity
Authors: Lammert Alexander , Nittka Stefanie , Otto Mirko , Schneider‐Lindner Verena , Kemmer Anne , Krämer Bernhard K. , Birck Rainer , Hammes Hans‐Peter , Benck Urs 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo analyze the performance of the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in patients with obesity. Special attention was paid to the influence of interfering medication on DST.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study (Mannheim Obesity Study), patients with obesity were evaluated before bariatric surgery. For evaluation of hypercortisolism, a 1 mg dexamethasone‐suppression test (DST) in all subjects was performed. Medication was assessed for possible interference.ResultsTwo hundred seventy‐eight patients with a mean age of 42.3 years (68.8% women) and a mean BMI of 47.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2 were screened. Insufficient suppression of cortisol after DST was found in 24 patients (8.6%). In two patients hypercortisolism was confirmed. The specificity for DST was calculated at 92.0%. Only CYP3A4 inducers (n = 22, 7.9%) and estrogen therapy (n = 17, 6.1%) were significantly associated with falsely elevated cortisol after DST. Regression analysis excluded any interrelation between DST and anthropometry.ConclusionsLow prevalence of hypercortisolism (0.7 or <1.8%) was found. Specificity of DST in this cohort typically screened for hypercortisolism was 92.0% (≤ 50 nmol/L). DST should be avoided in patients taking CYP3A4 inducers or estrogen therapy, due to their significant interaction. In summary, the 1 mg DST is an adequate test for screening for hypercortisolism even in patients with extreme obesity.
Impact of perceived weight stigma among underserved women on doctor–patient relationships
Authors: Ferrante J. M. , Seaman K. , Bator A. , Ohman‐Strickland P. , Gundersen D. , Clemow L. , Puhl R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate how perception of weight stigma among underserved women with obesity impacts doctor–patient relationships.MethodsThis study consisted of an interviewer‐administered survey of 149 women with obesity (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg m−2) immediately after their physician visit at four Federally Qualified Health Centers. Perceptions of weight stigma and physician empathy were measured using the Stigma Situations in Health Care instrument and Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure, respectively. Associations of CARE and Stigma scores with BMI and patient characteristics were analysed using Mantel–Haenszel chi‐squared test and ordinal logistic regression.ResultsThe mean CARE score was 42.1 (standard deviation 8.4; range 11.0–50.0), and mean stigma score was 4.6 (standard deviation 7.6; range 0–43.0). Each increase in BMI category was associated with almost twofold increased odds of higher perception of stigma (odds ratio, 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.30–2.78, P = 0.001). BMI was not associated with CARE. However, for each increase in stigma category, the odds of lower CARE score doubled (odds ratio, 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.75, P = 0.0005).ConclusionsWhile BMI was not associated with perception of physician empathy, higher frequency of weight stigmatizing situations was negatively associated with perception of physician empathy. Reducing weight stigma in primary care could improve doctor–patient relationships and quality of care in patients with obesity.
Concordance of in‐home ‘smart’ scale measurement with body weight measured in‐person
Authors: Ross K. M. , Wing R. R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectiveNewer ‘smart’ scales that transmit participants' body weights directly to data collection centres offer the opportunity to simplify weight assessment in weight management research; however, little data exist on the concordance of these data compared with weights measured at in‐person assessments.MethodsWe compared the weights of 58 participants (mean ± SD, body mass index = 31.6 ± 4.8, age = 52.1 ± 9.7 years, 86.2% Caucasian, 65.5% female) measured by study staff at an in‐person assessment visit to weights measured on the same day at home using BodyTrace ‘smart’ scales. These measures occurred after 3 months of an internet‐based weight management intervention.ResultsWeight (mean ± SD) measured at the 3‐month in‐person assessment visit was 81.5 ± 14.7 kg compared with 80.4 ± 14.5 kg measured on the same day using in‐home body‐weight scales; mean bias = 1.1 ± 0.8 kg, 95% limits of agreement = −0.5–2.6. Two outliers in the data suggest that there may be greater variability between measurements for participants weighing above 110 kg.ConclusionResults suggest good concordance between the measurements and support the use of the BodyTrace smart scale in weight management research. Future trials using BodyTrace scales for outcome assessment should clearly define protocols for measurement and associated instructions to participants (e.g. instruct individuals to weigh at the same time of day, similarly clothed). Finally, measure concordance should be investigated in a group of individuals weighing more than 110 kg.
Determinants of trends in prescription opioid use in British Columbia, Canada, 2005–2013
Authors: Smolina Kate , Gladstone Emilie , Morgan Steven G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeTo explore the determinants of total opioid consumption in a Canadian province, and to examine patterns of opioid dispensations by sex, age, and income quintile.MethodsWe used population‐based administrative data on prescription drug dispensations in British Columbia (BC; population ~4 million). We apply an index‐based approach to examine how changes in population exposure, type of opioids used, and intensity of use contributed to changes in total morphine equivalents dispensed per 1000 population.ResultsBetween 2005 and 2013 in BC, opioid consumption increased by 31%, driven by longer duration of opioid therapy and by an increase in the use of stronger opioids. Consumption increased for oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, and tramadol; and declined for morphine, codeine, and other opioids. While we did not find large sex and age differences, the total level of opioid consumption was three times as high among individuals in the lowest income quintile compared to those in the highest income quintile.ConclusionsOur findings on changes in the type of opioids used and changes in intensity of use suggest that modifications to clinical management of patients on opioid therapy may be warranted. Similar drug utilization statistics, derived from drug information systems, can be reproduced in other jurisdictions to enable a better understanding of the opioid crisis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the active site of human mitochondrial malonyl‐coenzyme a decarboxylase: A combined computational study
Authors: Ling Baoping , Liu Yuxia , Li Xiaoping , Wang Zhiguo , Bi Siwei 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTMalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (MCD) can control the level of malonyl‐CoA in cell through the decarboxylation of malonyl‐CoA to acetyl‐CoA, and plays an essential role in regulating fatty acid metabolism, thus it is a potential target for drug discovery. However, the interactions of MCD with CoA derivatives are not well understood owing to unavailable crystal structure with a complete occupancy in the active site. To identify the active site of MCD, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the interactions of human mitochondrial MCD (HmMCD) and CoA derivatives. The findings reveal that the active site of HmMCD indeed resides in the prominent groove which resembles that of CurA. However, the binding modes are slightly different from the one observed in CurA due to the occupancy of the side chain of Lys183 from the N‐terminal helical domain instead of the adenine ring of CoA. The residues 300 − 305 play an essential role in maintaining the stability of complex mainly through hydrogen bond interactions with the pyrophosphate moiety of acetyl‐CoA. Principle component analysis elucidates the conformational distribution and dominant concerted motions of HmMCD. MM_PBSA calculations present the crucial residues and the major driving force responsible for the binding of acetyl‐CoA. These results provide useful information for understanding the interactions of HmMCD with CoA derivatives. Proteins 2016; 84:792–802. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.