bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of an urban park on the microclimate in its vicinity: a case study for Antwerp, Belgium
Authors: Toparlar Y. , Blocken B. , Maiheu B. , van Heijst G. J. F. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAn urban park can exhibit a cooling effect not only in the park itself, but also in its wake with respect to the prevailing wind. This study investigates the cooling potential of an urban park in Antwerp, Belgium focusing on two parameters: (1) intensity of the cooling effect, indicating the maximum reduction in air temperature and (2) range of the cooling effect, indicating the maximum horizontal distance where a minimum of 0.1 °C cooling effect is present. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed using the three‐dimensional unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Coupled simulations of wind flow and heat transfer consider all the conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer processes but not the long‐wave radiation heat exchange between buildings, trees and ground. The vegetation model used in this study is evaluated with experimental data from an earlier study. Moreover, the simulated air temperatures inside the Antwerp city center are compared with available measurement data. Following the fairly‐good predictions from CFD simulations, results from the following cases are compared: (1) base case with the park, (2) a case with an open square instead of the park, and (3) a case with representative buildings instead of the park. The results indicate a maximum daytime intensity and range of the cooling effect of 3.4 °C and 498 m at 1500 LST (UTC + 2, Central European Summer Time). Further analysis shows that the cooling effect is more profound closer to the ground. Apart from the daytime cooling effect, the park investigated has the potential to lower wind velocities, resulting in increased air temperatures during the night‐time (at 0000 LST) by 0.9 °C, although this number might be slightly different given the neglect of long‐wave radiation heat exchange between buildings, trees and ground.
Simultaneous determination of polysaccharides and 21 nucleosides and amino acids in different tissues of Salvia miltiorrhiza from different areas by UV–visible spectrophotometry and UHPLC with triple quadrupole MS/MS
Authors: Xiang Xiang , Sha Xiuxiu , Su Shulan , Zhu Zhenhua , Guo Sheng , Yan Hui , Qian Dawei , Duan Jin‐ao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSalvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional Chinese medicine, is a widely used herbal medicine to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometry and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry analytical methods were used for rapid quantification of polysaccharides and 21 nucleosides and amino acids in S. miltiorrhiza to determine 17 samples of different tissues from different areas. Based on the total contents, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal components analysis were performed to classify these samples. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. Chemical analysis revealed a higher content of total analytes in the sample of inflorescence from Nanjing (34.17 mg/g), sample of root and rhizome from Shaanxi (34.13 mg/g) and sample of stem and leaf from Nanjing (31.14 mg/g), respectively, indicating that root and rhizome from Shaanxi and the aerial parts from Nanjing exhibited the highest quality due to their highest content. In addition, contents of nucleosides and amino acids in the aerial parts (14.67 mg/g) were much higher than that in roots and rhizomes (9.17 mg/g). This study suggested that UV–visible spectrophotometry and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry are effective techniques to analyze polysaccharides, nucleosides, and amino acids in plants, and they provided valuable information for the development and utilization value of the aerial parts of S. miltiorrhiza. This analysis would also provide useful information for the quality control of S. miltiorrhiza.
Chiral separation of lenalidomide by liquid chromatography on polysaccharide‐type stationary phases and by capillary electrophoresis using cyclodextrin selectors
Authors: Szabó Zoltán‐István , Foroughbakhshfasaei Mohammadhassan , Gál Réka , Horváth Péter , Komjáti Balázs , Noszál Béla , Tóth Gergő 
Published: December 2017

AbstractComplementary techniques were applied for the investigation of the chiral recognition and enantiomeric resolution of lenalidomide using various cyclodextrins and polysaccharides as chiral selectors. The high‐performance liquid chromatography enantioseparation of the anticancer drug was achieved using polysaccharide‐type chiral stationary phases in polar organic mode. Elution order and absolute configuration were elucidated by combined circular dichroism spectroscopy and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations after the isolation of pure enantiomers. Chiral selector dependent and mobile‐phase dependent reversal of the enantiomer elution order was observed, and the nonracemic nature of the lenalidomide sample was also demonstrated. Eight anionic cyclodextrins were screened for their ability to discriminate between the uncharged enantiomers by using capillary electrophoresis. Only two derivatives presented chiral interactions, these cases being interpreted in terms of apparent stability constants and complex mobilities. The best results were delivered by sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin, where quasi‐equal stability constants were recorded and the enantiodiscrimination process was mainly driven by different mobilities of the transient diastereomeric complexes. The optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography (Chiralcel OJ column, pure ethanol with 0.6 mL/min flow rate, 40°C) and capillary electrophoresis methods (30 mM sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin, 30 mM phosphate pH 6.5, 12 kV applied voltage, 10°C) were validated for the determination of 0.1% (R)‐lenalidomide as a chiral impurity, which could be important if a racemic switch is achieved.
Hydrologic setting constrains lake heterotrophy and terrestrial carbon fate
Authors: Jones Stuart E. , Zwart Jacob A. , Kelly Patrick T. , Solomon Christopher T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCurrent efforts to scale lake processes rely heavily on empirical observations and do not consider inter‐lake heterogeneity that is likely to regulate terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) decomposition in lakes. We created a simple, analytical model of tDOC decomposition in lakes that highlights the role of lake size and catchment hydrologic export. Our model predicts a hydrologically mediated tradeoff between the instantaneous rate of tDOC decomposition and the fraction of the tDOC load that is decomposed within a lake. We also predict that variation in the importance of evaporation as a hydrologic export generates meaningful variation in tDOC decomposition at a given hydrologic residence time. These patterns of tDOC decomposition that emerge from lakes' hydrologic settings suggest that past attempts to scale lake carbon biogeochemistry may be biased. Our model provides context for empirical studies of lake carbon cycling and enables informed scaling of lake carbon biogeochemistry.
Ultrahigh Flux Composite Hollow Fiber Membrane via Highly Crosslinked PDMS for Recovery of Hydrocarbons: Propane and Propene
Authors: Liang Can Zeng , Chung Tai‐Shung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn order to make membrane separation technologies more cost‐competitive with the well‐established processes that are energy intensive for gas/vapor separation, a defect‐free membrane with a high gas permeance is necessary. However, it remains challenging to meet these needs because of the difficulties in developing a suitable material and process that are economical and practical. Herein, a novel and straightforward strategy is presented to produce a defect‐free hollow fiber composite membrane using a highly crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) synthesized by using a postcrosslinking method. The PDMS can be directly coated on a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane substrate, and the resultant PDMS/PAN composite membrane has ultrahigh C3H8 and C3H6 permeances that are higher than 10 000 and 11 000 GPU, respectively, and the corresponding permselectivity of C3H8/N2 and C3H6/N2 are about 21 and 24, respectively. The newly developed methods and materials may open up a new cost‐effective method to fabricate next‐generation composite membranes for the recovery of hydrocarbons, organic vapors, and gases.
Supramolecular “Step Polymerization” of Preassembled Micelles: A Study of “Polymerization” Kinetics
Authors: Yang Chaoying , Ma Xiaodong , Lin Jiaping , Wang Liquan , Lu Yingqing , Zhang Liangshun , Cai Chunhua , Gao Liang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn nature, sophisticated functional materials are created through hierarchical self‐assembly of nanoscale motifs, which has inspired the fabrication of man‐made materials with complex architectures for a variety of applications. Herein, a kinetic study on the self‐assembly of spindle‐like micelles preassembled from polypeptide graft copolymers is reported. The addition of dimethylformamide and, subsequently, a selective solvent (water) can generate a “reactive point” at both ends of the spindles as a result of the existence of structural defects, which induces the “polymerization” of the spindles into nanowires. Experimental results combined with dissipative particle dynamics simulations show that the polymerization of the micellar subunits follows a step‐growth polymerization mechanism with a second‐order reaction characteristic. The assembly rate of the micelles is dependent on the subunit concentration and on the activity of the reactive points. The present work reveals a law governing the self‐assembly kinetics of micelles with structural defects and opens the door for the construction of hierarchical structures with a controllable size through supramolecular step polymerization.
Infections and the relationship to treatment in neuromuscular autoimmunity
Authors: Prior Devin E. , Nurre Emily , Roller Stephanie L. , Kline David , Panara Ramit , Stino Amro M. , Davis John A. , Freimer Miriam L. , Arnold W. David 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study aimed to identify infections in patients with myasthenia gravis, dermatomyositis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, and to investigate the relationship between infection and immunomodulation. Methods: A retrospective chart review examined 631 patients with myasthenia gravis (n = 358), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (n = 124), and dermatomyositis (n = 149) patients over a 10‐year time period. Results: Infection rates were similar at approximately 19% in all 3 diseases. Of the infections in which a causative organism was identified, pneumonia, sepsis, and opportunistic infections were the leading diagnoses. A multivariate model demonstrated a significant association between infection and an increased dose of plasma exchange, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroid therapy. Discussion: There are few large studies investigating rates of infections in patients with autoimmune neuromuscular disorders and the relationship to immunomodulation. This study not only demonstrates the remarkably similar infection rates across the 3 diseases studied, but also shows their relationship to commonly used immunotherapies. Muscle Nerve 57: 927–931, 2018
Miconazole enhances nerve regeneration and functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush injury
Authors: Lin Tao , Qiu Shuai , Yan Liwei , Zhu Shuang , Zheng Canbin , Zhu Qingtang , Liu Xiaolin 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Improving axonal outgrowth and remyelination is crucial for peripheral nerve regeneration. Miconazole appears to enhance remyelination in the central nervous system. In this study we assess the effect of miconazole on axonal regeneration using a sciatic nerve crush injury model in rats. Methods: Fifty Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into control and miconazole groups. Nerve regeneration and myelination were determined using histological and electrophysiological assessment. Evaluation of sensory and motor recovery was performed using the pinprick assay and sciatic functional index. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and Western blotting were used to assess the proliferation and neurotrophic expression of RSC 96 Schwann cells. Results: Miconazole promoted axonal regrowth, increased myelinated nerve fibers, improved sensory recovery and walking behavior, enhanced stimulated amplitude and nerve conduction velocity, and elevated proliferation and neurotrophic expression of RSC 96 Schwann cells. Discussion: Miconazole was beneficial for nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. Muscle Nerve 57: 821–828, 2018
Estimating the global prevalence of transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut H. , Waddington‐Cruz Márcia , Botteman Marc F. , Carter John A. , Chopra Avijeet S. , Hopps Markay , Stewart Michelle , Fallet Shari , Amass Leslie 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study sought to estimate the global prevalence of transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (ATTR‐FAP). Methods: Prevalence estimates and information supporting prevalence calculations was extracted from records yielded by reference‐database searches (2005–2016), conference proceedings, and nonpeer reviewed sources. Prevalence was calculated as prevalence rate multiplied by general population size, then extrapolated to countries without prevalence estimates but with reported cases. Results: Searches returned 3,006 records; 1,001 were fully assessed and 10 retained, yielding prevalence for 10 “core” countries, then extrapolated to 32 additional countries. ATTR‐FAP prevalence in core countries, extrapolated countries, and globally was 3,762 (range 3639–3884), 6424 (range, 1,887–34,584), and 10,186 (range, 5,526–38,468) persons, respectively. Discussion: The mid global prevalence estimate (10,186) approximates the maximum commonly accepted estimate (5,000–10,000). The upper limit (38,468) implies potentially higher prevalence. These estimates should be interpreted carefully because contributing evidence was heterogeneous and carried an overall moderate risk of bias. This highlights the requirement for increasing rare‐disease epidemiological assessment and clinician awareness. Muscle Nerve 57: 829–837, 2018
Feasibility of 7T MRI for imaging fascicular structures of peripheral nerves
Authors: Yoon Daehyun , Biswal Sandip , Rutt Brian , Lutz Amelie , Hargreaves Brian 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Evaluation of the nerve fascicular structure can be useful in diagnosing nerve damage, but it is a very challenging task with 3T MRI because of limited resolution. In this pilot study, we present the feasibility of high‐resolution 7T MRI for examining the nerve fascicular structure. Methods: A 3‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐spoiled sequence was used for imaging peripheral nerves in extremities. Images acquired with different in‐plane resolutions (0.42 × 0.42 mm vs. 0.12 × 0.12 mm), and different main field strengths (7T vs. 3T) were compared. Results: The individual nerve fascicles were identified at 0.12 × 0.12 mm resolution in both field strengths but not at 0.42 × 0.42 mm resolution. The fascicular structure was more sharply depicted in 7T images than in 3T images. Discussion: High‐resolution 3D imaging with 7T MRI demonstrated feasibility for imaging nerve fascicular structures. Muscle Nerve 57: 494–498, 2018
Rhodol Derivatives as Selective Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of HgII Ions and the Bioimaging of Hypochlorous Acid
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Shu , Lan Hongxia , Gong Guiyi , Zhu Yifan , Tse Yu Chung , Wong Keith Man‐Chung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTwo sensors, 1 with a spirolactone group and 2 with a spirolactam group containing a phenyl isothiocyanate moiety, based on rhodol, were designed and synthesized in order to obtain materials with excellent optical properties for the detection of environmentally and biologically important Hg2+ and hypochlorous acid (HClO) ions. The crystal structure of 1 revealed two moieties, a rhodamine‐like portion with a spirolactone and a fluorescein‐like portion without a spirolactone. In the absence of analyte, 1 produced an optical output with a maximum absorption and emission at 475 and 570 nm, respectively, which was attributed to the fluorescein‐like moiety without a spirolactone. In contrast, the rhodamine‐like moiety containing a spirolactone was activated by the addition of H+ or Hg2+ ions, and 1 yielded new absorption and emission peaks at 530 and 612 nm, respectively. Further functionalization with a phenyl isothiocyanate group afforded 2, a fluorescent probe for HClO. High selectivity and sensitivity towards the hypochlorite ion were anticipated, owing to the stoichiometric and irreversible formation of a thiosemicarbazide group, which led to dramatic fluorescence responses. With good functionality at physiological pH, probe 2 was successfully used to image HClO in HeLa cells.
Strong subbandgap photoconductivity in GaP implanted with Ti
Authors: Olea Javier , del Prado Alvaro , García‐Hemme Eric , García‐Hernansanz Rodrigo , Montero Daniel , González‐Díaz German , Gonzalo Jose , Siegel Jan , López Esther 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhotovoltaic solar cells based on the intermediate band (IB) concept could greatly enhance the efficiency of future devices. We have analyzed the electrical and photoconductivity properties of GaP supersaturated with Ti to assess its suitability for IB solar cells. GaP:Ti was obtained by ion implantation followed by pulsed‐laser melting (PLM) using an ArF excimer laser. It was found that PLM energy densities between 0.35 and 0.55 J/cm2 produced a good recovery of the crystalline structure of GaP (both unimplanted and implanted with Ti), as evidenced by high mobility measured values (close to the reference GaP). Outside this energy density window, the PLM failed to recover the crystalline structure producing a low mobility layer that is electrically isolated from the substrate. Spectral photoconductivity measurements were performed by using the van der Pauw set up. For GaP:Ti a significant enhancement of the conductivity was observed when illuminating the sample with photon energies below 2.26 eV, suggesting that this photoconductivity is related to the presence of Ti in a concentration high enough to form an IB within the GaP bandgap. The position of the IB was estimated to be around 1.1 eV from the conduction band or the valence band of GaP, which would lead to maximum theoretical efficiencies of 25% to 35% for a selective absorption coefficients scenario and higher for an overlapping scenario.
Arboviruses and their related infections in China: A comprehensive field and laboratory investigation over the last 3 decades
Authors: Liang Guodong , Li Xiaolong , Gao Xiaoyan , Fu Shihong , Wang Huanyu , Li Minghua , Lu Zhi , Zhu Wuyang , Lu Xinjun , Wang Lihua , Cao Yuxi , He Ying , Lei Wenwen 
Published: December 2017

SummarySince the 1980s, a comprehensive field and laboratory investigation has been conducted throughout China, and a total of 29 virus species belonging to 7 families and 13 genera were identified through virological, morphological, and immunological methods, as well as whole‐genome sequencing and molecular genetic analyses. Most of the virus isolates belong to 9 genera in the families Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae, and Reoviridae. Among them, 4 genera (Orthobunyavirus, Bunyavirus, Phlebovirus, and Nairovirus) belong to the family Bunyaviridae and 3 genera (Seadonavirus, Orbivirus, and Cypovirus) belong to the family Reoviridae. Analyses of the relationships between viruses and human/animal diseases indicated that Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, tick‐borne encephalitis virus, Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, West Nile virus, and Tahyna virus can cause human and animal infections and disease epidemics in China.This review systematically introduces the current status of the diversity and geographical distribution of arboviruses and vectors in China. In addition, our results provide strong technical support for the prevention and control of arboviral diseases, the treatment of epidemics, and the early warning and prediction of diseases, and so they are significant for the control and prevention of arboviral diseases in Asia and around the world.
A Trifunctional Linker for Purified 3D Assembled Peptide Structure Arrays
Authors: Mattes Daniela S. , Rentschler Simone , Foertsch Tobias C. , Münch Stephan W. , Loeffler Felix F. , Nesterov‐Mueller Alexander , Bräse Stefan , Breitling Frank 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMicroarrays are an important tool in modern research that allow the rapid screening of many different interactions simultaneously. Peptide arrays, which bear different peptides arranged in separate spots, permit high‐throughput screening to investigate linear and cyclic binding sites. To study conformational or discontinuous binding sites, protein arrays are the major choice. However, the tremendous costs for the generation of high‐density protein arrays of high purity restrict progress in protein research. Therefore, peptide‐based arrays, which can mimic assembled peptide structures, have an enormous potential. Here, a method is presented to create such structures in the array format as an alternative to protein arrays. A trifunctional linker is developed with an azide, a protected alkyne, and a carboxyl group, which can react with two or three different peptides. Due to the spatial proximity, the peptides interact and can form an assembled peptide structure. As a proof of concept, assembled peptide structures are demonstrated on beads and on a polymer surface and the approach can be validated via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization spectrometry. Furthermore, a multistep transfer of peptide arrays is shown, generating purified assembled peptide structure arrays in high density.
Analysis and suppression measures of lightning transient overvoltage in the signal cable of wind turbines
Authors: Yang Qing , Tao Jiayuan , He Yanxiao , Zhang Bo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLightning strikes are a major threat to the secure operation of wind turbines. When lightning strikes a wind turbine, the lightning current flows through the blade and the tower and then the induced overvoltage will damage sensors and signal cables. In this study, a comprehensive transient surge impedance model of a wind turbine was built to analyze the causes of the overvoltage in the signal cable. The model that studies the overvoltage caused by both capacitive coupling and electromagnetic induction included the blade, nacelle, tower, signal cable, power cable, and grounding system using π networks. The influences of the cable shielding layer, soil resistivity, and lightning current waveform on the overvoltage were also analyzed. Then, 2 overvoltage suppression measures, ie, grounding at 2 ends of the outer shielding layer and installation of a surge protective device, were tested. Results show that a signal cable with double shielding layers reduced the overvoltage in the signal cable, and higher soil resistivity resulted in increased voltage on the tower base. In addition, the peak and the front time of the lightning current significantly influenced the overvoltage on the tower and the cable. The effectiveness of the 2 suppression measures was also verified. The calculation results will provide guidance for a reasonable lightning protection design.