bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solenoid Micro‐pumps: A New Tool for Sample Introduction in Batch Injection Analysis Systems with Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Rocha Diego P. , Cardoso Rafael M. , Mendonça Dianderson M. H. , Richter Eduardo M. , da Silva Sidnei G. , Batista Alex D. , Muñoz Rodrigo A. A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis work presents the use of solenoid micro‐pumps as a new strategy for sample introduction in batch‐injection analysis (BIA). The volume of solution dispensed on each pulse of the solenoid micro‐pump (μL) is used as fixed and reproducible injection volume for BIA. In this system, the injection steps are possible in stopped flow mode resulting in low background noise levels, which would not be possible under continuous flow conditions and using solenoid micro‐pumps. As a proof‐of‐concept, amperometric and square‐wave voltammetric (SWV) determination of dopamine was demonstrated as well as anodic‐stripping voltammetry (ASV) of metals. The micro‐pump provided injections of 14 μL of solution per pulse at 512 μL s−1 over the electrode during electrochemical measurement. Moreover, fast injections of analyte or electrolyte were programmed during deposition or conditioning steps of ASV for analyte preconcentration or electrode cleaning. The proposed system improved limits of detection and sensitivity (2‐fold), precision and sample throughput in comparison with traditional BIA due to enhanced mass transfer and consequent reduced dispersion of analyte, and possible control of injections without analyst intervention. This work opens new possibilities of applications of the BIA system, including on‐line sample treatment (derivatization or dilution steps).
Dielectrophoretic choking phenomenon of a deformable particle in a converging‐diverging microchannel
Authors: Zhou Teng , Ge Jian , Shi Liuyong , Fan Junqing , Liu Zhenyu , Woo Joo Sang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe translational motion of small particles in an electrokinetic fluid flow through a constriction can be enhanced by an increase of the applied electric potential. Beyond a critical potential, however, the negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) can overpower other forces to prevent particles that are even smaller than the constriction from passing through the constriction. This DEP choking phenomenon was studied previously for rigid particles. Here, the DEP choking phenomenon is revisited for deformable particles, which are ubiquitous in many biomedical applications. Particle deformability is measured by the particle shear modulus, and the choking conditions are reported through a parametric study that includes the channel geometry, external electric potential, and particle zeta potential. The study was carried out using a numerical model based on an arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerican (ALE) finite‐element method.
Smartphone‐based colorimetric chiral recognition of ibuprofen using aptamers‐capped gold nanoparticles
Authors: Ping Jing , He Zhenjiang , Liu Jianshe , Xie Xuehui 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSensitive and fast detection of ibuprofen enantiomers is very critical for required routine monitoring and risk assessment of trace pollutants in water samples. Here a simple, rapid and highly sensitive android smartphone application for chiral recognition was developed. Aptamer‐capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was demonstrated as an efficient detection platform for (S)‐(+)‐ibuprofen (S‐Ibu) and (R)‐(‐)‐ibuprofen (R‐Ibu). Detachment of an enantioselective aptamer from the AuNPs surface and binding with an enantiomer of Ibu lead to AuNPs aggregation, which allows a rapid enantiodiscrimination of Ibu by monitoring the absorbance changes of AuNPs solution in the UV‐vis spectrum. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection for S‐Ibu and R‐Ibu was 1.24 and 3.91 pg/mL, respectively. These probes showed good chiral recognition ability in mixed samples (i.e. S‐Ibu + R‐Ibu) and environmental samples. These advantages can be further developed by quantitative measurement with smartphone, which opens new opportunities for on‐site detection of trace chiral pollutants in a simple and practical manner.
Into the theory of the partial‐filling affinity capillary electrophoresis and the determination of apparent stability constants of analyte‐ligand complexes
Authors: Ansorge Martin , Dubský Pavel , Ušelová Kateřina 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe partial‐filling affinity capillary electrophoresis (pf‐ACE) works with a ligand present in a background electrolyte that forms a weak complex with an analyte. In contrast to a more popular mobility‐shift affinity capillary electrophoresis, only a short plug of the ligand is introduced into a capillary in the pf‐ACE. Both methods can serve for determining apparent stability constants of the formed complexes but this task is hindered in the pf‐ACE by the fact that the analyte spends only a part of its migration time in a contact with the ligand. In 1998, Amini and Westerlund published a linearization strategy that allows for extracting an effective mobility of an analyte in the presence of a neutral ligand out of the pf‐ACE data. The main purpose of this paper is to show that the original formula is only approximate. We derive a new formula and demonstrate its applicability by means of computer simulations. We further inspect several strategies of data processing in the pf‐ACE regarding a risk of an error propagation. This establishes a good practice of determining apparent stability constants of analyte‐ligand complexes by means of the pf‐ACE.
Modern Ni and Pd–Ni Catalysts Supported on Sn–Al Binary Oxide for Oxy‐Steam Reforming of Methanol
Authors: Mierczynski Pawel , Mierczynska Agnieszka , Ciesielski Radoslaw , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Rogowski Jacek , Maniecki Tomasz P. , Dubkov Sergey , Sysa Artem , Gromov Dmitry , Szynkowska Malgorzata I. , Vasilev Krasimir 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMonometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd–Ni catalysts supported on mono‐SnO2 and SnO2–Al2O3 binary oxide are prepared using a wet impregnation and subsequent impregnation method. The catalysts are tested in oxy‐steam reforming of methanol (OSRM) and characterized. The activity measurements show that palladium‐promoted nickel catalysts supported on SnO2–Al2O3 exhibit high activity, selectivity towards hydrogen formation, and stability. The effect of Pd on reducibility, surface acidity, and morphology of the Ni supported catalyst, as well as its catalytic properties in OSRM, are discussed in detail.
Depth‐integrated nonhydrostatic free‐surface flow modeling using weighted‐averaged equations
Authors: Cantero‐Chinchilla F.N. , Castro‐Orgaz O. , Khan A.A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIn this study, a depth‐integrated nonhydrostatic flow model is developed using the method of weighted residuals. Using a unit weighting function, depth‐integrated Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations are obtained. Prescribing polynomial variations for the field variables in the vertical direction, a set of perturbation parameters remains undetermined. The model is closed generating a set of weighted‐averaged equations using a suitable weighting function. The resulting depth‐integrated nonhydrostatic model is solved with a semi‐implicit finite‐volume finite‐difference scheme. The explicit part of the model is a Godunov‐type finite‐volume scheme that uses the Harten‐Lax‐van Leer‐contact wave approximate Riemann solver to determine the nonhydrostatic depth‐averaged velocity field. The implicit part of the model is solved using a Newton‐Raphson algorithm to incorporate the effects of the pressure field in the solution. The model is applied with good results to a set of problems of coastal and river engineering, including steady flow over fixed bedforms, solitary wave propagation, solitary wave run‐up, linear frequency dispersion, propagation of sinusoidal waves over a submerged bar, and dam‐break flood waves.
A 25.1% Efficient Stand‐Alone Solar Chloralkali Generator Employing a Microtracking Solar Concentrator
Authors: Chinello Enrico , Modestino Miguel A. , Coulot Laurent , Ackermann Mathieu , Gerlich Florian , Psaltis Demetri , Moser Christophe 
Published: November 2017

AbstractChlorine is a large‐scale chemical commodity produced via the chloralkali process, which involves the electrolysis of brine in a membrane‐based electrochemical reactor. The reaction is normally driven by grid electricity; nevertheless, the required combination of voltage–current can be guaranteed using renewable power (i.e., photovoltaic electricity). This study demonstrates an off‐grid solar‐powered chlorine generator that couples a novel planar solar concentrator, multijunction InGaP/GaAs/InGaAsNSb solar cells and an electrochemical cell fabricated via additive manufacturing. The planar solar concentrator consists of an array of seven custom injection‐molded lenses and uses microtracking to maintain a ± 40° wide angular acceptance. Triple‐junction solar cells provide the necessary potential (open‐circuit voltage, VOC = 3.16 V) to drive the electrochemical reactions taking place at a De Nora DSA insoluble anode and a nickel cathode. This chloralkali generator is tested under real atmospheric conditions and operated at a record 25.1% solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency (SCE). The device represents the proof‐of‐principle of a new generation stand‐alone chlorine production system for off‐grid utilization in remote and inaccessible locations.
Geochemical and geological characteristics of Permian Lucaogou Formation shale of the well Ji174, Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, China: Implications for shale oil exploration
Authors: Hu Tao , Pang Xiongqi , Wang Qifeng , Jiang Shu , Wang Xulong , Huang Chuang , Xu Yuan , Li Longlong , Li Hui 
Published: November 2017

Abundant shale oil resources were recently found in the organic‐rich Permian Lucaogou (P2l) Formation shale, Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin. Although some scholars have conducted some researches on the basic geochemical characteristics of the Lucaogou Formation shale, it is not enough to effectively guide the shale oil exploration in the area. This is because during the exploration process of shale oil, besides the basic geochemical characteristics of shale, its mineral composition, physical properties, and oil‐bearing characteristics are all very important evaluation parameters. To systematically evaluate the favourable shale oil exploration sections in the Lucaogou Formation, 265 pieces of shale cores were sampled from well Ji174 in this study. Besides the basic geochemical characteristics of the 265 pieces of cores, the mineralogical, petrophysical, and oil‐bearing characteristics were also analysed. Results show that the shale has abundant organic matter (average total organic carbon 3.51%, average petroleum generation potential 15.67 mg/g), dominated by Type II1 and Type II2 kerogen, and has entered the early‐mature to mature stage. The Upper Member of the Lucaogou Formation has relatively higher organic matter and organic matter type is relatively more oil prone compared to the Lower Member; however, organic matter thermal maturity is lower. The P2l Formation shale is characterized by high carbonate minerals and low clay minerals, and when considering mineralogical brittleness, both the Upper and Lower members are ideally fracturable in shale oil development. The P2l Formation shale has a wide porosity range (1.1–13.9%), and the Lower Member's porosity is slightly greater. The inversion of shale porosity in the P2l Formation is controlled by the differentiated mineral composition. The oil saturation index values of the Lower Member shale are significantly greater than the Upper Member shale. From the above, the Lower Member of the P2l Formation shale is ideally suited and has greater shale oil potential in the Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, especially in the depth intervals of 3,255–3,272, 3,282–3,298, and 3,317–3,334 m in the well Ji174.
Understanding ED performance after the implementation of activity‐based funding
Authors: Toloo Ghasem‐Sam , Burke John , Crilly Julia , Williams Ged , McCann Bridie , FitzGerald Gerry , Bell Anthony 
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe emergency department (ED) activities and staffing after the introduction of activity‐based funding (ABF) to highlight the challenges of new funding arrangements and their implementation.MethodsA retrospective study of public hospital EDs in Queensland, Australia, was undertaken for 2013‐2014. The ED and hospital characteristics are described to evaluate the alignment between activity and resourcing levels and their impact on performance.ResultsTwenty EDs participated (74% response rate). Weighted activity units (WAUs) and nursing staff varied based on hospital type and size. Larger hospital EDs had on average 9076 WAUs and 13 full time equivalent (FTE) nursing staff per 1000 WAUs; smaller EDs had on average 4587 WAUs and 10.3 FTE nursing staff per 1000 WAUs. Medical staff was relatively consistent (8.1‐8.7 FTE per 1000 WAUs). The proportion of patients admitted, discharged, or transferred within 4 hours ranged from 73% to 79%. The ED medical and nursing staffing numbers did not correlate with the 4‐hour performance.ConclusionSubstantial variation exists across Queensland EDs when resourcing service delivery in an activity‐based funding environment. Historical inequity persists in the staffing profiles for regional and outer metropolitan departments. The lack of association between resourcing and performance metrics provides opportunity for further investigation of efficient models of care.
Decision making for independent municipal action
Authors: Kurth Margaret , Fox-Lent Cate , Golan Maureen , Linkov Igor 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Municipalities and cities face myriad challenges with regard to planning; decisions that will have long-standing consequences need to be made in the context of pressing present concerns, constrained budgets, and uncertainty about the future under climate changes. Compounding the challenge may be a lack of clear signals from the state and federal leadership on investment priorities. This paper contends that existing strategies from decision science can prove useful for local governments as they seek actions that are robust despite uncertain futures and broadly beneficial across sectors and time horizons. An illustrative example of decision making with scenario analysis demonstrates how a city can prioritize funding and elevate the baseline functionality of its infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, regardless of when and how climate hazards occur. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:194–197. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Key Points
Municipalities can move forward with strategic and cost-effective planning by investing in actions that are both robust and broadly beneficial. The Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Scenario Analysis with an emphasis on cobenefits can enable a city to prioritize funding and to elevate the baseline functionality of its infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, regardless of when and how climate hazards occur. Because seemingly well-meaning projects can have surprising, unintended consequences, decisions and policies must also carefully evaluate who will reap the benefits.
Control study of low tube voltage computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnosing intracranial micro‐aneurysm
Authors: Li Rui , Duan Yuxia , Liu Jinjin , Cao Guoquan , Yang Yunjun , Zhuge Qichuan , Chen Weijian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of low tube voltage cerebral computed tomography (CT) angiography (L‐CTA, 100 kV) of intracranial micro‐aneurysms (IMA, maximum diameter ≤3 mm). The clinical and imaging data of a total of 59 IMA patients confirmed by 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) or surgery were retrospectively analyzed; their L‐CTA data were compared with those of IMA and 3DRA so as to investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IMA, as well as to objectively evaluate the related radiation dose. Based on the results of 3DRA, 65 cases of IMA and a total of 70 aneurysms, including 65 micro‐aneurysms, were found in the 59 cases. L‐CTA detected a total of 64 IMA, including six multiple cases of IMA, as well as three false positive cases and four missed cases. Compared with the 3DRA (gold standard), the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of L‐CTA toward IMA were 93.85%, 99.56%, and 99.08%, respectively, and the associations of aneurysm size measured by L‐CTA and 3DRA were good. Compared with conventional CTA, the effective dose of L‐CTA was reduced by 36.23%. L‐CTA has high diagnostic sensitivity toward IMA, and can effectively reduce the radiation dose, so it is worth implementing.
Estimation of Wind Drift and Evaporation Losses from Sprinkler Irrigation systemS by Different Data‐Driven Methods
Authors: Maroufpoor E. , Sanikhani H. , Emamgholizadeh S. , Kişi Ö. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn accurate estimation of losses created by wind drift and evaporation is necessary for water management in sprinkler irrigation systems. In the current study, three artificial intelligence (AI) methods, namely artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and gene expression programming (GEP), were used to estimate the wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) based on influential variables such as operating pressure (P), wind speed (W), nozzle diameter (D) and vapour pressure deficit (es − ea). Field measurements data were applied to training and testing of ANN, ANFIS and GEP models. The results of these AI models were also compared with previous studies. Three statistical metrics, namely coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), were utilized to assess the performance of the models. The results indicate that the AI models (i.e. ANFIS, ANN and GEP) predict the WDEL more accurately than in previous studies. Moreover, the results show that the GEP model (with RMSE = 1.19% and R2 = 0.97) provides a better estimation of WDEL compared to the ANN model (with RMSE = 2.56% and R2 = 0.87) and ANFIS model (with RMSE = 1.64% and R2 = 0.94). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shotgun label‐free proteomic analysis for identification of proteins in HaCaT human skin keratinocytes regulated by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsushi , Nakanishi Saori , Mitamura Kuniko , Taga Atsushi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSoft‐shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) are widely distributed in some Asian countries, and we previously reported that soft‐shelled turtle tissue could be a useful material for collagen. In the present study, we performed shotgun liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS)‐based global proteomic analysis of collagen‐administered human keratinocytes to examine the functional effects of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle on human skin. Using a semiquantitative method based on spectral counting, we were able to successfully identify 187 proteins with expression levels that were changed more than twofold by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle. Based on Gene Ontology analysis, the functions of these proteins closely correlated with cell–cell adhesion. In addition, epithelial–mesenchymal transition was induced by the administration of collagen from soft‐shelled turtle through the down‐regulation of E‐cadherin expression. Moreover, collagen‐administered keratinocytes significantly facilitated wound healing compared with nontreated cells in an in vitro scratch wound healing assay. These findings suggest that collagen from soft‐shelled turtle provides significant benefits for skin wound healing and may be a useful material for pharmaceuticals and medical care products. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2403–2413, 2018.
The influence of coping strategies on quality of life in a community facing environmental and economic threats
Authors: Tartaglia Stefano , Conte Enrica , Rollero Chiara , De Piccoli Norma 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe study investigated the quality of life in a community facing a technological disaster causing environmental and economic damages. For years, the Italian city of Taranto has based its economy on a big steel plant. The industrial plant caused severe environmental pollution, negatively affecting the health of residents living in an area of the city. The steel mill is now under judicial investigation and may be closed in the future, causing the loss of jobs for many citizens. By means of a questionnaire, we investigated the influence of coping strategies on quality of life and place attachment and the effects of being under the environmental (i.e., living in the contaminated area) and the economic (working for the steel mill) threat on these variables. Results showed that living in the contaminated area had negative effects on quality of life both directly and indirectly, lowering place attachment and increasing avoidant coping. Working for the plant had negative effects on the environmental dimension of quality of life.
Terlipressin‐induced modifications of Doppler ultrasound signals of systemic arteries in preterm infants with vasoactive‐resistant patent ductus arteriosus: A pilot study
Authors: Radicioni M. , Bini V. , Campus G. M. , Camerini P. G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo study the effects of terlipressin (TP) infusion on systemic perfusion, estimated with pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasonography of systemic arteries, in a population of extremely low birth‐weight (ELBW) preterm infants with vasoactive‐resistant ductus arteriosus.MethodsThis prospective, observational cohort included, during five years, 12 ELBW infants with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and absent or reversed diastolic flow at Doppler ultrasonography of systemic arteries, despite treatment and high‐dose vasoactive support. We measured flow velocity of the anterior cerebral, right renal, and superior mesenteric arteries before and after TP infusion. Changes were evaluated by Spearman's rho coefficient analysis, Wilcoxon signed‐rank, and Friedman test.ResultsTime‐averaged mean velocity of the renal artery (P = .028) increased, while renal pulsatility (P = .010) and resistance (P = .004) indexes, and cerebral artery resistance index (P = .021) decreased after TP infusion. Time‐averaged mean velocity of the anterior cerebral artery proportionately increased with dopamine dose (rho = 0.678; P = .015), but showed opposite shifts after TP (rho = −0.662; P = .024).ConclusionsThese changes suggest that TP may improve systemic perfusion in the ELBW infants with vasoactive‐resistant ductus arteriosus.