1,253 research outputs found
Relating Methanogen Community Structure and Anaerobic Digester Function
Much remains unknown about the relationships between microbial community structure and anaerobic digester function. However, knowledge of links between community structure and function, such as specific methanogenic activity (SMA) and COD removal rate, are valuable to improve anaerobic bioprocesses. In this work, quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) were developed using multiple linear regression (MLR) to predict SMA using methanogen community structure descriptors for 49 cultures. Community descriptors were DGGE demeaned standardized band intensities for amplicons of a methanogen functional gene (mcrA). First, predictive accuracy of MLR QSARs was assessed using cross validation with training (n = 30) and test sets (n = 19) for glucose and propionate SMA data. MLR equations correlating band intensities and SMA demonstrated good predictability for glucose (q2 = 0.54) and propionate (q2 = 0.53). Subsequently, data from all 49 cultures were used to develop QSARs to predict SMA values. Higher intensities of two bands were correlated with higher SMA values; high abundance of methanogens associated with these two bands should be encouraged to attain high SMA values. QSARs are helpful tools to identify key microorganisms or to study and improve many bioprocesses. Development of new, more robust QSARs is encouraged for anaerobic digestion or other bioprocesses, including nitrification, nitritation, denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation, and enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Equations for filling factor estimation in opal matrix
We consider two equations for the filling factor estimation of infiltrated
zinc oxide (ZnO) in silica (SiO_2) opal and gallium nitride in ZnO opal. The
first equation is based on the effective medium approximation, while the second
one - on Maxwell-Garnett approximation. The comparison between two filling
factors shows that both equations can be equally used for the estimation of the
quantity of infiltrated nanocrystals inside opal matrix.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures, 1 table. Addendum to the article:
http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/050815
Approximation Algorithms for the Capacitated Domination Problem
We consider the {\em Capacitated Domination} problem, which models a
service-requirement assignment scenario and is also a generalization of the
well-known {\em Dominating Set} problem. In this problem, given a graph with
three parameters defined on each vertex, namely cost, capacity, and demand, we
want to find an assignment of demands to vertices of least cost such that the
demand of each vertex is satisfied subject to the capacity constraint of each
vertex providing the service. In terms of polynomial time approximations, we
present logarithmic approximation algorithms with respect to different demand
assignment models for this problem on general graphs, which also establishes
the corresponding approximation results to the well-known approximations of the
traditional {\em Dominating Set} problem. Together with our previous work, this
closes the problem of generally approximating the optimal solution. On the
other hand, from the perspective of parameterization, we prove that this
problem is {\it W[1]}-hard when parameterized by a structure of the graph
called treewidth. Based on this hardness result, we present exact
fixed-parameter tractable algorithms when parameterized by treewidth and
maximum capacity of the vertices. This algorithm is further extended to obtain
pseudo-polynomial time approximation schemes for planar graphs
A new technique for lipid core plaque detection by optical coherence tomography for prevention of peri-procedural myocardial infarction
Rationale: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) provides effective revascularization of atherosclerotic coronary arteries but the invasive nature of treatment can result in complications. Patient concerns: A 53-year old man underwent coronary angiography due to chest pain with minimal ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads of the electrocardiogram. Diagnosis: We proceeded directly to coronary angiography and delineated a moderate stenosis with haziness in the mid right coronary artery (RCA). Interventions: Expert analysis of the pre-intervention OCT imaging demonstrated a large lipid core plaque (LCP), upstream of the culprit site, with minimal thrombus burden. Subsequent implantation of a bioresorbable vascular scaffold, protected with distal deployment of a filter protection device provided an excellent result with retrieval of plaque material. Post-hoc attenuation analysis confirmed the presence of large LCP. Outcomes: A post-procedural transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed good left ventricular function with no regional wall motion abnormality. An excellent clinical outcome was achieved. Lessons: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) derived attenuation analysis can provide with qualitative and quantitative detailed evaluation of the underlying plaque substrate. Our case shows OCT can provide the interventionist with qualitative and qualitative assessment of large LCP for prevention of periprocedural complications, which may improve outcome for PCI
Оценивание устойчивого развития окружающей среды на субнациональном уровне в Украине
Рассмотрены существующие методы оценивания устойчивого развития окружающей среды (самостоятельные индикаторы, а также их системы и индексы). Предложен индекс устойчивого развития окружающей среды для оценивания взаимоотношений с окружающей средой на уровне регионов Украины, учитывающий национальные приоритеты в экологической политике. По предложенному региональному индексу получены экологические профили и рейтинг областей Украины.Розглянуто існуючі методи оцінювання сталого розвитку довкілля (самостійні індикатори, а також їх системи та індекси). Запропоновано індекс сталого розвитку довкілля для оцінювання взаємовідносин із навколишнім середовищем на рівні регіонів України, який враховує національні пріоритети в екологічній політиці. За запропонованим регіональним індексом отримано екологічні профілі і рейтинг областей України.The existing methods for assessment of the environment sustainable development (independent indicators, their systems and indices) are considered. The environment sustainability index for assessment of relations with the environment at a regional level for Ukraine is proposed, which takes into account the national priorities in ecological policy. Ecological profiles and rating of the Ukrainian regions are obtained according to the proposed regional index
Minority and mode conversion heating in (3He)-H JET plasma
Radio frequency (RF) heating experiments have recently been conducted in JET (He-3)-H plasmas. This type of plasmas will be used in ITER's non-activated operation phase. Whereas a companion paper in this same PPCF issue will discuss the RF heating scenario's at half the nominal magnetic field, this paper documents the heating performance in (He-3)-H plasmas at full field, with fundamental cyclotron heating of He-3 as the only possible ion heating scheme in view of the foreseen ITER antenna frequency bandwidth. Dominant electron heating with global heating efficiencies between 30% and 70% depending on the He-3 concentration were observed and mode conversion (MC) heating proved to be as efficient as He-3 minority heating. The unwanted presence of both He-4 and D in the discharges gave rise to 2 MC layers rather than a single one. This together with the fact that the location of the high-field side fast wave (FW) cutoff is a sensitive function of the parallel wave number and that one of the locations of the wave confluences critically depends on the He-3 concentration made the interpretation of the results, although more complex, very interesting: three regimes could be distinguished as a function of X[He-3]: (i) a regime at low concentration (X[He-3] < 1.8%) at which ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) heating is efficient, (ii) a regime at intermediate concentrations (1.8 < X[He-3] < 5%) in which the RF performance is degrading and ultimately becoming very poor, and finally (iii) a good heating regime at He-3 concentrations beyond 6%. In this latter regime, the heating efficiency did not critically depend on the actual concentration while at lower concentrations (X[He-3] < 4%) a bigger excursion in heating efficiency is observed and the estimates differ somewhat from shot to shot, also depending on whether local or global signals are chosen for the analysis. The different dynamics at the various concentrations can be traced back to the presence of 2 MC layers and their associated FW cutoffs residing inside the plasma at low He-3 concentration. One of these layers is approaching and crossing the low-field side plasma edge when 1.8 < X[He-3] < 5%. Adopting a minimization procedure to correlate the MC positions with the plasma composition reveals that the different behaviors observed are due to contamination of the plasma. Wave modeling not only supports this interpretation but also shows that moderate concentrations of D-like species significantly alter the overall wave behavior in He-3-H plasmas. Whereas numerical modeling yields quantitative information on the heating efficiency, analytical work gives a good description of the dominant underlying wave interaction physics
Deep level emission of ZnO nanoparticles deposited inside UV opal
The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra of zinc oxide (ZnO)
nanocrystals deposited inside the ultraviolet (UV) opal were studied. ZnO was
grown in the voids between FCC packed silicon dioxide spheres using spray
pyrolysis under ultrasonic vibration in the solution containing a zinc nitrate
precursor. The ZnO nanoparticles inside opal matrix with UV photonic band-gap
exhibit suppression of the excitonic emission and enhancement of the deep level
emission. Suppression of the excitonic lines is due to the inhibition of
spontaneous emission, while enhancement and broadening of the DL emission in
the green spectral region is due to Purcell effect. The infiltration of ZnO
inside the photonic crystal may be a useful technique to increase its emission
efficiency in the selected spectral region.Comment: 22 pages, 4 figure
Transforming soil phosphorus fertility management strategies to support the delivery of multiple ecosystem services from agricultural systems
Despite greater emphasis on holistic phosphorus (P) management, current nutrient advice delivered at farm-scale still focuses almost exclusively on agricultural production. This limits our ability to address national and international strategies for the delivery of multiple ecosystem services (ES). Currently there is no operational framework in place to manage P fertility for multiple ES delivery and to identify the costs of potentially sacrificing crop yield and/or quality. As soil P fertility plays a central role in ES delivery, we argue that soil test phosphorus (STP) concentration provides a suitable common unit of measure by which delivering multiple ES can be economically valued relative to maximum potential yield, in $ ha−1 yr−1 units. This value can then be traded, or payments made against one another, at spatio-temporal scales relevant for farmer and national policy objectives. Implementation of this framework into current P fertility management strategies would allow for the integration and interaction of different stakeholder interests in ES delivery on-farm and in the wider landscape. Further progress in biophysical modeling of soil P dynamics is needed to inform its adoption across diverse landscapes. © 2018 Elsevier B.V
Hadron yields and spectra in Au+Au collisions at the AGS
Inclusive double differential multiplicities and rapidity density
distributions of hadrons are presented for 10.8 A GeV/c Au+Au collisions as
measured at the AGS by the E877 collaboration. The results indicate that large
amounts of stopping and collective transverse flow effects are present. The
data are also compared to the results from the lighter Si+Al system.Comment: 12 pages, latex, 10 figures, submitted to Nuclear Physics A (Quark
Matter 1996 Proceedings
Radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria – A comparative study
AbstractBackgroundTo compare the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with hepatic resection in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria.MethodsA nonrandomized comparative study was performed with 111 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic RFA (n = 31) or curative hepatic resection (n = 80) for HCC within Milan criteria.ResultsProcedure related complications were less often and severe after RFA than resection (3.2% vs. 25%). There was no significant difference in hospital mortality (0% vs. 3.8%). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RFA group than in the resection group (mean, 3.8 vs. 6.8 days). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates for the RFA group and the resection group were 76%, 40%, 40% and 76%, 60%, 60%, respectively. Disease-free survival was significantly lower in the RFA group than in the resection group. The corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for the RFA group and the resection group were 100%, 92%, 84%, and 92%, 75%, 71%, respectively. The overall survival for RFA and resection were not significantly different.ConclusionsOur result showed comparable overall survival between RFA and surgery, although RFA was associated with a significantly higher tumor recurrence rate. RFA had the advantages over surgical resection in being less invasive and having lower morbidity
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