bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Only reappraisers profit from reappraisal instructions: Effects of instructed and habitual reappraisal on stress responses during interpersonal conflicts
Authors: Mauersberger Heidi , Hoppe Annekatrin , Brockmann Gudrun , Hess Ursula
Published: April 2018

Conflicts are an undesirable yet common aspect of daily interactions with wide‐ranging negative consequences. The present research aimed to examine the buffering effect of experimentally instructed reappraisal on self‐reported, physiological and behavioral stress indices during interpersonal conflicts, taking into account habitual emotion regulation strategies. For this, 145 participants experienced a standardized laboratory conflict with the instruction to either reappraise (n = 48), to suppress (n = 50), or with no instruction (n = 47) while cardiovascular and neuroendocrine measures were taken. Participants were allowed to eat sweet and salty snacks during the conflict situation. Prior to as well as after the conflict, participants reported on their subjective stress level. Reappraisal instructions were only effective for high habitual reappraisers who exhibited lower cardiovascular and cortisol reactivity and demonstrated fewer snack‐eating behaviors under reappraisal instructions than under suppression or no instructions. The opposite pattern emerged for low habitual reappraisers. Neither experimentally instructed nor habitual reappraisal by itself reduced the negative effects of conflicts. Our findings complement the literature on the diverging effects of instructed reappraisal in tense social interactions.
Social influences of error monitoring in adolescent girls
Authors: Barker Tyson V. , Troller‐Renfree Sonya V. , Bowman Lindsay C. , Pine Daniel S. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: April 2018

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by increased social motivation and a heightened concern of peer evaluation. However, little research has examined social influences on neural functioning in adolescence. One psychophysiological measure of motivation, the error‐related negativity (ERN), is an ERP following an error. In adults, the ERN is enhanced by contextual factors that influence motivation, such as social observation and evaluation. The current study examined relations among age and neural responses in social contexts in adolescence. Seventy‐six adolescent girls (9–17 years old) completed a flanker task under two different conditions. In the social condition, adolescent girls were informed that two other adolescents would be observing and providing feedback about their performance. In the nonsocial condition, adolescent girls completed a flanker task alone and were told feedback was computer generated. Results revealed that younger adolescents exhibited a larger ERN in social contexts than nonsocial contexts. In contrast, there were no differences in the ERN between contexts among older adolescents. In addition, enhancements of the ERN in social contexts among younger adolescents diminished the relation between the ERN and age. These findings suggest that the ERN is sensitive to social contexts in early adolescence, and developmental changes in the ERN may be partially explained by contextual factors that influence motivation.
Spline‐based nonparametric inference in general state‐switching models
Authors: Langrock Roland , Adam Timo , Leos‐Barajas Vianey , Mews Sina , Miller David L. , Papastamatiou Yannis P.
Published: April 2018

State‐switching models combine immense flexibility with relative mathematical simplicity and computational tractability and, as a consequence, have established themselves as general‐purpose models for time series data. In this paper, we provide an overview of ways to use penalized splines to allow for flexible nonparametric inference within state‐switching models, and provide a critical discussion of the use of corresponding classes of models. The methods are illustrated using animal acceleration data and energy price data.
The Interactive Relationship between Sci-Tech Innovation and Economic Growth: An Empirical Study Based on China Macroeconomic Data
Authors: Yu QiTong , Dong WenYu
Published: April 2018

In the past decades, China has embraced a rapid development in its economy. And the sci-tech innovation has also gained unprecedented prosperity during the period. The progress in sci-tech innovation has boosted larger output in multiple industries of China, and thus having great contributions to the dramatic improvement in China’s economy. The studies on the relationship between sci-tech innovation and economic growth has long been existed, however, most of which only focus on the one-way research, namely the effects of sci-tech innovation on the economic growth. Based on this status quo, this paper innovates from the research method to focus on the interactive relationship between sci-tech innovation and economic growth, establishing a VAR model to analyze their immediate structural relationship and long-term dynamic relationship, and finds out that the effects of sci-tech innovation on economic growth are immediate positive, while those on sci-tech innovation achievements appear in the long run. In the last part, this paper puts forward policy suggestions on the maximization of sci-tech innovation and economic growth based on the results.
Development of Subjective Well-Being Increasing Strategies Scale for Children (1-5 Ages) Their Mothers Use
Authors: Eryılmaz Ali , Sapsağlam Özkan
Published: April 2018

Subjective well-being is a sign of positive mental health of children. The aim of the present study is to develop subjective well-being increasing strategies scale for children whose mothers’ uses are varied 1 to 5. In this study, there were 195 mothers whose mean ages were 31, 49 and standard deviation were 4,71.  Satisfaction with life, positive and negative affect scales were used. Moreover, item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability and validity analysis were used. According to results, the scale has 66,03 % explained variance and four dimensions which were named as acting physical contact, playing game, satisfaction of desires and  take out.  The reliability and validity of the scale have enough values. The scale is valid and reliable. In future, some researches might carry out with this scale in order to increase children’s’ physical and mental health.
Noise-robust speech triage
Authors: Bartos Anthony L. , Cipr Tomas , Nelson Douglas J. , Schwarz Petr , Banowetz John , Jerabek Ladislav
Published: April 2018

A method is presented in which conventional speech algorithms are applied, with no modifications, to improve their performance in extremely noisy environments. It has been demonstrated that, for eigen-channel algorithms, pre-training multiple speaker identification (SID) models at a lattice of signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) levels and then performing SID using the appropriate SNR dependent model was successful in mitigating noise at all SNR levels. In those tests, it was found that SID performance was optimized when the SNR of the testing and training data were close or identical. In this current effort multiple i-vector algorithms were used, greatly improving both processing throughput and equal error rate classification accuracy. Using identical approaches in the same noisy environment, performance of SID, language identification, gender identification, and diarization were significantly improved. A critical factor in this improvement is speech activity detection (SAD) that performs reliably in extremely noisy environments, where the speech itself is barely audible. To optimize SAD operation at all SNR levels, two algorithms were employed. The first maximized detection probability at low levels (−10 dB ≤ SNR < +10 dB) using just the voiced speech envelope, and the second exploited features extracted from the original speech to improve overall accuracy at higher quality levels (SNR ≥ +10 dB).
NP-Completeness in the gossip monoid
Authors: Fenner Peter , Johnson Marianne , Kambites Mark
Published: April 2018

Gossip monoids form an algebraic model of networks with exclusive, transient connections in which nodes, when they form a connection, exchange all known information. They also arise naturally in pure mathematics, as the monoids generated by the set of all equivalence relations on a given finite set under relational composition. We prove that a number of important decision problems for these monoids (including the membership problem, and hence the problem of deciding whether a given state of knowledge can arise in a network of the kind under consideration) are NP-complete. As well as being of interest in their own right, these results shed light on the apparent difficulty of establishing the cardinalities of the gossip monoids: a problem which has attracted some attention in the last few years.
Modeling and optimization of hourglass-shaped aquaporins
Authors: Bonnivard Matthieu , Omnès Florian , Privat Yannick
Published: April 2018

This paper is concerned with aquaporins (AQPs), that are proteins playing the role of water-selective channels also called nanopores, involved in many biological systems. From a technological point of view, it is relevant to design systems enjoying as good filtration properties. Inspired by [S. Gravelle, L. Joly, C. Ybert and L. Bocquet, Large permeabilities of hourglass nanopores: From hydrodynamics to single file transport, J. Chem. Phys. 141 (2014) 18C526], we investigate in a quite general framework shape optimization issues related to the improvement of hourglass-shaped aquaporins performances, in terms of energy dissipated by the fluid through the channel. After modeling this problem mathematically, we show that it is well-posed in some sense, and compute the so-called shape derivative of the cost functional in view of numerical simulations. Noting that our framework requires regularity properties of the free boundary, we introduce a dedicated numerical method, using in particular a proper shape gradient extension-regularization to adapt the mesh at each iteration, in an adequate way. Optimal shapes of aquaporins are then provided for relevant values of parameters, and we finally discuss the observed performances with respect to the existing results/literature.
Perturbation-based inference for diffusion processes: Obtaining effective models from multiscale data
Authors: Krumscheid Sebastian
Published: April 2018

We consider the inference problem for parameters in stochastic differential equation (SDE) models from discrete time observations (e.g. experimental or simulation data). Specifically, we study the case where one does not have access to observations of the model itself, but only to a perturbed version that converges weakly to the solution of the model. Motivated by this perturbation argument, we study the convergence of estimation procedures from a numerical analysis point of view. More precisely, we introduce appropriate consistency, stability, and convergence concepts and study their connection. It turns out that standard statistical techniques, such as the maximum likelihood estimator, are not convergent methodologies in this setting, since they fail to be stable. Due to this shortcoming, we introduce and analyse a novel inference procedure for parameters in SDE models which turns out to be convergent. As such, the method is particularly suited for the estimation of parameters in effective (i.e. coarse-grained) models from observations of the corresponding multiscale process. We illustrate these theoretical findings via several numerical examples.
Building Search Methods with Self-Confidence in a Constraint Programming Library
Authors: Pothitos Nikolaos , Stamatopoulos Panagiotis
Published: April 2018

In the late 1990s, Constrained Programming (CP) promised to separate the declaration of a problem from the process to solve it. This work attempts to serve this direction, by implementing and presenting a modular way to define search methods that seek solutions to arbitrary Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs). The user just declares their CSP, and it can be solved using a portfolio of search methods already in place. Apart from the pluggable search methods framework for any CSP, we also introduce pluggable heuristics for our search methods. We found an efficient stochastic heuristics’ paradigm that smoothly combines randomness with normal heuristics. We consider a factor of disobedience to normal heuristics, and we fine-tune it each time, according to our estimation of normal heuristics’ reliability (confidence). We prove mathematically that while the disobedience factor decreases, the stochastic heuristics approximate deterministic normal heuristics. Our algebraic evidence is supported by empirical evaluations on real life problems: A new search method, namely PoPS, that exploits this heuristics’ paradigm, can outperform regular well-known constructive search methods.
Big Data Clustering with Kernel k-Means: Resources, Time and Performance
Authors: Tsapanos Nikolaos , Tefas Anastasios , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Pitas Ioannis
Published: April 2018

Data clustering is an unsupervised learning task that has found many applications in various scientific fields. The goal is to find subgroups of closely related data samples (clusters) in a set of unlabeled data. A classic clustering algorithm is the so-called k-Means. It is very popular, however, it is also unable to handle cases in which the clusters are not linearly separable. Kernel k-Means is a state of the art clustering algorithm, which employs the kernel trick, in order to perform clustering on a higher dimensionality space, thus overcoming the limitations of classic k-Means regarding the non-linear separability of the input data. With respect to the challenges of Big Data research, a field that has established itself in the last few years and involves performing tasks on extremely large amounts of data, several adaptations of the Kernel k-Means have been proposed, each of which has different requirements in processing power and running time, while also incurring different trade-offs in performance. In this paper, we present several issues and techniques involving the usage of Kernel k-Means for Big Data clustering and how the combination of each component in a clustering framework fares in terms of resources, time and performance. We use experimental results, in order to evaluate several combinations and provide a recommendation on how to approach a Big Data clustering problem.
Neutron star mergers as sites of r-process nucleosynthesis and short gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Hotokezaka Kenta , Beniamini Paz , Piran Tsvi
Published: April 2018

Neutron star mergers have been long considered as promising sites of heavy [Formula: see text]-process nucleosynthesis. We overview the observational evidence supporting this scenario including: the total amount of [Formula: see text]-process elements in the galaxy, extreme metal-poor stars, geological radioactive elemental abundances, dwarf galaxies and short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs). Recently, the advanced LIGO and Virgo observatories discovered a gravitational-wave signal of a neutron star merger, GW170817, as well as accompanying multi-wavelength electromagnetic (EM) counterparts. The ultra-violet, optical and near infrared (n/R) observations point to [Formula: see text]-process elements that have been synthesized in the merger ejecta. The rate and ejected mass inferred from GW170817 and the EM counterparts are consistent with other observations. We however, find that, within the simple one zone chemical evolution models (based on merger rates with reasonable delay time distributions as expected from evolutionary models, or from observations of sGRBs), it is difficult to reconcile the current observations of the Eu abundance history of galactic stars for [Fe/H] [Formula: see text]. This implies that to account for the role of mergers in the galactic chemical evolution, we need a galactic model with multiple populations that have different spatial distributions and/or varying formation rates.
Holographic Cavalieri principle as a universal relation between holographic complexity and holographic entanglement entropy
Authors: Momeni Davood , Faizal Mir , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we will propose a universal relation between the holographic complexity (dual to a volume in AdS) and the holographic entanglement entropy (dual to an area in anti-de Sitter (AdS)). We will explicitly demonstrate that our conjuncture holds for all metrics asymptotic to [Formula: see text], and then argue that such a relation should hold in general due to the AdS version of the Cavalieri principle. We will demonstrate that it holds for Janus solution, which have been recently been obtained in type IIB string theory. We will also show that this conjecture holds for a circular disk. This conjecture will be used to show that the proposal that the complexity equals action and the proposal that the complexity equals volume can represent the same physics. Thus, using this conjecture, we will show that the black holes are fastest computers, using the proposal that complexity equals volume.
USE OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM EXTRACT AS GREEN CORROSION INHIBITOR FOR MILD STEEL IN 0.5M H2SO4
Authors: SAXENA AKHIL , PRASAD DWARIKA , HALDHAR RAJESH
Published: April 2018

The corrosion hindrance impact of Syzygium aromaticum fruit extract has been analyzed on mild steel (MS) corrosion in 0.5[Formula: see text]M H2SO4 by utilizing weight reduction estimations, potentiodynamic polarization estimations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) procedures. This Eugenol- and Eugenol-acetate-containing extract diminishes the corrosion rate of MS in acidic medium. The greatest corrosion restraint effectiveness was observed at 500[Formula: see text]mg/L inhibitor concentration in 0.5[Formula: see text]M H2SO4. The adsorption of Syzygium aromaticum extract on the surface of MS has been analyzed by utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study and spectroscopic strategies.
Edgewise Bending Vibration Analysis of a Rotating Sandwich Beam with Magnetorheological Elastomer Core
Authors: Bornassi S. , Navazi H. M. , Haddadpour H.
Published: April 2018

The vibration of a rotating sandwich beam with magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) as a core between two elastic layers is theoretically analyzed in this paper. This study is focused on the bending vibration along the edgewise direction of a sandwich beam of rectangular cross-section, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been addressed yet. The classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is used to model the dynamic behavior of the elastic layers. In the modeling, the effect of the MRE layer is considered by incorporating its shear strains and the inertia due to shear deformation and bending motion. The governing equations of motion of the rotating sandwich beam are derived by using the Ritz method and the Lagrange’s equations. The effects of the applied magnetic field, core layer thickness, rotational speed, setting angle and hub radius on the natural frequencies and the corresponding loss factors are investigated parametrically. The results show the significant effect of the magnetic field intensity and the MRE layer thickness on the modal characteristics of the MRE sandwich beam.
Phase space of a test particle in the presence of natural cutoffs
Authors: Roushan M. , Nozari K.
Published: April 2018

Physics at very high energies (close to the Planck energy scale) is in the center of modern physics challenges. At the high energy scales, or equivalently very short distances, the very notion of spacetime acquires a complicated structure. In this scale, there are limitations on the complete resolution of adjacent points in spacetime manifold. While the effect of a minimal measurable length on algebraic structure of a free particle’s phase space has been studied in the literature, the simultaneous effects of minimal length and maximal momentum have not been explored in this subject so far. Here, we are going to fill this gap. We study some properties of the algebraic structure of quantum field theories in the presence of natural cutoffs as a minimal length and a maximal momentum in a free particle’s phase space. Especially, we pay attention on the phase space trajectories of systems in the presence of natural cutoffs.
Role of modified scalar variables in the modeling of spherical fluids
Authors: Akram A. , Jami A. Rehman , Ahmad S. , Sufyan M. , Munir R.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work is to analyze the role of shear evolution equation in the modeling of relativistic spheres in [Formula: see text] gravity. We assume that non-static diagonally symmetric geometry is coupled with dissipative anisotropic viscous fluid distributions in the presence of [Formula: see text] dark source terms. A specific distribution of [Formula: see text] cosmic model has been assumed and the spherical mass function through generic formula introduced by Misner-Sharp has been formulated. Some very important relations regarding Weyl scalar, matter variables and mass functions are being computed. After decomposing orthogonally the Riemann tensor, some scalar variables in the presence of [Formula: see text] extra degrees of freedom are calculated. The effects of the polynomial modified structure scalars in the modeling of through Weyl, shear, expansion scalar differential equations are investigated. The energy density irregularity factor has been calculated for both anisotropic radiating viscous with varying Ricci scalar and for dust cloud with present Ricci scalar corrections.
Core–Shell Chain-Like Cu@Ni Composite with Dual Absorption Peaks to Improve Microwave Absorption Properties
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Deng Jianying , Li Shimei , Li Zefeng
Published: April 2018

Core–shell Cu@Ni chains were successfully synthesized through a mild hydrothermal reaction. The morphology, structure and microwave electromagnetic properties of the composite were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and vector network analysis. The formation mechanisms of the core–shell structure and one-dimensional chains were ascribed to the varying redox potentials of Cu and Ni ions and the magnetic dipole–dipole attraction. Furthermore, a minimal reflection loss (RL) of [Formula: see text]20.7[Formula: see text]dB was observed at 9.6[Formula: see text]GHz with a thickness of 2.0[Formula: see text]mm and the effective absorption ([Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text]dB, 90% microwave attenuation) bandwidth can be adjusted between 5.2[Formula: see text]GHz and 16.6[Formula: see text]GHz for the thin absorber thickness of 2.0–4.0[Formula: see text]mm. The novel core–shell chain-like Cu@Ni alloy can be used as a promising absorbing material because it shows numerous features such as thin thickness, strong absorption, low cost and lightweight.
S(0)-Weakly second submodules
Authors: Wijayanti Indah Emilia , Yuwaningsih Dian Ariesta , Salmah
Published: April 2018

We introduce the dual notions of [Formula: see text]-weakly prime submodules, that is, [Formula: see text]-weakly second submodules in a commutative ring with identity. We investigate the properties of [Formula: see text]-weakly second submodules and obtain some related useful characterizations of this dualization. Moreover, we also prove some properties of [Formula: see text]-weakly second submodules related to multiplication and comultiplication modules.
A key exchange protocol using matrices over group ring
Authors: Gupta Indivar , Pandey Atul , Dubey Manish Kant
Published: April 2018

The first published solution to key distribution problem is due to Diffie–Hellman, which allows two parties that have never communicated earlier, to jointly establish a shared secret key over an insecure channel. In this paper, we propose a new key exchange protocol in a non-commutative semigroup over group ring whose security relies on the hardness of Factorization with Discrete Logarithm Problem (FDLP). We have also provided its security and complexity analysis. We then propose a ElGamal cryptosystem based on FDLP using the group of invertible matrices over group rings.
General helices with spacelike slope axis in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Uçum Ali , Camci Çetin , İlarslan Kazım
Published: April 2018

In the present paper, we consider general helix with spacelike slope axis for all possible types of curves in Minkowski [Formula: see text]-space. We give the conditions under which the curves in Minkowski [Formula: see text]-space have spacelike slope axis. In addition, we find the parametric equations of the curves. Also, we give the related examples and their graphics.
Metal-organic framework-derived porous CeO2 loading Au as efficient nanocatalysts for CO oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Song Xue-Zhi , Chen Xiao-Lei , Chen Xi , Wang Xiao-Feng , Huang Teng , Su Qiao-Feng , Tan Zhenquan
Published: April 2018

In this paper, two Au/CeO2 catalytic systems have been fabricated through the synthesis of porous CeO2 from Ce-BTC MOFs nanorod and nanobundle precursors by thermal annealing, and the subsequent Au loading. Significantly, the catalytic activity of Au/CeO2 nanorods is higher than that of bare CeO2 and even Au/CeO2 nanobundles for both CO oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction. The remarkably enhanced performance of Au/CeO2 nanorods can be attributed to the unique porous structure, high surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies on the surface of CeO2, and the synergistic effect between gold and ceria.
In-situ activation for optimizing meso-/microporous structure of hollow carbon shells for supercapacitors
Authors: Shan Peng , Kong Defei , Hu Jiangtao , Wang Hongbin , Wang Ziqi , Yang Luyi , Chen Haibiao , Pan Feng
Published: April 2018

In-situ activation for optimizing hierarchically meso-/microporous structure of hollow carbon shells which were produced using a simple calcination process with NaOH was demonstrated to effectively enhance the performance in supercapacitors. The electrical conductivity, pore structure and surface area of the material were tuned by adjusting the amount of NaOH. The optimized sample showed a specific capacitance of 374.3[Formula: see text]F g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 0.2[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] and 191.0[Formula: see text]F g[Formula: see text] at 10[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text], with almost no degradation after 10,000 cycles.
A biosensor consisting of Ca2Nb3O10− substrates and functional molecule manganese porphyrins (MnTMPyP) utilized for the determinations of nitrite
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Xia Bin , Wang Mengjun , Fan Zichun , Zhang Xiaobo , Ma Juanjuan , Liu Lin , Zhang Bin , Zhang Dongen , Tong Zhiwei
Published: April 2018

As functional molecules, the cationic manganese (III) tetrakis-5, 10, 15, 20-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrins (MnTMPyP) were used to assemble with the exfoliated Ca2Nb3O[Formula: see text] nanosheets, which were obtained via treating the acidified compounds HCa2Nb3O[Formula: see text] of perovskite composites KCa2Nb3O[Formula: see text] with the tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBA[Formula: see text]OH[Formula: see text] aqueous solution. Several analytic techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, were employed to investigate the morphology and structure of KCa2Nb3O[Formula: see text], HCa2Nb3O[Formula: see text] and intercalation nanocomposites MnTMPyP/Ca2Nb3O[Formula: see text]. The stability and uniformity of the obtained Ca2Nb3O[Formula: see text] nanosheets colloidal dispersion were proved by the surface charge of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mV, which was obtained by a Zetasizer Nano instrument. Meanwhile, the electrochemical properties of MnTMPyP/Ca2Nb3O[Formula: see text] nanocomposites modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) was tested by using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements and the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. Results show that the intercalation nanocomposites have a good electrocatalysis towards oxidation of nitrite with a peak potential decrease from 1.125[Formula: see text]V to 0.916[Formula: see text]V. There is a good linear correlation between the reduction peak current and the square root of the scan rate, indicating a diffusion controlled process. In the end, an estimate of the detection limit was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.0 with a concentration range of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M.
Quantum codes from (1 − 2v)-constacyclic codes over the ring 𝔽q + u𝔽q + v𝔽q + uv𝔽q
Authors: Li Juan , Gao Jian , Wang Yongkang
Published: April 2018

In this paper, structural properties of [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes over the finite non-chain ring [Formula: see text] are studied, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a power of some odd prime. As an application, some better quantum codes, compared with previous work, are obtained.
Characterization of ore-forming systems – advances and challenges
Authors: Gessner Klaus , Blenkinsop Tom , Sorjonen-Ward Peter
Published: April 2018

Economically viable concentrations of mineral resources are uncommon among the predominantly silicate-dominated rocks in Earth's crust. Most ore deposits that were mined in the past or are currently being extracted were found at or near Earth's surface, often serendipitously. To meet the future demand for mineral resources, exploration success hinges on identifying targets at depth, which, on the one hand, requires advances in detection and interpretation techniques for geophysical and geochemical data. On the other hand, however, our knowledge of the chain of events that lead to ore deposit formation is limited. As geoscience embraces an integrated Earth systems approach, considering the geodynamic context of ore deposits can provide a step change in understanding why, how, when and where geological systems become ore-forming systems. Contributions to this volume address the future resources challenge by: (i) applying advanced microscale geochemical detection and characterization methods; (ii) introducing more rigorous 3D Earth models; (iii) exploring critical behaviour and coupled processes; (iv) evaluating the role of geodynamic and tectonic setting; and (v) applying 3D structural models to characterize specific ore-forming systems.
Solar Drying and Sensory Attributes of Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Jerky
Authors: Kučerová Iva , Marek Štěpán , Banout Jan
Published: April 2018

A double-pass solar drier (DPSD) and a laboratory oven (LO) were used for thin-layer drying of eland and beef. Prior to drying, the physicochemical characteristics of the raw meat were determined, such as pH, dry matter content (%), Warner-Bratzler shear force (N), pigment concentration (mg·kg−1), weight loss during cooking (%), water holding capacity (%), colour (L,a,b), and crude fat content (%). Both meats were pretreated with traditional jerky marinade (TM), TM with fresh pineapple juice (TMP), TM with honey (TMH), and TM with Coca Cola© (TMCCL) and compared to an untreated control (C). The sensory properties of the eland and beef jerky were assessed in a two-stage process. The surface colour values of the jerky samples were measured in the CIE L⁎  a⁎  b⁎ colour space and the effect of the different pretreatments on the overall combined colour (ΔE) was calculated. Significant differences (p<0.05) between raw eland and beef samples were found in case of pH, pigment concentration, water holding capacity, crude fat content, and colour (L and b). Jerky from TMP pretreated meat had the highest scores for texture, colour, and taste. Generally, for both meats dried in both driers, TMH marinade was evaluated as the one with the highest total difference ΔE compared to meat dipped in TMP pretreatment, which had the lowest total difference ΔE.
Efficacy and Safety of Photon Induced Photoacoustic Streaming for Removal of Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Laky Markus , Volmer Melanie , Arslan Muazzez , Agis Hermann , Moritz Andreas , Cvikl Barbara
Published: April 2018

Calcium hydroxide removal from the root canal by photon induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) compared to needle irrigation and irrigation using sonic activation was investigated. Additionally, safety issues regarding apical extrusion were addressed. In endodontic treatment temporary intracanal medication like calcium hydroxide should be completely removed for long term success. For analysis, 60 artificial teeth were prepared, filled with calcium hydroxide, and divided into four groups. The teeth were assigned to needle irrigation, irrigation using a sonic device, PIPS with a lower energy setting (10 mJ, 15 Hz), or PIPS with a higher energy setting (25 mJ/40 Hz). For comparison the weight of each tooth was measured before and after calcium hydroxide incorporation, as well as after removing calcium hydroxide using the four different methods. Regarding safety issues another 24 samples were filled with stained calcium hydroxide and embedded in 0.4% agarose gel. Color changes in the agarose gel due to apical extrusion were digitally analysed using Photoshop. No significant differences were found for calcium hydroxide removal between the two laser groups. Sonic assisted removal and needle irrigation resulted in significant less calcium hydroxide removal than both laser groups, with significantly more calcium hydroxide removal in the ultrasonic group than in the needle irrigation group. For apical extrusion the higher laser (25 mJ/40 Hz) group resulted in significant higher color changes of the periapical gel than all other groups. PIPS with the setting of 10 mJ/15 Hz achieved almost complete removal of calcium hydroxide without increasing apical extrusion of the irrigation solution.
Preserving the Mucosa to the Maximum Possible Extent for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Subcircumferential Superficial Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Uesato Masaya , Murakami Kentarou , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Fugo Kazunori , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: April 2018

Aim. To show our unique strategy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma larger than the subcircumference. Methods. From April 2011, we used a mucosal preservation method called the log bridge (LB) method for the lesion larger than the subcircumference. The patients in whom the circumference of the mucosal defect was 5/6 to <1 were classified into the LB group; those who underwent whole circumferential ESD were classified into the non-LB group. The data were collected retrospectively and were compared between the two groups. Results. Eighteen patients into the LB group and 7 into the non-LB group were classified. The median number of endoscopic balloon dilation sessions after ESD in the LB group tended to be lower than that in the non-LB group. The mean period until complete epithelialization after ESD was significantly shorter in the LB group. The rates of curative resection were 100% (7/7) in the non-LB group and 61.1% (11/18) in the LB group. However, there was no local recurrence in either group for approximately two years. Conclusion. In cases involving subcircumferential esophageal lesions, the LB method is useful for achieving rapid healing and might be related to a reduced degree of esophageal stricture.
Numerical Investigation of Influences of Drilling Arrangements on the Mechanical Behavior and Energy Evolution of Coal Models
Authors: Zhao Tong-bin , Guo Wei-yao , Yu Feng-hai , Tan Yun-liang , Huang Bin , Hu Shan-chao
Published: April 2018

Destress drilling method is one of the commonly used methods for mitigating rock bursts, especially in coal mining. To better understand the influences of drilling arrangements on the destress effect is beneficial for rock burst mitigation. This study first introduced the rock burst mitigation mechanism of the destress drilling method and then numerically investigated the influences of drilling arrangements on the mechanical properties of coal models through uniaxial compression tests. Based on the test results, the energy evolution (i.e., the energy dissipation and bursting energy indexes) influenced by different drilling arrangements was analyzed. When the drilling diameter, the number of drilling holes in one row, or the number of drilling rows increases, the bearing capacity of specimens nonlinearly decreases, but the energy dissipation index increases. In addition, the drilling diameter or the number of drilling holes in one row affects the failure mode weakly, which is different from that of the number of drilling rows. Consequently, the bursting energy index decreases as increasing the drilling diameter or the number of drilling holes in one row, but as increasing the number of drilling rows, the variation law of bursting energy index is not obvious. At last, the influencing mechanism of drilling arrangement on the rock burst prevention mechanism of the destress drilling method was discussed and revealed.
Increased Frequency of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Coeliac Disease and Vice Versa: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bibbò Stefano , Fozza Claudio , Pes Giovanni Mario , Rojas Rodrigo , Manetti Roberto , Dore Maria Pina
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Coeliac disease (CD) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are immune conditions, often associated with other immune disorders. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed towards the association between ITP and CD. Aim. To investigate the frequency of ITP in CD patients and vice versa and to assess the risk of their association. Patients and Methods. This was a prospective observational study. All consecutive patients with CD or ITP attending our department were enrolled between January 2016 and December 2017. All patients with CD were screened for ITP and patients with ITP for CD. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated based on the prevalence in the general population. Results. Two hundred sixty-one CD patients (212 female, mean age 47 ± 16.1 years) and 32 ITP patients (17 female, mean age 57.8 ± 17.4 years) were enrolled. In the CD cohort, two patients (2/261; 0.8%) reported a previous diagnosis of ITP, compared to the general population; OR was 15.3 (95% CI, 3.82–61.73; p<0.0001). Similarly, in the ITP cohort, two patients (2/32; 6.3%) had a previous diagnosis of CD (OR: 9.89, 95% CI, 2.27–43.16; p=0.0002). Discussion. A greater frequency of ITP in coeliac patients and vice versa was observed in our study, suggesting an increased risk for patients of developing both disorders.
Rao-Blackwellized Gaussian Sum Particle Filtering for Multipath Assisted Positioning
Authors: Ulmschneider Markus , Gentner Christian , Jost Thomas , Dammann Armin
Published: April 2018

In multipath assisted positioning, multipath components arriving at a receiver are regarded as being transmitted by a virtual transmitter in a line-of-sight condition. As the locations and clock offsets of the virtual and physical transmitters are in general unknown, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) schemes can be applied to simultaneously localize a user and estimate the states of physical and virtual transmitters as landmarks. Hence, multipath assisted positioning enables localizing a user with only one physical transmitter depending on the scenario. In this paper, we present and derive a novel filtering approach for our multipath assisted positioning algorithm called Channel-SLAM. Making use of Rao-Blackwellization, the location of a user is tracked by a particle filter, and each landmark is represented by a sum of Gaussian probability density functions, whose parameters are estimated by unscented Kalman filters. Since data association, that is, finding correspondences among landmarks, is essential for robust long-term SLAM, we also derive a data association scheme. We evaluate our filtering approach for multipath assisted positioning by simulations in an urban scenario and by outdoor measurements.
The Effect of Digested Manure on Biogas Productivity and Microstructure Evolution of Corn Stalks in Anaerobic Cofermentation
Authors: Lv Zongyan , Feng Lei , Shao Lijie , Kou Wei , Liu Peihan , Gao Peng , Dong Xiaoying , Yu Meiling , Wang Jiuzhang , Zhang Dalei
Published: April 2018

The anaerobic fermentation of crop straw and animal wastes is increasingly used for the biogas and green energy generation, as well as reduction of the environmental pollution. The anaerobic cofermentation of corn stalks inoculated by cow dung was found to achieve higher biogas production and cellulose biodegradation. In this study, the effect of mixing corn stalks with cow dung at five different fermentation stages (0, 7, 15, 23, and 31 days of the total fermentation cycle of 60 days) on the further cofermentation process was explored, in order to optimize the corn straw utilization rate and biogas production capacity. In addition, the straw microstructure evolution was investigated by the SEM and XRD methods to identify the optimal conditions for the straw biodegradation process enhancement. The five test groups exhibited nearly identical total biogas productivity values but strongly differed by daily biogas yields (the maximal biogas generation rate being 524.3 ml/d). Based on the degradation characteristics of total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and lignocellulose, groups #1 and #3 (0 and 15 days) had the most significant degradation rates of VS (43.73%) and TS (42.07%), respectively, while the largest degradation rates of cellulose (62.70%) and hemicellulose (50.49%) were observed in group #4 (23 days) and group #1 (0 days), respectively. The SEM analysis revealed strong microstructural changes in corn stalks after fermentation manifested by multiple cracks and striations, while the XRD results proved the decrease in peak intensity of cellulose 002 crystal surface and the reduced crystallinity after cofermentation. The results of this study are assumed to be quite instrumental to the further optimization of the corn stalk anaerobic digestion by inoculation with digested manure for lignocellulose degradation enhancement and biogas productivity improvement.
Effects of Vitamin D Restricted Diet Administered during Perinatal and Postnatal Periods on the Penis of Wistar Rats
Authors: Fernandes-Lima Flávia , Gregório Bianca M. , Nascimento Fernanda A. M. , Costa Waldemar S. , Gallo Carla B. M. , Sampaio Francisco J. B.
Published: April 2018

Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women and infants. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D restricted diet on the Wistar rats offspring penis morphology. Mother rats received either standard diet (SC) or vitamin D restricted (VitD) diet. At birth, offspring were divided into SC/SC (from SC mothers, fed with SC diet) and VitD/VitD (from VitD mothers, fed with VitD diet). After euthanasia the penises were processed for histomorphometric analysis. The VitD/VitD offspring displayed metabolic changes and reduction in the cross-sectional area of the penis, corpus cavernosum, tunica albuginea, and increased area of the corpus spongiosum. The connective tissue, smooth muscle, and cell proliferation percentages were greater in the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum in the VitD/VitD offspring. The percentages of sinusoidal spaces and elastic fibers in the corpus cavernosum decreased. The elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum in the VitD/VitD offspring were reduced. Vitamin D restriction during perinatal and postnatal periods induced metabolic and structural changes and represented important risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the penis of the adult offspring. These findings suggest that vitamin D is an important micronutrient in maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the penis.
Cell-Free Circulating Methylated SEPT9 for Noninvasive Diagnosis and Monitoring of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fu Bo , Yan Peng , Zhang Shan , Lu Yan , Pan Li , Tang Wenqiang , Chen Shen , Chen Shuangfeng , Zhang Anqi , Liu Wei
Published: April 2018

Identification of early-stage tumor and monitoring therapeutic efficacy and recurrence or metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are urgently warranted for improving the outcome of CRC patients and reducing the disease-related mortality. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of cell-free circulating methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) for CRC and beyond CRC and examined the potentiality of mSEPT9 in assessing therapeutic efficacy and monitoring recurrence of CRC. Our results confirmed the favorable diagnostic value of plasma mSEPT9 for CRC, with a sensitivity of 61.22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 51.33%–70.27%) and specificity of 93.7% (95% CI: 91.09%–95.57%) using 2/3 algorithm. The positive rate of mSEPT9 in CRC was correlated with tumor size, histological grade, and general histological type (P<0.05). Beyond CRC, gastric cancer patients also presented a high positive rate of plasma mSEPT9 (70%). The conversions between preoperative and postoperative plasma mSEPT9 reflected the therapeutic efficacy of curatively intended surgery for CRC patients. The persistent positivity of plasma mSEPT9 after surgery (within 7–14 days) was highly associated with impending recurrences or metastases (within one year), with a sensitivity of 100%. Postoperative mSEPT9 status during follow-up also provided valuable indication for CRC recurrence or metastases, with a good consistency (kappa = 0.818, P=0.001). Our results verified the reliability of plasma mSEPT9 as a biomarker for noninvasive diagnosis of CRC. More significantly, we revealed its valuable role in appraising CRC therapeutic efficacy and monitoring CRC recurrences or metastases. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify and elucidate the clinical utility of the promising findings.
Investigation on Composition, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance of Mg-0.5Ca-X(Sr, Zr, Sn) Biological Alloy
Authors: Su Yichang , Lin Jixing , Su Yingchao , Zai Wei , Li Guangyu , Wen Cuie
Published: April 2018

Four nontoxic biological alloys, Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-4Zr (Alloy 1), Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-1.5Zr (Alloy 2), Mg-0.5Ca-3Sr-1.5Zr (Alloy 3), and Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-0.5Sn (Alloy 4), were prepared by vacuum smelting, gravity casting, and hot rolling. The composition and microstructure of the alloys were investigated by optical microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanical properties and corrosion behaviors of the alloys in Hank’s solution were studied. Results showed that a large amount of fine and uniformly distributed second-phase particles (Zr, Mg17Sr2, and CaMgSn) was observed in four alloys obtained after rolling and alloying. The segregation of Zr in alloys was observed in EDS image, and chemical analysis showed that there was macrosegregation of the elements in the alloys. Furthermore, Mg17Sr2 phases in the Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-0.5Sn alloy homogenized the distribution of CaMgZn phases. The comprehensive mechanical properties of four newly designed rolled alloys were much higher than those of pure Mg, and the compressive strength of the alloys was more than twice as high as that of pure magnesium. The Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-0.5Sn alloy released the least hydrogen in Hank’s solution, which was lower than that of pure magnesium. Electrochemical test results in Hank’s solution further showed that the Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-0.5Sn alloy had delayed corrosion and lowest Icorr which was 25% of that of pure magnesium. Biological experiments results showed that the Mg-0.5Ca-1Sr-0.5Sn alloy had better biocompatibility and optimal potential for bone substitute material.