bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paper-based SERS analysis with smartphones as Raman spectral analyzers
Authors: Zeng Fanyu , Mou Taotao , Zhang Chengchen , Huang Xiaoqing , Wang Bing , Ma Xing , Guo Jinhong
Published: November 2018

We present a smartphone-based portable Raman spectrometer, which has a friendly human–machine interface, easy operation, rapid response time, and most importantly a very small size for on-site use.
Hypoxia- and singlet oxygen-responsive chemo-photodynamic Micelles featured with glutathione depletion and aldehyde production
Authors: Deng Jian , Liu Fang , Wang Lina , An Yang , Gao Min , Wang Zheng , Zhao Yanjun
Published: November 2018

Triggered drug release from anti-tumor nanomedicine is an efficient approach to address the dilemma of systemic nanocarrier stability and on-demand drug liberation in tumor sites.
Paramagnetic CuS hollow nanoflowers for T2-FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging-guided thermochemotherapy of cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Yaodong , Cai Yunyu , Liu Jun , Liu Pengfei , Li Zizhuo , An Tingting , Yang Xiuhua , Liang Changhao
Published: November 2018

Green synthesized 3D CuS hollow nanoflowers are for the first time proved to be a T1 positive MRI contrast agent for imaging-guided thermochemotherapy.
Kinetics of the reaction of the simplest Criegee intermediate with ammonia: a combination of experiment and theory
Authors: Liu Yiqiang , Yin Cangtao , Smith Mica C. , Liu Siyue , Chen Maodu , Zhou Xiaohu , Xiao Chunlei , Dai Dongxu , Lin Jim Jr-Min , Takahashi Kaito , Dong Wenrui , Yang Xueming
Published: November 2018

The negative temperature dependence of the rate coefficient for CH2OO + NH3 reaction was observed using an OH laser-induced fluorescence method.
Recent advances in one-dimensional assembly of nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Su Bin , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2018

This Tutorial Review will introduce the general mechanisms to assemble NPs in one direction and their applications in diverse fields.
Mechanistic insight into the selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3 over α-Fe2O3 (001): a density functional theory study
Authors: Fang Qilong , Zhu Baozhong , Sun Yunlan , Zhu Zicheng , Xu Minggao , Ge Tingting
Published: November 2018

The adsorption properties and the selective catalytic reduction mechanism of NO, NH3 and O2 molecules over the α-Fe2O3 (001) surface were studied by density functional theory.
Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) – techno-economic analysis of LOHCs in a defined process chain
Authors: Niermann M. , Drünert S. , Kaltschmitt M. , Bonhoff K.
Published: November 2018

LOHC storage and transport concept (H0LOHC: unloaded LOHC, HnLOHC: loaded LOHC).
Analytical methodology for the simultaneous determination of NMG-Sb(v), iSb(v), and iSb(iii) species by anion exchange liquid chromatography in Glucantime® and its biological application in Wistar rat urine
Authors: Roldán Nicole , Pizarro Danitza , Frezard Frederic , Bravo Manuel , Verdugo Marcelo , Suzuki Noriyuki , Ogra Yasumitsu , Quiroz Waldo
Published: November 2018

An analytical method for the determination of Sb species in Glucantime® and rat urine samples.
Feasibility of in situ trapping of selenium hydride in a DBD atomizer for ultrasensitive Se determination by atomic absorption spectrometry studied with a 75Se radioactive indicator
Authors: Kratzer Jan , Musil Stanislav , Dědina Jiří
Published: November 2018

Selenium preconcentration in a DBD plasma atomizer was optimized and investigated using a radiotracer; 70% preconcentration efficiency was achieved (LOD 12 pg mL−1).
Coupling the cell-penetrating peptides transportan and transportan 10 to primaquine enhances its activity against liver-stage malaria parasites
Authors: Aguiar Luísa , Machado Marta , Sanches-Vaz Margarida , Prudêncio Miguel , Vale Nuno , Gomes Paula
Published: November 2018

Novel primaquine–cell penetrating peptide conjugates were synthesised and testedin vitroagainst liver stagePlasmodium bergheiparasites, showing that generally the conjugates were more active than the parent peptides and, in some cases, than the parent drug.
Dipole controlled Schottky barrier in the blue-phosphorene-phase of GeSe based van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Peng Lei , Cui Yu , Sun Liping , Du Jinyan , Wang Sufan , Zhang Shengli , Huang Yucheng
Published: November 2018

Intrinsic dipole of blue-phosphorene-phase GeSe can be used to modulate the Schottky barrier height of graphene/GeSe van der Wall heterostructures by stacking in different patterns.
Appearance of SERS activity in single silver nanoparticles by laser-induced reshaping
Authors: Chaudhari Kamalesh , Ahuja Tripti , Murugesan Vasanthanarayan , Subramanian Vidhya , Ganayee Mohd Azhardin , Thundat Thomas , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: November 2018

This study demonstrates that single silver nanoparticles which are not initially SERS active become SERS active by laser-induced reshaping/reorientation.
Electron evolution around a repulsive dopant in a quantum wire: coherence effects
Authors: Ballicchia Mauro , Weinbub Josef , Nedjalkov Mihail
Published: November 2018

The interplay of coherence effects, like non-locality and tunneling, generates a quantum current density path around a repulsive dopant that is much more efficient than in the classical case.
Nanostructuring mechanical cracks in a flexible conducting polymer thin film for ultra-sensitive vapor sensing
Authors: Sarkar Biporjoy , Satapathy Dillip K. , Jaiswal Manu
Published: November 2018

The film is electrically disconnected at the crack sites, but vapor absorption restores charge transport.
Fabrication of a Au-loaded CaFe2O4/CoAl LDH p–n junction based architecture with stoichiometric H2& O2generation and Cr(vi) reduction under visible light
Authors: Das Snehaprava , Patnaik Sulagna , Parida K. M.
Published: November 2018

Visible-light-efficient Au-loaded CaFe2O4/CoAl LDH p–n junction for H2& O2generation and Cr(vi) reduction.
Efficient and phosphine-free bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene/ruthenium catalytic systems for the dehydrogenative amidation of alcohols and amines
Authors: Wu Xuan-Jun , Wang Hua-Jing , Yang Zhao-Qi , Tang Xiao-Sheng , Yuan Ye , Su Wei , Chen Cheng , Verpoort Francis
Published: November 2018

An efficient and phosphine-free bidentate NHC/Ru catalytic system was discovered for the dehydrogenative amide synthesis from alcohols and amines.
Ultrafine MnO2nanowires grown on RGO-coated carbon cloth as a binder-free and flexible supercapacitor electrode with high performance
Authors: Xu Zhihui , Sun Shishuai , Cui Wen , Yu Dan , Jiachun Deng Jiachun Deng
Published: November 2018

Reduced graphene oxide coated carbon cloth has been used as a substrate for the growth of ultrafine MnO2nanowires (CC/RGO/MnO2), forming binder-free and flexible supercapacitor electrode materials.
Inorganic molecule (O2, NO) adsorption on nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped MoS2 monolayer using first principle calculations
Authors: Abbas Hafiz Ghulam , Debela Tekalign Terfa , Hussain Sajjad , Hussain Iftikhar
Published: November 2018

We performed a systematic study of the adsorption behaviors of O2 and NO gas molecules on pristine MoS2, N-doped, and P-doped MoS2 monolayers via first principle calculations.
Weathering treatment coupled with nano-silica filling to promote the engineering property of municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash
Authors: Kong Qingna , Yao Jun , Yang Qian , Shen Dongshen , Long Yuyang
Published: November 2018

A new approach including weathering treatment and nano-silica filling was employed to promote the engineering properties of municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash.
Cyclic tris-[5]helicenes with single and triple twisted Möbius topologies and Möbius aromaticity
Authors: Naulet Guillaume , Sturm Ludmilla , Robert Antoine , Dechambenoit Pierre , Röhricht Fynn , Herges Rainer , Bock Harald , Durola Fabien
Published: November 2018

Synthesis and theoretical study of rigid conjugated macrocycles having persistent geometries of single and triple twisted Möbius strips.
Designing a carbon nanotubes-interconnected ZIF-derived cobalt sulfide hybrid nanocage for supercapacitors
Authors: Jian Siou-Ling , Hsiao Li-Yin , Yeh Min-Hsin , Ho Kuo-Chuan
Published: November 2018

A hybrid structure of a cobalt sulphide nanocage derived from ZIF-67 and interconnected by CNTs is proposed as an electrode material for SCs.
DNA sequence-induced modulation of bimetallic surface plasmons in optical fibers for sub-ppq (parts-per-quadrillion) detection of mercury ions in water
Authors: Tran Vien Thi , Yoon Won Jung , Lee Jun-Ho , Ju Heongkyu
Published: November 2018

Hg2+ detection sensitivity modulated by ssDNA sequence based binary numbers in bimetal-plasmonic optical fiber sensor that triggers ssDNA chemo-mechanical folding.
Temporal and thermal evolutions of surface Sr-segregation in pristine and atomic layer deposition modified La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ epitaxial films
Authors: Wen Yeting , Yang Tianrang , Lee Dongkyu , Lee Ho Nyung , Crumlin Ethan J. , Huang Kevin
Published: November 2018

The bulk-to-surface Sr segregation vs. temperature and time in La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ have been studied. The atomic fraction of surface-Sr was effectively reduced by atomic layer deposition of ZrO2 overcoat.
Solution processed intrinsically conductive polymer films with high thermoelectric properties and good air stability
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Fan Zeng , Li Pengcheng , Li Bichen , Guan Xin , Du Donghe , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: November 2018

Dedoping of protonic acid doping can significantly increase the Seebeck coefficient.
Ultra-stretchable, bio-inspired ionic skins that work stably in various harsh environments
Authors: Xie Wenke , Duan Jiangjiang , Wang Hui , Li Jia , Liu Rong , Yu Boyang , Liu Shiyou , Zhou Jun
Published: November 2018

We report a bio-inspired ionic skin with high stretchability (>1700%), transparency (>80%) and sensitivity (2 kPa−1).
A two-separated-emission fluorescent probe for simultaneous discrimination of Cys/Hcy and GSH upon excitation of two different wavelengths
Authors: Lu Zhengliang , Lu Yanan , Fan Chunhua , Sun Xin , Zhang Mingyue , Lu Yizhong
Published: November 2018

It is challenging to simultaneously discriminate two or three biothiols from each other due to their structural similarities as well as reactions sites.
Application of process mapping for digitization of mechanical parts with 3D laser scanner
Authors: Piratelli-Filho Antonio , José Alvares Alberto , Valdés Arencibia Rosenda
Published: November 2018

This work presents a systematization method for digitization of mechanical parts with three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner using the process mapping method. The application involves the use of the IDEFØ methodology of process mapping to address the sequence of steps required to obtain the computer-aided design (CAD) model of the measured part. The variables involved in the setup and measurement with 3D laser scanner were investigated and applied to regular and free-form parts, and the parameter geometry, texture, light reflection and procedure of data acquisition were considered in the analysis. The software commands used to create the CAD models were also included and the ones related to mesh and surface creation were detailed. The systematized measurement planning was graphi graphically presented, and it proved useful to operators during the digitization process.
Effect of joint and isolated irregularities of the track on the wear of rails in curves
Authors: Potapov Dmytro , Panchenko Sergij , Leibuk Yaroslav , Tuley Yuseph , Plis Pavel
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the work is to identifying causes of intensive lateral wear of rails and other track failures in short radius curves using numerical methods. The study has been conducted for the most common type of rolling stock: four-axle freight cars on TsNII-Ch3 bogies, transportation of which makes 75-90% of freight load of the track sections. Thus, it is the effect of these cars which is the main cause of the above disorders. To solve the problem, effect of the following parameters of the track plan on dynamic processes of interaction of the track and rolling stock was investigated in the work: effect of the curves radius, the unbalanced accelerations and the width of the track; effect of local joint and smooth irregularities of the track in plan view. The results of numerical studies. A mathematical model of the spatial dynamic system “vehicle-track” has been used to perform the study, which is based on the design diagrams of the track in the form of long rail beams resting on multiple dissipative elastic supporting sleepers with nonlinear characteristics. This model is implemented in the MathCAD software system.
Formation of the stress-strain state of rail bars during welding with preliminary vertical bending
Authors: Shramenko Volodymyr , Bielikova Nataliia , Ovchinnikov Olexandr , Onopreichuk Dmytro , Horielyshev Stanislav
Published: November 2018

The article defines the parameters and working conditions for the final restoration of the integrity of the rail beams of a continuous gauge rail by electrocontact welding, as well as when welding rails with each other when they are elongated in the field by the method of preliminary bending. This involves the process of welding rails at temperatures above the temperature of their fixation. In this connection, an appropriate calculation scheme has been considered in relation to which the necessary parameters have been determined to ensure the conditions for straightening the residual curvature and, as a consequence, the formations of the corresponding stress state. To ensure the self-straightening conditions, the resulting formula for determining the residual bending arrow, the elimination of which under the influence of its own weight leads to the appearance of compressive stresses in the weld zone. In addition, a formula has been derived for determining the compressive stresses in the weld zone arising in the rail after the elimination of residual curvature. This means that when performing welding operations without forced straightening of the rails, you can restore not only their integrity, or weld them together. Thereby form a corresponding temperature-stress state.
Determination of the level of separate rail failure using the indicator of their reliability
Authors: Shtompel Anatolii , Skoryk Oleksii , Novikov Vadym , Kravchenko Yuliia , Korostelov Yevhen
Published: November 2018

During the operation, the upper railway track structure constantly tends to age, which includes the increasing number of failures. This process is controlled by the track maintenance system, which provides for the current maintenance of the track in a certain railway section. As part of the current maintenance of the track, in particular, works are performed to eliminate defective elements of the upper railway track structure, which appeared during functioning of the track structure. The dependence of the operational cargo turnover on the amount of transported cargoes has been analyzed. It is directly related to the issues of organization of maintenance of the railway track structure taking into account the current track operation conditions. Regression analysis of the reported data allowed establishing a mathematical model of the dependence of the value of operational cargo turnover on the value of the transported cargo. The service life of rails (rail bars) in the track section has been established to be related to the indicator separate rail failure during the period of operation of the upper railway track structure by defects. The safety level of rails (rail bars) can be determined based on the value of this indicator.
Calculation of composite elements of slabs in buildings, structures and fragments of spans of bridges
Authors: Fomin Stanislav , Izbash Yuriy , Butenko Serhii , Iakymenko Maryna , Spirande Karina
Published: November 2018

The calculation consists of two stages. The first one begins with the definition of their class, bearing capacity at temperature of 20 °C, according to EN 1992-1-1. At the second stage, the calculation at high temperatures shall be carried out in accordance with Eurocode 4 part 1-2. Comparison of the “stress-strain” diagram of concrete of class 30 under compression and temperature of 20 °C in two formulas showed their difference. That is, the designers do not have the opportunity to continue the calculation of diagrams at different heating temperatures. There was a need to improve the mathematical model of the “stress-strain” ratio of concrete high temperatures, clarification of the criteria of the bearing capacity of concrete in calculation of the fire resistance of composite structures in EN 1994-1-2:2005. In this paper, the method of determination of εcu1,θ developed has allowed, based on the energy approach, to formulate the corrected dependence of the limit deformation on temperature, dependence of the maximum deformation on temperature, and the value of the parameters of the “stress-strain” diagram. According to these data, using the formulas of the first stage, the “stress-strain” diagrams of the concrete of class 30 are calculated at the compression and heating according to EN 1992-1-2:2004.
Influence of long-term compressive stresses on strength of concrete and steel-fiber concrete prismatic element
Authors: Neutov Stepan , Sydorchuk Maryna , Shyliaiev Oleksii
Published: November 2018

The strength and deformation characteristics of concrete and steel-fiber concrete on prisms and cubes are determined. Short-term and long-term tests of the samples were carried out taking into account the recommendations of the regulatory documents for the testing of concrete. Loading of samples with a long load was carried out in force installations (stands) consisting of four metal rods to which rigid loading plates were fixed at certain levels with threaded connections. To cover the entire operational spectrum of the stress state of real reinforced concrete elements, levels of 0.3; 0.4; 0.5; 0.67 and 0.8 from the short-term destructive load were adopted as long-term loading levels. All samples, which were more than a year under the action of a long-acting load, increased their bearing capacity. Prisms from steel-fiber concrete, which were under the influence of a long-acting load during 370 days, increased the bearing capacity, depending on the level of load, by 30-50%. The higher load level, the higher the creep rupture strength. When the loading was repeated before the destruction, the deformations of steel-fiberconcrete prisms changed linearly.
To the solution of the problem of bending of a cylindrical shell by the boundary elements method
Authors: Surianinov Mykola , Krutii Yurii
Published: November 2018

The solution of the problem of the long cylindrical shell bending by a numerical and analytical boundary elements method is considered. The method is based on the analytical construction of a fundamental system of solutions and Green’s functions for the differential equation of the problem under consideration. This paper is devoted to the determination of these expressions. The semi-moment theory of the cylindrical shell calculation, proposed by V.Z. Vlasov, which for the problem under consideration leads to one eighth-order partial differential equation is used. The problem of the bending of a cylindrical shell is twodimensional, and in the numerical and analytical boundary elements method, plates and shells are considered as generalized one-dimensional modules, so the variational method of Kantorovich-Vlasov was applied to this equation to obtain an ordinary differential equation of the eighth order. Sixty-four expressions of all the fundamental functions of the problem are constructed, as well as an analytic expression for the Green’s function, which makes it possible to construct a load vector (without any restrictions on the nature of its application), and then proceed to the solution of boundary-value problems for the bending of long cylindrical shells under various boundary conditions.
Use of a highly dispersed chalk additive for the production of concrete for transport structures
Authors: Borziak Olga , Chepurna Svitlana , Zidkova Tatyana , Zhyhlo Anna , Ismagilov Andrii
Published: November 2018

The concretes used for transport infrastructure facilities are exposed to the active impact of corrosive environment; therefore, such concretes face raised demands as for water repellency, frost resistance and corrosion resistance. These properties can be improved due to the use of additives that have a different kind of effect. This research paper gives consideration to the influence of added highly-dispersed chalk on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete, in particular, water repellency and frost resistance. Experimental data show that the doping of highly-dispersed chalk results in a reduced water repellency and an increased frost-resistance of concrete. The basic physical and mechanical properties of concretes depend on the structure with a special particle packing of the matrix in the interlayers between the structure –forming elements of each level. Assumingly, the influence of added highly-dispersedchalk on the water-repellency and frost-resistance of pavement concrete is conditioned by the optimal arrangement of chalk particles (matrix particles) in the interlayers between the cement particles and the filler (structure-forming elements).
Estimation of corrosion resistance of modifying concrete in a solution of sulfuric acid
Authors: Kabus Oleksii , Kolomiiets Yulyia , Lykhohrai Viktoriia
Published: November 2018

This study presents the test results of 8 concrete series in 5% sulfuric acid solution for 28, 56 and 180 days. Each series was made using two mixtures based on CEM II/A-S 32.5 and CEM III/A 32.5 cements. Modification of the properties of concrete was obtained by the introduction of superplasticizer, silica fume, complex of structure modifier and hydrophobic admixture. The water-binder ratio varied from 0.27 to 0.63, the compressive strength was 26 to 83 MPa, and water absorption from 3.4 to 8.4 %. Samples of test cubes (10x10x10 cm) and test beam (16x4x4 cm) were prepared to immersion in the acid solution. The assessment of corrosion resistance was carried out on the weight loss and strength of concrete in relation to the initial value of 28 days. The obtained results showed that the surface layer of concrete in all samples was destroyed after 28 days of exposure. The deterioration of the corrosion resistance of modified concrete in relation to ordinary concrete without additives was observed regardless of the type of cement. An exception was a series of concrete, which had a water-binder ratio of 0.27–0.28 and a compressive strength of 77–83 MPa.
Construction binders and environmental indicators of their production
Authors: Vinnichenko Varvara , Ryazanov Alexander , Krot Olga
Published: November 2018

A comparative analysis of carbon dioxide emissions during the burning of Portland cement clinker, lime and gypsum was performed. The interrelation between energy indices and the emission of carbon dioxide is shown. The quantitative indices of atmospheric pollution in the manufacture of binders are given. Ecological expediency of production of gypsum and cement clinker in comparison with lime is shown. The article is made rough calculation of environmental pollution by carbon dioxide, which is produced and released into the atmosphere during the production of building binders. It was determined the directions of reducing the formation of gases during firing of the substances to reduce environmental pollution: decrease in endothermy of chemical transformations; reduction of the content of calcium and magnesium carbonates in the feedstock mixture; reduction of raw material moisture; reduction of fuel consumption for the process; increasing the technological efficiency of the process. It was determined the directions of reducing the formation of gases during firing of the substances to reduce environmental pollution. It is shown that carbon dioxide is released into the Earth’s atmosphere in the amount of more than three billion metric tons per year by enterprises that produce cement, lime, and gypsum.
Studying and analysing the frequency and extent of damage to road safety barriers
Authors: Jeliński Łukasz , Jamroz Kazimierz
Published: November 2018

The purpose of road safety barriers is to protect road users from the risk of injury or death and ensure the safety of people and structures within the roadside. When hit by a vehicle, safety barriers suffer damage. Most of the damage significantly affects the functionality and maintenance costs of the devices. Research under the LifeRoSE project aims to identify the distribution of the frequency and extent of safety barrier damage. The paper presents a test site, proposed research methodology, preliminary (based on a partial dataset) distribution of the frequency and extent of damage to safety barriers and factors that have the biggest effect on the frequency and extent of damage.
Employing economical methods for pavement defects estimation
Authors: Szczodrak Maciej , Grabowski Dariusz , Czyżewski Andrzej
Published: November 2018

It is a common practise that measurements of road surface conditions are made using professional and expensive apparatus. Typically a van or a truck equipped with a set of professional sensors i.e. laser scanners of surface is used, therefore the measurement update period is often quite long. Two alternative low-cost methods for estimating road pavement defects and failures were proposed and investigated by the authors. The first one is based on accelerometers application and the other one employs image analysis acquired by cameras installed on a vehicle.
Research on the experimental road signs perception time and their intelligibility
Authors: Grabowski Andrzej , Jankowski Jarosław , Kruszewski Mikołaj
Published: November 2018

Eye tracking technology is often used in road safety research. Eye tracker are used during real and simulated driving to investigate driver’s behaviour. It is also used for assessing influence of new elements, like experimental road signs or road signs from different country, on driver’s behaviour and performance. However it should be noted that, the probability that the signs will be noticed cannot be solely assessed by eye tracking data. Therefore there is a need to complete the results with additional sources of data, eg questionnaire study. In the paper results of research concerning road signs perception carried out with 33 volunteers are presented. Twelve boards with different road situations in the form of photos taken from the driver's perspective were prepared. After the exposure, the volunteer answered questions about the memorized information presented on the road signs.
Managing information in road traffic: best practices
Authors: Lubieniecka-Kocoń Karolina
Published: November 2018

When considering road safety, applying the appropriate infrastructure and methods of using it occurs. Thus, it seem important to ask the question not only how to gather the information, but also, how to manage it. Possessing information does not equal using it, therefore, there have been analysed the methods used to gather and manage the information concerning the traffic incidents and the warnings about the conditions that could possibly increase the probability of the occurrence of such happenings. The comparative analysis and short overview have been performed for the requirements of hereby article so as to address the abovementioned issues. Those have led to creating short portfolio of most interesting solutions that may be applicable to the systems monitoring the safety in high density road infrastructure. The conclusions try to answer the questions which highlight the correlation that is perceived between the effective use of the chosen method and the information management approach, as well as the correlation between the scope of the investment performed and the effectiveness of the launched solution. It may happen the latter may not be directly linked with the former, although it cannot be denied that many of the systems are usually a bit expensive.
Monitoring the traceability, safety and authenticity of imported palm oils in Europe
Authors: Goggin Kirstie A. , Murphy Denis J.
Published: November 2018

This article describes the challenges of regulating and monitoring traceability and certification systems, and of ensuring the safety and authenticity of foodstuffs imported into Europe, particularly focusing on palm oils. Several measures have been implemented within palm oil supply chains to ensure that traceability can be monitored. However, these supply chains can be highly complex and, more often than not, full traceability is not achievable for stakeholders who only have access to existing systems. In Europe, measures for authenticity of palm oils are not presently as robust as those for other vegetable oils, which means that sometimes unsafe and inauthentic palm oils, often already incorporated into other products, can make their way onto supermarket shelves for unsuspecting consumers. Such instances are usually rare and are normally detected before products are purchased by consumers. Nevertheless, it is still the case that the addition of illegal and potentially harmful additives to palm oils destined for export to Europe is a regular occurrence, alerts for which can be found on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. As the European Union has committed to only accept authenticated “sustainably sourced” palm oils, it is even more important to ensure that such imported oils are really from the declared source, preferably via proven analytical methods. This makes it more important that accurate and robust techniques are developed and implemented for verifying the provenance and authenticity of palm oils and their downstream products. Here, we review the underlying regulatory framework relating to traceability and authentication and assess some new and emerging chemically-based technologies that should contribute to improving the monitoring of palm oil and other vegetable oil supply chains in Europe and elsewhere.
Transport properties of Heusler compounds Fe3-xMnxSi (x = 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8) under magnetic fields
Authors: Kato Ryota , Nonoyama Tomohito , Ooka Ryutaro , Shigeta Iduru , Hiroi Masahiko
Published: November 2018

Measurements of the electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance (MR), and Hall effects are performed to investigate the transport properties of Fe3-xMnxSi (x = 1.6, 1.7, and 1.8) under magnetic fields. It is known that Fe2MnSi exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at TC and an antiferromagnetic transition at a lower temperature (TA) to the phase referred to as the AF phase. A recent study on Fe1.3Mn1.7Si found another antiferromagnetic transition at a temperature below TA, defined as TA2, to a phase referred to as the AF2 phase. In this study, in MR measurements for x = 1.7 and 1.8, the change in MR with magnetic field is found to transition from positive to negative at certain magnetic fields. Comparing these results with those of magnetization measurements, these points correspond to the AF2-AF transitions. The results also indicate that these transitions occur at a higher field for x = 1.8 than for x = 1.7. The Hall effect measurements show the anomalous Hall effect for x = 1.6 and 1.7 in the temperature region where spontaneous magnetization is present, but not for x = 1.8, for which the ferromagnetic state appears to be absent. These results are consistent with the magnetization measurements.
Dynamical characterization of micro cantilevers by different excitation methods in dynamic atomic force microscopy
Authors: Tan Xinfeng , Shi Shuai , Guo Dan , Luo Jianbin
Published: November 2018

An atomic force microscopy experimental setup was modified to analyze the differences between the piezoelectric excitation and the photothermal excitation (PTE) for three types of cantilevers, including two aluminum coated cantilevers and one uncoated single-crystalline silicon cantilever. The results show the PTE is a direct and localized excitation method to yield smooth and clean frequency spectra representing only the dynamics of the cantilever without the coupling with mechanical components. The cantilever can be easily excited for a high and controllable amplitude by the PTE method as compared to the piezoelectric excitation. The 1st and 2nd order flexural vibration amplitudes of the coated cantilever are easily and efficiently excited by the PTE method, mainly due to the bimetallic effect and a high photothermal efficiency. The energy conversion and absorption efficiency comparison has been analyzed for different cantilevers by the PTE method. The spurious effects can be avoided by the PTE method which clearly reflects dynamic characteristics of the cantilever, and the scanning image quality can be improved.
Giant enhancement of free charge carrier concentration in boron-doped amorphous hydrogenated silicon under femtosecond laser crystallization
Authors: Pavlikov Alexander V. , Forsh Pavel A. , Svyakhovskiy Sergey E. , Matsukatova Anna N. , Forsh Ekaterina A. , Kazanskii Andrey G. , Kashkarov Pavel K.
Published: November 2018

The modification of boron-doped amorphous hydrogenated silicon films [a-Si:H(B)] with femtosecond laser radiation is studied in this work. It is demonstrated that femtosecond laser crystallization of the a-Si:H(B) film area leads to extremely high values of the free charge carrier (hole) concentration, which is typical for degenerated semiconductors. The free charge carrier concentration is locally determined by measuring the Raman spectra in the modified areas. The shape of Raman spectra is typical for Fano resonance. It is found that the charge carrier concentration in the modified areas may exceed 1020 cm−3 depending on the femtosecond irradiation conditions. The areas with such a high concentration of free charge carriers are also characterized by high volume fraction of crystalline phase (more than 90%). Such a sharp increase in the free charge carrier concentration in the modified areas may be explained by an increase in concentration of electrically active boron atoms. The activation energy of the temperature dependence of the conductivity for laser beam treated areas is in full agreement with the data obtained from the analysis of the Raman scattering spectra.
McPhee, John
Authors: Goggans Jan
Published: November 2018

John McPhee’s nonfiction is universally praised for its intelligent, graceful prose and its wide topical range. A writer’s writer, a man whom other writers genuinely admire for his craft, he is able to soak up a variety of information, assimilate and analyze it, creating essays and book-length works grounded in traditional journalistic techniques while employing a number of literary strategies. Fact based, sometimes taut and dramatic, sometimes spun with wit and charm, yet always reading like a story, McPhee’s prose adds new and memorable ways to a genre we know as creative nonfiction or, in the class McPhee teaches at Princeton, “the literature of fact.” Fact is inarguable in McPhee, but it takes many forms and is harbored in many sources. Biography, interview, description, and analysis—all factor into McPhee’s unique and complex production of the profile, a genre he began writing as a staff member for The New Yorker. His profiles, among many others, have since then included athletes (Bill Bradley and Arthur Ashe), a headmaster, an art historian, and a wild foods expert. The story of each is the story of where, how, and most importantly, why. But it has not been people alone whom McPhee profiles. The Deltoid Pumpkin Seed (1973), about the proliferation of nuclear materials, and Oranges (1967), about the citrus industry, are profiles, as is shad, in The Founding Fish. Often regional in his explorations, he demonstrates Norma Tilden’s claim that “to write a life and to write a place are similar processes. A welter of things seen—and even more that are unseen—go into the formation of both.” This sense of place has earned McPhee the reputation of an environmental writer, and his publications turn to the interrelationship of anthropocentric and nonhuman life forms. Encounters with the Archdruid (1972) and The Curve of Binding Energy (1974) were nominated for National Book Awards in the category of science. McPhee received the award in literature from the Academy of Arts and Letters in 1977. In 1999, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Annals of the Former World.
A mean-field-theoretic model for dual information propagation in networks
Authors: Niranjan Utkarsh , Singh Anurag , Kumar Agrawal Ramesh
Published: November 2018

The Internet is a place where a vast amount of information is flowing. With the deeper penetration of social media, everybody is participating in spreading information. Often we find ourselves confused with competing information on the same topic. In this work, we present a novel model for competitive information diffusion on the scale-free network. The proposed model is an extension of the classical DK model of rumour spreading. Most of previous competitive information diffusion models consider a different type of stiflers to be similar. In our model we have two separate compartments for different types of stiflers. We present a detailed analysis about the effect of infection rate on the prevalence of rumour in the network. To capture the large chunk of population one requires relatively higher spreading rate. Relative impact of spreading rate and stifler rate on the final population in different compartments is also presented. In our analysis, we find that if stifler rate is higher than the spreading rate, a large portion of population remains unaware of rumours. We also find that if the information source is a popular person than people have a bias towards that information and information coming from less popular persons lose its grip on the network and lose the competition. This analysis illustrates that why big companies hire famous celebrities to promote their products. We also demonstrate rumour spreading analysis with numerical solution, network simulation and real network topology of Facebook.
Spontaneous resolution of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of femur on long-term follow-up: case report and review of literature
Authors: Johari Ashok , Anjum Rashid
Published: November 2018

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FFCD) is a rare developmental disorder frequently leading to angular deformities in young children. It most commonly affects the proximal tibia followed by distal femur. There are totally 22 reported cases of FFCD of femur. We report a case of FFCD of distal femur as a cause of varus deformity that was managed nonoperatively. The deformity resolved spontaneously over a period of 8 years. This is the second reported case of spontaneous resolution of angular deformity secondary to FFCD of distal femur. We strongly recommend to observe the behavior of deformity over a period of 24 months before any surgical intervention is planned.
Integration rates of human papilloma virus genome in a molecular survey on cervical specimens among Iranian patients
Authors: Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi , Mobini Kesheh Mina , Keshtmand Glavizh , Basi Ali , Rezvani Hamidreza , Imanzade Farid , Panahi Mahshid , Rakhshani Nasser
Published: November 2018

The human papilloma virus (HPV) as a major causative agent of different cancers is under investigation globally. In this study, we aim to investigate HPV infection in different cytological and pathological stages by different molecular methods, and then the viral genome integration of HPV-16 and -18 is determined by a specific real-time PCR method. The study included women who underwent liquid-based cytology. HPV PCR was conducted by MY09/11 universal primers, HPV genotyping was performed by INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping assay, and the viral genome status was defined by two real-time PCR assays. The statistics were calculated by SPSS v.22 software. In 1668 women included in the study with mean age±std. deviation of 35.6±0.7, HPV was detected in 632 (38%) participants. Following genotyping analyses, 16 HPV types and 713 strains were detected. HPV-16 and HPV-18 from high-risk types and HPV-6 and HPV-11 from low-risk types were the dominant types. We found HPV-16 strains in mixed form (58.8%), and of the HPV-18 strains, the episomal form was prevalent (92.9%). The statistics revealed significant presence of HPV-6 and within normal limits cases; HPV-16 and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; HPV-33 as well as HPV-39 and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; HPV-6 and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; and HPV-35 as well as HPV-56 and squamous cell carcinoma. Our study showed high prevalence of HPV in low-grade cervical lesions, although it is associated with higher grades. The HPV molecular testing extra to cytology is recommended. HPV-16 and HPV-18 have different programs in genome integration in infected cells.
The Effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Children’s Health Coverage
Authors: Ugwi Patience , Lyu Wei , Wehby George L.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Prior research of the impacts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on children’s health coverage has been largely descriptive and focused on the Medicaid expansions.

Objective:

This study examined the causal impacts of the PPACA Medicaid expansions and of the PPACA as a whole on children’s health coverage through 2016.

Research Design:

We utilized quasiexperimental difference in differences designs to estimate the Medicaid expansion and overall PPACA effects. The first model compared coverage changes between Medicaid expanding and nonexpanding states by household income level. The second model identified the overall PPACA effects by estimating coverage changes across differences in pre-PPACA area-level uninsured rates in expanding states for which the identifying assumptions were valid. We used data from the American Community Survey for years 2011 through 2016 for 3,630,988 children aged 0–18 years living in the 50 states and District of Columbia.

Results:

The PPACA Medicaid expansions led to gains in public coverage for children at ≤405% federal poverty line especially in 2015–2016. Gains were largest for children at 138%–255% federal poverty line (~4 percentage-point increase in 2016). These gains however were mostly due to switching from private to public coverage (ie, crowd-out effects). As a whole however, the PPACA reduced children’s uninsured rate in Medicaid-expanding states by about 3 percentage-points in 2016.

Conclusions:

The PPACA resulted in a meaningful decline in children’s uninsured rate in Medicaid-expanding states. PPACA provisions targeting private coverage take-up offset crowd-out effects of the Medicaid expansions resulting in lower children’s uninsured rates.
Effectiveness of Tailored Rehabilitation Education in Improving the Health Literacy and Health Status of Postoperative Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Szu-Chi , Kuo Shu-Fen , Tsai Pei-Shan , Tsai Chia-Yin , Chen Sheng-Shiung , Lin Chia-Yun , Lin Pi-Chu , Hou Wen-Hsuan
Published: November 2018

Background

The improvement of breast cancer treatment and the extension of survivorship have led to the development of postoperative complications among cancer survivors. Health literacy (HL), defined as patients’ capability of using health information to maintain their health status, can enable breast cancer patients to manage postoperative complications.

Objective

The aims of this study were to develop a tailored rehabilitation education (TRE) program and examine the effectiveness of this program in improving the HL and health status with breast cancer.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial recruited 99 breast cancer patients (49 and 50 in the intervention and control groups, respectively) within 1 week after surgery. Four-week individualized TRE programs were implemented to improve their HL and health status.

Results

Our results showed that the TRE program produced significant improvements in HL and health status in the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. However, no significant difference was observed in the activity scores obtained using the Barthel Index between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Our finding supports the effectiveness of 1-month TRE in improving HL and all components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health status, except the activity component among breast cancer in Taiwan.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians could incorporate the TRE techniques in the rehabilitation sessions according to the healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion domains to improve the clinical outcomes as well as change their health behaviors and attitudes of patients with breast cancer.
Perspectives of Chinese Cancer Patients Toward Disclosure of Cancer Diagnosis to Their Minor Children
Authors: Wang Qi , Arber Anne , Shen Aomei , Qiang Wanmin
Published: November 2018

Background

One of the issues that cancer patients with minor or adolescent children face is whether to inform children about their cancer diagnosis. Their perspectives toward this issue are underexplored in China.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore Chinese cancer parents’ perspectives toward informing children of their diseases.

Methods

Eighteen cancer patients with children younger than 18 years were recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s approach.

Results

Six main themes with 2 to 6 subthemes emerged: (a) inappropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (b) appropriate to disclose the true diagnosis to children, (c) communication content between cancer patients and their children in regard to cancer, (d) attitude on ways of disclosing cancer diagnosis to children, (e) reflections on parenting style, and (f) unmet needs for information and support.

Conclusions

Perspectives of Chinese cancer parents toward truthfully disclosing their diagnosis vary, but all are for the purpose of protecting their children. Study findings indicate that Chinese cancer parents have culture-specific considerations, such as concepts of death and filial piety, which differ from studies in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are barriers between cancer parents and children in communicating about the illness and unmet needs for information and support.

Implications for Practice

Psychosocial assessments and consultations, education, and interventions need to include a focus on the dependent children of adult cancer parents.
Neurocognitive and Metacognitive Profiles of Intact Social Cognition in Prolonged Schizophrenia
Authors: James Alison V. , Johannesen Jason K. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: November 2018

Social cognition (SC) appears to contribute to long-term outcomes in schizophrenia; however, little is known about whether different forms of SC are supported by the same cognitive processes. Accordingly, we examined the relationship of two domains of SC: emotion recognition (ER), using the Bell-Lysaker Emotion Recognition Test, and social inference (SI), using the Social Attribution Task–Multiple Choice, to measures of neurocognition, metacognition, theory of mind (ToM), and symptoms. Participants were 72 adults with schizophrenia in a nonacute phase. Multivariate analysis of variance and univariate analysis of variance revealed participants with intact ER had better neurocognition (MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery [MCCB]), metacognition (Metacognition Assessment Scale–Abbreviated), ToM (The Hinting Task), and higher emotional discomfort symptoms than participants with impaired scores. Participants with intact SI had higher MCCB visual and verbal learning and SC scores. Stepwise regressions revealed neurocognition and metacognition uniquely contribute to ER performance. Results suggest ER and SI are differentially related to cognitive processes.