bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global conformational changes in IgG-Fc upon mutation of the FcRn-binding site are not associated with altered antibody-dependent effector functions
Authors: Burvenich Ingrid J.G. , Farrugia William , Liu Zhanqi , Makris Dahna , King Dylan , Gloria Benjamin , Perani Angelo , Allan Laura C. , Scott Andrew M. , Ramsland Paul A.
Published: May 2018

Antibody engineering is important for many diagnostic and clinical applications of monoclonal antibodies. We recently reported a series of fragment crystallizable (Fc) mutations targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) site on a Lewis Y (Ley) binding IgG1, hu3S193. The hu3S193 variants displayed shortened in vivo half-lives and may have potential for radioimaging or radiotherapy of Ley-positive tumors. Here, we report Fc crystal structures of wild-type hu3S193, seven FcRn-binding site variants, and a variant lacking C1q binding or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity. The Fc conformation of the FcRn-binding sites was similar for wild-type and all mutants of hu3S193 Fc, which suggests that FcRn interactions were directly affected by the amino acid substitutions. The C1q-binding site mutant Fc was nearly identical with the wild-type Fc. Surprisingly, several hu3S193 Fc variants showed large changes in global structure compared with wild-type Fc. All hu3S193 Fc mutants had similar antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, despite some with conformations expected to diminish Fc gamma receptor binding. Several hu3S193 variants displayed altered CDC, but there was no correlation with the different Fc conformations. All versions of hu3S193, except the C1q-binding site mutant, bound C1q, suggesting that the altered CDC of some variants could result from different propensities to form IgG hexamers after engaging Ley on target cells. Overall, our findings support the concept that the antibody Fc is both flexible and mobile in solution. Structure-based design approaches should take into account the conformational plasticity of the Fc when engineering antibodies with optimal effector properties.
Eliminate the transmission feedthrough of thermal‐piezoresistive I2 ‐BAR MEMS resonators based on reverse‐biased PN junction
Authors: Xiong Zhuang , Zhang Zhaoyun , Zhang Li , Yang He
Published: May 2018

The thermally driving and piezo‐resistive sensing I2 ‐BAR resonators have attracted substantial attentions due to its promising features which could be widely applied for radio frequency) applications. However, one major drawback of the I2 ‐BAR resonators is that the thermal driving and the piezoresistive sensing signals are highly coupled which results in an excessive transmission feedthrough floor, masking thus the real resonance behaviours. In this work, a simple and effective approach to eliminate the feedthrough effect using reverse‐biased PN junction is presented. The device was fabricated on a p‐type silicon‐on‐insulator wafer with locally doped n‐type regions. With proper bias voltages, the thermal driving current and the output piezoresistive current were confined inside the p‐type layer and the n‐type layer, respectively. With such design concept, an improvement of 50 dB feedthrough reduction was observed comparing with the conventional measurement. The resonance behaviour can thus be physically obtained without further post data processing. This research also shows that such measurement methods can be transferred to other domains where integrated thermal driving and piezoresistive sensing transductions are required.
AgNPs uniformly doped onto PVA microspheres for optical recognition application
Authors: Yang Bei , Bai Xue , Xue Lihong , Yang Lizhang
Published: May 2018

Via surface aldolisation or semi‐aldolisation, the surface of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres was uniformly doped with sliver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the spherical shape of the AgNPs@PVA microspheres. Fourier transform infrared spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) provided information on the surface interactions between AgNPs and PVA microspheres. The AgNPs@PVA microspheres offered simple and rapid qualitative detection of Hg2+ ions and pH values through a colour change in aqueous solution. The AgNPs@PVA microspheres also showed off–on behaviour.
Transition from axi- to nonaxisymmetric dynamo modes in spherical convection models of solar-like stars
Authors: Viviani M. , Warnecke J. , Käpylä M. J. , Käpylä P. J. , Olspert N. , Cole-Kodikara E. M. , Lehtinen J. J. , Brandenburg A.
Published: May 2018

Context. Both dynamo theory and observations of stellar large-scale magnetic fields suggest a change from nearly axisymmetric configurations at solar rotation rates to nonaxisymmetric configurations for rapid rotation.

Aims. We seek to understand this transition using numerical simulations.

Methods. We use three-dimensional simulations of turbulent magnetohydrodynamic convection in spherical shell wedges and considered rotation rates between 1 and 31 times the solar value.

Results. We find a transition from axi- to nonaxisymmetric solutions at around 1.8 times the solar rotation rate. This transition coincides with a change in the rotation profile from antisolar- to solar-like differential rotation with a faster equator and slow poles. In the solar-like rotation regime, the field configuration consists of an axisymmetric oscillatory field accompanied by an m = 1 azimuthal mode (two active longitudes), which also shows temporal variability. At slow (rapid) rotation, the axisymmetric (nonaxisymmetric) mode dominates. The axisymmetric mode produces latitudinal dynamo waves with polarity reversals, while the nonaxisymmetric mode often exhibits a slow drift in the rotating reference frame and the strength of the active longitudes changes cyclically over time between the different hemispheres. In the majority of cases we find retrograde waves, while prograde waves are more often found from observations. Most of the obtained dynamo solutions exhibit cyclic variability either caused by latitudinal or azimuthal dynamo waves. In an activity-period diagram, the cycle lengths normalized by the rotation period form two different populations as a function of rotation rate or magnetic activity level. The slowly rotating axisymmetric population lies close to what in observations is called the inactive branch, where the stars are believed to have solar-like differential rotation, while the rapidly rotating models are close to the superactive branch with a declining cycle to rotation frequency ratio and an increasing rotation rate.

Conclusions. We can successfully reproduce the transition from axi- to nonaxisymmetric dynamo solutions for high rotation rates, but high-resolution simulations are required to limit the effect of rotational quenching of convection at rotation rates above 20 times the solar value.
Restframe UV-to-optical spectroscopy of APM 08279+5255
Authors: Saturni F. G. , Bischetti M. , Piconcelli E. , Bongiorno A. , Cicone C. , Feruglio C. , Fiore F. , Gallerani S. , Giustini M. , Piranomonte S. , Vietri G. , Vignali C.
Published: May 2018

We present the analysis of the restframe optical-to-UV spectrum of APM 08279+5255, a well-known lensed broad absorption line (BAL) quasar at z = 3.911. The spectroscopic data were taken with the optical DOLoRes and near-IR NICS instruments at TNG, and include the previously unexplored range between C III] λ1910 and [O III] λλ4959,5007. We have investigated the possible presence of multiple BALs by computing “balnicity” and absorption indexes (i.e., BI, BI0, and AI) for the transitions Si IV λ1400, C IV λ1549, Al III λ1860, and Mg II λ2800. No clear evidence for the presence of absorption features is found in addition to the already known, prominent BAL associated to C IV, which supports a high-ionization BAL classification for APM 08279+5255. We also studied the properties of the [O III], Hβ, and Mg II emission lines. We find that [O III] is intrinsically weak (F[OIII]∕FHβ ≲ 0.04), as it is typically found in luminous quasars with a strongly blueshifted C IV emission line (~2500 km s−1 for APM 08279+5255). We computed the single-epoch black hole mass based on Mg II and Hβ broad emission lines, finding MBH = (2 ÷ 3) × 1010μ−1 M⊙, with the magnification factor μ that can vary between 4 and 100 according to CO and restframe UV-to-mid-IR imaging respectively. Using a Mg II equivalent width (EW)-to-Eddington ratio relation, the EWMgII ~ 27 Å measured for APM 08279+5255 translates into an Eddington ratio of ~0.4, which is more consistent with μ = 4. This magnification factor also provides a value of MBH that is consistent with recent reverberation-mapping measurements derived from C IV and Si IV.
The mid-2016 flaring activity of the flat spectrum radio quasar PKS 2023-07
Authors: Piano G. , Munar-Adrover P. , Pacciani L. , Romano P. , Vercellone S. , Donnarumma I. , Verrecchia F. , Carrasco L. , Porras A. , Recillas E. , Tavani M.
Published: May 2018

Context. Flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) can suffer strong absorption above E = 25∕(1 + z) GeV, due to gamma–gamma interaction if the emitting region is at sub-parsec scale from the super-massive black hole (SMBH).

Aims. Gamma-ray flares from these astrophysical sources can be used to investigate the location of the high-energy emission region and the physics of the radiating processes.

Methods. We present an episode of remarkable gamma-ray flaring activity from FSRQ PKS 2023-07 during April 2016, as detected by both the AGILE and Fermi satellites. An intensive multiwavelength campaign, triggered by Swift, covered the entire duration of the flaring activity, including the peak gamma-ray activity.

Results. We report the results of multiwavelength observations of the blazar. We found that during the peak emission, the most energetic photon had an energy of 44 GeV, putting strong constraints on the opacity of the gamma-ray dissipation region. The overall spectral energy distribution (SED) is interpreted in terms of leptonic models for blazar jets, with the emission site located beyond the broad line region (BLR).
Spatially resolved cold molecular outflows in ULIRGs
Authors: Pereira-Santaella M. , Colina L. , García-Burillo S. , Combes F. , Emonts B. , Aalto S. , Alonso-Herrero A. , Arribas S. , Henkel C. , Labiano A. , Muller S. , Piqueras López J. , Rigopoulou D. , van der Werf P.
Published: May 2018

We present new CO(2–1) observations of three low-z (d ~350 Mpc) ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) systems (six nuclei) observed with the Atacama large millimeter/submillimeter array (ALMA) at high spatial resolution (~500 pc). We detect massive cold molecular gas outflows in five out of six nuclei (Mout ~ (0.3−5) × 108 M⊙). These outflows are spatially resolved with deprojected effective radii between 250 pc and 1 kpc although high-velocity molecular gas is detected up to Rmax ~ 0.5−1.8 kpc (1–6 kpc deprojected). The mass outflow rates are 12–400 M⊙ yr−1 and the inclination corrected average velocity of the outflowing gas is 350–550 km s−1 (vmax = 500−900 km s−1). The origin of these outflows can be explained by the strong nuclear starbursts although the contribution of an obscured active galactic nucleus cannot be completely ruled out. The position angle (PA) of the outflowing gas along the kinematic minor axis of the nuclear molecular disk suggests that the outflow axis is perpendicular to the disk for three of these outflows. Only in one case is the outflow PA clearly not along the kinematic minor axis, which might indicate a different outflow geometry. The outflow depletion times are 15–80 Myr. These are comparable to, although slightly shorter than, the star-formation (SF) depletion times (30–80 Myr). However, we estimate that only 15–30% of the outflowing molecular gas will escape the gravitational potential of the nucleus. The majority of the outflowing gas will return to the disk after 5–10 Myr and become available to form new stars. Therefore, these outflows will not likely completely quench the nuclear starbursts. These star-forming powered molecular outflows would be consistent with being driven by radiation pressure from young stars (i.e., momentum-driven) only if the coupling between radiation and dust increases with increasing SF rates. This can be achieved if the dust optical depth is higher in objects with higher SF. This is the case in at least one of the studied objects. Alternatively, if the outflows are mainly driven by supernovae (SNe), the coupling efficiency between the interstellar medium and SNe must increase with increasing SF levels. The relatively small sizes (<1 kpc) and dynamical times (<3 Myr) of the cold molecular outflows suggests that molecular gas cannot survive longer in the outflow environment or that it cannot form efficiently beyond these distances or times. In addition, the ionized and hot molecular phases have been detected for several of these outflows, so this suggests that outflowing gas can experience phase changes and indicates that the outflowing gas is intrinsically multiphase, likely sharing similar kinematics, but different mass and, therefore, different energy and momentum contributions.
The SHiP physics program
Authors: De Lellis Giovanni
Published: May 2018

The discovery of the Higgs boson has fully confirmed the Standard Model of particles and fields. Nevertheless, there are still fundamental phenomena, like the existence of dark matter and the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, which deserve an explanation that could come from the discovery of new particles. The SHiP experiment at CERN meant to search for very weakly coupled particles in the few GeV mass domain has been recently proposed. The existence of such particles, foreseen in different theoretical models beyond the Standard Model, is largely unexplored. A beam dump facility using high intensity 400 GeV protons is a copious source of such unknown particles in the GeV mass range. The beam dump is also a copious source of neutrinos and in particular it is an ideal source of tau neutrinos, the less known particle in the Standard Model. Indeed, tau anti-neutrinos have not been directly observed so far. We report the physics potential of such an experiment including the tau neutrino magnetic moment.
Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Sludge and Liquid Materials
Authors: Čarnogurská Mária , Příhoda Miroslav , Brestovič Tomáš , Lázár Marián , Jasminská Natália , Marek Jiří , Puškár Dušan
Published: May 2018

The present article describes two various methods of determination of thermal conductivity of semi-solid and liquid materials. One is based on experimental measurements of heat flux through a layer of semi-solid material while using the Heat Flow Plates, and the second one uses Peltier Elements to determine the heat flux density. The first method was used to determine thermal conductivity of sludge taken from natural gas coolers. Its value, identified by measurements, was 0.746 W·m-1·K-1. The second method was applied to determine thermal conductivity for sludge taken from natural gas filtration units. Values thereof were ranging from 0.608 W·m-1·K-1 (at the mean sludge temperature of 22 °C) to 0.652 W·m-1·K-1 (at the sludge temperature of 43 °C).
Numerical simulation of induction heating thick-walled tubes
Authors: Lenhard Richard , Malcho Milan , Kaduchová Katarína
Published: May 2018

In the paper is shown the connection of two toolboxes in an Ansys Workbench solution for induction heating. In Ansys Workbench, Maxwell electromagnetism programs and Fluent have been linked. In Maxwell, a simulation of electromagnetic induction was performed, where data on the magnetic field distribution in the heated material was obtained and then transformed into the Fluent program in which the induction heating simulation was performed.
Effect of inlet turbulence on compressible flow through the tip-section turbine blade cascade with supersonic inlet
Authors: Straka Petr , Příhoda Jaromír , Fenderl David , Rudas Bartoloměj
Published: May 2018

The contribution deals with the numerical simulation of 2D compressible flow though the tip-section turbine blade cascade with the supersonic inlet boundary conditions. The simulation was carried out by the in-house numerical code using the explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model completed by the bypass transition model with the algebraic equation for the intermittency coefficient. The γ-Re model implemented in the commercial code Fluent was used for the comparison. Predictions carried out for the nominal conditions were focused on the effect of inlet free-stream turbulence on the flow structure in the blade cascade under supersonic inlet conditions. Numerical results were compared with experimental data.
Numerical modelling of transonic centripetal flow in radial turbine blade cascade
Authors: Straka Petr
Published: May 2018

Numerical modelling of transonic centripetal turbulent flow in radial blade cascade is described in this paper. Method of the confusor buffer zone is applied to overcome some numerical obstacles related with specifical properties of the outlet confusor. Kinetic energy loss coeficient of the radial blade cascade is compared with its linear representation and with experimental data.
Reduction of the suction pressure of a liquid ring vacuum pump with a supersonic gas ejector
Authors: Olšiak Róbert , Fuszko Zoltán , Csuka Zoltán
Published: May 2018

A supersonic gas ejector in conjunction with a liquid ring vacuum pump is used for creating and maintaining vacuum in a chamber for technological purposes. In this paper the authors submit an overview about the problematics of suction pressure reduction with a supersonic gas ejector used as a pre-stage of a liquid ring vacuum pump. This system has also the function of a cavitation protection due to the higher pressure present at the suction throat of the vacuum pump. A part of this paper is devoted to the governing equations used at the definition of the flow through an ejector. The experimental studies are then carried out in or own laboratory for verification purposes.
Numerical simulation of heat exchanger operation
Authors: Durcansky Peter , Orsansky Pavol
Published: May 2018

Numerical simulations have opened wide field of possible applications and opportunities to be used not only in science but also in the industry. With new developed numerical methods we can not only describe existing systems, but we can also predict possible behaviour or possible state of inspected system. This article deals with numerical simulation of proposed heat exchanger for hot air engine and with simulation of its possible states and behaviour with certain conditions.
Analysis of thermodynamic parameters and their influence on the thermal comfort in the working environment
Authors: Kolková Zuzana , Hrabovský Peter , Matušov Jozef , Nosek Radovan
Published: May 2018

Air quality inside the building is an important measure of comfort for people living and working in it. Achieving optimal air quality requires a regulated indoor air control system, often in combination with thermal regeneration. Typical short ventilation, irregular window and door ventilation are rarely adequate. From the point of view of the thermal comfort of the environment, it is necessary to predict the development and selection of suitable systems for the thermal comfort of the environment to predict how many thermal factors will affect the population, room temperature uniformity, asymmetry of the radiation temperature, and turbulence intensity of the flowing air. People are capable of detecting heat, temperature changes can feel not only globally, but also as local heat loss on the parts of the body. Thermal comfort is given by the air temperature and radiant heat, air velocity and relative humidity in the room. The main impact of these factors on the comfort level of individuals depends on the activity and type of clothing. The bad thermal comfort is detrimental to workers' health, increasing the risk of accidents and affects adverse effects on the psyche. The assessment of impact of the working environment to human form comparing actual and optimal parameter values of the working environment.
Evolution of vortical structures behind an inclined flat plate
Authors: Procházka Pavel , Uruba Václav , Skála Vladislav
Published: May 2018

2D3C TR-PIV technique was utilized to investigate streamwise-oriented vortical structures behind an inclined flat plate. The angle of attack was set to 7 deg, several fields of view in the wake were investigated. The instantaneous velocity vector fields were captured, dynamics of the flow was studied using POD method. The streamwise structures are determined by vorticity and low- and high-velocity streaks are defined. The acquired results are in a good agreement with the new hypothesis of a principle of flight.
Efficiency calculation on 10 MW experimental steam turbine
Authors: Hoznedl Michal
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with defining flow path efficiency of an experimental steam turbine by using measurement of flow, torque, pressures and temperatures. The configuration of the steam turbine flow path is briefly described. Measuring points and devices are defined. The paper indicates the advantages as well as disadvantages of flow path efficiency measurement using enthalpy and torque on the shaft. The efficiency evaluation by the help pressure and temperature measurement is influenced by flow parameter distribution and can provide different values of flow path efficiency. The efficiency determination by using of torque and mass flow measurement is more accurate and it is recommended for using. The disadvantage is relatively very complicated and expensive measuring system.
Evaluation of the energy production efficiency of CHP systems during the summer and winter season operation on the cogeneration unit
Authors: Rimár Miroslav , Abraham Milan , Fedak Marcel , Váhovský Jakub , Kulikov Andrii
Published: May 2018

The main idea of using combined heat and energy production is to reduce usage of primary fuels and with that connected reducing of pollutions due to the integration of renewable energy sources and with regard to the natural environment. Presented contribution is dedicated on issue on the operation of a cogeneration unit integrated in central heating system. The purpose of currently contribution is to analyse and compare effectivity of cogeneration unit in each summer and winter season.
Control and regulation systems of energy networks in buildings
Authors: Kolková Zuzana , Hrabovský Peter , Matušov Jozef , Antošová Martina , Holubčík Michal
Published: May 2018

Measurement, regulation and control systems offer direct savings and reduce energy consumption, regulating heating, cooling, ventilation or lighting in the intelligent buildings. They provide quick and accurate information on the status of regulated systems or possible malfunction. Systems can use the special meteorological stations to get information about wind velocity and direction, outdoor temperature, intensity and direction of sunlight. They respond flexibly to changes in external parameters. Intelligent buildings combine architecture and aesthetics of the construction, safety, comfort and quality of the living. These buildings are productive, energy efficient and environmentally acceptable. Intelligent buildings combine internal and external intelligence building, intelligence used materials and constructions. The most important aspect is the cooperation of people with those systems. Intelligent buildings should be permanent, healthy, technologically advanced.
Introductory measurements on the physical model of the VVER 440 nuclear reactor II. fuel cell assembly
Authors: Závodný Zdenko , Mlynár Peter , Urban František , Hollý Ján , Fuszko Zoltán , Világi František
Published: May 2018

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the relationship between the coolant temperature in the fuel cell assembly outlet and the mean coolant temperature profile in the thermocouple plane is required for safe and effective loading of nuclear fuel cells. Physical model of the VVER 440 nuclear reactor fuel cell assembly serves to analyze the influence of the coolant mass flow on the coolant velocity and temperature profiles at the plane of the thermocouple position in the fuel cell assembly.
Methods of filling the heat pipes
Authors: Banovčan Roman , Novomestský Marcel , Vantúch Martin , Kapjor Andrej , Nemec Patrik
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with individuals methods of filling heat pipes methods (filling by evaporation of the working fluid, filling by vacuuming of working fluid, freezing of working fluid – vacuuming). The second part of the paper is devoted to the comparison of the power of heat pipes after filling by individual methods.
High-temperature reaction of sodium vapour with quartz glass
Authors: Nosek Radovan , Kolkova Zuzana , Trško Libor , Liptáková Tatiana , Procházka Jan , Libera Ondřej , Bublíková Petra
Published: May 2018

Heat pipes are one of the most efficient ways to transfer thermal energy hundred times more efficiently than copper. In this work, we present the investigation of sodium terminal velocity inside a glass pulsating heat pipe. Velocity measurements were conducted under operating conditions within the range of 500 – 1 100 °C. Since sodium is generally able to etch glass and ceramic materials, its presence resulted in glass reduction and sodium oxidation. From the XPS analysis of specimens extracted from a glass pipe after sodium explosion, it can be concluded that the reaction products are sodium oxide Na2O and a thin layer of carbon, which is localized on the SiO2 glass. The character of damage induced by chemical reactions is analysed in this manuscript.
Experimental Modelling of Autoignition Temperature for Alkyl/Alkenyl Products from Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Skřínský Jan , Vereš Ján , Borovec Karel
Published: May 2018

Interest in Fischer-Tropsch technology is increasing rapidly. Alkyl/alkenyl products from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are alternative, renewable, environmentally and economically attractive fuels and there are considered one of the most favorable fuels for conventional fossil-based fuels. The chemistry of this gas-to-liquid industry converts synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen to oxygenated hydrocarbons such as alcohols. The fire hazards associated with the use of these liquid hydrocarbons mixtures are obvious. This article aims to explore the fundamental fire and explosion characteristics for main products composition from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
Comparison of particulate matter in combustion of wood chips and sawdust at nominal and reduced output
Authors: Čaja Alexander , Kantová Nikola
Published: May 2018

Biomass has been still on the rise in recent years in the world. But combustion of biomass led to the increase of emissions in the atmosphere. Mainly in winter time is formed a large amount of particulate matter. They have adverse impact on our health when human breathes them. This is a reason why is important to produce low level of these emissions. However, several aspects impact on their formation. This article examines impact of type of fuel and operation of heat source on PM formation. It compares particulate matter from combustion of wood chips and sawdust at nominal and reduced output.
Characterization of syngas produced from biomass gasification
Authors: Najser Jan , Němček Ondřej , Mikeska Marcel
Published: May 2018

This conference paper presents biomass (wood chips from the production process of sawmills) as a renewable energy source to produce electric energy by gasification. Executed measurements from the gasifier with a fixed bed and properties of produced syngas are described in this paper. The goal is to use the produced syngas at co-generation units with piston combustion engines to produce electric energy and heat. The syngas composition is the final result of these measurements. The syngas from gasification contains pollutants which cause technical difficulties during its use in engines with internal combustion and for this reason it is necessary to choose an adequate system of syngas cleaning.
Substrates for slow pyrolysis
Authors: Peer Václav , Frantík Jaroslav , Kielar Jan , Mašek Drahomír
Published: May 2018

Slow pyrolysis of solid materials can produce new materials usable for energy or chemical industry. The advantage of pyrolysis devices is the simple construction and process control and the ability to utilize materials with different properties (composition, ash content). Produced gaseous, liquid and solid materials could be used as a sources of energy, raw materials in chemical industry or substances for improving of soil properties. At article are described products of slow pyrolysis of biomass (wood chips), agrifuels (hay, wheat straw) and sewage sludge.
Solutions for the size & concentration measurement of aerosols from combustion
Authors: Bustin Lucia , Dahlkötter Florian , Kykal Carsten , Tritscher Torsten , Bischof Oliver F.
Published: May 2018

Currently the main pollution comes from the anthropogenic sources related to residential heating and combustion. Most of the emitted particles from this sources are in the mode below 1 μm. Therefore, only by using methods based on the electric mobility separation and size enhancement we can measure the size and concentration of this particles from nano to ultrafine sizes. This contribution describes the most recent methods how to study particle size and concentration of the particles coming from combustion sources.
Ways to heat hot water via the heat pipes
Authors: Hrabovský Peter , Kolková Zuzana , Matušov Jozef , Nemec Patrik
Published: May 2018

The article deals various ways of heating hot water where heat is transferred by the basic phenomena of heat transfer theories, which take place on an innovative basis with the advantage of the absence of mechanical elements. The heat transfer in this case ensures a change in the phase-in phase of the working substance – the fluid – from which the thermal output and the efficiency of the device are derived. The devices described in this article work on the same principle of heat transfer. Each device is characterized by own construction and the principle of heat transfer. Heat pipes are classified according to the way of operation and the place of use. Subdivision of the heat pipe, in terms of its actual, use in the desired temperature range. At present, heating plants use cooling technologies (nuclear power, space stations, IT).
Finite element design procedure for correcting the coining die profiles
Authors: Alexandrino Paulo , Leitão Paulo J , Alves Luis M , Martins Paulo A.F.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a new finite element based design procedure for correcting the coining die profiles in order to optimize the distribution of pressure and the alignment of the resultant vertical force at the end of the die stroke. The procedure avoids time consuming and costly try-outs, does not interfere with the creative process of the sculptors and extends the service life of the coining dies by significantly decreasing the applied pressure and bending moments. The numerical simulations were carried out in a computer program based on the finite element flow formulation that is currently being developed by the authors in collaboration with the Portuguese Mint. A new experimental procedure based on the stack compression test is also proposed for determining the stress-strain curve of the materials directly from the coin blanks.
Ketamine: A Neuroanesthesiologist's Friend or Foe?
Authors: Luthra Ankur , Rath Girija Prasad
Published: May 2018

Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, introduced into clinical practice six decades ago, has often been the worst fear of a neuroanesthesiologist due to its concerns of causing a rise in intracranial pressure and increasing cerebral blood volume. However, the recent literature clarifies that it may have a beneficial role, even in neurosurgical patients, because of its propensity to cause neuroprotection through antiglutamatergic action on the NMDA receptors in the ischemic brain. Apart from having an anticonvulsive role in refractory status epilepticus, its inherent property of increasing blood flow to the ischemic areas offers protection to the penumbral zone, thus preventing secondary brain injuries. Also, it has been widely used as an analgesic at subanesthetic doses post spine surgeries. Recently, enough scientific evidence has been published in favor of ketamine establishing the fact that it does not cause a rise in intracranial pressure when the patient is mechanically ventilated and normocarbia is maintained. It has also been used during evoked potential monitoring as it amplifies signals even under general anesthesia and proves to be quite effective during neuromonitoring. However, its adverse effects of increasing muscle tone, excessive salivation, emergence delirium, agitation, and “out of body” experiences with long-term psychomimetic effects and potential to cause addiction have precluded its widespread use.

This review on ketamine summarizes the benefits of using it in neurosurgical anesthesia with the aim of removing the fears we had in the past, which did not seem to be evidence based.
Validation of Multiparametric Ultrasonography Criteria with Digital Subtraction Angiography in Carotid Artery Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Barlinn Kristian , Rickmann Henning , Kitzler Hagen , Krogias Christos , Strohm Henning , Abramyuk Andrij , Barlinn Jessica , Siepmann Timo , Rabahi Ali , Graehlert Xina , Schwanebeck Uta , Winzer Simon , Arnold Sebastian , Moennings Peter , Pallesen Lars-Peder , Bodechtel Ulf , Mudra Harald , Linn Jennifer , Reichmann Heinz , Alexandrov Andrei , Gahn Georg , Weiss Norbert , Puetz Volker
Published: May 2018

Purpose The German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) recently revised its multiparametric criteria for duplex ultrasonography (DUS) grading of internal carotid artery (ICA) disease. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the revised DEGUM criteria for ultrasonography grading of ICA disease in a prospective multicenter study.

Materials and Methods We evaluated consecutive patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography of the extracranial carotid arteries at four tertiary care hospitals. Blinded investigators graded ICA disease according to DEGUM-recommended ultrasonography criteria and calculated NASCET-type percent stenosis from angiography images. Endpoints included overall classification accuracy, prediction of clinically relevant disease categories and between-test agreement in the continuous range of percent stenosis.

Results A total of 121 patients (median age: 69 [IQR, 16] years; 74 % men; median time between DUS and angiography: 1 day [IQR, 2]) provided 163 DUS-angiography carotid artery pairs. The classification accuracy of the DEGUM criteria to predict stenosis within 10 % increments as compared to angiography was 34.9 % (95 % CI, 28.0 – 42.6). The sensitivity of DUS for the detection of moderate (50 – 69 %) and severe (70 – 99 %) stenosis was 35 % and 81 %, with an overall accuracy of 73 % and 74 %, respectively. The specificity was 89 % and 69 %, respectively. Considering the continuous spectrum of the disease (0 – 100 %), the Bland-Altman interval limit of agreement was 51 %.

Conclusion At laboratories experienced with ultrasound grading of the extracranial ICA, the revised DEGUM multiparametric ultrasonography criteria do not eliminate the need for a confirmatory test for the identification of clinically relevant grades of the disease.
Investigation of airflow effects on the dielectric barrier discharge with single/double discharge channel arrangement
Authors: Fan Zhihui , Yan Huijie , Liu Yidi , Guo Hongfei , Wang Yuying , Ren Chunsheng
Published: May 2018

Atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) with airflow participation has been widely used in recent years. In this paper, effects of airflow on DBD characteristics are experimentally investigated by single/double pin-to-plate DBD arrangements with an AC exciting source. The discharge electrical characteristics and the movements of discharge channels in airflow are investigated with a single pin electrode arrangement. The current intensities increase in positive cycles and decrease in negative cycles with the increase in airflow velocity. The transition from a filamentary discharge to a diffuse discharge is observed under certain airflow conditions, and the discharge channels move with the airflow with a movement velocity less than the corresponding airflow velocity. In the cases of double pin electrode arrangements, the repulsion between double pin discharge channels is apparent at a 10 mm distance but is not obvious at a 20 mm distance. When the airflow is introduced into the discharge gap, not as in the case of single pin electrode arrangement, the movements of discharge channels in airflow are affected by adjacent discharge channels. The corresponding reasons are analyzed in the paper.
Transport barriers in bootstrap-driven tokamaks
Authors: Staebler G. M. , Garofalo A. M. , Pan C. , McClenaghan J. , Van Zeeland M. A. , Lao L. L.
Published: May 2018

Experiments have demonstrated improved energy confinement due to the spontaneous formation of an internal transport barrier in high bootstrap fraction discharges. Gyrokinetic analysis, and quasilinear predictive modeling, demonstrates that the observed transport barrier is caused by the suppression of turbulence primarily from the large Shafranov shift. It is shown that the Shafranov shift can produce a bifurcation to improved confinement in regions of positive magnetic shear or a continuous reduction in transport for weak or negative magnetic shear. Operation at high safety factor lowers the pressure gradient threshold for the Shafranov shift-driven barrier formation. Two self-organized states of the internal and edge transport barrier are observed. It is shown that these two states are controlled by the interaction of the bootstrap current with magnetic shear, and the kinetic ballooning mode instability boundary. Election scale energy transport is predicted to be dominant in the inner 60% of the profile. Evidence is presented that energetic particle-driven instabilities could be playing a role in the thermal energy transport in this region.
Thin film metrology and microwave loss characterization of indium and aluminum/indium superconducting planar resonators
Authors: McRae C. R. H. , Béjanin J. H. , Earnest C. T. , McConkey T. G. , Rinehart J. R. , Deimert C. , Thomas J. P. , Wasilewski Z. R. , Mariantoni M.
Published: May 2018

Scalable architectures characterized by quantum bits (qubits) with low error rates are essential to the development of a practical quantum computer. In the superconducting quantum computing implementation, understanding and minimizing material losses are crucial to the improvement of qubit performance. A new material that has recently received particular attention is indium, a low-temperature superconductor that can be used to bond pairs of chips containing standard aluminum-based qubit circuitry. In this work, we characterize microwave loss in indium and aluminum/indium thin films on silicon substrates by measuring superconducting coplanar waveguide resonators and estimating the main loss parameters at powers down to the sub-photon regime and at temperatures between 10 and 450 mK. We compare films deposited by thermal evaporation, sputtering, and molecular beam epitaxy. We study the effects of heating in a vacuum and ambient atmospheric pressure as well as the effects of pre-deposition wafer cleaning using hydrofluoric acid. The microwave measurements are supported by thin film metrology including secondary-ion mass spectrometry. For thermally evaporated and sputtered films, we find that two-level state are the dominant loss mechanism at low photon number and temperature, with a loss tangent due to native indium oxide of ∼5×10−5. The molecular beam epitaxial films show evidence of the formation of a substantial indium-silicon eutectic layer, which leads to a drastic degradation in resonator performance.
Learning structure-property relationship in crystalline materials: A study of lanthanide–transition metal alloys
Authors: Pham Tien-Lam , Nguyen Nguyen-Duong , Nguyen Van-Doan , Kino Hiori , Miyake Takashi , Dam Hieu-Chi
Published: May 2018

We have developed a descriptor named Orbital Field Matrix (OFM) for representing material structures in datasets of multi-element materials. The descriptor is based on the information regarding atomic valence shell electrons and their coordination. In this work, we develop an extension of OFM called OFM1. We have shown that these descriptors are highly applicable in predicting the physical properties of materials and in providing insights on the materials space by mapping into a low embedded dimensional space. Our experiments with transition metal/lanthanide metal alloys show that the local magnetic moments and formation energies can be accurately reproduced using simple nearest-neighbor regression, thus confirming the relevance of our descriptors. Using kernel ridge regressions, we could accurately reproduce formation energies and local magnetic moments calculated based on first-principles, with mean absolute errors of 0.03 μB and 0.10 eV/atom, respectively. We show that meaningful low-dimensional representations can be extracted from the original descriptor using descriptive learning algorithms. Intuitive prehension on the materials space, qualitative evaluation on the similarities in local structures or crystalline materials, and inference in the designing of new materials by element substitution can be performed effectively based on these low-dimensional representations.
Bragg coherent diffractive imaging of ferromagnetic nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Kim J. W. , Manna S. , Harder R. , Wingert J. , Fullerton E. E. , Shpyrko O. G.
Published: May 2018

We synthesized Ni nanoparticles with an atmospheric-thermal chemical vapor deposition method and investigated their lattice distortions and defects using Bragg coherent diffractive imaging. Because the strain can alter the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials, it is important to study the lattice distortion and structural imperfection. As a result of the Bragg coherent diffractive imaging, we found that the Ni nanocubes have a deformation-free zone in the middle. In addition, the defects such as dislocation and twin domain defects were detected in other Ni nanoparticles based on the Bragg diffraction images and patterns. The imaging of nanoparticles can contribute to a better understanding of their growth mechanisms and improve the design and synthesis of nanoparticles.
A piecewise smooth model of evolutionary game for residential mobility and segregation
Authors: Radi D. , Gardini L.
Published: May 2018

The paper proposes an evolutionary version of a Schelling-type dynamic system to model the patterns of residential segregation when two groups of people are involved. The payoff functions of agents are the individual preferences for integration which are empirically grounded. Differently from Schelling's model, where the limited levels of tolerance are the driving force of segregation, in the current setup agents benefit from integration. Despite the differences, the evolutionary model shows a dynamics of segregation that is qualitatively similar to the one of the classical Schelling's model: segregation is always a stable equilibrium, while equilibria of integration exist only for peculiar configurations of the payoff functions and their asymptotic stability is highly sensitive to parameter variations. Moreover, a rich variety of integrated dynamic behaviors can be observed. In particular, the dynamics of the evolutionary game is regulated by a one-dimensional piecewise smooth map with two kink points that is rigorously analyzed using techniques recently developed for piecewise smooth dynamical systems. The investigation reveals that when a stable internal equilibrium exists, the bimodal shape of the map leads to several different kinds of bifurcations, smooth, and border collision, in a complicated interplay. Our global analysis can give intuitions to be used by a social planner to maximize integration through social policies that manipulate people's preferences for integration.
On Madelung systems in nonlinear optics: A reciprocal invariance
Authors: Rogers Colin , Malomed Boris
Published: May 2018

The role of the de Broglie-Bohm potential, originally established as central to Bohmian quantum mechanics, is examined for two canonical Madelung systems in nonlinear optics. In a seminal case, a Madelung system derived by Wagner et al. via the paraxial approximation and in which the de Broglie-Bohm potential is present is shown to admit a multi-parameter class of what are here introduced as “q-gaussons.” In the limit, as the Tsallis parameter q → 1, the q-gaussons are shown to lead to standard gausson solitons, as admitted by the logarithmic nonlinear Schrödinger equation encapsulating the Madelung system. The q-gaussons are obtained for optical media with dual power-law refractive index. In the second case, a Madelung system originally derived via an eikonal approximation in the context of laser beam propagation and in which the de Broglie Bohm term is neglected is shown to admit invariance under a novel class of two-parameter class of reciprocal transformations. Model optical laws analogous to the celebrated Kármán-Tsien law of classical gas dynamics are introduced.
Detection of ε-ergodicity breaking in experimental data—A study of the dynamical functional sensibility
Authors: Loch-Olszewska Hanna , Szwabiński Janusz
Published: May 2018

The ergodicity breaking phenomenon has already been in the area of interest of many scientists, who tried to uncover its biological and chemical origins. Unfortunately, testing ergodicity in real-life data can be challenging, as sample paths are often too short for approximating their asymptotic behaviour. In this paper, the authors analyze the minimal lengths of empirical trajectories needed for claiming the ε-ergodicity based on two commonly used variants of an autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average model. The dependence of the dynamical functional on the parameters of the process is studied. The problem of choosing proper ε for ε-ergodicity testing is discussed with respect to especially the variation of the innovation process and the data sample length, with a presentation on two real-life examples.
Controlling the surface photovoltage on WSe2 by surface chemical modification
Authors: Liu Ro-Ya , Ozawa Kenichi , Terashima Naoya , Natsui Yuto , Feng Baojie , Ito Suguru , Chen Wei-Chuan , Cheng Cheng-Maw , Yamamoto Susumu , Kato Hiroo , Chiang Tai-Chang , Matsuda Iwao
Published: May 2018

The surface photovoltage (SPV) effect is key to the development of opto-electronic devices such as solar-cells and photo-detectors. For the prototypical transition metal dichalcogenide WSe2, core level and valence band photoemission measurements show that the surface band bending of pristine cleaved surfaces can be readily modified by adsorption with K (an electron donor) or C60 (an electron acceptor). Time-resolved pump-probe photoemission measurements reveal that the SPV for pristine cleaved surfaces is enhanced by K adsorption, but suppressed by C60 adsorption, and yet the SPV relaxation time is substantially shortened in both cases. Evidently, adsorbate-induced electronic states act as electron-hole recombination centers that shorten the carrier lifetime.