bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Multifunctional Hybrid Composites Using Fly Ash to Control Environmental Pollutants: A Review
Authors: Ge Jun Cong , Yoon Sam Ki , Choi Nag Jung
Published: April 2018

Air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), as well as water pollutants including heavy metal, are harmful to human and environment. Effective control and reduction of their pollution is therefore an important topic for today’s scientists. Fly ash (FA) is a type of industrial waste that can cause multiple environmental problems if discharged into the air. On the other hand, because of its high porosity, large specific surface area, and other unique characteristics, the FA can also be used as a low-cost and high efficient adsorbent with some simple modifications. This paper reviews the effects of FA on treatment of the above air and water pollution based on our research experience over many years, including to the current status of global FA utilization, physicochemical properties, principle of adsorption, and the application direction of FA in the future. It focuses on the use of nanocomposite technology to fabricate functional FA fibrous membranes to adsorb VOCs from air, and treat heavy metal wastewater. This present review first describes the fabrication technology of FA nanocomposites and their mechanism of adsorption VOCs from air. Utilization of nanofiber technology to fabricate multi-functional FA emerging composite materials to mitigate air and water pollution has great potential in the future, especially use of pollutant material to control other pollutants.
Development of the Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC): A Parent-Report Tool for Mental Synthesis Ability Assessment in Children with Language Delay
Authors: Braverman Julia , Dunn Rita , Vyshedskiy Andrey
Published: April 2018

Background: Mental synthesis is the conscious purposeful process of synthesizing a novel mental image from objects stored in memory. In our everyday use of language, we rely on mental synthesis to communicate an infinite number of images with a finite number of words. In typical children, the timeline of mental synthesis acquisition is highly correlated with an increasing vocabulary. Children with ASD, on the other hand, may learn hundreds of words but never acquire mental synthesis. In these individuals, tests assessing vocabulary comprehension may fail to demonstrate the profound deficit in mental synthesis and the resulting inability to understand flexible syntax and spatial prepositions. Objective: We developed a 20-question parent-reported evaluation tool designed to quantitatively assess mental synthesis ability and to serve as a complimentary scale for Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Results: Internal reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha > .9), and the MSEC exhibited adequate test-retest reliability after a three- and nine-months follow up period. The MSEC results positively correlated with the ATEC communication subscale, providing support for construct validity. Moreover, MSEC scores were significantly different for children of different ASD severity levels confirming the known groups validity. Conclusions: This study represents the first step toward the development of an instrument to measure mental synthesis in children with ASD. Although the current empirical evaluation demonstrated strong evidence of excellent psychometric properties, such as validity and reliability, additional studies should be performed to replicate these findings.
Scaling Up Obesity and NCD Prevention in the Eastern Mediterranean Region through Fat Reduction Intake Strategies at Population Levels
Authors: Al Jawaldeh Ayoub , Al-Jawaldeh Hanin
Published: April 2018

NCDs are the leading cause of mortality globally which estimated 40 million death per year (68% of total death), with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), around 60% of all deaths are attributed to NCDs. Two-thirds of NCD premature deaths are linked to 4 shared modifiable behavioural risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. These unhealthy behaviours lead to 4 key metabolic/biological changes that increase the risk of NCDs: raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, high blood glucose levels/diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood). Globally, countries are already working towards agreed global goals on maternal and infant nutrition and on the prevention of NCDs, and both these include halting the increase in overweight and obesity and reducing NCD diet-related risk factors including reducing saturated fatty acids (SFA) and Trans fatty acid (TFA) intake. According to values reported for countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, average SFA intake is estimated at 10.3% of energy intake (EI), thus exceeding the WHO recommended level of 10% EI. Average TFA intake in EMR countries is estimated at 1.9% EI, which also exceeds the WHO recommended levels of 1% EI. The EMR region was reported amongst the regions with the highest levels of TFA intake. The highest SFA intake was reported from Djibouti, Kuwait, Saudi-Arabia and Yemen, while the highest TFA intakes were reported from Egypt and Pakistan. If countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region receive immediate public health attention, that toll of NCD-related morbidity and mortality can be considerably decreased if evidence-based preventive interventions are implemented effectively. In this context, reductions in saturated fat and trans fat intakes have been highlighted as cost-effective strategies that may hamper the growth of the NCD epidemic.
Automatic Measurement and Determination of Body Condition Score of Cows Based on 3D Images Using CNN
Authors: Shigeta Masahiro ,   Tokyo University of Science 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan, Ike Reiichirou , Takemura Hiroshi , Ohwada Hayato
Published: April 2018

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan, the number of rearing houses has been decreasing in Japan in recent years due to lower business volumes. However, the number of rearing animals per house has been increasing, and in such situations, management of a herd of cows becomes very important. However, although systems such as a milking robot and an automatic feeding machine have been designed and implemented, an automatic measurement system to evaluate the body condition score (BCS), which is used for nutrition management of dairy cows, has not yet become popular. There have been many prior studies on this subject; however, none of them have succeeded in creating an inexpensive and highly accurate system that is capable of capturing images over a long period of time. The purpose of this study was to develop a system that continuously and automatically captures images of cows using a camera over a long period of time and to carry out a highly accurate determination of BCS. By attaching a three-dimensional camera to a sorting gate of a milking robot, we have developed a system that automatically captures images of cows as they pass through the gate. Data obtained from the captured images are automatically accumulated in a server. Thus, we successfully obtained a huge amount of data within two months. All parts of the image except the dairy cows were removed from the obtained three-dimensional data, and the three-dimensional data were then converted into two-dimensional images. Subsequently, the two-dimensional images were analyzed using a convolutional neural network, resulting in 89.1% of the answers being correct. When the acceptable error was ±0.25, the rate of correct answers is 94.6%, and the average absolute error, which is the average of the difference between the predicted BCS and the actual BCS for all test data, is 0.05. Although we used images that do not cover the entire body of the cow because of the position of the camera and the variation in captured parts (depending on images), we have successfully achieved a high accuracy. This promises that even higher accuracy can be achieved by automating the flow of data and carrying out the appropriate treatment of data to determine BCS.
Development of Upper-Limb Power Assist Machine Using Linkage Mechanism – Drive Mechanism and its Applications –
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki ,   National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College 624-1 Numa, Tsuyama-shi, Okayama 708-8509, Japan, Noritsugu Toshiro
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes an upper-limb power assist machine driven by a single actuator to reduce the weight and cost. This assist machine is used to support the shoulder and elbow movements for viticulture operations, and upper-limb holding for load transport tasks. This assist machine consists of an arm part and a mounting part. The arm part is composed of a parallel link mechanism, which is driven by an actuator and a trapezoidal feed screw. To realize a natural upper-limb motion, the length of the arm part was designed based on the human upper-limb motion. The assist machine is controlled based on the user’s intention by applying bend sensors attached to the input device. By measuring the electromyography signal of five muscles, the effectiveness of the proposed upper-limb power assist machine was verified experimentally.
Body Measurement of Reared Red Sea Bream Using Stereo Vision
Authors: Komeyama Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Takeharu , Asaumi Shigeru , Torisawa Shinsuke , Takagi Tsutomu ,   Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan,   Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate 041-8611, Japan,   FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd. 9-52 Ashihara-cho, Nishinomiya 662-8580, Japan,   Department of Agriculture, Kindai University 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara 631-0052, Japan
Published: April 2018

For aquaculture management, aquaculture farmers require a new, inexpensive device that can obtain the size of a fish without touching them, replacing the conventional spoon-net sampling method. Conventional sampling involves the risks of physical injury and mental stress to the fish, which may affect their growth rate and mortality. Therefore, we developed methods for monitoring the size of fish, considering red sea bream (RSB) aquaculture, using commercially available cameras. This study evaluates the sample size using the estimated mean fork length value in a cage, and its value is approximately 20 samples with a 2% error rate for a fork length of greater than 30 cm. We measured the fish fork length under water in the cage using both stereo vision and net-sampling methods simultaneously. The examination demonstrated that for RSB aquaculture, the estimated values of fork length from the two methods have no statistical difference. This result implies that our stereo vision system can be effectively applied to monitor RSB growth.
Fabrication of Magnetically Driven Biopsy Mechanism Applicable to Capsule-Type Medical Device
Authors: Matsui Toshiki ,   Kyushu Institute of Technology 1-1 Sensuicho, Tobata, Kitakyushu 804-8550, Japan, Murata Satoshi , Honda Takashi
Published: April 2018

This article proposes two kinds of magnetic rotary actuators applicable to a next-generation capsule endoscope that can conduct a small intestinal biopsy. One actuator is for an anchoring mechanism that can stop the capsule in a specific place against the peristaltic movement of the small intestine, and press a biopsy instrument on a lesion. The other actuator is for a biopsy mechanism that can project a circular blade while rotating, and obtain a tissue sample. Both actuators have the same basic structure, which is composed of a bolt with a permanent magnet and a nut, and can be driven by a rotating magnetic field. Because they are arranged orthogonally to each other in the capsule, they can be individually operated by the corresponding rotating magnetic field. Given the results of an operational test similar to an actual environment in a porcine small intestine, these actuators could successfully perform the desired operation.
3D Computational-Fluid-Dynamics Modeling of Horizontal Three-Phase Separators: An Approach for Estimating the Optimal Dimensions
Authors: Ghaffarkhah Ahmadreza , Shahrabi Mohammadjavad Ameri , Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz
Published: April 2018

This study presents an approach to determine the dimensions of three-phase separators. First, we designed different vessel configurations depending on the fluid properties of an Iranian gas/condensate field. We then devised a comprehensive computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) method for analyzing the phenomena of three-phase separation. The results in terms of separation efficiency and behavior of secondary-phase particles were reviewed to choose the optimal configuration. Only a slight difference in the length of this vessel and the existing separator was found. In addition, simulation data were compared with industrial data pertaining to a similar existing separator. The results of this work showed that the CFD model used is capable of investigating the performance of three-phase separators.
Analysis of water security and source preferences in rural Tanzania
Authors: Ngasala Tula M. , Masten Susan J. , Phanikumar Mantha S. , Mwita Emiliana J.
Published: April 2018

The public health and well-being of people in many rural communities in developing countries suffer due to poor water resources management and undesirable agricultural practices. This study was conducted in a pastoral community in northern Tanzania. The objective was to identify the most reliable water source in terms of quality and access from three main water sources: surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess the overall water quality and was determined to be 1,876, 875 and 157, respectively, for surface water, shallow wells, and deep wells (<50 – excellent, >300 – poor). A Water Poverty Index (WPI) tool was used to quantify five factors that limit access to water: (1) seasonal availability, (2) distance to water sources, (3) cost of purchasing water, (4) preference, and (5) water quality. WPI scores indicated that surface water has the highest score followed by shallow wells; deep wells had the lowest score. In conclusion, in terms of access and quantity, deep wells and shallow wells were the least reliable, and surface water although highly contaminated, is the most reliable. Improving water quality and access of existing water resources is critical to improving the well-being of rural populations.
Greenhouse gas emission from horizontal and vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands in tropical climate
Authors: Nutanong Siripoon , Chiemchaisri Chart , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Kantawanichkul Suwasa
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study is to compare methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) and vertical subsurface flow (VF) systems treating municipal wastewater in tropical climates. The treatment performance from both systems was monitored simultaneously with CH4 and N2O fluxes to observe the relationships between them. Average CH4 fluxes of 5.4 mg·m−2·h−1 and 9.5 mg·m−2·h−1, and N2O fluxes of 0.32 and 0.21 mg·m−2·h−1 were measured from VF and HSSF systems, respectively. The average CH4 fluxes measured during the wet period were 63.5% and 44% less than those recorded during the dry period for HSSF and VF systems, respectively; those for N2O fluxes were 47% and 38% less than the dry period for these systems, respectively. The CH4 and N2O fluxes from both HSSF and VF dropped as a result of rainfall events and slowly increased after days with no rainfall. Influent total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations are found to be the dominant factors regulating the fluxes where significant correlations between CH4 and N2O with the influent TOC and TN concentrations were found in both systems.
Procrastinação e aprendizagem acadêmica
Authors: MACHADO Bárbara Alves Branco , SCHWARTZ Suzana
Published: April 2018

Esse estudo foi realizado no contexto do componente curricular Metodologia de Pesquisa, em um curso de licenciatura, no qual a proposta foi a de aprender pesquisar na prática. O tema, escolhido pelo grupo de alunos, foi a procrastinação em âmbito universitário, com o objetivo de compreender se ela contribui negativamente para o desempenho acadêmico. O motivo da escolha do tema foi a percepção da recorrência do fenômeno no contexto de inserção, inclusive entre os participantes. A pesquisa enfatizou a abordagem qualitativa, utilizando como instrumento metodológico entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas, transcritas e analisadas através da Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que a elaboração de uma estratégia de organização de tarefas pode contribuir para minimizar a procrastinação acadêmica, porém ideias como “automatismo de repetição” iniciando, muitas vezes, cursos com atitudes e procedimentos aprendidos em contextos escolares diferentes, no modo “cumprir tarefa”, sem que os alunos sejam acolhidos com a explicitação das mudanças de expectativas, sem perceber que aprender pode ser significativo e prazeroso, quando explicitados os “objetivos” os “procedimentos”, os “critérios avaliativos”, contribuíram para que os alunos/pesquisadores refletissem criticamente, percebendo que, ao longo dessa experiência não haviam procrastinado tarefas e que tinham aprendido metodologia de pesquisa na prática, realizando uma que está sendo compartilhada nesse artigo.
Dificuldades encontradas durante o processo de legalização das agroindústrias no município de Santana do Livramento – RS
Authors: AGUIRRE Andressa Arigony , MARTINS Alessandra Machado , MENEZES Leonardo de Melo
Published: April 2018

O presente estudo tem como linha de pesquisa o desenvolvimento territorial através da importância da consolidação das agroindústrias locais para o desenvolvimento dos municípios.  A existência de agroindústrias permite maior agregação de produtos tidos como commodittes, e representam um importante papel na economia das cidades, tanto na produção de alimentos, quanto na geração de renda. Nesse contexto, realizou-se uma pesquisa nas agroindústrias de Santana do Livramento – RS, com o objetivo de definir, sob a perspectiva dos proprietários, quais foram as principais dificuldades encontrados durante o processo de legalização. Para tanto, foram aplicados junto à 49 agroindústrias locais, um questionário contendo perguntas fechadas e abertas. O estudo apontou a falta de legislação especifica para agroindústrias de pequeno porte ou familiares, e a burocracia, como sendo alguns dos principais entraves enfrentados durante o processo de legalização.
Caracterização climática de Cachoeira do Sul, RS quanto à precipitação pluvial
Authors: POHLMANN Valeria , LAZZARI Marcondes
Published: April 2018

Entre as importâncias da caracterização climática para diferentes setores da economia, podemos destacar a agricultura, uma vez que estas informações podem subsidiar diversas tomadas de decisões. A precipitação pluvial apresenta grande variabilidade espaço-temporal e constitui uma das principais fontes de perdas na produtividade agrícola. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar a precipitação pluvial (PP) de Cachoeira do Sul. Utilizou-se dados dos anos de 2007 a 2016 do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) da estação meteorológica A813 (lat: -29º52’; long: -52º23’; alt: 107m) e dos anos de 1982 a 2007 da Cooperativa Agrícola Cachoeirense (CORISCAL) (lat: -30º2’; long: -52º53’; alt: 64m). Os dados foram obtidos a 1,5m e analisados por meio do Excel. Os resultados foram comparados à Normal Climatológica (NC) 1961/1990. Analisando dados do INMET, verificou-se que a PP média anual foi de 1646,7mm (±263,5mm), distribuídas em 104 dias (±10,4 dias) com PP ≥1mm. Dados da CORISCAL indicam PP média de 1738,9mm (±362,6mm) em 68 dias (±10,0 dias). Percebe-se que a precipitação pluvial média anual e mensal é semelhante à Normal Climatológica analisada. O conhecimento sobre estas informações possibilita melhores escolhas sobre diversos fatores, como o manejo do solo e seleção de espécies mais adaptadas à região.
Novel Piperazine Amides of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Gür Zehra Tuğçe , Şenol Fatma Sezer , Shekfeh Suhaib , Orhan İlkay Erdoğan , Banoğlu Erden , Çalişkan Burcu
Published: April 2018

Background:

A series of novel cinnamic acid piperazine amide derivatives has been
designed and synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential tyrosinase
inhibitors.

Methods:

Compounds 9, 11 and 17 showed the most potent biological activity (IC50 = 66.5, 61.1
and 66 µM, respectively). In silico docking simulation was performed to position compound 11 into
the Agaricus bisporus mushroom tyrosinase’s active site to determine the putative binding interactions.

Results and Conclusion:

The results indicated that compound 11 could serve as a promising lead
compound for further development of potent tyrosinase inhibitors.
A Rapid and Sensitive HPLC-FLD Method for the Determination of Retinol and Vitamin E Isomers in Human Serum
Authors: Yang Yi , Lu Dan , Yang Danni , Yin Shuo , Zhang Jing , Zheng Bo , Li Yongxin , Sun Chengjun
Published: April 2018

Background:

Retinol and vitamin E are fat-soluble vitamins crucial for human health, yet
their isomers’ distributions in the human body are still known roughly. In order to figure out the physical
condition and evaluate the nutritional status of an individual, it is imperative to analyze retinol and
VE isomers in human serum.

Objective:

This work aims to establish a rapid and simple high-performance liquid chromatography
with fluorescence detection for simultaneous determination of retinol and vitamin E isomers in human
serum.

Methods:

Separation was accomplished on a common C18 column thermostated at 25 oC, using a simple
isocratic elution program of methanol/acetonitrile (85:15, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Fluorescence
detection was operated using excitation/emission wavelengths of 329 nm/472 nm for retinol and
294 nm/338 nm for VE isomers, respectively.

Results:

Rapid separation was achieved within 13 min. Linear ranges of the method were 0.020-50.0
µg/mL, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. Detection limits and the quantification limits
were 0.001-0.004 µg/mL and 0.003- 0.013 µg/mL, respectively. Mean recoveries were 84.1%- 98.2%,
with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations less than 12.3% and 13.6%, respectively. This
method has been applied to the simultaneous determination of retinol and 8 VE isomers in human serum
samples with satisfactory results.

Conclusion:

A rapid, simple and robust method was developed for routine analysis of retinol and eight
vitamin E isomers in human serum, providing a useful tool for clinical diagnosis and nutritional evaluation.
Design and Discovery of Novel Quinoxaline Derivatives as Dual DNA Intercalators and Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
Authors: Eissa Ibrahim H. , El-Naggar Abeer M. , El-Sattar Nour E.A. Abd , Youssef Ahmed S. A.
Published: April 2018

Backgroun/Methods: In attempt to develop new potent anti-tumor agents, a series of quinoxaline
derivatives was designed and synthesized. The novel compounds were tested in vitro for their anti-proliferative
activities against HePG-2, MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines. Additionally, DNA binding affinities as well as
DNA-top II inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated as potential mechanism for
anticancer activity. Compounds 13, 15, 16 and 19 exhibited good cytotoxicity activities against the three cell
lines (IC50 ranging from 7.6 to 32.4 µM) comparable to that of doxorubicin (IC50 = 9.8 µM).

Results:

Interestingly, the results of DNA binding and DNA-top II inhibition assays were in agreement with
those of the cytotoxicity tests, where the most potent anticancer compounds showed good DNA binding affinities
(IC50 ranging from 25.1 to 32.4 µM) and DNA-top II inhibitory activities (IC50 ranging from 6.4 to 15.3
µM) comparable to those of doxorubicin (IC50 = 28.1 and 3.8 μM, respectively). Furthermore, molecular
docking studies were carried out for the new compounds in order to investigate their binding pattern with the
prospective target, DNA-top II complex (PDB-code: 3qx3).
Inhibition of Proliferation and Induction of Apoptosis by Thymoquinone via Modulation of TGF Family, p53, p21 and Bcl-2α in Leukemic Cells
Authors: Diab-Assaf Mona , Semaan Josiane , El-Sabban Marwan , Al Jaouni Soad K. , Azar Rania , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Harakeh Steve
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive form of malignancy caused by human T-
cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). Currently, there is no effective treatment for ATL. Thymoquinone has
been reported to have anti-cancer properties.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigatthe effects of TQ on proliferation, apoptosis induction and the
underlying mechanism of action in both HTLV-1 positive (C91-PL and HuT-102) and HTLV-1 negative (CEM
and Jurkat) malignant T-lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods:

Cells were incubated with different thymoquinone concentrations for 24h. Cell cytotoxicity
was assayed using the CytoTox 96® Non-Radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay Kit. Cell proliferation was determined
using CellTiter 96® Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation. Cell cycle analysis was performed by staining
with propidium iodide. Apoptosis was assessed using cell death ELISA kit. The effect of TQ on p53, p21, Bcl-2
protein expression was determined using Western blot analysis while TGF mRNA expression was determined
by RT-PCR.

Results:

At non-cytotoxic concentrations of TQ, it resulted in the inhibition of proliferation in a dose dependent
manner. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a shift in the cell cycle distribution to the PreG1 phase which is a
marker of apoptosis. Also TQ increase DNA fragmentation. TQ mediated its anti-proliferative effect and apoptosis
induction by an up-regulation of TGFβ1, p53 and p21 and a down-regulation of TGF-α and Bcl-2α.

Conclusion:

Thymoquinone presents antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in ATL cells. For this reason,
further research is required to investigate its possible application in the treatment of ATL.
Monoamine Involvement in the Antidepressant-Like Effect of β-Caryophyllene
Authors: de Oliveira Danillo Ramos , da Silva Dayane Moreira , Florentino Iziara Ferreira , de Brito Adriane Ferreira , Fajemiroye James Oluwagbamigbe , da Silva Daiany Priscilla Bueno , da Rocha Fabio Fagundes , Costa Elson Alves , Galdino Pablinny Moreira
Published: April 2018

Background:

Major depressive disorder is a psychiatric disorder that affects 4.4% of the
population worldwide. Although the majority of antidepressant drugs ameliorate depressive symptoms,
there is still a need for safer and more effective antidepressant.

Objective:

Evaluate the antidepressant-like activity of sesquiterpene compound β-caryophyllene (BCP)
for the possible contribution of the monoamine and hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF).

Methods:

Male albino Swiss mice were subjected to the forced swimming test after acute treatment
and to the tail suspension test after repeated treatment. Hippocampal levels of BDNF were assayed by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The anti-immobility effect of BCP was reverted by pretreatment with an inhibitor of
catecholamine synthesis α-methyl-p-tyrosine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), α2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine (1
mg/kg, i.p.), and β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (2 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by pretreatment with
either α1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or 5-HT1A antagonist NAN-190 (0.5 mg/kg,
i.p.), thereby suggesting the involvement of α2 and β-adrenergic receptors, but not of the α1-adrenergic
and 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors, in BCP's antidepressive-like activity. Furthermore, BCP increased
BDNF levels in the hippocampus after 14 days of treatment. No treatments in this study altered locomotor
activity in the open field test.

Conclusion:

This study provides a new mechanism of BCP-induced antidepressant-like effect mediated
by some sub-types of catecholaminergic neurotransmitter system that could be a candidate for
clinical tests of new treatments for depressive disorders.
Luminescence Decay of Colloidal Quantum Dots and Stretched Exponential (Kohlrausch) Relaxation Function
Authors: Bodunov E.N. , Simoes Gamboa A.L.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe room temperature non-exponential luminescence decay of colloidal quantum dots is investigated theoretically in an attempt to identify the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for the shape of the decay. It is shown that a stretched exponential functional form of the luminescence decay can be understood in terms of long-range resonance energy transfer from quantum dots to acceptors (molecules, quantum dots, or anharmonic molecular vibrations) or by contact quenching by quenchers (surface traps, molecules or quantum dots) distributed statistically (Poisson distribution) on the surface of the dots. These non-radiative transition processes are assigned to different ranges of the stretching parameter β.
Ballistic hole emission spectroscopy of self-assembled GeSi/Si(001) nanoislands
Authors: Filatov D.O. , Guseinov D.V. , Chalkov V.Yu. , Denisov S.A. , Shengurov V.G.
Published: April 2018

AbstractBallistic hole emission microscopy/spectroscopy has been applied to study the electronic structure of the hole states in the self-assembled GeSi/Si(001) nanoislands. The ballistic hole emission microscopic images demonstrated the spots of increased collector current related to the ballistic electron tunnelling via the confined valence band states in the GeSi/Si(001) nanoislands. In the ballistic hole emission spectra of the Ge hut clusters the stepwise features attributed to the quantum confined hole states have been observed. The results of present study demonstrate the capabilities of the ballistic hole emission microscopy/spectroscopy in the characterization of the electronic structures of the valence band states in the GeSi/Si nanostructures.
Composition and band structure of the native oxide nanolayer on the ion beam treated surface of the GaAs wafer
Authors: Mikoushkin V.M. , Bryzgalov V.V. , Nikonov S.Yu. , Solonitsyna A.P. , Marchenko D.E.
Published: April 2018

AbstractDetailed information on GaAs oxide properties is important for solving the problem of passivating and dielectric layers in the GaAs-based electronics. The elemental and chemical compositions of the native oxide layer grown on the atomically clean surface of an n -GaAs (100) wafer etched by Ar^+ ions have been studied by synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy. It has been revealed that the oxide layer is essentially enriched in the Ga_2O_3 phase which is known to be a quite good dielectric as compared to As_2O_3. The gallium to arsenic ratio reaches the value as high as [Ga]/[As] = 1.5 in the course of oxidation. The Ga-enrichment occurs supposedly due to diffusion away of As released in preferential oxidation of Ga atoms. A band diagram was constructed for the native oxide nanolayer on the n -GaAs wafer. It has been shown that this natural nanostructure has features of a p–n heterojunction.
Optical properties of GaN nanowires grown by MBE on SiC/Si(111) hybrid substrate
Authors: Shtrom I.V. , Filosofov N.G. , Agekian V.F. , Smirnov M.B. , Serov A.Yu. , Reznik R.R. , Kudryavtsev K.E. , Cirlin G.E.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this work is to demonstrate the fundamental possibility of Si-doped GaN nanowires growth on the buffer layer of silicon carbide on silicon substrate and to investigate the optical characteristics of this structures.
Ion Synthesis: Si-Ge Quantum Dots
Authors: Gerasimenko N.N. , Balakleyskiy N.S. , Volokhovskiy A.D. , Smirnov D.I. , Zaporozhan O.A.
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe present a method of Si–Ge QDs formation by ion beam implantation (IBI) technique and high temperature annealing for self-organization. Implantation doses varied from 10^14 to 10^17 cm^–2, ion energies ranged from 50 to 150 keV, annealing proceeded at temperature of 950 to 1050°C in argon environment. Formed QDs show strong infrared (IR) photoluminescence (PL) in the temperature region 15–250 K.
MBE growth and structural properties of InAs and InGaAs nanowires with different mole fraction of In on Si and strongly mismatched SiC/Si(111) substrates
Authors: Reznik R.R. , Kotlyar K.P. , Soshnikov I.P. , Kukushkin S.A. , Osipov A.V. , Cirlin G.E.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe possibility of InAs nanowires MBE growth on silicon (111) substrates with a nanometer buffer layer of silicon carbide has been demonstrated for the first time. The NWs diameter turned out to be smaller than on the silicon substrate—the minimum of NWs diameter was less than 10 nm. In addition, dependence of structural properties of InGaAs nanowires on composition was studied.
Dip-Pen Nanolithography Method for Fabrication of Biofunctionalized Magnetic Nanodiscs Applied in Medicine
Authors: Smolyarova T.E. , Lukyanenko A.V. , Tarasov A.S. , Sokolov A.E.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe magnetic properties of ferromagnetic nanodiscs coated with gold, manufactured using the Dip-Pen Nanolithography method, and were studied by atomic-force and magnetic force microscopy methods. The magnetic discs (dots) are represented as nanoagents (nanorobots) applied in medicine for the cancer cell destruction. The motivation of this work stem from the necessity of the understanding of the magnetization distribution in ferromagnetic discs that is crucial for their application in biomedicine. We have performed the theoretical calculations in order to compare the theoretical image contrast to experimental results. Herein, we report about the fabrication and analysis of biocompatible ferromagnetic nanodiscs with the homogenous magnetized state.
Исследование анизотропных упругопластических свойств пленок beta-Ga-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-, синтезированных на подложках SiC/Si
Authors: Гращенко А.С. , Кукушкин С.А. , Николаев В.И. , Осипов А.В. , Осипова Е.В. , Сошников И.П.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe structural and mechanical properties of gallium oxide films grown on silicon crystallographic planes (001), (011), and (111) with a buffer layer of silicon carbide are investigated. Nanoindentation was used to study the elastoplastic properties of gallium oxide and also to determine the elastic recovery parameter of the films under study. The tensile strength, hardness, elasticity tensor, compliance tensor, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and other characteristics of gallium oxide were calculated using quantum chemistry methods. It was found that the gallium oxide crystal is auxetic because, for some stretching directions, the Poisson’s ratio takes on negative values. The calculated values correspond quantitatively to the experimental data. It is concluded that the elastoplastic properties of gallium oxide films approximately correspond to the properties of bulk crystals and that a change in the orientation of the silicon surface leads to a significant change in the orientation of gallium oxide.
Оптическая анизотропия фотонных кристаллов кубической симметрии, индуцированная многоволновой дифракцией света-=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Уклеев Т.А. , Шевченко Н.Н. , Юрасова Д.И. , Селькин А.В.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe optical spectra of Bragg reflection from opal-like photonic crystals under conditions of the resonant enhancement of the multiple diffraction of light have been studied experimentally and theoretically using the photonic crystal structures prepared of monodisperse polystyrene globules. It is shown that the reflection signal registered in mutually orthogonal configurations of the polarizer and analyzer is related to the intrinsic optical anisotropy of the crystals and is a specific manifestation of the multiple Bragg diffraction in three-dimensional photonic crystals.
Спин-волновой резонанс в тонких пленках Ge : Mn с перколяционным магнитным упорядочением
Authors: Дмитриев А.И. , Дмитриева М.С. , Зиборов Г.Г.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe mechanism of excitation and propagation of spin waves in Ge: Mn thin films with different nominal manganese concentrations (2, 4, and 8 at % Mn) with percolation magnetic ordering is explored. Concentration dependencies of Curie temperature T _C( n ) and spin wave rigidity D ( n ) are determined, which enables to find the index of correlation distance. An exotic percolation magnetic state of samples of Ge: Mn thin films is confirmed by rectifying experimental dependences D ( n ) and D / T _C( n ) in coordinates accepted in the percolation theory.
Магнитные фазы и неоднородные микромагнитные структуры в феррит-гранатовой пленке с ориентацией (210)
Authors: Вахитов Р.М. , Исхакова Р.Р. , Юмагузин А.Р.
Published: April 2018

AbstractPossible magnetic states of a cubic ferromagnet with a uniaxial anisotropy induced along the [210] direction are theoretically investigated. It is demonstrated that the orientation phase diagram of a magnet is nontrivial and admits the existence of three types of magnetic phases that differ in transformational properties and the presence of quintuple points, isostructural phase transitions, etc. It is found that magnetic inhomogeneities, regardless of the values of parameters of the matter, have a common structure: they correspond to 180-degree domain boundaries with a noncircular trajectory of the magnetization vector. The features of homogeneous and inhomogeneous magnetic states, found in these materials, make it possible to explain the manifestation of a flexomagnetoelectric effect in them.
Методика исследования рассеяния рентгеновского излучения в монокристаллах в широком интервале температур при приложении электрического поля-=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Удовенко С.А. , Чернышов Д.Ю. , Андроникова Д.А. , Филимонов А.В. , Вахрушев С.Б.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe technique of studying the synchrotron radiation scattering on single crystals over wide temperature range using an original miniature device for applying an electric field to a sample is described. A specific feature of the device is the possibility of its application with various heating and cooling systems. The technique was used at BM01 beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) for the study of the influence of electric field on the processes of structural transformation in lead zirconate–titanate single crystal with a low titanium concentration. The efficiency of the technique proposed in this work is demonstrated and the results of the preliminary analysis of the results are presented.
Изменение строения поверхностей базальта и гранита при трении
Authors: Веттегрень В.И. , Arora K. , Пономарев А.В. , Мамалимов Р.И. , Щербаков И.П. , Кулик В.Б.
Published: April 2018

AbstractFriction-induced changes in the structure of the surface layer of basalt and granite samples extracted from a well in the triggered seismicity zone in the Koyna–Warna region, India, have been studied by infrared, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. It has been found that friction leads to a partial degradation of quartz, albite, and clinopyroxenes crystals. Instead of these crystals, a thin layer of a mineral with a low coefficient of friction—kaolinite—is formed on the surface.
Свойства движущихся дискретных бризеров в бериллии
Authors: Бачурина O.B. , Мурзаев P.T. , Семенов A.C. , Корзникова E.A. , Дмитриев C.B.
Published: April 2018

AbstractDiscrete breathers (DBs) have been described among pure metals with face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice, but for hexagonal close-packed (HCP) metals, their properties are little studied. In this paper, the properties of standing and moving DBs in beryllium HCP metal are analyzed by the molecular dynamics method using the many-body interatomic potential. It is shown that the DB is localized in a close-packed atomic row in the basal plane, while oscillations with a large amplitude along the close-packed row are made by two or three atoms, moving in antiphase with the nearest neighbors. Dependences of the DB frequency on the amplitude, as well as the velocity of the DB on its amplitude and on parameter δ, which determines the phase difference of the oscillations of neighboring atoms, are obtained. The maximum velocity of the DB movement in beryllium reaches 4.35 km/s, which is 33.7% of the velocity of longitudinal sound waves. The obtained results supplement our concepts about the mechanisms of localization and energy transport in HCP metals.
Краевые колебания нанолент графана
Authors: Савин А.В.
Published: April 2018

AbstractUsing the COMPASS force field, natural linear vibrations of graphane (graphene hydrogenated on both sides) nanoribbons are simulated. The frequency spectrum of a graphane sheet consists of three continuous intervals (low-frequency, mid-frequency, and narrow high-frequency) and two gaps between them. The construction of dispersion curves for nanoribbons with a zigzag and chair structure of the edges show that the frequencies of edge vibrations (edge phonons) can be present in the gaps of the frequency spectrum. In the first type of nanoribbons, two dispersion curves are in the low-frequency gap of the spectrum and four dispersion curves in the second gap. These curves correspond to phonons moving only along the nanoribbon edges (the mean depth of their penetration toward the nanoribbon center does not exceed 0.15 nm).
First-principles investigation of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of nickel silicides at finite temperature -=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-
Authors: Wen Zhiqin , Zhao Yuhong , Hou Hua , Chen Liwen
Published: April 2018

AbstractFirst-principles calculations are performed to investigate lattice parameters, elastic constants and 3D directional Young’s modulus E of nickel silicides (i.e., β-Ni_3Si, δ-Ni_2Si, θ-Ni_2Si, ε-NiSi, and θ-Ni_2Si), and thermodynamic properties, such as the Debye temperature, heat capacity, volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, at finite temperature are also explored in combination with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The calculated results are in a good agreement with available experimental and theoretical values. The five compounds demonstrate elastic anisotropy. The dependence on the direction of stiffness is the greatest for δ-Ni_2Si and θ-Ni_2Si, when the stress is applied, while that for β-Ni_3Si is minimal. The bulk modulus B reduces with increasing temperature, implying that the resistance to volume deformation will weaken with temperature, and the capacity gradually descend for the compound sequence of β-Ni_3Si > δ-Ni_2Si > θ-Ni_2Si > ε-NiSi > θ-Ni_2Si. The temperature dependence of the Debye temperature ΘD is related to the change of lattice parameters, and ΘD gradually decreases for the compound sequence of ε-NiSi > β-Ni_3Si > δ-Ni_2Si > θ-Ni_2Si > θ-Ni_2Si. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient αV, isochoric heat capacity and isobaric heat capacity C _ p of nickel silicides are proportional to T ^3 at low temperature, subsequently, αV and C _ p show modest linear change at high temperature, whereas C _v obeys the Dulong-Petit limit. In addition, β-Ni_3Si has the largest capability to store or release heat at high temperature. From the perspective of solid state physics, the thermodynamic properties at finite temperature can be used to guide further experimental works and design of novel nickel–silicon alloys.
Возрастание мощности колебаний тока в полупроводниковой сверхрешетке с учетом межминизонного туннелирования
Authors: Сельский А.О.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe total power of oscillations of current flowing through a semiconductor superlattice with different gaps between the first and second minibands is discussed. It is demonstrated that, with a decrease in the band gap, i.e., with an increase in the probability of interminiband tunneling, the total current-oscillation power increases when certain voltages are applied to the superlattice.
Характер деформаций на границе раздела упругих сред при условии скольжения
Authors: Чертова Н.В. , Гриняев Ю.В.
Published: April 2018

AbstractFresnel coefficients obtained when solving the problem of wave propagation through the interface of two elastic media and expressions for components of the elastic-distortion tensor allow one to study the character of dynamic deformations at the interface. Deformation modes different from zero at the interface of the elastic media under the slip-contact condition have been determined. Dependences of deformation amplitudes at the interface on the wave incidence angle and parameters of the adjacent media for incident longitudinal and transverse waves have been constructed and analyzed.
Микроволновый полосно-пропускающий фильтр на диэлектрических слоях с металлическими сетками
Authors: Беляев Б.А. , Тюрнев В.В. , Волошин А.С. , Галеев Р.Г.
Published: April 2018

AbstractA bandpass filter of new design comprising dielectric layers with surface metal grids is developed and studied. Dielectric layers act as half-wave resonators, while metal grids act as mirrors with preset reflectivity and ensure optimum coupling between adjacent resonators and between the boundary resonators and free space. A test prototype of the third-order filter with a central bandpass frequency of ~12 GHz and relative bandwidth ~17% showed good agreement of theory and experiment. The proposed design can be used in making panels radio-transparent within a preset bandwidth for covering microwave antennas.
Возбуждение хаотических и квазипериодических колебаний в многоконтурном генераторе с общей схемой управления
Authors: Станкевич Н.В. , Астахов О.В. , Кузнецов А.П. , Селезнев Е.П.
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe propose a multicircuit oscillator with a common control scheme driving self-sustained oscillations in each circuit, which can exhibit quasi-periodic and chaotic oscillations. The proposed oscillator was investigated by experimental and numerical methods that confirmed the possibility of exciting multifrequency quasi-periodic, chaotic, and hyperchaotic oscillations with several positive Lyapunov exponents.
Betsaida Nowego Testamentu w aspekcie historycznym i archeologicznym
Authors: Nowogórski Przemysław
Published: April 2018

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Stary Testament jako Biblia chrześcijańska (refleksje ekumeniczne)
Authors: Pisarek Stanisław
Published: April 2018

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K. BALTZER, Deutero-Jesaja Kommentar zum Alten Testament, Gütersloh 1999
Authors: Małecki Zdzisław
Published: April 2018

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A taboo in healthcare; life support decisions at the terminal stage
Authors: ALBAYRAK Turgay , AKSOY Hilal , KOC Esra Meltem , SENCAN İrfan , OZKARA Adem
Published: April 2018

Public who are the target audience of health care
system need to be actively involved in the system for more effective health
care provision. Advance directives which are the important examples of
participation in treatment decisions are written documents that, in the
situation of a serious illness, either clarify an individual's wishes for
health care or determine a person to make health care decisions for that
individual who becomes unable to do so. Living wills, health care power of
attorney, directive of do-not-resuscitate, withholding of life support and
withdrawing of life support are included in advance directives. Advance
directives are being implemented in the United States of America (USA) and some
European countries. The legal status of advance directives vary by country.
There is no data on the use and writing of advanced directives in our country.
It is necessary to start discussing about people's decisions on terminal care
and implementations by analyzing the material and moral broughts of patient
care at the end of life in both individual and social terms.