bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling a Single Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Nanodiamond to Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Sadzak Nikola , Héritier Martin , Benson Oliver
Published: May 2018

Single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect centers in diamond have been exploited as single photon sources and spin qubits due to their room-temperature robust quantum light emission and long electron spin coherence times. They were coupled to a manifold of structures, such as optical cavities, plasmonic waveguides, and even injected into living cells to study fundamental interactions of various nature at the nanoscale. Of particular interest are applications of NVs as quantum sensors for local nanomagnetometry. Here, we employ a nanomanipulation approach to couple a single NV center in a nanodiamond to a single few-nm superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle in a controlled way. After measuring via relaxometry the magnetic particle spin-noise, we take advantage of the crystal strain m
s
 = ± 1 spin level separation to detect the superparamagnetic particle’s effect in presence of a driving AC magnetic field. Our experiments provide detailed insight in the behavior of such particles with respect to high frequency fields. The approach can be extended to the investigation of increasingly complex, but controlled nanomagnetic hybrid particle assemblies. Moreover, our results suggest that superparamagnetic nanoparticles can amplify local magnetic interactions in order to improve the sensitivity of diamond nanosensors for specific measurement scenarios.
Exploring the diversity-stability paradigm using sponge microbial communities
Authors: Glasl Bettina , Smith Caitlin E. , Bourne David G. , Webster Nicole S.
Published: May 2018

A key concept in theoretical ecology is the positive correlation between biodiversity and ecosystem stability. When applying this diversity-stability concept to host-associated microbiomes, the following questions emerge: (1) Does microbial diversity influence the stability of microbiomes upon environmental fluctuations? (2) Do hosts that harbor highversuslow microbial diversity differ in their stress response? To test the diversity-stability concept in host-associated microbiomes, we exposed six marine sponge species with varying levels of microbial diversity to non-lethal salinity disturbances and followed their microbial composition over time using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. No signs of sponge stress were evident following salinity amendment and microbiomes exhibited compositional resistance irrespective of their microbial diversity. Compositional stability of the sponge microbiome manifests itself at distinct host taxonomic and host microbial diversity groups, with (1) stable host genotype-specific microbiomes at oligotype-level; (2) stable host species-specific microbiomes at genus-level; and (3) stable and specific microbiomes at phylum-level for hosts with highversuslow microbial diversity. The resistance of sponge microbiomes together with the overall stability of sponge holobionts upon salinity fluctuations suggest that the stability-diversity concept does not appear to hold for sponge microbiomes and provides further evidence for the widely recognized environmental tolerance of sponges.
Crystallisation in basaltic magmas revealed via in situ 4D synchrotron X-ray microtomography
Authors: Polacci M. , Arzilli F. , La Spina G. , Le Gall N. , Cai B. , Hartley M. E. , Di Genova D. , Vo N. T. , Nonni S. , Atwood R. C. , Llewellin E. W. , Lee P. D. , Burton M. R.
Published: May 2018

Magma crystallisation is a fundamental process driving eruptions and controlling the style of volcanic activity. Crystal nucleation delay, heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation and crystal growth are all time-dependent processes, however, there is a paucity of real-time experimental data on crystal nucleation and growth kinetics, particularly at the beginning of crystallisation when conditions are far from equilibrium. Here, we reveal the first in situ 3D time-dependent observations of crystal nucleation and growth kinetics in a natural magma, reproducing the crystallisation occurring in real-time during a lava flow, by combining a bespoke high-temperature environmental cell with fast synchrotron X-ray microtomography. We find that both crystal nucleation and growth occur in pulses, with the first crystallisation wave producing a relatively low volume fraction of crystals and hence negligible influence on magma viscosity. This result explains why some lava flows cover kilometres in a few hours from eruption inception, highlighting the hazard posed by fast-moving lava flows. We use our observations to quantify disequilibrium crystallisation in basaltic magmas using an empirical model. Our results demonstrate the potential of in situ 3D time-dependent experiments and have fundamental implications for the rheological evolution of basaltic lava flows, aiding flow modelling, eruption forecasting and hazard management.
Male age is associated with extra-pair paternity, but not with extra-pair mating behaviour
Authors: Girndt Antje , Chng Charlotte Wen Ting , Burke Terry , Schroeder Julia
Published: May 2018

Extra-pair paternity is the result of copulation between a female and a male other than her social partner. In socially monogamous birds, old males are most likely to sire extra-pair offspring. The male manipulation and female choice hypotheses predict that age-specific male mating behaviour could explain this old-over-young male advantage. These hypotheses have been difficult to test because copulations and the individuals involved are hard to observe. Here, we studied the mating behaviour and pairing contexts of captive house sparrows, Passer domesticus. Our set-up mimicked the complex social environment experienced by wild house sparrows. We found that middle-aged males, which would be considered old in natural populations, gained most extra-pair paternity. However, both, female solicitation behaviour and subsequent extra-pair matings were not associated with male age. Further, copulations were more likely when solicited by females than when initiated by males (i.e. unsolicited copulations). Male initiated within-pair copulations were more common than male initiated extra-pair copulations. To conclude, our results did not support either hypothesis regarding age-specific male mating behaviour. Instead, female choice, independent of male age, governed copulation success, especially in an extra-pair context. Post-copulatory mechanisms might determine why older males sire more extra-pair offspring.
Environmental responsiveness of tubulin glutamylation in sensory cilia is regulated by the p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Kimura Yoshishige , Tsutsumi Koji , Konno Alu , Ikegami Koji , Hameed Saira , Kaneko Tomomi , Kaplan Oktay Ismail , Teramoto Takayuki , Fujiwara Manabi , Ishihara Takeshi , Blacque Oliver E. , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: May 2018

Glutamylation is a post-translational modification found on tubulin that can alter the interaction between microtubules (MTs) and associated proteins. The molecular mechanisms regulating tubulin glutamylation in response to the environment are not well understood. Here, we show that in the sensory cilia of Caenorhabditis elegans, tubulin glutamylation is upregulated in response to various signals such as temperature, osmolality, and dietary conditions. Similarly, tubulin glutamylation is modified in mammalian photoreceptor cells following light adaptation. A tubulin glutamate ligase gene ttll-4, which is essential for tubulin glutamylation of axonemal MTs in sensory cilia, is activated by p38 MAPK. Amino acid substitution of TTLL-4 has revealed that a Thr residue (a putative MAPK-phosphorylation site) is required for enhancement of tubulin glutamylation. Intraflagellar transport (IFT), a bidirectional trafficking system specifically observed along axonemal MTs, is required for the formation, maintenance, and function of sensory cilia. Measurement of the velocity of IFT particles revealed that starvation accelerates IFT, which was also dependent on the Thr residue of TTLL-4. Similarly, starvation-induced attenuation of avoidance behaviour from high osmolality conditions was also dependent on ttll-4. Our data suggest that a novel evolutionarily conserved regulatory system exists for tubulin glutamylation in sensory cilia in response to the environment.
Quasi-Orbital Angular Momentum (Q-OAM) Generated by Quasi-Circular Array Antenna (QCA)
Authors: Fouda Reham M. , Baum Thomas C. , Ghorbani Kamran
Published: May 2018

Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), as a property of Electromagnetic (EM) fields has recently been proposed for Radio and Microwave communications. This paper investigates a new class of OAM radiation patterns for Radio and Microwave applications, namely, Quasi-OAM radiation patterns, induced by a proposed Quasi-Circular Array Antenna (QCA). Simulations and Experiments show that Quasi-OAM waves can be induced and preserved in the far-field using the proposed QCA apertures and configurations, demonstrating non-integer dominant OAM modes corresponding to l = +1 and l = −1 with a directional quasi intensity and rotational 2π phase profiles. The proposed method in this work significantly reduces aperture size and cost by using Quasi-Circular Arrays of N
Q
 = 5 and N
Q
 = 6 elements in lieu of conventional OAM circular aperture arrays with N = 8 elements.
Furan-Site Bromination and Transformations of Fraxinellone as Insecticidal Agents Against Mythimna separata Walker
Authors: Dong Qing-Miao , Dong Shuai , Shen Cheng , Cao Qing-Hao , Song Ming-Yu , He Qiu-Rui , Wang Xiao-Ling , Yang Xiao-Jun , Tang Jiang-Jiang , Gao Jin-Ming
Published: May 2018

Furan ring of limoninoids is critical in exhibiting insecticidal activity. Herein, fraxinellone (1) was used as a template of furan-containing natural products and a series of its derivatives was synthesized by selective bromination in good yields on gram-scale and following Suzuki-Miyaura or Sonogashira coupling reactions in moderate to good yields. Bromination of limonin (9) was also accomplished without altering other functional groups in high yield. Furthermore, an evaluation of insecticidal activity against the instar larvae of Mythimna separata showed that derivatives 2, 3b, 3g, 5a, 5d and 5h displayed more potent insecticidal activity than 1 and toosendanin.
Increase lipid tear thickness after botulinum neurotoxin A injection in patients with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm
Authors: Ho Ren-Wen , Fang Po-Chiung , Chao Tsai-Ling , Chien Chun-Chih , Kuo Ming-Tse
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) and aqueous tear production after botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) injection in patients with benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS). Eleven and six patients with BEB and HFS, respectively, who received BoNT injection were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. The blepharospasm disability index (BSDI), blink pattern, dry eye symptoms, Schirmer test 1 findings, LLT, eyelid performance, and corneal integrity were evaluated before and after treatment. Both BEB and HSF patients experienced remarkable relief from spasms and ocular discomfort after BoNT injection. LLT, the partial blink rate, the snap-back time, the lid distraction distance, and lateral canthal laxity were significantly increased at 1 month after treatment. There were no significant changes in Schirmer test 1 findings and meibomian gland dropout. Our findings suggest that LLT, a decisive factor for tear film stability, significantly increases at 1 month after BoNT injection for BEB and HFS. A decrease in BSDI and an increase in the snap-back time may contribute to the increase in LLT; this mechanism is probably responsible for the relief from dryness after BoNT injection in patients with facial movement disorders.
Predator experience changes spider mites’ habitat choice even without current threat
Authors: Murase Aoi , Fujita Kazuo
Published: May 2018

As recent studies have revealed, previous exposure to a predator can change prey behavior even in the absence of current threat. We hypothesized that experiencing a predator increases prey avoidance of lower-quality resources even in the absence of a predator, which in turn influences the prey’s spatial distribution. We examined these hypotheses using the herbivorous spider mite Tetranychus kanzawai and the specialist predatory mite Neoseiulus womersleyi. We used Phaseolus vulgaris as a high-quality host plant and Hydrangea macrophylla as a low-quality host plant. First we examined whether T. kanzawai females that were previously exposed to predators preferred P. vulgaris to H. macrophylla under no current threat more than those without predator experience. Second, we tested the effect of predator experience on dispersal by T. kanzawai females on P. vulgaris or on H. macrophylla. Our results show that: (1) predator-experienced T. kanzawai females expressed stronger avoidance of the low-quality plant H. macrophylla than those without predator experiences; and (2) T. kanzawai females transferred to H. macrophylla traveled farther than those on P. vulgaris, especially females with previous predator experience. These findings reveal neglected aspects of the evolutionary interaction between predators and the habitat choices of their prey.
Common genetic variation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) locus is associated with autoimmune Addison’s disease in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Daniel , Bianchi Matteo , Landegren Nils , Dalin Frida , Skov Jakob , Hultin-Rosenberg Lina , Mathioudaki Argyri , Nordin Jessika , Hallgren Åsa , Andersson Göran , Tandre Karolina , Rantapää Dahlqvist Solbritt , Söderkvist Peter , Rönnblom Lars , Hulting Anna-Lena , Wahlberg Jeanette , Dahlqvist Per , Ekwall Olov , Meadows Jennifer R. S. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Bensing Sophie , Rosengren Pielberg Gerli , Kämpe Olle
Published: May 2018

Autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD) is the predominating cause of primary adrenal failure. Despite its high heritability, the rarity of disease has long made candidate-gene studies the only feasible methodology for genetic studies. Here we conducted a comprehensive reinvestigation of suggested AAD risk loci and more than 1800 candidate genes with associated regulatory elements in 479 patients with AAD and 2394 controls. Our analysis enabled us to replicate many risk variants, but several other previously suggested risk variants failed confirmation. By exploring the full set of 1800 candidate genes, we further identified common variation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) as a novel risk locus associated to sporadic AAD in our study. Our findings not only confirm that multiple loci are associated with disease risk, but also show to what extent the multiple risk loci jointly associate to AAD. In total, risk loci discovered to date only explain about 7% of variance in liability to AAD in our study population.
Mapping of Adenovirus of serotype 3 fibre interaction to desmoglein 2 revealed a novel ‘non-classical’ mechanism of viral receptor engagement
Authors: Vassal-Stermann Emilie , Mottet Manon , Ducournau Corinne , Iseni Frédéric , Vragniau Charles , Wang Hongjie , Zubieta Chloe , Lieber André , Fender Pascal
Published: May 2018

High-affinity binding of the trimeric fibre protein to a cell surface primary receptor is a common feature shared by all adenovirus serotypes. Recently, a long elusive species B adenovirus receptor has been identified. Desmoglein 2 (DSG2) a component of desmosomal junction, has been reported to interact at high affinity with Human adenoviruses HAd3, HAd7, HAd11 and HAd14. Little is known with respect to the molecular interactions of adenovirus fibre with the DSG2 ectodomain. By using different DSG2 ectodomain constructs and biochemical and biophysical experiments, we report that the third extracellular cadherin domain (EC3) of DSG2 is critical for HAd3 fibre binding. Unexpectedly, stoichiometry studies using multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) and analytical ultra-centrifugation (AUC) revealed a non-classical 1:1 interaction (one DSG2 per trimeric fibre), thus differentiating ‘DSG2-interacting’ adenoviruses from other protein receptor interacting adenoviruses in their infection strategy.
Development and comparison of regression models for the determination of quality parameters in margarine spread samples using NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Rácz Anita , Fodor Marietta , Héberger Károly
Published: May 2018

More than a hundred margarine samples and their FT-NIR spectra were used to develop regression models, and to compare them with sum of ranking differences and ANOVA.
Continuous pervaporation-assisted furfural production catalyzed by CrCl3
Authors: Wang Alex , Balsara Nitash P. , Bell Alexis T.
Published: May 2018

Pervaporation selectively removes the product (furfural) while fully retaining the reactant (xylose) and catalyst (CrCl3), permitting continuous reaction.
Identification of potent catalytic inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase II by structure-based virtual screening
Authors: Dong Guoqiang , Wu Ying , Sun Ying , Liu Na , Wu Shanchao , Zhang Wannian , Sheng Chunquan
Published: May 2018

Structure-based virtual screening was performed and led to 14 novel Top2 catalytic inhibitors. Compound 8 was proven to be a Top2 catalytic inhibitor and showed good in vitro antiproliferative activity. It holds great potential for further hit-to-lead development in anticancer drug discovery.
An acid-compatible co-polymer for the solubilization of membranes and proteins into lipid bilayer-containing nanoparticles
Authors: Hall Stephen C. L. , Tognoloni Cecilia , Charlton Jack , Bragginton Éilís C. , Rothnie Alice J. , Sridhar Pooja , Wheatley Mark , Knowles Timothy J. , Arnold Thomas , Edler Karen J. , Dafforn Tim R.
Published: May 2018

Positively charged poly(styrene-co-maleimide) extracts functional membrane proteins into nanodiscs, overcoming some limitations of current nanodisc technology.
Life-cycling and uncovering cation-trapping evidence of a monolithic inorganic electrochromic device: glass/ITO/WO3/LiTaO3/NiO/ITO
Authors: Dong Dongmei , Wang Wenwen , Rougier Aline , Dong Guobo , Da Rocha Mathias , Presmanes Lionel , Zrikem Khawla , Song Giljoo , Diao Xungang , Barnabé Antoine
Published: May 2018

The visualization of the microstructure change and of the depth of lithium transport inside a monolithic ElectroChromic Device (ECD) is realized using an innovative combined approach of Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES).
Synthesis of Au-V2O5 composite nanowires through the shape transformation of a vanadium(iii) metal complex for high-performance solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Rudra Siddheswar , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Chakraborty Rishika , Maji Pradip K. , Pradhan Mukul
Published: May 2018

Au-V2O5 composite nanowires with truncated octahedral morphology are synthesised through the shape transformation of a vanadium(iii) metal complex for use in high-performance solid-state supercapacitors.
Effect of cobalt addition on the corrosion behavior of near equiatomic NiTi shape memory alloy in normal saline solution: electrochemical and XPS studies
Authors: Alqarni Nawal D. , Wysocka Joanna , El-Bagoury Nader , Ryl Jacek , Amin Mohammed A. , Boukherroub Rabah
Published: May 2018

The electrochemical and corrosion (uniform and localized) behavior of a binary Ni52Ti48shape memory alloy (SMA) and two ternary Ni52Ti48−xCox(x= 1.5 and 4.0 wt%) SMAs were studied.
Phosphate adsorption onto thermally dehydrated aluminate cement granules
Authors: Zha Zhenglin , Ren Yongxiang , Wang Shaobin , Qian Zhuang , Yang Lei , Cheng Peng , Han Yun , Wang Man
Published: May 2018

Thermally dehydrated aluminate cement granules show a large phosphate adsorption capacity of 49.1 mg P per g and fast and high initial adsorption.
Direct reaction between silicon and methanol over Cu-based catalysts: investigation of active species and regeneration of CuCl catalyst
Authors: Wang Aili , Zhang Mingming , Yin Hengbo , Liu Shuxin , Liu Mengke , Hu Tongjie
Published: May 2018

CuxSiyClz formed at a lower pretreatment temperature favored trimethoxysilane formation while chlorination of spent CuCl/Si mixture promoted the reaction.
A combined experimental and DFT mechanistic study for the unexpected nitrosolysis of N-hydroxymethyldialkylamines in fuming nitric acid
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zou Po , Han Yingbin , Geng Yongliang , Luo Jun , Zhou Baojing
Published: May 2018

N-Hydroxymethyldialkylamines were nitrosolyzed unexpectedly in fuming HNO3 to give N-nitrosamines. A mechanism involving a redox reaction of HNO3 was proposed and DFT calculations indicated that the reaction proceeded smoothly with a rigid bicyclic transition state.
Improved performance of binder-free zeolite Y for low-temperature sorption heat storage
Authors: Ristić Alenka , Fischer Fabian , Hauer Andreas , Zabukovec Logar Nataša
Published: May 2018

Improved performance of modified binder-free zeolite Y in mobile sorption heat storage for low-temperature industrial waste heat recovery.
Pd loaded and covalent-organic framework involved chitosan aerogels and their application for continuous flow-through aqueous CB decontamination
Authors: Li Fei , Ding Luo-Gang , Yao Bing-Jian , Huang Ning , Li Jiang-Tao , Fu Qi-Juan , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: May 2018

Pd NP loaded COF-chitosan aerogels with desired shapes can be used to build highly efficient continuous flow-through microreactors to catalyse CB dechlorination in water at room temperature.
In situ synthesis of Ni nanofibers via vacuum thermal reduction and their efficient catalytic properties for hydrogen generation
Authors: Fu Qinglong , Yang Pan , Wang Jingchuan , Wang Hefang , Yang Lijun , Zhao Xiaochong
Published: May 2018

Ni nanofibers have been prepared by a vacuum thermal reduction method, and further used as efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine decomposition reaction.
Modulation of bulk heterojunction morphology through small π-bridge changes for polymer solar cells with enhanced performance
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Chen Huipeng , Tang Yabing , Wang Jin-Yun , Ma Wei , Zheng Qingdong
Published: May 2018

Polymer packing structures and bulk heterojunction morphology can be controlled by small π-bridge modulation.
Fermi‐level depinning in germanium Schottky junction using nitrogen plasma treatment
Authors: Janardhanam V. , Yun H.‐J. , Jyothi I. , Lee H.‐K. , Lee S.‐N. , Won J. , Choi C.‐J.
Published: May 2018

Fermi‐level depinning in germanium (Ge) through nitrogen (N2) plasma treatment is demonstrated. The Ge surface was exposed to N2 plasma for 1 min without heat treatment, resulting in the formation of 2.5 nm‐thick GeOxNy layer with uniform surface and interface morphologies. Ohmic and Schottky behaviours were obtained for Al contacts to N2 plasma‐treated n‐ and p‐type Ge with barrier heights of 0.09 and 0.40 eV, respectively. Fermi‐level depinning could be attributed to the reduction in interface states caused by the passivation of Ge surface by highly uniform GeOxNy layer.
General discussion on g-2
Authors: Knecht Marc
Published: May 2018

Progress made on the theoretical aspects of the standard model contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the charged leptons since the first FCCP Workshop on Capri in 2015 is reviewed. Emphasis is in particular given to the various cross-checks that have already become available, or might become available in the future, for several important contributions.
Leptoquarks in Flavour Physics
Authors: Müller Dario
Published: May 2018

While the LHC has not directly observed any new particle so far, experimental results from LHCb, BELLE and BABAR point towards the violation of lepton flavour universality in b ⟶ sℓ+ and b ⟶ c-ℓν. In this context, also the discrepancy in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon can be interpreted as a sign of lepton flavour universality violation. Here we discuss how these hints for new physics can also be explained by introducing leptoquarks as an extension of the Standard Model. Indeed, leptoquarks are good candidates to explain the anomaly in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon because of an mg/mμ enhanced contribution giving correlated effects in Z boson decays which is particularly interesting in the light of future precision experiments.
Hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the muon g – 2 on the lattice
Authors: Asmussen Nils , Gérardin Antoine , Green Jeremy , Gryniuk Oleksii , von Hippel Georg , Meyer Harvey B. , Nyffeler Andreas , Pascalutsa Vladimir , Wittig Hartmut
Published: May 2018

We briefly review several activities at Mainz related to hadronic light-by-light scattering (HLbL) using lattice QCD. First we present a position-space approach to the HLbL contribution in the muon g̅2, where we focus on exploratory studies of the pion-pole contribution in a simple model and the lepton loop in QED in the continuum and in infinite volume. The second part describes a lattice calculation of the double-virtual pion transition form factor Fπ0γ*γ* (q21; q21) in the spacelike region with photon virtualities up to 1.5 GeV2 which paves the way for a lattice calculation of the pion-pole contribution to HLbL. The third topic involves HLbL forward scattering amplitudes calculated in lattice QCD which can be described, using dispersion relations (HLbL sum rules), by γ*γ* → hadrons fusion cross sections and then compared with phenomenological models.
CESAR5.3: Isotopic depletion for Research and Testing Reactor decommissioning
Authors: Ritter Guillaume , Eschbach Romain , Girieud Richard , Soulard Maxime
Published: May 2018

CESAR stands in French for “simplified depletion applied to reprocessing”. The current version is now number 5.3 as it started 30 years ago from a long lasting cooperation with ORANO, co-owner of the code with CEA. This computer code can characterize several types of nuclear fuel assemblies, from the most regular PWR power plants to the most unexpected gas cooled and graphite moderated old timer research facility. Each type of fuel can also include numerous ranges of compositions like UOX, MOX, LEU or HEU. Such versatility comes from a broad catalog of cross section libraries, each corresponding to a specific reactor and fuel matrix design. CESAR goes beyond fuel characterization and can also provide an evaluation of structural materials activation. The cross-sections libraries are generated using the most refined assembly or core level transport code calculation schemes (CEA APOLLO2 or ERANOS), based on the European JEFF3.1.1 nuclear data base. Each new CESAR self shielded cross section library benefits all most recent CEA recommendations as for deterministic physics options. Resulting cross sections are organized as a function of burn up and initial fuel enrichment which allows to condensate this costly process into a series of Legendre polynomials. The final outcome is a fast, accurate and compact CESAR cross section library. Each library is fully validated, against a stochastic transport code (CEA TRIPOLI 4) if needed and against a reference depletion code (CEA DARWIN). Using CESAR does not require any of the neutron physics expertise implemented into cross section libraries generation. It is based on top quality nuclear data (JEFF3.1.1 for ∼400 isotopes) and includes up to date Bateman equation solving algorithms. However, defining a CESAR computation case can be very straightforward. Most results are only 3 steps away from any beginner's ambition: Initial composition, in core depletion and pool decay scenario. On top of a simple utilization architecture, CESAR includes a portable Graphical User Interface which can be broadly deployed in R&D or industrial facilities. Aging facilities currently face decommissioning and dismantling issues. This way to the end of the nuclear fuel cycle requires a careful assessment of source terms in the fuel, core structures and all parts of a facility that must be disposed of with “industrial nuclear” constraints. In that perspective, several CESAR cross section libraries were constructed for early CEA Research and Testing Reactors (RTR’s). The aim of this paper is to describe how CESAR operates and how it can be used to help these facilities care for waste disposal, nuclear materials transport or basic safety cases. The test case will be based on the PHEBUS Facility located at CEA − Cadarache.
CFD prediction of flutter of turbine blades and comparison with an experimental test case
Authors: Slama Vaclav , Rudas Bartolomej , Ira Jiri , Macalka Ales , Eret Petr , Tsymbalyuk Volodymyr
Published: May 2018

Last stage blades are a key element of steam turbines and in many ways determine the turbine configuration alongside with the overall turbine performance. The total efficiency of the low pressure turbine section can be increased by extending the last stage blades. The design process of such long blades involves a flutter analysis using CFD tools which have to be validated by measurements in test facilities under various operating conditions. Experimental data obtained from a subsonic wind tunnel with an oscillating turbine blade cascade, which is available at the Department of Power System Engineering at the University of West Bohemia, was compared with simulations in ANSYS CFX currently used in the Doosan Škoda Power. The paper provides a brief summary of experimental rig description, CFD tool setup and the results for the case of a travelling wave mode with the pure torsion motion of amplitude of 0.5°, Ma = 0.2, reduced frequency of 0.38 and angle of attack +5°.
Flow modelling of particulate matter by using baffles placed in the flue tract of wood stove
Authors: Kantová Nikola , Čaja Alexander , Holubčík Michal , Jandačka Jozef
Published: May 2018

It is very important to separate particulate matter before their leaving into the air because of their harmful impact on human health. It exists a lot of devices, which can separate these particles. But their implementation and operation in small heat source can be considerably difficult on finances, and often have complex maintenance. Therefore, it is important to look for solutions of reduction the producing of particulate matter with easier maintenance and also less financial difficulty. This article deals with flow modelling of particulate matter by using baffles placed in the flue tract of wood stove. Influence of baffles is observed by using CFD simulations.
Effect of a blade shape on hydraulic and mechanical properties of a single - blade impeller
Authors: Kurilla Matej , Knížat Branislav , Csuka Zoltán , Hyriak Maroš
Published: May 2018

Single-blade centrifugal pumps with a screw-shaped blade are perspective hydraulic machines with possible usage in many areas. According to the non-symmetrical impeller shape, mechanical properties, resulting from a dynamic balancing, are not fulfilled automatically. The way of designing of an impeller which enables fulfilled main requests such as good hydraulic, mechanical properties and the ball passage diameter, is described in this academic paper.
Digestate, ash and Trichoderm based fertilizer – production line concept design
Authors: Jewiarz Marcin , Wróbel Marek , Frączek Jarosław , Mudryk Krzysztof , Dziedzic Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

Paper presents design process of the prototype line, dedicated for production of fertilizer pellets from digestate-ash mixture. For enrichment of the nutritional characteristics of the final product additives were also used, like urea, elemental sulphur or phosphorite, and special fungal strains from Trichoderma spieces. During this process raw material will be dried (raw digestated), mixed, granulated and packed in one technological line. Presented concept, shows that there is possible to produce high quality fertilizer, from waste materials derrived form Green energy production, what should be one of very interesting ways to develop digestate and ash from biomass combustion.
Research of material and power of photovoltaic panels of various types of degradation in operating conditions
Authors: Tauš Peter , Tomčejová Jana , Taušová Marcela , Gabániová Ľubomíra , Kudelas Dušan , Jeňo Matúš , Šlosár Daniel
Published: May 2018

The paper deals with the results of research on the influence of material and operating parameters on the performance characteristics and efficiency of photovoltaic panels. The disadvantage of PV panels is that their performance depends on a number of factors such as the intensity of the sun's radiation, the outside air temperature, the surface temperature of the photovoltaic panel, its pollution, shielding, etc. In the paper is analyzed the model photovoltaic power plant, from which data were obtained during the monitored period and subsequently the progress of individually measured parameters was evaluated.
One dimensional modelling of flow in a helium loop
Authors: Világi František , Knížat Branislav , Mlkvik Marek , Urban František , Olšiak Róbert , Mlynár Peter
Published: May 2018

The natural circulation helium loop is a facility designed for decay heat removal from ALLEGRO fast nuclear reactors. The article deals with the observation of pressure and velocity relations during steady flow of helium. A one-dimensional numerical model of flow capable of determining the velocity with sufficient accuracy is presented in the article. The model describes the flow of highly compressed gaseous medium with variable density in direct pipelines with local resistances. It’s a hydraulic model, which means that the temperature distribution along the loop must be known. The article also includes the evaluation of local resistances in DHR and GFR, which significantly affects the resulting accuracy. The results from numerical model are compared with experiments.
Importance of the experimental investigation of a concasting technology
Authors: Štětina Josef , Kavička František , Katolický Jaroslav , Mauder Tomáš , Klimeš Lubomír
Published: May 2018

The solidification and cooling of a continuously cast billet, slab or cylinder, generally of a concasting and the simultaneous heating of the mold is a very complicated problem of three-dimensional (3D) transient heat and mass transfer. The solving of such a problem is impossible without numerical models of the temperature field of the concasting itself which it is being processed through the concasting machine (caster). The application of the numerical model requires systematic experimentation and measurement of operational parameters on a real caster as well as in the laboratory. The measurement results, especially temperatures, serve not only for the verification of the exactness of the model, but mainly for optímization of the process procedure: real process → input data → numerical analyses → optimization → correction of real process. The most important part of the investigation is the measurement of the temperatures in the walls of the mold and the surface of the slab in the zones of secondary and tertiary cooling.
Influence of temperature on the production and size distribution of fine particles released from beech wood samples
Authors: Poláčik Ján , Pospíšil Jiří , Šnajdárek Ladislav , Sitek Tomáš
Published: May 2018

Fine particles generated from laboratory biomass combustion are discussed in this study. The approach combines the thermogravimetric analysis during thermal decomposition of beech wood sample with detailed monitoring of the size distribution of fine particles produced. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) allows monitoring the exact temperature influence of a small fuel sample (wood) according to the desired schedule. The cool aerosol stream leaving TGA enters a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) where the particle size fractions are separated. The monodisperse aerosol is counted by the condensation particle counter (CPC). The parametrical study was carried out to assess the influence of composition, size and surface of the wood sample on the production and size distribution of ultrafine particles
Alternative solid fuels combustion in small heat source
Authors: Holubčík Michal , Kantová Nikola , Jandačka Jozef , Kolková Zuzana
Published: May 2018

Air quality is related to the using of solid fuel based heat sources in which the human factor has a major influence on the quality of combustion, which can lead to higher emissions into the air. One of the negative factors is the use of alternative fuels in heat sources. The article deals with the combustion of various alternative fuels, on a waste basis, in small heat sources. There were tested 4 types of fuels: beech wood pieces, 2 types of solid alternative fuel on the base of municipal waste and wood waste. In the experiment, it was tested the influence of used fuel in the fireplace on the heat output, efficiency, production of gaseous emissions and particulate matter. The results confirmed that combustion of fuels not recommended by the heat source manufacturer reduces the efficiency of combustion and significantly increases all monitored emissions.
Impact of the production of wood pellets on their properties
Authors: Palacka Matej , Holubčík Michal , Jandačka Jozef
Published: May 2018

Process of production wood pellets is difficult and this process has an impact on the final properties of pellets. The article deals with the comparison of the energy and mechanical properties of experimental pellets that have been made under different conditions. Sample A was manufactured in laboratory conditions and sample B was made in factory production. At the end of the work are displayed the results of the experiments.
Characterizations of nuclear pseudo-differential operators on	ℤ with some applications
Authors: JamalpourBirgani Majid
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we give necessary and sufficient conditions on the symbols σ, such that the corresponding pseudo-differential operators Tσ from Lp1(ℤ) into Lp2(ℤ), 1 ≤ p1,p2 < ∞, be nuclear. We show that the adjoint operators of the nuclear pseudo-differential operators from Lp′2(ℤ) into Lp′1(ℤ) are nuclear and present a necessary and sufficient condition on the symbols of the nuclear pseudo-differential operators from L2(ℤ) into L2(ℤ) to be self-adjoint. As applications, We get the symbol of the product of the nuclear operators with the bounded operators, and a necessary and sufficient condition on the symbols of nuclear operators is given to be normal.
L’idéal du laisser-agir (wuwei) dans les pratiques martiales chinoises : quelle place pour le soi dans l’action efficiente ?
Authors: Legendre Alexandre
Published: May 2018

De nombreuses pratiques asiatiques se sont développées sur une expertise reposant sur l’articulation de deux principes qui semblenta prioricontradictoires lorsqu’ils sont observés du point de vue de l’occident : la culture de soi (修養,xiuyang) et l’abandon du soi dans le laisser agir (無為,wuwei). Les arts martiaux chinois en fournissent une illustration éclairante : à force de répétitions, l’athlète gagne en compétence et peut progressivement expurger les modalités réflexives de conscience de l’exécution des techniques, au profit de modalités « corporelles ». Dans leur cas précis, cette conscience corporelle s’enracine dans la sensibilité haptique. Les techniques émancipées du contrôle de la conscience, une forme d’inconscient moteur est invitée à prendre les rênes de l’action : l’expérience sédimentée qui agit selon le naturel de sa propre spontanéité (自然,ziran). Et le soi, détaché de la conscience et coextensif à cette habileté acquise (songongfu, 功夫), est redéfini en un sens qui le fait communier avec le fonctionnement des choses, ledao(道). Si l’occident n’en a pas formulé les principes dans les mêmes termes, il n’ignore plus, grâce aux sciences modernes, les limites de l’apport de la conscience dans l’apprentissage des techniques du corps.
Comparison of Current Swiss Fetal Biometry Reference Charts with Reference Charts from 1999. Are Fetuses Getting Bigger?
Authors: Knitza Johannes , Kurmanavicius Juozas , Faschingbauer Florian , Wisser Josef
Published: May 2018

Purpose To create current fetal biometry reference ranges and to compare them with references published in 1999, from the same local area in order to generate data for secular trend in fetal size.

Materials and Methods Applying the same methodology as previously published, we calculated reference ranges for biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) in 7863 patients examined at the obstetric clinics in a cross-sectional, prospective study in a university setting from January 2008 to December 2014. In order to compare the new reference ranges with our previously published data, we used Z-Scores and displayed the pick-up of fetal biometry data below the 5th and above the 95th percentile using the previously published reference charts.

Results The comparison of the charts showed a minimal but clinically relevant increase in mean fetal body measures (BPD, HC, AC). Applying the 1999 charts to the new dataset, we would classify only 162 of 339 fetuses (47.8 %) to be correctly below the 5th percentile for AC and only 134 of 349 (38.4 %) fetuses were correctly below the 5th percentile for HC. On the other hand, the 1999 charts classified 426 instead of 332 fetuses to be above the 95th percentile for AC, which means an overestimation of 28.3 %.

Conclusion Applying a similar methodology, study collective and clinical setting, our new charts showed clinically relevant differences compared to the 1999 charts. The data suggest that within one generation fetuses are getting bigger and regular updates of fetal reference charts are needed.
Atypical titration curves for GaAl12 Keggin-ions explained by a joint experimental and simulation approach
Authors: Sulpizi Marialore , Lützenkirchen Johannes
Published: May 2018

Although they have been widely used as models for oxide surfaces, the deprotonation behaviors of the Keggin-ions (MeAl127+) and typical oxide surfaces are very different. On Keggin-ions, the deprotonation occurs over a very narrow pH range at odds with the broad charging curve of larger oxide surfaces. Depending on the Me concentration, the deprotonation curve levels off sooner (high Me concentration) or later (for low Me concentration). The leveling off shows the onset of aggregation before which the Keggin-ions are present as individual units. We show that the atypical titration data previously observed for some GaAl12 solutions in comparison to the originally reported data can be explained by the presence of Ga2Al11 ions. The pKa value of aquo-groups bound to octahedral Ga was determined from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations relative to the pure GaAl12 ions. Using these results within a surface complexation model, the onset of deprotonation of the crude solution is surprisingly well predicted and the ratio between the different species is estimated to be in the proportion 20 (Ga2Al11) : 20 (Al13) : 60 (GaAl12).
Imitative and best response behaviors in a nonlinear Cournotian setting
Authors: Cerboni Baiardi Lorenzo , Naimzada Ahmad K.
Published: May 2018

We consider the competition among quantity setting players in a deterministic nonlinear oligopoly framework characterized by an isoelastic demand curve. Players are characterized by having heterogeneous decisional mechanisms to set their outputs: some players are imitators, while the remaining others adopt a rational-like rule according to which their past decisions are adjusted towards their static expectation best response. The Cournot-Nash production level is a stationary state of our model together with a further production level that can be interpreted as the competitive outcome in case only imitators are present. We found that both the number of players and the relative fraction of imitators influence stability of the Cournot-Nash equilibrium with an ambiguous role, and double instability thresholds may be observed. Global analysis shows that a wide variety of complex dynamic scenarios emerge. Chaotic trajectories as well as multi-stabilities, where different attractors coexist, are robust phenomena that can be observed for a wide spectrum of parameter sets.
Anomalous transport of charged dust grains in a magnetized collisional plasma: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bezbaruah Pratikshya , Das Nilakshi
Published: May 2018

Anomalous diffusion of charged dust grains immersed in a plasma in the presence of strong ion-neutral collision, flowing ions, and a magnetic field has been observed. Molecular Dynamics simulation confirms the deviation from normal diffusion in an ensemble of dust grains probed in laboratory plasma chambers. Collisional effects are significant in governing the nature of diffusion. In order to have a clear idea on the transport of particles in a real experimental situation, the contribution of streaming ions and the magnetic field along with collision is considered through the relevant interaction potential. The nonlinear evolution of Mean Square Displacement is an indication of the modification in particle trajectories due to several effects as mentioned above. It is found that strong collision and ion flow significantly affect the interparticle interaction potential in the presence of the magnetic field and lead to the appearance of the asymmetric type of Debye Hückel (D H) potential. Due to the combined effect of the magnetic field, ion flow, and collision, dusty plasma exhibits a completely novel behavior. The coupling parameter Γ enhances the asymmetric D H type potential arising due to ion flow, and this may drive the system to a disordered state.
Decomposition of 2-((2-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol molecule by an argon plasma jet
Authors: Tanışlı Murat , Taşal Erol
Published: May 2018

In this study, we have presented the effects of the argon plasma on a 2-((2-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl)benzene-1,3,5-triol molecule—AZO compound (abbreviated as 2MDB)—under atmospheric pressure. In order to do this, the validated molecule has been considered and plasma has been used to modify it. The atmospheric pressure plasma jet system was specially designed for performing decomposing processes of the 2MDB molecule. The characterizations before and after the application of plasma—which takes only 3 minutes under atmospheric pressure conditions, to dissolve the 2MDB molecule in ethanol and methanol solutions—were examined using the Fourier transform infrared and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. After the plasma treatment, the molecule was broken at -C-N=N-C-C bond. Accurate and important changes are seen clearly from the results. In addition, according to UV-Vis spectra, π-π* electronic transitions related to –N=N– AZO bridge for the 2MDB molecule in polar-aprotic solvents such as ethanol and methanol were recorded as strong transitions. The new photoproducts such as -C-N–N=C and C=O were obtained from the 2MDB molecule.
Two-stage DNA compaction induced by silver ions suggests a cooperative binding mechanism
Authors: Jiang Wen-Yan , Ran Shi-Yong
Published: May 2018

The interaction between silver ions and DNA plays an important role in the therapeutic use of silver ions and in related technologies such as DNA sensors. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, the dynamics of Ag+–DNA interaction at a single-molecule level was studied using magnetic tweezers. AgNO3 solutions with concentrations ranging from 1 μM to 20 μM led to a 1.4–1.8 μm decrease in length of a single λ-DNA molecule, indicating that Ag+ has a strong binding with DNA, causing the DNA conformational change. The compaction process comprises one linear declining stage and another sigmoid-shaped stage, which can be attributed to the interaction mechanism. Considering the cooperative effect, the sigmoid trend was well explained using a phenomenological model. By contrast, addition of silver nanoparticle solution induced no detectable transition of DNA. The dependence of the interaction on ionic strength and DNA concentration was examined via morphology characterization and particle size distribution measurement. The size of the Ag+–DNA complex decreased with an increase in Ag+ ionic strength ranging from 1 μM to 1 mM. Morphology characterization confirmed that silver ions induced DNA to adopt a compacted globular conformation. At a fixed [AgNO3]:[DNA base pairs] ratio, increasing DNA concentration led to increased sizes of the complexes. Intermolecular interaction is believed to affect the Ag+–DNA complex formation to a large extent.