bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of uncontrolled progressive collapse of a high-rise brick building
Authors: Pakhmurin Oleg
Published: June 2018

In recent years, there is a trend towards increasing the failure rate of buildings and structures as a result of unforeseen situations. This study is aimed at assessing the operational reliability of the structure to prevent emergencies and progressive collapse. The behavior of structures affected by various factors was analyzed. The operational condition of a building with stone walls and a rigid structural frame constructed in the middle of the 20th century was considered. By means of a detailed instrumental examination, effects of long-term operation, climatic factors and violations during construction on the serviceability of the building were analyzed. Geotechnical conditions of the site were investigated. Necessary re-calculations for load-bearing structural elements and foundations were carried out. An expected failure diagram for vertical load-bearing structures of the building is presented. Proposals for preventing progressive collapse were developed on the basis of the author's technique.
Experimental study of beams on yielding supports with thrust
Authors: Kumpyak Oleg , Galyautdinov Zaur , Galyautdinov Daud
Published: June 2018

The design of reinforced concrete structures which are subjected to static and intensive dynamic loading requires taking into account the occurrence of thrust reaction resulting in significant increase in strength and crack resistance. Application of yielding supports for the purpose of increasing the energy capacity of structures shall also be considered. The present research aims to define feasibility of yielding supports application in thrust structures. The paper presents the outcomes of experimental studies of reinforced concrete beam structures on yielding supports subjected to thrust under static and short-term dynamic loading. The influence of thrust on the strength, deformation property and crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures under static and short-term dynamic loading was investigated. The combined use of yielding supports and the restriction of horizontal displacement of the support contour were also considered in the study. Research results testify on the positive outcome when yielding supports are applied in the structures subjected to thrust.
Production of environmentally friendly aerated concrete with required construction and operational properties
Authors: Tkach Evgeniya , Solovyov Vladimir , Tkach Semen
Published: June 2018

The purpose of these studies is to justify the feasibility of recycling different types of industrial waste instead of conventional expensive raw materials in production of environmentally friendly aerated concrete with required construction and operational properties. The impact of wastes from various industries on the environmental condition of affected areas, as well as the results of their environmental assessment were analyzed to determine whether these wastes could be used in production of high-performance building materials. The assessment of industrial wastes in aerated concrete production suggests that industrial wastes of hazard class IV can be recycled to produce aerated concrete. An environmentally friendly method for large-scale waste recycling, including a two-step environmentally sustainable mechanism, was developed. The basic quality indicators of the modified aerated concrete proved that the environmental safety could be enhanced by strengthening the structure, increasing its uniformity and improving thermal insulation properties. The modified non-autoclaved aerated concrete products with improved physical and operational properties were developed. They have the following properties: density – D700; class of concrete – B3.5; thermal transmittance coefficient – 0.143 W/(m·°C); frost resistance – F75.
Mortars for 3D printing
Authors: Demyanenko Olga , Sorokina Ekaterina , Kopanitsa Natalya , Sarkisov Yurij
Published: June 2018

The paper is aimed at developing scientifically proven compositions of mortars for 3D printing modified by a peat-based admixture with improved operational characteristics. The paper outlines the results of experimental research on hardened cement paste and concrete mixture with the use of modifying admixture MT-600 (thermally modified peat). It is found that strength of hardened cement paste increases at early age when using finely dispersed admixtures, which is the key factor for formation of construction and technical specifications of concrete for 3D printing technologies. The composition of new formations of hardened cement paste modified by MT-600 admixture were obtained, which enabled to suggest the possibility of their physico-chemical interaction while hardening.
Primary gas discharge transducer and its application
Authors: Smirnov Gennadii , Kovalsky Aleksey
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to develop a high-speed fault transducer and, based on it, to create an automated system for monitoring and repairing faulty insulation of winding wires in electrical equipment. The fault transducer under development is based on a gas discharge process that occurs between a high-voltage electrode and a grounded wire conductor in a damaged insulation segment. Oscillographic measurements show that there is a complex signal that appears on the fault transducer when a damaged insulation segment is passed through it. The basic patterns of electrodeposition of dielectric films onto metals were determined. The conditions of this process were optimized. The features of the above-mentioned signal that can be used to monitor the number of faults and lengths of damaged segments, as well as the features of the deposition of dielectric films onto metals were justified. Based on these features, a faulty wire insulation repair process was developed and can be controlled.
Aluminum surface modification by electron-ion-plasma methods
Authors: Krysina Olga , Petrikova Elizaveta , Shugurov Vladimir , Moskvin Pavel , Ivanov Yurii
Published: June 2018

The paper focuses on detection and structural-phase justification of the modes of combined electron-ion plasma treatment of commercially pure A7 grade aluminum carried out in a single vacuum cycle and enabling to enhance mechanical (microhardness) and tribological (wear resistance) properties of the material. Commercially pure A7 grade aluminum underwent combined surface treatment, including deposition of titanium coating by means of vacuum-arc technique and further mixing of the coating/substrate system by intense pulsed electron beam. The varied parameters were energy density of the electron beam (10, 15, 20) J/cm2 and the number of impact pulses (3-100); the thickness of titanium coating was 0.5 μm. Electron-ion plasma treatment of aluminum was carried out in a single vacuum cycle. Optical and scanning electron microscope investigations, measuring of microhardness and tribological tests allowed defining the modes when hardness and wear resistance of the modified surface layer increases manifold in comparison to the initial properties of commercially pure aluminum.
Investigation of temperature stability of ITO films characteristics
Authors: Troyan Pavel , Zhidik Yury , Zhidik Ekaterina
Published: June 2018

The paper represents research of thermal stability of optical and electro-physical parameters of ITO films deposited using various techniques. Variation of optical and electro-physical parameters was recorded using spectroscopy, and Hall’s and four-probe measurements. The best thermal stability was demonstrated by ITO films deposited by metal target sputtering In(90%)/Sn(10%) in mixture of gases O2 (25%) + Ar (75%) with further annealing in air atmosphere. This enables to apply this technique for production of thin film transparent resistive elements capable to heat the translucent structures up to 100°C without deterioration of their parameters.
Development of multiparameter equations for satellite monitoring analysis of traffic flow
Authors: Testeshev Alexander , Timohovetz Vera , Mikeladze Tatyana
Published: June 2018

The paper is dedicated to the development of multiparameter equations of traffic flows for satellite monitoring analysis of the road networks of major cities. Use of multiparameter dependences will allow interpreting the road situation by transforming a static image into dynamic characteristics of traffic and refuse from multiple mono-dependences which account road and weather conditions. Multiparameter dependences are developed based on mathematical methods for traffic flow modeling. The issue of using cartographic resources with updatable databases are investigated, sufficient amount of observation samples was determined for development of reliable functional dependences. The suggested method allows minimizing resource expenses on creation of calculation framework for analysis of network monitoring results for traffic flows on road networks of modern metropolises.
Two-period pricing strategies in a two-echelon supply chain with conspicuous consumption
Authors: Zhu Rongjing , Xue Musen
Published: June 2018

This paper investigates the problem of pricing strategies in a two-echelon supply chain with conspicuous consumers. We develop a two-period pricing model for the supply chain which is consisted of one manufacturer and one retailer who involve in trading a single product. The manufacturer being a Stackelberg leader, decides the wholesale price, the retailer acts as a follower and sets the selling price. As a leader, the manufacturer has two pricing options: (1) sets a common wholesale price for the entire selling season; (2) sets two different wholesale prices for the two selling periods respectively. Based on the manufacturer’s pricing options, we develop four pricing cases considering the effect of conspicuous consumption and compare the equilibrium outcomes. In addition, we study the impacts of the main parameters on the equilibrium results under different cases in the numerical study and obtain some managerial insights.
Endotoxin-Induced Platelet Activation in Human Whole Blood In Vitro
Authors: Csako Gyorgy , Suba Eva A , Elin Ronald J
Published: June 2018

The effect of purified bacterial endotoxin was studied on human platelets in vitro. In adding up to 1 μg/mL of a highly purified endotoxin, we found neither aggregation nor ATP release in heparinized or citrated human platelet-rich plasma. On the other hand, endotoxin at concentrations as low as a few ng/mL (as may be found in septic patients) caused platelet aggregation in both heparinized and citrated human whole blood, as monitored by change in impedance, free platelet count, and size. Unlike collagen, the platelet aggregation with endotoxin occurred after a long lag phase, developed slowly, and was rarely coupled with measurable release of ATP. The platelet aggregating effect of endotoxin was dose-dependent and modified by exposure of the endotoxin to ionizing radiation. Thus, the activation of human platelets by “solubilized” endotoxin in plasma requires the presence of other blood cells. We propose that the platelet effect is mediated by monocytes and/or neutrophils stimulated by endotoxin.
Endothelial-Dependent Fibrinolysis in Subjects with the Lupus Anticoagulant and Thrombosis
Authors: Francis Robert B , McGehee William G , Feinstein Donald I
Published: June 2018

To investigate the hypothesis that diminished endothelial fibrinolytic activity contributes to the pathogenesis of thrombosis in patients with the lupus anticoagulant (LA), we assessed the ability of endothelium to release tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in response to standardized venous occlusion (VO) of the arm, and the extent of inhibition of t-PA, in 11 subjects with LA and a history of thrombosis and in 36 healthy normal subjects. The mean rise in plasma t-PA antigen after VO, the mean plasma free t-PA activity after VO, and the mean plasma t-PA inhibitor level prior to VO were not significantly different in subjects with LA and thrombosis and in normal subjects. Four subjects with LA and thrombosis (36%), and five of 36 healthy control subjects (14%) generated no detectable free t-PA activity after VO (“non-responders”); this difference was not statistically significant. All four “non-responders” with LA and thrombosis had normal t-PA antigen release after VO, indicating that the lack of detectable free t-PA activity after VO was due to increased inhibition of released t-PA. We conclude that abnormally reduced endothelial fibrinolytic activity is not present in the majority of subjects with LA and thrombosis. In the subset of subjects with LA and thrombosis who generate no detectable t-PA activity after VO, a stimulatory effect of LA on endothelial production of t-PA inhibitor cannot be excluded.
Aggregation of Human Platelets by Acidic Mucopolysaccharide Extracted from Stichopus japonicus Selenka
Authors: Li Jia-Zeng , Lian Eric Chun-Yet
Published: June 2018

The acidic mucopolysaccharide extracted from sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus Selenka) (SJAMP) has been shown to cause platelets to aggregate. Using citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP), washed platelets and formaldehyde-fixed platelets from humans, we investigated the effects of platelet inhibitors and various plasmas and their fractions on SJAMP-induced platelet aggregation. It was found that the lowest concentration of SJAMP required for the aggregation of human platelets was about 0.4 μg/ ml and the magnitude of aggregation induced by SJAMP was concentration dependent. The platelets were aggregated by SJAMP at 10 μg/ml in 25 out of 28 (89%) normal subjects tested. Platelet inhibitors such as PGE1, aspirin, indomethacin, apyrase, antimycin, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and EDTA inhibited by 70 to 100% the aggregation induced by SJAMP. Washed platelets alone were not aggregated by SJAMP. In the presence of fibrinogetr, washed platelets were aggregated by SJAMP, but formaldehyde-fixed platelets were not. These data indicate that the SJAMP-induced human platelet aggregation requires extracellular calcium, fibrinogen, and energy metabolism. The second phase of aggregation is dependent upon the release of ADP, and cyclooxygenase pathway.
A Study of Fibrinogen and Fibrinolysis in 10 Adults with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Gandrille S , Jouvin M H , Toulon P , Remy P , Fiessinger J N , Roncato M , Moatti N , Aiach M
Published: June 2018

In 10 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), the coagulation inhibitors, the fibrinolytic system and several functions of the fibrinogen-fibrin molecule were studied.

Among the coagulation inhibitors, only antithrombin III (AT III) was found decreased and correlated with serum-albumin levels. Venous occlusion test provoked a normal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) release in all patients. The plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) had an increased activity in 5 out of the 10 patients.

Thrombin and reptilase times were found abnormal in most patients. The thrombin time (TT) prolongation correlated with serum albumin levels and was corrected by adding purified albumin.

The fibrinogen was purified from each of the 10 patients’ plasma. Only 2 of them showed abnormal polymerization in purified system, suggesting dysfibrinogenaemia. Other functions (thrombin binding, tPA stimulating activity, lysis by purified plasmin) were found normal except in one of the 2 patients with dysfibrinogenaemia whose fibrinogen lysis by plasmin was delayed.

It is concluded that an abnormal fibrinogen molecule is not the most frequent explanation for thrombin time prolongation in NS.
Studies on Blood Coagulation Factor V
Authors: Hemker H. C , Kahn M. J. P
Published: June 2018

The disappearance of factor V-activity from human plasma on storage can be described as a first order reaction with an activation energy of about 44 kcal/mol.

The disappearance of factor V- activity from bovine plasma in vitro is a second order reaction with an activation energy of about 66 kcal/mol.

The inactivation of human prothrombinase during coagulation is a second order reaction; the activation energy is about 10 kcal/mol. It is concluded that this inactivation involves a reaction of the factor V moiety of prothrombinase with free factor V.
Factors Affecting Factor XIII Assay by Dansyl Cadaverine Incorporation
Authors: Sheltawy Marion J. , Miloszewski Krzysztof , Losowsky Monty S.
Published: June 2018

Factors affecting the activation of factor XIII and its subsequent action in incorporating the fluorescent amine, dansyl cadaverine, into casein have been investigated.

A comparison of the activation of factor XIII at 30° C and 37° C using 5 NIH units Maws bovine thrombin showed that increasing the temperature shortened the time required for maximal activity from 4-10 minutes to 4 minutes. A sharper peak of activity was observed at the higher temperature and a more rapid fall with increasing activation time. At 30° C, 25 units Parke Davis thrombin topical gave similar results to 5 units Maws thrombin topical.

When an activation period of 10 minutes was selected, 5 units of thrombin gave the highest values of factor XIII activity.

The optimal level of calcium in the incubation medium was found to be 12 mM.
Biophysical Characteristics of Erythrocytes during Acute Myocardial Infarction and Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Resnitzky P , Yaari A , Danon D
Published: June 2018

The osmotic fragility (OF), density distribution (DDC) and electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of red blood cells were examined in groups of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (MI), arteriosclerotic heart disease and precordial pains (ASHD), and deep-vein thrombosis. In patients with acute MI there is a reduction in electric mobility which returns to normal range within 3 weeks. The slow RBCs were in no case slower than the slowest cells of a normal curve representing the oldest portion of the red cell population. In a definite percentage of these patients there are also changes in the OF and the DDC indicating a narrower cell population. These changes are apparently consequent to the disappearance of the slowest cells from the circulation. Mobility tests were done in buffered saline and after three washings. The cell mobility of normal patients was slowed after ½ to 1 hour incubation with the plasma of patients suffering from fresh MI. These results agree with the existence of plasma factors affecting the electric charge of RBCs. The mobility of red blood cells of patients with acute MI underwent incubation with normal plasma returned to normal. The cells of patients with ASHD and precordial pains show also a reduction in average mobility although in a lesser degree. The possibility that this group of patients suffer from micro-infarct not detected by the usual clinical tests, has been considered. Patients with deep-venous thrombosis show similar changes in cell mobility as patients with acute MI. A possible relation between reduced RBC electric mobility and thromboembolism among MI patients was suggested.
Exercise, Physical Conditioning, Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis
Authors: Ferguson Earl W , Mason Guest M
Published: June 2018

Coagulation and fibrinolysis were evaluated in 29 healthy young male adults before, immediately after and one hour after strenuous exercise on a treadmill. Seven subjects were studied after moderate, prolonged exercise. Fourteen volunteers were tested before and after successful physical conditioning. Measurements included: pulse rate, glass and silicone whole blood clotting times, one-stage prothrombin time, Stypven time, two-stage prothrombin time, prothrombin consumption, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, eugiobulin lysis time, antifibrinolysin, hematocrit, and platelet count. Immediately after exercise, a marked increase in fibrinolytic activity and an acceleration of most clotting assays were observed. After physical conditioning there was a decrease in the level of fibrinolytic activity at rest and after exercise, but the reactivity of the fibrinolytic system, i.e., the percent increase in fibrinolytic activity in response to exercise, was unaltered. Following physical conditioning, the clotting times of certain assays were less accelerated.
Methods for the Separation of Platelets from Plasma
Authors: Hutton R. A , Howard Margaret A , Deykin Daniel , Hardisty R. M
Published: June 2018

Platelets have been separated from plasma of a series of normal volunteers by three methods: albumin density-gradient centrifugation, gel filtration, and a combination of the two. The efficacy of these three methods has been assessed by determination of the percentage recovery of the platelets, their aggregability by ADP, collagen and thrombin, platelet factor-3 availability, content and release of platelet adenine nucleotides and electron microscopic appearances. Platelets prepared by all three methods showed some loss of sensitivity to aggregating agents, minor activation of platelet factor 3 and morphological changes, as compared with platelets in PRP. Function and morphology were best preserved in platelets prepared by the combined method and most disturbed in those prepared by repeated washing on an albnmin density gradient.
Direct Observation of Fibrinolysis in Tissue Culture
Authors: Pandolfi M , Åstedt B , Nilsson I. M
Published: June 2018

A method is described for direct observation of the fibrinolytic activity in tissue cultures. The method consists in placing in the culture system a small glass tube open at one end and filled with fibrin. In the presence of fibrinolytically active expiants fibrin dissolves progressively from the free end of the tube, and can be measured directly. Direct observation and the recording of the lysis is a simple and precise method for studying the fibrinolytic activity of tissue cultures.
Heterogeneity of Rabbit Platelets. I. Employment of an Albumin Density Gradient for Separation of a Young Platelet Population Identified with Se75-Selenomethionine
Authors: Charmatz Arthur , Karpatkin Simon
Published: June 2018

An albumin density gradient was employed to separate rabbit platelets into heavy and light populations. Compared to a previous inert oil density gradient, the albumin gradient had the advantage of greater resolution, easier suspension of isolated platelet populations, and more physiologic composition. Heavy platelets were found to be enriched with large platelets, containing 2.3 fold more platelets with 2 μ diameter and 2 fold less platelets with 1 μ diameter. Platelets of 3 and 4 μ diameters were found in the heavy population but not in the light population. In vivo labelling of megakaryocytes with Se75-selenomethionine revealed early preferential labelling of heavy platelets when compared to light platelets, with an average heavy/light ratio labelling index of 3.7 on days 1–2, declining to 1.4 on days 3–4 and 0.7 on day 6. These data support previous data that heavy-large platelets are young platelets.
Platelet Adhesion from Nonanticoagulated Rat Arterial Blood*
Authors: Bern Murray M. , Tullis James L.
Published: June 2018

Platelet adhesion to glass bead is measured using nonanticoagulated arterial blood from adult male rats. Parameters studied include: 1) surface area of glass exposed to platelets, 2) time of contact and rate of platelet flow over the beads, 3) differing blood-gas interface, 4) adhesion to siliconized polyvinyl surfaces, and 5) heparinization of donors. Parameters kept constant include: 1) diameter of glass beads, 2) diameter of glass bead chamber, and 3) body temperature of the donor animals. No air was mixed with the blood. Concentration of hemoglobin released into the plasma supernatant was measured.

Platelet adhesion from each aliquot of each sample increases as glass surface area increases, and the time of contact between the platelets and surface increases. Adhesion did not change when nitrogen was substituted for room air at blood-gas interface. Heparinization of donor animal did not alter adhesion. Platelets adhere to siliconized polyvinyl at greater rate than to nonsiliconized polyvinyl. Hemoglobin concentration in the plasma supernate did not correlate directly with percent of platelet adhesion. These results are similar to those reported for native and anti-coagulated venous and anticoagulated arterial blood.

This technique does not require in vitro handling of platelets. It can be applied to other animals and to humans.
Limitations of the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time for Determination of Plasma Heparin Concentration and Half-Life in Human Subjects
Authors: Baele G , De Broe M , De Weerdt G. A , Ringoir S , Barbier F
Published: June 2018

In vivo heparin concentrations and half-life were estimated in 20 human subjects, after a single intravenous injection.

The method, used for heparin determination, is based on the activated partial thromboplastin time. The test plasmas are diluted in plasma of the same subject obtained before heparin administration. In this way the heparin concentrations are reduced to measurable levels between 0.1 I. U./ml and 0.8 I. U./ml. Indeed a linear relationship between log activated partial thromboplastin time and heparin concentrations from 0.1 to 0.8 I. U./ml can be computed. Different half-lives were found in 13 of the 20 subjects examined when different dilution factors were used. This seems an important limitation for the examination of the pharmacokinetics of heparin.
Artificial Reagents for Factor VII and Factor X, a Computer Programme for Obtaining Reference Tables for One-Stage Determinations in the Extrinsic System
Authors: Hemker H. C , Swart A. C. W , Alink A. J. M
Published: June 2018

A method is described to prepare artificial reagents to test the factors VII and X individually.

A procedure is given to obtain reference tables suitable for the use of these reagents as well as for any other type of specific one-stage in the extrinsic system by means of a computer. The programme is obtainable in Algol, Fortran or Focal.
A Quantitative Two-Stage Assay for Factor IX (Christmas Factor) Using Plasma from Dogs with Christmas Disease
Authors: Aronson D. L , Dodds W. J , Mustafa A. J
Published: June 2018

A modified 2-stage assay for factor IX which utilizes factor IX deficient plasma plasma from a colony of dogs with Christmas factor deficiency, has been described. The assay is technically less difficult and less time consuming than the established 2-stage assay for factor IX. The assay is more sensitive than other methods currently in use and uses only 4 μl of deficient plasma for a test. Results are comparable to those reported for 1-stage assays, both in vitro and in vivo, with an apparent increase in activity during the conversion of plasma to serum, and with apparently low in vivo recovery of factor IX when infused into a deficient patient.
High-purity red coloration via mode-selective absorption in a layered thin-film cavity
Authors: He De , Liu Zhijun , Fernandes Gustavo E. , Shen Tianyi , Oller Declan , Pacifici Domenico , Kim Jin Ho , Xu Jimmy
Published: June 2018

Physical coloration without chemicals offers a pathway to develop pollution-free coloration technology, and can be applied to colorimetric sensing of gases, toxic and chemical agents. In this paper, we report on realization of a high-purity red color using mechanism of mode-selective absorption in a thin-film optical cavity. By placing an ultra-thin absorber layer at the antinode of a targeted spectral band in a Fabry-Perot cavity, its otherwise conventional dichroic reflection spectrum is shaped into a broad rectangular flat-bottom one that gives the desired vivid red. The purity of our demonstrated red color reaches 76%, which is increased by 16% compared with those reported in prior thin-film structures. Our method of mode-selective absorption is adaptable to more general-purpose spectral shaping, and could be applied in producing other target colors as well as broadband light absorption for energy harvesting and infrared detection.
A full hydrodynamic steady-state model of positive dc corona in coaxial cylindrical electrode
Authors: Yi Yong , Tang Wenxi , Chen Zhengying , Wang Liming
Published: June 2018

The predictions of the steady-state distributions of the space charge and electric field in the coaxial cylindrical electrode are significant in many industrial applications. The positive dc corona in the coaxial cylindrical electrode is modeled by a full hydro-dynamic steady-state model and solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and the central finite difference approach. The new model predicts the distributions of the space charge and electric field in the whole electrode space. The effects of the electron diffusion, positive and negative charge recombination, and space photoionization are compared with the simplified model. The results present that the calculation accuracy of the new model is superior to that of the simplified model especially under large current. The simulation results also exhibit the influence of the corona current and conductor radius on the distribution of space charge and electric field and voltage-current characteristics.
Shapes, stability, and hysteresis of rotating and charged axisymmetric drops in a vacuum
Authors: Holgate J. T. , Coppins M.
Published: June 2018

The behavior of rotating and/or charged drops is a classic problem in fluid mechanics with a multitude of industrial applications. Theoretical studies of such liquid drops have also provided important insights into fundamental physical processes across nuclear and astrophysical lengthscales. However, the full nonlinear dynamics of these drops are only just beginning to be uncovered by experiments. These nonlinear effects are manifest in the high sensitivity of the breakup mechanisms to small perturbations of the initial drop shape and in observations of hysteresis in the transition between different drop shape families. This paper investigates the equilibrium shapes and stability of charged and rotating drops in a vacuum with an energy minimization method applied to spheroidal shapes and with numerical simulations using a finite-difference, level-set method. A good working formula for the stability limit of these drops is given by Lmax = 1.15 − 0.59x − 0.56x2, where L is the dimensionless angular momentum and x is the charge fissility parameter. These methods also provide a firm explanation for the hysteresis of rotating and charged drops.
Langevin dynamics simulation of crystallization of ring polymers
Authors: Iyer Kiran , Muthukumar Murugappan
Published: June 2018

We have studied the crystallization of ring polymers using Langevin dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained united atom model. We show that there are marked differences in the crystallization of single ring polymers in comparison to single linear polymers. Contrary to expectations from equilibrium thermodynamics, ring polymers melt at lower temperatures than linear polymers. An analysis of the early stage crystallization mechanism shows that ring and linear polymers crystallize through the birth of baby nuclei with their coarsening depending uniquely on their topology. The single ring polymers nucleate faster than the single linear analogs and into several metastable lamellar thicknesses, although the motion of the monomers in both cases is comparable. Additionally, using multiple polymer molecules, we find that the secondary nucleation of ring polymers proceeds with free energy barriers, as opposed to linear polymers where no barriers are found. Our results are in qualitative agreement with some experiments, while in disagreement with some other experiments, indicating additional roles by chemistries of ring and linear polymers. Our simulations are designed to explore only the topological effects without any consideration of non-universal chemical effects for our particular model.
Lower bound of network dismantling problem
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Liu Rong , Fan Zhengping , Xie Jiarong , Ma Xiao , Hu Yanqing
Published: June 2018

The network dismantling problem is one of the most fundamental problems in network science. It aims to identify the minimum number of nodes, such that after their removal the network is broken into many disconnected pieces with a sub-extensive size. However, the identification of the minimum removed nodes belongs to the class of nondeterministic polynomial problems. Although many heuristic algorithms have been proposed to identify the removed nodes, the smallest dismantling set remains unknown. Therefore, the determination of a good lower bound of dismantling sets is of great significance to evaluating the performances of heuristic algorithms. The minimum number of deleted nodes to dismantle a network is strictly no smaller than that to dismantle its any subnetwork in nature. Any lower bound of a subnetwork is indeed a lower bound of the original network. Utilizing the heterogeneous degree distribution and 2-core properties, we find that with previous removal of some appropriate nodes, the lower bound obtained on the basis of the subnetwork is counterintuitively significantly better than the one obtained directly on the original network, especially for the real-world networks.
Drift-wave observation in a toroidal magnetized plasma and comparison with a modified Hasegawa-Wakatani model
Authors: Donnel P. , Morel P. , Honoré C. , Gürcan Ö. , Pisarev V. , Metzger C. , Hennequin P.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the results of fluctuation measurements in a toroidal magnetized plasma, using Langmuir probes, and comparisons between the observed frequency modes and a Hasegawa-Wakatani model including curvature, adapted to the specifics of the toroidal device. More precisely, two kinds of signals are detected in the presence of an additional vertical magnetic field in the region of significant density and potential gradients. A high frequency, propagating component, corresponding to dissipative drift-waves in the curved magnetic field, is observed and the frequency and typical wavelengths are found to be in good agreement with the linear Hasegawa-Wakatani model including curvature effects. A second, low frequency component is observed at lower frequencies and is shown to correspond to large scale vertical electrostatic field structures. A significantly high level of cross correlation is observed between these two signals, with an identifiable time delay, which suggests an analogy to the time delayed quasi-periodic dynamics in predator-prey systems, and a similar phenomenon is observed between zonal flows and microturbulence in tokamaks and other magnetised plasma systems.
Band offsets at amorphous-crystalline Al2O3–SrTiO3 oxide interfaces
Authors: Cohen-Azarzar Dana , Baskin Maria , Kornblum Lior
Published: June 2018

2D electron gases (2DEGs) formed at oxide interfaces provide a rich testbed for fundamental physics and device applications. While the discussion of the physical origins of this phenomenon continues, the recent discovery of oxide 2DEGs at non-epitaxial interfaces between amorphous and crystalline oxides provides useful insight into this debate. Furthermore, using amorphous oxides offers a low-cost route towards realizing 2DEGs for device applications. In this work, the band offsets of a simple model system of an amorphous-crystalline oxide interface are investigated. The model system consists of amorphous Al2O3 grown on single-crystalline (001) SrTiO3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is employed to study the chemical states, bandgap, and band offsets at the interface. The density of ionic defects near the interface is found to be below the detection limit, and the interface is found to be insulating. Analysis of the relative band structure yields significant interfacial barriers, exceeding 1.05 eV for holes and 2.0 eV for electrons. The barrier for holes is considerably larger than what is known for related material systems, outlining the promise of using amorphous Al2O3 as an effective and simple insulator, an important building block for oxide-based field effect devices.
Multi-peak negative differential resistance in silicene superlattice: Toward multi-valued silicene logic devices
Authors: Sattari-Esfahlan S. M.
Published: June 2018

Negative differential resistance (NDR) in two dimensional materials has been the subject of strong interest for ultra-low power nanoelectronic applications. Here, we report NDR characteristics of silicene superlattice (SL) at low bias voltages. Transport process manipulated by miniband regime for low bias region and Wannier-Stark (WS) ladders regime with multi-peak NDR for higher bias windows. Local tunneling peaks rise from hybridization of Wannier-Stark rungs in certain bias voltages. The bias position of WS states crossings down shifted with increasing device dimension leading to red shifted NDR window and increases peak to valley ratio (PVR) values. The multiple NDR windows are represented by changing the size and the number of well/barriers in silicene SL. Maximum PVR of 8 obtained for device with low height barriers. Multi-peak NDR with same PVR values in very low bias regime can find key applications in multi-valued memories with low static power dissipation.
Turbulent mixing and energy transfer of reshocked heavy gas curtain
Authors: Zeng Wei-Gang , Pan Jian-Hua , Sun Yu-Tao , Ren Yu-Xin
Published: June 2018

The interaction between the shock wave and the air-SF6-air gas curtain and the associated instability of the reshocked interface are numerically studied using a high-resolution finite volume method with minimum dispersion and controllable dissipation reconstruction. The evolution of flow structures shows that, although the initial perturbation of the interface is two-dimensional, the reshock process will lead to an asymmetrical instability and enhance the mixing of fluids dramatically. The exponential scaling laws for the growth of mixing width are observed both before and after the reshock. The nearly homogeneous fluids’ mixing at the late stage after the reshock is confirmed by the temporal asymptotic behaviors of mixing parameters such as local anisotropy and density-specific volume correlation. Both the decoupled length scales and the broadened inertial range of the turbulent kinetic energy spectrum and density fluctuation spectrum imply that the turbulent mixing transition is triggered at the late stage. The analysis of sub-grid stress energy transfer manifests the energy cascade in physical space. Furthermore, the investigation of the role of coherent structures in sub-grid stress energy transfer indicates that the backscatter of sub-grid stress energy is most prominent in the regions with washing motion induced by nearly two-dimensional vortical structures. However, the intense forward scatter of sub-grid stress energy occurs in the regions where two washing motions collide with each other leading to highly three-dimensional motions.
Analysis of substrate curvature and film stress through a reformed mathematical description on mismatch strain
Authors: Mu Qingsong
Published: June 2018

Stoney’s formula first related film stress to substrate curvature, but properties of film material were not contained in it, which was modified by Freund’s formula. In the derivation of Freund’s formula, a uniformly preassigned mismatch strain throughout film was adopted. For the epitaxial growth of film on substrate, the present paper suggests a different imagination that the deformation of the film-substrate system attributed to the mismatch between two crystals is produced in the following way: a coupled lattice constant emerged at the interface is shared by film and substrate, by which the interaction between film and substrate, and then the development of stress and strain fields in the bilayer structure are induced naturally. As a result, a theoretical model with a closed form for calculating the substrate curvature and the corresponding film stress has been established, the validity of which has been confirmed by compared with Stoney’s formula and Freund’s formula via examples. Our analysis is limited to the linear small deformation, but the new understanding on the mismatch strain can be extended to the nonlinear analysis on the large deformation.
Rotational-mode specific effects on the stereo-requirement in the reaction of prealigned-CHD3(v1 = 1; |JK = |10 or |1 ± 1) with the chlorine atom
Authors: Pan Huilin , Tkac Ondrej , Liu Kopin
Published: June 2018

Several aspects of the stereo-specific requirement in the title reaction are systematically investigated in a crossed-beam experiment using a time-sliced, velocity-mapped imaging technique. Specifically, we explored (1) the differential steric effect from pre-aligning two different reagent rotational states and (2) the effect from probing different product rotational states. In the reaction with an aligned JK=10 reagent at Ec = 3.2 kcal mol−1, the head-on geometry yields a predominantly backward-scattered CD3(00) + HCl(v = 0) product pair, whereas the side-on approach results in a pronounced sideway-scattered distribution. The alternative CD3(00) + HCl(v = 1) channel exhibits a sharply forward-scattering feature for both the collisional geometries. The branching of the two product channels shows sensitive dependency on the collisional geometries. Probing different rotational states of CD3(00) reveals little variation in pair-correlated angular distributions, yet yields notable effect on the correlated vibrational branching of the HCl(v = 0, 1) coproducts. Similar steric propensities hold at lower collisional energy of 1.3 kcal mol−1. In stark contrast, diminishing steric effects were observed in the reaction with an aligned 1±1 reagent. Such huge differential, K-dependent stereo-requirements are largely attributed to the distinct “shapes” of the two rotational states of the aligned CHD3(v1 = 1) reagents.
Sheep residual feed intake and feeding behaviour: are ‘nibblers’ or ‘binge eaters’ more efficient?
Authors: Muir S. K. , Linden N. , Knight M. , Behrendt R. , Kearney G.
Published: June 2018

Efficient liveweight gain is an important component of profitable livestock systems. In cattle, studies of residual feed intake (RFI) suggest that there are behavioural differences between efficient and inefficient animals; more efficient animals have less frequent, larger feed events. There is limited understanding of the association between feeding behaviour and feed conversion efficiency (measured as RFI) in sheep. We hypothesised that more efficient sheep would have lower daily number of meals but larger meal size than would less efficient sheep and that feeding behaviour would be repeatable between measurements conducted using the same sheep at different ages. Feeding behaviour was monitored at post-weaning (average 311 days) and hogget (average 533 days) age in a single cohort of maternal composite 2014-born ewes undergoing feed-efficiency testing. Feed intake (kg/day) and daily feeding behaviour (meal number, meal size and eating rate) were recorded by using automated feeders. Feed intake was recorded daily for a minimum of 40 days (mean 41 days), following a 14-day adaptation period. Animals were fed a pelleted hay-based diet, with liveweight measured three times per week. At both ages of measurement, a positive (P < 0.01) linear relationship was established between average daily number of meals and RFI. In these cohorts, as daily number of meals increased, RFI became more positive (less efficient). Meal size (kg DM) was also related to RFI (P < 0.05) when measured at the hogget age, with meal size decreasing with an increasing RFI (less efficient animals had smaller meals). These analyses suggest that sheep feeding behaviour, and in particular daily meal number, is associated with feed efficiency.
Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from lactating dairy cows grazing mature ryegrass/white clover or a diverse pasture comprising ryegrass, legumes and herbs
Authors: Jonker Arjan , Farrell Lydia , Scobie David , Dynes Robyn , Edwards Grant , Hague Helen , McAuliffe Russel , Taylor Anna , Knight Trevor , Waghorn Garry
Published: June 2018

There is a growing interest in forage mixtures (Diverse pasture; e.g. containing grasses, legumes and herbs), especially those with a greater tolerance of dry conditions and a decreased nitrogen (N) content (reducing N losses), compared with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L and Lolium multiflorum L)/white clover (Trifolium repens L) pastures (RyeWC), which dominate New Zealand pastoral systems for dairy production. However, the effect of alternative forages on enteric methane (CH4) emissions is not known. The objective of the present trial was to compare CH4 emissions and milk production from dairy cows grazing either mature RyeWC or mature Diverse pasture (both approximately with pasture mass of 5600 kg DM/ha). The Diverse mixture comprised ryegrass, white clover, lucerne (Medicago sativa L), chicory (Cichorium intybus L) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L). Milk production, measured from cows commencing at ~162 days of lactation, was less when cows grazed RyeWC than Diverse pastures (15.4 vs 16.7 kg/day; P < 0.001), whereas CH4 production (g/day) was similar for the respective treatments (411 g/day; P = 0.16). Milk composition was not affected by diet and CH4 intensity was similar for both diets (22 g/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk; P = 0.31). Methane yield [g/kg predicted dry matter intake (DMI)] averaged 22.6 and 24.9 for cows grazing RyeWC and Diverse pastures, respectively (P = 0.006). In conclusion, although the CH4 yield was greater when Diverse pasture was grazed, relative to RyeWC, there were no differences in emissions intensity or total CH4 emissions.
Eye movements support the link between conscious memory and medial temporal lobe function
Authors: Urgolites Zhisen J. , Smith Christine N. , Squire Larry R.
Published: June 2018

Significance

Memory consists of conscious and unconscious systems with different brain substrates. Eye movements are affected by past experience, but it is often unclear what kind of memory is involved. We examined the preferential viewing effect, whereby in multiple-choice tests of recognition memory, more viewing is directed toward an item that is about to be selected when the choice is correct than when the choice is incorrect. The magnitude of this effect was correlated with measures of conscious, declarative memory, was absent when declarative memory was minimized, and was diminished in memory-impaired patients with medial temporal lobe lesions. We propose that this eye movement effect is a phenomenon of conscious memory, supporting the link between conscious memory and medial temporal lobe function.
Environment and sustainability as related to religious pilgrimage routes and trails.
Authors: Trombino G. , Trono A.
Published: June 2018

After a preliminary analysis of the spiritual, social and economic values of pilgrimage and religious tourism, this chapter seeks to identify a potential list of simple and aggregate environmental indicators for estimating the impact of religious tourism. This preliminary assessment derives from the analysis of two case studies: one from Italy and one from India. This analysis makes it possible to compare the impact of religious tourism in areas that are already strongly affected by human activities and development, and in protected areas and/or fragile ecosystems where this driver induces a loss of biodiversity. The chapter applies the cause-effect principle to perform a Driver Pressure Impact (DPI) analysis in terms of human-biosphere interaction.
Pilgrimage routes from Central Europe and Scandinavia towards Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela.
Authors: Duda T.
Published: June 2018

This chapter outlines the historical and modern development of religious pilgrimage routes and trails that have for centuries led pilgrims from Central Europe and Scandinavia to Jerusalem. Based on a detailed inventory and evaluation of sacral buildings, as well as an analysis of source materials and regional traditions and surveys among pilgrims (and tourists), a picture of the spatial distribution and diversity of marked and unmarked religious tourism trails to Jerusalem has been constructed. The picture also includes the network of St James' ways to Santiago de Compostela, which is being expanded each year.