bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and co‐simulation based on Adams and AMESim of pivot steering system
Authors: Xu Feixiang , Liu Xinhui , Chen Wei , Zhou Chen , Cao Bingwei
Published: December 2018

The pivotal steering ability of vehicles is important in the case of narrow steering space. In this study, a pivot steering system for the rescue vehicle is designed, and the 1D + 3D co‐simulation model is established based on automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems (Adams) and advanced modelling environment for performing simulation of engineering systems (AMESim). The dynamic analysis of the pivot steering system has been compared with the theoretical calculations, which proved the correction of the model. In addition, through the simulation, the authors can hold the conclusion that the tyre cornering stiffness has a great influence on the pivot steering system.
New means of hydrogen storage – the potentials of methanol as energy storage for excessive windpower in North Germany
Authors: Gulden Johannes , Sklarow Andreas , Luschtinetz Thomas
Published: December 2018

The aim of the presented project is the technological development of hydrogen storage in methanol. This technology enables the carbon dioxide-based chemical storage of renewable energies as well as a decentralized supply of energy and hydrogen. Additional advantages are the very good compatibility with the existing infrastructure for liquid energy storage as well as the temporal decoupling of energy production and consumption. The latter can be managed independently, thus taking into account the fluctuating nature of wind and solar energy. The centrepiece is the use of new catalysts and processes that enable the chemical reactions in the methanol cycle under mild conditions.
An investigation of heat transfer coefficient during refrigerants condensation in vertical pipe minichannels
Authors: Bohdal Tadeusz , Charun Henryk , Kruzel Marcin , Sikora Małgorzata
Published: December 2018

This article presents the results of experimental research of heat transfer coefficient in air cooled vertical pipe minichannels during R404A, R407C and R410A high-pressure refrigerants condensation. The study determined local and average heat transfer coefficient values in full range of vapour quality, x = 0 ÷ 1. On the basis of experimental investigations, the dependence of heat transfer on the vapour quality x, mass flux density G and minichannel's internal diameter dw was obtained.
Experimental investigation of PCM thermal energy storage charge and discharge process with aperiodic (ramp) temperature inputs
Authors: Karwacki Jarosław , Kwidziński Roman
Published: December 2018

In recent years, the use of storages filled with phase-change material (PCM) is increasingly considered. Such design is characterized by a higher density of thermal energy accumulation in comparison with water storages. However, the optimal use of the PCM storages requires a recognition of its dynamic characteristics during the loading and unloading process. This paper presents research aimed at understanding and dynamic description of the heat transfer process in a shell-and-tube thermal energy storage. The experimental test stand and the measurement and control system are described. The investigated storage had a form of a cylindrical tank of 40 dm3 volume in which a coil made of pipes with an external diameter of 3.35 mm was immersed in the PCM. The total heat transfer area was 9.4 m2. A lumped parameter model was used to describe mathematically the storage thermal dynamics. The PCM used was commercially available RT15 material with the heat capacity of 150 kJ/kg in the temperature range of 10–17°C. In the investigations, aperiodic (ramp) temperature inputs were used. The storage tests were carried out for low (12 h) and high (6 h) speeds of charging and discharging. The amplitude of the input signal and the liquid temperature at the storage inlet were set to include the phase transition interval of the PCM used. The obtained test results allowed to determine the enthalpy as a function of temperature for the whole storage. The experimental results were also used to validate 0D mathematical model of the heat storage.
Multi-speed Multi-load Bearing Diagnostics Using Extended Phase Space Topology
Authors: Haj Mohamad T. , Kwuimy C. A. Kitio , Nataraj C.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the application of Extended Phase Space Topology (EPST) and conventional statistical time domain features in the diagnostics of various bearing faults in rotating machinery systems. Bearings with various health statuses operating under multiple motor loads and speeds are analyzed. The results indicate remarkable performance in detecting anomalous behavior and in identifying faults with virtually perfect accuracy, recall and precision.
Le socioécosystème environnement nocturne : un objet de recherche interdisciplinaire
Authors: Challéat Samuel
Published: December 2018

Cet article expose le cheminement par lequel nous constituons lʼenvironnement nocturne en objet de recherche interdisciplinaire. Apparue dans les années 1990 suite à la requalification environnementale de lʼéclairage urbain en pollution lumineuse, cette notion floue vise à appréhender les systèmes – humains ou non – fonctionnellement liés à la nuit et à lʼobscurité. En nous appuyant sur lʼobservation des processus de construction, de légitimation et de territorialisation de lʼenvironnement nocturne, nous montrons que cette notion opère une jonction entre différentes acceptions et approches fortement cloisonnées des rôles, fonctions et effets de lʼéclairage artificiel nocturne (ALAN, pourartificial light at night). Nous proposons dʼaborder son étude suivant le cadre dʼanalyse des socioécosystèmes qui nécessite la mise en interaction des différentes approches de lʼALAN par les sciences de la société et les sciences du vivant.
Le mécanisme REDD+ et les projets pilotes à Madagascar : d’un idéal incitatif à la réalité des dispositifs de gestion
Authors: Brimont Laura , Leroy Maya
Published: December 2018

La principale innovation du mécanisme de réduction des émissions issues de la déforestation et de la dégradation des forêts (REDD+) est de proposer un mécanisme de conservation des forêts par l’incitation économique basé sur les résultats. L’objectif de cet article est de mettre en perspective ce discours d’innovation politique avec la réalité des projets pilotes REDD+, en interrogeant la place qu’y occupe finalement le principe d’incitation économique. Nous analysons les projets pilotes REDD+ à Madagascar en mettant en évidence les logiques managériales qui les sous-tendent, les dispositifs territoriaux qu’ils produisent, et les modalités de mise en œuvre auprès des populations locales. Ce travail montre les décalages entre le mécanisme REDD+, vu comme un instrument économique incitatif, et son opérationnalisation en différents dispositifs de gestion aux modalités souvent très contraignantes, voire coercitives. Ces dispositifs, selon la doctrine gestionnaire qu’ils portent, mobilisent ce mécanisme comme un instrument de financement des politiques de conservation préexistantes, ou comme une incitation de développement économique agricole qui bénéficie à une élite.
Overview of MARPOL ANNEX VI regulations for prevention of air pollution from marine diesel engines
Authors: Čampara Leo , Hasanspahić Nermin , Vujičić Srđan
Published: December 2018

Increased international awareness of growing global air pollution issues resulted in adoption of measures necessary to reduce ships’ emissions into the atmosphere. The MARPOL convention with 1997 Protocol amendments included a new Annex VI which for the first time regulates harmful compounds emitted from ships on international voyages. The Parties of the 1997 Protocol have incorporated the MARPOL convention regulations within their own national legislation., An International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate is issued to ships flying their flag by a recognized organization/classification society. The IAPP certificate serves as proof of a ship’s compliance with these regulations, thus assuring a ships’ seaworthiness. This paper summarises the most important provisions of Annex VI as applied to air pollutants from marine diesel engines, namely nitrogen and sulphur oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide. Recent studies proved that once adopted, Annex VI regulations have positive effect on the reduction of air pollution from ships. The Annex VI regulations present a major challenge and obligation to stakeholders in the shipping industry. Marine diesel engines are the most common choice to propel merchant ships compared with competitive alternatives. Engine manufacturers are particularly affected, as these regulations have necessitated the development of cleaner marine diesel engines and additional innovative technological solutions.
A research on the factors of the new globalization model influencing the maritime transport
Authors: Esmer Soner
Published: December 2018

After the global financial crisis in 2008, world economy and trade have taken place in a radical change. Especially after 2012, global economic development is far from the rapid growth rates recorded in the 90s and 2000s. This term is called "New Globalization Era" and this era emphasizes the real-time economy. The aim of this study is to identify the variables that define the new globalization model from the point of view of the container shipping and port industry and to rank these variables by their importance. According to the results, it is expected that the most influential variables of the new globalization model that will affect the maritime transport in the future will be cybersecurity threat, Industry 4.0 technologies and climate change.
A method to estimate the demand for freight transport in absence of historical data. A case study of the Oder Waterway
Authors: Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła , Kotowska Izabela , Mańkowska Marta , Pluciński Michał
Published: December 2018

The aim of the research described in this article is to work out a method to estimate the demand for freight transport in a situation when no historical data are available, thus rendering it impossible to apply methods based on time series data. The method presented in this article was developed and verified on the basis of an analysis of potential inland shipping operations on the Oder Waterway to/from the seaports in Szczecin and Świnoujście, assuming that the waterway has been upgraded to navigability class III. The analysis was predicated on a demand survey performed among cargo shippers. The obtained research results made it possible to specify the advantages and drawbacks of forecasting based on qualitative methods, and to identify the factors which significantly reduce the reliability of freight transport forecasts.
Impacts of vessel speed on bunker cost in short sea shipping: A cross-examination
Authors: Hämäläinen Esa , Inkinen Tommi
Published: December 2018

Air emissions of shipping have decreased in SECA regions after 2015. Environmental impacts of regulation policies are identifiable and measurable, as a study from the port of Gothenburg recently exposed. In addition to emissions, it is important to understand how regulations and decisions, focusing on environmental sustainability, impact on the maritime business indicators such as transport costs and marginal revenues. When SECA decision was made, the oil and bunker prices were historically high. Prices were also highly volatile. Numerous studies estimated difficulties for shipping companies, and maritime transport dependent export companies. The oil price dropped dramatically in 2016 remaining at the same level till the early 2018. This empirical case study examines and simulates bunker price data in relation to different vessel speeds. The paper looks at how different speed and oil price combinations impact transport costs and export business. The results of this simulation can be summarized with the notion that the negative economic impacts of the oil price variation can be mitigated to some extent by using lower vessel speeds, thus slow steaming, on short sea shipping (SSS). However, variable relations are not straightforward and they require additional studies.
A homogeneous aa index: 1. Secular variation
Authors: Lockwood Mike , Chambodut Aude , Barnard Luke A. , Owens Mathew J. , Clarke Ellen , Mendel Véronique
Published: December 2018

Originally complied for 1868–1967 and subsequently continued so that it now covers 150 years, the aa index has become a vital resource for studying space climate change. However, there have been debates about the inter-calibration of data from the different stations. In addition, the effects of secular change in the geomagnetic field have not previously been allowed for. As a result, the components of the “classical” aa index for the southern and northern hemispheres (aa
S and aa
N) have drifted apart. We here separately correct both aa
S and aa
N for both these effects using the same method as used to generate the classic aa values but allowing δ, the minimum angular separation of each station from a nominal auroral oval, to vary as calculated using the IGRF-12 and gufm1 models of the intrinsic geomagnetic field. Our approach is to correct the quantized a

K
-values for each station, originally scaled on the assumption that δ values are constant, with time-dependent scale factors that allow for the drift in δ. This requires revisiting the intercalibration of successive stations used in making the aa
S and aa
N composites. These intercalibrations are defined using independent data and daily averages from 11 years before and after each station change and it is shown that they depend on the time of year. This procedure produces new homogenized hemispheric aa indices, aa
HS and aa
HN, which show centennial-scale changes that are in very close agreement. Calibration problems with the classic aa index are shown to have arisen from drifts in δ combined with simpler corrections which gave an incorrect temporal variation and underestimate the rise in aa during the 20th century by about 15%.
Shock deceleration in interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) beyond Mercury’s orbit until one AU
Authors: Grison Benjamin , Souček Jan , Krupar Vratislav , Píša David , Santolík Ondrej , Taubenschuss Ulrich , Nĕmec František
Published: December 2018

The CDPP propagation tool is used to propagate interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) observed at Mercury by MESSENGER to various targets in the inner solar system (VEX, ACE, STEREO-A and B). The deceleration of ICME shock fronts between the orbit of Mercury and 1 AU is studied on the basis of a large dataset. We focus on the interplanetary medium far from the solor corona, to avoid the region where ICME propagation modifications in velocity and direction are the most drastic. Starting with a catalog of 61 ICMEs recorded by MESSENGER, the propagation tool predicts 36 ICME impacts with targets. ICME in situ signatures are investigated close to predicted encounter times based on velocities estimated at MESSENGER and on the default propagation tool velocity (500 km s−1). ICMEs are observed at the targets in 26 cases and interplanetary shocks (not followed by magnetic ejecta) in two cases. Comparing transit velocities between the Sun and MESSENGER ($ {\bar{v}}_{\mathrm{SunMess}}$) and between MESSENGER and the targets ($ {\bar{v}}_{\mathrm{MessTar}}$), we find an average deceleration of 170 km s−1 (28 cases). Comparing $ {\bar{v}}_{\mathrm{MessTar}}$ to the velocities at the targets (v
Tar), average ICME deceleration is about 160 km s−1 (13 cases). Our results show that the ICME shock deceleration is significant beyond Mercury’s orbit. ICME shock arrival times are predicted with an average accuracy of about six hours with a standard deviation of eleven hours. Focusing on two ICMEs detected first at MESSENGER and later on by two targets illustrates our results and the variability in ICME propagations. The shock velocity of an ICME observed at MESSENGER, then at VEX and finally at STEREO-B decreases all the way. Predicting arrivals of potentially effective ICMEs is an important space weather issue. The CDPP propagation tool, in association with in situ measurements between the Sun and the Earth, can permit to update alert status of such arrivals.
Sjögren-Syndrom: früher diagnostizieren, wirksam behandeln
Authors: Witte Torsten
Published: December 2018

Was ist neu?

Therapiestudien Fortschritte im Verständnis der Pathophysiologie des primären Sjögren-Syndroms und die Erarbeitung von Aktivitätscores führten zur Entwicklung und Erprobung neuer Therapieansätze. Aktuell laufen mindestens 17 kontrollierte Studien beim primären Sjögren-Syndrom.

Früherkennung Neue Klassifikationskriterien wurden etabliert, mit denen die Erkrankung schon im Frühstadium und bei extraglandulären Manifestationen erfasst werden kann. Die Sonografie der Speicheldrüsen bietet weiteres Potenzial für die Verbesserung der Sensitivität der Diagnostik.
Catalytic Si/B Exchange Condensation: A Green B–C Coupling Method That Provides Access to Monodisperse (Het)arylborane ‘Trimers’
Authors: Helten Holger , Fritze Lars , Riensch Nicolas
Published: December 2018

The potential of our metal-free B–C coupling method using catalytic Si/B exchange condensation is demonstrated by the synthesis of a series of monodisperse (het)arylborane oligomers with four (het)arene moieties and three boron centers (i.e., ‘trimers’). Photophysical and electrochemical investigations evidenced effective π-conjugation over the (het)arene rings and the boron centers.
Incidence of and Causes for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Failure in Children Younger Than 2 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed , Alsawy Mohamed , Soliman Mohamed , Ghaleb Ammar , Elwy Reem , Ezzat Ahmed , Al Menabbawy Ahmed , Marei Ahmed , Abd el Razik Bassante , El Hamaky Mostafa , Schroeder Henry , Fleck Steffen , El Damaty Ahmed , Marx Sascha , Nowak Stephan , Baldauf Jörg , Zohdi Ahmed , El Refaee Ehab , Hasanain Amr
Published: December 2018

Objectives Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is commonly used to treat pediatric hydrocephalus, but failure rates are high. VP shunt failure in children is mostly caused by infection and/or proximal/distal shunt obstruction. However, to our knowledge, no previous reviews have discussed this topic using only clinical studies when age-related data could be obtained. This systematic review aimed at reevaluating what is already known as the most common causes of shunt failure and to determine the incidence and causes of VP shunt failure during the first 2 years of life as a step to establish solid evidence-based guidelines to avoid VP shunt failure in infants.

Methods We performed a search using the search terms “Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts” (Medical Subject Headings [MeSH]) AND failure [All Fields] AND (“humans” [MeSH] AND English [lang] AND “infant” [MeSH]). Only articles that specifically discussed VP shunt complications in children < 2 years were included.

Results We found that the most common causes of VP shunt failure in children < 2 years were shunt obstruction and infection, both observed in a range.

Conclusion VP shunt failure is very common in infants, mostly resulting from obstruction and infection. Future studies should focus on methods designed to avoid these complications or on alternative treatments for hydrocephalus.
Disparities in 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Offer and Uptake in Pregnancies at a Risk of Preterm Birth
Authors: Berhie Saba H. , Riley Laura E. , Bryant Allison S.
Published: December 2018

Objective To evaluate the offer, acceptance, uptake, and patient experience with 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C) over the course of 10 years.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study with a qualitative component. We identified all women with spontaneous preterm deliveries with subsequent births in our hospital between 2005 and 2015. We used linear regression to calculate unadjusted odds ratios for 17OHP-C offer, acceptance, and doses received associated with predictors of interest, and multivariable modeling further adjusted for potential confounders. A grounded theory approach was used to glean recurrent themes surrounding the patient experience.

Results A total of 265 women fit the eligibility criteria; 39.6% were offered 17OHP-C and 83.8% accepted 17OHP-C. The mean number of documented 17OHP-C doses was 15.7 ± 5.4. Women were less likely to be offered 17OHP-C if they had public insurance or if their earliest preterm birth was of greater gestational age. Non-Hispanic black women were documented to have received four fewer doses than white women. We also identified recurrent themes that hindered acceptance and adherence to 17OHP-C: insurance difficulties, unstable housing, lack of childcare, and job inflexibility.

Conclusion Women at a risk of preterm birth are more likely to be offered and receive 17OHP-C if they have private insurance and have had an earlier preterm birth. Non-Hispanic black women were documented to have received fewer doses of 17OHP-C than white women. Further inquiry into the structural causes that lead to disparities in care for women at a risk for preterm birth is important.
Bronchopulmonary Sequestration with Fetal Hydrops in a Monochorionic Twin Successfully Treated with Multiple Courses of Betamethasone
Authors: Pock Radovan , Straňák Zbyněk , Vojtěch Jiří , Hašlík Lubomír , Feyereisl Jaroslav , Krofta Ladislav
Published: December 2018

Aim We present a case of severe bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) and fetal hydrops in one of the monochorionic twin successfully treated with multiple courses of betamethasone.

Case Report A 21-year-old gravida 2 para 1 was referred to our hospital for suspected twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at 280/7 weeks of gestational age. However, prenatal ultrasound of the larger twin revealed a chest lesion that was associated with significant ascites, massive hydrothorax, scant hepatomegaly, subcutaneous edema, and severe polyhydramnios. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of BPS and fetal hydrops. The estimated fetal weight discrepancy between the fetuses was 39% but the criteria for TTTS were not met. Repeated courses of betamethasone (3 courses, each with 2 × 14 mg of betamethasone intramuscularly/week) were administered with subsequent recovery from hydrops and reduction in BPS parameters. Amniodrainage was performed twice to reduce the amniotic fluid amount in affected twin. Postnatally, surgery of BPS was not required and follow-up at 6 months of corrected age revealed no side effects of antenatal steroids in either twin.

Conclusion Antenatal steroids might be considered for noninvasive therapy in high-risk fetal patients with BPS especially when fetal intervention is unsuitable or not available.
Pure sinusoidal photo-modulation using an acousto-optic modulator
Authors: Tzang O. , Hershkovitz D. , Nagler A. , Cheshnovsky O.
Published: December 2018

We use an arbitrary waveform generator to generate a clean sinusoidal modulation from the otherwise nonlinear acousto-optic modulator (AOM). A closed loop optimization script is applied to reduce high order harmonic distortion to less than 0.05% in a high AOM diffraction efficiency regime. This low level of distortion allows us to measure the nonlinear response to photoexcitation of many materials. We demonstrate this technique in a pump-probe experiment to measure the Nonlinear Photo-Modulated Reflectivity (NPMR) of surfaces. NPMR served us as the basis for developing super-resolution microscopy for non-fluorescence samples (label-free) as well as a tool in studying the ultrafast nonlinear response of photo-excited plasmonic nano-structures. Our methodology could be applied to other imaging systems in which measuring nonlinearity is desirable, such as fluorescence and photoacoustic microscopy.
High Curie temperature CoSi nanowires by Mn-doping
Authors: Ruiz Ángel R. , Hernández-Pérez José , Fonseca Luis F. , Yacamán Miguel José , Ortega Eduardo , Ponce Arturo
Published: December 2018

We report the synthesis of high Curie temperature (TC > 800 K) Mn-doped CoSi nanowires. CoSi and Co1–xMnxSi nanowires were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. Transmission electron microscopy was used to identify a crystalline B20 cubical structure. Zero-field cooling and field cooling measurements confirm spin disorder behaviour at low temperatures. The magnetic properties of doped samples were explained by means of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction where the localized Mn atoms interact with the conduction electrons in CoSi providing a net ferromagnetic moment and explaining spin disorder at low temperatures. An individual CoSi nanowire was experimentally analyzed by performing off-axis electron holography, providing information about its local magnetization. Density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the effects of Mn doping, Si-vacancies, and surface atoms in the magnetic properties at the surface of the nanowire. An estimation of the Curie temperature was made using the mean field approximation.
Enhanced absorption of graphene with variable bandwidth in quarter-wavelength cavities
Authors: Wang Juan , Ying Xiangxiao , He De , Li Chunyu , Guo Shixing , Peng Hao , Liu Lu , Jiang Yadong , Xu Jimmy , Liu Zhijun
Published: December 2018

Quarter-wavelength cavity, as a classical structure for preventing wave reflection, presents an effective way to enhance the interaction between light and material of ultrathin thickness. In this paper, we propose a method to control the bandwidth of graphene’s enhanced absorption in quarter-wavelength cavity. By varying the spacing distance between graphene and a metallic reflecting plane, which equals to an odd number of quarter-wavelengths, fundamental and higher order cavity modes are excited, whose fields couple to graphene with different spectral bandwidths, leading to bandwidth-controllable absorption in graphene. Absorption efficiencies of 9% and 40% are measured for graphene monolayer at 15° and 85° incident angles, respectively. Its absorption bandwidth varies between 52% and 10% of the central wavelength when the spacing distance between graphene and metallic reflecting plane increases from a quarter wavelength to seven quarter wavelengths. Our findings pave a way in engineering graphene for strong absorption with a controllable bandwidth, which has potential applications in tailoring spectral response of graphene-based optoelectronic devices.
Strain engineering of chevron graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Lv Yawei , Ye Shizhuo , Wang Hao , He Jin , Huang Qijun , Chang Sheng
Published: December 2018

In this work, we theoretically investigate the material and transport properties of strained chevron graphene nanoribbons (CGNRs) which can be easily synthesized by the bottom-up fabrication technology. Because of the unique atomic structures, the energy and pressure of the CGNRs vary asymmetrically along compressive and tensile strains. Under the two strain directions, the CGNRs' bandgaps and carrier effective masses in the conduction band minimum and the valence band maximum are all reduced. The transport properties are promoted accordingly, except some negative differential conductance behaviors caused by energy state localizations. When the tensile strains exceed a criterion value, the C–C bonds in the inner sides of the CGNR corners will be broken in sequence. Meanwhile, the CGNRs can restore their initial unstrained states rapidly when the strains are removed. However, if the broken bonds are saturated by foreign atoms, such as H, a novel kind of stable carbon structure will be obtained. The investigations suggest possible applications of strain engineered CGNRs in transport devices.
High-performance spin rectification in gallium nitride-based molecular junctions with asymmetric edge passivation
Authors: Chen Tong , Guo Chengkun , Li Quan , Xu Liang , Wang Lingling , Long Mengqiu , Shuai Cijun
Published: December 2018

The spin transport properties of molecular devices constructed from zigzag gallium nitride nanoribbons (ZGaNNRs) are investigated by applying the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism in combination with density functional theory. The computational results indicate that ZGaNNR systems show spin rectification with a high efficiency, approaching nearly 109, giant magnetoresistance with a ratio up to 108, perfect spin-filtering, and negative differential resistance effects. Importantly, our results reveal that intrinsic rectification can be observed regardless of their width. The microscopic origins of the rectification are revealed and discussed in terms of a spin-resolved transmission spectrum, the band structures of the ZGaNNRs, and the molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian. Our findings could be useful for designing GaN-based spintronic nanodevices.
Unveiling the dual role of chemically synthesized copper doped zinc oxide for resistive switching applications
Authors: Boppidi Pavan Kumar Reddy , Raj P. Michael Preetam , Challagulla Swapna , Gollu Sankara R. , Roy Sounak , Banerjee Souri , Kundu Souvik
Published: December 2018

In this study, efforts were devoted to unveiling the dual role of single crystalline Cu (5%) doped ZnO (Cu:ZnO) synthesized by a simple and low-cost chemical process and to investigate its efficacy on resistive switching (RS) applications. It was found that when Cu:ZnO was annealed at a lower temperature of 450 °C and integrated onto ITO/glass for RS applications, only oxygen mediated vacancies were responsible for its resistive switching. However, ferroelectric properties have been observed when the same Cu:ZnO was annealed at a higher temperature of 800 °C and integrated onto Nb doped SrTiO3. X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-VIS-near infrared spectrometer, and piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) were employed to study the crystallinity, interfaces, chemical compositions, bandgap, and domains in Cu:ZnO thin films, respectively. The bandgap of Cu:ZnO was found to be 3.20 eV. PFM study exhibits the domain inversion with 180° polarization inversion by applying an external bias, evidencing its effectiveness for memory applications. When the electrical characteristics were concerned, the RS device based on this ferroelectric Cu:ZnO offers better performance, such as lower SET/RESET voltages (∼1.40 V), higher retention (up to 106 s) without distortion, and higher ON/OFF ratio (2.20 × 103), as compared to the former lower temperature annealed Cu:ZnO devices. A band-diagram was proposed, and transport studies were developed to understand the operational mechanism of these devices. This study explains both the limits and scopes of Cu:ZnO RS devices and formulates an idea which may accelerate the design of future generation devices.
High-pressure angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction study of mechanically alloyed SnSe2
Authors: Borges Z. V. , Poffo C. M. , de Lima J. C. , Souza S. M. , Trichês D. M. , de Biasi R. S.
Published: December 2018

The effect of pressure on mechanically alloyed trigonal nanostructured SnSe2 (n-SnSe2) was studied by in situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction up to 25.8 GPa. The pressure dependence of lattice parameters and unit cell volume was investigated. By fitting the lattice parameters and unit cell volume to a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state for several values of the applied pressure, the bulk modulus B0, its first derivative B′, and the linear moduli along the a- and c-axes were determined. The effect of pressure on the z coordinate of site 2d occupied by Se atoms was investigated using pair distribution function analysis. The results were compared with experimental and theoretical studies of SnS2 and SnSe2 reported in the literature.
Mono-energetic heavy ion acceleration from laser plasma based composite nano-accelerator
Authors: Tayyab M. , Bagchi S. , Chakera J. A. , Avasthi D. K. , Ramis R. , Upadhyay A. , Ramakrishna B. , Mandal T. , Naik P. A.
Published: December 2018

High intensity ultrashort pulse driven ion acceleration is an important area of research due to its richness in underlying physics and potential technological applications. A strong impediment towards employing such sources, in practice, lies in the inherent challenge of producing mono-energetic ions with fine energy control. We demonstrate consistent, highly reproducible, charge-independent mono-energetic acceleration of heavy gold ions to sub-MeV energies with a reasonably high flux of 9 × 1010 ions per shot from the gold-carbon nano-composite target irradiated at moderate laser intensities of 1018–1019 W/cm2. The experimental results establish that the thermal pressure of the expanding hot plasma, instead of the “hot” electrons, is responsible for the acceleration of the mono-energetic heavy Au ions. Our results pave the way for a simple and new way of producing mono-energetic heavy ions. This may find potential applications in advanced particle accelerators, isochoric heating of matter, surface science, swift heavy ion sources, and basic plasma physics.
A Reference Equation of State for Heavy Water
Authors: Herrig Stefan , Thol Monika , Harvey Allan H. , Lemmon Eric W.
Published: December 2018

An empirical fundamental equation of state (EOS) is presented for fluid heavy water (deuterium oxide, D2O). The equation is explicit in the reduced Helmholtz energy and allows the calculation of all thermodynamic properties over the whole fluid surface. It is valid from the melting-pressure curve up to a temperature of 825 K at pressures up to 1200 MPa. Overall, the formulation represents the most accurate measured values and almost all other available data within their experimental uncertainty. In the homogeneous liquid and vapor phase, the expanded relative uncertainties of densities calculated from the EOS are mostly 0.1% or less; liquid-phase densities at atmospheric pressure can be calculated with an uncertainty of 0.01%. The speed of sound in the liquid phase is described with a maximum uncertainty of 0.1%; the most accurate experimental sound speeds are represented within their uncertainties ranging from 0.015% to 0.02%. In a large part of the liquid region, the isobaric heat capacity is represented with an uncertainty of 1%. The uncertainty in vapor pressure is mostly within 0.05%. In the critical region, the uncertainties of calculated properties are in most cases higher than the values above, but the EOS enables a reasonable description of this region. The equation matches available data for the metastable subcooled liquid, and it extrapolates in a qualitatively correct way to extreme values of temperature and pressure. This formulation is the result of an effort to establish a new standard for the thermodynamic properties of heavy water by the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam.
Power capacity enhancement for klystron-like RBWOs with a TM021 extraction cavity
Authors: Yang Dewen , Chen Changhua , Xiao Renzhen , Shi Yanchao , Cao Yibing , Teng Yan , Sun Jun
Published: December 2018

We efficiently enhance the power capacity of klystron-like relativistic backward wave oscillators (RBWOs) with a TM021 mode extraction cavity. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are shown in detail. Theoretically, an electron cluster will be steadily decelerated in the whole region of the TM021 extraction cavity if the transiting time in the cavity approximates the period of microwaves. As a result, the energy of the electron beam will be efficiently extracted by the TM021 mode field. Due to the larger size, the electric field strength in a TM021 cavity can be much smaller than that in a TM020 cavity. In addition, once the extraction cavity breaks down, the emission electron will absorb less energy from the TM021 mode field than the TM020 mode field. In PIC simulations, for an X-band klystron-like RBWO with a frequency of 9.6 GHz and an output power of 2.3 GW, the maximum longitudinal electric field (Ez) in the extraction cavity decreases from 610 kV/cm to 320 kV/cm, when the TM020 extraction cavity is replaced with a TM021 extraction cavity. PIC simulation results agree well with the theoretical analysis.
Chalcogenide W-type co-axial optical fiber for broadband highly coherent mid-IR supercontinuum generation
Authors: Saini Than Singh , Hoa Nguyen Phuoc Trung , Xing Luo , Tuan Tong Hoang , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake
Published: December 2018

A numerical investigation on chalcogenide W-type co-axial optical fiber structures is reported for broadband highly coherent mid-IR supercontinuum generation. The structural parameters of the optical fiber were optimized to achieve small normal dispersion in a broad spectral range of the mid-IR region. The W-type optical fiber structure possesses a flat chromatic dispersion profile with the flatness of the dispersion variation of ±2.45 ps/nm/km within the spectral range of 4.9–12.6 μm. A coherent mid-IR supercontinuum spectrum spanning 2.28 to 15.52 μm at the −40 dB level is obtained using a 4 cm long W-type optical fiber when it pumped by a 200 fs laser pulse with a peak power of 10 kW at 7.0 μm. Broadband coherent mid-infrared supercontinuum sources have potential applications in frequency metrology, nonlinear microscopy, non-destructive testing, optical coherence tomography, and molecular spectroscopy.
Father of optical trapping awarded a share of the Nobel Prize in Physics
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: December 2018

Optical tweezers have endured as an invaluable laboratory tool for manipulating molecules and other small particles.
On science in a small country
Authors: Morus Iwan Rhys
Published: December 2018

Wales tends to fall by the wayside in narratives about the history of science, but its stories complicate and enrich our picture of science’s past and future.
The annoying dripping tap
Authors: Phillips Samuel , Agarwal Anurag , Jordan Peter
Published: December 2018

The surface of a pool of water hit by a falling drop acts like an acoustic speaker driven by a pulsating underwater bubble.
The effect of a probiotic preparation containing Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 for chickens on growth performance, immune status, and the histology and microbiological profile of the jejunum
Authors: Ognik Katarzyna , Cholewińska Ewelina , Krauze Magdalena , Abramowicz Katarzyna , Matusevicius Paulius
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to determine whether and in what dosage and duration of administration a probiotic containing live cultures of Enterococcus faecium, enriched with vitamin D3 and ascorbic acid, affects the histological and microbiological profile of the intestine, as well as the immunity and growth performance of chickens. The jejunum together with its contents was also collected for microbiological and histological testing. The results obtained indicate that the birds receiving the probiotic preparation in the amount of 0.25 g/L of water during the entire fattening period attained significantly higher bodyweight than the Control, with significantly lower feed conversion. Furthermore, this dosage and duration was most efficient in reducing the total count of fungi, aerobic bacteria and coliform bacteria in the intestinal contents, in addition to increasing the height of the jejunal villi and depth of the crypts. The probiotic administered in the amount of 0.25 g/L of water during the entire fattening period also significantly increased lysozyme activity and the content of IgA in the blood serum as compared with the Control, while decreasing the content of IL-6, and thus most efficiently stimulated non-specific immunity in the chickens.
Clients' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: qualitative findings from an online questionnaire
Authors: Ramjan Lucie M. , Fogarty Sarah
Published: December 2018

The therapeutic relationship plays a unique and pivotal role in the treatment and recovery of individuals with mental illness. The aim of the questionnaire was to understand clients’ perceptions of the factors affecting the formation of the therapeutic relationship during treatment or recovery from self-reported anorexia nervosa. Former or current individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, 18 years and over, were invited to participate in an online questionnaire developed by the researchers. Eating disorder organisations in Australia and the United Kingdom advertised the study and provided the link to the online questionnaire. The questionnaire collected both quantitative and qualitative data, with quantitative data analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using conventional content analysis. Findings revealed only 25% of participants (n=33) believed treatment providers listened and understood (to a great extent) their concerns during treatment and 30.08% (n=40) did not have sufficient trust or confidence in providers. The four qualitative themes identifying factors affecting therapeutic relationships are described. Healthcare providers working in acute and primary health settings should persevere with the development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship in adults with anorexia nervosa. An investment in this relationship will be the catalyst driving motivation to change.
Early experience of implementing a national HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis service in Wales, United Kingdom 2017
Authors: Fina Laia , Phillips Amy L. , Jones Adam T. , Couzens Zoë M. , Drayton Rachel , Thomas Daniel Rh. , Shankar Ananda Giri
Published: December 2018

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was introduced in Sexual Health Services of the Welsh National Health Service (NHS Wales) in July 2017 as a 3-year pilot service. Methods: Data were collected through the pre-existing Sexual Health in Wales Surveillance System, to which codes were added to capture PrEP eligibility, outcome of offer of PrEP, reasons for declining and adherence. Eligibility categories were defined based on nationally agreed criteria: men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people at high risk of HIV acquisition; partners of HIV-positive individuals not known to be virally suppressed; and heterosexuals reporting condomless intercourse with a HIV-positive individual not known to be virally suppressed. Results: During the first 6 months, 516 people were eligible, 96% of which were MSM. Overall, 57% of those eligible (296/516) started PrEP. Reasons for declining PrEP were given by 88 (56%) of 157 people; 50 (57%) of whom did not believe themselves to be at risk. Of the available adherence assessments, 89% considered that all risk episodes had been covered. Persistence at 3 months was assessed for 141 people, of which 93 (66%) were still using PrEP. There were no HIV diagnoses in people taking PrEP during the first 6 months. Twenty-nine people were diagnosed with 37 episodes of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) while on PrEP. STI incidence was 105.7 per 100 person-years. Conclusions: The early trend indicates that implementation of PrEP is progressing as planned, and the service has been utilised by clients. This analysis can help refine implementation, inform planning and research around uptake, use and effect in Wales and internationally.
CD226 regulates natural killer cell antitumor responses via phosphorylation-mediated inactivation of transcription factor FOXO1
Authors: Du Xiangnan , de Almeida Patricia , Manieri Nick , de Almeida Nagata Denise , Wu Thomas D. , Harden Bowles Kristin , Arumugam Vidhyalakshmi , Schartner Jill , Cubas Rafael , Mittman Stephanie , Javinal Vincent , Anderson Keith R. , Warming Søren , Grogan Jane L. , Chiang Eugene Y.
Published: December 2018

Significance

CD226 is an important activating receptor involved in mediating natural killer (NK) cell responses against tumors, but how CD226 exerts control over NK cell function is not fully understood. CD226 belongs to the poliovirus receptor (PVR)-nectin family that includes TIGIT and CD96, with TIGIT garnering much attention as a key checkpoint in T cell and NK cell antitumor responses and as an immunotherapy target. Thus, it is imperative to determine how CD226 counteracts the actions of TIGIT and CD96 with which it competes for binding to its ligands such as CD155 (PVR). We demonstrate that CD226 engagement of CD155 is required for phosphorylation of transcription factor FOXO1, resulting in inactivation of its negative regulatory control over NK cell effector function.
Interviewing individuals with an autism spectrum disorder in forensic settings
Authors: Murphy David
Published: December 2018

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass the neurodevelopmental conditions including autism, atypical autism, high functioning autism, and Asperger’s syndrome. In addition to difficulties with social communication, reciprocal social interaction and within different dimensions of imagination, individuals with an ASD typically present with sensory hypersensitivities, a specific cognitive style and characteristics, emotional regulation issues, as well as other co-morbid neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions. All these features can raise significant issues when formally interviewing an individual with an ASD, especially within forensic contexts where individuals may be interviewed as a witness, victim or perpetrator of an offense for a range of reasons. To date, there has been limited discussion in the literature regarding how the difficulties associated with having an ASD and co-morbidities can impact on forensic interviews. Using the available literature and clinical experience this article summarizes some key issues and possible solutions related to conducting forensic interviews with adults who have ASD.
Parental Participation in Juvenile Justice Institutions: Parents’ Perspectives on Facilitating and Hindering Factors
Authors: Simons Inge , van der Vaart Wander , Vermeiren Robert , Rigter Henk , Breuk René , van Domburgh Lieke , Mulder Eva
Published: December 2018

Background: Participation of parents during their adolescent’s detention is important for achieving positive treatment outcomes for youths and their families. To improve parental participation, insight in facilitating or hindering factors is necessary. To this end, we studied the perspectives of parents of adolescents detained in two juvenile justice institutions in the Netherlands.

Methods: Data were collected from 19 purposefully selected parents through semi-structured interviewing. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and imported into ATLAS.ti where data were coded and analyzed.

Results: Parental participation is influenced by a variety of factors that could be categorized based on the following themes: (1) practical facilitating or obstructing factors; (2) parent-related emotional and mental factors; and (3) factors concerning issues of the parent-adolescent relationship.

Discussion: Insight into the factors which facilitate and obstruct participation might help JJI staff understand differences in parental participation. This may enable them to tailor solutions which would improve parental participation during their adolescent’s detention.
GEMPROT: visualization of the impact on the protein of the genetic variants found on each haplotype
Authors: Cuppens Tania , Ludwig Thomas E , Trouvé Pascal , Genin Emmanuelle
Published: December 2018

When analyzing sequence data, genetic variants are considered one by one, taking no account of whether or not they are found in the same individual. However, variant combinations might be key players in some diseases as variants that are neutral on their own can become deleterious when associated together. GEMPROT is a new analysis tool that allows, from a phased vcf file, to visualize the consequences of the genetic variants on the protein. At the level of an individual, the program shows the variants on each of the two protein sequences and the Pfam functional protein domains. When data on several individuals are available, GEMPROT lists the haplotypes found in the sample and can compare the haplotype distributions between different sub-groups of individuals. By offering a global visualization of the gene with the genetic variants present, GEMPROT makes it possible to better understand the impact of combinations of genetic variants on the protein sequence.

Availability and implementation

GEMPROT is freely available at https://github.com/TaniaCuppens/GEMPROT. An on-line version is also available at http://med-laennec.univ-brest.fr/GEMPROT/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.