bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Superior Method for Constructing Electrical Percolation Network of Nanocomposite Fibers: In Situ Thermally Reduced Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Ajmal C. Muhammed , Bae Seonghyun , Baik Seunghyun
Published: December 2018

Nanocomposite fibers, composed of conductive nanoparticles and polymer matrix, are crucial for wearable electronics. However, the nanoparticle mixing approach results in aggregation and dispersion problems. A revolutionary synthesis method by premixing silver precursor ions (silver ammonium acetate) with polyvinyl alcohol is reported here. The solvation of ions‐prevented aggregation, and uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles (in situ AgNPs, 77 nm) are formed after thermal reduction (155 °C) without using additional reducing or dispersion agents. The conductive fiber is synthesized by the wet spinning technology. After careful optimization, flower‐shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNFs, 350–450 nm) are also employed as cofillers. The addition of in situ AgNPs (9.5 vol%) to AgNFs (30 vol%) increases electrical conductivity by 1434% (2090 to 32 064 S cm−1) through the efficient construction of percolation networks. The in situ AgNPs provide significantly higher conductivity compared with other secondary nanoparticle fillers. The gaseous byproducts dramatically increase flexibility with a moderate compromise in tensile strength (55 MPa). The particle‐free ion‐level uniform mixing of silver precursors, followed by in situ reduction, would be a fundamental paradigm shift in nanocomposite synthesis.
Reactive Inkjet Printing of Functional Silk Stirrers for Enhanced Mixing and Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gregory David A. , Zhang Yi , Smith Patrick J. , Ebbens Stephen J. , Zhao Xiubo
Published: December 2018

Stirring small volumes of solution can reduce immunoassay readout time, homogenize cell cultures, and increase enzyme reactivity in bioreactors. However, at present many small scale stirring methods require external actuation, which can be cumbersome. To address this, here, reactive inkjet printing is shown to be able to produce autonomously rotating biocompatible silk‐based microstirrers that can enhance fluid mixing. Rotary motion is generated either by release of a surface active agent (small molecular polyethylene glycol) resulting in Marangoni effect, or by catalytically powered bubble propulsion. The Marangoni driven devices do not require any chemicals to be added to the fluid as the “fuel,” while the catalytically powered devices are powered by decomposing substrate molecules in solution. A comparison of Marangoni effect and enzyme powered stirrers is made. Marangoni effect driven stirrers rotate up to 600 rpm, 75–100‐fold faster than enzyme driven microstirrers, however enzyme powered stirrers show increased longevity. Further to stirring applications, the sensitivity of the motion generation mechanisms to fluid properties allows the rotating devices to also be exploited for sensing applications, for example, acting as motion sensors for water pollution.
Rate coefficient and collision frequency for electron collision process in hot SF6 gas under electric field: electrical breakdown property at 300–3000 K
Authors: Yokomizu Yasunobu , Murakita Keisuke , Kojima Yuki , Matsumura Toshiro , Sato Motohiro , Horinouchi Katsuhiko
Published: December 2018

Hot SF6 gas of several thousand kelvins is produced during the current interruption process in a gas circuit breaker. If the hot gas is subjected to an electric field, electrical breakdown of the hot gas can occur as a consequence of the ionization and attachment processes by electron impact. The probability of occurrence of the process is stated in terms of a rate coefficient. First, this paper describes the rate coefficients of the electron impact processes in the hot SF6 gas subjected to an electric field. The rate coefficients in SF6 gas in the range 300–3000 K at 0.6 MPa are evaluated for 21 processes such as SF4 + e → SF4+ + 2e and F2 + e → (F2−)* → F− + F. Second, using these rate coefficients we obtain the collision frequencies of the 21 processes and find out the predominant processes in the hot SF6 gas. Finally, 26 continuity equations with the rate coefficients are expressed in terms of the particle number densities. Using numerical solutions of the continuity equations, we derive the critical electric field of SF6 gas for different temperatures. Furthermore, comparative discussions are presented on the critical electric field strength and the collision cross‐sections shown in other published papers. The present study is considered to provide the rate coefficients and the critical electric field strengths with higher accuracy. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predicting suicidal ideation by interpersonal variables, hopelessness and depression in real-time. An ecological momentary assessment study in psychiatric inpatients with depression
Authors: Hallensleben N. , Glaesmer H. , Forkmann T. , Rath D. , Strauss M. , Kersting A. , Spangenberg L.
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To extend evidence on the short-term variability of passive and active suicidal ideation (SI) and the association with suggested proximal risk factors such as interpersonal variables (perceived burdensomeness [PB], thwarted belongingness [TB], hopelessness, and depression) in real-time.

Methods:

This is an observational study using a prospective design applying ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Eligible for study inclusion were inpatients with unipolar depression, current or lifetime suicidal ideation, and fluent German. Over six days, 74 participants rated their momentary level of passive and active SI, PB, TB, depressiveness, and hopelessness up to 10 times per day on smartphones. Data was collected from August 2015 to July 2017. Compliance was excellent (89.7%).

Results:

Mean squared successive differences supported temporal instability for all variables. According intra-class correlations, between 25% and 47% of variance was accounted for by within-person variability. Multilevel analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between hopelessness, depressiveness, PB, and TB with passive SI. Prospectively, hopelessness and PB remained predictors of passive SI. For active SI, hopelessness, depression, PB, and TB were significantly associated cross-sectionally. Prospectively, hopelessness, PB, and the interaction PBxTB predicted active SI. All models were controlled for previous level of SI.

Conclusions:

This study provides further evidence on the short-term variability of SI in very short time frames implying the need of assessing SI repeatedly in clinical and research settings. The associations between interpersonal variables and passive and active SI were only partial in line with assumptions of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Overall, the effects were small warranting further investigation.
The singular insemination status of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) females during the inter-harvest season of a coffee crop
Authors: Román-Ruiz A.K. , Barrera J.F. , Cruz-López L. , Rojas J.C. , Dufour B.P.
Published: December 2018

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), can survive in residual coffee berries during the inter-harvest period, while new fructification only appears 2–3 months after the last harvest. The dispersal of colonizing females is an adaptation that enables the life cycle of the species to go ahead whenever his flight aptitude allows. This paper focuses on accurately determining the rate of inseminated females ready to reproduce when emerging from residuals berries to colonize new ones, which constitutes a characteristic of the live cycle far from common in Curculionidae. We dissected females caught in traps baited with a mixture of alcohols during the inter-harvest season, females from infested residual berries collected from branches, and virgin females obtained from pupae reared individually in the laboratory. After microscopic preparation with Giemsa stain, spermathecae were observed to identify the physiological status of each specimen. Out of the females found in the traps, 98.4% displayed recent and abundant insemination and 1.6% sporadic insemination. In contrast, in residual berries, most of females were recently inseminated (84.5%), followed by virgin females (10.5%) and older inseminated females (5%). In addition, the flight tests of the virgin females were negative. These results indicate that all colonizing females were inseminated, ready for flying and oviposition, females inside residual berries showed different physiological status, and virgin females could not migrate since they could not flight. The large number of inseminated females inside the residual berries, and the capacity of migrating females to colonize and reproduce, suggest that it is necessary to control residual berries and use traps to stop the dispersal and reproduction of this pest.
Could the members of the 1897 Andrée balloon expedition have survived?
Authors: Lantz Björn
Published: December 2018

After making a final landing with their hydrogen balloon on the Arctic pack ice on 14 July 1897 at 82°56′N 29°52′E, expedition members Salomon August Andrée, Nils Strindberg and Knut Frænkel began a slow march with very heavily laden sledges over the ice to try to reach a depot at Cape Flora. Two fundamental errors regarding where to go and what to bring sealed their fate. This note will explore the theory that, given the information they had at the time, the explorers should not have made these mistakes. In fact, the expedition members could have survived if they had instead travelled directly to their other depot at Seven Islands with more lightly laden sledges.
Implementing the Ridley Report: The Role of Thatcher's Policy Unit during the Miners’ Strike of 1984–1985
Authors: Rawsthorne Phil
Published: December 2018

The Conservative Party has long faced concerns that in regard to the great British miners’ strike of 1984–1985, senior Tories had, in fact, planned the confrontation as early as 1977, when still on the opposition benches. Historian John Savile pointed to the existence of the Ridley Report—a Conservative think-tank paper produced in 1977, which appeared to include a detailed blueprint on how to provoke, and secondly win, a battle against Britain's powerful miners’ union. After Margaret Thatcher's second election victory, and her first landslide, in 1983, the Prime Minister populated the Downing Street Policy Unit with private-sector allies who looked to implement aspects of the report. Some of these allies had clear economic incentives in running down British coal. Nevertheless, the Policy Unit members were instrumental in determining government policy concerning all aspects of the strike, including preparation, policing, the law courts, financial concerns and the portrayal of the strike in the media. The campaign by Thatcher's Policy Unit resulted in a shattering blow for Britain's trade union movement from which it has yet to recover—just as the Ridley Report had predicted.
EUROSOC—European Socialism Network
Authors: Ducange Jean-Numa , Chauvin Frank-Olivier , Marcobelli Elisa
Published: December 2018

The history of socialism has, without a doubt, been met with renewed interest in France in recent years. Several publishers have republished nineteenth-century texts (by Proudhon, Saint-Simon, Marx, Jaurès, etc.) and, particularly in the fields of history, philosophy, and political science there have been a series of scholarly research projects following various approaches (including the history of the diversity of Europe's socialist movements). All this is testament to a renewal of scholarly approaches, moving away from the more ideological approaches that had previously been predominant. The fact that this renewed interest comes twenty years after the disappearance of “actually-existing socialism” shows how far approaches have changed from the studies that were being published thirty years ago.
Insights into soy lecithin and egg yolk-based extenders for chilling canine spermatozoa
Authors: Dalmazzo Andressa , de Souza Ramos Angrimani Daniel , Losano João Diego A. , Rocha Carolina C. , Sobrinho Carlos A. B. , Chinait Gurgel João Rafael , Monteiro Pacheco Pedro Ivo , Minazaki Claudia Kiyomi , Crusco Silvia E. , Nichi Marcilio , Barnabe Valquíria H.
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to compare different concentrations of soy lecithin (LEC0.01%, LEC0.05% and LEC0.1%) with egg yolk (Control) in cooling extenders during the storage of semen at 5ºC for 5 days. Twelve dogs (n= 12) were selected, and semen was cooled and assessed after 2, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. At each time point, sperm were analyzed for kinetic patterns (using computer-assisted sperm analysis), mitochondrial activity (3′3- diaminobenzidine assay), lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay), DNA fragmentation (SCSA®) and plasma and acrosome membrane integrity (eosin/nigrosin and fast green/rose Bengal stains, respectively). The Control group (1814.4 ± 197.2) presented the highest rates of lipid peroxidation at 120 h. Conversely, progressive motility (42.8 ± 4%), linearity (45.4 ± 1%), and VAP (88 ± 3%) were higher in the Control group. In addition, there was lower mitochondrial activity in the Control group at 72 h. Therefore, our data show that lecithin used at these concentrations was not able to maintain sperm viability at as high qualities as would egg yolk. Moreover, the decrease in high mitochondrial activity and the persistence of sperm motility may indicate a compensatory mechanism in canine spermatozoa (i.e., glycolytic pathway). Furthermore, these higher lipid peroxidation indexes could indicate the necessity for future therapy using extenders and antioxidants over a long cooling time for dog sperm.
Evaluation of three dimensional conformal radiation therapy of oesophageal cancer: a dosimetric study
Authors: Zulkafal Hafiz Muhibb ullah , Iqbal Muhammad Mazhar , Akhtar Muhammad Waqas , Iqbal Khalid , Khan Muhammad Afzal
Published: December 2018

Aims

The main objective of this research work is to compare the dosimertic effect on lower and upper oesophagus cancer treatment using 3D conformal radiotherapy as well as to evaluate the doses administered to the organs at risk.

Materials and methods

In this study, a cohort of 30 oesophageal cancer patients between the ages of 45 and 67 years registered during March 2017 to February 2018 was considered. These patients were treated through 3D conformal radiotherapy using four-field technique. Beam energy of 15 MV from Varian DHX linear accelerator was used. The given 30 patients were divided into two groups. The 1st group of 15 patients with upper oesophagus cancer was prescribed 5000 cGy doses, and the 2nd group of remaining 15 patients with lower oesophagus cancer was prescribed 4500 cGy. Computed tomography scans of every patient were obtained and then transmitted to Eclipse TPS for generating treatment plans. All radiotherapy plans were evaluated through various dosimetric indices. Statistical analysis software SPSS was utilised to get the values of means standard error and standard deviation of these indices for the treatment plan evaluation.

Results

Uniformity index (UI) calculated for first group of patients showed difference of 7·4% from ideal value. A difference of 7% between ideal and calculated UI value was observed in 2nd group of patients. The values of other dosimetric indices like coverage, homogeneity, moderate dose homogeneity index (mDHI) and radical dose homogeneity index (rDHI) were found in limits specified by the Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group. The maximum difference of 6% was observed between the coverage mean values of 1stand 2ndgroup treatment plans.

Conclusion

For oesophageal cancer, 3D conformal radiotherapy using four-field treatment plans shows homogeneous distribution of dose around the target and limits the dose to organ at risk.
On the effect of financial education on financial literacy: evidence from a sample of college students
Authors: Brugiavini Agar , Cavapozzi Danilo , Padula Mario , Pettinicchi Yuri
Published: December 2018

Based on a sample of university students, we provide evidence that a small-scale training intervention has both a statistically and economically significant effect on subjective and objective assessments of financial knowledge. We also show that the intervention increases self-assessed more than actual financial knowledge. The intervention consists of measuring financial literacy before and after a small on-line course and is administered through an on-line platform.
Serum Level Measurements Optimize Aripriprazole Treatment in Adolescent Patients
Authors: Gehrmann Jochen , Götz Lampe Peter
Published: December 2018

Abstract. 21 minors suffering from first-episode psychosis or related disorders were treated with the second-generation antipsychotic aripriprazole with serum levels being monitored over time. A significant variation of serum levels was observed in about half of the patients. Patients from Africa showed high levels of aripriprazole. In seven patients, i. e. ca. 35 % of the sample, aripriprazole treatment had to be stopped for various reasons. Therefore, serum levels of this antipsychotic (which in Germany is still considered off-label treatment before the age of 18) should be regularly monitored particularly in patients from Africa.
Hello, Goodbye: First Interplanetary CubeSats Zip Past Mars
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2018

The InSight lander safely arrived on Mars early last week. Two tiny spacecraft made up part of its communications array and transmitted landing data back to Earth.
Integrated Petrological and Geophysical Constraints on Magma System Architecture in the Western Galápagos Archipelago: Insights From Wolf Volcano
Authors: Stock Michael J. , Bagnardi Marco , Neave David A. , Maclennan John , Bernard Benjamin , Buisman Iris , Gleeson Matthew L. M. , Geist Dennis
Published: December 2018

The 2015 eruption of Wolf volcano was one of the largest eruptions in the Galápagos Islands since the onset of routine satellite‐based volcano monitoring. It therefore provides an excellent opportunity to combine geophysical and petrological data, to place detailed constraints on the architecture and dynamics of subvolcanic systems in the western archipelago. We present new geodetic models that show that pre‐eruptive inflation at Wolf was caused by magma accumulation in a shallow flat‐topped reservoir at ~1.1 km, whereas edifice‐scale deformation during the eruption was related to a deflationary source at 6.1–8.8 km. Petrological observations suggest that the erupted material was derived from both a subvolcanic mush and a liquid‐rich magma body. Using a combination of olivine‐plagioclase‐augite‐melt (OPAM) and clinopyroxene‐melt barometry, we show that the majority of magma equilibration, crystallization, and mush entrainment occurred at a depth equal to or greater than the deep geodetic source, with little petrological evidence of material sourced from shallower levels. Hence, our multidisciplinary study does not support a fully transcrustal magmatic system beneath Wolf volcano before the 2015 eruption but instead indicates two discrete storage regions, with a small magma lens at shallow levels and the major zone of magma storage in the lower crust, from which most of the erupted material was sourced. A predominance of lower crustal magma storage has previously been thought typical of subvolcanic systems in the eastern Galápagos Archipelago, but our new data suggest that this may also occur beneath the more active volcanoes of the western archipelago.
Transcriptional landscape of mouse-aged ovaries reveals a unique set of non-coding RNAs associated with physiological and environmental ovarian dysfunctions
Authors: Cuomo Danila , Porreca Immacolata , Ceccarelli Michele , Threadgill David W. , Barrington William T. , Petriella Annacristina , D’Angelo Fulvio , Cobellis Gilda , De Stefano Francesca , D’Agostino Maria N. , De Felice Mario , Mallardo Massimo , Ambrosino Concetta
Published: December 2018

The progressive and physiological decline in ovarian function depends on the rate of follicular loss by atresia, contributing to the reduction in ovarian reserve. Genetics and environmental factors play important roles in ovarian senescence and in the onset of ovarian dysfunctions such as diminished ovarian reserve. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying ovarian aging and their regulation by genetic and environmental factors is needed to evaluate ovarian reserve and to predict fertility potential by identification of more accurate and less invasive markers. We report transcriptomic data (i) implicating novel (e.g. EIF2 signalling) and well-known pathways (e.g. TGFβ signalling), and (ii) defining a unique set of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), both associated with ovarian function. The latter includes miRNAs (e.g.Mir143andMir145), snoRNAs (e.g.Snord16aandSnora34), and one lncRNA (Gas5), which are differentially expressed in middle-aged ovaries (12 months)vsyoung-aged (3 months) from CD1 mice. Experimental analysis confirms that ovary lifespan varies across genetic backgrounds in mice and, genetics influences the response to environmental perturbations such as diet. Moreover, the identified ncRNAs were verified in a model of reproductive dysfunction promoted by the environmental toxicant ethylenthiourea. We also report the increase of miRNA143 and miRNA145 in follicular fluid of women with diminished ovarian reserve. Their levels inversely correlate with the hormonal profile and with the number of the oocytes recruited upon hormonal stimulation. Overall, we report a transcriptomic signature for ovarian dysfunction in vivo that provides a valuable resource for translational research in human reproductive aging.
Dual cationic–anionic profiling of metabolites in a single identified cell in a live Xenopus laevis embryo by microprobe CE-ESI-MS
Authors: Portero Erika P. , Nemes Peter
Published: December 2018

In situ capillary microsampling with capillary electrophoresis (CE) electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) enabled the characterization of cationic and anionic metabolites in single cells in complex tissues and organisms, such as the live frog (X. laevis) embryo.
Effect of Ho dopant on the ferromagnetic characteristics of MoS2 nanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Qi , Zhai Chengbo , Lu Qing , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: December 2018

The as-synthesized Ho-doped MoS2 nanocrystals show intrinsic room-temperature ferromagnetism and their magnetic moment can be tuned by the doping concentration.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Negative effective Li transference numbers in Li salt/ionic liquid mixtures: does Li drift in the “Wrong” direction?”’ by K. R. Harris, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, DOI: 10.1039/C8CP02595A
Authors: Schönhoff Monika , Cramer Cornelia , Schmidt Florian
Published: December 2018

Irrespective of the choice of an internal or external reference frame, Li+ cations may have negative transference numbers.
Dynamics of the photodissociation of ethyl iodide from the origin of the B band. A slice imaging study
Authors: Marggi Poullain Sonia , Recio Pedro , Chicharro David V. , Rubio-Lago Luis , González-Vázquez Jesús , Bañares Luis
Published: December 2018

The electronic predissociation dynamics and stereodynamics of ethyl iodide from the origin of the B-band are studied by slice imaging and ab initio calculations.
The adhesion energy measured by a stress accumulation-peeling mechanism in the exfoliation of graphite
Authors: Xia Minggang , Liang Chunping , Cheng Zhaofang , Hu Ruixue , Liu Shiru
Published: December 2018

A stress accumulation-peeling mechanism can be applied to measure the adhesion energy of graphite.
Distance-dependent formation of electronic charge-transfer states in the ground states of anthracene and pyrene covalently linked to a TEMPO free radical
Authors: Tripathi Alok Kumar , Kundu Sushma , Das Ranjan
Published: December 2018

Charge-transfer states are shown in molecules consisting of a covalently linked anthracene or pyrene moiety (acceptor) and a TEMPO free radical (donor) through a spacer group of different lengths. Efficiency of the formation of CT states decreases exponentially with the distance separating the two moieties.
Hollow BiVO4/Bi2S3 cruciate heterostructures with enhanced visible-light photoactivity
Authors: Zhuang Chen , Tang Lanqin , Yu Zhentao , Peng Tianxiao , Zhang Yongcai , Li Liang , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: December 2018

Unique BiVO4/Bi2S3 cruciate hollow heterostructures are successfully constructed via anion exchange reactions using cruciate BiVO4 as templates and precursors. The hollow heterostructures exhibit excellent enhanced photocurrent response and photocatalytic activity for reduction of Cr6+ under visible-light illumination.
Role of charge transfer states into the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in DNA
Authors: Lee Wook , Matsika Spiridoula
Published: December 2018

Sequence affects the energetics and role of charge transfer in oligonucleotides.
Direct conversion of cellulose and raw biomass to acetonitrile by catalytic fast pyrolysis in ammonia
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yuan Ziguo , Hu Bin , Deng Jin , Yao Qian , Zhang Xin , Liu Xiaohao , Fu Yao , Lu Qiang
Published: December 2018

Concentrated acetonitrile was produced directly from biomass via a CFP-A process and the mechanism was elucidated by experiments and DFT calculations.
Fabrication of composite microfluidic devices for local control of oxygen tension in cell cultures
Authors: Gao Yandong , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Revzin Alexander
Published: December 2018

We developed a microfabrication strategy that integrated two materials with different gas permeability in a single microfluidic chip to enable local control of oxygen tension for cell cultures.
Exploratory metabolomic study to identify blood-based biomarkers as a potential screen for colorectal cancer
Authors: Asante Isaac , Pei Hua , Zhou Eugene , Liu Siyu , Chui Darryl , Yoo EunJeong , Conti David V. , Louie Stan G.
Published: December 2018

Using metabolomics data from colorectal cancer cases and controls, we found contrasting trends in their plasma folate metabolites.
Tunable index metamaterials made by bottom-up approaches
Authors: Gómez-Castaño Mayte , Zheng Hanbin , García-Pomar Juan Luis , Vallée Renaud , Mihi Agustín , Ravaine Serge
Published: December 2018

Double-fishnet metamaterials fabricated by nanosphere lithography and electrodeposition exhibit refractive indices going from 1.5 to −1 in the near-infrared range.
Highly efficient removal of Pb2+ by a sandwich structure of metal–organic framework/GO composite with enhanced stability
Authors: Lu Mengjie , Li La , Shen Siqi , Chen Duo , Han Wei
Published: December 2018

Sandwich-structured MIL-101(Fe)/GO was successfully synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method, and exhibited a high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics.
Hierarchically assembled mesoporous carbon nanosheets with an ultra large pore volume for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Jun , Guo Jinxin , Xia Yang , Gan Yongping , Huang Hui , Liang Chu , Du Gaohui , Tao Xinyong , Zhang Wenkui
Published: December 2018

Hierarchically assembled carbon nanosheets with a high surface area and an ultra large pore volume were derived by the direct carbonization of an adipic acid and zinc powder mixture. This structure enables fast ion and electron kinetics, resulting in an enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries.
Correction: Pulling lipid tubes from supported bilayers unveils the underlying substrate contribution to the membrane mechanics
Authors: Gumí-Audenis Berta , Costa Luca , Ferrer-Tasies Lidia , Ratera Imma , Ventosa Nora , Sanz Fausto , Giannotti Marina I.
Published: December 2018

Correction for ‘Pulling lipid tubes from supported bilayers unveils the underlying substrate contribution to the membrane mechanics’ by Marina I. Giannotti et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 14763–14770.
Correction: A thermal-induced electric current from a gold electrode/porous silicon device
Authors: Huang Cheng-Yin , Chang Chin-Kai , Wen Kai-Hsin , Hsiao Vincent K. S.
Published: December 2018

Correction for ‘A thermal-induced electric current from a gold electrode/porous silicon device’ by Cheng-Yin Huang et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 38677–38681.
PbZrTiO3 ferroelectric oxide as an electron extraction material for stable halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pérez-Tomas Amador , Xie Haibing , Wang Zaiwei , Kim Hui-Seon , Shirley Ian , Turren-Cruz Silver-Hamill , Morales-Melgares Anna , Saliba Benedicte , Tanenbaum David , Saliba Michael , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Gratzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders , Lira-Cantu Monica
Published: December 2018

Ferroelectric oxides as new electron extraction layers.
NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1): an enzyme which needs just enough mobility, in just the right places
Authors: Pey Angel L. , Megarity Clare F. , Timson David J.
Published: December 2018

NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) catalyses the two electron reduction of quinones and a wide range of other organic compounds. Its physiological role is believed to be partly the reduction of free radical load in cells and the detoxification of xenobiotics. It also has non-enzymatic functions stabilising a number of cellular regulators including p53. Functionally, NQO1 is a homodimer with two active sites formed from residues from both polypeptide chains. Catalysis proceeds via a substituted enzyme mechanism involving a tightly bound FAD cofactor. Dicoumarol and some structurally related compounds act as competitive inhibitors of NQO1. There is some evidence for negative cooperativity in quinine oxidoreductases which is most likely to be mediated at least in part by alterations to the mobility of the protein. Human NQO1 is implicated in cancer. It is often over-expressed in cancer cells and as such is considered as a possible drug target. Interestingly, a common polymorphic form of human NQO1, p.P187S, is associated with an increased risk of several forms of cancer. This variant has much lower activity than the wild-type, primarily due to its substantially reduced affinity for FAD which results from lower stability. This lower stability results from inappropriate mobility of key parts of the protein. Thus, NQO1 relies on correct mobility for normal function, but inappropriate mobility results in dysfunction and may cause disease.
The Effects of Static and Moving Spectral Ripple Sensitivity on Unaided and Aided Speech Perception in Noise
Authors: Miller Christi W. , Bernstein Joshua G. W. , Zhang Xuyang , Wu Yu-Hsiang , Bentler Ruth A. , Tremblay Kelly
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study evaluated whether certain spectral ripple conditions were more informative than others in predicting ecologically relevant unaided and aided speech outcomes.

Method

A quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate 67 older adult hearing aid users with bilateral, symmetrical hearing loss. Speech perception in noise was tested under conditions of unaided and aided, auditory-only and auditory–visual, and 2 types of noise. Predictors included age, audiometric thresholds, audibility, hearing aid compression, and modulation depth detection thresholds for moving (4-Hz) or static (0-Hz) 2-cycle/octave spectral ripples applied to carriers of broadband noise or 2000-Hz low- or high-pass filtered noise.

Results

A principal component analysis of the modulation detection data found that broadband and low-pass static and moving ripple detection thresholds loaded onto the first factor whereas high-pass static and moving ripple detection thresholds loaded onto a second factor. A linear mixed model revealed that audibility and the first factor (reflecting broadband and low-pass static and moving ripples) were significantly associated with speech perception performance. Similar results were found for unaided and aided speech scores. The interactions between speech conditions were not significant, suggesting that the relationship between ripples and speech perception was consistent regardless of visual cues or noise condition. High-pass ripple sensitivity was not correlated with speech understanding.

Conclusions

The results suggest that, for hearing aid users, poor speech understanding in noise and sensitivity to both static and slow-moving ripples may reflect deficits in the same underlying auditory processing mechanism. Significant factor loadings involving ripple stimuli with low-frequency content may suggest an impaired ability to use temporal fine structure information in the stimulus waveform. Support is provided for the use of spectral ripple testing to predict speech perception outcomes in clinical settings.
The Relationship Between Non-Orthographic Language Abilities and Reading Performance in Chronic Aphasia: An Exploration of the Primary Systems Hypothesis
Authors: Madden Elizabeth Brookshire , Conway Tim , Henry Maya L. , Spencer Kristie A. , Yorkston Kathryn M. , Kendall Diane L.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship between non-orthographic language abilities and reading in order to examine assumptions of the primary systems hypothesis and further our understanding of language processing poststroke.

Method

Performance on non-orthographic semantic, phonologic, and syntactic tasks, as well as oral reading and reading comprehension tasks, was assessed in 43 individuals with aphasia. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between these measures. In addition, analyses of variance examined differences within and between reading groups (within normal limits, phonological, deep, or global alexia).

Results

Results showed that non-orthographic language abilities were significantly related to reading abilities. Semantics was most predictive of regular and irregular word reading, whereas phonology was most predictive of pseudohomophone and nonword reading. Written word and paragraph comprehension were primarily supported by semantics, whereas written sentence comprehension was related to semantic, phonologic, and syntactic performance. Finally, severity of alexia was found to reflect severity of semantic and phonologic impairment.

Conclusions

Findings support the primary systems view of language by showing that non-orthographic language abilities and reading abilities are closely linked. This preliminary work requires replication and extension; however, current results highlight the importance of routine, integrated assessment and treatment of spoken and written language in aphasia.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7403963
Modifying and Validating a Measure of Chronic Stress for People With Aphasia
Authors: Hunting Pompon Rebecca , Amtmann Dagmar , Bombardier Charles , Kendall Diane
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Chronic stress is likely a common experience among people with the language impairment of aphasia. Importantly, chronic stress reportedly alters the neural networks central to learning and memory—essential ingredients of aphasia rehabilitation. Before we can explore the influence of chronic stress on rehabilitation outcomes, we must be able to measure chronic stress in this population. The purpose of this study was to (a) modify a widely used measure of chronic stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]; Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012) to fit the communication needs of people with aphasia (PWA) and (b) validate the modified PSS (mPSS) with PWA.

Method

Following systematic modification of the PSS (with permission), 72 PWA completed the validation portion of the study. Each participant completed the mPSS, measures of depression, anxiety, and resilience, and provided a sample of the stress hormone cortisol extracted from the hair. Pearson's product–moment correlations were used to examine associations between mPSS scores and these measures. Approximately 30% of participants completed the mPSS 1 week later to establish test–retest reliability, analyzed using an interclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Significant positive correlations were evident between the reports of chronic stress and depression and anxiety. In addition, a significant inverse correlation was found between reports of chronic stress and resilience. The mPSS also showed evidence of test–retest reliability. No association was found between mPSS score and cortisol level.

Conclusion

Although questions remain about the biological correlates of chronic stress in people with poststroke aphasia, significant associations between chronic stress and several psychosocial variables provide evidence of validity of this emerging measure of chronic stress.
Frequencies in Perception and Production Differentially Affect Child Speech
Authors: Richtsmeier Peter T. , Good Amanda K.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Frequent sounds and frequent words are both acquired at an earlier age and are produced by children more accurately. Recent research suggests that frequency is not always a facilitative concept, however. Interactions between input frequency in perception and practice frequency in production may limit or inhibit growth. In this study, we consider how a range of input frequencies affect production accuracy and referent identification.

Method

Thirty-three typically developing 3- and 4-year-olds participated in a novel word-learning task. In the initial test block, participants heard nonwords 1, 3, 6, or 10 times—produced either by a single talker or by multiple talkers—and then produced them immediately. In a posttest, participants heard all nonwords just once and then produced them. Referent identification was probed in between the test and posttest.

Results

Production accuracy was most clearly facilitated by an input frequency of 3 during the test block. Input frequency interacted with production practice, and the facilitative effect of input frequency did not carry over to the posttest. Talker variability did not affect accuracy, regardless of input frequency. The referent identification results did not favor talker variability or a particular input frequency value, but participants were able to learn the words at better than chance levels.

Conclusions

The results confirm that the input can be facilitative, but input frequency and production practice interact in ways that limit input-based learning, and more input is not always better. Future research on this interaction may allow clinicians to optimize various types of frequency commonly used during therapy.
Identification of electrical discharge forms, generated in insulating oil, using the optical spectrophotometry method
Authors: Kozioł Michał , Boczar Tomasz , Nagi Łukasz
Published: December 2018

The subject matter of the study applies to determining the possibilities and indicating the scope of application of the analysis of optical spectra emitted by basic forms of electrical discharge in insulation oil, recorded with the use of the optical spectrophotometry method. The main objective of the experimental works was to select a group of descriptors typical of optical signals generated in systems modelling electrical discharge on the basis of which it would be possible to recognise their forms. The study presents the results of measurements and analyses conducted under laboratory conditions for three systems modelling electrical discharge in mineral oil under various technical conditions. The results presented in the study are the initial stage of research aimed at determining the suitability of descriptors describing optical radiation emitted by electrical discharge for identifying the type of defect of insulation systems in high‐voltage power devices.
Theoretical analysis of the impact of belt speed on indentation rolling resistance
Authors: Gładysiewicz Lech , Konieczna Martyna
Published: December 2018

Belt conveyors, having high reliability and efficiency, are the main means of continuous transportation both in underground and in open-cast mining. Despite their numerous advantages, however, belt conveyors are expensive in maintenance. Therefore, improvements in the field of belt conveyor transportation largely focus on methods for lowering their power consumption. The energy consumption level of a belt conveyor depends on the motion resistances which occur during its operation. In the case of conveyors having lengths greater than 80 m, main resistances are the dominant component of motion resistances, and up to 60% of main resistances may be accounted for by the rolling resistances of the belt on idlers. Motion resistances, including rolling resistances, have long remained an object of research. Extensive laboratory tests and increasingly detailed theoretical models allow a better insight into the phenomena involved in the movement of the belt on the conveyor. Different research results place different weight on the influence of individual parameters (such as unit load or phase lag angle) on belt rolling resistance. The greatest inconsistencies, however, are observed in the analyses of belt speed impact, which is occasionally not even included in some models. This paper discusses the known and commonly used methods for determining the rolling resistances of the belt on idlers. It also proposes a new solution, which employs the analysis of strain variation in the belt for successive load cycles to determine whether belt speed has a direct influence on the value of rolling resistance.
Regression method-based analysis of damage development in the core of steel cord conveyor belts
Authors: Kirjanów Agata , Burduk Robert
Published: December 2018

This paper is based on the data gathered with the use of the DiagBelt mobile system for non-invasive diagnostics of conveyor belts with steel-cord core. The object of the tests comprised a slow-burning ST 3150 conveyor belt, having width B-1200. The tests were performed on a belt conveyor operated in a Polish underground mine. Four tests were performed at different time intervals in order to monitor the development of conveyor belt core damage. The regression model was based on data gathered from several sections of the inspected belt and on three indicators of defects (the sum, the number and the surface of defects). The analysis was performed not only for the linear regression model, but also for the quadratic regression model, which seems to provide promising results.
Challenges for science: the exploitation of deep deposits
Authors: Ptak Miranda , Podolska Paula , Podolski Robert
Published: December 2018

The article poses open invitation questions directed towards young scientists. The questions result from the analysis of condition met in deep mining, both in Poland and all around the world, based on selected examples. A conference devoted to the interdisciplinary issues related to mining and geology, gathering Ph. D. students and young scholars is an ideal platform to inspire research and curiosity of new occurring phenomena but also to verify the directions of research on an ongoing basis. Each month, each year, brings new solutions supporting further research and development. The main topic of this paper is indication of technical and legal problems that need to be resolved as they may be a barrier to further mining operations. The aforementioned problems can be divided into those related directly to the exploitation, occupational safety, and environmental protection. The article illustrates the solutions and experiences from the entire world that should be considered during analysis and solution appropriately adjusted and introduced into execution. Exploitation of new “Glogow Gleboki Przemyslowy” (GGP) project is the primary task of KGHM for the next 10 years. Development plan requires an interdisciplinary approach. It needs to be based on worldwide experiences and the most recent technical and technological solutions as well as crucial analysis of think tanks bodies.
Cement slurry resistance to chemical aggressiveness of carbon capture and storage (CCS) method
Authors: Formela Malgorzata , Wysocki Slawomir , Wisniowski Rafal
Published: December 2018

Nowadays, scientists from all over the world are focused on environmental issues connected with the greenhouse gases. The carbon dioxide is one of those gases. Therefore, researches are carried out to limit the emission or utilization the already ones. The aim of laboratory research was to find additives and admixtures resistant to CO2 presence and at the same time, able to modify rheological parameters of fresh cement slurry, as it is desirable during cementing of the wellbore. Moreover, research included the effect of newly synthesized polymers on the cement parameters. Laboratory research included filtration of the cement slurry, rheological parameters – Yield point, mechanical properties of hardened cement slurry obtained from hydraulic press and photographs of changes in mineralogical structure of cement from the electron microscope. The research was divided into two parts. The first one was based on the cement mixtures with commonly used superplastifier (SPL). In the second one, the SPL was replaced with newly synthesized polymer.
Rheological properties of cement slurries modified by silica nanostructures applied in drilling industry
Authors: Pikłowska Anna
Published: December 2018

The most important purpose of cementing boreholes is to counteract the inflow of deep-seated waters into productive levels of oil and gas-bearing rocks. The increasing requirements regarding the properties of cement grout and cement stone enforces the search for unconventional solutions and materials that will provide a resolved improvement in their properties and resistance to temperature and chemical factors in difficult geological and reservoir conditions. Therefore, the number of binding materials that have been improved by various types of structures is growing rapidly. Materials with the properties needed to meet the above challenges are close to the technology of nanomaterials, which are still used in the oil industry to a very small extent. The comparative analysis conducted by the author showed that using appropriate amounts of SiO2 nanoparticles it will be possible to design a cement paste with good rheological parameters, high strength and, at the same time, characterized by low filtration.
Precision study of satellite levelling with using various models of geoid
Authors: Buczyńska Anna
Published: December 2018

The main purpose of this study is comparison of orthometric heights of measuring points and the accuracy of these heights depending on selected geoid model and measurement method. In addition, for better understanding of the essence of conducted research, paper provides information about:

geoid and other surfaces used in geodesy to describe the terrestrial globe,

modelling methods of equipotential surfaces and data that can be used to develop them,

the most important geoid models developed for the area of Poland and the world,

the technique of determining the orthometric heights using various measuring methods.

Heights of two measuring points, located on the premises of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, were determined to achieve thesis statement. The scope of the study is limited to determining the orthometric heights of points for three global geoid models and four geoid models developed for the area of Poland. Among the selected equipotential surfaces were: geoida niwelacyjna 2000, GUGiK 2001, GEOIDPOL 2008A/C/CN, PL-GEOID-2011, OSU91, EGM96 and EGM2008.