bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shale reservoir characterization and control factors on gas accumulation of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang shale, Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Wu Jing , Liang Chao , Jiang Zaixing , Zhang Chunming
Published: June 2018

The Lower Cambrian Niutitang shale is reported to be the oldest strata for large‐scale shale gas reserves. Based on outcrop observations and laboratory analyses, this study used a comprehensive approach that integrated sedimentology, mineralogy, petrology, organic geochemistry, and reservoir geology to estimate the prospects for exploring for shale gas in the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, southern China. Whole rock and clay mineral X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and petro‐physical property measurements indicate that the Niutitang shale is dominated by quartz and clay minerals with minor amounts of plagioclase, potassium feldspar, calcite, dolomite, and pyrite. The organic matter in the Niutitang shale is dominated by type‐1 kerogen, with TOC levels ranging from 1.35% to 14.3% (average 4.46%) and Ro values ranging from 1.86% to 4.18% (average 2.79%). The three primary types of pores in the shale are organic pores, microfractures, and micropores. The micropores are primarily found in the clay mineral crystals and pyrite, and the microfractures are found along the boundaries of quartz grains. Most of the pore diameters are less than 20 nm, mainly concentrate at about 10 nm, which is consistent with that the organic pores act as the main storage space. The pore volume and gas content are strongly controlled by the mineral composition and lithofacies, and TOC content. The factors favouring shale gas accumulation of the Niutitang shale in the study area include (1) an effective thickness and widespread distribution, (2) a high organic carbon content and appropriate organic matter maturity, and (3) a favourable depositional environment.
Fish‐bearing deposits from the Upper Eocene Terminal Complex of the Plana de Vic (Catalonia, NE Spain): Sedimentary context and taphonomy
Authors: Carnevale Giorgio , Farrés Francesc , Belaústegui Zain , Cabello Patricia , Colombo Ferran , Vidal Albert , Martinell Jordi
Published: June 2018

The Upper Eocene fish‐bearing deposits of the Terminal Complex of the Plana de Vic (Ebro Basin, Catalonia, NE Spain) and its fish assemblage are analysed in detail from a stratigraphic and sedimentological point of view. Moreover, the taphonomic features and taxonomy of the fishes are studied for the first time. Fishes belonging to the families Clupeidae, Synodontidae, and an indeterminate percomorph have been identified, including a new lizardfish taxon,Ausonasynodus almeraigen. et sp. nov. The fish specimens are preserved in finely laminated limestones, resulting from the development of microbial mats on the seafloor. The presence of these microbially induced biolaminations favoured the good preservation of the fossil material. The combination of the stratigraphic and sedimentological context of the studied deposits, together with the taphonomic and paleobiological information obtained from the fishes, suggest that they were likely deposited in a shallow marine setting, probably in restricted or protected areas, under arid climatic conditions.
Pre‐diagnostic plasma concentrations of Fibrinogen, sGPIIb/IIIa, sP‐selectin, sThrombomodulin, Thrombopoietin in relation to cancer risk: Findings from a large prospective study
Authors: Graf Mirja E. , Sookthai Disorn , Johnson Theron , Schübel Ruth , Maldonado Sandra González , Pletsch‐Borba Laura , Katzke Verena , Bugert Peter , Hoffmeister Michael , Kaaks Rudolf , Kühn Tilman
Published: June 2018

While enhanced platelet activation may drive cancer progression and metastases, less is known about its role in early cancer development. Thus, we evaluated whether pre‐diagnostic biomarkers of platelet activation and coagulation are related to the risks of common cancers in the prospective EPIC‐Heidelberg Study using a case‐cohort design. Levels of fibrinogen, soluble glycoprotein (sGP) IIb/IIIa, soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and thrombopoietin (TPO) were measured in baseline plasma samples of a random subcohort (n = 2,480) and incident cases of breast (n = 605), prostate (n = 543), and colorectal cancer (n = 249). Multivariable Cox regression models revealed no statistically significant associations between biomarker concentrations and any of the cancer endpoints. Subgroup analyses showed a significant inverse relationship between TPO and colorectal cancer among men, with a hazard ratio (HR, highest vs. lowest quartile) of 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.37,0.95), whereas no significant association was observed among women. With regard to fibrinogen levels and breast cancer risk, there was a significant positive association among nulliparous women (HR: 2.53 [95% CI: 1.21, 5.30]), but not among parous women. Overall, our data suggest that enhanced platelet activation and a pro‐coagulative state may not be related to increased risks of common cancers, although studies on other potential biomarkers of platelet activation and further cancer types are needed. Findings from our subgroup analyses require further investigation, as potential underlying mechanisms are not known.
The impact of home–school cultural value conflicts and President Trump on Latina/o first‐generation college students' attentional control
Authors: Vasquez‐Salgado Yolanda , Ramirez Gerardo , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: June 2018

Around the world, people migrate from poorer countries with less educational opportunity to richer ones with greater educational opportunity. In this journey, they bring their family obligation values into societies that value individual achievement. This process can create home–school cultural value conflict—conflict between family and academic obligations—for the children of Latina/o immigrants who attend universities in the United States. We hypothesised that this conflict causes cognitive disruption. One‐hundred sixty‐one Latina/o first‐generation university students (called college students in the United States) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental prompts; thereafter, the students engaged in an attentional control task (i.e., the Stroop test). For Latina/o students living close to home, prompting a home–school cultural value conflict was more deleterious to attentional control than the other conditions. In addition, across all Latina/o students, a comparison of performance before and after President Trump's election and inauguration showed that prompting family obligation (without mention of conflict) led to a significantly greater loss of attentional control after Trump was elected and inaugurated, compared with before Trump. We hypothesise that this effect resulted from Trump's threats and actions to deport undocumented Latina/o immigrants, thus making fear about the fate of family members more salient and cognitively disruptive.
Hybrid performance evaluation of sustainable service and manufacturing supply chain management: An integrated approach of fuzzy dematel and fuzzy inference system
Authors: Pourjavad Ehsan , Shahin Arash
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to propose a comprehensive framework for simultaneously measuring the performance of sustainable service and manufacturing supply chain management. Application of the proposed approach also results in reduced uncertainty of the performance measurement process caused by qualitative criteria evaluation. The proposed approach consists of two main steps. First, the fuzzy decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method has been used to determine important criteria by avoiding low influences; and then a Mamdani fuzzy inference system model has been adopted and applied for performance evaluation of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). This model is employed in order to cope with the vagueness that exists in the SSCM performance investigation due to the vagueness intrinsic in the evaluation of criteria. In the proposed model, human reasoning has been modelled with fuzzy inference rules and has been set in the system, which is an advantage compared with those models in which fuzzy set theory and multicriteria decision‐making models are integrated. The proposed approach has been implemented in the pipe and fitting industry in order to highlight its application in real life. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out to determine the influence of service and manufacturing criteria on SSCM performance. The findings reveal that sustainable manufacturing criteria compared with sustainable service criteria have more effect on the performance of SSCM.
GJB3/GJB6 screening in GJB2 carriers with idiopathic hearing loss: Is it necessary?
Authors: Chen Kaitian , Wu Xuan , Zong Ling , Jiang Hongyan
Published: June 2018

Background

Genetic analysis detected excessive mono‐allelic recessive GJB2 mutations in individuals with idiopathic deafness; the remaining alleles in trans/cis are underdetermined. The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of variants in GJB3 or GJB6 to non‐syndromic sensorineural hearing impairment (NSHI) in Chinese patients with mono‐allelic GJB2 mutations.

Methods

The entire coding sequences of GJB3/GJB6, as well as deletions in GJB6, in a cohort of NSHI patients (n = 100) carrying likely pathogenic heterozygous GJB2 mutations, were tested. Targeted next generation sequencing was further performed in a multiplex family GDHY with moderate to profound NSHI.

Results

Putatively causative GJB3 variant underlied 1% (1/100) in this cohort. In family GDHY, we identified a rare GJB3 c.250G>A mutation, as double heterozygotes with GJB2 c.109G>A and/or a novel GJB2 mutation c.638T>C predicted to be damaging in a digenic inheritance after precluding other attributable mutations from 127 deafness genes. No GJB6 mutation was found.

Conclusions

GJB3/GJB6 variants account for a low proportion in autosomal recessive GJB2 mutation carriers in our cohort. Environmental causes, or other NSHI relevant genes, revealed by targeted next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing, may play major roles in triggering deafness in these patients.
The influence of phenols extracted from olive mill wastewater on the heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth of Scenedesmus sp.
Authors: Di Caprio Fabrizio , Scarponi Paolina , Altimari Pietro , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Pagnanelli Francesca
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Mixotrophic and heterotrophic growth of microalgae through biodegradation of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) is a promising strategy to improve the economic viability of microalgae production processes. However, OMW are characterized by an elevated phenols content, which makes their treatment by biological processes difficult.

In this work, the influence of OMW phenols on microalgae growth was investigated by using the phenols extracted with a resin from OMW.

RESULTS

OMW phenols, at 0.5 g L−1, were found to inhibit the growth of Scenedesmus sp. This inhibition was reduced by replacing an inoculum in the stationary phase with an inoculum in the exponential phase. Even with this strategy, a relevant negative effect (− 30%) on maximum cell concentration was found, which could be prevented by decreasing the phenol concentration to 0.1 g L−1. Under mixotrophic conditions, phenols reduced light penetration, limiting photosynthetic activity without significant improvement in phenols biodegradation. Under both mixotrophic and heterotrophic condition, percentage phenols removal up to 57% was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

The most promising strategy to achieve integrated microalgal cell growth and OMW phenols biodegradation is the heterotrophic cultivation with phenols concentration not greater than 0.1 g L−1 and an inoculum in exponential phase. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Reject water characterization and treatment through short‐cut nitrification/denitrification: assessing the effect of temperature and type of substrate
Authors: Noutsopoulos Constantinos , Mamais Daniel , Statiris Evangelos , Lerias Eleftherios , Malamis Simos , Andreadakis Andreas
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to provide a detailed qualitative and quantitative characterization of different reject water types and to evaluate the effect of temperature and type of external organic carbon source on short‐cut nitrification/denitrification process performance for the treatment of reject water with a high ammonia content.

RESULTS

According to the results reject water originating from the sludge dewatering unit is characterized by a high ammonium‐nitrogen content which can be further increased upon pre‐treating the sludge in a thermal‐hydrolysis unit, a low carbon to nitrogen ratio, a low biodegradability and contributes approximately 75% of the total ammonium‐nitrogen load of the recycled flows. It is anticipated that the process can be sustained even at low temperatures (15°C). The temperature effect on both nitritation/denitritation rates is described by an Arrhenius equation with activation energies equal to 37.6 and 39.6 kJ mol−1 respectively. The addition of an organic carbon source rich in easily biodegradable compounds can provide for the achievement of high denitritation rates (in the order of 10 mgNO2‐N gVSS‐1 h−1).

CONCLUSION

An interesting low cost option to reserve on‐site an easily biodegradable organic carbon source by integrating different processes in a wastewater treatment plant is primary sludge hydrolysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Ireland: A National Survey
Authors: Fennelly Orna , Blake Catherine , FitzGerald Oliver , Breen Roisin , O'Sullivan Cliona , O'Mir Marie , Desmeules François , Cunningham Caitriona
Published: June 2018

Background

Since 2011, advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) have triaged the care of patients awaiting orthopaedic and rheumatology consultant/specialist doctor appointments in Ireland. APP services have evolved across the major hospitals (n = 16) and, after 5 years, profiling and evaluation of APP services was warranted. The present study profiled the national musculoskeletal APP services, focusing on service, clinician and patient outcome factors.

Methods

An online survey of physiotherapists in the allocated APP posts (n = 25) explored: service organization; clinician profile and experience of the advanced role; and patient wait times and outcome measures. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse hospital‐ and clinician‐specific data, and a content analysis was performed to explore APP experiences.

Results

A 68% (n = 17) response from 13 sites was achieved, whereby 20 whole‐time APP posts existed in services led by 91 consultant doctors. Co‐location of APP and consultant clinics at 11 sites facilitated joint medical–APP processes, with between‐site differences in autonomy to screen referral letters, and arrange investigations, injections and surgery. Although 83% had postgraduate qualifications, APPs also availed themselves of informal role‐specific training. Positive APP experiences related to learning opportunities and clinical support networks but experiences were consultant dependent, with further service developments and formal training required to manage workloads. APPs reported reduced wait times and most commonly chose to capture function/disability in future evaluations.

Conclusions

Variances existed in the organizational design and operating of APP services. Although highly experienced and qualified, APPs welcomed additional formal training and support, due to the complex, more medical nature of APP roles. Further formal evaluation, capturing patient outcomes, is proposed.
ICS Educational Module: Cough stress test in the evaluation of female urinary incontinence: Introducing the ICS‐Uniform Cough Stress Test
Authors: Guralnick Michael L. , Fritel Xavier , Tarcan Tufan , Espuna‐Pons Montserrat , Rosier Peter F. W. M.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

A cough stress test (CST) is recommended in the evaluation of the uncomplicated female patient with the complaint of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to identify the sign of SUI, and is often used as an outcome measure following SUI treatment. However, there has been no standardization of the performance or reporting of CST. A working group of the International Continence Society (ICS) has developed an educational module, comprising a Powerpoint™ presentation and evidence base manuscript, to instruct on the performance, interpretation, and reporting of the CST in a standardized manner: the ICS‐Uniform Cough Stress Test (ICS‐UCST).

Methods

The working group performed a PUBMED literature search of articles (observational/experimental and reviews) published prior to 2017 that mentioned a CST. The evidence base examined various variables in performing a CST as well as sensitivity/specificity and positive/negative predictive values of CST.

Results

The variables involved in performing/interpreting an ICS‐UCST include: patient positioning, degree of bladder filling, number, and forcefulness of coughs, and method of SUI detection. For the ICS‐UCST it is recommended that the patient be in a supine/lithotomy position with 200‐400 mL of fluid in the bladder. She coughs forcefully 1‐4 times and the examiner directly visualizes the urethral meatus for the presence of leakage. Leakage of fluid from the urethral meatus coincident with/simultaneous to the cough(s) is considered a positive test.

Conclusion

This module provides instructions to educate a uniform CST (the ICS‐UCST), with the aim of improving the clinical practice of cough stress testing in female patients with urinary incontinence.
Molecular causes of elevated phosphoethanolamine in breast and pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Shah Tariq , Krishnamachary Balaji , Wildes Flonne , Wijnen Jannie P. , Glunde Kristine , Bhujwalla Zaver M.
Published: June 2018

Elevated phosphoethanolamine (PE) is frequently observed in MRS studies of human cancers and xenografts. The role of PE in cell survival and the molecular causes underlying this increase are, however, relatively underexplored. In this study, we investigated the roles of ethanolamine kinases (Etnk‐1 and 2) and choline kinases (Chk‐α and β) in contributing to increased PE in human breast and pancreatic cancer cells. We investigated the effect of silencing Etnk‐1 and Etnk‐2 on cell viability as a potential therapeutic strategy. Both breast and pancreatic cancer cells showed higher PE compared with their nonmalignant counterparts. We identified Etnk‐1 as a major cause of the elevated PE levels in these cancer cells, with little or no contribution from Chk‐α, Chk‐β, or Etnk‐2. The increase of PE observed in pancreatic cancer cells in culture was replicated in the corresponding tumor xenografts. Downregulation of Etnk‐1 with siRNA resulted in cell cytotoxicity that correlated with PE levels in breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Etnk‐1 may provide a potential therapeutic target in breast and pancreatic cancers.
Poly (methacrylic acid)‐based molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles containing 5‐fluourouracil used in colon cancer therapy potentially
Authors: Madadian‐Bozorg Neda , Zahedi Payam , Shamsi Mohammad , Safarian Shahrokh
Published: June 2018

The objective of this work was to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles based on methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer with a high selectivity against an anti‐cancer drug, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), as a template. In this case, the nanoparticles were prepared via precipitation polymerization in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. Besides, 3 independent variables including MAA: 5‐FU molar ratio (X1), temperature (X2), and time (X3) were investigated utilizing response surface methodology. The scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering resulted the average diameter of approximately 65 nm, and the MIP nanoparticle sample with the imprinting factor of 1.57 was polymerized in optimized conditions as follows: X1 = 6: 1, X2 = 60°C, and X3 = 3 days in acetonitrile as porogenic solvent. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of MAA/5‐FU complex and lower thermal stability of the washed MIP sample than the unwashed MIP and non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) samples, respectively. Moreover, the optimized MIP nanoparticles have more controlled release of 5‐FU rather than the NIP sample. Finally, the flow cytometry showed that 5‐FU‐loaded MIP sample has the highest apoptosis of human colon cancer cell line, HCT‐116, after 3 days compared with NIP sample and also the exclusive use of drug.
High‐flux PVDF membrane incorporated with β‐cyclodextrin modified halloysite nanotubes for dye rejection and Cu (II) removal from water
Authors: Ma Jing , He Yi , Zeng Guangyong , Yang Xi , Chen Xi , Zhou Liang , Peng Liuyang , Sengupta Arijit
Published: June 2018

The application of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane is impeded by its intrinsic hydrophobic property. In this work, a series of novel membranes were fabricated by blending different contents of β‐cyclodextrin modified halloysite nanotubes (β‐CD‐HNTs) into the casting solution. Elemental mapping images confirmed the good dispersion of β‐CD‐HNTs in the PVDF membrane matrix. The microstructure of membrane was improved as revealed by the morphological characterizations. Besides, the permeation and separation performances of all membranes were extensively studied. The results demonstrated that as‐prepared blend membranes exhibited better hydrophilicity, which included lower contact angle and higher water flux than pristine PVDF membrane. In the separation experiments, the dye rejection for the blend membranes was not declined (85%‐90%), even though the pore size of membranes was increased with the addition of β‐CD‐HNT nanoparticles. More importantly, because of the chelation reaction between β‐CD‐HNTs and heavy metal, the removal ratio of Cu (II) for 3 wt.% content of blend membrane could reach 20.9%, compared with unmodified membrane of 4.2%. After 3 filtration cycles, blend membranes showed superior antifouling property. Overall, this method demonstrated very promising characteristics for removing different scales of pollutants using membrane technology.
Reduction in smoke emitted and fire hazard presented by flexible poly (vinyl chloride) through novel synthesis of SnO2 supported by activated carbon spheres
Authors: He Shaorui , Wu Weihong , Zhang Mengjiao , Han Hongda , Jiao Yunhong , Qu Hongqiang , Xu Jianzhong
Published: June 2018

A novel catalyst consisting of SnO2 supported by activated carbon spheres (ACS), referred to as “ACS@SnO2,” was demonstrated as being much more efficient than either ACS or SnO2 alone. As such, it is capable of improving the thermal stability and flame retardancy of flexible poly (vinyl chloride) (fPVC). The resulting ACS@SnO2 composite exhibits a higher reactivity and excellent stability due to the presence of evenly dispersed SnO2 particles attached to the ACS, as well as the high degree of graphitization of the ACS. Smoke suppression and the synergistic flame‐retardant effect of the ACS@SnO2 on the fPVC were thoroughly investigated by performing a cone calorimeter test and thermogravimetric analysis. The cone calorimeter test data reveal that the addition of the ACS@SnO2 greatly improved the flame retardancy of the fPVC, with 32% and 58.4% decreases in the peak heat release rate and smoke production rate, respectively. This is attributed to the formation of a continuous and compact protective layer and the synergistic effects of the ACS and SnO2 in promoting the ability of the fPVC to isolate heat and oxygen. Furthermore, the ACS@SnO2/fPVC composite produced greatly increased amounts of char residue, thereby attenuating the fire hazard presented by fPVC composites.
Mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of biodegradable polylactide composites with hyperbranched silicon‐containing polymer
Authors: Cheng Kuo‐Chung , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Ruan Jia‐lung , Wu Cheng‐Han , Li Chong‐Wei
Published: June 2018

A hyperbranched polymer (HBP‐B2) containing siloxane chains was synthesized via bulk polymerization of diepoxide with a primary amine in the presence of monoepoxide. The weight‐average molecular weight of the prepared polymers was approximately 9200. Composites of polylactide (PLA) with aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and the HBP‐B2 were prepared via direct melt compounding using a brabender. The test results showed that the LOI could be raised to 34% for the PLA composite with 25 wt% ATH and 5% HBP‐B2. The surface thermal profile of the composite during UL94 V test was further captured by an infrared camera, which was helpful to understand the flame‐retardant properties of the different samples. A V‐0 rating could be achieved by adding ATH and HBP‐B2 to the PLA matrix. Incorporation of HBP‐B2 as a plasticizer could increase the impact strength of a PLA blend or composite. For example, an addition of 10 wt% of HBP and 20 wt% ATH increased the elongation at break from 5% for neat PLA to 155% for the PLA composite.
Self‐expression and identity after total laryngectomy: Implications for support
Authors: Bickford Jane M. , Coveney John , Baker Janet , Hersh Deborah
Published: June 2018

Objective

To explore how individuals with a laryngectomy (IWL) from diverse backgrounds make meaning and adjust to the physical and functional changes from a total laryngectomy. To examine the extent primary supporters (PS) and health professionals (HP) are able to support IWL with the psychosocial and existential challenges rendered by a surgery that significantly impacts a person's talking, breathing, swallowing, and appearance.

Methods

A constructivist grounded theory approach and symbolic interactionism were used to guide data collection and analysis. Semi‐structured interviewing occurred.

Results

Twenty‐eight participants (12 IWL, 9 PS, and 7 HP) were interviewed. The findings suggest that IWL experience significant change to their self‐identity and there is evidence of a range of passive and active reframing patterns (destabilised, resigned, resolute, and transformed). The loss of self‐expression included changes to communicative participation, personal style, food preferences, and social roles. Short and longer‐term supports appear to influence outcomes but are often ill‐equipped to manage the psychosocial needs of IWL.

Conclusions

Loss of self‐expression after total laryngectomy influences self‐identity and adjustment. How individuals reframe their identity appears to be tied with how they view their disabilities and disfigurement. These perceptions also appear to be influenced by the reactions of others and the support available. Further resourcing, education, and training are needed so that PS and HP can provide holistic care.
Exiting distressed neighbourhoods: The timing of spatial assimilation among international migrants in Sweden
Authors: Vogiazides Louisa
Published: June 2018

Different theoretical frameworks offer competing explanations for the settlement patterns and residential mobility of international migrants. Some highlight migrants' neighbourhood preferences, whereas others emphasise structural constraints in the housing market. This paper aims to test three theories on migrants' socio‐spatial mobility—the theories of spatial assimilation, place stratification, and ethnic preference—by investigating the extent to which migrants move away from distressed immigrant‐dense neighbourhoods in the Swedish cities of Stockholm and Malmö, as well as the timing of that mobility. Applying discrete‐time event history analysis to unique Swedish longitudinal register data, the paper reveals considerable differences in the residential mobility patterns between migrant groups and between the two cities. It also finds that newly arrived migrants are more likely to move away from distressed areas compared with long‐established ones. These results cast doubt on the spatial assimilation theory, indicating evidence for the place stratification theory. The paper contributes to an enhanced understanding of the determinants of residential segregation in Swedish metropolitan areas.
Tailoring the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Graphene Film by Structural Engineering
Authors: Wang Nan , Samani Majid Kabiri , Li Hu , Dong Lan , Zhang Zhongwei , Su Peng , Chen Shujing , Chen Jie , Huang Shirong , Yuan Guangjie , Xu Xiangfan , Li Baowen , Leifer Klaus , Ye Lilei , Liu Johan
Published: June 2018

Due to substantial phonon scattering induced by various structural defects, the in‐plane thermal conductivity (K) of graphene films (GFs) is still inferior to the commercial pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS). Here, the problem is solved by engineering the structures of GFs in the aspects of grain size, film alignment, and thickness, and interlayer binding energy. The maximum K of GFs reaches to 3200 W m−1 K−1 and outperforms PGS by 60%. The superior K of GFs is strongly related to its large and intact grains, which are over four times larger than the best PGS. The large smooth features about 11 µm and good layer alignment of GFs also benefit on reducing phonon scattering induced by wrinkles/defects. In addition, the presence of substantial turbostratic‐stacking graphene is found up to 37% in thin GFs. The lacking of order in turbostratic‐stacking graphene leads to very weak interlayer binding energy, which can significantly decrease the phonon interfacial scattering. The GFs also demonstrate excellent flexibility and high tensile strength, which is about three times higher than PGS. Therefore, GFs with optimized structures and properties show great potentials in thermal management of form‐factor‐driven electronics and other high‐power‐driven systems.
The Perils of Deduction: Limitations of Theoretical Models in Terrorism Studies
Authors: Maszka John
Published: June 2018

This article explores the limitations of both systemic and lower‐level theories, as well as the limitations associated with the use of theoretical models in the field of Terrorism Studies. They are useful to a degree, as they allow analysts to parse out various facets of a phenomenon and examine them independently. However, this approach involves a trade‐off, offering a measure of parsimony and greater generalizability at the expense of accuracy. For those who desire more accuracy, their models must be more complex and, therefore, generate less generalizable results. What is more, the deductive process becomes increasingly more difficult as theoretical models increase in complexity. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methodologies for fatigue assessment of offshore wind turbines considering scattering environmental conditions and the uncertainty due to finite sampling
Authors: Hübler Clemens , Gebhardt Cristian G. , Rolfes Raimund
Published: June 2018

For substructures of offshore wind turbines, the fatigue limit state is in most cases a decisive design factor. However, to calculate the fatigue lifetime of wind turbines, numerous time domain simulations for different load cases with changing environmental conditions are necessary. According to the state of the art, wind speed bins (of 2 m s−1) are employed, while keeping all other environmental states constant. However, assuming constant parameters in each wind speed bin is an unfounded simplification. Therefore, in this study, methodologies for fatigue assessment considering scattering environmental conditions are investigated by assuming statistical distributions for environmental conditions for all wind speeds that are derived using real data measured at the North Sea research platform FINO3. These statistical distributions are used to conduct time domain simulations of an OC3 monopile—with a 5‐MW wind turbine—using the aero‐servo‐hydro‐elastic simulation framework FAST. The fatigue lifetime is calculated, and its uncertainty due to finite sampling is assessed. It is shown that if scattering environmental states in each wind speed bin are applied, the uncertainty due to finite sampling is significant. Furthermore, only some wind speed bins contribute to the overall fatigue damage. Based on these findings, in a last step, different Monte Carlo sampling concepts are investigated to reduce the number of simulations needed to calculate the fatigue lifetime with a defined uncertainty. By combining several wind speed bins and by sampling according to the damage distribution, it is proved that the number of simulations can be reduced by more than 30% without increasing the uncertainty.
Vibrations and chemical states of iron ions in soda‐lime glasses determined by element‐specific X‐ray analyses
Authors: Okada Kyoko , Nagashima Yukihito , Shiraki Koichi , Kageyama Hiroki , Ofuchi Hironori , Yoda Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Umesaki Norimasa , Sakurai Yoshiharu
Published: June 2018

We systematically study medium‐range structures including more than three neighboring atoms around iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+) in soda‐lime glass samples with low iron oxide concentrations (MFe2O3) and a wide number ratio of Fe2+ to all iron ions (Fe2+/ΣnFe). The precise medium‐range structures around iron ions in glass have not yet been revealed because of a lack of the appropriate measurement methods. To avoid this problem, we used element‐specific nuclear resonant inelastic scattering (NRIS) with synchrotron X‐rays to observe the vibrations of iron ions (57Fe). The vibrations are related to medium‐range structures with more than three neighboring atoms and to the potential asymmetry and the coordination environment, around iron ions. The NRIS method has high sensitivity and can measure over a wide concentration range. Linear combination fitting of the X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra, which measures only the first neighbors but is a faster than using the NRIS method, was also used additionally. A systematically produced set of glasses with 0.015–5 wt% MFe2O3 and 0–0.85 Fe2+/ΣnFe was measured with these methods. It was found that the soda‐lime glass possessed two different medium‐range structures with different iron ion valences (~2+ or ~3+), which were determined by the Fe2+/ΣnFe, and that these structures were generated during production of the glass. Moreover, these medium‐range structures were the same from 0.015 to 5 wt% MFe2O3.
Holographic Floquet states II: Floquet condensation of vector mesons in nonequilibrium phase diagram
Authors: Kinoshita Shunichiro , Murata Keiju , Oka Takashi
Published: June 2018

Abstract

With the aim to reveal universal features of hadronic matter and correlated Dirac insulators in strong AC-electric fields, we study the

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

supersymmetric QCD with a finite quark mass driven by a rotating electric field ℰ
x
 + iℰ
y
 = ℰe

iΩt
. The analysis is done in the holographically dual D3/D7 system in the co-rotating frame, effectively. The nonequilibrium phase diagram is determined from the threshold electric field at which the insulator phase breaks down to a conductive phase due to the AC version of the Schwinger mechanism. The external field induces a rotating current

$$ {\mathcal{J}}_x+\kern0.62em i{\mathcal{J}}_y=\mathcal{J}{e^i}^{\Omega t} $$

J
x

+

i

J
y

=
J

e
i

Ω
t

originating from vacuum polarization and dissipative current in the insulating and conductive phases respectively. Intriguing features are observed as the frequency Ω approaches resonance with the meson excitation energy Ωmeson. There, the threshold minimizes and a condensate of vector mesons with oscillating current exists even in the zero driving field limit. This state, which we call Floquet condensate of vector mesons, is expected to be dynamically stable realizing a non-thermal fixed point that breaks time translational and reversal symmetries. Our finding has many similarities with exciton BEC discussed in solid state systems, where the semiconductor is to be replaced by materials hosting gapped Dirac electrons, e.g. 3D topological insulators or bismuth. Vector meson Floquet condensate may also have implications in the pre-thermalized dynamics in heavy ion collision experiments.
Quasi-single field inflation in the non-perturbative regime
Authors: An Haipeng , McAneny Michael , Ridgway Alexander K. , Wise Mark B.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

In quasi-single field inflation there are massive fields that interact with the inflaton field. If these other fields are not much heavier than the Hubble constant during inflation (H) these interactions can lead to important consequences for the cosmological energy density perturbations. The simplest model of this type has a real scalar inflaton field that interacts with another real scalar S (with mass m). In this model there is a mixing term of the form

$$ \mu \overset{\cdot }{\pi }S $$

μ

π
⋅

S

, where π is the Goldstone fluctuation that is associated with the breaking of time translation invariance by the time evolution of the inflaton field during the inflationary era. In this paper we study this model in the region (μ/H)2 + (m/H)2
> 9/4 and

$$ m/H\sim \mathcal{O}(1) $$

m
/
H
∼
O

1

or less. For a large part of the parameter space in this region standard perturbative methods are not applicable. Using numerical and analytic methods we study how large μ/H has to be for the large μ/H effective field theory approach to be applicable.
Transition in Late Quaternary Paleoclimate in Schirmacher Region, East Antarctica as Revealed from Lake Sediments
Authors: Srivastava Hari B. , Shrivastava Prakash K. , Roy Sandip K. , Beg M. Javed , Asthana Rajesh , Govil Pawan , Verma Kamlesh
Published: June 2018

The lacustrine sediments are one of the best sources to provide information on climate change, specially in peri-glacial climatic region. Schirmacher Oasis, located on the Princess Astrid Coast in Queen Maud Land, is one of the few areas in East Antarctica that provides valuable information on paleoclimate of the region with various depositional features formed due to deglaciation process. This Oasis is dotted with more than 100 lakes of proglacial, land-locked and epi-shelf type. The multi-proxy sedimentological data, generated from the sediment cores from land-locked lakes and grab sample from a proglacial lake, lying in the same drainage line in the central part of Schirmacher region has provided better insight into the paleoclimatic evolution of the region. The immature and chemically unaltered lake sediments have shown restricted drainage pattern. Different phases of warmer and cooler intervals are highlighted by the patterns of fluctuations in different sedimentological and statistical parameters. The dominance of glacial signatures is very clear on the lake sediments as revealed by the surface textures of quartz grains. Physical weathering has mainly controlled the overall sediments and the composition of clay fraction. The clay minerals indicate a gradual shift in the weathering regime and therewith in climate from strongly glacial to fluvioglacial specially around 42 ka. This indicates beginning of warming of the area much before the LGM. But the warm period is not strong enough to alter the overall clay chemistry. Proxy records indicate short-period climatic oscillations during late Quaternary.
Spatial Potential Analysis of Earthquakes in the Western Himalayas Using b-value and Thrust Association
Authors: Pudi Ramesh , Roy Priyom , Martha Tapas R. , Kumar K. Vinod , Rao P. Rama
Published: June 2018

In this study, we have analysed the spatial variation of b-values (from frequency-magnitude distribution (FMD)) in the western Himalayas as an indicator to demarcate the potential zones of earthquake occurrences. This is done under the acceptance of interpretation that decrease of b-values is correlated with a stress increase in the epicentral region of an approaching earthquake event. In addition to this, the spatial association of the earthquake epicenters with the major thrusts in the region using weights of evidence method, to identify potential zones of earthquake occurrences have also been analysed. Both analyses were carried out using a historical earthquake (Mw> 4) database of the1900-2015 period. Finally, based on the spatial variation of b-values and ‘contrasts’ derived from weights of evidence method (thrust associations), the derived map information was geospatially combined to prepare a “spatial earthquake potential” map of the western Himalayas. This map demarcates the western Himalayas into 3 zones - high, medium and low potential for future earthquake occurrences.
Morphometric Parameters and Neotectorphometric Parameters and Neotectonics of Kalyani River Basin, Ganga Plain: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Singh Dhruv Sen , Prajapati Shailendra Kumar , Khan Imran , Gautam Pawan Kumar , Vishawakarma Balkrishan
Published: June 2018

The drainage basin of the Kalyani river, a tributary of Gomati river has been mapped and delineated using Survey of India toposheets (1:50,000 scale) and remote sensing satellite data. The digitization, slope map preparation and statistical calculations have been carried out with the help of geographical information system (Arc GIS 10). Kalyani a fifth order river exhibits meandering behavior having 2.45 sinuosity index (SI). The Kalyani river basin has about 1235 km2area with NW-SE sloping trend. The total number of first, second, third, and fourth order streams are 373, 71, 12 and 2 respectively, showing dominance of first order streams in the basin. The mean bifurcation ratio (Rb) of the entire basin is 4.8, which indicates that the drainage is not much influenced by geological structures and exhibits dendritic drainage pattern. Relief ratio (Rr) indicates low to medium surface run-off, and low stream power for erosion. The analysis of river bank height ‘r’ (escarpment) and longitudinal profile of the river closely reveals neotectonic activity at some locations in the basin. To prepare a comprehensive watershed development and management plan, it is important to understand the topography and drainage characteristics of the region.
Measurement of Radon Concentration in Drinking Water in Bhiwani District of Haryana
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Sharma Samriti , Srivastava Ajay Kumar , Mehra Rohit
Published: June 2018

This investigation aims to evaluate the concentration of dissolved radon in drinking water and to assess the associated radiation doses for infants, children and adults in Bhiwani district of Haryana The radon concentrations were measured in 82 drinking water samples collected from 32 villages/towns in the Bhiwani district. The measurements were performed by RAD7, an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company Inc. The mean radon concentration ranged between 1.3 ± 0.4 and 13.4 ± 2.2 Bq l−1. The mean radon concentrations from two locations exceeded the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 11 Bq l−1 recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The total annual effective doses due to ingestion and inhalation of radon in drinking water varied from 10.1 to 104.4 µSv y−1 for infants, 5.8 to 59.6 µSv y−1 for children and 6.6 to 67.7 µSv y−1 for adults and the average values were found to be 46.3, 26.5 and 30.1 µSv y−1, respectively.
The Effects of Cracking on Slope Stability
Authors: Mukhlisin Muhammad , Khiyon Khirun Nissah
Published: June 2018

Slope stability has been identified as a major obstacle to construction in the rapidly developing countries of Indonesia and Malaysia. In these countries, slope failure has been identified as one of the most commonly occurring natural disasters, leading to financial losses and deaths. Slope failure is often related to prolonged rainfall events where rainfall infiltration increases pore water pressure, reducing soil strength. This failure mechanism will accelerate with the existence of cracks, which are usually caused by differential settling, drying and shrinking of soil, and associated construction activities, among other causes. The existence of cracks on slopes usually provides an easy pathway for rainfall infiltration into soil, allowing rain to infiltrate to deeper layers than in the absence of cracks. The moisture content in deep layers is therefore higher in cracked slopes than in slopes without cracks. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of cracks on slope stability when subjected to rainfall. The influence of crack location, depth, size, and direction on pore water pressure distribution and slope stability was studied by imposing different rainfall intensities. Analysis of seepage and stability were conducted using the GEO STUDIO 2007 softwares SEEP/W and SLOPE/W. Results suggested that pore water pressure and slope stability were influenced by the existence of cracks. Analysis showed that slope factors of safety decreased sharply when cracks were located adjacent to the slope crest, as compared to when cracks were located in the middle of the slope. Furthermore, slope factors of safety decreased with increasing crack depth. Pore water pressure and slope factors of safety decreased further when slopes were subjected to small rainfall intensities for long periods, as compared to when slopes were subjected to high rainfall intensities for short periods. The present study shows that study of cracks should be an integral part of the slope stability analysis.
Physical Criteria for Recognition of Lacustrine Gravel Beach-bar Deposits using Modern Examples, the Qinghai Lake, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Peng Biao , Jin Zhenkui , Zhu Xiaoer , Li Rui , Yuan Kun
Published: June 2018

Beach-bar deposits are very common in the shallow-water zone of lacustrine basins, and have been an attractive exploration target within lacustrine basins, where numerous lacustrine beach-bar oil pools have been discovered recently. Physical criteria for recognizing lacustrine beach-bar deposits are important not only for reconstruction of paleoenvironments and paleoshorelines, but also for the exploration and development of hydrocarbon. Modern beach-bars, 162 km in length, in Qinghai Lake, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, were studied in detail based on lithology, sedimentary structure, texture, basal contact, bed thickness and dip angle, mean grain size, sorting, skewness, sedimentary succession, etc. The study found that the gravel beach-bars have a fixed sedimentary succession, “ABC” sequence, which is composed of A, B, and C intervals. The A interval is characterized by poorly sorted pebbly sandstones, the B interval is characterized by well sorted conglomerates and the C interval is characterized by normally graded sandstones. The A, B, and C intervals have particular quantitative characteristics, including mean grain size, sorting, skewness, dip angle of layers, and thickness of layers. The gravel beach-bar deposits can be presented in different combined pattern, such as “ABCABC”, “ABABAB”, and “BCBCBC”. The beach-bars deposits are stripe-like, parallel to the shoreline, and with convex tops and flat bottoms. The length of the beach-bars can be tens of kilometers. The width of the beach-bars can be thousands of meters.