bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the impact of morphological rate heterogeneity on ancestral state reconstruction of five floral traits in angiosperms
Authors: Reyes Elisabeth , Nadot Sophie , von Balthazar Maria , Schönenberger Jürg , Sauquet Hervé
Published: June 2018

Ancestral state reconstruction is an important tool to study morphological evolution and often involves estimating transition rates among character states. However, various factors, including taxonomic scale and sampling density, may impact transition rate estimation and indirectly also the probability of the state at a given node. Here, we test the influence of rate heterogeneity using maximum likelihood methods on five binary perianth characters, optimized on a phylogenetic tree of angiosperms including 1230 species sampled from all families. We compare the states reconstructed by an equal-rate (Mk1) and a two-rate model (Mk2) fitted either with a single set of rates for the whole tree or as a partitioned model, allowing for different rates on five partitions of the tree. We find strong signal for rate heterogeneity among the five subdivisions for all five characters, but little overall impact of the choice of model on reconstructed ancestral states, which indicates that most of our inferred ancestral states are the same whether heterogeneity is accounted for or not.
Comparison of UpholdTM Vaginal Mesh Procedure with Hysterectomy or Uterine Preservation for the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Ker Chin-Ru , Lin Kun-Ling , Loo Zi-Xi , Juan Yung-Shun , Long Cheng-Yu
Published: June 2018

Hysterectomy is the empirical treatment for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) without robust evidence to prove its efficacy. Uphold transvaginal mesh (TVM) system is an innovated device with smaller area, superior anterior/apical support with single incision to treat POP. The prospective cohort study aims to evaluate Uphold TVM’s performance with or without concomitant hysterectomy. Inclusion criteria specify patients suffering from stage 2 or more anterior/apical prolapse without previous hysterectomy. Exclusion criteria specify those with contraindications to uterine preservation, such as leiomyomas, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, abnormal uterine bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, cervical dysplasia, receiving tamoxifen treatment, family history of gynecology cancer, or colon cancer and incapability to be routinely followed. Thirty patients are recruited in the hysterectomy group and 66 patients in the hysteropexy group. The results demonstrate that patients with Uphold mesh only experience longer vaginal length, shorter operation duration, less blood loss and less post-operation pain. The performance in anatomical correction, lower urinary tract symptoms improvement, de novo dyspareunia, urodynamic study parameters and mesh extrusion rates are comparable with or without uterus preservation. The information is useful in pre-operation counseling, when the patient can make an educated choice whether or not to receive concomitant hysterectomy.
Characterization of a community-acquired-MRSA USA300 isolate from a river sample in Austria and whole genome sequence based comparison to a diverse collection of USA300 isolates
Authors: Lepuschitz Sarah , Huhulescu Steliana , Hyden Patrick , Springer Burkhard , Rattei Thomas , Allerberger Franz , Mach Robert L. , Ruppitsch Werner
Published: June 2018

The increasing emergence of multi-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, in the community and in the environment represents a major health threat worldwide. In 2016, we started a pilot project to investigate antimicrobial resistance in surface water. Bacteria were enriched, cultivated on selective chromogenic media and species identification was carried out by MALDI-TOF analysis. From a river in southern Austria a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated. Whole genome sequence analysis identified the isolate as ST8, spa type t008, SCCmecIV, PVL and ACME positive, which are main features of CA-MRSA USA300. Whole genome based cgMLST of the water isolate and comparison to 18 clinical MRSA USA300 isolates from the Austrian national reference laboratory for coagulase positive staphylococci originating from 2004, 2005 and 2016 and sequences of 146 USA300 isolates arbitrarily retrieved from the Sequence Read Archive revealed a close relatedness to a clinical isolate from Austria. The presence of a CA-MRSA USA300 isolate in an aquatic environment might pose a public health risk by serving as a potential source of infection or a source for emergence of new pathogenic MRSA clones.
Dispersal-competition tradeoff in microbiomes in the quest for land colonization
Authors: Dini-Andreote Francisco , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Olff Han , Salles Joana Falcão
Published: June 2018

Ancestor microbes started colonizing inland habitats approximately 2.7 to 3.5 billion years ago. With some exceptions, the key physiological adaptations of microbiomes associated with marine-to-land transitions have remained elusive. This is essentially caused by the lack of suitable systems that depict changes in microbiomes across sufficiently large time scales. Here, we investigate the adaptive routes taken by microbiomes along a contemporary gradient of land formation. Using functional trait-based metagenomics, we show that a switch from a microbial ‘dispersal’ to a ‘competition’ responsemodusbest characterizes the microbial trait changes during this eco-evolutionary trajectory. The ‘dispersal’modusprevails in microbiomes at the boundary sites between land and sea. It encompasses traits conferring cell chemosensory and motile behaviors, thus allowing the local microbes to exploit short-lived nutritional patches in high-diffusion microhabitats. A systematic transition towards the ‘competition’modusoccurs progressively as the soil matures, which is likely due to forces of viscosity or strain that favor traits for competition and chemical defense. Concomitantly, progressive increases in the abundances of genes encoding antibiotic resistance and complex organic substrate degradation were found. Our findings constitute a novel perspective on the ecology and evolution of microbiome traits, tracking back one of the most seminal transitions in the evolutionary history of life.
Rare structural variants in the DOCK8 gene identified in a cohort of 439 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Krgovic Danijela , Kokalj Vokac Nadja , Zagorac Andreja , Gregoric Kumperscak Hojka
Published: June 2018

Detection of copy number variations (CNVs) is a first-tier clinical diagnostic test for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), which reveals the genetic cause of the disorder in more than 20%. These are mostly known microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, but variants of unknown clinical significance (VOUS) and ambiguous CNVs can also be detected. An example of the last two are abnormalities in the DOCK8 gene. Conflicting interpretations of CNVs affecting DOCK8 can be found in the literature. Deletions were predicted to have a impact in carriers with variable clinical manifestations, where duplications have been proposed as benign variants. In our study, CNV screening was performed in a cohort involving 439 probands with suspected NDD. We identified known microdeletion/microduplication syndromes in 19% and VOUS CNVs in 8% of patients. Among these, three patients had a CNV encompassing the DOCK8 gene. Although diverse clinical presentations are noted in our three patients, comparison of their phenotypes revealed that abnormalities in cognition and communication, aggressive behaviour and mood swings are common to all of them. Therefore, a clinical relevance, in terms of influencing the psychiatric clinical picture of patients, is proposed for the CNVs disrupting the DOCK8 gene, regardless of whether it is a deletion or duplication.
Suppressed topological phase transitions due to nonsymmorphism in SnTe stacking
Authors: Araújo Augusto L. , Ferreira Gerson J. , Schmidt Tome M.
Published: June 2018

We combine first principles calculations with a group theory analysis to investigate topological phase transitions in the stacking of SnTe monolayers. We show that distinct finite stacking yields different symmetry-imposed degeneracy, which dictates the hybridization properties of opposite surface states. For SnTe aligned along the [001] direction, an (even) odd number of monolayers yields a (non)symmorphic space group. For the symmorphic case, the hybridization of surface states lead to band inversions and topological phase transitions as the sample height is reduced. In contrast, for a nonsymmorphic stacking, an extra degeneracy is guaranteed by symmetry, thus avoiding the hybridization and topological phase transitions, even in the limit of a few monolayers. Our group theory analysis provide a clear picture for this phenomenology and matches well the first principles calculations.
Genomic analysis of a Raoultella ornithinolytica strain causing prosthetic joint infection in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Beye Mamadou , Hasni Issam , Seng Piseth , Michelle Caroline , La Scola Bernard , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: June 2018

We sequenced the genome of Raoultella ornithinolytica strain Marseille-P1025 that caused a rare case of prosthetic joint infection in a 67-year-old immunocompetent male. The 6.7-Mb genome exhibited a genomic island (RoGI) that was unique among R. ornithinolytica strains. RoGI was likely acquired by lateral gene transfer from a member of the Pectobacterium genus and coded for a type IVa secretion system found in other pathogenic bacteria and that may have conferred strain Marseille-P1025 an increased virulence. Strain Marseille-P1025 was also able to infect, multiply within, and kill Acanthamoaeba castellanii amoebae.
A widely-applicable high-throughput cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) using split Nano Luciferase
Authors: Martinez Natalia J. , Asawa Rosita R. , Cyr Matthew G. , Zakharov Alexey , Urban Daniel J. , Roth Jacob S. , Wallgren Eric , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Coussens Nathan P. , Rai Ganesha , Yang Shyh-Ming , Hall Matthew D. , Marugan Juan J. , Simeonov Anton , Henderson Mark J.
Published: June 2018

Assessment of the interactions between a drug and its protein target in a physiologically relevant cellular environment constitutes a major challenge in the pre-clinical drug discovery space. The Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) enables such an assessment by quantifying the changes in the thermal stability of proteins upon ligand binding in intact cells. Here, we present the development and validation of a homogeneous, standardized, target-independent, and high-throughput (384- and 1536-well formats) CETSA platform that uses a split Nano Luciferase approach (SplitLuc CETSA). The broad applicability of the assay was demonstrated for diverse targets, and its performance was compared with independent biochemical and cell-based readouts using a set of well-characterized inhibitors. Moreover, we investigated the utility of the platform as a primary assay for high-throughput screening. The SplitLuc CETSA presented here enables target engagement studies for medium and high-throughput applications. Additionally, it provides a rapid assay development and screening platform for targets where phenotypic or other cell-based assays are not readily available.
Revealing the spatial distribution of chemical species within latent fingermarks using vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Dorakumbura Buddhika N. , Boseley Rhiannon E. , Becker Thomas , Martin Danielle E. , Richter Andrea , Tobin Mark J. , van Bronswjik Wilhelm , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Hackett Mark J. , Lewis Simon W.
Published: June 2018

Latent fingermark chemistry revealed by Raman microscopy and Synchrotron ATR-FTIR.
Fast synthesis of Co1.8V1.2O4/rGO as a high-rate anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Guangshe , Li Baoyun , Fan Jianming , Chen Dandan , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Liping
Published: June 2018

A novel Co1.8V1.2O4/rGO composite as a high-rate anode material for LIBs was successfully synthesized via a fast and facile approach.
Effect of the nitrogen–oxygen ratio on the position of N atoms in the TiO2lattice of N-doped TiO2thin films prepared by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Wu Haihua , Yang Dingyu , Zhu Xinghua , Gu Peng , Sun Hui , Wangyang Peihua , Li Jitao , He Xiaodong , Fan Linjie
Published: June 2018

The nitrogen-doped TiO2thin films are deposited on the glass substrate by using a direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering technique.
Fitting electron density as a physically sound basis for the development of interatomic potentials of complex alloys
Authors: Ortiz-Roldan Jose M. , Esteban-Manzanares Gustavo , Lucarini Sergio , Calero Sofía , Segurado Javier , Montero-Chacón Francisco , Ruiz-Salvador A. Rabdel , Hamad Said
Published: June 2018

A new method to obtain physically sound EAM parameters using the density functional theory electron density as the starting point.
From in silica to in silico: retention thermodynamics at solid–liquid interfaces
Authors: El Hage Krystel , Bemish Raymond J. , Meuwly Markus
Published: June 2018

The dynamics of solvated molecules at the solid/liquid interface is essential for a molecular-level understanding for the solution thermodynamics in reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC).
Formation of ozone by solid state reactions
Authors: Krim Lahouari , Jonusas Mindaguas , Lemaire Jean Louis , Vidali Gianfranco
Published: June 2018

We studied the isotopic composition of ozone formed at low (3–10 K) temperature via O + O2 solid state reactions using a partially dissociated 16O/16O2 : 18O/18O2 = 1 : 1 mixture.
On the measurement of relaxation times of acoustic vibrations in metal nanowires
Authors: Devkota Tuphan , Chakraborty Debadi , Yu Kuai , Beane Gary , Sader John E. , Hartland Gregory V.
Published: June 2018

Energy relaxation of the breathing modes of metal nanostructures is controlled by radiation of sound waves in the environment.
Preparation of 2D material dispersions and their applications
Authors: Cai Xingke , Luo Yuting , Liu Bilu , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: June 2018

A comprehensive review on the exfoliation of layer materials into 2D materials, their assembly, and applications in electronics and energy.
Realizing high performance n-type PbTe by synergistically optimizing effective mass and carrier mobility and suppressing bipolar thermal conductivity
Authors: Xiao Yu , Wu Haijun , Cui Juan , Wang Dongyang , Fu Liangwei , Zhang Yang , Chen Yue , He Jiaqing , Pennycook Stephen J. , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: June 2018

Synergistically optimizing the band structure and introducing point defects lead to remarkably high ZT in n-type PbTe–MnTe.
NH4B11O16(OH)2: a new ammonium borate with wavy-shaped polycyclic 2∞[B11O16(OH)2] layers
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Zhang Fangfang , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: June 2018

The ammonium borate NH4B11O16(OH)2has been successfully synthesized by a mild hydrothermal method.
Palladium catalyzed chloroethoxylation of aromatic and heteroaromatic chlorides: an orthogonal functionalization of a chloroethoxy linker
Authors: Pethő Bálint , Vangel Dóra , Csenki János T. , Zwillinger Márton , Novák Zoltán
Published: June 2018

A palladium catalysed coupling reaction of aryl chlorides with a novel borate based chloroethoxy linker was developed for the synthesis of aryl-2-chloroethyl ethers.
Fabricating high thermal conductivity rGO/polyimide nanocomposite films via a freeze-drying approach
Authors: Wei Shiyang , Yu Qiaoxi , Fan Zhenguo , Liu Siwei , Chi Zhenguo , Chen Xudong , Zhang Yi , Xu Jiarui
Published: June 2018

PI composite films with excellent thermal conductivity (as high as 2.78 W m−1 K−1) have been fabricated by a freeze drying approach.
A galactose-mediated targeting nanoprobe for intracellular hydroxyl radical imaging to predict drug-induced liver injury
Authors: Ma Bailing , Lu Mi , Yu Bo-Yang , Tian Jiangwei
Published: June 2018

A galactose-mediated targeting nanoprobe has been developed for the accurate imaging of ˙OH to predict drug-induced hepatotoxicity at an early stage.
Aqueous supercapacitors based on carbonized silk electrodes
Authors: Zhang Limei , Meng Zhaohui , Qi Qiaoyun , Yan Wen , Lin Naibo , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: June 2018

An aqueous symmetrical supercapacitor was achieved by assembling SC-850 electrodes, which possess a specific energy of 14.33 W h kg−1 at a power density of 251 W kg−1 operated over the wide voltage range of 2.0 V in aqueous neutral Na2SO4 electrolyte.
The influence of CePO4 nanorods on the CO oxidation activity of Au/GdPO4-rods
Authors: Huanhuan Yu , Fayun Chen , Zhubaolin Zhubaolin , Weiping Huang , Shoumin Zhang
Published: June 2018

A CePO4–GdPO4 composite was prepared by a general ultrasound method and could be a good support for gold nanocatalysts. Au/CePO4–GdPO4 catalysts with a low content of gold showed good catalytic activity, high temperature resistance and stability for CO oxidation.
Tribological behavior of in situ fabricated graphene–nickel matrix composites
Authors: Lei Yu , Jiang Jinlong , Bi Tiantian , Du Jinfang , Pang Xianjuan
Published: June 2018

Graphene protects nickel from severe oxidation and forms carbon-rich tribofilms containing disordered amorphous carbon and ordered polymers by tribo-chemical reactions.
Anionic polyelectrolytes in titanosilicate molecular sieve synthesis towards simultaneously accomplishing low production cost and high catalytic activity
Authors: Fu Kairui , Wang Jingui , Wang Yichen , Shao Yuanchao , Zhu Jiaqi , Li Tianduo
Published: June 2018

Anionic polyelectrolytes can help to directly achieve low-cost, titanium-rich, diffusion restriction-free and 100%-yield titanium silicalite-1.
D–A–D 2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole derivatives as p-type semiconductors in organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Torres-Moya Iván , Arrechea-Marcos Iratxe , Tardío Carlos , Carrillo José R. , Díaz-Ortiz Ángel , López Navarrete J. Teodomiro , Ruiz Delgado M. Carmen , Prieto Pilar , Ortiz Rocío Ponce
Published: June 2018

A series of Donor–π–Acceptor–π–Donor compounds based on a 2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole core branched with different alkynyl donor groups has been characterized and tested in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).
A novel method to prepare tussah/Bombyx mori silk fibroin-based films
Authors: Yang Richeng , Wu Peng , Wang Xinhong , Liu Zekun , Zhang Cong , Shi Yinglu , Zhang Feng , Zuo Baoqi
Published: June 2018

A novel method is reported to prepare tussah/Bombyx mori silk fibroin blend films featured transparent, flexible and biocompatible.
Quality-by-Design approach to the fluid-bed coating of ginkgo lactone nanosuspensions
Authors: Han Jiawei , Wang Xin , Wang Jingxian , Wang Lingchong , Chen Lihua , Li Junsong , Li Wen
Published: June 2018

The Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach was employed to investigate the fluid-bed coating process for the conversion of ginkgo lactone (GL) liquid nanosuspensions into dried nanosuspensions.
Optimization of the high-throughput synthesis of multiblock copolymer nanoparticles in aqueous media via polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Cockram Amy A. , Bradley Robert D. , Lynch Sylvie A. , Fleming Patricia C. D. , Williams Neal S. J. , Murray Martin W. , Emmett Simon N. , Armes Steven P.
Published: June 2018

High-throughput synthesis of multiblock copolymer nanoparticles via PISA.
Flow reactors integrated with in-line monitoring using benchtop NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Giraudeau Patrick , Felpin François-Xavier
Published: June 2018

The state-of-the-art flow reactors integrated with in-line benchtop NMR are thoroughly discussed with highlights on the strengths and weaknesses of this emerging technology.
Selective oxymetalation of terminal alkynes via 6-endo cyclization: mechanistic investigation and application to the efficient synthesis of 4-substituted isocoumarins
Authors: Kita Yuji , Yata Tetsuji , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Chiba Kouji , Yasuda Makoto
Published: June 2018

The oxymetalation of terminal alkynes proceeded in a 6-endo cyclization manner with the use of indium or gallium trihalide.
Reversible solvent-sensitive actuator with continuous bending/debending process from liquid crystal elastomer-colloidal material
Authors: Shang Yuanyuan , Liu Junchao , Zhang Manbo , He Wanli , Cao Xinyu , Wang Jingxia , Ikeda Tomiki , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2018

A reversible solvent-sensitive LC-colloidal actuator with a continuous and instantaneous bending/debending process was presented. This study will provide important insights into the design and fabrication of novel actuator materials.
A combined DFT and experimental study on the nucleation mechanism of NiO nanodots on graphene
Authors: Lu Yulan , Su Lijun , Qi Jing , Lei Shulai , Liu Bao , Zang Qi , Shi Siqi , Yan Xingbin
Published: June 2018

The uniformly dispersed defects on the graphene are responsible for forming uniformly dispersed and small-sized NiO NDs.
Sustainable hybrid energy harvester based on air stable quantum dot solar cells and triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Cho Yuljae , Lee Sanghyo , Hong John , Pak Sangyeon , Hou Bo , Lee Young-Woo , Jang Jae Eun , Im Hyunsik , Sohn Jung Inn , Cha SeungNam , Kim Jong Min
Published: June 2018

High air stable hybrid energy harvester for a sustainable sensor network system.
Aromatic end-capped acceptor effects on molecular stacking and the photovoltaic performance of solution-processable small molecules
Authors: Deng Dan , Yang Yang , Zou Wenjun , Zhang Yajie , Wang Zhen , Wang Zaiyu , Zhang Jianqi , Lu Kun , Ma Wei , Wei Zhixiang
Published: June 2018

Four small molecules were designed and synthesized with various acceptors, and their acceptor effects on molecular properties and device performances were investigated. The molecules based on medium strong acceptors obtained excellent efficiencies (ranged from 8.5% to 10.1%).
pH-Sensitive nanogels based on the electrostatic self-assembly of radionuclide131I labeled albumin and carboxymethyl cellulose for synergistic combined chemo-radioisotope therapy of cancer
Authors: Liu Kefeng , Zheng Dan , Zhao Jingyang , Tao Yinghua , Wang Yingsa , He Jing , Lei Jiandu , Xi Xingjun
Published: June 2018

Development of biocompatible and biodegradable nanocarriers with multiple functionalities has attracted great interest in recent years.
Fluorescence-enhancing film sensor for highly effective detection of Bi3+ ions based on SiO2 inverse opal photonic crystals
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Li Qiaorong , Guo Pu , Zhang Ensheng , Wu Kai , Liu Yao , Lv Haiming , Hou Xueyan , Wang Ji-Jiang
Published: June 2018

A Rhodamine 6G derivative-infiltrated SiO2 inverse opal was used as a fluorescence-enhancing film sensor for the detection of Bi3+ ions.
Fast luminescence from rare-earth-codoped BaSiF6nanowires with high aspect ratios
Authors: George Gibin , Jackson Shanell L. , Mobley Zariana R. , Gautam Bhoj R. , Fang Dong , Peng Jinfang , Luo Duan , Wen Jianguo , Davis Jason E. , Ila Daryush , Luo Zhiping
Published: June 2018

Solvothermally synthesized rare-earth-doped superlong BaSiF6nanowires with high aspect ratios with subnanosecond decay time.
Luminescence lifetime thermometry with Mn3+–Mn4+ co-doped nanocrystals
Authors: Marciniak L. , Trejgis K.
Published: June 2018

Luminescence thermometry is one of the most promising techniques of temperature sensing which provides fast and accurate readout in the non-contact regime.
Effectively realizing broadband spectral conversion of UV/visible to near-infrared emission in (Na,K)Mg(La,Gd)TeO6:Mn4+,Nd3+,Yb3+ materials for c-Si solar cells via efficient energy transfer
Authors: Li Kai , Van Deun Rik
Published: June 2018

A series of (Na,K)Mg(La,Gd)TeO6:Mn4+,Nd3+,Yb3+ materials were prepared and the broadband spectral conversion of UV/visible to near-infrared emission for c-Si solar cells was effectively realized via efficient energy transfer processes.
Asymptotic bit‐error rate analysis of quadrature amplitude modulation and phase‐shift keying with OFDM RoFSO over M turbulence in the presence of pointing errors
Authors: Krishnan Prabu , Jana Utsav , Kanekal Ashokkumar Balaji
Published: June 2018

In case where installation of optical fibre is not practically reliable, the new generation wireless communication popularised as free‐space optics (FSO) systems can be used to transmit radio‐frequency (RF) signals. FSO technology can efficiently transfer multiple RF signals, and this new technique is commonly referred as radio‐on‐FSO (RoFSO). The major challenges in this technology are atmospheric turbulence and pointing errors. In this study, the authors analysed the performance of RoFSO links employing the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme under both modulation formats namely quadrature amplitude modulation and phase shift keying in the newly developed Málaga or M distribution turbulent channel model. The performance is evaluated with consideration of both scintillation and pointing errors in M distribution channel for higher values of the carrier‐to‐noise plus distortion ratio. M distribution channel serves as an effective generalised model which unifies all other available statistical channel models. The novel expressions of average bit‐error rate has been derived and performance comparison has been done between the two modulation formats. This study identifies the crucial parameters that deteriorate the efficiency of the OFDM signal over FSO link which can be helpful in designing an optimal system.
Cross section of curvature radiation absorption
Authors: Locatelli Nicola , Ghisellini Gabriele
Published: June 2018

When treating the absorption of light, it is instructive to focus on the absorption coefficient related to the probability of photons to survive while traversing a layer of material. From the point of view of particles doing the absorption, however, the elementary interaction of the particle with the photon is best described by the corresponding cross section. We revisit curvature radiation in order to find the absorption cross section for this process, making use of the Einstein coefficients and their relations with spontaneous and stimulated emission and true absorption. We derive the cross section as a function of the emission angle ψ (i.e. the angle between the instantaneous velocity vector and the direction of the photon) and the cross section integrated over angles. Both are positive, contrary to the synchrotron case for which the cross section can be negative for large ψ. Therefore, it is impossible to have curvature radiation masers. This has important consequences for sources of very large brightness temperatures that require a coherent emission process, such as pulsars and fast radio bursts.
Timing offset calibration of CZTI instrument aboard ASTROSAT
Authors: Basu A. , Joshi B. C. , Bhattacharya D. , Rao A. R. , Naidu A. , Krishnakumar M. A. , Arumugsamy P. , Vadawale S. , Manoharan P. K. , Dewangan G. C. , Vibhute A. , Mithun N. P. S. , Sharma V.
Published: June 2018

Aim: Both the radio and the high-energy emission mechanism in pulsars is not yet properly understood. A multiwavelength study is likely to help better understand of such processes. ASTROSAT, the first Indian space-based observatory, has five instruments aboard that cover the electromagnetic spectrum from infra-red (1300 Å) to hard X-ray (380 keV). The instrument relevant to our study is the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI). CZTI is a hard X-ray telescope functional over an energy range of 20–380 keV. We aim to estimate the timing offset introduced in the data acquisition pipeline of the instrument, which will help in time alignment of high energy time-series with those from two other ground based observatories, viz. the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT).

Method: PSR B0531+21 is a well studied bright pulsar with closely aligned radio and hard X-ray pulse profiles. We used simultaneous observations of this pulsar with the ASTROSAT, the ORT, and the GMRT. As the pulsar resides in a very turbulent environment and shows significant timing noise, it was specially observed using the ORT with almost daily cadence to obtain good timing solutions. We also supplemented the ORT data with archival Fermi data for estimation of timing noise. We obtained the phase connected timing solution of the pulsar by estimating its dispersion measure variations and the timing noise. The timing offset of ASTROSAT instruments was estimated from fits to pulse arrival time data at the ASTROSAT and the radio observatories.

Results: We estimate the relative offset of ASTROSAT-CZTI with respect to GMRT to be −4716 ± 50 μs. The corresponding offset with the ORT was −29639 ± 50 μs and Fermi-LAT was −5368 ± 56 μs respectively.
Assessment of preliminary suitability of Fe-and Cr-rich waste material for the production of building ceramics
Authors: Kłosek-Wawrzyn Ewelina , Murzyn Paweł
Published: June 2018

This paper presents laboratory research on assessment of preliminary suitability of stainless steel waste material in building ceramics production. Application of the waste material in building ceramics production is innovative and might be environmentally friendly way to utilize it and to improve/modify the properties of the ceramic products. The waste was used as an additive to kaolinite-illite and montmorilloniteillite clay type. Selected properties of ceramics materials such as water adsorption, firing shrinkage, open porosity, apparent density, frost resistance, compressive strength and leaching of chromium and iron were determined. Improvement of the mechanical properties of the fired material and its colour intensification were observed. The studies confirmed the possibility of the utilization of this kind of waste material in production of building ceramics.
Resistance to external sulfate attack - Comparison of two alkali-activated binders
Authors: Komljenović Miroslav , Džunuzović Nataša , Nikolić Violeta
Published: June 2018

Durability of binders, mortars and concretes in aggressive environments is of crucial importance for their commercial application. In this paper the resistance to external sulfate attack of two different alkaliactivated binders (AABs), based either on blast furnace slag (BFS) or fly ash/blast furnace slag (FA/BFS) blend, was compared with two different commercially available Portland cement (CEM II) blended either with BFS or with FA and BFS. Comparison of sulfate resistance was based on compressive strength testing (the loss of strength) of mortar samples exposed to sodium sulfate attack up to 180 days and samples cured under controlled conditions for the same period of time. Furthermore, the evolution of microstructure of alkali-activated binders and pH of sodium silicate solution during testing were also analyzed. Despite different gel chemistry being involved, both alkali-activated binders based either on BFS or FA/BFS blend showed excellent resistance to external sulfate attack and even better than selected Portland cements tested under the same experimental conditions.
Study of an alkali-activated binder based on tungsten mining mud and brick powder waste
Authors: Sedira Naim , Castro-Gomes João
Published: June 2018

Blends of Tungsten mining waste mud (TMWM) and brick waste powder (BP) with different dosages were used as precursors for the study of a new binder obtained by alkali-activation. The synthesis was obtained at 60ºC curing during the first 24 hours and at 20°C during the remaining period. A combination of sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium silicate (SS) solutions was used with SS/SH weight ratio equal 1.5. The solid precursors/liquid activators weight ratio equal to 4. And the modules SiO2/Na2O increase with the increasing of BP dosages 5.21 and 5.59 for dosages 10% and 50%, respectively. Mineralogical characterisation of raw materials was carried out by X–ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of the dosage of BP on the compressive strength and pore size distribution of the new binder was investigated from 24 hours up to 28 days. The pore size distribution was obtained mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The increase in the dosages of BP, between 10 to 50%, was followed by an increase in compressive strength, from 25 to 59 MPa, for all the tested ages. The binder matrix become more dense and compact with the gradually increase of BP dosages, as found out by MIP.
Influence of water to solid ratio on mechanical properties of GBFS-based geopolymer foam concrete
Authors: Piotrowski Tomasz , Prochoń Piotr
Published: June 2018

The development of sustainable building materials with reduced environmental footprint in both, manufacturing and operational phases of the material lifecycle, is attracting increased interest in the construction industry worldwide. A recent innovation, the geopolymer foam concrete, combines the performance benefits and operational energy savings achievable through the use of lightweight foam concrete, with the cradle-togate emissions reductions obtained through the use of a geopolymer binder derived from granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS). In this study mechanical properties of GBFS-based foam concrete were investigated for samples of different water to solid ratio (0.252, 0.287 and 0.321). According to ASTM C 796-97 both mass of the foaming solution and water in sodium silicate solution was considered as part of the total amount of mixing water. As a solid part, GBFS and solid part of activators (NaOH and sodium silicate) was accounted. A group of specimens (40x40x160 beams and 100x100x100 cubes) have been prepared and volume density, bending, compressive strength tests have been performed. In a result an optimized lightweight GBFS-based geopolymer foam concrete was obtained, characterized by 1.8 kg/dm3 volume density, 2.6 MPa bending strength and 51.8 MPa compressive strength measured on beams and 44.1 MPa compressive strength on cubes.
Influence of Soil-Cement Composition on its Selected Properties
Authors: Brasse Krystian , Tracz Tomasz , Zdeb Tomasz , Rychlewski Piotr
Published: June 2018

The paper discusses the results of mechanical and technological tests of soil-cement composites made with cohesive soil. The compositions of analysed soil-cement mixtures differed in terms of their cement paste volume fractions and water-cement ratios. Limiting values of these technological parameters that enable the application of the soil-cement mixtures obtained in real life conditions for the purposes of the Deep Soil Mixing (DSM) method were determined. Based on the test results obtained, it was found that mechanical properties of the materials analysed were very sensitive to changes in their compositions. Variations in the volume fraction of cement paste within the range analysed caused mechanical properties to change even by an order of magnitude.
Usefulness of porphyry and amphibolites as a component of concrete for airfield pavements
Authors: Linek Małgorzata , Nita Piotr , Wolka Paweł , Żebrowski Wojciech
Published: June 2018

Coarse aggregate used as part of cement concrete is of primary significance for the obtained parameters of hardened concrete. In case of concretes intended for airfield pavements, the application of granite grit is recommended. Alternative to this type of aggregate in the form of porphyry and amphibolites aggregate was suggested. In order to assess the suitability of different aggregate types for concrete mixes, their bulk density, absorbability, polishing resistance, abrasion and crushing resistance were determined. Also, the internal structure of the suggested aggregates and its influence on changes of hardened concrete composite structure were subject to the assessment. The influence of aggregate type on the structure of cement matrix and contact areas between the matrix and aggregate grains were specified. The observed changes, in case of the internal structure of concretes based on porphyry and amphibolites aggregates, with reference to granite aggregate, resulted in changes of mechanical and physical parameters. Analyses included the determination of bulk density, absorbability, compression, bending and splitting resistance. According to the obtained laboratory test results, the significant influence of the aggregate type applied to the mix on parameters of hardened concrete, with regard to the application thereof to the airfield pavements was proved.
Impact resistance of external thermal insulation systems
Authors: Sudoł Ewa , Dębski Dawid , Zamorowska Renata , Francke Barbara
Published: June 2018

In the paper the results of an experimental program intended to determine factors influencing the impact resistance of the External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) were presented. For the research the systems based on polystyrene have been chosen. The insulation material was faced with a rendering consisting of base coat reinforced with standard or armored glass fibre mesh and silicone or silicone-silicate binders as finishing coats. The influence of various renderings components was evaluated with respect to resistance to hard body impact and resistance to hail. The test results were discussed in the context of the possible impact level on ETICS in use.
Review: Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation (ERAD)-Dependent Control of (Tri)terpenoid Metabolism in Plants
Authors: Erffelinck Marie-Laure , Goossens Alain
Published: June 2018

Plants are sessile organisms. Therefore, they developed the capacity to quickly respond to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses, for instance by producing a broad spectrum of bioactive specialized metabolites. In this defense response, the jasmonate phytohormones can instigate a signaling cascade that leads to the specific elicitation and reprograming of numerous metabolic pathways. Recent research progress has provided several insights into the regulatory networks of many specialized metabolic pathways, mainly at the transcriptional level. Nonetheless, our view on the regulation of defense metabolism remains far from comprehensive. Here, we describe the recent advances obtained with regard to one aspect of the regulation of plant specialized metabolism, namely the posttranslational regulation of enzyme stability. We focus on terpenoid biosynthesis and in particular on the rate-limiting and well-investigated enzyme of the terpenoid precursor pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). There are clear similarities, as well as important mechanistic differences, among the components involved in the posttranslational regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis via HMGR in plants, yeasts, and mammals. Furthermore, in plants, several of these components evolved to respond to specific signaling cues. Indeed, the elements of the plant endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) and ER stress-associated processes can be induced upon environmental stresses and during specific developmental processes, thereby allowing a unique posttranslational regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis pathways.
Benefits from, Satisfaction with, and Self-Efficacy for Advanced Digital Hearing Aids in Users with Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Jilla Anna , Danhauer Jeffrey , Sullivan J. , Sanchez Kristin , Johnson Carole
Published: June 2018

Little evidence is available regarding outcomes of advanced digital technology (ADT) hearing aid wearers with mild sensorineural hearing loss (MSNHL). The purpose of this article is to report the characteristics of and outcomes for this population. A cross-sectional research design was employed with 56 participants from a private practice setting. The International Outcomes Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL), and the Measure of Audiologic Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids (MARS-HA) were completed, scored, and compared with normative data. Results revealed that ADT aids were worn 10.5 hours/day, were mostly advanced to premium (55%), had an average cost per aid of $2,138 (SD = $840), and provided significant benefit (IOI-HA overall score: mean = 4.1; SD = 0.6) and satisfaction (SADL global score: mean = 5.4; SD = 0.8) to users who had good overall self-efficacy (MARS-HA composite score: mean = 81.7; SD = 12.8). Patients were most dissatisfied with and had the least self-efficacy for managing background noise and advanced handling of their devices. ADT hearing aid users with MSNHL achieved excellent outcomes, but ongoing follow-up and counseling from hearing health care providers may be important for successful management of background noise and mastery of advanced handling skills.
Effects of Including Information about Hidden Hearing Loss in an Adopt-A-Band Program on College Band Members' Attitudes toward Healthy Hearing Behaviors
Authors: Johnson Carole , Baldwin Jonathan , Danhauer Jeffrey , Wolfe Brian , Jeannont Stevana , Seever Katie
Published: June 2018

Young musicians may be at risk for developing cochlear synaptopathy (CS), or hidden hearing loss (HHL), that could lead to permanent music-induced hearing loss (MIHL). Patients with CS often complain of tinnitus and/or difficulty understanding speech in noisy situations, even though traditional audiometric testing indicates normal hearing. The aim of this article was to determine the effects of including information about HHL on an Adopt-A-Band program involving college band members' concern about and self-efficacy toward the prevention of MIHL. We conducted a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Forty-eight band members participated in this study. Band members were randomly assigned to two Adopt-A-Band presentations, one with and one without information on HHL. Including information about HHL had no effect on these band members' concerns about and self-efficacy toward the prevention of MIHL. However, the Adopt-A-Band program resulted in significantly increased concern for MIHL by 39.5% (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25–54.2), self-efficacy in its prevention by 79.1% (p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 66.9–91.2), and plans to use musicians' earplugs while playing by 67.4% (p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 53.4–81.45). Although inclusion of information about HHL did not have a significant effect, the Adopt-A-Band program, in general, significantly increased the immediate intent of these students to practice healthy hearing behaviors. Future research is needed to determine the long-term effects of using the Adopt-A-Band program with university marching bands' use of healthy hearing behaviors.
Emitting large dust grains: Floating potential and potential wells
Authors: Rizopoulou N. , Bacharis M.
Published: June 2018

In this paper we present a new theory, Modified Orbital Motion Limited - EMission, which examines the effect of electron emission on the charging of large dust grains. One of the most important aspects is the calculation of the particle's floating potential, which is the potential that the dust acquires when it is in contact with the plasma. Our theory determines the floating potential on the surface of the dust grain and predicts the formation of a potential well. Our model is applied in the Dust in TOKamakS (DTOKS) dust transport code and it is compared with DTOKS' pre-existing model.
The remarkable transformation of nanoripples in glass-metal nanocomposite
Authors: Vanyukov Viatcheslav , Halonen Mikko , Kaplas Tommi , Svirko Yuri , Lipovskii Andrey
Published: June 2018

We report the linear-to-circular transformation of high spatial frequency (HSF) ripples formed on the surface of a glass with embedded silver nanoparticles under irradiation with 120 fs long pulses at the wavelength of 800 nm. In the experiments, at the ablation threshold of 1.28 J/cm2, the HSF ripples with the period of ∼300 nm were oriented along the polarization of the laser beam. However, we found that the nanoripples pattern is gradually transforming from linear to an untypical circular one when the pulse energy increases. The ripples take nearly perfect circular shape at the pulse energy of ∼8.0 μJ, which corresponds to the fluence of 1.5 J/cm2.
Frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric response in hybrid molecular beam epitaxy-grown BaSnO3 films
Authors: Nunn William , Prakash Abhinav , Bhowmik Arghya , Haislmaier Ryan , Yue Jin , Garcia Lastra Juan Maria , Jalan Bharat
Published: June 2018

We report on the dielectric response of epitaxial BaSnO3 films grown on Nb-doped SrTiO3 (001) substrates using a hybrid molecular beam epitaxy approach. Metal-insulator-metal capacitors were fabricated to obtain frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric constant and loss. Irrespective of film thickness and cation stoichiometry, the dielectric constant obtained from Ba1−xSn1−yO3 films remained largely unchanged at 15-17 and was independent of frequency and temperature. A loss tangent of ∼1 × 10−3 at 1 kHz < f < 100 kHz was obtained for stoichiometric films, which increased significantly with non-stoichiometry. Using density functional theory calculations, these results are discussed in the context of point defect complexes that can form during film synthesis.
Enhanced optical response of crystalline silicon photovoltaic devices with integration of silver nanoparticles and ultrathin TiO2 dielectric layer
Authors: Li Mingjie , Xu Zhaopeng , Du Daxue , Duan Xiaoya , Wang Fengyan , Wang Jian , Zeng Yulian , Wang Haiyan
Published: June 2018

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and the titanium dioxide (TiO2) dielectric layer produced by magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing treatment, were integrated at the front side of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. A photovoltaic device was realized based on the c-Si substrate and stacked Ag NPs/TiO2/n/p/Ag layer. The results show that the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) can be improved by 9.9% with the introduction of well-sized Ag NPs and an ultrathin TiO2 dielectric layer to the c-Si solar cells. The presence of the dielectric layer enables Ag NPs to fully exert the advantage of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and light scattering, and the recombination of the photogenerated carriers originating from Ag NPs is effectively avoided at the surface or in the vicinity of Ag NPs. Moreover, COMSOL Multiphysics simulations were performed to investigate the reflection and absorption of incident light in the c-Si. The simulation results match well with the experimental data.
Activation energy of metastable amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 from room temperature to melt
Authors: Muneer Sadid , Scoggin Jake , Dirisaglik Faruk , Adnane Lhacene , Cywar Adam , Bakan Gokhan , Cil Kadir , Lam Chung , Silva Helena , Gokirmak Ali
Published: June 2018

Resistivity of metastable amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) measured at device level show an exponential decline with temperature matching with the steady-state thin-film resistivity measured at 858 K (melting temperature). This suggests that the free carrier activation mechanisms form a continuum in a large temperature scale (300 K – 858 K) and the metastable amorphous phase can be treated as a super-cooled liquid. The effective activation energy calculated using the resistivity versus temperature data follow a parabolic behavior, with a room temperature value of 333 meV, peaking to ∼377 meV at ∼465 K and reaching zero at ∼930 K, using a reference activation energy of 111 meV (3kBT/2) at melt. Amorphous GST is expected to behave as a p-type semiconductor at Tmelt ∼ 858 K and transitions from the semiconducting-liquid phase to the metallic-liquid phase at ∼ 930 K at equilibrium. The simultaneous Seebeck (S) and resistivity versus temperature measurements of amorphous-fcc mixed-phase GST thin-films show linear S-T trends that meet S = 0 at 0 K, consistent with degenerate semiconductors, and the dS/dT and room temperature activation energy show a linear correlation. The single-crystal fcc is calculated to have dS/dT = 0.153 μV/K2 for an activation energy of zero and a Fermi level 0.16 eV below the valance band edge.