bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ParaBTM: A Parallel Processing Framework for Biomedical Text Mining on Supercomputers
Authors: Xing Yuting , Wu Chengkun , Yang Xi , Wang Wei , Zhu En , Yin Jianping
Published: April 2018

A prevailing way of extracting valuable information from biomedical literature is to apply text mining methods on unstructured texts. However, the massive amount of literature that needs to be analyzed poses a big data challenge to the processing efficiency of text mining. In this paper, we address this challenge by introducing parallel processing on a supercomputer. We developed paraBTM, a runnable framework that enables parallel text mining on the Tianhe-2 supercomputer. It employs a low-cost yet effective load balancing strategy to maximize the efficiency of parallel processing. We evaluated the performance of paraBTM on several datasets, utilizing three types of named entity recognition tasks as demonstration. Results show that, in most cases, the processing efficiency can be greatly improved with parallel processing, and the proposed load balancing strategy is simple and effective. In addition, our framework can be readily applied to other tasks of biomedical text mining besides NER.
Trinucleotide Rolling Circle Amplification: A Novel Method for the Detection of RNA and DNA
Authors: Zingg Jean-Marc , Daunert Sylvia
Published: April 2018

Most natural DNA and RNA are devoid of long trinucleotide (TN) sequences that lack one specific nucleotide (missing nucleotide (MN)). Here we developed a novel method that is based on rolling circle amplification (RCA), in which the TN-information of short TN stretches is sequence-specifically recognized, transferred, extended, amplified and detected by padlock probes that consist entirely of nucleotides complementary to the three nucleotides present in the target sequence (complementary TN-information). Upon specific head-to-tail annealing and ligation to the TN-target sequence, these padlock probes represent extended complementary TN versions of the target sequence that can be further amplified by trinucleotide rolling circle amplification (TN-RCA). Since during TN-RCA the MN (as dNTP) is not added, background amplification is minimized with endogenous RNA/DNA (which mostly would require all four dNTP). Therefore, various labelled dNTP can be added to the TN-RCA reaction that enables the separation, isolation and detection of the amplified single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Here the TN-RCA method is exemplified with RNA/DNA from Zika virus and from human papilloma virus (HPV). TN-RCA is a novel isothermal amplification technique that can be used for sensitive sequence-specific detection and diagnosis of natural and synthetic DNA or RNA containing TN stretches with low background in short time.
A Low-Protein Diet for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Its Effect and Molecular Mechanism, an Approach from Animal Studies
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Ogura Yoshio , Monno Itaru , Koya Daisuke
Published: April 2018

A low-protein diet (LPD) can be expected to retard renal function decline in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and is recommended in a clinical setting. Regarding the molecular mechanisms of an LPD against DKD, previous animal studies have shown that an LPD exerts reno-protection through mainly the improvement of glomerular hyperfiltration/hypertension due to the reduction of intraglomerular pressure. On the other hand, we have demonstrated that an LPD, particularly a very-LPD (VLPD), improved tubulo-interstitial damage, inflammation and fibrosis, through the restoration of autophagy via the reduction of a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity in type 2 diabetes and obesity animal models. Thus, based on animal studies, a VLPD may show a more beneficial effect against advanced DKD. Previous clinical reports have also shown that a VLPD, not a moderate LPD, slows the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with chronic glomerular nephritis. However, there is insufficient clinical data regarding the beneficial effects of a VLPD against DKD. Additionally, the patients with CKD, including DKD, are a high-risk group for malnutrition, such as protein–energy wasting (PEW), sarcopenia, and frailty. Therefore, an LPD, including a VLPD, should be prescribed to patients when the benefits of an LPD outweigh the risks, upon consideration of adherence, age, and nutritional status. As the future predicts, the development of a VLPD replacement therapy without malnutrition may be expected for reno-protection against the advanced stages of DKD, through the regulation of mTORC1 activity and adequate autophagy induction. However, further studies to elucidate detailed mechanisms by which a VLPD exerts reno-protection are necessary.
Modeling of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Shrinkage for Bra Cup Moulding Process Control
Authors: Wu Long , Yick Kit-Lun , Ng Sunpui , Sun Yue
Published: April 2018

Nowadays, moulding technology has become a remarkable manufacturing process in the intimate apparel industry. Polyurethane (PU) foam sheets are used to mould three-dimensional (3D) seamless bra cups of various softness and shapes, which eliminate bulky seams and reduce production costs. However, it has been challenging to accurately and effectively control the moulding process and bra cup thickness. In this study, the theoretical mechanism of heat transfer and the thermal conductivity of PU foams are first examined. Experimental studies are carried out to investigate the changes in foam materials at various moulding conditions (viz., temperatures, and lengths of dwell time) in terms of surface morphology and thickness by using electron and optical microscopy. Based on the theoretical and experimental investigations of the thermal conductivity of the foam materials, empirical equations of shrinkage ratio and thermal conduction of foam materials were established. A regression model to predict flexible PU foam shrinkage during the bra cup moulding process was formulated by using the Levenberg-Marquardt method of nonlinear least squares algorithm and verified for accuracy. This study therefore provides an effective approach that optimizes control of the bra cup moulding process and assures the ultimate quality and thickness of moulded foam cups.
Permeability of Novel Chitosan-g-Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Amphiphilic Nanoparticles in a Model of Small Intestine In Vitro
Authors: Noi Imrit , Schlachet Inbar , Kumarasamy Murali , Sosnik Alejandro
Published: April 2018

Engineering of drug nanocarriers combining fine-tuned mucoadhesive/mucopenetrating properties is currently being investigated to ensure more efficient mucosal drug delivery. Aiming to improve the transmucosal delivery of hydrophobic drugs, we designed a novel nanogel produced by the self-assembly of amphiphilic chitosan graft copolymers ionotropically crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate. In this work, we synthesized, for the first time, chitosan-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles thiolated by the conjugation of N-acetyl cysteine. First, we confirmed that both non-crosslinked and crosslinked nanoparticles in the 0.05–0.1% w/v concentration range display very good cell compatibility in two cell lines that are relevant to oral delivery, Caco-2 cells that mimic the intestinal epithelium and HT29-MTX cells that are a model of mucin-producing goblet cells. Then, we evaluated the effect of crosslinking, nanoparticle concentration, and thiolation on the permeability in vitro utilizing monolayers of (i) Caco-2 and (ii) Caco-2:HT29-MTX cells (9:1 cell number ratio). Results confirmed that the ability of the nanoparticles to cross Caco-2 monolayer was affected by the crosslinking. In addition, thiolated nanoparticles interact more strongly with mucin, resulting in a decrease of the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) compared to the pristine nanoparticles. Moreover, for all the nanoparticles, higher concentration resulted in lower Papp, suggesting that the transport pathways can undergo saturation.
Near Real-Time Ground-to-Ground Infrared Remote-Sensing Combination and Inexpensive Visible Camera Observations Applied to Tomographic Stack Emission Measurements
Authors: De Donato Philippe , Barres Odile , Sausse Judith , Martin Delphine
Published: April 2018

Evaluation of the environmental impact of gas plumes from stack emissions at the local level requires precise knowledge of the spatial development of the cloud, its evolution over time, and quantitative analysis of each gaseous component. With extensive developments, remote-sensing ground-based technologies are becoming increasingly relevant to such an application. The difficulty of determining the exact 3-D thickness of the gas plume in real time has meant that the various gas components are mainly expressed using correlation coefficients of gas occurrences and path concentration (ppm.m). This paper focuses on a synchronous and non-expensive multi-angled approach combining three high-resolution visible cameras (GoPro-Hero3) and a scanning infrared (IR) gas system (SIGIS, Bruker). Measurements are performed at a NH3 emissive industrial site (NOVACARB Society, Laneuveville-devant-Nancy, France). Visible data images were processed by a first geometrical reconstruction gOcad® protocol to build a 3-D envelope of the gas plume which allows estimation of the plume’s thickness corresponding to the 2-D infrared grid measurements. NH3 concentration data could thereby be expressed in ppm and have been interpolated using a second gOcad® interpolation algorithm allowing a precise volume visualization of the NH3 distribution in the flue gas steam.
Sacrificial Pseudoreplication in LEED Cross-Certification Strategy Assessment: Sampling Structures
Authors: Pushkar Svetlana
Published: April 2018

The study aims to suggest sampling structures to avoid sacrificial pseudoreplication in the evaluation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified projects. The sampling includes two structures that exclude sacrificial pseudoreplication and one structure that leads to sacrificial pseudoreplication: (i) The state is the sampling frame in which LEED projects are treated as primary sampling units; (ii) The US is the sampling frame, the state is the primary sampling unit in which LEED projects are treated as evaluation units; and (iii) The US is the sampling frame in which LEED projects are pooled from different states and treated as primary sampling units. The three sampling structures are applied to the evaluation of the Silver-to-Gold cross-certification performances of LEEDv3 for new construction and LEEDv3 for existing buildings. The same cross-certification strategy was revealed if either structure (i) or structure (ii) was applied, while it was poorly estimated and misinterpreted if structure (iii) was applied, i.e., sacrificial pseudoreplication had occurred.
Towards Credible City Branding Practices: How Do Iran’s Largest Cities Face Ecological Modernization?
Authors: Noori Negar , De Jong Martin
Published: April 2018

City branding is not only increasingly practiced in cities in established economies, but also among municipal governments in countries, until quite recently, rather closed off from the outside world. One country with a strong drive to engage in urban (re)development in the post-oil era through enhancing its ‘ecological modernization’ is Iran. Megacities in Iran have all begun to venture into making profiles of what they think they are or would like to be. However, some of the adopted city branding strategies lack sophistication. In this article, the authors examine what indicators can be used for evaluating the credibility of city brands and apply these to Iran’s 15 megacities. After offering brief descriptions of the generic features of each of these cities, they map their use of city brand identities and popular city labels related to ecological modernization and analyze the credibility of their city branding practices. Based on their findings, the authors distinguish five types of cities and explain what makes some types more credible in their use of brands than others. Generally speaking, compared to cities in other nations, Iranian cities pay special attention to historical, natural, cultural, and religious aspects.
Spatio-Temporal Variations of the Stable H-O Isotopes and Characterization of Mixing Processes between the Mainstream and Tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Jiang Rong , Bao Yufei , Shui Yong , Wang Yuchun , Hu Mingming , Cheng Yao , Cai Aiming , Du Pengcheng , Ye Zhenya
Published: April 2018

Understanding the runoff characteristics and interaction processes between the mainstream and its tributaries are an essential issue in watershed and water management. In this paper, hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope techniques were used in the mainstream and Zhuyi Bay (ZYB) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) during the wet and dry seasons in 2015. It revealed that (1) Precipitation was the main source of stream flow compared to the TGR water line with meteoric water line of the Yangtse River basin; (2) The δD and δ18O values exhibited a ‘toward lighter-heavier’ trend along mainstream due to the continuous evaporation effect in the runoff direction, and the fluctuations reflected incoming water from the nearest tributaries. The general trend of d-excess increased with increasing distance from the Three Gorges Dam, which indicated that kinetic fractionation was an important process affecting the isotopic composition. The enrichment effect of isotopes was found in the downstream of TGR; (3) Water mass from the TGR mainstream flowed backward to the confluence zone of ZYB via the middle and bottom layers in the dry season, whereas in the wet season, water reversed through the upper-middle layers due to thermal density flows. This study described and demonstrated that the water cycle of TGR was driven by natural environmental variability and operational system, which will provide valuable information for the water resource management and for controlling the algal blooms in the future.
Assessing Long-Term Hydrological Impact of Climate Change Using an Ensemble Approach and Comparison with Global Gridded Model-A Case Study on Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed
Authors: Gautam Sagar , Costello Christine , Baffaut Claire , Thompson Allen , Svoma Bohumil M. , Phung Quang A. , Sadler Edward J.
Published: April 2018

Potential impacts of climate change on the hydrological components of the Goodwater Creek Experimental Watershed were assessed using climate datasets from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Historical and future ensembles of downscaled precipitation and temperature, and modeled water yield, surface runoff, and evapotranspiration, were compared. Ensemble SWAT results indicate increased springtime precipitation, water yield, surface runoff and a shift in evapotranspiration peak one month earlier in the future. To evaluate the performance of model spatial resolution, gridded surface runoff estimated by Lund–Potsdam–Jena managed Land (LPJmL) and Jena Diversity-Dynamic Global Vegetation model (JeDi-DGVM) were compared to SWAT. Long-term comparison shows a 6–8% higher average annual runoff prediction for LPJmL, and a 5–30% lower prediction for JeDi-DGVM, compared to SWAT. Although annual runoff showed little change for LPJmL, monthly runoff projection under-predicted peak runoff and over-predicted low runoff for LPJmL compared to SWAT. The reasons for these differences include differences in spatial resolution of model inputs and mathematical representation of the physical processes. Results indicate benefits of impact assessments at local scales with heterogeneous sets of parameters to adequately represent extreme conditions that are muted in global gridded model studies by spatial averaging over large study domains.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Impact of Climate Change and Human Activity on Runoff Change in the Dongjiang River Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Yuliang , Lai Chengguang , Wang Zhaoli , Chen Xiaohong , Zeng Zhaoyang , Chen Jiachao , Bai Xiaoyan
Published: April 2018

Climate change and human activity are typically regarded as the two most important factors affecting runoff. Quantitative evaluation of the impact of climate change and human activity on runoff is important for the protection, planning, and management of water resources. This study assesses the contributions of climate change and human activity to runoff change in the Dongjiang River basin from 1960 to 2005 by using linear regression, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic model, and the climate elasticity method. Results indicate that the annual temperature in the basin significantly increased, whereas the pan evaporation in the basin significantly decreased (95%). The natural period ranged from 1960 to 1990, and the affected period ranged from 1991 to 2005. The percentage of urban area during the natural period, which was 1.94, increased to 4.79 during the affected period. SWAT modeling of the Dongjiang River basin exhibited a reasonable and reliable performance. The impacts induced by human activity on runoff change were as follows: 39% in the upstream area, 13% in the midstream area, 77% in the downstream area, and 42% in the entire basin. The impacts of human activity on runoff change were greater in the downstream area than in either upstream and midstream areas. However, the contribution of climate change (58%) is slightly larger than that of human activity (42%) in the whole basin.
Magnetohydrodynamical Effects on Nuclear Deflagration Fronts in Type Ia Supernovae
Authors: Hristov Boyan , Collins David C. , Hoeflich Peter , Weatherford Charles A. , Diamond Tiara R.
Published: April 2018

This article presents a study of the effects of magnetic fields on non-distributed nuclear burning fronts as a possible solution to a fundamental problem for the thermonuclear explosion of a Chandrasekhar mass (

) white dwarf (WD), the currently favored scenario for the majority of Type Ia SNe. All existing 3D hydrodynamical simulations predict strong global mixing of the burning products due to Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instabilities, which contradicts observations. As a first step toward studying the flame physics, we present a set of computational magnet-hydrodynamic models in rectangular flux tubes, resembling a small inner region of a WD. We consider initial magnetic fields up to

of various orientations. We find an increasing suppression of RT instabilities starting at about

. The front speed tends to decrease with increasing magnitude up to about

. For even higher fields new small-scale, finger-like structures develop, which increase the burning speed by a factor of 3 to 4 above the field-free RT-dominated regime. We suggest that the new instability may provide sufficiently accelerated energy production during the distributed burning regime to go over the Chapman–Jougey limit and trigger a detonation. Finally, we discuss the possible origins of high magnetic fields during the final stage of the progenitor evolution or the explosion.
Correlation Scales of the Turbulent Cascade at 1 au
Authors: Smith Charles W. , Vasquez Bernard J. , Coburn Jesse T. , Forman Miriam A. , Stawarz Julia E.
Published: April 2018

We examine correlation functions of the mixed, third-order expressions that, when ensemble-averaged, describe the cascade of energy in the inertial range of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Unlike the correlation function of primitive variables such as the magnetic field, solar wind velocity, temperature, and density, the third-order expressions decorrelate at a scale that is approximately 20% of the lag. This suggests the nonlinear dynamics decorrelate in less than one wavelength. Therefore, each scale can behave differently from one wavelength to the next. In the same manner, different scales within the inertial range can behave independently at any given time or location. With such a cascade that can be strongly patchy and highly variable, it is often possible to obtain negative cascade rates for short periods of time, as reported earlier for individual samples of data.
Corrigenda: North-Western Palaearctic species of Pristiphora (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research 59: 1–190. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.59.12656
Authors: Prous Marko , Kramp Katja , Vikberg Veli , Liston Andrew
Published: April 2018

No abstract.
Three new species of the spider genus Plato and the new genus Cuacuba from caves of the states of Pará and Minas Gerais, Brazil (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae)
Authors: Prete Pedro H. , Cizauskas Igor , Brescovit Antonio D.
Published: April 2018

Three new species of the genusPlatofrom caves in the states of Pará and Minas Gerais, Brazil, are described.P.novalimasp. n., from Minas Gerais, is the first record of the genus in the southeastern region of Brazil.P.ferriferussp. n.andP.striatussp. n., from Carajás, Pará, north of Brazil, are also described. The former is an extremely abundant species, whereas the latter has only one known male specimen.Cuacubagen. n.is proposed and represented by two new species,C.marianasp. n.(type species) andC.morrodopilarsp. n., both from the state of Minas Gerais. Morphology of genitalia inCuacubagen. n.is similar to other Theridiosomatidae genera and is herein discussed. None of the proposed species presents troglomorphic adaptations. They are widespread, abundant inside caves in different and large karst areas, and each genus prefers different lithologies.
Strategies to Promote Learning and Engage Participants
Authors: Pilcher Jobeth , Graebe Jennifer
Published: April 2018

This article, the fifth part of the educational design series, addresses how nurse planners and nursing professional development practitioners can meet educational design process 5 in the American Nurses Credentialing Center primary accreditation criteria. This criterion corresponds with the Association for Nursing Professional Development's
Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards of Practice
.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(5):197–199.
New Steel Combinations Produced by the Damascus Technique
Authors: Strobl Susanne , Haubner Roland , Scheiblechner Wolfgang
Published: April 2018

Multilayered forged steel plates, which combine the properties of diverse steel qualities, are referred to as Damascus steels. Since the 3rdcentury AD blades and weapons have been produced by the Damascus technique in Europe. In this work four different steel combinations were investigated. Combining Fe with carbon steel C60 resulted in a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure. By forging two heat-treatable steels C40 and C60 martensite with an inhomogeneous carbon distribution was formed. Combining Fe with an austenitic stainless steel showed ferrite and austenite with grain boundary carbides and segregation bands. The last combination of two cold working steels K110 and K600 led to a complex microstructure with martensite, retained austenite and two special types of carbides. After metallographic preparation and using of different etchants the various microstructures were characterized by light optical microscopy and confirmed by Vicker ́s microhardness measurements. Of high interest are the interfaces and the quality of the weld between the individual steel layers. In some regions oxidation and carbon diffusion were observed.
Geometric Dynamics Used in the Study of Mechanical Methods
Authors: Bălă Dumitru
Published: April 2018

In this paper some methods for obtaining the Lagrange functions are pointed out. These methods can be used in general dynamical systems but they are especially useful in the study of autonomous systems. The obtained Lagrange functions is used in dynamical systems with applications in mechanics.
Aspects Regarding the Collection and Removal of Rainfall Water on Landfill Final Cover
Authors: Voicu Gheorghe , Dincă Mirela , Tudor Paula , Ipate George
Published: April 2018

This paper presents an analysis of the rainwater flow on the final cover slopes of an urban landfill so as to ensure the drainage of infiltrate water through the drainage layer applied across the geomembrane of cover layer, with a runoff coefficient as low as possible. It is presented a calculation model for the transmissivity of the drainage layer depending on the thickness and on its hydraulic characteristics and also on the topsoil layer applied to the surface, as well as depending on the coating slope length. This calculation is made for both a side with a single slope (tilt) as well as for sides with two slopes. Also it is presented a mathematical model for the hydraulic calculation of surface water drainage ditches drained through the drainage layers, but also through the surface runoff, in order to establish the optimal drainage section.
Ecological Rehabilitation of Coal Ash Dump Essential Objective in Order to Protect the Environment
Authors: Dobre Claudius , Cotiga Constantin
Published: April 2018

Craiova Energy Complex, which is the most important facility is the thermoelectric power plant from Isalnita, produces altogether approximately six million tones of ash every year. If these were to be spread across the whole surface of the district Dolj, a five-centimeter-layer of ash would form. In present, the impoverishment of the agricultural ecosystems is due not only to the industrial objectives or to the cole mining, but also to the deposit of waste and ash from the coal-fired power plant. In this work are presented the results of research on ecological rehabilitation of the coal ash dump site in Isalnita-Dolj, in order to establish the fertility and the opportunity to cultivate them completely.
Research on Terrestrial Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide Potential from Anthropogenic Sources in Mehedinti County
Authors: Ghermec Christian , Ghermec Olimpia , Gavrilescu Elena
Published: April 2018

The carbon cycle is quantitatively altered by the anthropogenic activities, especially by the carbon dioxide emissions. The soil has a fundamental role in this circuit, due the fact that, on the one side, it deposits the organic and non-organic carbon and on the other side, it holds the vegetation, which, through photosynthesis process, extracts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transforms it in organic matter. Therefore, the role of the soil in terrestrial sequestration is acknowledged. In this paper it is analyzed the terrestrial carbon sequestration potential in Mehedinţi County (Romania).
Morphological and Thermophysical Behavior of Hidroxyapatite Powders Processed by Mechanical Milling
Authors: Gîngu Oana , Bucse Ionela Gabriela , Cioatera Nicoleta , Voinea Elena Adriana , Rotaru Petre
Published: April 2018

The current research represents one section of our studies concerning the improvement of the biocompatibility related to the biocomposite materials for bone grafts application. The submicronic/nanometric hydroxyapatite stands for the progress in biocompatibility. This study highlights the wet mechanical milling process and its effects on the morphological and thermophysical properties of the hydroxyapatite powder particles (30-50µm as raw material) obtained by this method (500 nm average). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) facility point out the morphological and chemical compositional features of the processed powders during 10 hours in dry argon atmosphere. The thermal analysis (TA) in argon atmosphere, too, reveals the influence of the milling parameters on the thermal effects generated by the processed hydroxyapatite powders. The experimental results of our research validate some milling mechanisms reported by the literature for wet/dry mechanochemical process conditions.
Oxygen Transfer Reactions during Sintering of Ferrous Powder Compacts
Authors: Danninger Herbert , de Oro Calderon Raquel , Gierl-Mayer Christian
Published: April 2018

Powder metallurgy products may be started from powders with widely varying oxygen affinity. Thus the natural oxygen content of the powder compacts also varies in reducibility in the early stages of sintering. Here it is shown that prealloyed powders containing Cr require higher temperatures for oxygen removal than e.g. unalloyed or Ni-Cu alloyed grades. In case of powder mixes of base iron powder with Cr, Mn or Si, oxygen transfer from Fe to the additive powders may occur during heating up to sintering temperature, the “internal getter effect”. A similar effect can be observed in Cr prealloyed powders in which iron oxides initially present on the powder surfaces are transformed to more stable oxides in a fairly early stage of heating. Finally, also the formation of CH4observed when sintering alloy steels containing Si, Mn or Cr in H2can be attributed to an oxygen transfer effect.
Fracture Behavior as Selection Criterion for Alloplastic Bone Graft Applications
Authors: Sima Gabriela , Cojocaru Vasile Danut
Published: April 2018

Designing and processing of the alloplastic bone grafts represent one of the newest trends in bone tissue engineering, solving a lot of trauma problems of the patients simultaneously with technological and economical achievements. Recent developments in the field provide advantageous aspects concerning the internal architecture, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the alloplastic bone grafts processed by the powder metallurgy (PM) technology. In this respect, the PM biocomposite materials based on hydroxyapatite powder particles reinforced by metallic or ceramic powders afford great benefits combining classic PM processes with different foaming techniques. The obtained biocomposites present special morphological and structural features matching the genuine bone tissue to be grafted, cortical respectively trabecular. This study focuses on the mechanical testing of the hydroxyapatite-based biocomposites reinforced by different foaming agents, specifically TiH2, CaCO3 and NH4HCO3 up to 25% mass. The overlapping of the obtained experimental results with those reported by the literature leads to the conclusion that the mechanical response of the PM biocomposites studied in this paper may play as a selection criteria to depict their application in hard tissue engineering.
Qualitative Simulation of Cranium Dynamic Loading
Authors: Croitoru Sorin Mihai
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a qualitative study on different loadings – quasi-static or shock – of theoretical shape of cranium itself and of the injured cranium restoration using different theoretical shapes of implant plates. Simulations were made in DEFORM 2DTM. Some comparisons were made and conclusions about shape and fixture of the implant plates were stated.
Processing Technologies Applied for Realizing New Medical Micro-Devices Components
Authors: Bîrdeanu Aurel Valentin , Bîrdeanu Mihaela , Gruionu Gabriel , Gruionu Lucian Gheorghe
Published: April 2018

The paper presents the new methods of use of processing technologies for realizing proof-of-concept new medical micro-devices components. By using both classical mechanical machining and unconventional laser beam cutting and welding combined with soldering two proof-of-concept medical devices components were realized. The materials processed were stainless steel and super-elastic nitinol alloy. The selection of the processing technologies was done based on the specific requirements of the devices components as well as the characteristics of the applied materials. The selected technologies were fit for the requirements of the proof-of-concept medical micro-devices components, further RTD work being needed in order to comply with the bio-compatibility and in-exploitation requirements. The specific outcomes of using classical mechanical machining and laser beam processing are presented.
Toxicity Assessment of the Main Waste of Soda Production by Phytotesting
Authors: Bykovsky Nikolay Alekseevich , Ovsyannikova Inna V. , Puchkova Lyudmila N. , Fanakova Nadezhda N.
Published: April 2018

The paper investigates the use of cress (Zabava and Krupnolistovoi varieties) and wheat (Salavat Yulaev and Omskaya varieties) as phytoecological indicators. The object for testing was still waste liquid, the main waste of soda ash production. The toxicity was assessed by three parameters (seed germination, length and dry weight of the seedlings). It is shown that the still waste liquid has an acute toxic effect on all phytoecological indicators used. It has been found that the regression equations for seed germination and dry weight of seedlings in contrast to their average length for all plants do not adequately describe the experimental results and can not be used to evaluate the safe dilution factor. The safe dilution factor, determined by the average length of the seedlings, for cress Zabava is 34.7 and cress Krupnolistovoi is 34.4, and for wheat Salavat Yulaev is 73.0 and for wheat Omskaya is 81.8. It was established that the safe dilution factor determined with the use of different plant species varies quite strongly.
Influence of a Pulsed Electron Beam on the Sowing Quality of Wheat
Authors: Isemberlinova Asemgul A. , Poloskov Artem V. , Egorov Ivan S. , Kurilova Anastasia A. , Nuzhnyh Svetlana A. , Remnev Gennady E.
Published: April 2018

Wheat grain has been irradiated by 200 keV and 305 keV of pulsed electron beams for changing of sowing parameters. Total microbial number, germination and germination energy were compared for both of electron kinetic energy settings for the same ranges of the energy input. The electron beam of 305 keV showed better disinfecting effect for energy input values of less than 4 J/g. That mode eliminates seed germination ability after irradiation of more than 2 J/g and can be used for grain storing. The mode of 200 keV beam keeps seed germination ability up to 5 J/g with the similar disinfecting effect after the irradiation energy input of more than 4 J/g. This mode can be used for pre-sowing seed treatment procedure.
Effluents in Manufacturing of the Titanium Products and their Processing in a Membrane Cell with Monopolar and Bipolar Membranes
Authors: Bykovsky Nikolay Alekseevich , Puchkova Lyudmila N. , Fanakov Vadim S. , Fanakova Nadezhda F.
Published: April 2018

The article presents results of researches on treatment of spent acid etching solution (SAES) formed during etching of titanium products by hydrochloric acid. The process includes neutralization of SAES with alkali, filtering, drying and calcinations of titanium hydroxide precipitate and electrochemical processing of the filtrate containing sodium chloride in a cell with ion exchange membranes. During electrolysis, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are produced. The proposed process scheme of SAES treatment allows to obtain titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide and acid. Titanium dioxide can be used in paint and coatings industry. Alkali can be used in SAES neutralization process. The acid is suitable for use in etching process of titanium products.
Voltammetric Sensing System for the Detection of Cholesterol Based on the Ni-Bisurea-Pyrographite Composite
Authors: Lukina Anastasia A. , Ismailov Daniar V. , Ilyin Alexander P. , Derina Ksenia V. , Korotkova Elena I.
Published: April 2018

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the human body. High cholesterol level in blood is a marker of CVDs. Therefore, cholesterol determination techniques are necessary for clinical practice. Currently used cholesterol determination techniques involve enzymes or expensive and complicated equipment. Electrochemical techniques are widely spread in test-systems and sensors construction. Novel modification procedure for enzymeless cholesterol determination is suggested in this study. The electrochemical behavior of cholesterol on modified electrode was studied with the usage of cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. Obtained concentration range is linear from 0.1 up to 100 mM a conditions close to physiological (pH=6.86) with a quantification limit of 0.01 mM. Besides, the electrode surface morphology and pH-effect were studied. The developed technique is promising for the rapid determination of total cholesterol in blood.
Research of Contact Stresses Distribution on Plunge-Cutting into a Steel Workpiece
Authors: Kozlov Victor , Zhang Jia Yu , Guo Ying Bin , Sabavath Sai Kiran
Published: April 2018

The paper presents the distribution of contact stresses on the flank land of a cutter during steel turning (Fe-0.4C-1Cr) at the initial time of cutting. Plunge-cutting into a steel workpiece by the whole length of the cutting tool edge features almost twofold short-term increase of in cutting force components in comparison with stable cutting. Such increase is absent, if the feed rate exceeds 0.34 mm/rev and the cut depth exceeds 2 mm. This is explained by sagging of the cutting surface under the influence of the dead zone in the area of the cutting edge, which moves before the cutting tool and reduces the contact interaction of the flank surface chamfer with the workpiece. The contact stresses on the flank surface chamfer increase with the distance from the cutting edge, which is explained by recovered cutting surface sag, conditioned by the action of the dead zone in the cutting edge area. This increase accelerates with the reduction in the feed rate. Normal contact stresses increase more quickly on a flank-land at a distance from the cutting edge of more than 0.8 mm, which is explained by recovering of a transient surface sag, and explains the increase in the probability of cutting wedge destruction when the length of flank-land wear exceeds 1.2 mm.
Formation of a Surface Charged Microarc Coatings Modified by Boehmite Nanoparticles
Authors: Chebodaeva Valentina , Sedelnikova Maria , Golohvast Kirill , Zaharenko Aleksandr , Sharkeev Yurii
Published: April 2018

Investigations of microarc calcium phosphate (CaP) boehmite-containing biocoatings on the pure titanium (Ti) alloy were presented. There were discovered relationships of coating properties (morphology, elemental and phase composition, zeta-potential, wettability) on the boehmite deposition parameters. A variation of the modification parameters of boehmite nanoparticles deposition allowed producing hydrophilic boehmite-containing CaP coatings with the roughness of 2.2-3.1 μm and nanoscale morphology. The influence of boehmite nanoparticles on the surface zeta-potential of the coating was found.
Boundary Element Solution for Dynamics of Inhomogeneous Poroviscoelastic Beam
Authors: Igumnov Leonid A. , Ipatov Aleksandr A.
Published: April 2018

The present paper is dedicated to numerical solution of boundary-value problems for piecewise homogeneous solids in terms of linear three-dimensional poroviscoelasticity. Mathematical model of poroviscoelastic material is based on Biot's model of poroelasticity. Viscoelastic effects refer to a skeleton of porous material and are described through the correspondence principle. Standard linear solid model is employed. In order to study the boundary-value problem boundary integral equations method is applied, and to find their solutions boundary element method for obtaining numerical solutions. A direct version of the BIE method is developed. The boundary-element scheme is constructed using: regularized BIE’s, a matched element-by-element approximation, adaptive numerical integration in combination with a singularity-reducing algorithm. The solution of the original problem is constructed in Laplace transforms, with the subsequent application of the algorithm for numerical inversion. Modified Durbin’s algorithm of numerical inversion of Laplace transform is applied to perform solution in time domain. The problem of poroviscoelastic prismatic solid clamped from one end and free at another is considered. The solid is composed of two subdomains. Heaviside-type load is applied to a free end of the solid. Viscosity parameter influence on dynamic responses of displacements, pore pressure and tractions is studied. Numerical results for displacements and pore pressure when subdomains are modelled with different viscoelastic properties are presented.
Structural Transformations Occurring during the Formation of TiAl3-Based Composites Reinforced by TiB2 or TiC Hard Particles
Authors: Kashimbetova Adelya A. , Thoemmes Alexander , Ivanov Ivan V.
Published: April 2018

This work is devoted to investigation of the structure of Ti-TiAl3 composites reinforced by TiB2 or TiC hard particles and obtained by spark plasma sintering of elemental foils and ceramic powders. Sintering was carried out at the temperature of 830 oC under the pressure of 40 MPa during 10 minutes. Microstructure of the composites obtained was represented by alternated layers of titanium and intermetallic compound TiAl3. Also, it was found that at the Ti-TiAl3 interfaces thin intermediate layers were formed. Quantitative elemental analysis of these layers showed that Ti3Al, TiAl, and TiAl2 compounds, as well as Ti (Al) solid solution could be formed in these zones. Diffraction analysis did not reveal any transformations of initial reinforcing phases after sintering. Interlayers with titanium diboride had the average microhardness level of 3988 HV, and the average microhardness level of interlayers with TiC was 1610 HV.
Nanoclusters and Electron Irradiation Effect on Mechanical Properties of Polyimide-Based Composite
Authors: Voronova Nataliya A. , Kupchishin Anatoliy I. , Taipova Buvkhan G.
Published: April 2018

Properties of composite materials irradiated by electrons have been studied. Effects of lavsan and montmorillonite nanocluster fillers on mechanical properties of polyimide-based polymer film materials have been studied. Catastrophic destruction models adequately describing stress-strain relationship curves for all test composites have been suggested.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructures Using Arc Discharge in the Liquid Phase
Authors: Gabdullin Maratbek , Ismailov Daniar V. , Sultangazina Marzhan , Khamitova Korlan , Ayaganov Zhanibek , Kanat Rakhima
Published: April 2018

In this paper the synthesis method for nano- and micro- powders in arc discharge in the liquid phase is considered. The proposed method allows to synthesize nano- and microparticles of different chemical compositions. The synthesis mechanism and the scheme of combination of chemical compositions of electrodes and the liquid medium are described.
Tamed identities? Glimpsing her identity in Proverbs 10:1–22:16 and selected African proverbs
Authors: Masenya Madipoane
Published: April 2018

Notions about worthy womanhood are shaped to a large extent by the cultural contexts in which they are constructed. In the global village though, shaped as it is mainly by Eurocentric cultures, it would be presumptuous to assume that one can with certainty pinpoint what may be termed ‘purely traditional African notions of womanhood’. Also, it will be an exaggeration to argue that Africa does not have its own notions on ideal womanhood. Particularly in Christian African contexts, notions about womanhood are still shaped to a large extent by both the traditional African worldviews and the received biblical interpretations about womanhood. In the preceding scenario, one wonders if women’s identities reveal their real selves or whether they are tamed, and thus artificial. In one’s attempt to unravel notions of womanhood from both the corpus, Proverbs 10:1–22:16 and in the South African context (cf. selected African proverbs), this article has sought to answer the following main question: if images of women in selected African (Northern Sotho) proverbs (cf. also selected South African narratives) and in the book of Proverbs (cf. Pr 10:1–22:16) are brought together, what kind of picture may emerge from such a comparison?
Pentecostals and the pulpit: A case study of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: April 2018

In general, early Pentecostals did not use any pulpits in their halls in order to underline their emphasis that each believer is a prophet and priest equipped by the Holy Spirit with gifts for the edification of other members of the assembly. All participated in the worship service by way of praying, prophesying, witnessing and bringing a message from God. From the 1940s, Pentecostals in their desire to be acceptable in their communities formed an alliance with evangelicals, accepted their hermeneutical viewpoint and built traditional churches in accordance with the Protestant tradition. From the 1980s, the pulpit started disappearing from the front of Pentecostal churches. This is explained in terms of new alliances that Pentecostals made with neo-Pentecostalist churches and a new hermeneutical viewpoint. The hypothesis of the article is that the Pentecostal stance towards the pulpit was determined by its hermeneutical perspectives. It is described by way of a comparative literature study and applied to a specific case study, the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa.
Poles of the Standard -function of and the Rallis–Schiffmann Lift
Authors: Gurevich Nadya , Segal Avner
Published: April 2018

We characterize the cuspidal representations of$G_{2}$whose standard${\mathcal{L}}$-function admits a pole at$s=2$as the image of the Rallis–Schiffmann lift for the commuting pair ($\widetilde{\text{SL}}_{2}$,$G_{2}$) in$\widetilde{\text{Sp}}_{14}$. The image consists of non-tempered representations. The main tool is the recent construction, by the second author, of a family of Rankin–Selberg integrals representing the standard${\mathcal{L}}$-function.
Algebraic Groups
Authors: De Concini Corrado , Littelmann Peter , Reichstein Zinovy
Published: April 2018

Linear algebraic groups is an active research area in contemporary mathematics. It has rich connections to algebraic geometry, representation theory, algebraic combinatorics, number theory, algebraic topology, and differential equations. The foundations of this theory were laid by A. Borel, C. Chevalley, J.-P. Serre, T. A. Springer and J. Tits in the second half of the 20th century. The Oberwolfach workshops on algebraic groups, led by Springer and Tits, played an important role in this effort as a forum for researchers, meeting at approximately 3 year intervals since the 1960s. The present workshop continued this tradition, covering a range of topics, with an emphasis on recent developments in the subject.
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Giga Yoshikazu , Hieber Matthias , Titi Edriss S.
Published: April 2018

The workshop “Geophysical Fluid Dynamics” addressed recent advances in analytical, stochastic, modeling and computational studies of geophysical fluid models. Of central interest were the reduced geophysical models, that are derived by means of asymptotic and scaling techniques, and their investigations by methods from the above disciplines. In particular, contributions concerning the viscous and inviscid geostrophic models, the primitive equations of oceanic and atmospheric dynamics, tropical atmospheric models and their coupling to nonlinear dynamics of phase changes moisture, thermodynamical effects, stratifying effects, as well as boundary layers were presented and discussed.
Harmonic Analysis and the Trace Formula
Authors: Müller Werner , Shin Sug Woo , Speh Birgit , Templier Nicolas
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this workshop was to discuss recent results in harmonic analysis that arise in the study of the trace formula. This theme is common to different directions of research on automorphic forms such as representation theory, periods, and families.
Differentialgeometrie im Großen
Authors: Besson Gérard , Hamenstädt Ursula , Kapovich Michael , Weinkove Ben
Published: April 2018

The topics discussed at the meeting were Kähler geometry, geometric evolution equations, manifolds of nonnegative curvature, metric geometry and geometric representations of groups. The choice of topics reflects current trends in the development of differential geometry.