bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the origin of unstable sodium graphite intercalation compounds
Authors: Lenchuk Olena , Adelhelm Philipp , Mollenhauer Doreen
Published: August 2019

In order to understand the compound stability of binary alkali metal graphite intercalation compounds, the interplay between the binding energy and the structural deformation energy contributions is investigated.
Ceria imparts superior low temperature activity to nickel catalysts for CO2 methanation
Authors: Guo Xinpeng , He Hongyan , Traitangwong Atsadang , Gong Maoming , Meeyoo Vissanu , Li Ping , Li Chunshan , Peng Zhijian , Zhang Suojiang
Published: August 2019

Proposed reaction mechanism for CO2 methanation on NiAl-MO/CeO2-x catalysts.
Construction of NiCo2O4 nanosheet-decorated leaf-like Co3O4 nanoarrays from metal–organic framework for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Tao Kai , Yang Yujing , Yang Cui , Ma Qingxiang , Han Lei
Published: August 2019

Leaf-like Co3O4@NiCo2O4 nanoarrays with an excellent energy storage performance was designed by a MOF-guided strategy.
Flexible thermoelectrics: from silver chalcogenides to full-inorganic devices
Authors: Liang Jiasheng , Wang Tuo , Qiu Pengfei , Yang Shiqi , Ming Chen , Chen Hongyi , Song Qingfeng , Zhao Kunpeng , Wei Tian-Ran , Ren Dudi , Sun Yi-Yang , Shi Xun , He Jian , Chen Lidong
Published: August 2019

Flexible thermoelectrics is a synergy of flexible electronics and thermoelectric energy conversion. In this work, we fabricated flexible full-inorganic thermoelectric power generation modules based on doped silver chalcogenides.
Air-stable Li3InCl6 electrolyte with high voltage compatibility for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Luo Jing , Norouzi Banis Mohammad , Wang Changhong , Li Weihan , Deng Sixu , Yu Chuang , Zhao Feipeng , Hu Yongfeng , Sham Tsun-Kong , Zhang Li , Zhao Shangqian , Lu Shigang , Huang Huan , Li Ruying , Adair Keegan R. , Sun Xueliang
Published: August 2019

Ambient-air-stable Li3InCl6 halide solid electrolyte, with high ionic conductivity of 1.49 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C, delivers essential advantages over commercial sulfide-based solid electrolyte.
Fabrication of fully enclosed paper microfluidic devices using plasma deposition and etching
Authors: Raj N. , Breedveld V. , Hess D. W.
Published: August 2019

A fully enclosed paper microfluidic device has been fabricated using pentafluoroethane (PFE) plasma deposition followed by O2 plasma etching.
Stability of Cu(ii) complexes with FomA protein fragments containing two His residues in the peptide chain
Authors: Lesiów Monika Katarzyna , Pietrzyk Piotr , Bieńko Alina , Kowalik-Jankowska Teresa
Published: August 2019

The coordination of Cu(ii) ions by the Ac-KGHGNGEEGTPTVHNE-NH2 (1L) peptide – a FomA protein fragment of Fusobacterium nucleatum – and its cyclic analogue: cyclo(KGHGNGEEGTPTVHNE) (2L) was studied by potentiometric titration, spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, CD, EPR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Both the ligands contain two histydyl residues located in the third and fourteenth position of the peptide chain. For the 1L and 2L ligands mono- and dinuclear complexes were identified and studied in an aqueous solution. At the pH range characteristic of the intestinal environment (5.5–7.5), copper(ii) complexes were identified and their formation constants were determined. The same forms of the complexes with respectively the linear peptide and the cyclic peptide show similar stability, but greater than that reported in the literature for complexes with the same coordination mode. Moreover, the 1L peptide and its complex exhibit an α-helix structure, whereas the 2L peptide adopts this secondary structure only after coordination with the metal ion.
Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT calculations, protein interaction, anticancer potential and bromoperoxidase mimicking activity of oxidoalkoxidovanadium(v) complexes
Authors: Biswal Debanjana , Pramanik Nikhil Ranjan , Drew Michael G. B. , Jangra Nancy , Maurya Mannar R. , Kundu Mousumi , Sil Parames C. , Chakrabarti Syamal
Published: August 2019

Intriguing structure–activity relationships (SARs) indicating an apparent dependence of anticancer and haloperoxidase activities on the carbon chain length of the alkoxo group.
A non-cationic nucleic acid nanogel for the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool
Authors: Ding Fei , Huang Xiangang , Gao Xihui , Xie Miao , Pan Gaifang , Li Qifeng , Song Jie , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan
Published: August 2019

A non-cationic nucleic acid nanogel bearing Cas9/sgRNA complex is developed, which facilitates cellular uptake of the gene editing tool and protects it from nuclease digestion, making the nanogel a promising delivery system for target genome editing.
Solvent-control over monomer distribution in the copolymerization of 2-oxazolines and the effect of a gradient structure on self-assembly
Authors: Bera Debaditya , Sedlacek Ondrej , Jager Eliezer , Pavlova Ewa , Vergaelen Maarten , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: August 2019

The effect of a polymerization solvent on the monomer distribution in gradient copolymers is demonstrated and the effect of the monomer gradient on the copolymer self-assembly behavior is shown.
Switching of the conformational flexibility of a diazacyclooctane-containing ladder polymer by coordination and elimination of a Lewis acid
Authors: Ishiwari Fumitaka , Ofuchi Momoko , Inoue Keiki , Sei Yoshihisa , Fukushima Takanori
Published: August 2019

We report the first system of ladder polymers capable of interconversion between rigid and flexible conformations by coordination and elimination of a Lewis acid (BPh2Cl) on diazacyclooctane units in the main chain.
Biocompatible chitosan–collagen–hydroxyapatite nanofibers coated with platelet-rich plasma for regenerative engineering of the rotator cuff of the shoulder
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhang Hui , Wei Qinghua , Tang Xu , Zhuang Wanqiang
Published: August 2019

Over the last few decades, extraordinary progress has been accomplished in the field of bone tissue engineering.
The synthesis and characterization of benzotriazole-based cationic surfactants and the evaluation of their corrosion inhibition efficiency on copper in seawater
Authors: Migahed M. A. , Nasser Ahmed , Elfeky H. , EL-Rabiei M. M.
Published: August 2019

Three cationic surfactants based on benzotriazole were prepared and their efficiencies as corrosion inhibitors for copper electrodes in seawater were evaluated using different electrochemical techniques (polarization methods, EIS techniques and atomic force microscopy).
Raman spectroscopic study of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites based on spatial correlation model
Authors: Dev G. Sarang , Sharma Vikas , Singh Ashish , Baghel Vidushi Singh , Yanagida Masatoshi , Nagataki Atsuko , Tripathi Neeti
Published: August 2019

Raman scattering of pure ZnO and ZnO/NiO nanocomposite have been investigated. Raman line shapes of the E(high)2 mode have been analyzed using the spatial correlation model.
Highly improved photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B over Bi2Ga4−xFexO9 solid solutions under visible light irradiation
Authors: Yang Jia , Sun Xiaorui , Zeng Chunmei , Wang Xiaoting , Hu Yilan , Zeng Ting , Shi Jianwei
Published: August 2019

In this work, Bi2Ga4−xFexO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) solid solutions were prepared via the traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction.
Isolation and identification of an antioxidant collagen peptide from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) bone
Authors: Ding Ding , Du Bowei , Zhang Chao , Zaman Fakhar , Huang Yaqin
Published: August 2019

A novel antioxidant peptide was isolated from skipjack tuna bone collagen.
Polyethylenimine-alginate nanocomposites based bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene-activated matrix for alveolar bone regeneration
Authors: Jin Han , Liu Zhongshuang , Li Wei , Jiang Zhuling , Li Ying , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2019

Polyethylenimine-alginate nanocomposites based bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene-activated matrix may provide an easy and valuable method for alveolar ridge regeneration.
Self-assembled quantum dot microstructure guided by a microemulsion approach for immunoassays
Authors: Liang Jing , Yu Lei , Li Xue , Zhang Jiejing , Chen Guang , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

Ordered nanocrystal microstructures are conveniently prepared via a microemulsion which can further be applied for immunoassays.
Tannic acid-based nanopesticides coating with highly improved foliage adhesion to enhance foliar retention
Authors: Yu Manli , Sun Changjiao , Xue Yumiao , Liu Chang , Qiu Dewen , Cui Bo , Zhang Yan , Cui Haixin , Zeng Zhanghua
Published: August 2019

Poor utilization of conventional pesticides has resulted in overuse, which increases cost, toxicity to other non-target organisms, concerns about human health and safety, groundwater and contamination, with ecosystem destruction and food pollution.
A transition-metal-free & diazo-free styrene cyclopropanation
Authors: Herraiz Ana G. , Suero Marcos G.
Published: August 2019

A visible-light-enabled, operationally simple cyclopropanation reaction of styrenes with excellent functional group tolerance and chemoselectivity via carbenoid-like radicals.
A dual functional ruthenium arene complex induces differentiation and apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Huang Hai , Cao Kaiming , Kong Yaqiong , Yuan Siming , Liu Hongke , Wang Yucai , Liu Yangzhong
Published: August 2019

A dual functional ruthenium arene complex induces differentiation and apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells through degradation of PML–RARα and DNA damage.
Tailoring polymer dispersity and shape of molecular weight distributions: methods and applications
Authors: Whitfield Richard , Truong Nghia P. , Messmer Daniel , Parkatzidis Kostas , Rolland Manon , Anastasaki Athina
Published: August 2019

This review explores the different synthetic methods by which dispersity and MWD shape can be tuned and discusses the different properties and applications where this variation is beneficial.
Controllable oxygen-incorporated interlayer-expanded ReS2 nanosheets deposited on hollow mesoporous carbon spheres for improved redox kinetics of Li-ion storage
Authors: Yan Ya Ping , Li Hao , Kang Ying Bo , Wang Bo , Eom Tae Yil , Song Kyeong Youn , Nundy Srijita , Cho Min Woo , Kang Chi Won , Nakhanivej Puritut , Lee Jin Yong , Lee Hoo Jeong , Park Ho Seok
Published: August 2019

Oxygen incorporation and interlayer spacing of 2D ReS2 nanosheets deposited on hollow mesoporous carbon spheres is controlled improving electronic conductivity and rapid ion diffusion for high rate and cyclic capabilities of Li-ion storage.
Photoswitchable ultrahigh-brightness red fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles for information encryption, anti-counterfeiting and bioimaging
Authors: Lin Zhong , Wang Hong , Yu Maolin , Guo Xiang , Zhang Chonghua , Deng Haitao , Zhang Peisheng , Chen Shu , Zeng Rongjin , Cui Jiaxi , Chen Jian
Published: August 2019

Photoswitchable ultrahigh brightness red fluorescent polymer nanoparticles are synthesized and used in rewritable information encryption, anti-counterfeiting and reversible fluorescence bioimaging.
The Great Escape: how phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases and PI4P promote vesicle exit from the Golgi (and drive cancer)
Authors: Waugh Mark G.
Published: August 2019

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) is a membrane glycerophospholipid and a major regulator of the characteristic appearance of the Golgi complex as well as its vesicular trafficking, signalling and metabolic functions. Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, and in particular the PI4KIIIβ isoform, act in concert with PI4P to recruit macromolecular complexes to initiate the biogenesis of trafficking vesicles for several Golgi exit routes. Dysregulation of Golgi PI4P metabolism and the PI4P protein interactome features in many cancers and is often associated with tumour progression and a poor prognosis. Increased expression of PI4P-binding proteins, such as GOLPH3 or PITPNC1, induces a malignant secretory phenotype and the release of proteins that can remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis and enhance cell motility. Aberrant Golgi PI4P metabolism can also result in the impaired post-translational modification of proteins required for focal adhesion formation and cell–matrix interactions, thereby potentiating the development of aggressive metastatic and invasive tumours. Altered expression of the Golgi-targeted PI 4-kinases, PI4KIIIβ, PI4KIIα and PI4KIIβ, or the PI4P phosphate Sac1, can also modulate oncogenic signalling through effects on TGN-endosomal trafficking. A Golgi trafficking role for a PIP 5-kinase has been recently described, which indicates that PI4P is not the only functionally important phosphoinositide at this subcellular location. This review charts new developments in our understanding of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase function at the Golgi and how PI4P-dependent trafficking can be deregulated in malignant disease.
The difficult case of an RNA-only origin of life
Authors: Le Vay Kristian , Mutschler Hannes
Published: August 2019

The RNA world hypothesis is probably the most extensively studied model for the emergence of life on Earth. Despite a large body of evidence supporting the idea that RNA is capable of kick-starting autocatalytic self-replication and thus initiating the emergence of life, seemingly insurmountable weaknesses in the theory have also been highlighted. These problems could be overcome by novel experimental approaches, including out-of-equilibrium environments, and the exploration of an early co-evolution of RNA and other key biomolecules such as peptides and DNA, which might be necessary to mitigate the shortcomings of RNA-only systems.
Heterochiral nucleic acid circuits
Authors: Kabza Adam M. , Young Brian E. , Kundu Nandini , Sczepanski Jonathan T.
Published: August 2019

The programmability of DNA/RNA-based molecular circuits provides numerous opportunities in the field of synthetic biology. However, the stability of nucleic acids remains a major concern when performing complex computations in biological environments. Our solution to this problem is l-(deoxy)ribose nucleic acids (l-DNA/RNA), which are mirror images (i.e. enantiomers) of natural d-nucleotides. l-oligonucleotides have the same physical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts, yet they are completely invisible to the stereospecific environment of biology. We recently reported a novel strand-displacement methodology for transferring sequence information between oligonucleotide enantiomers (which are incapable of base pairing with each other), enabling bio-orthogonal l-DNA/RNA circuits to be easily interfaced with living systems. In this perspective, we summarize these so-called ‘heterochiral’ circuits, provide a viewpoint on their potential applications in synthetic biology, and discuss key problems that must be solved before achieving the ultimate goal of the engineering complex and reliable functionality.
Pre-Attentive Neural Signatures of Auditory Spatial Processing in Listeners With Normal Hearing and Sensorineural Hearing Impairment: A Comparative Study
Authors: Nisha K. V. , Kumar U. Ajith
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study was carried out to understand the neural intricacies of auditory spatial processing in listeners with sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) and compare it with normal hearing (NH) listeners using both local and global measures of waveform analyses.

Method

A standard group comparison research design was adopted in this study. Participants were assigned to 2 groups. Group I consisted of 13 participants with mild–moderate flat or sloping SNHI, while Group II consisted of 13 participants with NH sensitivity. Electroencephalographic data using virtual acoustic stimuli (spatially loaded stimuli played in center, right, and left hemifields) were recorded from 64 electrode sites in passive oddball paradigm. Both local (electrode-wise waveform analysis) and global (dissimilarity index, electric field strength, and topographic pattern analyses) measures were performed on the electroencephalographic data.

Results

Results of local waveform analyses marked the appearance of mismatch negativity in an earlier time window, relative to those reported conventionally in both the groups. The global measures of electric field strength and topographic modulations (dissimilarity index) revealed differences between the 2 groups in different time periods, indicating multiphases (integration and consolidation) of spatial processing. Further, the topographic pattern analysis showed the emergence of different scalp maps for SNHI and NH in the time window corresponding to mismatch negativity (78–150 ms), suggestive of differential spatial processing between the groups at the cortical level.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlights the differential allotment of neural generators, denoting variations in spatial processing between SNHI and NH individuals.
Test–Retest Reliability of Multicomponent Tympanometry at 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz Probe Tones Over 10 Sessions
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Baral Trupti Lata
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Numerous studies are testimony to the pivotal role of multicomponent tympanometry in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of auditory pathologies, not only of the middle ear but also the inner ear. Repeated measurements using multicomponent tympanometry have been used as a measure for stapedial tendon preservation during middle ear surgeries. However, such applications would produce reliable results only when multicomponent tympanometry produces replicable results across sessions. Nonetheless, there is dearth of studies exploring the test–retest repeatability of multicomponent tympanometry across multiple sessions using various probe tones. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the test–retest reliability of multicomponent tympanometry across 10 different sessions for 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz probe-tone frequencies.

Method

The study included 28 healthy adults in the age range of 18 to 25 years. All participants underwent multicomponent (susceptance and conductance) tympanometry using 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz probe tones.

Results

Multicomponent tympanometry showed excellent test–retest reliability for all parameters of 226- and 678-Hz probe tones. The probe tone of 1000 Hz produced excellent test–retest reliability for most of the parameters.

Conclusions

The clinical recording of multicomponent tympanometry over multiple sessions is more reliable when using 226- and 678-Hz probe tones. Hence, these probe tones lend themselves to possible applications requiring multiple recordings, such as evaluation of treatment outcomes or preservation of middle ear structures during surgery.
Intersession Variations in Frequency Tuning of Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Raul Aradhana , Malik Garima , Sao Tulsi
Published: August 2019

Objective

Frequency tuning of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), which is the stimulus frequency corresponding to the largest oVEMP amplitude, has been used to diagnose cases with Ménière's disease and differentiate them from cases with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. However, this measure of oVEMP is carved out of the peak-to-peak amplitude of oVEMP, and studies on test–retest reliability of amplitude of oVEMP have shown moderate-to-excellent reliability of amplitude. This would theoretically render the frequency tuning of oVEMP susceptible to variations across multiple recordings. This being the case, erroneous conclusions regarding the presence of Ménière's disease could be made if the frequency tuning varies between recordings. However, there is no published report regarding the test–retest reliability of frequency tuning measure of oVEMP even in healthy individuals, to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, this study aimed to study the test–retest reliability of frequency tuning of oVEMP in healthy individuals.

Method

The study included 20 healthy adults in the age range of 18–25 years. All participants underwent oVEMP recording in 4 different sessions, with each session consisting of oVEMP recording for octave and midoctave tone-burst frequencies from 250 to 2000 Hz.

Results

The results revealed no significant difference in frequency tuning of oVEMP among the sessions (p> .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient for frequency tuning data was found to be .857.

Conclusion

The frequency tuning of oVEMP has excellent test–retest reliability and therefore lends itself to applications requiring multiple sessions of recording.
Analysis of alternative parameters of dynamic resistance measurement in high voltage circuit breakers
Authors: dos Santos Sousa Herbet Filipe , Costa de Oliveira Adriano , Rocha Xavier George Victor , Nunes de Santana Henrique , da Costa Edson Guedes , Vilela Ferreira Tarso
Published: August 2019

Throughout its lifetime, high‐voltage circuit breaker (HVCB) contacts suffer from inevitable degradation processes, especially during the formation of electric arcs. Highly degraded contacts can reduce the current interruption capacity and increase the chances of operational faults, which might lead to considerable financial losses. Therefore, the use of efficient evaluating techniques is a key factor to achieve systems reliability. The dynamic resistance measurement (DRM) is a technique that can be used to evaluate the degradation level of HVCB’ contacts. It stands out from the usual technique, static resistance measurement, by allowing the assessment of both the main contacts and the arcing contacts (ACs). Usually, the mean resistance or the area under the DRM curve is used to estimate the AC degradation. However, DRM is a non‐standardised technique and there are no specified parameters to evaluate the real wear conditions. Therefore, an analysis of alternative parameters extractible from the DRM technique is presented in this study, such as amplitude and variance of the DRM curve. The results attest the possible use of more than one parameter for the continuous evaluation of HVCB ACs, characterising the DRM as a more complete and precise diagnosis tool.
New construction heuristic algorithm for solving the vehicle routing problem with time windows
Authors: Liu Jun , Feng Shuo , Niu Qun , Ji Lijuan
Published: August 2019

The vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) is the most important and widely studied combinational optimisation problem. However, most constructive heuristics create a new path when the customer violates the constraint and cannot insert into any existing path, causing the time window constraint to be tight and generating more paths. Aiming at the above problems, a new constructive heuristic algorithm is proposed. The algorithm firstly uses the convex hull of the customer location to determine the initial seed client and reduces the redundant path; meanwhile, the calculation method of the traditional optimal insertion position is improved, and the calculation efficiency is improved to some extent; in addition, for customers who cannot insert any feasible path, the exchange operator is introduced to give the current solution a disturbance instead of directly creating a new seed client and a new path to further reduce the redundant path. The experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively solve the close time window of VRPTW for evenly distributed customers, and even provide a strict time window for evenly distributed customers and a certain amount of hybrid geographic cluster customers.
Star formation activity and the spatial distribution and mass segregation of dense cores in the early phases of star formation
Authors: Dib Sami , Henning Thomas
Published: August 2019

We examine the spatial distribution and mass segregation of dense molecular cloud cores in a number of nearby star forming regions (the region L1495 in Taurus, Aquila, Corona Australis, and W43) that span about four orders of magnitude in star formation activity. We used an approach based on the calculation of the minimum spanning tree, and for each region, we calculated the structure parameter 𝒬 and the mass segregation ratio ΛMSR measured for various numbers of the most massive cores. Our results indicate that the distribution of dense cores in young star forming regions is very substructured and that it is very likely that this substructure will be imprinted onto the nascent clusters that will emerge out of these clouds. With the exception of Taurus in which there is nearly no mass segregation, we observe mild-to-significant levels of mass segregation for the ensemble of the 6, 10, and 14 most massive cores in Aquila, Corona Australis, and W43, respectively. Our results suggest that the clouds’ star formation activity are linked to their structure, as traced by their population of dense cores. We also find that the fraction of massive cores that are the most mass segregated in each region correlates with the surface density of star formation in the clouds. The Taurus region with low star forming activity is associated with a highly hierarchical spatial distribution of the cores (low 𝒬 value) and the cores show no sign of being mass segregated. On the other extreme, the mini-starburst region W43-MM1 has a higher 𝒬 that is suggestive of a more centrally condensed structure. Additionally, it possesses a higher fraction of massive cores that are segregated by mass. While some limited evolutionary effects might be present, we largely attribute the correlation between the star formation activity of the clouds and their structure to a dependence on the physical conditions that have been imprinted on them by the large scale environment at the time they started to assemble.
Magnetic field vector ambiguity resolution in a quiescent prominence observed on two consecutive days
Authors: Kalewicz T. , Bommier V.
Published: August 2019

Context. Magnetic field vector measurements are always ambiguous, that is, two or more field vectors are solutions of the observed polarisation.

Aims. The aim of the present paper is to solve the ambiguity by comparing the ambiguous field vectors obtained in the same prominence observed on two consecutive days. The effect of the solar rotation is to modify the scattering angle of the prominence radiation, which modifies the symmetry of the ambiguous solutions. This method, which is a kind of tomography, was successfully applied in the past to the average magnetic field vector of 20 prominences observed at the Pic du Midi. The aim of the present paper is to apply this method to a prominence observed with spatial resolution at the THÉMIS telescope (European site at Izaña, Tenerife Island).

Methods. The magnetic field vector is measured by interpretation of the Hanle effect observed in the He I D3 5875.6 Å line, within the horizontal field vector hypothesis for simplicity. The ambiguity is first solved by comparing the two pairs of solutions obtained for a “big pixel” determined by averaging the observed Stokes parameters in a large region at the prominence centre. Each pixel is then disambiguated by selecting the closest solution in a propagation from the prominence centre to the prominence boundary.

Results. The results previously obtained on averaged prominences are all recovered. The polarity is found to be inverse with a small angle of about −21° between the magnetic field vector and the long axis of the filament. The magnetic field strength of about 6 G is found to slightly increase with height, as previously observed. The new result is the observed decrease with height, of the absolute value of the angle between the magnetic field vector and the long axis of the filament.

Conclusions. This result is in excellent agreement with prominence magnetohydrodynamical models.
Water vapor detection in the transmission spectra of HD 209458 b with the CARMENES NIR channel
Authors: Sánchez-López A. , Alonso-Floriano F. J. , López-Puertas M. , Snellen I. A. G. , Funke B. , Nagel E. , Bauer F. F. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Czesla S. , Nortmann L. , Pallé E. , Salz M. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Quirrenbach A. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Béjar V. J. S. , Casasayas-Barris N. , Galadí-Enríquez D. , Guenther E. W. , Henning Th. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Lampón M. , Lara L. M. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Stangret M. , Tal-Or L. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Schmitt J. H. M. M. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Zechmeister M.
Published: August 2019

Aims. We aim at detecting water vapor in the atmosphere of the hot Jupiter HD 209458 b and perform a multi-band study in the near infrared with CARMENES.

Methods. The water vapor absorption lines from the atmosphere of the planet are Doppler-shifted due to the large change in its radial velocity during transit. This shift is of the order of tens of km s−1, whilst the Earth’s telluric and the stellar lines can be considered quasi-static. We took advantage of this shift to remove the telluric and stellar lines using SYSREM, which performs a principal component analysis including proper error propagation. The residual spectra contain the signal from thousands of planetary molecular lines well below the noise level. We retrieve the information from those lines by cross-correlating the residual spectra with models of the atmospheric absorption of the planet.

Results. We find a cross-correlation signal with a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 6.4, revealing H2O in HD 209458 b. We obtain a net blueshift of the signal of –5.2 −1.3+2.6 km s−1 that, despite the large error bars, is a firm indication of day- to night-side winds at the terminator of this hot Jupiter. Additionally, we performed a multi-band study for the detection of H2O individually from the three near infrared bands covered by CARMENES. We detect H2O from its 0.96–1.06 μm band with a S/N of 5.8, and also find hints of a detection from the 1.06–1.26 μm band, with a low S/N of 2.8. No clear planetary signal is found from the 1.26–1.62 μm band.

Conclusions. Our significant H2O signal at 0.96–1.06 μm in HD 209458 b represents the first detection of H2O from this band individually, the bluest one to date. The unfavorable observational conditions might be the reason for the inconclusive detection from the stronger 1.15 and 1.4 μm bands. H2O is detected from the 0.96–1.06 μm band in HD 209458 b, but hardly in HD 189733 b, which supports a stronger aerosol extinction in the latter, in line with previous studies. Future data gathered at more stable conditions and with larger S/N at both optical and near-infrared wavelengths could help to characterize the presence of aerosols in HD 209458 b and other planets.
Imprint of the galactic acceleration scale on globular cluster systems
Authors: Bílek M. , Samurović S. , Renaud F.
Published: August 2019

We report that the density profiles of globular cluster (GC) systems in a sample of 17 early-type galaxies (ETGs) show breaks at the radii where the gravitational acceleration exerted by the stars equals the galactic acceleration scale a0 known from the radial acceleration relation or the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). The match with the other characteristic radii in the galaxy is not that close. We propose possible explanations in the frameworks of the Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model and MOND. We find tentative evidence that in the ΛCDM context, GCs reveal not only the masses of the dark halos through the richness of the GC systems but also the concentrations through the break radii of the GC systems.
Optimizing approach on Fibre Engineered Cementitious Materials with Self-Healing capacity (SH-FECM) by the use of slurry lime (SL) addition
Authors: Baeră Cornelia , Szilagyi Henriette , Matei Claudiu , Hegyi Andreea , Lăzărescu Adrian , Mircea Anamaria Cătălina
Published: August 2019

SH-FECM (Fibre Engineered Cementitious Materials with Self-Healing capacity), developed at NIRD “URBAN-INCERC” Cluj-Napoca Branch in the last five years, are consistently based on Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) concept, elaborated in the early nineties at Michigan University (USA). They all represent a cement-based typology of dispersed reinforcement composites able to develop high deformability by the means of multiple cracking pattern under loading, leading to a cumulative set of valuable material features: metal like behaviour when subjected to loads, brittle failure prevention, increased self-healing potential via the compositional design, etc. The process of development and constant improvement of the SH-FECMs represents a long term theoretical and experimental approach, aiming to establish the optimum raw materials (mostly locally available) compatibility within the cementitious matrix so that the composites would present superior performance under comparative evaluation. This paper presents the first results, evaluated as positive for both, fresh and hardened state materials, regarding the inclusion of Slurry Lime (SL) addition as replacement of the initial lime powder addition (L) in the material composition. The long-term effects are on ongoing investigation, but the initial results are clearly promising, starting from a better fresh state aspect and evaluating for faster setting time and improved early age mechanical behaviour. The beneficial effects are also in terms of economic and ecological aspects, considering that the used lime slurry (SL) addition represents an actual waste resulted from a local, natural stone processing factory. Its use as direct addition in the SH-FECMs mixtures could represent an efficient recycling and waste prevention action, with long term beneficial potential, in terms of Circular Economy principles.
Effect of oxygen permeability on corrosion properties in mortar specimens mixed with bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sugitani Saaya , Kawaai Keiyu , Ujike Isao
Published: August 2019

The effect of the degree of water saturation on oxygen permeability in mortar specimens mixed with an aerobic microorganism of bacillus subtilis (natto) under various water saturation conditions is explored in this study. In the experimental program an immersion test was conducted using distilled water and salt water (10%) under room conditions controlled at a constant temperature of 20°C. The oxygen permeability on the surface of steel bars embedded at different saturation conditions in mortar specimens were examined by electrochemical measurements e.g. half-cell potential measurements, cathodic polarization techniques. Based on the results obtained, the rate of oxygen permeability of the mortar specimens mixed with the bacillus subtilis (natto) was clearly reduced from the age of 28 days to 91 days. The humid environment is advantageous to the metabolic activity of bacillus subtilis (natto) which is likely to occur in saturated conditions compared to those in relatively dry environments. This led to more negative half-cell potentials in the mortar specimens mixed with the bacillus subtilis (natto) especially under the saturated conditions. The variations of half-cell potentials could be attributed to variations of cathodic polarization properties which is illustrated by decreased oxygen permeability in the specimens.
Effect of crack pattern on the self-healing capability in traditional, HPC and UHPFRC concretes measured by water and chloride permeability
Authors: Negrini Alberto , Roig-Flores Marta , Mezquida-Alcaraz Eduardo J. , Ferrara Liberato , Serna Pedro
Published: August 2019

Concrete has a natural self-healing capability to seal small cracks, named autogenous healing, which is mainly produced by continuing hydration and carbonation. This capability is very limited and is activated only when in direct contact with water. High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete and Engineered Cementitious Composites have been reported to heal cracks for low damage levels, due to their crack pattern with multiple cracks and high cement contents. While their superior self-healing behaviour compared to traditional concrete types is frequently assumed, this study aims to have a direct comparison to move a step forward in durability quantification. Reinforced concrete beams made of traditional, high-performance and ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concretes were prepared, sized 150×100×750 mm3. These beams were pre-cracked in flexion up to fixed strain levels in the tensioned zone to allow the analysis of the effect of the different cracking patterns on the self-healing capability. Afterwards, water permeability tests were performed before and after healing under water immersion. A modification of the water permeability test was also explored using chlorides to evaluate the potential protection of this healing in chloride-rich environments. The results show the superior durability and self-healing performance of UHPFRC elements.
Properties of high early-strength Type V cement concrete for rapid repair
Authors: Ghafoori Nader , Maler Matthew O. , Najimi Meysam , Hasnat Ariful
Published: August 2019

This study examines the suitability of ASTM Type V cement concrete for rapid repair applications. To this end, experimental results on transport and durability properties of high early-strength concretes using ASTM Type V cement were compared with those of a more traditional cement used for rapid repair, i.e. Type III cement. A cement content of 445 kg/m3 (750 lb/yd3) was maintained for all studied concretes. The experimental program included compressive strength, absorption, rapid chloride migration, corrosion resistance, and mass loss due to freezing and thawing regimes. The results of this study revealed that use of Type III and V cements were both effective for concrete rapid repair applications. The opening time to reach the minimum compressive strength of 21 MPa (3000 psi) was found dissimilar. Type III cement concrete showed better strength properties at early ages due to its high fineness. However, as curing age was extended to 24 hours and 28 days, Type V cement concrete produced higher strength results. Moreover, Type III cement concretes failed to display better performance in transport properties, corrosion, and frost resistance when compared to that of the studied Type V cement concretes.
Mix-Design and Control of Exposure Class of Durable Concrete
Authors: Paulini Peter
Published: August 2019

Durability requirements for concrete are determined by climatic, chemical and mechanical effects, depending on the climatic location and intended use of structural parts. The European standard EN 206-1 defines different types of exposure classes and specifies requirements for concrete, such as type and minimum quantity of cement, maximum w/c ratio, minimum compressive strength or minimum entrained air pore content. Additional characteristics required for a higher workability often lead to contradictory situations in practice and cannot be satisfactorily resolved by varying the mix design of the concrete. Based on a real life scenario where a C35/45 XD3 concrete had been used in the construction of a multi-storey car park, which presented serious cracking after only a short service time, this paper proposes a number of methods designed to assess the quality and durability of concrete. The proof of exposure classes at the hardened building concrete is not regulated in existing national standards. Therefore, in many court disputes it is difficult to prove the quality of the hardened concrete because of lacking regulations. However, it is possible to verify the w/c-ratio using the capillary porosity. The basic relationships between cement content, w/c-ratio and capillary porosity are derived and discussed. Higher proportions of cement, which are necessary to achieve a better workability or higher strength, result in a reduced modulus of elasticity and increased shrinkage as well as a higher risk of cracking. The associated increase of capillary pore volume and of permeability reduces the service life of concrete. The determination of performance-based concrete properties such as permeability, chloride migration or electrical conductivity further complements the assessment of concrete durability. These properties can be used for estimating the resistance of the capillary pore structure to specific damage mechanisms.
Application of CFRP as anode in cathodic protection for steel reinforced concrete – a review
Authors: Zhang Emma Qingnan , Tang Luping
Published: August 2019

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is an electrochemical method to prevent or stop corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures. The use of this technique is limited although it has been proven to be effective. One of the reasons is the high cost of anode material, commonly titanium anode. Hence there is a need for alternative anode materials to lower the cost and at the same time to improve the performance of the ICCP system through design. This paper reviews carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as an anode for ICCP systems in concrete and discusses the degradation mechanism and operating conditions of the anode. It also gives an overview of the performance of CFRP as an anode material, from laboratory experiments to field operation.
Case studies of hybrid and galvanic systems on bridge structures
Authors: Stone Christian , Donadio Michel , Christodoulou Christian , Davison Nigel
Published: August 2019

Corrosion of steel in bridge structures is a growing issue worldwide. Case studies of galvanic and hybrid systems show the diverse range of challenges and corrosion hazards that are faced during the design of these systems. Data from these case studies show the effectiveness of this approach. Hybrid systems have been utilised in controlling corrosion during refurbishment work on bridges for over a decade. Galvanic systems have been around much longer. By utilising these systems individually or together there is great flexibility in design. This allows intensive concrete restoration from a hybrid system alongside the maintenance of repairs in lower risk areas from galvanic anodes. This paper presents case studies covering hybrid and galvanic systems applied to bridge structures. Included is a prestressed concrete bridge in a tidal environment, we believe to be the first of its kind fitted with a hybrid system. Tidal considerations and flooding are key challenges in corrosion mitigation. Data shows the systems are particularly effective in these transitory environments reacting rapidly to increased risk.
Behaviour of column constructed with FRP tubes filled with concrete
Authors: Donchev Ted , Srebrenkoska Vineta , Petkova Diana , Albkeirat Mohammad , Akhundzada Hikmatullah
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the behaviour of Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes (CFFT) as columns. The experimental programme consists of preparing and testing one steel column acting as control sample and three columns made with GFRP. The GFRP tubes were produced by filament winding method where the amount and orientation of the fibres was changed. The tubes had dimensions of 1000x100 mm (length x diameter) and were filled with C25/30 concrete. The columns were tested under compression and the load was applied at a pace rate of 0.5 mm/min. It was found that the GFRP tubes can efficiently confine the concrete and could be used as alternative material to steel tubes. The steel and GFRP samples developed a high level of strain throughout the testing. The GFRP sample with fibre orientation of 90° failed by FRP rupture, whereas the remaining samples failed by buckling. The orientation of the fibres at 90° was more efficient than orientation of fibres at 45° in terms of increasing the ultimate capacity. The GFRP samples displayed lower ultimate capacity compared to steel samples with same wall thickness, but increasing the wall thickness of the GFRP columns increased the ultimate load accordingly.
Self-Cleaning Concrete for Landscaping Applications
Authors: Mircea Diana-Maria
Published: August 2019

Negative effects of environmental pollution pose a significant risk to agriculture, water resources and human health. This can however be reduced by selecting appropriate materials in construction and landscape architecture. It is well-known that strong sunlight or ultraviolet light decomposes many organic materials in a slow natural process. Photocatalytic substances accelerate this process and when used in concrete (which is one of the most widely used construction materials), permit the treatment of pollutants close to their source by applying a self-cleaning principle: decomposing organic materials, biological materials and pollutants into molecules like oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, nitrates, and sulphates. Catalytic material activation will start due to energy that is received from sunlight (it also can be activated using artificial lights), and self-cleaning begins when this material is activated. Beside other properties, this innovative self-cleaning concrete also keeps its colour for far longer than other traditional building materials, making it a desirable solution for landscaping applications.
Influence of carbonation on the resistance of concrete structures to chloride penetration and corrosion
Authors: AL-Ameeri Abbas S. , Imran Rafiq M. , Tsioulou Ourania
Published: August 2019

Chloride-induced corrosion of steel rebar embedded in concrete is one of the major concerns influencing the durability of reinforced concrete structures. It is widely recognized that the carbonation in concrete affects the chloride diffusivity and accelerates the chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. However, only very limited studies have dealt with this issue in the literature. The presence of service load related cracks also affects the reinforcement corrosion. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of concrete carbonation on the chloride penetration resistance, and degree of corrosion, in RC structures subjected to service related microcracks.

The experimental programme involves casting of concrete prisms (100 x 100 x 500 mm) with different water-cement ratios (w/c) of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 and with four different crack widths (0, 0.05-0.15 mm, 0.15-0.25 mm and 0.25-0.35 mm). These samples were exposed initially to accelerated carbon dioxide (CO2) environment and then exposed to the accelerated chloride environment. Carbonation depth, chloride penetration, and the degree of corrosion (using half-cell) were experimentally measured. The results indicated that (i): The depth of carbonation increases with the increase in crack width and w/c ratio, (ii) chloride penetration depth in concrete structures increases significantly due to the influence of carbonation and (iii) half-cell corrosion potential increases significantly when carbonated concrete samples are exposed to the chloride environment relative to the uncarbonated concrete samples.
Life cycle assessment of refurbishment scenarios to confined tank structures at a waste water treatment plant
Authors: Donadio Michel , Heider Catrina , Dan Zeno
Published: August 2019

The paper will show a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of three different refurbishment scenarios for confined tank structures at a waste water treatment plant. – One using a traditional Portland cement based repair mortar, one combining this cement repair mortar with a reactive protective coating, and one using 100% calcium aluminate based repair mortar technology. In order to evaluate the sustainability and potential environmental impact of each of the three scenarios, the Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) were performed, which included Cumulative Energy Demand (CED), Global Warning Potential (GWP) and Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP). The results are compared and analyzed in this paper, particularly in relation to extending the structural service life, which shows how innovative systems can give advantages to designers and contractors, which in turn are also of benefit to their customers.