bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On measuring nanoparticle toxicity and clearance with Paramecium caudatum
Authors: Mayne Richard , Morgan Jack , Whiting James G. H. , Phillips Neil , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: June 2019

As the extent to which aquatic environments are polluted with nano-scale objects is becoming known, we are presented with an urgent need to study their effects on various forms of life and to clear and/or detoxify them. A range of methods exist to these ends, but a lack of inter-study comparability arising from an absence of experimental standardisation impedes progress. Here we present experiments that demonstrate measurement of orchestrated uptake and clearance of two environmentally-relevant nano- and micromaterials by a model aquatic microoraganism, Paramecium caudatum. Experiments were based on a simple, modular, multi-chamber platform that permits standardised control of organism behaviour and measurement of variables relevant to the study of nanotoxicology, including nanomaterial chemotaxis assays, bioaccumulation and deleterious effects on cell motility systems. Uptake of internalised materials may be estimated through the addition of a low-cost fluorescence spectrometer. P. caudatum cells can clear an estimated 0.7 fg of contaminant materials (or 161 of the particles used) per cell over a 5 mm distance per 6 hour experiment, whilst suffering few short-term adverse effects, suggesting that the organism and the platform used to investigate their properties are well-suited to a range of laboratory and field-based nanotoxicological studies.
Hydraulic and photosynthetic responses of big sagebrush to the 2017 total solar eclipse
Authors: Beverly Daniel P. , Guadagno Carmela R. , Bretfeld Mario , Speckman Heather N. , Albeke Shannon E. , Ewers Brent E.
Published: June 2019

The total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 created a path of totality ~115 km in width across the United States. While eclipse observations have shown distinct responses in animal behavior often emulating nocturnal behavior, the influence of eclipses on plant physiology are less understood. We investigated physiological perturbations due to rapid changes of sunlight and air temperature in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), a desert shrub common within the path of eclipse totality. Leaf gas exchange, water potential, and chlorophyll a fluorescence were monitored during the eclipse and compared to responses obtained the day before in absence of the eclipse. On the day of the eclipse, air temperature decreased by 6.4 °C, coupled with a 1.0 kPa drop in vapor pressure deficit having a 9-minute lag following totality. Using chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, we found photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (Fv’/Fm’) recovered to near dark acclimated state (i.e., 87%), but the short duration of darkness did not allow for complete recovery. Gas exchange data and a simple light response model were used to estimate a 14% reduction in carbon assimilation for one day over sagebrush dominated areas within the path of totality for the Western United States.
Phase stability and electronic structure of iridium metal at the megabar range
Authors: Monteseguro V. , Sans J. A. , Cuartero V. , Cova F. , Abrikosov Igor A. , Olovsson W. , Popescu C. , Pascarelli S. , Garbarino G. , Jönsson H. Johan M. , Irifune T. , Errandonea D.
Published: June 2019

The 5d transition metals have attracted specific interest for high-pressure studies due to their extraordinary stability and intriguing electronic properties. In particular, iridium metal has been proposed to exhibit a recently discovered pressure-induced electronic transition, the so-called core-level crossing transition at the lowest pressure among all the 5d transition metals. Here, we report an experimental structural characterization of iridium by x-ray probes sensitive to both long- and short-range order in matter. Synchrotron-based powder x-ray diffraction results highlight a large stability range (up to 1.4 Mbar) of the low-pressure phase. The compressibility behaviour was characterized by an accurate determination of the pressure-volume equation of state, with a bulk modulus of 339(3) GPa and its derivative of 5.3(1). X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which probes the local structure and the empty density of electronic states above the Fermi level, was also utilized. The remarkable agreement observed between experimental and calculated spectra validates the reliability of theoretical predictions of the pressure dependence of the electronic structure of iridium in the studied interval of compressions.
Cholesterol-Lowering Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease: Multistage Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Francisco , Chimeno M. Montserrat , Martín-García Débora , Lizaraso-Soto Frank , Maurtua-Briseño-Meiggs Álvaro , Grande-Villoria Jesús , Bustamante-Munguira Juan , Alamartine Eric , Vilardell Miquel , Ochoa-Sangrador Carlos , Álvarez F. Javier
Published: June 2019

Pairwise and network meta-analyses on the relationship between the efficacy of the use of statins with or without ezetimibe and reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are presented. In the pairwise meta-analysis, statins with or without ezetimibe were shown to be efficacious in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CKD and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, in the context of both primary prevention [odds ratio (OR)/95% confidence interval (95% CI)/I2/number of studies (n): 0.50/0.40–0.64/0%/6] and primary/secondary prevention (0.66/0.57–0.76/57%/18). However, in the Bayesian network meta-analysis, compared to the placebo, only atorvastatin 80 mg daily and atorvastatin and rosuvastatin at doses equivalent to simvastatin 20 mg daily reduced the odds of MACEs in this patient population. The network meta-analysis for LDLc and CRP treatment objectives also showed that, regardless of eGFR and excluding dialysis patients, the number of MACEs decreased in patients with CKD, with reductions in both LDLc and CRP of less than 50% (surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA)/heterogeneity (vague)/n: 0.77/0.14/3). The evaluation of the benefits of drugs may lead to individualized therapy for CKD patients: Cholesterol-lowering treatment for CKD patients with high levels of both LDLc and CRP is suggested.
Antibiotic treatment and flares of rheumatoid arthritis: a self-controlled case series study analysis using CPRD GOLD
Authors: Nagra Navraj S. , Robinson Danielle E. , Douglas Ian , Delmestri Antonella , Dakin Stephanie G. , Snelling Sarah J. B. , Carr Andrew J. , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: June 2019

There is emerging evidence of the impact of infections on rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis and flares. We aimed to study the association between antibiotic use (and timing of use), and the occurrence of flares in patients with RA. We nested a self-controlled case series (SCCS) of patients who have RA flares within a newly diagnosed RA cohort (n = 31,992) from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD dataset. We determined associations between exposure to antibiotics (beta-lactam, imidazole, macrolide, nitrofurantoin, quinolone, sulphonamide and trimethoprim, and tetracycline) and the occurrence of RA flares. Conditional fixed-effects Poisson regression models were used to determine incidence rate ratios (IRR), offset by the natural logarithm of risk periods. A total of 1,192 (3.7%) of RA subjects had one or more flare/s during the study period, and were therefore included. Use of sulphonamide and trimethoprim was associated with an increased risk of RA flare at 29–90 days (IRR 1.71, CI 1.12–2.59, p = 0.012); 91–183 days (IRR 1.57, CI 1.06–2.33, p = 0.025); and 184–365 days (IRR 1.44, CI 1.03–2.02, p = 0.033) after commencement of antibiotic treatment. No other antibiotic group/s appear associated with RA flare/s risk. Usage of sulphonamide and trimethoprim antibiotics, is associated with a 70% increased risk of RA flare at 1–3 months, which decreases but remains significant up to 12 months after treatment. We hypothesise that the delayed onset of RA flares after specific antibiotics is mediated through the gut or urinary microbiomes. Further epidemiological and mechanistic research is needed to determine the role of infections in RA.
Exact solution of an exciton energy for a monolayer medium
Authors: Guvendi Abdullah , Sahin Ramazan , Sucu Yusuf
Published: June 2019

We present exact solutions of an energy spectrum of 2-interacting particles in which they seem to be relativistic fermions in 2 + 1 space-time dimensions. The 2 × 2 spinor equations of 2-interacting fermions through general central potential were separated covariantly into the relative and center of mass coordinates. First of all, the coupled first order differential equations depending on radial coordinate were derived from 2 × 2 spinor equations. Then, a second order radial differential equation was obtained and solved for Coulomb interaction potential. We apply our solutions to exciton phenomena for a free-standing monolayer medium. Since we regard exciton as isolated 2-interacting fermions in our model, any other external effect such as substrate was eliminated. Our results show that the obtained binding energies in our model are in agreement with the literature. Moreover, the decay time of an exciton was found out spontaneously in our calculations.
Motor modules account for active perception of force
Authors: Toma Simone , Santello Marco
Published: June 2019

Despite longstanding evidence suggesting a relation between action and perception, the mechanisms underlying their integration are still unclear. It has been proposed that to simplify the sensorimotor integration processes underlying active perception, the central nervous system (CNS) selects patterns of movements aimed at maximizing sampling of task-related sensory input. While previous studies investigated the action-perception loop focusing on the role of higher-level features of motor behavior (e.g., kinematic invariants, effort), the present study explored and quantified the contribution of lower-level organization of motor control. We tested the hypothesis that the coordinated recruitment of group of muscles (i.e., motor modules) engaged to counteract an external force contributes to participants’ perception of the same force. We found that: 1) a model describing the modulation of a subset of motor modules involved in the motor task accounted for about 70% of participants’ perceptual variance; 2) an alternative model, incompatible with the motor modules hypothesis, accounted for significantly lower variance of participants’ detection performance. Our results provide empirical evidence of the potential role played by muscle activation patterns in active perception of force. They also suggest that a modular organization of motor control may mediate not only coordination of multiple muscles, but also perceptual inference.
Eurasian lynx fitness shows little variation across Scandinavian human-dominated landscapes
Authors: López-Bao José Vicente , Aronsson Malin , Linnell John D. C. , Odden John , Persson Jens , Andrén Henrik
Published: June 2019

Despite extensive research on the ecology and behavioural adaptations of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes, information about the fitness consequences of sharing landscapes is still limited. We assessed the variation in three consecutive components of female fitness: the probability of reproduction, litter size and juvenile survival in relation to environmental and human factors in a solitary carnivore, the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), occurring in human-dominated landscapes in Scandinavia. We used demographic data from 57 radio-collared adult females between 1995–2011 (126 radio-years). Overall, the yearly probability of female reproduction was 0.80, mean litter size was 2.34 (range 1–4) and the probability to find a female that reproduced in the spring being accompanied by at least one offspring during the subsequent winter was 0.70. We did not find evidence that food availability was a key factor influencing female fitness. Female lynx may adapt to food availability when establishing their home ranges by adopting an obstinate strategy, ensuring a minimum amount of prey necessary for survival and reproduction even during periods of prey scarcity. In human-dominated landscapes, where sufficient prey are available for lynx, mortality risk may have a larger influence on lynx population dynamics compared to food availability. Our results suggest that lynx population dynamics in human-dominated landscapes may be mainly driven by human impacts on survival.
Paternal exposure to benzo(a)pyrene induces genome-wide mutations in mouse offspring
Authors: Beal Marc A. , Meier Matthew J. , Williams Andrew , Rowan-Carroll Andrea , Gagné Rémi , Lindsay Sarah J. , Fitzgerald Tomas , Hurles Matthew E. , Marchetti Francesco , Yauk Carole L.
Published: June 2019

Understanding the effects of environmental exposures on germline mutation rates has been a decades-long pursuit in genetics. We used next-generation sequencing and comparative genomic hybridization arrays to investigate genome-wide mutations in the offspring of male mice exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a common environmental pollutant. We demonstrate that offspring developing from sperm exposed during the mitotic or post-mitotic phases of spermatogenesis have significantly more de novo single nucleotide variants (1.8-fold;P < 0.01) than controls. Both phases of spermatogenesis are susceptible to the induction of heritable mutations, although mutations arising from post-fertilization events are more common after post-mitotic exposure. In addition, the mutation spectra in sperm and offspring of BaP-exposed males are consistent. Finally, we report a significant increase in transmitted copy number duplications (P = 0.001) in BaP-exposed sires. Our study demonstrates that germ cell mutagen exposures induce genome-wide mutations in the offspring that may be associated with adverse health outcomes.
Expansion of vomeronasal receptor genes (OlfC) in the evolution of fright reaction in Ostariophysan fishes
Authors: Yang Liandong , Jiang Haifeng , Wang Ying , Lei Yi , Chen Juan , Sun Ning , Lv Wenqi , Wang Cheng , Near Thomas J. , He Shunping
Published: June 2019

Ostariophysans are the most diverse group of freshwater fishes and feature a pheromone-elicited fright reaction. However, the genetic basis of fright reaction is unclear. Here, we compared vomeronasal type 2 receptor-like (OlfC) genes from fishes having and lacking fright reaction, to provide insight into evolution of pheromonal olfaction in fishes. We foundOlfCgenes expanded remarkably in ostariophysans having fright reaction compared with fishes lacking fright reaction. Phylogenetic analysis indicatesOlfCsubfamily 9 expanded specifically in ostariophysans having fright reaction. Principle component and phylogenetic logistic regression analysis partitioned fishes by ecotype (having or lacking fright reaction) and identifiedOlfCsubfamily 9 as being an important factor for fright reaction. Expression levels of expandedOlfCsubfamily genes after fright reaction in zebrafish changed more than did genes that had not expanded. Furthermore, evidence of positive selection was found in the expanded OlfC proteins in ostariophysan fishes having fright reaction. These results provide new insight into the genetic basis of fright reaction in ostariophysan fish and will enable future research into the mechanism of action of OlfC proteins.
Metabolome signature of autism in the human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kurochkin Ilia , Khrameeva Ekaterina , Tkachev Anna , Stepanova Vita , Vanyushkina Anna , Stekolshchikova Elena , Li Qian , Zubkov Dmitry , Shichkova Polina , Halene Tobias , Willmitzer Lothar , Giavalisco Patrick , Akbarian Schahram , Khaitovich Philipp
Published: June 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with yet incompletely uncovered molecular determinants. Alterations in the abundance of low molecular weight compounds (metabolites) in ASD could add to our understanding of the disease. Indeed, such alterations take place in the urine, plasma and cerebellum of ASD individuals. In this work, we investigated mass-spectrometric signal intensities of 1,366 metabolites in the prefrontal cortex grey matter of 32 ASD and 40 control individuals. 15% of these metabolites showed significantly different intensities in ASD and clustered in 16 metabolic pathways. Of them, ten pathways were altered in urine and blood of ASD individuals (Fisher test, p < 0.05), opening an opportunity for the design of new diagnostic instruments. Furthermore, metabolic measurements conducted in 40 chimpanzees and 40 macaques showed an excess of metabolite intensity differences unique to humans, supporting the hypothesized disruption of evolutionary novel cortical mechanisms in ASD.
Low-temperature selective oxidation of methane over distant binuclear cationic centers in zeolites
Authors: Tabor Edyta , Lemishka Mariia , Sobalik Zdenek , Mlekodaj Kinga , Andrikopoulos Prokopis C. , Dedecek Jiri , Sklenak Stepan
Published: June 2019

Highly active oxygen capable to selectively oxidize methane to methanol at low temperature can be prepared in transition-metal cation exchanged zeolites. Here we show that the α-oxygen stabilized by the negative charges of two framework aluminum atoms can be prepared by the dissociation of nitrous oxide over distant binuclear cation structures (M(II)…M(II), M = cobalt, nickel, and iron) accommodated in two adjacent 6-rings forming cationic sites in the ferrierite zeolite. This α-oxygen species is analogous to that known only for iron exchanged zeolites. In contrast to divalent iron cations, only binuclear divalent cobalt cationic structures and not isolated divalent cobalt cations are active. Created methoxy moieties are easily protonated to yield methanol, formaldehyde, and formic acid which are desorbed to the gas phase without the aid of water vapor while previous studies showed that highly stable methoxy groups were formed on isolated iron cations in iron exchanged ZSM-5 zeolites.
Transforming stealthy to sticky nanocarriers: a potential application for tumor therapy
Authors: Gafur Alidha , Kristi Natalia , Maruf Ali , Wang Guixue , Ye Zhiyi
Published: June 2019

Recently, chameleon-like drug delivery systems have shown great potential in achieving simultaneous stealthy and sticky surfaces of nanocarriers to target/retarget tumors.
Electron transfer across a spiro link: extreme solvatofluorochromism of a compact spiro-bridged N,N-dimethylaniline-phthalide dyad
Authors: Karpiuk Jerzy , Gawryś Paweł , Karpiuk Elena , Suwińska Kinga
Published: June 2019

Ultrafast intramolecular electron transfer over a spiro link leads to record-breaking solvatofluorochromism [11 600 cm−1, from 357 (hexane) to 595 nm (acetonitrile)].
Platinum(ii) as an assembly point for carbide and nitride ligands
Authors: Reinholdt Anders , Bendix Jesper
Published: June 2019

The sequential treatment of (Cy3P)2Cl2RuC with [PtCl2(C2H4)]2 and (dbm)2CrN affords a platinum(ii) center coordinated by both carbide and nitride ligands.
Cascade cyclization and acyl migration of propargylic esters with isocyanides: rapid access to substituted furans
Authors: Hu Jie , Fei Youwen , Zhao Hongbin , Wang Zhishuang , Li Chunju , Li Jian
Published: June 2019

A novel rearrangement of ester-activated propargylic acetate with isocyanide has been disclosed. This protocol enables a quick synthesis of polysubstituted furan derivatives.
Harnessing the reactivity of ortho-formyl-arylketones: base-promoted regiospecific synthesis of functionalized isoquinolines
Authors: Mishra Pawan K. , Verma Shalini , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Ankit , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: June 2019

An efficient and base-mediated one-pot regiospecific synthesis of structurally diversified isoquinolines and benzo[h] isoquinolines from easily accessible ortho-formyl-arylketones and aryl/(het)arylmethanamines has been described.
Phase-competition-driven formation of hierarchical FeNiZn-MIL-88B-on-MOF-5 octapods displaying high selectivity for the RWGS reaction
Authors: Zhang Qinwei , Yang Zuobo , Chen Biaohua , Liang Xin
Published: June 2019

An approach involving phase-competition-driven growth (PCDG) was developed and used to synthesize a series of MOF-on-MOF structures.
Controllable chemoselectivity in the coupling of bromoalkynes with alcohols under visible-light irradiation without additives: synthesis of propargyl alcohols and α-ketoesters
Authors: Ni Ke , Meng Ling-Guo , Ruan Hongjie , Wang Lei
Published: June 2019

The chemoselectivity of visible-light-induced coupling reactions of bromoalkynes with alcohols can be controlled by simple changes to the reaction atmosphere.
Liquid-phase atomic layer deposition of crystalline hematite without post-growth annealing
Authors: Taniguchi Asako , Taniguchi Takaaki , Wagata Hajime , Katsumata Ken-ichi , Okada Kiyoshi , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: June 2019

We carried out the liquid phase-atomic layer deposition (LP-ALD) of α-Fe2O3. The deposition temperature (95 °C) and rate (6.3 nm min−1) are much lower and higher than those offered by cutting edge gas-phase ALD techniques, respectively.
Tuning the dielectric and energy storage properties of polystyrene-based polymer dielectric by manipulating dipoles and their polarizing behavior
Authors: Li Qizheng , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Xiao , Tan Shaobo , Lu Junyong , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: June 2019

MMA units in MS improve energy storage properties by hindering conductivity pathway derived form PSt.
Disparate strain response of the thermal transport properties of bilayer penta-graphene as compared to that of monolayer penta-graphene
Authors: Sun Zhehao , Yuan Kunpeng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Qin Guangzhao , Gong Xiaojing , Tang Dawei
Published: June 2019

In this study, strain modulation of the lattice thermal conductivity of monolayer and bilayer penta-graphene (PG) at room temperature was investigated using first-principles calculations combined with the phonon Boltzmann transport equation.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics in 2D–2D hybrid structures of functionalized GO and CdSe nanoplatelets
Authors: Das Soma , Dutta Avisek , Bera Rajesh , Patra Amitava
Published: June 2019

Considerable attention has been paid to designing graphene based 2D hybrid nanostructures for their potential applications in various areas from healthcare to energy harvesting.
Biocompatible ionic liquids: fundamental behaviours and applications
Authors: Gomes Joana M. , Silva Simone S. , Reis Rui L.
Published: June 2019

The bio- and eco-friendly nature of biocompatible ionic liquids contributes to their widespread use in a wide range of fields.
Investigation of the intensity dependence of glow discharge mass spectrometry quantification on the discharge parameters
Authors: Paudel Gagan , Kasik Martin , Di Sabatino Marisa
Published: June 2019

Measurements of the absolute intensities of discharge gas and trace elements/isotopes can help to understand the ionization mechanism and contribute to the reduction in uncertainty related to the relative sensitivity factor (RSF).
Continuous-flow, well-mixed, microfluidic crystallization device for screening of polymorphs, morphology, and crystallization kinetics at controlled supersaturation
Authors: Coliaie Paria , Kelkar Manish S. , Nere Nandkishor K. , Singh Meenesh R.
Published: June 2019

While the conventional screening techniques suffer from depletion of supersaturation, the continuous-flow microfluidic device screens crystalline materials at controlled supersaturation.
Synthesis and anti-cancer activities of glycosides and glycoconjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol
Authors: Sharipova Radmila R. , Belenok Mayya G. , Garifullin Bulat F. , Sapunova Anastasiya S. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Andreeva Olga V. , Strobykina Irina Yu. , Skvortsova Polina V. , Zuev Yuriy F. , Kataev Vladimir E.
Published: June 2019

A series of glycosides and glycoconjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol with various monosaccharide residues were synthesized. Most of them showed moderate to significant cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines M-HeLa and MCF-7.
Linear acene molecules in plasmonic cavities: mapping evolution of optical absorption spectra and electric field intensity enhancements
Authors: Muhammed Mufasila Mumthaz , Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: June 2019

Understanding the plasmonic cavity induced electric field enhancement in a hybrid nanosystem is of paramount importance in the development of new optical devices.
Assessing the influence of phosphine substituents on the catalytic properties of self-stabilised digold(i) complexes with supporting ferrocene phosphinonitrile ligands
Authors: Bárta Ondřej , Císařová Ivana , Schulz Jiří , Štěpnička Petr
Published: June 2019

Dimeric Au(i) complexes with phosphinonitrile ligands remain highly catalytically active at low catalyst loadings thanks to self-stabilisation by dimerisation.
miR-let-7d attenuates EMT by targeting HMGA2 in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yu Xinghao , Zhai Ruonan , Hua Baoyong , Bao Lei , Wang Di , Li Yiping , Yao Wu , Fan Hui , Hao Changfu
Published: June 2019

Silicosis is a serious occupational disease characterized by pulmonary chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.
Electronic and magnetic properties of a black phosphorene/Tl2S heterostructure with transition metal atom intercalation: a first-principles study
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Song Xiaoyan , Song Nahong , Zhang Tianjie , Yang Xiaohui , Jiang Weifen , Wang Jianjun
Published: June 2019

Using density functional theory calculations, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of a black phosphorene/Tl2S heterostructure (BP/Tl2S) and the BP/Tl2S intercalated with transition metal atoms (TMs) have been detailed investigated.
Molecular mechanism for thermal denaturation of thermophilic rhodopsin
Authors: Misra Ramprasad , Hirshfeld Amiram , Sheves Mordechai
Published: June 2019

Studies of microbial rhodopsins revealed that hydrolysis of the retinal protonated Schiff base is the rate-determining step of the thermal denaturation process.
Control loading Au nanoparticles on the surface of hydroxyl pillar[5]arene functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes and its application in catalysis and sensing
Authors: Borjigin Timur , Zhao Genfu , Zhang Yuhao , Liang Mengfang , Liu Beihong , Liu Hui , Yang Xiaofei , Guo Hong
Published: June 2019

The schematic representation for the catalysis and sensing applications of Au@HP5@SWCNT.
Exploring the formation of formamidinium-based hybrid perovskites by antisolvent methods: in situ GIWAXS measurements during spin coating
Authors: Szostak Rodrigo , Marchezi Paulo Ernesto , Marques Adriano dos Santos , da Silva Jeann Carlos , de Holanda Matheus Serra , Soares Márcio Medeiros , Tolentino Hélio Cesar Nogueira , Nogueira Ana Flávia
Published: June 2019

Revealing the complexity of formamidinium-based hybrid perovskite formation by antisolvent methods under different ambient and processing conditions.
Naive Bayesian classifier for hydrophobicity classification of overhead polymeric insulators using binary image features with ambient light compensation
Authors: Jayabal Rajamohan , Karuppiyan Vijayarekha , Sidharthan Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2019

Dispersion nature of water droplets over the insulator surface is used for hydrophobicity classification. Stochastic nature of water dispersions makes naive Bayesian classifier a preferable choice, which has been investigated in this work. About 12 features describing the characteristics of water droplets are extracted from the binary image using binary large objects analysis. Ambient light intensity is a significant factor that affects the binary image quality. As these insulators are installed in the outside environment, variations in ambient light intensity are inevitable. An adaptive threshold technique is proposed to compensate for ambient light variations. Six classes of various ambient light intensities have been considered in this study, and the proposed adaptive threshold technique can produce quality binary image consistently. Features extracted from the binary image are ordered according to their principal components (PCs) using PC analysis. Improvement in classification accuracy with the accumulation of ordered features is analysed. Results illustrate the use of the first eight features provides a reliable classification accuracy of 97.6% for test image samples. In comparison to the other existing classifiers, the proposed classifier illustrates optimal performance in terms of classification accuracy and computational time.
Dual‐mode control of multi‐functional converter in solar PV system for small off‐grid applications
Authors: Goud Pandla Chinna Dastagiri , Gupta Rajesh
Published: June 2019

Solar PV system for off‐grid applications is growing at a faster rate because of its compatibility and ease of implementation. The modern smart building consists of hybrid AC and DC loads. The solar PV system generates DC power and can also supply the DC loads. To supply the AC loads, the DC power need conversion to AC using a DC–AC converter. A general solar PV system consists of two stages, one is to extract the maximum power and the other one is to convert it into a suitable DC or AC. Here, a single‐stage multi‐functional converter (MFC) is employed, which extracts maximum power and supplies to both AC and DC loads. To overcome the intermittency of solar PV output, battery energy storage is interfaced through a non‐isolated buck–boost converter. The MFC operates in two modes, i.e. hybrid power flow mode and inverter mode, depending upon the availability of solar PV output. The proposed system is simulated using the PSCAD/EMTDC software. An experimental test setup using solar array simulator and a multifunctional power electronics converter has been developed for demonstration of the results. The control algorithms are implemented using NI PXI‐7842R series FPGA controller through LabVIEW platform.
Modeling near-surface temperatures of airless bodies with application to the Moon
Authors: Gläser P. , Gläser D.
Published: June 2019

In this study we present a model to determine surface and sub-surface temperatures of airless bodies in the solar system. To precisely model direct sunlight we incorporated the solar limb darkening effect of the solar disk. Scattered sunlight and thermal re-radiation from nearby planets is also considered in our model. We further consider multiple scattering of reflected sunlight and thermal re-radiation on the modeled object itself. The finite volume method is applied to solve the model for which we present full derivations for the governing equations that control scattering and heat diffusion into the sub-surface. We assessed errors stemming from the chosen discretization of the depth profile, the window size from which scattering is considered, as well as from the chosen integration step-size and the spatial resolution of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM). Exemplarily, we determine surface and sub-surface (2 m depth) temperatures for the lunar polar areas. Topography of the lunar poles is modeled by measurements of the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). We integrated temperatures over a 18.6-year time frame using 180 m pixel−1LOLA DTMs of the poles, a 60 × 60 km window, and a 12 h integration time-step. The resulting preliminary temperature maps for the lunar poles are presented. Further, we show that our model agrees with temperatures obtained by the Diviner lunar radiometer experiment.
Probing the origin of the off-pulse emission from the pulsars B0525+21 and B2045−16
Authors: Marcote B. , Maan Y. , Paragi Z. , Keimpema A.
Published: June 2019

Pulsars typically exhibit radio emission in the form of narrow pulses originated from confined regions of their magnetospheres. A potential presence of magnetospherically originated emission outside this region, the so-called off-pulse emission, would challenge the existing theories. Detection of significant off-pulse emission has been reported so far from only two pulsars: B0525+21 and B2045−16 at 325 and 610 MHz, respectively. However, the nature of this newly uncovered off-pulse emission remains unclear. To probe its origin we conducted very-high-resolution radio observations of B0525+21 and B2045−16 with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.39 GHz. Whereas the pulsed emission is detected at a level consistent with previous observations, we report an absence of any off-pulse emission above 42 and 96 μJy beam−1 (three times the rms noise levels) for B0525+21 and B2045−16, respectively. Our stringent upper limits imply the off-pulse emission to be less than 0.4 and 0.3% of the period-averaged pulsed flux density, i.e., much fainter than the previously suggested values of 1−10%. Since the EVN data are most sensitive to extremely compact angular scales, our results suggest a non-magnetospheric origin for the previously reported off-pulse emission. The presence of extended emission that is resolved out to these milliarcsecond scales still remains plausible. In this case, we constrain the emission to arise from structures with sizes of ∼(0.61−19) × 103 au for B0525+21 and ∼(0.48−8.3) × 103 au for B2045−16. These constraints might indicate that the two pulsars are accompanied by compact bow-shock pulsar wind nebulae. Future observations probing intermediate angular scales (∼0.1−5 arcsec) will help to clarify the actual origin of the off-pulse emission.
Ultraviolet photo-ionisation in far-infrared selected sources
Authors: Curran S. J. , Duchesne S. W.
Published: June 2019

It has been reported that there is a deficit of stellar heated dust, as evident from the lack of far-infrared (FIR) emission, in sources within the Herschel-SPIRE sample with X-ray luminosities exceeding a critical value of LX ∼ 1037 W. Such a scenario would be consistent with the suppression of star formation by the AGN, required by current theoretical models. Since absorption of the 21 cm transition of neutral hydrogen (H I), which traces the star-forming reservoir, also exhibits a critical value in the ultraviolet band (above ionising photon rates of Q ≈ 3 × 1056 s−1), we test the SPIRE sample for the incidence of the detection of 250 μm emission with Q. The highest value at which FIR emission is detected above the SPIRE confusion limit is Q = 8.9 × 1057 s−1, which is ≈30 times that for the H I, with no critical value apparent. Since complete ionisation of the neutral atomic gas is expected at Q ≳ 3 × 1056 s−1, this may suggest that much of the FIR must arise from heating of the dust by the AGN. However, integrating the ionising photon rate of each star over the initial mass function, we cannot rule out that the high observed ionising photon rates are due to a population of hot, massive stars.
A self-consistent weak friction model for the tidal evolution of circumbinary planets
Authors: Zoppetti F. A. , Beaugé C. , Leiva A. M. , Folonier H.
Published: June 2019

We present a self-consistent model for the tidal evolution of circumbinary planets that is easily extensible to any other three-body problem. Based on the weak-friction model, we derive expressions of the resulting forces and torques considering complete tidal interactions between all the bodies of the system. Although the tidal deformation suffered by each extended mass must take into account the combined gravitational effects of the other two bodies, the only tidal forces that have a net effect on the dynamic are those that are applied on the same body that exerts the deformation, as long as no mean-motion resonance exists between the masses. As a working example, we applied the model to the Kepler-38 binary system. The evolution of the spin equations shows that the planet reaches a stationary solution much faster than the stars, and the equilibrium spin frequency is sub-synchronous. The binary components, on the other hand, evolve on a longer timescale, reaching a super-synchronous solution very close to that derived for the two-body problem. The orbital evolution is more complex. After reaching spin stationarity, the eccentricity was damped in all bodies and for all the parameters analysed here. A similar effect is noted for the binary separation. The semimajor axis of the planet, on the other hand, may migrate inwards or outwards, depending on the masses and orbital parameters. In some cases the secular evolution of the system may also exhibit an alignment of the pericenters, requiring the inclusion of additional terms in the tidal model. Finally, we derived analytical expressions for the variational equations of the orbital evolution and spin rates based on low-order elliptical expansions in the semimajor axis ratioαand the eccentricities. These are found to reduce to the well-known two-body case whenα→ 0 or when one of the masses is taken as equal to zero. This model allows us to find a closed and simple analytical expression for the stationary spin rates of all the bodies, as well as predicting the direction and magnitude of the orbital migration.
Theoretical and practical aspects of the development of devices for suppressing dust streams such as "electrostatic gate" for industrial ventilation systems
Authors: Minkin Maxim S. , Kuimov Denis N. , Shahramanyan Mikhail A.
Published: June 2019

The main objective of this work is to study the behavior of fine dust fractions (aerosols) of different nature in a non-uniform electric field (corona discharge) under electric, gravitational, aerodynamic and other disturbances. Determination of fundamental principles, and development of methods for controlling fine-fraction particles with predetermined physical characteristics. This article also presents the results of practical application of the developed methods.
Improving the efficiency of the heat and power system, due to the synthesis of control based on the synergistic concept
Authors: Lapshin Viktor P. , Hristoforova Veronika V. , Zakaluyzhnyy Alexey A. , Klueva Anna R. , Tung Pham Dinh
Published: June 2019

The article describes a special case of the synthesis of the electromechanical system for controlling the thermal regime by the method of analytical design of aggregated regulators. The task was to base the synthesis of the optimal in speed electromechanical system for stabilizing the operating modes of the thermodynamic system, based on the use of the Peltier module as a thermal converter.
Regions of interest selection in the tasks of contactless human pulse measurement by analyzing the RGB video stream
Authors: Fisunov Alexander V. , Beloyvanov Maxim S. , Samara Issam
Published: June 2019

This paper is devoted to improving the accuracy of human pulse measurement by RGB video stream analysis. For this purpose, a study was conducted the influence of the size, location and stability of the region of interest on contactless human pulse measurement results.
The IIIrd International Innovative Mining Symposium at T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University as a Step to Closer Cooperation of Science, Education and Business in the Mining Region
Authors: Krechetov Andrey
Published: June 2019

For the third time T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University is holding an event important for Russian mining science and education, expanding the boundaries of interaction between scientists and practice experts, opening up new opportunities for joint discussion of the most urgent problems of mineral resources sector development in Russia and other countries. The vector of discussions of the Third Mining Symposium is aimed at solving the pressing problem of extracting sector of economy and raw material clusters development – ensuring environmental and industrial safety. Today, this largely determines the benchmarks of the innovative development of mining and deep processing of minerals, recycling of mining waste, import substitution of modern equipment for enterprises of the mineral resources sector. Currently, issues of environmental and industrial safety go far beyond the regulatory framework, turning into a comprehensive engineering, educational and social-and-economic discourse, forming a new agenda and culture of interaction between science and production, a new league of representatives of the international community of technical universities.
Modern Methods of Monitoring and Predicting the State of Slope Structures
Authors: Cheskidov Vasilii , Kassymkanova Khaini-Kamal , Lipina Alexandra , Bornman Monique
Published: June 2019

The increasing complexity of mining and geological conditions in the development of mineral deposits, the operation of careers with a 600 and more meters depth, as well as the formation of unique artificial and alluvial massifs determines the need to obtain complete and reliable information about the state of slope structures for their proper assessment and to determine timely management decisions in order to prevent accidents and ensure industrial and environmental safety. The majority of modern geomechanical models are built on the basis of analytical mathematical methods that are not able to calculate all the factors affecting the conditions of the slope structures. With the advent of digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems, it became possible to develop new methods to collect, transfer and store information about engineering geological and hydrogeological factors, as well as to create software solutions aimed at improving the accuracy of slope structure behavior prediction affected by rapidly changing environmental and technological operating conditions.
Functionality of Process Control in Moulded Goods Production
Authors: Puhova Olga , Lebedev Vladimir
Published: June 2019

The article presents the findings of the research in the field of automatic control of peat mass quality in hollow peat pot production. The strength of the finished product determines its integrity and crumblability which affect the loss during drying and transportation. Therefore, knowing the strength characteristics we can use them for quality control. Besides, not strength but heterogeneity in the distribution of pores, moisture, and density is responsible for crumbling. Automatic regulation of effective peat mass water content is one of the main stages determining the quality. At this stage automatic control of the flow, dispersion and water content of peat mass entering the pulper tank as well as measurement and control of the amount of additional elements introduced, such as mineral components, wood pulp, and water to form the required consistency, are provided for. The models of automatic process control are built and analyzed with the methods of differential equation theory, numerical integration, and stability theory. The model is implemented with the custom-made proprietary software. The model adequacy is determined empirically by comparing the data obtained on the model with the actual technological process.
Automated Stability Analysis of Soil Slopes
Authors: Karablin Mikhail , Gurev Dmitry , Prostov Sergey
Published: June 2019

Herein there is a description of algorithm of the automated forecast of stability for soil slope structures including input of initial data regarding physical and mechanical properties and geometrical parameters of a structure, building of the most intense sliding face, computation of the slope stability by the polygon of forces method. Developed on algorithm basis, The Stable Slope software package has been implemented in open pit located in the Altai region. There are calculation results of the parameters of the Eastern steady side (slope angle at a given height) depending on the inclination angle of contact of the friable Quaternary deposit with a parent rock. Recommendations can improve work safety under adverse natural and man-made conditions causing formation of unstable water-saturated zones.
Study of the Conditions for Construction of the Haulage Berm in the Deposit Ledger-Wall
Authors: Bakhaeva Svetlana , Chernykh Elena
Published: June 2019

To reduce transportation distance and shipping cost for rock haulage with a single-side development system, it is relevant to build roads on the spoil bank of the open-pit. The article reviews factors affecting stability of the spoil bank and the most common types of deformation. The backward calculation method for obtaining resistance to shear characteristics of the base rocks in contact with a road embankment has been described. Schemes for road constructions on the spoil bank of the open-pit have been considered. Mining and geometric simulation of the road base has been built. Zoning of the road base as per slope angle of the underlying rock and parameters of the haulage berm allow tracing rapidly axis of the technological and engineering roads for actual engineering and geological conditions. Besides, measures to reduce risk factors of landslides during construction of the haulage berm at deposit ledger-wall have been considered.
Prediction of the Geomechanical State of the Fixed Ground Basis of a Mining Building
Authors: Sokolov Mikhail , Karablin Mikhail
Published: June 2019

The results of engineering and geological surveys to the ground base of a mining and technical building, composed of man-made filled-up ground, are presented. A simulation of the stress-strain state of a fixed ground base was carried out. The analysis of changes in the geomechanical state of the ground massif as a result of injection compaction is presented, on the basis of which recommendations are given on adjusting the parameters of the injection technology.
Calculation of Boundary Stripping Ratio Errors at the Stage of Quarries Designing
Authors: Selyukov Alexei , Rybár Radim
Published: June 2019

The open pit mining method of solid minerals extracting is widely used both in Russia and in the whole world, and sets a general direction of mining industry development as its main tool, at least for the next decades. This is due to its significant advantages compared with other methods of minerals extraction, especially with underground method. This conclusion is made considering production capacity of mining and enrichment enterprises, mining safety, productivity and working conditions, investment and operating costs, level of mechanization, automation, robotization, informatization and computerization of production, full use of mineral resources. However, the practical realization of these advantages of the open pit method of mining, neutralization and reduction or elimination of its shortcomings (environmental damage) requires thorough and reliable design solutions, their timely and accurate adjustment, application of scientific methods and modern technical and technological means. This is especially important and relevant for design, construction, operation, reconstruction and reclamation of open pits developing complex and large deposits of scarce and valuable mineral resources. Erroneous and insufficiently substantiated design solutions and their implementation lead to a significant decrease in the efficiency of open pit mining.
Research in the Impact of Dynamic Loads for the Development of Pentice Designs when Sinking Skip Shafts
Authors: Pershin Vladimir , Kopytov Aleksandr , Wetti Ahmed
Published: June 2019

In order to protect workers engaged in shaft sinking works artificial protective equipment (buntons) with the support element from powerful I-beams or truss structures are used. They have to withstand enormous push loading, be strong, simple in design, have less labor input during construction and dismantling. Under shaft sinking in case of skip operational winding performance, a protective bunton can be exposed to the rock mass flow in the event of an emergency full skip run. To substantiate the variables and develop the design of pentices when sinking an active hoisting shaft, the skip falls time dependence on the changes in its fall height, taking into account the velocity and the air stream direction in the shaft, was established using mathematical modeling. LLC “SibGorComplexEngineering” together with the Department of Construction of Underground Structures and Mines of T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University have developed several new designs variants of protective buntons for vertical shafts sinking in case of operational winding performance. It is a Z-shaped structure of the offset in height, parallel to each other of upper and lower protective buntons, bushed with sloped reflective metal sheets and it is interconnected by a vertical division wall.