bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Bias Correction of Satellite Rainfall Estimates for Climate Studies
Authors: Kimani Margaret Wambui , Hoedjes Joost C.B. , Su Zhongbo
Published: April 2018

Advances in remote sensing have led to use of satellite-derived rainfall products to complement the sparse rain gauge data. Although globally derived and some regional bias corrected, these products often show large discrepancies with ground measurements attributed to local and external factors that require systematic consideration. Decreasing rain gauge network however inhibits continuous validation of these products. We propose to deal with this problem by the use of Bayesian approach to merge the existing historical rain gauge information to create a consistent satellite rainfall data that can be used for climate studies. Monthly Bayesian bias correction is applied to the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS v2) data to reduce systematic errors using a corresponding gridded (0.05°) rain gauge data over East Africa for a period of 33 (1981–2013) years of which 22 years are utilized to derive error fields which are then applied to an independent CHIRPS data for 11 years for validation. The bias correction is spatially and temporally assessed during the rainfall wet months of March-May (MAM), June-August (JJA) and October–December (OND) in East Africa. Results show significant reduction of systematic errors at both monthly and yearly scales and harmonization of their cumulative distributions. Monthly statistics showed a reduction of RMSD (29–56)% and MAE (28–60)% and an increase of correlations (2–32) %, while yearly ones showed reductions of RMSD (9-23)%, and MAE (7–27)% and increase of correlations (4–77)% for MAM months, reduction of RMSD (15–35)% and MAE (16–41)% and increase in correlations (5–16)% for JJA months, and reduction of RMSD (3–35)% and MAE (9–32)% and increase of correlations (3–65)% for OND months. Systematic errors of corrected data were influenced by local processes especially over Lake Victoria and high elevated areas. Large-scale circulations induced errors were mainly during JJA and OND rainfall seasons and were reduced by the separation of anomalous years during training. The proposed approach is recommended for generating long-term data for climate studies where consistencies of errors can be assumed.
Reproduction of Characteristics of Extracellular Matrices in Specific Longitudinal Depth Zone Cartilage within Spherical Organoids in Response to Changes in Osmotic Pressure
Authors: Takada Eiichiro , Mizuno Shuichi
Published: April 2018

Articular chondrocytes are surrounded by chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, which attracts an abundant volume of interstitial water. The articular cartilage is compressed with joint-loading and weight-bearing stresses, followed by a bulging of the tissue during times of off-loading. Thus, osmotic pressure in articular cartilage is higher than in other tissues due to the fixed charged density and altered between loading and off-loading due to change in water content. Another unique characteristic of the articular cartilage is that it has longitudinal depth: surface, middle, and deep zones. Since each zone composes unique components of extracellular matrices, each zone has a various level of the osmotic pressure. It was unclear how changes in osmotic pressure affected chondrocyte homeostasis and matrix accumulation in specific longitudinal zone. We hypothesized that change in extrinsic osmotic pressure alters metabolic functions and histogenesis of extracellular matrix by zone-specific chondrocytes. We compared the gene expression of matrix related typical anabolic and catabolic molecules produced by zone specific articular chondrocytes and the immunohistology of these corresponding genes. Since the newly synthesized matrix needed a space to accumulate, we used a chondrocyte-spheroid model formed by longitudinal depth zone-derived cells and altered extrinsic osmotic pressure by changing media containing different osmotic pressures. Anabolic molecules upregulated continuously at high osmotic pressure and transiently by switching back the osmotic pressure from high to low. Each zone derived chondrocytes showed zone specific level of the gene expression. The spheroids once exposed to the high osmotic pressure accumulated extracellular matrices with empty spaces.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles for Methyl Orange Degradation under Visible Light
Authors: Mosquera Edgar , Herrera Daniela , Quintero Marcela , Sivasamy Ramesh , García Andreina , Diosa Jesús , Vargas Rubén A.
Published: April 2018

TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a facile and scalable sol-gel method followed by calcination in air. The structural and optical properties, along with the photocatalytic performance of the nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and degradation of anionic azo dye (methyl orange (MO)) under visible light irradiation. The prepared TiO2 nanoparticles crystallize in the anatase structure with a highly crystalline order. The results showed a band gap energy of 3.59, 3.79 and 3.54 eV, respectively, which suggests a better photocatalytic activity for sample calcined at 450 °C compared to other samples’ thermal treatments. The synthesis route employed for the preparation of the TiO2 nano-photocatalyst resulted to be efficient for degradation reactions MO of dyes.
Agricultural Vehicle Robot
Authors: Noguchi Noboru ,   Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University Kita 9 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
Published: April 2018

With the intensive application of techniques in global positioning, machine vision, image processing, sensor integration, and computing-based algorithms, vehicle automation is one of the most pragmatic branches of precision agriculture, and has evolved from a concept to be in existence worldwide. This paper addresses the application of robot vehicles in agriculture using new technologies.
Image Mosaicing Using Multi-Modal Images for Generation of Tomato Growth State Map
Authors: Fujinaga Takuya ,   Kyushu Institute of Technology 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Fukuoka 808-0196, Japan, Yasukawa Shinsuke , Li Binghe , Ishii Kazuo
Published: April 2018

Due to the aging and decreasing the number of workers in agriculture, the introduction of automation and precision is needed. Focusing on tomatoes, which is one of the major types of vegetables, we are engaged in the research and development of a robot that can harvest the tomatoes and manage the growth state of tomatoes. For the robot to automatically harvest tomatoes, it must be able to automatically detect harvestable tomatoes positions, and plan the harvesting motions. Furthermore, it is necessary to grasp the positions and maturity of tomatoes in the greenhouse, and to estimate their yield and harvesting period so that the robot and workers can manage the tomatoes. The purpose of this study is to generate a tomato growth state map of a cultivation lane, which consists of a row of tomatoes, aimed at achieving the automatic harvesting and the management of tomatoes in a tomato greenhouse equipped with production facilities. Information such as the positions and maturity of the tomatoes is attached to the map. As the first stage, this paper proposes a method of generating a greenhouse map (a wide-area mosaic image of a tomato cultivation lane). Using the infrared image eases a correspondence point problem of feature points when the mosaic image is generated. Distance information is used to eliminate the cultivation lane behind the targeted one as well as the background scenery, allowing the robot to focus on only those tomatoes in the targeted cultivation lane. To verify the validity of the proposed method, 70 images captured in a greenhouse were used to generate a single mosaic image from which tomatoes were detected by visual inspection.
Underwater Platform for Intelligent Robotics and its Application in Two Visual Tracking Systems
Authors: Nishida Yuya , Sonoda Takashi , Yasukawa Shinsuke , Nagano Kazunori , Minami Mamoru , Ishii Kazuo , Ura Tamaki ,   Kyushu Institute of Technology 2-4 Hibikino, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 808-0196, Japan,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University 3-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Published: April 2018

A hovering-type autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of cruising at low altitudes and observing the seafloor using only mounted sensors and payloads was developed for sea-creature survey. The AUV has a local area network (LAN) interface for an additional payload that can acquire navigation data from the AUV and transmit the target value to the AUV. In the handling process of the state flow of an AUV, additional payloads can control the AUV position using the transmitted target value without checking the AUV condition. In the handling process of the state flow of an AUV, additional payloads can control the AUV position using the transmitted target value without checking the AUV condition. In this research, water tank tests and sea trials were performed using an AUV equipped with a visual tracking system developed in other laboratories. The experimental results proved that additional payload can control the AUV position with a standard deviation of 0.1 m.
Gait Planning and Simulation Analysis of a New Amphibious Quadruped Robots
Authors: Han Shuo ,   School of Mechanical, Electrical and Information Engineering, Shandong University 180 Wenhua Xilu, Weihai 264209, China, Chen Yuan , Ma Guangying , Zhang Jinshan , Liu Runchen
Published: April 2018

In order to allow quadruped robots to adapt to the complex working environment in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, a new type of quadruped robot with linear and rotary driving is proposed, and the kinematic inverse solution of the leg of the quadruped robot is deduced. For achieving quadruped robot smooth walking, the straight gait of the quadruped robot is planned according to the stability margin principle of motion, so that the stability margin of the machine is 20 mm when three legs supporting it. The planning gait is simulated by ADAMS software, the kinematics and dynamics analysis of the four main driving mechanisms of the robot leg were carried out, and the feasibility of using the STEP5 driving function to execute the planning gait in the quadruped robot was verified. The theoretical and simulation curve analysis results show that, the quadruped robot according to the planned gait can complete the cycle and have a stable walking. The results of this study can provide a reference for the practical application of the new amphibious quadruped robot in the fields of complex and uneven ground in the field of fisheries and aquaculture to realize exploration, fishing and transportation.
Transcendental idealism and structuralism
Authors: Vuković Ivan
Published: April 2018

The author examines possible analogies between Kant’s transcendental idealism and de Saussure’s and Levi-Strauss’s structuralism, in order to analyse if the former can be understood as a predecessor for the later. The author shows that both teachings assume a priori formal framework, but they diverge in the ways they describe it, as well as in understanding of its function. Consequently, the author concludes that structuralism can be seen as one possible use of Kant’s idea about the existence of such a frame. Furthermore, the author claims that Ricker’s understanding of structuralism as ‘Kantianism without transcendental subject’ should be rejected, since a teaching which does not assume existence of such subject cannot be understood as Kantian.
“Rebellion of the Signifier”: Contemporary Effects of the Concept Bricolage
Authors: Prica Ines
Published: April 2018

In this paper the concept of bricolage is applied to the paradoxical contexts of transitory societies using the translation of general theoretical concepts to those politically recognizable. On the one hand, notions of intersubjectivity, improvisation and self-organisation suggest social functioning based on the principles of free market, management and self-government; while on the other, common understanding of transition as the "application of democracy according to a model", introduces radically different background of bricolage as non-inventiveness, imitation, fragmentary connection and "irrational mentality".
Financial sustainability of the state pension system of Ukraine
Authors: Horbunova Olena , Kartseva Viktoriia , Pedchenko Nataliya , Ostapenko Myroslav
Published: April 2018

The financial situation of the Ukrainian pension system and the problems of its reforming play an important role in determining the general standard of living in the country. The institutional weaknesses in the financial management of the state pension system have led to an unbalanced budget of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and a low standard of living for pensioners. In order to identify the potential for building an effective system of pension insurance, it is necessary to study the modern aspects of financial provision of the Ukrainian pension system. The article defines the economic interrelations between the processes of forming the financial resources of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and the volume and structure of the gross domestic product. In view of this, the financial sustainability of the state pension system of Ukraine has been researched and the determinants of its stable functioning in the years 1999–2017 have been identified, which enables to influence the process of effective formation and use of pension resources and to identify the strategic directions of reforming the pension system.
Adsorptive removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions using different types of red mud
Authors: Guo Tengfei , Yang Haiquan , Liu Qingyou , Gu Hannian , Wang Ning , Yu Wenbin , Dai Yang
Published: April 2018

Red mud (RM) is an industrial waste generated during production of alumina from using the Bayer process or the sintering process. Four types of red mud from China were characterized for their diverse chemical and mineral compositions using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Acid treatment was employed to obtain activated red mud (ARM), posing increased surface areas from 10–28 m2/g to 220–350 m2/g. RMs and ARMs were used to adsorb phosphate in solution to compare the adsorption capacity. Sample GZ3, a red mud from the sintering process, presented the highest adsorption capacity among the four raw RMs, posing an adsorption capacity of 0.37 mg P/g in the solution of 1 mg P/L with a solid/solution ratio of 0.5 g: 1 L. Whereas, activated GX (AGX), a high iron Bayer red mud from diaspore bauxite, showed the highest adsorption capacity of all the ARMs, with an adsorption capacity of 1.92 mg P/g in the same condition. The dynamic studies indicate that the adsorption mainly followed the pseudo second-order model. The models of Freundlich and Langmuir were used to simulate the sorption equilibrium on GZ3 and AGX. It suggests that the Freundlich model had a better correlation with GZ3 while the Langmuir model fitted well with AGX.
Meta-analysis of the reduction of antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli as a result of low- and medium-pressure UV lamps
Authors: O'Flaherty Eithne , Membré Jeanne-Marie , Cummins Enda
Published: April 2018

It is vital that harmful bacteria are removed from water and wastewater treatment plants to prevent human/environmental exposure. This paper examines the log reduction of antibiotic-sensitive (AS) and antibiotic-resistant (AR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a result of low-pressure (LP) and medium-pressure (MP) UV lamps. A meta-analysis was performed and a mixed-effect model was created in which 303 data points on the log reduction of E. coli from UV treatment were collected. The results show that in order to achieve a 6 log reduction using an MP lamp, on average a UV level of 7.3 mJ/cm2 for AS E. coli and 7.5 mJ/cm2 for AR E. coli were required. Using an LP lamp, a UV level of 8.1 mJ/cm2 for AS E. coli and 8.4 mJ/cm2 for AR E. coli were required. The results show there is no significant difference between the inactivation of AR and AS E. coli at different UV levels. The model predicts that AR or AS E. coli will be inactivated at UV levels lower than the recommended UV operation conditions (40 mJ/cm2), but it is important to use this UV level to inactivate other harmful microorganisms.
Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases with the Plant Alkaloid Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Fan Dahua , Liu Liping , Wu Zhengzhi , Cao Meiqun
Published: April 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most serious health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Such diseases are characterized by a progressive degeneration and / or death of neurons in the central nervous system. Currently, there are no therapeutic approaches to cure or even halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the neuroprotective and anti-neurodegenerative activities of compounds isolated from natural products with high efficacy and low toxicity. Accumulating evidence indicates that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, may act as a promising anti-neurodegenerative agent by inhibiting the activity of the most important pathogenic enzymes, ameliorating intracellular oxidative stress, attenuating neuroinflammation, triggering autophagy and protecting neurons against apoptotic cell death. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie its effects on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.
Epigenetics, Nutrition, Disease and Drug Development
Authors: Lundstrom Kenneth
Published: April 2018

Epigenetic mechanisms comprising of DNA methylation, histone modifications and gene silencing by RNA interference have been strongly linked to the development and progression of various diseases. These findings have triggered research on epigenetic functions and signal pathways as targets for novel drug discovery. Dietary intake has also presented significant influence on human health and disease development and nutritional modifications have proven important in prevention, but also the treatment of disease. Moreover, a strong link between nutrition and epigenetic changes has been established. Therefore, in attempts to develop novel safer and more efficacious drugs, both nutritional requirements and epigenetic mechanisms need to be addressed.
Synthetic Approaches of Pyrazolyl Quinolines
Authors: Khidre Rizk E. , Radini Ibrahim Ali M. , Ibrahim Diaa A.
Published: April 2018

This review article represents a survey of the synthetic strategies leading to pyrazolyl quinolines.
The synthetic methods are divided into two main groups based on the type of starting reagents: 1)
From quinoline ring onto a pyrazole scaffold, 2) From pyrazole ring onto a quinoline scaffold. Also,
some medical applications of pyrazolyl quinoline derivatives are mentioned such as anticancer, cell proliferative
disorder, glucose transport inhibitors, anti-inflammatory, and inhibitors of leukotriene production
for the treatment of cardiovascular. The main purpose of this review is to present a survey of the
literature on the synthetic approaches of pyrazolyl quinolines and provide useful and up-to-date data for
organic and medicinal chemist since such compound has not been previously reviewed.
Class II Hydrophobin HFBII: A Potential Carrier for Antitumor Agents
Authors: Khalesi Mohammadreza , Mamashli Fatemeh , Goliaei Bahram , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali A. , Derdelinckx Guy
Published: April 2018

Background:

Class II hydrophobin HFBII is a fungal protein with potential applications in
pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, the antitumor activity of this protein has not been reported.

Methods:

In this study, natural type of Trichoderma reesei was cultivated in a submerged bioreactor to
produce hydrophobin HFBII. The protein was purified using a reversed phase liquid chromatography, verified
by MALDI-TOF, and then examined for its anticancer activity against T47D breast tumor cell line.

Results:

Different concentrations of hydrophobin HFBII from 1 nM to 500 μM were examined for this
experiment. Hydrophobin HFBII with molecular weights of 7.0-7.2 kDa was achieved. The results of
MTT assay showed that from the concentration of 100 μM and upwards, hydrophobin HFBII adversely
affected the viability of the breast tumor cells. The IC50 value was reported to be 131 μM. Class II hydrophobin
seems to be a very effective carrier for antitumor agent.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of HFBII cytotoxicity. However, there is lack of information regarding
HFBII’s mechanism of action in cell death induction. Since, HFBII could play important roles in
biomedicine, whether as a drug or a carrier for various kinds of pharmaceuticals, it is strongly suggested
that its biological effects would be evaluated in detail.
Novel Findings of Anti-cancer Property of Propofol
Authors: Wang Jiaqiang , Cheng Chien-shan , Lu Yan , Ding Xiaowei , Zhu Minmin , Miao Changhong , Chen Jiawei
Published: April 2018

Background:

Propofol, a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent, is traditionally applied for sedation
and general anesthesia.

Explanation:

Recent attention has been drawn to explore the effect and mechanisms of propofol against cancer
progression in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing properties of
propofol in cancer have been studied. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Conclusion:

This review focused on the findings within the past ten years and aimed to provide a general overview
of propofol's malignance-modulating properties and the potential molecular mechanisms.
Calculation of energy states of excitons in square quantum wells
Authors: Belov P.A.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe ground and excited energy states of excitons in single square GaAs-based quantum wells are found by the numerical solution of the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation. This equation is obtained within the envelope-function formalism from the exciton energy operator using the spherical approximation of the Luttinger Hamiltonian. Precise results for the exciton states are achieved by the finite-difference method. The radiative decay rates of the calculated states are also determined.
Spectroscopy of PbS and PbSe quantum dots in fluorine phosphate glasses
Authors: Kuznetsova M.S. , Cherbunin R.V. , Litvyak V.M. , Kolobkova E.V.
Published: April 2018

AbstractTransmission spectra of the narrow-bandgap semiconductor quantum dots PbS and PbSe in the fluorine phosphate glass are experimentally studied at different temperatures. Energies of 1s exciton transitions observed in the absorption spectra are used to determine characteristic sizes of the quantum dots under study. A nontrivial temperature behavior of the ground and excited quantum confined states in the quantum dots of different sizes are observed.
Dangling bond spins controlling recombination dynamics of excitons in colloidal nanocrystals and nanoplatelets
Authors: Rodina A.V. , Golovatenko A.A. , Shornikova E.V. , Yakovlev D.R. , Efros Al.L.
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe show theoretically that spins of dangling bonds (DBSs) at the surface of colloidal nanostructures can be responsible for the dark exciton radiative recombination governing low temperature photoluminecence. The DBS-assisted dark exciton recombination is efficient when all spins are randomly oriented. The DBS polarization caused by external magnetic field or by the formation of the dangling bond magnetic polaron (DBMP) at low temperatures suppresses the DBS-assisted recombination. The temperature or magnetic field control on the DBS-polarization allows to detect experimentally the presence of DBS and DBS-assisted recombination in CdSe nanocrystals and 2D nanoplatelets.
TiN Nanoporous Electrode covered by Single Cell as Bio-Electronic Sensor of Radiation Hazard
Authors: Stupin D.D.
Published: April 2018

AbstractHere we demonstrate a simple label-free bio-electronic radiation (ultra-violet) hazard detector based on non-destructive electrical impedance spectroscopy technique with a single living cell as a sensing element. Radiation results in wrong cell’s functioning and, as corollary, cell’s membrane distortion. The latter results in impedance shift for the electrode covered by the cell. The additional sensitivity of impedance shift is achieved by the simultaneous usage of the TiN porous electrodes and adaptive filtering for impedance data processing. The main advantage of the proposed sensor with respect to purely physical and/or chemical sensors is high selectivity: it a priory reacts only on the dangerous for living beings radiation.
Dielectric properties of oligonucleotides on the surface of Si nanosandwich structures
Authors: Fomin Maxim A. , Chernev Andrey L. , Bagraev Nicolay T. , Klyachkin Leonid E. , Emelyanov Anton K. , Dubina Michael V.
Published: April 2018

AbstractPlanar silicon nanostructures that are formed as a very narrow silicon quantum well confined by delta-barriers heavily doped with boron are used to study the dielectric properties of DNA oligonucleotides deposited onto the surface of the nanostructures. The capacitance characteristics of the silicon nanostructures with oligonucleotides deposited onto their surface are determined by recording the local tunneling current- voltage characteristics by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. The results show the possibility of identifying the local dielectric properties of DNA oligonucleotide segments consisting of repeating G–C pairs. These properties apparently give grounds to correlate the segments with polymer molecules exhibiting the properties of multiferroics.
Alternative technology for creating nanostructures using Dip Pen Nanolithography
Authors: Lukyanenko A.V. , Smolyarova T.E.
Published: April 2018

AbstractFor modern microelectronics, at the present time, the technologies of consciousness smart structures play an important role, which can provide accuracy, stability and high quality of the structures. Submicron lithography methods are quite expensive and have natural size limitations, not allowing the production of structures with an extremely small lateral limitation. Therefore, an intensive search was conducted for alternative methods for creating submicron resolution structures. Especially attractive one is the possibility of self-organization effects utilization, where the nanostructure of a certain size is formed under the influence of internal forces. The dip pen nanolithography method based on a scanning probe microscope uses a directwrite technology and allows one to carry out a playback of small size structures with high accuracy. In the experiment, a substrate coated with Au (15 nm) using a DPN technique is applied to the polymer to form a desired pattern nano-sized channel. The experiment was conducted using a pointed probe SiN, coated MHA-Acetonitrile, on the Si(111)/Fe_3Si/Au structure.
Исследование формирования избыточного свободного объема в тройных стыках границ зерен при кристаллизации на примере никеля
Authors: Полетаев Г.М. , Новоселова Д.В. , Зоря И.В. , Старостенков М.Д.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe formation of an excess free volume in triple junctions during crystallization has been studied by the molecular dynamics model using nickel as an example. It is shown that an excess free volume that forms during nickel crystallization in triple junctions predominantly forms as a result of the fixation of the liquid phase volume when contacting three crystallization fronts that contains, after crystallization, a high fraction of the free volume. In some cases, as the free volume is concentrated in triple junctions, a comparatively small crystalline subgrain (from one to several nanometers in diameter) forms, and the subgrain has the orientation different from those of contacting grains and exists in the extended state.
Влияние размера частиц и удельной поверхности на определение плотности нанокристаллических порошков сульфида серебра Ag-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-S
Authors: Садовников С.И. , Гусев А.И.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe effect of the particle size and specific surface area of silver sulfide powders on their density measured by the helium pycnometry method has been studied. Powders with different average particle sizes have been synthesized by hydrochemical deposition. The particle size of the silver sulfide powders has been determined by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method according to molecular nitrogen adsorption isotherms and, in the case of fine powders, by X-ray diffraction analysis according to diffraction reflection broadening. It has been shown that the density of the fine powders measured by helium pycnometry is underestimated compared with the true density, owing to the adsorption of helium by the highly developed surface of these powders.
Оптические свойства пленок ниобата бария стронция SBN61
Authors: Широков В.Б. , Павленко А.В. , Стрюков Д.В. , Ревинский Ю.В.
Published: April 2018

AbstractHeteroepitaxial Sr_0.61Ba_0.39Nb_2O_6 films have been formed on MgO(001) substrates by RF deposition in an oxygen atmosphere. The film orientation with respect to the substrate is investigated using X-ray diffraction. The permittivity dispersion parameters in the visible range are determined by measuring optical transmission spectra. The films are found to have a wider band gap and a smaller refractive index as compared with the single-crystal material.
Особенности фазообразования и электронного строения в пленочных композитах Al-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=-Si-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=- при магнетронном и ионно-лучевом напылении
Authors: Терехов В.А. , Усольцева Д.С. , Сербин О.В. , Занин И.Е. , Куликова Т.В. , Нестеров Д.Н. , Барков К.А. , Ситников А.В. , Лазарук С.К. , Домашевская Э.П.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe peculiarities of the phase composition and electronic structure of aluminum–silicon composite films near the Al_0.75Si_0.25 composition obtained by the magnetron and ion-beam sputtering methods on a Si(100) silicon substrate are studied using the X-ray diffraction techniques and ultrasoft X-ray emission spectroscopy. In addition to silicon nanocrystals of about 25 nm in size, an ordered solid solution corresponding to the previously unknown Al_3Si phase is formed in magnetron sputtering on a polycrystalline Al matrix. Films obtained by ion-beam sputtering of the composite target are found to be monophasic and contained only one phase of an ordered solid solution of aluminum silicide Al_3Si of the Pm3m cubic system with the primitive cell parameter a = 4.085 Å. However, subsequent pulsed photon annealing of the composite with different radiation doses from 145 to 216 J/cm^2 gives rise to the partial decomposition of the Al_3Si phase with the formation of free metallic aluminum and silicon nanocrystals with sizes in the range from 50 to 100 nm, depending on the pulsed photon radiation dose.
Экспериментальное исследование влияния добавки наночастиц на реологические свойства суспензии
Authors: Минаков А.В. , Михиенкова Е.И. , Неверов А.Л. , Бурюкин Ф.А.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe results of an experimental study of the rheological properties of clay-particle suspensions with additions of silicon-, aluminum-, and titanium-oxide nanoparticles are given. The concentration of particles in solutions ranges from 0.25 to 2 wt %. The particle sizes are in the range from 5 to 100 nm. The dependences of the effective viscosity and rheological parameters of these solutions on the concentration, size, and chemical nature of nanoparticles are established.
Измерение пространственных распределений температуры электронов в облаках полистироловых пеллетов, испаряющихся в плазме гелиотрона LHD
Authors: Шаров И.А. , Сергеев В.Ю. , Мирошников И.В. , Кутеев Б.В. , Tamura N. , Sudo S.
Published: April 2018

AbstractTwo methods for measuring the spatial distribution of the temperature of electrons in a cloud near a polystyrene pellet that ablates in LHD heliotron plasma are described. The first method is based on measuring the ratio of the local emission-coefficient values at wavelengths of 486 ± 5 nm (the H _β line) and 630 ± 5 nm (continuum). The second (new) method is based on the measurement of radiation distributions of the H _β line in the direction along the magnetic field. Both the methods use an assumption about the partial local thermodynamic equilibrium in the cloud and show close results. It is shown for the first time that the temperature of cloud electrons increases from 0.8 eV in the immediate vicinity of the pellet surface to 6.0–7.0 eV at a distance of 6–8 mm from the pellet in the direction along the magnetic field, which agrees with the experimentally observed longitudinal distribution of the H _β radiation in the cloud.
Внедрение сопряженного полимера MDMO-PPV в микрорезонаторы из пористого кремния при избыточном давлении из раствора
Authors: Осипов Е.В. , Мартынов И.Л. , Курьянова М.Н. , Чистяков А.А.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe results of a controlled embedment of the polymer Poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)- 1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MDMO−PPV) in microcavities that are based on porous silicon from a solution in toluene at an excess pressure in the range from 1 to 3 atm are presented. The behavior of polymer luminescence depending on the magnitude of the excess pressure and embedment time has been investigated. It has been shown that luminescence reaches saturation for a characteristic time of 100 min regardless of the excess-pressure value. It has been demonstrated that the results of the embedment have a high degree of reproducibility. The influence of the porosity of the upper layer of the microcavity on the efficiency of the polymer embedment has been discussed.
Нейросетевой метод прогнозирования образования дефектов на поверхности тонких пленок ITO при механических нагрузках
Authors: Кириенко Д.А. , Березина О.Я.
Published: April 2018

AbstractA method for determining the number of defects arising under compressive and tensile stress in bended thin transparent conducting coatings on polymer substrates is proposed. This algorithm is based on the use of mathematical methods of artificial neural networks. The network is trained for calculating the average defect density per unit length at the input parameters corresponding to film and substrate sizes, surface resistance of the conducting coating, and bending radius. The application of this method allows one to determine the average defect density with high accuracy.
Локальные колебания связей кремний-кремний в нитриде кремния
Authors: Володин В.А. , Гриценко В.А. , Chin A.
Published: April 2018

AbstractRaman spectra of films of nearly stoichiometric amorphous silicon nitride (a-Si_3N_4) reveal a contribution due to local oscillations of silicon–silicon (Si–Si) bonds. This observation directly confirms that the almost stoichiometric a-Si_3N_4 contains Si–Si bonds, which, according to theoretical predictions, act as electron and hole traps that are responsible for the memory effect in Si_3N_4.
Диагностика состояний нейронного ансамбля головного мозга по записям магнитоэнцефалограмм с привлечением искусственных нейронных сетей
Authors: Фролов Н.С. , Писарчик А.Н.
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe propose a method for the diagnostics of human brain states using MEG records and an artificial neural-network apparatus. It is shown that this approach allows various states of the human brain to be classified in the case of making decisions related to the perception of visual stimuli.
Detection of Cerebrovascular Disease with Mobile Application (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Zhongke , Wang Xingce , Tu Wen , Shui Wuyang , Zhu Yi-Cheng , Zhou Mingquan
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cerebrovascular disease has gradually increased to become the second leading cause of death in the world. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) evaluates the intracranial vessels without requiring invasive procedures.

OBJECTIVE

This study provides a novel anatomy cerebrovascular disease detection platform for mobile devices with Android systems that could be applied in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, medical prevention, and health care.

METHODS

The system proposed herein can transfer information of a text, DICOM images, and the 3D cerebrovascular model from the server to the client. The platform design structure can be divided into five layers. The platform server was based on an event-driven mechanism and used an HTTP protocol to achieve faster and more effective data transmission. In addition, the client used a Model View Controller(MVC) model for platform development.

RESULTS

This study investigated the reliability and effectiveness of the platform and examined user-related questions. Forty students who represented common users and 21 doctors who represented professional users participated in the experiment. The results indicated that both common and professional users were satisfied with the platform usage.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental results implied that the platform could be a useful tool for detecting cerebrovascular disease and that it could be integrated into existing diagnosis methods and treatments. Furthermore, the platform could be extended to the detection of other diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

CLINICALTRIAL

ChiCTR-OCH-12002508
Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland: Protocol for a Web-Based Survey and Environmental Audit Tool for Assessing the Impact of Multiple Factors on University Students’ Physical Activity (Preprint)
Authors: Murphy Joseph J , Woods Catherine B , Murphy Marie H , Murphy Niamh , Byrne Neal , Mac Donncha Ciaran
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Increasing proportions of the global population transition through a university setting, a setting associated with engagement in behaviors that diminish health such as high levels of physical inactivity. Increasing physical activity (PA) is a key element of health promotion strategies in many countries, but a better understanding of students’ PA and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors is needed. Studies provide protocols to collect information regarding these factors separately; however, none have developed a validated systematic approach to gather information pertaining to all across a whole country.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this project is to examine students’ physical activity and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.

METHODS

Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland (SASSI) is a university-based cross-sectional study that was carried out across the island of Ireland in 2014. A novel and comprehensive Web-based environmental audit tool (EAT) gathered information pertaining to the environment provided by universities for physical activity. A Web-based student survey (SS) collected information about physical activity beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of students. The audit tool and SS were developed through rigorous consultation processes involving international experts. An institutional champion volunteered at each university to recruit, administer, and ensure the completion of both assessments.

RESULTS

Data collection was undertaken between May and December 2014. A total of 80% (33/41) of universities completed the EAT, whereas 88.31% (8122/9197) of students (49.10% [3966/8122] male; mean 23.17 [SD 6.75], years) completed the SS sufficiently. Studies are currently underway with the data collected using this protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

SASSI provides a novel and comprehensive protocol for systematically assessing the PA of students and the related personal, behavioral, and actual environmental factors. The strengths of the SASSI study are presented and include high response rates and a unique dataset that can provide information to relevant stakeholders and policy makers, along with aiding the development of university environments and interventions that promote PA involvement. The weaknesses of the protocol are recognized with suggestions given to overcome them in future research. This protocol is applicable for other countries and has great potential to create harmonization of data, which would allow for direct comparisons across nations.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

RR1-10.2196/10823
Methemoglobinemia after local anesthetic (prilocaine) application: a case report
Authors: YALCİN Gulsen , KİLİCASLAN Onder , OZKAN Aybars , KOCABAY Kenan
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Circumcision is a surgical procedure
performed by many societies for religious, medical and cultural purposes. One
of the agents used during this procedure is prilocaine, a commonly used local
anesthetic. In the literature, cases of methemoglobinemia which can be
developed with the application of prilocaine in normal dose have been reported.
Oxidation of hemoglobin with various oxidative stresses is called
methemoglobinemia when the divalent iron in its content is converted into its
trivalent form. This reaction leads to hypoxaemia in the tissue
and a clinical picture of cyanosis occurs at varying degrees.Case Report: Two-and-a-half-month-old patient was referred to my hospital by a
physician because of the complaint of bruising after local anesthesia with
prilocaine and the measured oxygen saturation was 79%. Physical examination
revealed cyanosis in the peroral region, hands and feet. It was decided that
methylene blue should be administered considering the fact that the patient was
given prilocaine as a local anesthetic, due to the inability to find an
underlying respiratory and cardiac cause, and because of the high value of methemoglobin
in blood gas. Methylene blue 2 mg/kg was given orally. About an hour later,
cyanosis disappeared. The control methhemoglobin level was found to be 2.7%.

Conclusion: Methemoglobinemia should be considered in the
differential diagnosis of cyanosis after local anesthetic application and local
anesthetics with less side effects should be preferred in early infancy. In
this case report, it was aimed to discuss the differential diagnosis and
treatment methods of methemoglobinemia after local anesthesia with prilocaine.
Applying local vancomycin with vacuum-assisted closure on decubitus isolated Corynebacterium striatum: a case report
Authors: BENLİ Ali Ramazan , ADAHAN Didem
Published: April 2018

Introduction:  The infections of decubitus are generally polymicrobial. infection.
After  debridement and control of
infection, decubitus treatment continues with regeneration of tissue loss.
Vacuum assisted closing (VAC) is a treatment option in these situations. We
aimed to reveal local antibiotic treatment of decubitus infection with C.
Striatum which was resistant to first generation antibiotics, with vancomycin
instillated in VAC device, in this case.Case Presentation:  77 years old patient with Alzheimer, Parkinson and diabetes mellitus
residented in was hospitalized in palliative care unit for decubitus and
nutrition disorder. Decubitus with necrosis was present in sacral region.  The Ampirical antibiotherapy with
ciprofloxacin for decubitus infection was given to the patient whose
hematologic parameters detected during hospitalization were normal. VAC
application was performed after debridement of necrotic tissues. C. Striatum
resistant to first generation antibiotics was identified in wound culture.
Contamination was suspected cause the patient’s general status was good,
inflamation marker levels were moderate and C. Striatumun is existing in normal
skin flora. Ciprofloxacin was stopped as C. Striatum was isolated again in the
culture taken from the middle of wound and was determined sensitive to linezoid
and vancomycin and resistant to other antibiotics.   Treatment was continued with vancomycin
added to VAC device. No bacteria was detected in control cultures.

Conclusion:  Decubitus wound infections are generally polymicrobial and treated with
systemic or local treatments.  Multi
resistant C. Striatum reproduction as in this case is usually isolated in
immunosupressive patients with long hospitalization period, patients using
prolonged large spectrum antibiotics and in intensive care units. It was
presented with this case that successfull resuIts could be achieved  by local performing of advanced antibiotic
that the microorganism is sensitive in the treatment of seconder infection
developed in decubitus ulcer of the patient who had no sepsis signs.
Tax Aggressiveness and Corporate Transparency
Authors: Balakrishnan Karthik , Blouin Jennifer L. , Guay Wayne R.
Published: April 2018

We investigate whether aggressive tax planning firms have a less transparent information environment. Although tax planning provides expected tax savings, it can simultaneously increase the financial complexity of the organization. And to the extent that this greater financial complexity cannot be adequately clarified through communications with outside parties, such as investors and analysts, transparency problems can arise. Our investigation of the association between tax aggressiveness and information asymmetry, analysts' forecast errors, and earnings quality suggests that aggressive tax planning is associated with lower corporate transparency. We also find evidence that managers at tax-aggressive firms attempt to mitigate these transparency problems by increasing various tax-related disclosures. Overall, our results suggest that firms face a trade-off between tax benefits and financial transparency when choosing the aggressiveness of their tax planning.

JEL Classifications: G30; H26; M41.
Effectiveness of and Dental Sensitivity to At-home Bleaching With 4% and 10% Hydrogen Peroxide: A Randomized, Triple-blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Chemin K , Rezende M , Loguercio AD , Reis A , Kossatz S
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate the risk for and intensity of tooth sensitivity and color change of at-home dental bleaching with 4% and 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP).

Methods:

For this study, 78 patients were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomized into two groups: HP 4 (White Class 4%, FGM) and HP 10 (White Class 10%, FGM). In both groups, the at-home bleaching was performed for a period of 30 minutes twice a day for two weeks. The color was assessed by Vita Classical, Vita Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER and spectrophotometer Vita Easyshade (Vita Zahnfabrik) at baseline, during bleaching (first and second weeks) and after bleaching (one month). Patients recorded their tooth sensitivity using a numeric rating scale (0-4) and visual analog scale (0-10). Data from color change (DeltaE data) was submitted to two-way analysis of variance. The color change data in Delta SGU from the two shade guide units were compared with the Mann Whitney test. The risk of tooth sensitivity was evaluated by χ2 test and the intensity of tooth sensitivity from both scales was evaluated by a Mann-Whitney test (α=0.05).

Results:

The absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity was higher in the group that used HP 10 than the one that used HP 4. Data from change in the number of shade guide units and color variation after one month of bleaching for both groups showed significant whitening, with no difference between groups.

Conclusions:

At-home bleaching is effective with 4% and 10% HP concentrations, but 10% HP increased the absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity during at-home bleaching.