bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Time Difference between Imagined and Physical Walking in Older Adults at a High Risk of Falling
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Murata Shin , Shiraiwa Kayoko , Nonaka Koji
Published: June 2020

Walking motor imagery ability is thought to be associated with a fear of falling; however, no studies have compared fall risk and motor imagery ability. This study aimed to ascertain the time difference between imagined and physical walking in older adults at low and high risks of falling. Motor imagery ability was assessed using mental chronometry, which measures the imagined time required for movement. Participants included 31 older adults classified as having a high (n = 15) or low (n = 16) risk of falling based on single leg stance time. The time required for imagined and physical walking was measured using 5 m long walkways with three different widths (15, 25, and 50 cm), and the temporal errors (absolute and constant error) were compared. Physical walking time was significantly longer in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group for the 15 and 25 cm wide walkways. The absolute error between the imagined and physical walking times was significantly larger in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group for the 15 and 25 cm wide walkways. There was also a significant difference in the constant error between the high- and low-risk groups between the imagined and physical walking times for all three walkways. Older adults who may be at a higher risk of falling showed longer walking times during action execution but overestimated their performance (i.e., they believe they would be faster) during motor imagery. Therefore, the time difference between imagined and physical walking could, in part, be useful as a tool for assessing fall risk based on motor imagery.
The Bilateral Ovariectomy in a Female Animal Exacerbates the Pathogenesis of an Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Oka Mieko , Ono Isao , Shimizu Kampei , Kushamae Mika , Miyata Haruka , Kawamata Takakazu , Aoki Tomohiro
Published: June 2020

Considering the poor outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to the rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA), mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IAs, especially the rupture of lesions, should be clarified. In the present study, a rat model of IAs in which induced lesions spontaneously ruptured resulting in SAH was used. In this model, the combination of the female sex and the bilateral ovariectomy increased the incidence of SAH, similar to epidemiological evidence in human cases. Importantly, unruptured IA lesions induced in female animals with bilateral ovariectomy were histopathologically similar to ruptured ones in the presence of vasa vasorum and the accumulation of abundant inflammatory cells, suggesting the exacerbation of the disease. The post-stenotic dilatation of the carotid artery was disturbed by the bilateral ovariectomy in female rats, which was restored by hormone replacement therapy. The in vivo study thus suggested the protective effect of estrogen from the ovary on endothelial cells loaded by wall shear stress. β-estradiol or dihydrotestosterone also suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes in cultured macrophages and neutrophils. The results of the present study have thus provided new insights about the process regulating the progression of the disease.
CO2 Methanation over Rh/CeO2 Studied with Infrared Modulation Excitation Spectroscopy and Phase Sensitive Detection
Authors: Hemmingsson Felix , Schaefer Andreas , Skoglundh Magnus , Carlsson Per-Anders
Published: June 2020

Methane is a well-established fuel molecule whose production from CO 2 through methanation garners increasing interest as an energy storage solution. While often produced with Ni based catalysts, other metals are of interest thanks to higher robustness and activity-selectivity numbers. The Rh/CeO 2 catalyst has shown appreciable properties for CO 2 methanation and its structural dynamics has been studied in situ. However, the reaction pathway is unknown. Here, we present infrared modulation excitation spectroscopy measurements with phase sensitive detection of a Rh/CeO 2 catalyst adsorbate composition during H 2 pulsing (0–2 vol.%) to a constant CO 2 (0.5 vol.%) feed. Various carbonyl (CO) and carbonate (b-CO 3 /p-CO 3 ) ad-species clearly respond to the hydrogen stimulus, making them potential reaction intermediates. The different CO ad-species are likely intermediates for product CO and CH 4 but their individual contributions to the respective formations are not unambiguously ascertained. As for the carbonate dynamics, it might be linked to the reduction/oxidation of the CeO 2 surface upon H 2 pulsing. Formate (HCOO) ad-species are clearly visible but appear to be, if not spectators, linked to slow side reactions possibly also affected by CeO 2 redox processes.
Auditory Countermeasures for Sleep Inertia: Exploring the Effect of Melody and Rhythm in an Ecological Context
Authors: McFarlane Stuart J. , Garcia Jair E. , Verhagen Darrin S. , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: June 2020

Sleep inertia is a decline in cognition one may experience upon and following awakening. A recent study revealed that an alarm sound perceived as melodic by participants displayed a significant relationship to reports of reductions in perceived sleep inertia. This current research builds on these findings by testing the effect melody and rhythm exhibit on sleep inertia for subjects awakening in their habitual environments. Two test Groups (A and B; N = 10 each) completed an online psychomotor experiment and questionnaire in two separate test sessions immediately following awakening from nocturnal sleep. Both groups responded to a control stimulus in the first session, while in the second session, Group A experienced a melodic treatment, and Group B a rhythmic treatment. The results show that the melodic treatment significantly decreased attentional lapses, false starts, and had a significantly improved psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) performance score than the control. There was no significant result for reaction time or response speed. Additionally, no significant difference was observed for all PVT metrics between the control–rhythmic conditions. The results from this analysis support melodies’ potential to counteract symptoms of sleep inertia by the observed increase in participant vigilance following waking from nocturnal sleep.
Corrosion Resistance of Multilayer Coatings Deposited by PVD on Inconel 718 Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Technique
Authors: Gaona-Tiburcio Citlalli , Montoya-Rangel Marvin , Cabral-Miramontes José A. , Estupiñan-López Francisco , Zambrano-Robledo Patricia , Orozco Cruz Ricardo , Chacón-Nava José G. , Baltazar-Zamora Miguel Ángel , Almeraya-Calderón Facundo
Published: June 2020

AlCrN/TiSi, AlCrN/TiCrSiN and AlCrN/AlCrN + CrN coatings were deposited on Inconel 718 alloy by physical vapour deposition (PVD). The corrosion behaviour of uncoated and coated specimens was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at open circuit potential in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl and 2 wt.% H2SO4 solutions. The EIS data acquired were curve fitted and analysed by equivalent circuit models to calculate the pore resistance, the charge transfer resistance and the capacitance. The Nyquist diagrams of all systems showed one part of the semicircle which could relate that reaction is a one step process, except for the AlCrN/TiCrSiN and AlCrN/AlCrN + CrN coatings in H2SO4 solution, for which two semicircles related to active corrosion in substrate alloy were found. However, from the Bode plots, it was possible to identify two the time constants for all systems exposed to NaCl and H2SO4 solutions. According to electrochemical results, the corrosion resistance of the AlCrN/TiSiN coating was better in the NaCl solution, whereas the AlCrN/AlCrN + CrN coating show better performance in the Sulphuric Acid solutions.
A Comprehensive Microstructural and Compositional Characterization of Allogenic and Xenogenic Bone: Application to Bone Grafts and Nanostructured Biomimetic Coatings
Authors: Graziani Gabriela , Govoni Marco , Vivarelli Leonardo , Boi Marco , De Carolis Monica , Bianchi Michele , Sassoni Enrico , Bignozzi Maria Chiara , Carnevale Gianluca , Marmi Federico , Maltarello Maria Cristina , Dallari Dante
Published: June 2020

Bone grafts and bone-based materials are widely used in orthopedic surgery. However, the selection of the bone type to be used is more focused on the biological properties of bone sources than physico-chemical ones. Moreover, although biogenic sources are increasingly used for deposition of biomimetic nanostructured coatings, the influence of specific precursors used on coating’s morphology and composition has not yet been explored. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, we provided a detailed characterization of the properties of the mineral phase of the most used bone sources for allografts, xenografts and coating deposition protocols, not currently available. To this aim, several bone apatite precursors are compared in terms of composition and morphology. Significant differences are assessed for the magnesium content between female and male human donors, and in terms of Ca/P ratio, magnesium content and carbonate substitution between human bone and different animal bone sources. Prospectively, based on these data, bone from different sources can be used to obtain bone grafts having slightly different properties, depending on the clinical need. Likewise, the suitability of coating-based biomimetic films for specific clinical musculoskeletal application may depend on the type of apatite precursor used, being differently able to tune surface morphology and nanostructuration, as shown in the proof of concepts of thin film manufacturing here presented.
Towards Understanding the Raman Spectrum of Graphene Oxide: The Effect of the Chemical Composition
Authors: López-Díaz David , Delgado-Notario Juan A. , Clericò Vito , Diez Enrique , Merchán María Dolores , Velázquez María Mercedes
Published: June 2020

Raman spectroscopy is a technique widely used to detect defects in semiconductors because it provides information of structural or chemical defects produced in its structure. In the case of graphene monolayer, the Raman spectrum presents two bands centered at 1582 cm−1 (G band) and 2700 cm−1 (2D band). However, when the periodic lattice of graphene is broken by different types of defects, new bands appear. This is the situation for the Raman spectrum of graphene oxide. It is well established that the existence of these bands, the position and the intensity or width of peaks can provide information about the origin of defects. However, in the case of the graphene oxide spectrum, we can find in the literature several discrepant results, probably due to differences in chemical composition and the type of defects of the graphene oxide used in these studies. Besides, theoretical calculations proved that the shape of bands, intensity and width, and the position of graphene oxide Raman spectrum depend on the atomic configuration. In the current work, we will summarize our current understanding of the effect of the chemical composition on the Raman spectrum of graphene oxide. Finally, we apply all this information to analyze the evolution of the structure of graphene oxide during the thermal annealing of the heterostructures formed by graphene oxide sandwiches in a hexagonal boron nitride.
Dual Nanofibrous Bioactive Coatings on TiZr Implants
Authors: Prodana Mariana , Nistor Claudiu-Eduard , Stoian Andrei Bogdan , Ionita Daniela , Burnei Cristian
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to obtain a dual coating with antimicrobial properties on TiZr implants. The metallic surfaces were modified with two biopolymers (poly(lactic acid) and polycaprolactone), the first deposited by dip coating and the second by electrospinning, in order to create a nanofibers type of coating with antibacterial and bioactive effect. The surface characteristics of the obtained bioactive coatings were evaluated by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, by scanning electron microscopy and by contact angle measurements. The electrochemical characterization of the coatings was performed in simulated body fluid. The metallic ion release from the coated implant materials was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The in vitro antimicrobial properties of the coatings were studied using agar disc diffusion method and percentage inhibition of growth method for two bacterial strains—S. aureus and E. coli. The presence of silver nanoparticles presented high inhibition zone against gram negative bacteria like E. coli. Cell viability of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and cytoskeleton morphology, were tested in vitro for the biological evaluation. The results on in vitro cell response indicated good cell membrane integrity and viability for such nanofibrous bioactive coatings compared to the control substrate. These surface architectures design on implant materials holds promise for biomedical applications, presenting good antimicrobial properties and promote cell adhesion and proliferation.
Fire Characteristics of Selected Tropical Woods without and with Fire Retardant
Authors: Makovicka Osvaldova Linda , Kadlicova Patricia , Rychly Jozef
Published: June 2020

The flammability of tropical woods and the effect of a selected fire protection coating were evaluated using a cone calorimeter at a cone radiancy of 35 kW/m2. Three samples were from the South American continent (Cumaru, Garapa, Ipe), and two were from the Asian continent (Kempas and Merbau). Samples were treated with commercial fire retardant (FR) containing ferrous phosphate as an essential component. The untreated samples were used as reference materials that were of particular interest concerning their flammability. It was shown that there is unambiguous correlation between the effective heat of combustion (EHC) and total oxygen consumed (TOC) related to mass lost during burning for both the untreated and treated samples. In the case of Cumaru and Garapa, there exists an inverse relation between the amount of smoke and carbon residue. The decisive effect on the time of ignition was performed by the initial mass of the sample. This is valid for the spruce and the Cumaru, Ipe, and Kempas, both treated and untreated with retardant, while Garapa and Merbau were found to decline. According to the lower maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE) parameter, a lower flammability was observed for the treated samples of wood, except for Garapa wood. Fire-retardant treated Garapa and Merbau also have a significantly lower time to ignition than untreated ones.
Antimicrobial Activity and the Effect of Green Tea Experimental Gels on Teeth Surfaces
Authors: Voina Corina , Delean Ada , Muresan Adriana , Valeanu Madalina , Mazilu Moldovan Amalia , Popescu Violeta , Petean Ioan , Ene Razvan , Moldovan Marioara , Pandrea Stanca
Published: June 2020

Among esthetic procedures, teeth whitening is a common and often used treatment for patients who seek good teeth appearance. We developed an experimental green tea extract and an experimental green tea gel for enamel restoring treatment after bleaching. We also tested the antibacterial and antifungal effect of the experimental extract against specific endodontic and cariogenic microorganisms. The green tea extract antibacterial action was determined by the disk-diffusion method using Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC27337), Corynebacterium xerosis (ATCC 373), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) strains. Enamel microstructure was investigated by SEM analysis, and surface details were revealed by AFM. The inhibition zones around the wells showed evident antimicrobial activity of the experimental extract. In the presence of Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), the extract showed no antifungal activity. The enamel’s surface roughness and hydroxyapatite prism aspects were the parameters followed throughout the study. The experimental green tea extract is efficient against some microorganisms commonly found in the oral cavity. However, the studied extract had no antifungal effect. The results show that after bleaching with the experimental gel, we obtained the best surface parameters, similar to healthy enamel.
Antioxidant Effect of Vitamins in Olive Oil Emulsion
Authors: Cuomo Francesca , Cinelli Giuseppe , Chirascu Catalina , Marconi Emanuele , Lopez Francesco
Published: June 2020

In this study, water-in-extra virgin olive oil emulsions were enriched with vitamins. Water-in oil emulsions are heterogeneous systems able to solubilize both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Thus, hydrophilic vitamin C and lipophilic vitamin E were loaded separately or together in emulsion. A suitable emulsion composition was selected after considering different surfactant (mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, E471; sorbitan monooleate, Span 80; polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, Tween 80) and water concentrations. The most appropriate emulsion, for the high stability, resulted the one containing concentrations of Span 80 1% w/w and water 1% w/w. The antioxidant effect of vitamins in emulsions was studied considering the variation of the peroxide values during storage. The oxidation reaction was slowed down in emulsions containing vitamin C, but it was quickened by the loading of vitamin E for its high concentration. In emulsions containing vitamin E, indeed, the peroxide values were higher than in emulsions prepared in the absence of vitamins or in oil. The antioxidant activity generated by the co-loading of vitamin C and E was very effective to the point that in presence of high amounts of vitamins the peroxide values did not change in about 40 days of storage, due to the vitamin E regeneration by vitamin C.
Evaluating Silicon Carbide-Based Slurries and Molds for the Manufacture of Aircraft Turbine Components by the Investment Casting
Authors: Wiśniewski Paweł
Published: June 2020

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material for the fabrication of ceramic shell molds due to its high mechanical strength, hardness, thermal shock resistance, and thermal conductivity compared with commonly used slurries. This article describes the test results of casting materials, i.e., SiC-based powders and aqueous binders with aluminum oxide nanoparticles, as well as the parameters of slurries used for prime coats and structural layers. Tests were also performed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of SiC-based shell molds for the manufacture of aircraft turbine components. Two SiC-based slurries with solid concentrations of 65 and 70 wt.% were prepared, and their viscosity, density, pH, quantity, thickness, and copper plate adhesion (plate weight test) were investigated. Fourteen days were required to prepare and evaluate the slurry parameters. The results showed that SiC-based slurries had a Zahn cup #4 outflow time of 33.1 s to fabricate the first two coats and 14.8 s to fabricate the shell mold structural layers. Three series of SiC-based shell mold samples were prepared: after dewaxing (PW1), after burnout preheating at 700 °C (PW2), and after annealing at 1200 °C (PW3). The bending mechanical strength, Young’s modulus, and Weibull’s modulus of the samples were calculated, and the roughness (Ra and Rq) and microstructures of samples were also analyzed (SEM). Inner defects were evaluated by CMT (µCT). The Ra and Rq values of the prime coat of the SiC-based shell mold did not exceed 5 µm. The fabricated SiC shell molds had bending mechanical strengths from 1.21–2.28 MPa, Young’s modulus of 102.97–207.66 MPa, and a Weibull’s modulus from 5.36–9.94. The shell molds fabricated on the technical scale met the requirements specified for industrial shell molds.
Study of Bond Strength of Steel Bars in Basalt Fibre Reinforced High Performance Concrete
Authors: Smarzewski Piotr
Published: June 2020

The paper presents the study on bond behaviour of steel bars. It reports the research conducted on local bond strength of short length specimens in high performance concrete (HPC) and basalt fibre reinforced high performance concrete (BFRHPC). In this study, the basalt fibre volume content, concrete cover, bar diameter and rib geometry are the main parameters. Further important factors are the directions of the casting and loading. Determining the effect of aforementioned main parameters on the bond strength in test series is required, in order to design reinforced HPC structures. The study of local bond strength in HPC and BFRHPC with five different basalt fibre fractions included tests of seventy-two short length specimens, using two concrete cover and two diameters of steel bars with different rib face angles. For different ranges of BFRHPC strength, relationships for bond strength with respect to the splitting tensile strength were obtained. The bond strength increased with the splitting tensile strength and compressive strength of BFRHPC specimens with the 12 mm and 16 mm bar respectively. The bond strength of BFRHPC was lower for the bar with the greater distances between the lugs on the bar.
Unconventional Co-Existence of Insulating Nano-Regions and Conducting Filaments in Reduced SrTiO3: Mode Softening, Local Piezoelectricity, and Metallicity
Authors: Bussmann-Holder Annette , Keller Hugo , Simon Arndt , Bihlmayer Gustav , Roleder Krystian , Szot Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

Doped SrTiO3 becomes a metal at extremely low doping concentrations n and is even superconducting at n < 1020 cm−3, with the superconducting transition temperature adopting a dome-like shape with increasing carrier concentration. In this paper it is shown within the polarizability model and from first principles calculations that up to a well-defined carrier concentration nc transverse optic mode softening takes place together with polar nano-domain formation, which provides evidence of inhomogeneity and a two-component type behavior with metallicity coexisting with polarity. Beyond this region, a conventional metal is formed where superconductivity as well as mode softening is absent. For n ≤ nc the effective electron-phonon coupling follows the superconducting transition temperature. Effusion measurements, as well as macroscopic and nanoscopic conductivity measurements, indicate that the distribution of oxygen vacancies is local and inhomogeneous, from which it is concluded that metallicity stems from filaments which are embedded in a polar matrix as long as n ≤ nc.
Stabilisation of a Segment of Autologous Vascularised Stomach as a Patch for Myocardial Reconstruction with Degradable Magnesium Alloy Scaffolds in a Swine Model
Authors: Schilling Tobias , Bauer Michael , Hartung Dagmar , Brandes Gudrun , Tudorache Igor , Cebotari Serghei , Meyer Tanja , Wacker Frank , Haverich Axel , Hassel Thomas
Published: June 2020

In patients with severe heart failure, the surgical reconstruction of the damaged myocardium with regenerative biological grafts is an innovative therapeutic option. However, natural patch materials are often too delicate for a full wall repair of the left ventricle. A degradable magnesium scaffold could provide temporary mechanical stability until the sufficient physiological remodeling of such grafts. An autologous vascularised gastric patch was employed for the reconstruction of the left ventricular myocardium in a porcine model. Magnesium alloy (LA63) scaffolds were fixed over the biological patch. The function of the implant was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging. Angiography was carried out to detect a connection between the gastric and coronary vasculature. The explants were examined via µ-computer tomography and light microscopy. All the test animals survived. The prostheses integrated biologically and functionally into the myocardium. No rupture of the prostheses occurred. An anastomosis of the gastric and coronary vasculature had developed. The magnesium scaffolds degraded, on average, to 30.9% of their original volume. This novel technique responds to the increasing demand for regenerative myocardial grafts. The magnesium scaffolds’ biocompatibility and degradation kinetics, as well as their stabilizing effects, indicate their applicability in the surgical treatment of terminal heart failure.
Synthesis Dependent Structural Magnetic and Electrical Properties of CR-Doped Lead-Free Multiferroic AlFeO3
Authors: Aldulmani Sharah Ali A. , Raies Imen , Amami Mongi , Ben Farhat Lamia
Published: June 2020

Polycrystalline samples AlFe0.95Cr0.05O3 synthetized by a solid state (SR) and a co-precipitation (cop) method show an orthorhombic system in space group Pc21n. It was found that, the cation distribution and magnetic ordering vary toughly on the synthesis conditions. We deployed impedance spectroscopy in studying the dielectric behavior of AlFe0.95Cr0.05O3. The significant results of this work are: for both samples, permittivity and dielectric loss are very sensitive to the temperature and frequency variation. The existence of supplementary imperfections and conducting species in AFCr5-s ceramics led to important dielectric permittivity in AFCr5-s. Values of the activation energy determined at low temperature point toward oxygen vacancies motion in slight range, however at high temperature, such a motion turns to long-range one. The dielectric response in case of AFCr5-s was assigned throw complex impedance plots to the grain as well as grain boundary. Conversely, additional individual pores similarly participate to dielectric belongings of AFCr5-cop.
Layered Double Hydroxides for Remediation of Industrial Wastewater from a Galvanic Plant
Authors: Cardinale Anna Maria , Carbone Cristina , Consani Sirio , Fortunato Marco , Parodi Nadia
Published: June 2020

Owing to their structure, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are nowadays considered as rising materials in different fields of application. In this work, the results obtained in the usage of two different LDHs to remove, by adsorption, some cationic and anionic pollutants from industrial wastewater are reported. The two compounds MgAl-CO3 and NiAl-NO3 have been prepared through a hydrothermal synthesis process and then characterized by means of PXRD, TGA, FESEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The available wastewater, supplied by a galvanic treatment company, has been analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), resulting as being polluted by Fe(III), Cu(II), and Cr(VI). The water treatment with the two LDHs showed that chromate is more efficiently removed by the NiAl LDH through an exchange with the interlayer nitrate. On the contrary, copper and iron cations are removed in higher amounts by the MgAl LDH, probably through a substitution with Mg, even if sorption on the OH− functional groups, surface complexation, and/or precipitation of small amounts of metal hydroxides on the surface of the MgAl LDH could not be completely excluded. Possible applications of the two combined LDHs are also proposed.
Broadband Plasmonic Nanopolarizer Based on Different Surface Plasmon Resonance Modes in a Silver Nanorod
Authors: Zhang Junxi , Hu Lei , Hu Zhijia , Wei Yongqing , Zhang Wei , Zhang Lide
Published: June 2020

Conventional polarizers including sheet, wire-grid, prism, and Brewster-angle type polarizers are not easily integrated with photonic circuits. Polarizing elements on the nanoscale are indispensable for integrated all-optical nanophotonic devices. Here, we propose a plasmonic nanopolarizer based on a silver nanorod. The polarization characteristics result from the excitation of different resonance modes of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) at different wavelengths. Furthermore, the polarization characteristics in near field regions have been demonstrated by the electric field distribution of the nanorod based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, indicating a strong local resonant cavity with a standing wave mode for transverse electric (TE) polarization and weak electric fields distributed for transverse magnetic (TM) polarization. The nanopolarizer can efficiently work in the near field region, exhibiting a nanopolarization effect. In addition, very high extinction ratios and extremely low insertion losses can be achieved. Particularly, the nanopolarizer can work in a broadband from visible to near-infrared wavelengths, which can be tuned by changing the aspect ratio of the nanorod. The plasmonic nanopolarizer is a promising candidate for potential applications in the integration of nanophotonic devices and circuits.
2D Layer Arrangement of Solely [HS-HS] or [LS-LS] Molecules in the [HS-LS] State of a Dinuclear Fe(II) Spin Crossover Complex
Authors: Fürmeyer Fabian , Carrella Luca , Rentschler Eva
Published: June 2020

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of three new dinuclear iron(II) complexes [FeII2(I4MTD)2](F3CSO3)4 (C1), [FeII2(I4MTD)2](ClO4)4 (C2) and [FeII2(I4MTD)2](BF4)4 (C3) based on the novel ligand (I4MTD = 2,5-bis{[(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-1,3,4-thiadiazole). Magnetic susceptibility measurements and single-crystal structure analysis show that the iron(II) spin centers for all complexes are in the high spin state at high temperatures. While the magnetic data of air-dried samples confirm the [HS-HS] state for C1 and C2 down to very low temperature, for C3, a gradual spin crossover is observed below 150 K. The crystal structure of C3·THF at 100 K shows that a spin transition from [HS-HS] to an intermediate state takes place, which is a 1:1 mixture of discrete [HS-HS] and [LS-LS] molecules, as identified unambiguously by crystallography. The different SCO properties of C1–C3 can be attributed to crystal packing effects in the solid state.
Printing ZnO Inks: From Principles to Devices
Authors: Arrabito Giuseppe , Aleeva Yana , Pezzilli Riccardo , Ferrara Vittorio , Medaglia Pier Gianni , Pignataro Bruno , Prestopino Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Solution-based printing approaches permit digital designs to be converted into physical objects by depositing materials in a layer-by-layer additive fashion from microscale to nanoscale resolution. The extraordinary adaptability of this technology to different inks and substrates has received substantial interest in the recent literature. In such a context, this review specifically focuses on the realization of inks for the deposition of ZnO, a well-known wide bandgap semiconductor inorganic material showing an impressive number of applications in electronic, optoelectronic, and piezoelectric devices. Herein, we present an updated review of the latest advancements on the ink formulations and printing techniques for ZnO-based nanocrystalline inks, as well as of the major applications which have been demonstrated. The most relevant ink-processing conditions so far explored will be correlated with the resulting film morphologies, showing the possibility to tune the ZnO ink composition to achieve facile, versatile, and scalable fabrication of devices of different natures.
Enhanced Electrocaloric Effect in 0.73Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.27PbTiO3 Single Crystals via Direct Measurement
Authors: Lu Biao , Jian Xiaodong , Lin Xiongwei , Yao Yingbang , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Luo Haosu , Lu Sheng-Guo
Published: June 2020

Electrocaloric properties of [110] and [111] oriented 0.73Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.27PbTiO3 single crystals were studied in the temperature range of 293–423 K. The Maxwell relations and the Landau–Ginsburg–Devonshire (LGD) phenomenological theory were employed as the indirect method to calculate the electrocaloric properties, while a high-resolution calorimeter was used to measure the adiabatic temperature change of the electrocaloric effect (ECE) directly. The results indicate that the directly measured temperature changes of ΔT > 2.5 K at room temperature were procured when the applied electric field was reversed from 1 MV/m to −1 MV/m, which are larger than those deduced pursuant to the Maxwell relation, and even larger than those calculated using the LGD theory in the temperature range of 293–~380 K.
Computer Simulation of the Incorporation of V2+, V3+, V4+, V5+ and Mo3+, Mo4+, Mo5+, Mo6+ Dopants in LiNbO3
Authors: Araujo Romel Menezes , dos Santos Mattos Emanuel Felipe , Valerio Mário Ernesto Giroldo , Jackson Robert A.
Published: June 2020

The doping of LiNbO3 with V2+, V3+, V4+ and V5+ as well as Mo3+, Mo4+, Mo5+ and Mo6+ ions is of interest in enhancing its photorefractive properties. In this paper, possible incorporation mechanisms for these ions in LiNbO3 are modelled, using a new set of interaction potentials fitted to the oxides VO, V2O3, VO2, V2O5 and to LiMoO2, Li2MoO3, LiMoO3, Li2MoO4.
Diversity of Amoeba-Associated Giant Viruses Isolated in Algeria
Authors: Boudjemaa Hadjer , Andreani Julien , Bitam Idir , La Scola Bernard
Published: June 2020

The discovery of several giant amoeba viruses has opened up a novel area in the field of virology. Despite this, knowledge about ecology of these viruses remains patchy. In this study, we aimed to characterize the diversity of giant viruses in Algeria by inoculating 64 environmental samples on various amoeba strains. After isolation by co-culture with nine amoeba supports, flow cytometry and electron microscopy were used to putatively identify viruses. Definitive identification was performed by PCR and sequencing. Mimiviruses, marseilleviruses, faustoviruses and cedratviruses were the main viruses isolated in this study. Moreover, a new virus, which we named fadolivirus, was also isolated and was found to belong to the recent metagenomic descriptions of Klosneuvirinae. Despite the use of 9 amoeba supports for co-culture, most of the isolates were obtained from two amoebas: Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff and Vermamoeba vermiformis CDC 19. Finally, the viruses most frequently isolated were marseilleviruses (55.5%) and Mimiviruses (22.2%). This work shows that the isolation of viruses previously detected by metagenomic analyses can be tedious, but possible.
Novel Diagnostic Options without Contrast Media or Radiation: Triggered Angiography Non-Contrast-Enhanced Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Treating Different Leg Venous Diseases
Authors: Chen Chien-Wei , Tseng Yuan-Hsi , Lin Chien-Chiao , Kao Chih-Chen , Wong Min Yi , Lin Bor-Shyh , Huang Yao-Kuang
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Venous diseases in the lower extremities long lacked an objective diagnostic tool prior to the advent of the triggered angiography non-contrast-enhanced (TRANCE) technique. Methods: An observational study with retrospective data analysis. Materials: Between April 2017 and June 2019, 66 patients were evaluated for venous diseases through TRANCE-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were grouped according to whether they had occlusive venous (OV) disease, a static venous ulcer (SU), or symptomatic varicose veins (VV). The clinical appliance of TRANCE-MRI was analysed by groups. Results: In total, 63 patients completed the study. TRANCE-MRI could identify venous thrombosis, including that of the abdominal and pelvic vessels, and it enabled the timely treatment of underlying diseases in patients with OV disease. TRANCE-MRI was statistically compared with the duplex scan, the gold standard to exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, with regard to their abilities to detect venous thrombosis by using Cohen’s kappa coefficient at a compatible value of 0.711. It could provide the occlusion degree of the peripheral artery for treating an SU. Finally, TRANCE-MRI can be used to outline all collateral veins and occult thrombi before treating symptomatic or recurrent VV to ensure a perfect surgical plan and to avoid complications. Conclusions: TRANCE-MRI is an innovative tool in the treatment of versatile venous pathology in the lower extremities and is widely used for vascular diseases in our institution.
Entropy Generation and Mixed Convection Flow Inside a Wavy-Walled Enclosure Containing a Rotating Solid Cylinder and a Heat Source
Authors: Alsabery Ammar I. , Tayebi Tahar , Roslan Rozaini , Chamkha Ali J. , Hashim Ishak
Published: June 2020

The current study investigates the 2D entropy production and the mixed convection inside a wavy-walled chamber containing a rotating cylinder and a heat source. The heat source of finite-length h is placed in the middle of the left vertical surface in which its temperature is fixed at T h . The temperature of the right vertical surface, however, is maintained at lower temperature T c . The remaining parts of the left surface and the wavy horizontal surfaces are perfectly insulated. The governing equations and the complex boundary conditions are non-dimensionalized and solved using the weighted residual finite element method, in particular, the Galerkin method. Various active parameters are considered, i.e., Rayleigh number R a = 10 3 and 10 5 , number of oscillations: 1 ≤ N ≤ 4 , angular rotational velocity: − 1000 ≤ Ω ≤ 1000 , and heat source length: 0 . 2 ≤ H ≤ 0 . 8 . A mesh independence test is carried out and the result is validated against the benchmark solution. Results such as stream function, isotherms and entropy lines are plotted and we found that fluid flow can be controlled by manipulating the rotating velocity of the circular cylinder. For all the considered oscillation numbers, the Bejan number is the highest for the case involving a nearly stationary inner cylinder.
Ecological Clues to the Nature of Consciousness
Authors: Ulanowicz Robert E.
Published: June 2020

Some dynamics associated with consciousness are shared by other complex macroscopic living systems. For example, autocatalysis, an active agency in ecosystems, imparts to them a centripetality, the ability to attract resources that identifies the system as an agency apart from its surroundings. It is likely that autocatalysis in the central nervous system likewise gives rise to the phenomenon of selfhood, id or ego. Similarly, a coherence domain, as constituted in terms of complex bi-level coordination in ecosystems, stands as an analogy to the simultaneous access the mind has to assorted information available over different channels. The result is the feeling that various features of one’s surroundings are present to the individual all at once. Research on these phenomena in other fields may suggest empirical approaches to the study of consciousness in humans and other higher animals.
Biogas Production from Food Residues—The Role of Trace Metals and Co-Digestion with Primary Sludge
Authors: Habagil Moshe , Keucken Alexander , Sárvári Horváth Ilona
Published: June 2020

The majority of municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Sweden produce biogas from sewage sludge. In order to increase the methane production, co-digestion of internal sludge with Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) might be feasible in the future. The objective of this study was therefore to find a beneficial solution for the utilization of OFMSW at the WWTP in Varberg, Sweden. The effects of co-digesting primary sludge (PS) and OFMSW collected in the municipality, in different mixing ratios, were investigated by semi-continuous anaerobic digestion assays. Furthermore, the effects of the addition of a commercial trace elements mixture solution (CTES), available on the market in Sweden, were also examined. Co-digestion of OFMSW and PS resulted in specific methane yields of 404, 392, and 375 NmL CH4/g volatile solids (VS), obtained during semi-continuous operations of 301, 357 and 385 days, for the reactors fed with OMFSW:PS ratio of 4:1, 3:1, and 1:1, and at maximum organic loading rates (OLRs) achieved of 4.0, 4.0 and 5.0 gVS/L/d, respectively. Furthermore, mono-digestion of OFMSW failed already at OLR of 1.0 gVS/L/d, however, an OLR of 4.0 gVS/L/d could be achieved with addition of 14 µL/g VS Commercial Trace Element Solutions (CTES) leading to 363 mL CH4/g VS methane production. These experiments were running during 411 days. Hence, higher process efficiency was obtained when using co-digestion of OFMSW and PS compared to that of OFMSW in mono-digestion. Co-digestion is a more feasible option where a balanced Carbon/Nitrogen (C/N) ratio and nutrient supply can be maintained.
Comparison of Mangrove Stand Development on Accretion and Erosion Sites in Ca Mau, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Linh Thuy My , Hoang Hanh Thi , Ta Han Van , Park Pil Sun
Published: June 2020

Mangroves are adapted to coastal processes; however, mangrove species showed various responses to estuarian environments, leading to different structural characteristics at accretion and erosion areas. The species composition, structure and regeneration of mangrove forests were investigated to provide insight into mangrove forest development in response to shoreline accretion and erosion processes. The species composition and stand structure of mangrove forests were measured along the distance from the shoreline at accretion and erosion sites in Ca Mau, Vietnam. The hierarchical clustering of grouped stands based on species composition and tree size distribution was conducted. Grouped mangrove stands showed landward changes in species composition and stand structure from the shoreline (p < 0.05), reflecting the timescale of accretion or erosion at both accretion and erosion sites. Stand development patterns differed between accretion and erosion sites, and Avicennia alba and Rhizophora apiculata dominated seaward plots at accretion and erosion sites, respectively. Newer accredited sites were dominated by A. alba. Mangrove stands developed from dense A. alba dominant to R. apiculata dominant stands with increasing tree size at accretion sites. There were more species-colonized sites with a higher erosion rate or that were more recently eroded, implying that timescale of erosion and erosion rate affected species composition and regeneration on erosion sites. Accretion and erosion affected stand development of mangroves differently, implying that conservation and restoration strategies should be applied differently to accretion and erosion sites.
Verification and Validation of openInjMoldSim, an Open-Source Solver to Model the Filling Stage of Thermoplastic Injection Molding
Authors: Pedro João , Ramôa Bruno , Nóbrega João Miguel , Fernandes Célio
Published: June 2020

In the present study, the simulation of the three-dimensional (3D) non-isothermal, non-Newtonian fluid flow of polymer melts is investigated. In particular, the filling stage of thermoplastic injection molding is numerically studied with a solver implemented in the open-source computational library O p e n F O A M ® . The numerical method is based on a compressible two-phase flow model, developed following a cell-centered unstructured finite volume discretization scheme, combined with a volume-of-fluid (VOF) technique for the interface capturing. Additionally, the Cross-WLF (Williams–Landel–Ferry) model is used to characterize the rheological behavior of the polymer melts, and the modified Tait equation is used as the equation of state. To verify the numerical implementation, the code predictions are first compared with analytical solutions, for a Newtonian fluid flowing through a cylindrical channel. Subsequently, the melt filling process of a non-Newtonian fluid (Cross-WLF) in a rectangular cavity with a cylindrical insert and in a tensile test specimen are studied. The predicted melt flow front interface and fields (pressure, velocity, and temperature) contours are found to be in good agreement with the reference solutions, obtained with the proprietary software M o l d e x 3 D ® . Additionally, the computational effort, measured by the elapsed wall-time of the simulations, is analyzed for both the open-source and proprietary software, and both are found to be similar for the same level of accuracy, when the parallelization capabilities of O p e n F O A M ® are employed.
Computational Predictions for Boger Fluids and Circular Contraction Flow under Various Aspect Ratios
Authors: López-Aguilar J. Esteban , Tamaddon-Jahromi Hamid R.
Published: June 2020

This work puts forward a modeling study contrasted against experimental, with focus on abrupt circular contraction flow of two highly-elastic constant shear-viscosity Boger fluids, i.e., a polyacrylamide dissolved in corn-syrup PAA/CS (Fluid-1) and a polyisobutylene dissolved in polybutene PIB/PB (Fluid-2), in various contraction-ratio geometries. Moreover, this work goes hand-in-hand with the counterpart matching of experimental pressure-drops observed in such 4:1 and 8:1 aspect-ratio contraction flows, as described experimentally in the literature. In this study, the experimental findings, for Boger fluids with severe strain-hardening features, reveal significant vortex-evolution characteristics, correlated with enhanced pressure-drop phasing and normal-stress response in the corner region. It is shown how such behavior may be replicated through simulation and the rheological dependencies that are necessary to bring this about. Predictive solutions with an advanced hybrid finite-element/volume (fe/fv) algorithm are able to elucidate the rheological properties (extensional viscosity and normal-stress response) that rule such vortex-enhancement evolution. This is accomplished by employing the novel swanINNFM(q) family of fluids, through the swIM model-variant, with its strong and efficient control on elongational properties.
A Numerical Study of Metachronal Propulsion at Low to Intermediate Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Granzier-Nakajima Shawtaroh , Guy Robert D. , Zhang-Molina Calvin
Published: June 2020

Inspired by the forward swimming of long-tailed crustaceans, we study an underwater propulsion mechanism for a swimming body with multiple rigid paddles attached underneath undergoing cycles of power and return strokes with a constant phase-difference between neighboring paddles, a phenomenon known as metachronal propulsion. To study how inter-paddle phase-difference affects flux production, we develop a computational fluid dynamics model and a numerical algorithm based on the immersed boundary method, which allows us to simulate metachronal propulsion at Reynolds numbers (RE) ranging from close to 0 to about 100. Our main finding is that the highest average flux is generated when nearest-neighbor paddles maintain an approximate 20%–25% phase-difference with the more posterior paddle leading the cycle; this result is independent of stroke frequency across the full range of RE considered here. We also find that the optimal paddle spacing and the number of paddles depend on RE; we see a qualitative transition in the dynamics of flow generated by metachronal propulsion as RE rises above 80. Roughly speaking, in terms of average flux generation, a tight paddle spacing is preferred when RE is less than 10, but a wider spacing becomes clearly favored when RE is close to or above 100. In terms of efficiency of flux generation, at RE 0.1 the maximum efficiency occurs at two paddles, and the efficiency decreases as the number of paddles increases. At RE 100 the efficiency increases as the number of paddles increases, and it appears to saturate by eight paddles, whereas using four paddles is a good tradeoff for both low and intermediate RE.