bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study of Heavy Metals on Sediment Quality of Kuala Perlis Coastal Area
Authors: Ahmad Zubir A.A. , Mohd Saad F.N. , Dahalan F.A.
Published: March 2018

The contamination of heavy metals gives bad implications to the aquatic environment. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the sediment quality by using different contamination indices such as Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Each sediment sample was collected at the surface (0-15cm) at 5 locations based on the land use activity; jetty port (A), seaside restaurant (B), roadside area (C), power plant (D) and residential area (E). All samples were undergoes acid digestion and analyzed with AAS. Four elements identified from the sediment samples which are Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were used to calculate the respective indices. Results show that, the highest EF value of Pb which categorized as very severe enrichment was at point E. Meanwhile minor enrichment was detected at point B for Cu while Cr and Zn at point A. Based on Igeovalue the sediment quality along Kuala Perlis was in the unpolluted-moderately polluted condition (class 1). As for PLI it shows that the sediment of the coastal area is unpolluted (PLI<1). Therefore, this study revealed that, the main contributor of heavy metals in this area is Pb while the sediment quality of Kuala Perlis was in minor pollution condition.
Noise Annoyance Produced by Commercial Vehicles Transit on Rumble Strips
Authors: Zaiton Haron , Khairulzan Yahya , Nadirah Darus , Nordiana Mashros , Muhammad Azril Hezmi , Rosiah Abu Samah , Abdul Mutalif Abdul Hameed , Wan Mohammad Asyraf Norudin , Muhammad Habab Abd Halil , Zanariah Jahya , Mohd Hanifi Othman
Published: March 2018

This paper reports on research examining the extent of noise annoyance affecting residents within the vicinity of installation of two types of transverse rumble strips (TRS), namely Middle Overlapped (MO) and Multilayer Overlapping (MLO). In order to assess the noise annoyance in the area, measurements were taken at 7.5m from centre of road with TRS installation using single vehicle test to determine the extent of changes of sound level indices and sound spectrum. Two light and two medium weight commercial vehicles were used. Indicators LAeq, LAFmax, LAImax, LAIeq, and LASmax were used to determine impulsivity that led to noise annoyance. The results showed that, at 30 km/h, all commercial vehicles considered in this study that transited on MO produced impulsive noise, while only light commercial vehicles caused noise annoyance when they transited on MLO. The research also analysed the extent of low-frequency noise and found a significant low-frequency component, which indicated that noise annoyance might arise from the hitting of MO and MLO by the commercial vehicles. For night-time related annoyance, it was suggested that an additional weighting factor could be added to the average A-weighted value during night-time.
Impulsivity of Noise due to Single Lightweight Vehicles Transit on Transverse Rumble Strip
Authors: Darus N. , Haron Z. , Yahya K. , Abd Halil M.H. , Norudin W.M.A. , Othman M.H. , Hezmi M.A.
Published: March 2018

Transverse Rumble Strips (TRS) acts as safety device that alert inattentive drivers from potential dangers. However, the noise produced due to TRS was reported as noise annoyance among the nearby residents lived adjacent to roadways. Thus, this paper investigates the impulsivity characteristic of noise due to single lightweight vehicles transit on TRS. The objectives of this study are to determine the increase of sound level and to evaluate the impulsivity of noise. Two TRS profiles namely middle overlapped (MO) and middle layer overlapped (MLO) were selected. Three types of single lightweight vehicles which include hatchback, sedan and multipurpose (MPV) were tested at speed of 30, 50 and 70km/h. The sound level was measured using sound level meter (SLM). Noise indices such as LAeq, LAIeqT, LAImax, LAFmaxand LASmaxwere obtained from the measurement. This study considered the differences of LAImax– LAFmax> 2dBA, LAFmax– LAeq≥ 10dBA, LAIeqT– LAeq≥ 2dBA and LAImax– LASmax> 6dBA to evaluate the impulsivity of noise. It was found that TRS increased the sound level by at most of 6dBA. Furthermore, all single lightweight vehicles transit on TRS show significant impulsive characteristic. These results proved that TRS produce significant impact to the nearby residents.
Assessment of Three Flood Hazard Mapping Methods: A Case Study of Perlis
Authors: Azizat Nazirah , Wan Omar Wan Mohd Sabki
Published: March 2018

Flood is a common natural disaster and also affect the all state in Malaysia. Regarding to Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) in 2007, about 29, 270 km2 or 9 percent of region of the country is prone to flooding. Flood can be such devastating catastrophic which can effected to people, economy and environment. Flood hazard mapping can be used is an important part in flood assessment to define those high risk area prone to flooding. The purposes of this study are to prepare a flood hazard mapping in Perlis and to evaluate flood hazard using frequency ratio, statistical index and Poisson method. The six factors affecting the occurrence of flood including elevation, distance from the drainage network, rainfall, soil texture, geology and erosion were created using ArcGIS 10.1 software. Flood location map in this study has been generated based on flooded area in year 2010 from DID. These parameters and flood location map were analysed to prepare flood hazard mapping in representing the probability of flood area. The results of the analysis were verified using flood location data in year 2013, 2014, 2015. The comparison result showed statistical index method is better in prediction of flood area rather than frequency ratio and Poisson method.
Optimisation of Copper Oxide Impregnation on Carbonised Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Nitric Oxide Removal using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ahmad Norhidayah , Yong Sing Hung , Ibrahim Naimah , Md Ali Umi Fazara , Muhammad Ridwan Fahmi , Ahmad Razi
Published: March 2018

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was successfully modified with phosphoric acid hydration followed by impregnation with copper oxide (CuO) to synthesize CuO modified catalytic carbon (CuO/EFBC) for low-temperature removal of nitric oxide (NO) from gas streams. CuO impregnation was optimised through response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) in terms of metal loading (5-20%), sintering temperature (200-800˚C) and sintering time (2-6 hours). The model response for the variables was NO adsorption capacity, which was obtained from an up-flow column adsorption experiment with 100 mL/min flow of 500 ppm NO/He at different operating conditions. The optimum operating variables suggested by the model were 20% metal loading, 200˚C sintering temperature and 6 hours sintering time. A good agreement (R2 = 0.9625) was achieved between the experimental data and model prediction. ANOVA analysis indicated that the model terms (metal loading and sintering temperature) are significant (Prob.>F less than 0.05).
Prediction of Deepwater FPSO responses using different numerical analysis methods
Authors: Guan Matthew , Osman Montasir , Ng Cheng Yee
Published: March 2018

The limitations of existing wave basins present a significant challenge when modelling offshore deepwater systems, particularly due to the basin’s relatively shallow depth. Numerical simulation thus becomes valuable in predicting its behaviour during operation at sea. The coupled dynamic analysis is preferred over the traditional quasi-static method, as the former enables the inclusion of damping and added mass properties of the complete mooring line system, which becomes increasingly prominent at greater water depths. This paper investigates the motions and mooring line tensions of a turret moored Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) platform using three numerical models, i.e. a dynamic system, quasi-static system and linear spring system subjected to unidirectional random wave condition. Analysis is carried out using a commercial software AQWA. The first two numerical models utilise a complete system of the same setup and configuration, while the linear spring system substitutes the mooring lines with equivalent linear springs and attempts to match the total mooring line restoring forces with that of the coupled dynamic analysis. The study demonstrates the significance of coupled dynamic analysis on the responses of an FPSO in deepwater. The numerical model of the FPSO is validated against the results of a published work.
Treatment of kitchen wastewater using Eichhornia crassipes
Authors: Parwin Rijwana , Karar Paul Kakoli
Published: March 2018

The efficiency of Eichhornia crassipes for treatment of raw kitchen wastewater was studied in the present research work. An artificial wetland of 30 liter capacity was created for phytoremediation of kitchen wastewater using Eichhornia crassipes. Kitchen wastewater samples were collected from hostel of an educational institute in India. Samples were characterized based on physical and chemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, total hardness, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, sulphate, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon and total dissolved solid. The physico-chemical parameter of kitchen wastewater samples were analysed for durations of 0 (initial day), 4 and 8 days. After 8 days of retention period, it was observed that pH value increases from 6.25 to 6.63. However, percentage reduction for turbidity, total hardness, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, sulphate, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon and total dissolved solid were found to be 74.71%, 50%, 78.75%, 60.28%, 25.31%, 33.33%, 15.38% and 69.97%, respectively. Hence water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is found efficient and easy to handle and it can be used for low cost phytoremediation technique.
Treatment of hazardous waste landfill leachate using Fenton oxidation process
Authors: Singa Pradeep Kumar , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Ho Yeek-Chia , Lim Jun-Wei
Published: March 2018

The efficiency of Fenton’s oxidation was assessed in this study for hazardous waste landfill leachate treatment. The two major reagents, which are generally employed in Fenton’s process are H2O2 as oxidizing agent and Fe2+ as catalyst. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effect of experimental conditions viz., reaction time, molar ratio, and Fenton reagent dosages, which are significant parameters that influence the degradation efficiencies of Fenton process were examined. It was found that under the favorable experimental conditions, maximum COD removal was 56.49%. The optimum experimental conditions were pH=3, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio = 3 and reaction time = 150 minutes. The optimal amount of hydrogen peroxide and iron were 0.12 mol/L and 0.04 mol/L respectively. High dosages of H2O2 and iron resulted in scavenging effects on OH• radicals and lowered degradation efficiency of organic compounds in the hazardous waste landfill leachate.
Preliminary screening oxidative degradation methyl orange using ozone/ persulfate
Authors: Razali Nur Aqilah , Azner Abidin Che Zulzikrami , Soon An Ong , Muhammad Ridwan Fahmi , Haqi Ibrahim Abdul , Sabri Siti Nasuha , Kow Su Huan
Published: March 2018

The present study focusing on the performances of advanced oxidation process by using ozonation method towards Methyl Orange based on the efficiency of colour removal and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal. Factorial design with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the interaction between operational conditions, such as pH, initial concentration, contact time and persulfate dosage to obtain the optimum range conditions using a semi-batch reactor. The range of independent variables investigated were pH (3-11), initial concentration (100-500mg/L), contact time (10-50min) and persulfate dosage (20-100mM) while the response variables were colour removal and COD removal of Methyl Orange. The experimental results and statistical analysis showed all the parameters were significant. Thus, from this findings, optimization of operational conditions that had been suggested from the ozone/persulfate RSM analysis were (pH 3, 100 mg/L, 50min, 60mM) that would be produced 99% Colour Removal and 80% COD Removal and help in promoting an efficient ozonation process. The effect list data that showed the most contributed effects to increase the percentages of colour removal were pH and persulfate dosage whereas the contact time and initial concentration had the highest positive effects on the COD removal. Other than that, the interaction between pH, contact time and persulfate dosage were found to be the most influencing interaction. Therefore the least influencing interaction was interaction between persulfate dosage and pH. In this study, the correlation coefficient value R2 for colour removal and COD removal of Methyl Orange were R2= 0.9976 and R2= 0.9924 which suggested a good fit of the first-order regression model with the experimental data.
Characterization of Limestone as Raw Material to Hydrated Lime
Authors: Hwidi Rajeb Salem , Tengku Izhar Tengku Nuraiti , Mohd Saad Farah Naemah
Published: March 2018

In Malaysia, limestone is essentially important for the economic growth as raw materials in the industry sector. Nevertheless, a little attention was paid to the physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological properties of the limestone using X-ray fluorescence (X-RF), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy / energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) respectively. Raw materials (limestone rocks) were collected from Bukit Keteri area, Chuping, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia. Lab crusher and lab sieved were utilized to prepare five different size of ground limestone at (75 µm, 150 µm, 225 µm, 300, and 425 µm) respectively. It is found that the main chemical composition of bulk limestone was Calcium oxide (CaO) at 97.58 wt.% and trace amount of MnO, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 at 0.02%, 0.35%, and 0.396% respectively. XRD diffractograms showed characteristic peaks of calcite and quartz. Furthermore, main FTIR absorption bands at 1,419, 874.08 and 712.20 cm-1 indicated the presence of calcite. The micrographs showed clearly the difference of samples particle size. Furthermore, EDS peaks of Ca, O, and C elements confirmed the presence of CaCO3 in the samples.
There is need in new generation smart grid for the space and ground energy systems
Authors: Ageev Alexander , Bortalevich Svetlana , Loginov Evgeny , Shkuta Alexander , Sorokin Dmitry
Published: March 2018

The aim of the article is to considerate the opportunities of synchronization of the space and ground systems that generate and transfer energy on the basis of new generation smart grid using. The authors substantiate the necessity of new intellectual monitoring services that assess the processes took place in "generation-transportation-distribution-consumption" space and ground systems. This is made in order to improve the dynamic indicators of the energy system and to avoid the emergencies. The authors also give a prognosis of the dynamic indicators of the electric power super-system in analyzing metastable conditions in different energy modes.
Foresight-audit of management’s systems in aerospace engineering
Authors: Gorelova Irina , Harchevnikova Ekaterina , Minigalieva Maryam
Published: March 2018

Space engineering is an intensively developing sphere of human activity. The tasks of managing this sphere include the functions of designing and forecasting the future, as well as evaluating the predicted achievements and successes required for implementation, as well as possible disruptions and problems in the aerospace industry and resources. The evaluation of these resources acts as foresight audit. Foresight audit is a comprehensive internal and external assessment of the dynamic and static capabilities of aerospace companies. Foresight audit includes assessment of economic, social, organizational, psychological ideological and other aspects of the functioning and development of aerospace enterprises. The purpose of the study is the functions of designing and forecasting the future, as well as evaluating the predicted achievements and successes required for implementation, as well as possible disruptions and problems in the aerospace industry and resources. The cosmos will be "mastered" only with the mastering of oneself by man, only when harmony of man and the world is reached.
Thermal deformation of 3U CubeSat in low Earth orbit
Authors: Gorev Vasily , Pelemeshko Anatoly , Zadorozhny Alexander , Sidorchuk Aleksey
Published: March 2018

The impact of uneven heating on a satellite structure in low Earth orbit has been considered using the example of 3U CubeSat. The calculations showed that the thermal deformation of CubeSat structure in orbit caused a deviation between normals to opposite small satellite sides of about 0.03°. Such a deviation is commensurate with the required satellite pointing accuracy approximately 0.1° necessary for satellite laser communication. It means that to solve similar problems in the CubeSat designing that require such or better CubeSat pointing accuracy, it is necessary to take into account the expected satellite structure thermal deformation.
Can MOOC help to prepare a well-trained specialist for aerospace industry?
Authors: Ivanova Veronica , Mertins Kseniya , Barabanova Yulia , Yurkina Irina
Published: March 2018

Digitalization of education is the main trend of modern society. The ideology of education "lifelong learning" invests the opportunity to improve skills and develop competencies without leaving home. The article discusses the possibility of using MOOC for training specialists in the aerospace industry. The analysis of the MOOC and specialized courses developed and followed in the TPU, as well as analyzed the education of students is done.
Inaccuracy of acoustic measurements in dual-frequence method of sounding
Authors: Kostina Mariya , Shulgina Yulia , Chudinova Alena
Published: March 2018

The article describes the new method of defining time coordinate of the moment when echo-impulse comes. The principle of the method consists in consecutive sounding of the (head) well with the signals of different frequencies and analysing the received reflected signals. The article shows the graphs with dependence of measurement inaccuracy when the operating threshold of the comparator for different ratios of frequencies changes. If the comparator works out in different (in order) periods of the received signals then measurement inaccuracy will be 1-2 periods of the carrier frequency.
Computer-aided design system for control moment gyroscope
Authors: Kostyuchenko Tamara , Indygasheva Nelya
Published: March 2018

Control moment gyroscope or two-axis balking gyroscope is used in spacecraft orientation systems. The control moment gyroscope is a complex electromechanical system with different parameters which connect by means of specific instant and inverse dependences. This fact could complicate the design process as of getting the optimal parameters the search of construction variations becomes harder. To simplify the control moment gyroscope designing process and increase its efficiency the computer-aided design system could be as highly useful. The computer-aided design system which is used in the present research and described in the article consists of five main subsystems. They cover the main stages of control moment gyroscope designing.
High speed video recording system on a chip for detonation jet engine testing
Authors: Samsonov Alexander N. , Samoilova Khristina V.
Published: March 2018

This article describes system on a chip development for high speed video recording purposes. Current research was started due to difficulties in selection of FPGAs and CPUs which include wide bandwidth, high speed and high number of multipliers for real time signal analysis implementation. Current trend of high density silicon device integration will result soon in a hybrid sensor-controller-memory circuit packed in a single chip. This research was the first step in a series of experiments in manufacturing of hybrid devices. The current task is high level syntheses of high speed logic and CPU core in an FPGA. The work resulted in FPGA-based prototype implementation and examination.
Kinematics of the orbital movement of a digital X-ray scanner of annular pipe seams
Authors: Vasilchenko Rostislav , Simankin Fedor , Ziyakaev Grigorii , Simankin Arkadiy
Published: March 2018

The features of the kinematics of devices performing orbital displacements are considered. Different versions of the arrangement of mechanisms for the orbital movement of a digital radiographic scanner are compared. The load capacity of the support flexible joint of the mechanism was estimated.
Convenient and Rapid Synthesis of 3-Selenocyanato-4H-chromen-4-ones
Authors: Kosso Anne , Broggi Julie , Redon Sébastien , Vanelle Patrice
Published: March 2018

A sequential one-pot, simple and convenient method is described for the synthesis of 3-selenocyanato-4H-chromen-4-ones by addition, first of DMF-DMA and then of triselenodicyanide as electrophile.
Cluster Preface: C–C Activation
Authors: Murakami Masahiro
Published: March 2018

Masahiro Murakami received an undergraduate education at the ­University of Tokyo, and a doctoral degree in science under the super­vision of Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama in 1984. He worked for Prof. ­Mukaiyama as an assistant at the University of Tokyo (1984–1987) and for Prof. Yoshihiko Ito at Kyoto University (1987–1993). He spent ten months (1991–1992) at ETH Zürich as a post-doctoral fellow with Prof. Albert Eschenmoser. After he returned to Kyoto, he was promoted to an associate professor in 1993 and a professor in 2002.
Undetected Intraoperative Pelvic Movement Can Lead to Inaccurate Acetabular Cup Component Placement during Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Mathematical Simulation Estimating Change in Cup Position
Authors: Vigdorchik Jonathan , Buckland Aaron , Elbuluk Ameer , Alguire Alex , Schipper Joseph , Schwarzkopf Ran , Muir Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

Intraoperative patient movement is a common but underappreciated phenomenon in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Such movement can significantly affect the accuracy with which the acetabular cup component is implanted. To evaluate the effect of intraoperative movement on cup position, we performed a study using mathematical modeling to simulate intraoperative movement. Mathematical simulations were used to simulate pelvic movements during THA. Pelvic axial rotation, tilt, and obliquity were simulated, and the resulting changes in intended cup position were calculated. The rate of change of inclination and anteversion per degree of pelvic movement was calculated, establishing a ratio relating cup angle sensitivity to pelvic movement. These sensitivities were used to construct nomograms showing the per-degree effect of pelvic movement on cup position. The effect of pelvic movement on cup position was multifactorial and dependent on the intended cup orientation. For a cup intended to be inserted at 15° anteversion and 40° inclination, each degree of pelvic rotation induced changes of 0.64° and –0.20°, respectively. For this same cup orientation, each degree of pelvic tilt induced changes of 0.77° for anteversion and 0.17° for inclination. Pelvic obliquity was associated with a 1:1 ratio with inclination, with each degree of obliquity inducing 1° of change in inclination. Anteversion was unaffected by changes in pelvic obliquity. This study demonstrates the consequences of undetected pelvic movement on cup position, including the increased risk of the acetabular component being placed in an orientation that could increase wear or the likelihood of impingement and dislocation.
Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty for Gunshot Injury-Induced Secondary Arthritis of the Hip: What Are the Outcomes?
Authors: Abraham Roby , Scollan Joseph , Mixa Patrick , Cherkalin Denis , Varghese Jeffrey , Newman Jared , Maheshwari Aditya , Naziri Qais
Published: March 2018

Gunshot wound (GSW) injuries around the hip joint can lead to debilitating post-traumatic arthritis, requiring a technically demanding primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). These surgeries are often complicated by bullet debris, extensive scaring, prior operations, and altered local anatomy. Although most literature focuses on acute management of GSW around the hip, a few reports detail the mid-term outcomes of GSW patients with primary THA for post-traumatic arthritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and complications associated with THA in nine patients with secondary arthritis due to prior GSW injuries. At a mean follow-up of 35 months (range 12–60 months), significant improvement was shown in hip function, activity, and pain levels, and was similar to the outcomes of 18 patients who underwent primary THA for degenerative joint disease. While technically demanding, THA seems to reduce pain and improve function safely and effectively for patients with GSW-induced hip arthritis.
Mid-Trimester Cervical Consistency Index and Cervical Length to Predict Spontaneous Preterm Birth in a High-Risk Population
Authors: Baños Núria , Julià Carla , Lorente Núria , Ferrero Silvia , Cobo Teresa , Gratacos Eduard , Palacio Montse
Published: March 2018

Background Short cervical length (CL) has not been shown to be adequate as a single predictor of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in high-risk pregnancies.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the mid-trimester cervical consistency index (CCI) to predict sPTB in a cohort of high-risk pregnancies and to compare the results with those obtained with the CL.

Study Design Prospective cohort study including high-risk singleton pregnancies between 19+0 and 24+6 weeks. The ratio between the anteroposterior diameter of the uterine cervix at maximum compression and at rest was calculated offline to obtain the CCI.

Results Eighty-two high sPTB risk women were included. CCI (%) was significantly reduced in women who delivered <37+0 weeks compared with those who delivered at term, while CL was not. The area under the curve (AUC) of the CCI to predict sPTB <37+0 weeks was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.85), being 0.51 (95% CI, 0.35–0.67), p = 0.03 for CL. The AUC of the CCI to predict sPTB <34+0 weeks was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54–0.82), being 0.49 (95% CI, 0.29–0.69), p = 0.06 for CL.

Conclusion CCI performed better than sonographic CL to predict sPTB. Due to the limited predictive capacity of these two measurements, other tools are still needed to better identify women at increased risk.
Secreted Immunomodulatory Proteins of Staphylococcus aureus Activate Platelets and Induce Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Binsker Ulrike , Palankar Raghavendra , Wesche Jan , Kohler Thomas , Prucha Josephine , Burchhardt Gerhard , Rohde Manfred , Schmidt Frank , Bröker Barbara , Mamat Uwe , Pané-Farré Jan , Graf Anica , Ebner Patrick , Greinacher Andreas , Hammerschmidt Sven
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcus aureus can cause bloodstream infections associated with infective endocarditis (IE) and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Both complications involve platelets. In view of an increasing number of antibiotic-resistant strains, new approaches to control systemic S. aureus infection are gaining importance. Using a repertoire of 52 recombinant S. aureus proteins in flow cytometry-based platelet activation and aggregation assays, we identified, in addition to the extracellular adherence protein Eap, three secreted staphylococcal proteins as novel platelet activating proteins. Eap and the chemotaxis inhibitory protein of S. aureus (CHIPS), the formyl peptide receptor-like 1 inhibitory protein (FLIPr) and the major autolysin Atl induced P-selectin expression in washed platelets and platelet-rich plasma. Similarly, AtlA, CHIPS and Eap induced platelet aggregation in whole blood. Fluorescence microscopy illustrated that P-selectin expression is associated with calcium mobilization and re-organization of the platelet actin cytoskeleton. Characterization of the functionally active domains of the major autolysin AtlA and Eap indicates that the amidase domain of Atl and the tandem repeats 3 and 4 of Eap are crucial for platelet activation. These results provide new insights in S. aureus protein interactions with platelets and identify secreted proteins as potential treatment targets in case of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infection.
Gastrointestinale Anastomoseninsuffizienz: operatives vs. konservatives Vorgehen
Authors: Woeste Guido
Published: March 2018

Eine Anastomoseninsuffizienz ist nach Resektionen und Rekonstruktionen im Gastrointestinaltrakt eine häufige Komplikation – ihre Folgen sind eine Verlängerung des stationären Aufenthaltes, eine schlechtere Prognose und eine erhöhte Letalität der betroffenen Patienten 1, 2. Der folgende Beitrag beleuchtet konservative und operative Therapieoptionen der Anastomoseninsuffizienz und zeigt Strategien zu ihrer Vermeidung und Früherkennung auf.
Entwicklung der auditiven Merkspanne bei Kindern mit auffälligem Zahlenfolgegedächtnis
Authors: Nürk Monika , Hornberger Cornelia , Plinkert Peter , Brunner Monika
Published: March 2018

Hintergrund Die Trainierbarkeit der auditiven Merkspanne ist umstritten. Trotzdem wird die eingeschränkte auditive Merkspanne oft über lange Zeit logopädisch oder lerntherapeutisch beübt.

Methodik In einer explorativen, retrospektiven Untersuchung wurde die Entwicklung der auffälligen auditiven Merkspanne (PR ≤ 16) von 96, mehrfach diagnostizierten Kindern mit auditiven Verarbeitungs- und Wahrnehmungsstörungen (AVWS), Sprachentwicklungsauffälligkeiten (Sprachentwicklungsstörungen und phonologische Störungen) oder Lese-Rechtschreibstörungen (LRS) unter Therapie mittels eines gemischt linearen Regressionsmodells untersucht und der Einfluss vorliegender Sprachentwicklungsauffälligkeiten, des IQs und des Geschlechts auf den Verlauf ermittelt. Der durchschnittliche Beobachtungszeitraum betrug 35,7 Monate.

Ergebnisse Bei sehr niedrigen Startprozenträngen zeigte sich eine Verbesserung, Normwerte wurden jedoch nicht erreicht. Über die Zeit zeigte sich keine signifikante Verbesserung der auditiven Merkspanne (p = 0,42) in der Gesamtgruppe, 73 % der Kinder blieben auffällig, nur 27 % erreichten ein klinisch unauffälliges Ergebnis. Kinder ohne Sprachentwicklungsauffälligkeiten (p = 0,004) und Kinder mit höherem IQ (p = 0,002) hatten bessere Therapiechancen. Das Geschlecht zeigte keine Auswirkung auf den Therapieerfolg (p = 0,1).

Diskussion Gebräuchliche Therapiekonzepte sollten infrage gestellt werden. Sprachentwicklungsauffälligkeiten und der IQ könnten als prognostische Marker für ein Therapieansprechen dienen.
Spatio-temporal evolutionary analysis of the township enterprises of Beijing suburbs using computational intelligence assisted design framework
Authors: Chen Yi , Song Zhijun , Zhang Guangfeng , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Li Yun
Published: March 2018

Township and village enterprises (TVEs) are market-oriented public enterprises under the purview of local governments based on townships and villages in the People’s Republic of China. TVEs have become a vibrant part of the Chinese economy following the significant expansion during the 1980s reform period. In the mid-2000s, TVEs became an integrated part of Chinese industry after the property rights transition. In this study, we examined the dynamic behaviours of TVEs in the near-inner-outer suburbs; we simulated these behaviours using computational intelligence aided design framework, which embedded the micro-genetic algorithm with variable populations (VPμGA). Specifically, we assume that conditions follow development, which includes industry scale, industry profit, employees and district development; we then utilise the VPμGA method to simulate the industrial structure and spatio-temporal evolution of the TVEs across seven industrial sectors and closely analyse the consequences of the transition. Our analysis results are consistent with actual observations, and a macro-level analysis showed that TVEs experienced defined scenarios. For Beijing, these scenarios are as follows: rapid development → chaotic development → steady development. The micro-level analysis showed that TVEs and labour have gradually formed a specific industry, a complex trend that evolved in both space and time. We determined the dynamic behaviours of the structures at micro-scales, meso-scales and macro-scales, clarifying the development of TVEs in the Beijing suburbs.
Reconstructing latent dynamical noise for better forecasting observables
Authors: Hirata Yoshito
Published: March 2018

I propose a method for reconstructing multi-dimensional dynamical noise inspired by the embedding theorem of Muldoon et al. [Dyn. Stab. Syst. 13, 175 (1998)] by regarding multiple predictions as different observables. Then, applying the embedding theorem by Stark et al. [J. Nonlinear Sci. 13, 519 (2003)] for a forced system, I produce time series forecast by supplying the reconstructed past dynamical noise as auxiliary information. I demonstrate the proposed method on toy models driven by auto-regressive models or independent Gaussian noise.
Design of MoO3 buffer layer for plasmonic organic solar cell
Authors: Kataria Devika , Sundar Kumar Iyer S.
Published: March 2018

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are employed in thin film solar cells for increased light harvesting due to their plasmonic effects, so as to achieve higher device power conversion efficiency. In organic solar cells (OSCs), the MNPs are typically placed next to the photovoltaic layer separated by a buffer layer, the thickness of which affects the optical as well as electrical characteristics of the OSC. Single layer copper phthalocyanine and bilayer CuPC-C60 (buckminsterfullerene) OSC with silver (Ag) MNPs and a Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) buffer layer of different thicknesses have been fabricated and characterised. The proximity of MNP with the photovoltaic layer enhances the short circuit current density (JSC) from 2.56 mA cm−2 to 5.75 mA cm−2 in bilayer OSC. The presence of MNP near the active layer results in lowered shunt resistance and open circuit voltage (VOC), but the introduction of the thin MoO3 buffer layer mitigates the effect. The analysis of the dark characteristics of the OSC reveals the change in built-in potential due to MNP. Photocurrents are analysed to understand the extent of recombination of charge carriers due to the presence of MNP. Both these factors seem to play roles in VOC reduction due to MNP incorporation, but the decrease is offset to some extent by the introduction of the buffer layer in the devices.
Structure and stability of charged colloid-nanoparticle mixtures
Authors: Weight Braden M. , Denton Alan R.
Published: March 2018

Physical properties of colloidal materials can be modified by addition of nanoparticles. Within a model of like-charged mixtures of particles governed by effective electrostatic interactions, we explore the influence of charged nanoparticles on the structure and thermodynamic phase stability of charge-stabilized colloidal suspensions. Focusing on salt-free mixtures of particles of high size and charge asymmetry, interacting via repulsive Yukawa effective pair potentials, we perform molecular dynamics simulations and compute radial distribution functions and static structure factors. Analysis of these structural properties indicates that increasing the charge and concentration of nanoparticles progressively weakens correlations between charged colloids. We show that addition of charged nanoparticles to a suspension of like-charged colloids can induce a colloidal crystal to melt and can facilitate aggregation of a fluid suspension due to attractive van der Waals interactions. We attribute the destabilizing influence of charged nanoparticles to enhanced screening of electrostatic interactions, which weakens repulsion between charged colloids. This interpretation is consistent with recent predictions of an effective interaction theory of charged colloid-nanoparticle mixtures.
Wave propagation in and around negative-dielectric-constant discharge plasma
Authors: Sakai Osamu , Iwai Akinori , Omura Yoshiharu , Iio Satoshi , Naito Teruki
Published: March 2018

The modes of wave propagation in media with a negative dielectric constant are not simple, unlike those for electromagnetic waves in media with a positive dielectric constant (where modes propagate inside the media with positive phase velocity since the refractive index is usually positive). Instead, they depend on the permeability sign, either positive or negative, and exhibit completely different features. In this report, we investigated a wave confined on the surface of a negative-dielectric-constant and a positive-permeability plasma medium for which the refractive index is imaginary. The propagation mode is similar to surface plasmon polaritons on the metal containing free electrons, but its frequency band is different due to the significant spatial gradient of the dielectric constant and a different pressure term. We also studied a wave with a negative dielectric constant and negative permeability, where the refractive index is negative. This wave can propagate inside the media, but its phase velocity is negative. It also shares similar qualities with waves in plasmonic devices with negative permeability in the photon range.
Static response of coated microbubbles compressed between rigid plates: Simulations and asymptotic analysis including elastic and adhesive forces
Authors: Lytra A. , Pelekasis N.
Published: March 2018

The static response of coated microbubbles is investigated with a novel approach employed for modeling contact between a microbubble and the cantilever of an atomic force microscope. Elastic tensions and moments are described via appropriate constitutive laws. The encapsulated gas is assumed to undergo isothermal variations. Due to the hydrophilic nature of the cantilever, an ultrathin aqueous film is formed, which transfers the force onto the shell. An interaction potential describes the local pressure applied on the shell. The problem is solved in axisymmetric form with the finite element method. The response is governed by the dimensionless bending, k^b=kb/χR02, pressure, P^A=PAR0/χ, and interaction potential, W^=w0/χ. Hard polymeric shells have negligible resistance to gas compression, while for the softer lipid shells gas compressibility is comparable with shell elasticity. As the external force increases, numerical simulations reveal that the force versus deformation (f vs d) curve of polymeric shells exhibits a transition from the linear O(d) (Reissner) regime, marked by flattened shapes around the contact region, to a non-linear O(d1/2) (Pogorelov) regime dominated by shapes exhibiting crater formation due to buckling. When lipid shells are tested, buckling is bypassed as the external force increases and flattened shapes prevail in an initially linear f vs d curve. Transition to a curved upwards regime is observed as the force increases, where gas compression and area dilatation form the dominant balance providing a nonlinear regime with an O(d3) dependence. Asymptotic analysis recovers the above patterns and facilitates estimation of the shell mechanical properties.
Tutorial: Magnetic resonance with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond—microwave engineering, materials science, and magnetometry
Authors: Abe Eisuke , Sasaki Kento
Published: March 2018

This tutorial article provides a concise and pedagogical overview on negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. The research on the NV centers has attracted enormous attention for its application to quantum sensing, encompassing the areas of not only physics and applied physics but also chemistry, biology, and life sciences. Nonetheless, its key technical aspects can be understood from the viewpoint of magnetic resonance. We focus on three facets of this ever-expanding research field, to which our viewpoint is especially relevant: microwave engineering, materials science, and magnetometry. In explaining these aspects, we provide a technical basis and up-to-date technologies for research on the NV centers.
Leakage current analysis for dislocations in Na-flux GaN bulk single crystals by conductive atomic force microscopy
Authors: Hamachi T. , Takeuchi S. , Tohei T. , Imanishi M. , Imade M. , Mori Y. , Sakai A.
Published: March 2018

The mechanisms associated with electrical conduction through individual threading dislocations (TDs) in a Na-flux GaN crystal grown with a multipoint-seed-GaN technique were investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). To focus on individual TDs, dislocation-related etch pits (DREPs) were formed on the Na-flux GaN surface by wet chemical etching, after which microscopic Pt electrodes were locally fabricated on the DREPs to form conformal contacts to the Na-flux GaN crystal, using electron beam assisted deposition. The C-AFM data clearly demonstrate that the leakage current flows through the individual TD sites. It is also evident that the leakage current and the electrical conduction mechanism vary significantly based on the area within the Na-flux GaN crystal where the TDs are formed. These regions include the c-growth sector (cGS) in which the GaN grows in the [0001] direction on top of the point-seed with a c-plane growth front, the facet-growth sector (FGS) in which the GaN grows with {101¯1} facets on the side of the cGS, the boundary region between the cGS and FGS (BR), and the coalescence boundary region between FGSs (CBR). The local current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of the specimen demonstrate space charge limited current conduction and conduction related to band-like trap states associated with TDs in the FGS, BR, and CBR. A detailed analysis of the I–V data indicates that the electrical conduction through TDs in the cGS may proceed via the Poole-Frenkel emission mechanism.
Interface-based two-way tuning of the in-plane thermal transport in nanofilms
Authors: Hua Yu-Chao , Cao Bing-Yang
Published: March 2018

Here, the two-way tuning of in-plane thermal transport is obtained in the bi-layer nanofilms with an interfacial effect by using the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and the phonon Monte Carlo (MC) technique. A thermal conductivity model was derived from the BTE and verified by the MC simulations. Both the model and the MC simulations indicate that the tuning of the thermal transport can be bidirectional (reduced or enhanced), depending on the interface conditions (i.e., roughness and adhesion energy) and the phonon property dissimilarity at the interface. For the identical-material interface, the emergence of thermal conductivity variation requires two conditions: (a) the interface is not completely specular and (b) the transmission specularity parameter differs from the reflection specularity parameter at the interface. When the transmission specularity parameter is larger than the reflection specularity parameter at the interface, the thermal conductivity improvement effect emerges, whereas the thermal conductivity reduction effect occurs. For the disparate-material interface, the phonon property perturbation near the interface causes the thermal conductivity variation, even when neither the above two conditions are satisfied. The mean free path ratio (γ) between the disparate materials was defined to characterize the phonon property dissimilarity. γ  >  1 can lead to the thermal conductivity improvement effect, while γ  <  1 corresponds to the thermal conductivity reduction effect. Our work provides a more in-depth understanding of the interfacial effect on the nanoscale thermal transport, with an applicable predictive model, which can be helpful for predicting and manipulating phonon transport in nanofilms.
Including diverging electrostatic potential in 3D-RISM theory: The charged wall case
Authors: Vyalov Ivan , Rocchia Walter
Published: March 2018

Although three-dimensional site-site molecular integral equations of liquids are a powerful tool of the modern theoretical chemistry, their applications to the problem of characterizing the electrical double layer originating at the solid-liquid interface with a macroscopic substrate are severely limited by the fact that an infinitely extended charged plane generates a divergent electrostatic potential. Such potentials cannot be treated within the standard 3D-Reference Interaction Site Model equation solution framework since it leads to functions that are not Fourier transformable. In this paper, we apply a renormalization procedure to overcome this obstacle. We then check the validity and numerical accuracy of the proposed computational scheme on the prototypical gold (111) surface in contact with water/alkali chloride solution. We observe that despite the proposed method requires, to achieve converged charge densities, a higher spatial resolution than that suited to the estimation of biomolecular solvation with either 3D-RISM or continuum electrostatics approaches, it still is computationally efficient. Introducing the electrostatic potential of an infinite wall, which is periodic in 2 dimensions, we avoid edge effects, permit a robust integration of Poisson’s equation, and obtain the 3D electrostatic potential profile for the first time in such calculations. We show that the potential within the electrical double layer presents oscillations which are not grasped by the Debye-Hückel and Gouy-Chapman theories. This electrostatic potential deviates from its average of up to 1-2 V at small distances from the substrate along the lateral directions. Applications of this theoretical development are relevant, for example, for liquid scanning tunneling microscopy imaging.
Dynamic divertor control using resonant mixed toroidal harmonic magnetic fields during ELM suppression in DIII-D
Authors: Jia M. , Sun Y. , Paz-Soldan C. , Nazikian R. , Gu S. , Liu Y. Q. , Abrams T. , Bykov I. , Cui L. , Evans T. , Garofalo A. , Guo W. , Gong X. , Lasnier C. , Logan N. C. , Makowski M. , Orlov D. , Wang H. H.
Published: March 2018

Experiments using Resonant Magnetic Perturbations (RMPs), with a rotating n = 2 toroidal harmonic combined with a stationary n = 3 toroidal harmonic, have validated predictions that divertor heat and particle flux can be dynamically controlled while maintaining Edge Localized Mode (ELM) suppression in the DIII-D tokamak. Here, n is the toroidal mode number. ELM suppression over one full cycle of a rotating n = 2 RMP that was mixed with a static n = 3 RMP field has been achieved. Prominent heat flux splitting on the outer divertor has been observed during ELM suppression by RMPs in low collisionality regime in DIII-D. Strong changes in the three dimensional heat and particle flux footprint in the divertor were observed during the application of the mixed toroidal harmonic magnetic perturbations. These results agree well with modeling of the edge magnetic field structure using the TOP2D code, which takes into account the plasma response from the MARS-F code. These results expand the potential effectiveness of the RMP ELM suppression technique for the simultaneous control of divertor heat and particle load required in ITER.
Vortex Airy beams directly generated via liquid crystal q-Airy-plates
Authors: Wei Bing-Yan , Liu Sheng , Chen Peng , Qi Shu-Xia , Zhang Yi , Hu Wei , Lu Yan-Qing , Zhao Jian-Lin
Published: March 2018

Liquid crystal q-Airy-plates with director distributions integrated by q-plates and polarization Airy masks are proposed and demonstrated via the photoalignment technique. Single/dual vortex Airy beams of opposite topological charges and orthogonal circular polarizations are directly generated with polarization-controllable characteristic. The singular phase of the vortex part is verified by both astigmatic transformation and digital holography. The trajectory of vortex Airy beams is investigated, manifesting separate propagation dynamics of optical vortices and Airy beams. Meanwhile, Airy beams still keep their intrinsic transverse acceleration, self-healing, and nondiffraction features. This work provides a versatile candidate for generating high-quality vortex Airy beams.