bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slope stability analyses considering non‐associated plasticity: Application to boundary value problem
Authors: TSCHUCHNIGG Franz , OBERHOLLENZER Simon , SCHWEIGER Helmut
Published: June 2018

Limit equilibrium (LE) methods are commonly used in geotechnical engineering to determine the factor of safety (FS). On the other hand, powerful numerical techniques like the displacement based finite element (FE) method and FE limit analyses are utilized with increased regularity. The latter approach is limited to associated plasticity. Therefore, Davis suggested to use reduced strength parameters (RSP) in combination with an associated flow rule in order to model non‐associated plasticity (NAP). Applying this approach to slope stability leads to very conservative results compared to strength reduction finite element analyses (SRFEA) with NAP. This issue may be overcome by modifications of the original Davis approach, where the RSP are related to the actual degree of NA. The paper presents results of the different Davis approaches on a real boundary value problem. Moreover, results from LE calculations and SRFEA are compared with the obtained ones. From these follow that the modified versions still result in conservative FS but achieve a far better agreement with SRFEA.
Open‐loop geothermal heat exchanger system for heating and cooling of the Sport arena in Skopje
Authors: VELESKA Viktorija , JOSIFOVSKI Josif
Published: June 2018

The alternative energy sources are essential for the sustainable development and protection of the environment. In this context, the renewable energy usage had become the new engineering paradigm. The direct use of geothermal energy for cooling and heating is simple and efficient alterative which is widely available and without any restrictions or conditions. Nowadays, more and more buildings use the geothermal energy satisfying more than 80% of the total energy demand for heating and cooling. Most popular are the geothermal heat exchanger systems with deep installations due to their efficiency and cost‐effectiveness. Such an example is the geothermal system of the new Sport arena build in Skopje with open‐loop geothermal heat exchangers is classified as energy efficient facility under class. The primary fluid‐water is exhilarated from the five 30 m geothermal exploitation wells, which through heat pumps is brought to the accumulation chamber inside the building bellow the main court where the heat is stored. Hence, the system is planned to operate in night mode during the cheaper energy tariff used by energy pumps, later to use the stored heat or cold for daily needs. A significant role in the system plays the controlling system with three different management levels.
Several cases of application of geosynthetics in Macedonian engineering practice
Authors: DIMITRIEVSKI Ljupco , DIMITRIEVSKI Dragan , DIMITRIEVSKI Teodor , BOGOEVSKI Boris , DIMITRIESKA Vesna , NEDELKOVSKA Angela
Published: June 2018

Application of geosynthetic materials is widely spread on the Balkans in the last decade. Applications of these materials are usually related to slope stabilizations, landslides rehabilitation, embankments, improvement of foundation soil etc. Most of the experience for designing and application of geosynthetic materials in Macedonia was gained also in last decade. The ‘Geing Krebs und Kiefer International’ company has contributed significantly in the designing of many structures which involve geosynthetics. This paper presents the most significant structures designed by Geing Krebs und Kiefer which are considered in top projects on such structures in Macedonia. The structures presented in this paper mostly involve geogrids, reinforced soil systems (wire meshes and gabions) and gabions. Special attention is paid to the reinforced soil systems which are commonly used for construction of embankments and rehabilitation of landslides in the projects prepared by Geing Krebs und Kiefer. Design and construction aspects for each structure are presented in this paper.
Examples for evaluation of material factoring approach using staged construction in numerical models
Authors: ENE Alexandra , POPA Horatiu , BATALI Loretta , IONESCU Ionela , MIRITOIU Roxana
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Slope reinforcing by means of new geotechnical technology and their impact on other projects. Case Study: Highway “Fier – Tepelene”
Authors: ISMAILAJA Gerta , BOZO Egi , BOZGO Valmira
Published: June 2018

Albania is a relatively small country that has recently gone through several transitional phases. As such it has a growing economy and in the last few years infrastructure projects, play an important role, in development. Due to a need for connection corridors in the country as well as internationally, new roads are being opened. The country has a difficult terrain that often can become a hindrance to such projects. This has lead the way to the use of new geotechnical and engineering solutions and technology. The Fier‐Tepelene junction is one of the first projects where new engineering methods were utilized, notwithstanding the fact that this is one of the largest projects in Albania. This will be a study of how slopes were reinforces throughout this road axes and what has been the impact of these technologies in following projects.
Comparison of free‐field and foundation input motions from experimentally tested built environments
Authors: KRAUS Ivan , CEROVEČKI Adriana
Published: June 2018

Eurocode allows recorded acceleration time histories for representations of seismic action for design of structures. However, it does not define whether the ground motion time histories should be obtained from instruments mounted on foundations, below foundations or placed in free field. Recent laboratory experiments showed that foundation input motion may be of higher intensity and with different frequency content when compared to the motion recorded in free‐field during same earthquake event. However, results obtained during a real earthquake events showed that input motions at the foundation of a structure are of similar intensity when compared to motions recorded in free‐field, not far from the structure. In order to investigate the discrepancy this paper provides comparisons of signals recorded at the same time in free‐field and on foundations of structures during the same earthquake event. The signals used were obtained from four different built environments experimentally tested in centrifuges and on shaking tables in Japan, Europe and Canada.
Pile design for kinematic and inertial effects: a parameter study
Authors: WOLF Ákos , RAY Richard P.
Published: June 2018

The introduction of Eurocode 8 in Hungary presented new challenges in seismic design for geotechnical and structural engineers. During an earthquake, pile foundations must resist both the kinematic forces arising from the deformation of surrounding soil and the inertial effects due to the movement of the superstructure. The inertial effect is usually considered as a lateral load applied to the top of the pile, while kinematic effects are evaluated only in special cases. The evaluation criteria: (1) design ground acceleration >0,1g and (2) soil type D or worse; exist at many building sites in Hungary. Plaxis 3D software with HSSmall soil model was used to analyse the pile behaviour under a seismic event. The model was validated by comparing results to independent site response analyses and analytical equations estimating bending moment in the pile. A parametric study was then carried out to check the effects of mass at pile head and layer thickness on bending moments.
Engineering judgement for deep excavation in urban area
Authors: CIORTAN Romeo , MANEA Sanda , VASILACHE Eugeniu
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Development of condition‐based tamping process in railway engineering
Authors: BARBIR Olja , ADAM Dietmar , KOPF Fritz , PISTROL Johannes , AUER Florian , ANTONY Bernhard
Published: June 2018

Ballast, rails and sleepers form a quasi‐elastic track system. When the deformations exceed the elastic limit of the system and the track is no longer lying in its correct position, precautions have to be taken. During a technical track examination several parameters are measured. Should the operational tolerance values of these parameters be exceeded, track maintenance needs to be conducted. Track maintenance includes levelling, lifting, lining and tamping of the track, which is performed by a tamping machine, where the tamping tines penetrate the ballast and compact it beneath the sleeper. For the purpose of this research project, a tamping machine was equipped with a number of strategically positioned sensors in order to perform the in‐situ measurements required to describe the interaction of the tamping tines with the ballast and its compaction beneath the sleeper. With a special emphasis on the energy transferred into the ballast and alteration of ballast stiffness during compaction, conclusions concerning efficiency of the tamping process in different ballast conditions are made and presented.
Application of polyurethane resin for rehabilitation of the vertical control shaft at Turija dam in Strumica
Authors: IVANOVSKI Mladen , JOSIFOVSKI Josif
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Underpinning works under existing shallow foundations in Blaj ‐ Romania using Springsol® technology
Authors: MĂGUREANU A. , SATA L. , BITIR (BULIGA) A.C. , MATHIEU F. , HULPUŞ T.‐A.
Published: June 2018

Romanian branch of Soletanche Bachy (SB) together with SB Group expertise, carried out underpinning works at an existing factory located in Blaj. After being built in 2007 on poor soil conditions, the structure has continuously developed serious settlements. Various solutions for remediation were studied, but the most suitable was ‐ Springsol® technology. This method is SB's soil mixing technique: it allows construction of soil‐cement columns with small diameter drilling rigs which can fit inside existing buildings. 27 Springsol® columns with d=400 mm were executed under existing foundations. The main works followed a trial carried out on a plot close to the factory. The objective was to validate the construction parameters and measure their characteristics. Dynamic cone penetration measurements were performed around the columns before and after their construction, along with a large number of later excavated trial columns injected with various parameters enabled finding the right response to meet the client’ s expectations and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Solutions for hazards on access road to dam Sveta Petka
Authors: MANOV Hristifor , CVETKOVSKI Pero , SOJAT Damir
Published: June 2018

Octopus Rijeka at 2014 begins with international activity through his branch office in Skopje, and at 2015 begins with project “Slope protection of access road to dam Sveta Petka” in Macedonia. This project was exceptionally complex constructional operation, taking in consideration objective geological conditions, extreme geometric parameters of cross profile (slopes about 50 m high), as well as necessity of work in conditions of active traffic. All this required engagement of special machines and special workforce. About this project the most characteristic thing were often landslides on parts. The work section was long about 6 km, and for rehabilitation were provided: 58 000 m2 protection wire mesh, 18 000 m’ anchors, in length from three to eight meters and 2 500 m3 shotcrete. The design provided many work activities, depending from configuration of site and rehabilitation type: slope protection with wire mesh and/or shotcrete; rehabilitation of scree, installation of gabions etc.
Geotechnical and geoecological methods of protecting urban underground collectors (experience of St. Petersburg)
Authors: PERMINOV Nicolay , PERMINOV Andrey
Published: June 2018

This paper, based on the extensive data of studying the work of the tunnel collectors in conditions of soft soils and intense technogenic influences, describes new methods of diagnosing, the features of defects, and the results of modeling joint interaction of the “tunnel – soil bulk” as well as experimental data on experimental objects. The geotechnical methods for protecting the long‐operated tunnel collectors have been developed, and there has been given the unique experience of their application in the objects of St. Petersburg together with their monitoring support.
Experiences from the application of remedial measures in hydrotechnical tunnel on Saska River – M. Kamenica
Authors: ZAFIROVSKI Zlatko , JOVANOVSKI Milorad , SUSINOV Bojan , ABAZI Sead , GACEVSKI Vasko
Published: June 2018

Tunnels represent significant financial investments with challenging design, construction, and operational issues. They remain in service for extended periods of time, sometime beyond their intended service life. Hydrotechnical tunnels are often prone to repairs and rehabilitation because of the devastating effect of the water. The rehabilitation of any kind of tunnel is a complex process which involves knowledge and experts from different scientific areas. In this paper some experiences from the rehabilitation of the hydrotechnical tunnel on Saska River as a part of the mine for lead and zinc Sasa are shown.
Impact of Microaeration and the Redox Mediator Anthraquinone‐2,6‐Disulfonate on Azo Dye Reduction and By‐Products Degradation
Authors: de Barros Amanda N. , da Silva Marcos E. R. , Firmino Paulo I. M. , de Vasconcelos Eduardo A. F. , dos Santos André B.
Published: June 2018

This work assessed the impact of microaeration and the redox mediator anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS) on both azo dye reduction and by‐products degradation (aromatic amines) in a mesophilic reactor. The experiment was carried out in an up‐flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor with 3.2 L of working volume and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. The synthetic effluent contained 50 mg L−1 of the dye Reactive Red 2 (RR2). The reactor was initially operated under anaerobic conditions and, subsequently, was microaerated with atmospheric air (1 mL min−1) and then supplemented with the redox mediator (AQDS) at a concentration of 25 μM. The microaeration effect on dye reduction and by‐products formed was not evident. However, AQDS considerably enhanced RR2 reduction, and its regeneration is not affected by the presence of oxygen. It seems that the cleavage of the double bond between nitrogen groups is a much easier way to start the attack of the azo dye, and it is independent of the presence of oxygen. Thus, the introduction of hydroxyl groups into the aromatic ring was not playing a role in the color removal process. In terms of ecological parameters, the ecological niches were maintained, and the distribution of species increased, despite the majority being generalists, i.e., not specialized in dye degradation. Furthermore, anaerobic species are dominant over facultative species, which explains why there was no population diversity recovery after the microaeration started.
Targeting Serotonin 2A and Adrenergic α1Receptors for Ocular Antihypertensive Agents: Discovery of 3,4‐Dihydropyrazino[1,2‐b]indazol‐1(2H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Furlotti Guido , Alisi Maria Alessandra , Cazzolla Nicola , Ceccacci Francesca , Garrone Beatrice , Gasperi Tecla , La Bella Angela , Leonelli Francesca , Loreto Maria Antonietta , Magarò Gabriele , Mangano Giorgina , Bettolo Rinaldo Marini , Masini Emanuela , Miceli Martina , Migneco Luisa Maria , Vitiello Marco
Published: June 2018

Glaucoma affects millions of people worldwide and causes optic nerve damage and blindness. The elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main risk factor associated with this pathology, and decreasing IOP is the key therapeutic target of current pharmacological treatments. As potential ocular hypotensive agents, we studied compounds that act on two receptors (serotonin 2A and adrenergic α1) linked to the regulation of aqueous humour dynamics. Herein we describe the design, synthesis, and pharmacological profiling of a series of novel bicyclic and tricyclicN2‐alkyl‐indazole‐amide derivatives. This study identified a 3,4‐dihydropyrazino[1,2‐b]indazol‐1(2H)‐one derivative with potent serotonin 2A receptor antagonism, >100‐fold selectivity over other serotonin subtype receptors, and high affinity for the α1receptor. Moreover, upon local administration, this compound showed superior ocular hypotensive action in vivo relative to the clinically used reference compound timolol.
Deciphering Specificity Determinants for FR900359‐Derived Gqα Inhibitors Based on Computational and Structure–Activity Studies
Authors: Reher Raphael , Kühl Toni , Annala Suvi , Benkel Tobias , Kaufmann Desireé , Nubbemeyer Britta , Odhiambo Justin Patrick , Heimer Pascal , Bäuml Charlotte Anneke , Kehraus Stefan , Crüsemann Max , Kostenis Evi , Tietze Daniel , König Gabriele M. , Imhof Diana
Published: June 2018

Direct targeting of intracellular Gα subunits of G protein‐coupled receptors by chemical tools is a challenging task in current pharmacological studies and in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this study we analyzed novel FR900359‐based analogs from natural sources, synthetic cyclic peptides, as well as all so‐far known Gqα inhibitors in a comprehensive study to devise a strategy for the elucidation of characteristics that determine interactions with and inhibition of Gq in the specific FR/YM‐binding pocket. Using 2D NMR spectroscopy and molecular docking we identified unique features in the macrocyclic structures responsible for binding to the target protein correlating with inhibitory activity. While all novel compounds were devoid of effects on Gi and Gs proteins, no inhibitor surpassed the biological activity of FR. This raises the question of whether depsipeptides such as FR already represent valuable chemical tools for specific inhibition of Gq and, at the same time, are suitable natural lead structures for the development of novel compounds to target Gα subunits other than Gq.
Behavior of a Metal Organic Framework Thin‐Film at Elevated Temperature and Pressure as Studied with an Autoclave‐Inserted Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Brand Rogier P. , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Delen Guusje , Rijnveld Niek , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: June 2018

Bridging the gap in studying surface reactions, processes, and morphology and measuring at (catalytic) relevant conditions is crucial for our understanding of the working principles of porous crystalline materials. Scanning tunneling microscopy is limited because of the required conductivity of the sample, whereas atomic force microscopy (AFM) is often challenging in use owing to the physical mechanism underlying the technique. Herein, we report a tailor‐made autoclave‐inserted AFM, able to measure at ∼20 bar and ∼110 °C. First, we show the ability to obtain nanometer resolution on well‐defined test samples at before‐mentioned conditions. Second, to demonstrate the possibilities of analyzing morphological evolutions at elevated temperatures and pressures, we use this setup to measure the stability of a surface‐anchored metal‐organic framework (SURMOF) in‐situ at pressures of 1–20 bar in the temperature range between 20 and 60 °C. It was found that the showcase HKUST‐1 material has a good physical stability, as it is hardly damaged from exposure to pressures up to 20 bar. However, its thermal stability is weaker, as exposure to elevated T damaged the material by influencing the interaction between organic linker and metal cluster. In‐situ measurements at elevated T also showed an increased mobility of the material when working at such conditions. Combining the strength of AFM at elevated T and p with ex‐situ AFM and spectroscopic measurements on this MOF showcases an example of how porous materials can be studied at (industrially) relevant conditions using the autoclave‐inserted AFM.
Large Electro‐Optic Kerr Effect in Ionic Liquid Crystals: Connecting Features of Liquid Crystals and Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Schlick M. Christian , Kapernaum Nadia , Neidhardt Manuel M. , Wöhrle Tobias , Stöckl Yannick , Laschat Sabine , Giesselmann Frank
Published: June 2018

The electro‐optic Kerr effect in simple dipolar fluids such as nitrobenzene has been widely applied in electro‐optical phase modulators and light shutters. In 2005, the discovery of the large Kerr effect in liquid‐crystalline blue phases (Y. Hisakado et al., Adv. Mater. 2005, 17, 96–98.) gave new directions to the search for advanced Kerr effect materials. Even though the Kerr effect is present in all transparent and optically isotropic media, it is well known that the effect can be anomalously large in complex fluids, namely in the isotropic phase of liquid crystals or in polyelectrolyte solutions. Herein, it is shown that the Kerr effect in the isotropic phase of ionic liquid crystals combines the effective counterion polarization mechanism found in polyelectrolytes and the unique pretransitional growth of the Kerr constant found in the isotropic phase of nematic liquid crystals. Maximum Kerr constants in the order of several 10−11 m V−2 (ten times higher than the Kerr constant of the toxic nitrobenzene and less temperature sensitive than Kerr constants of nematic liquid crystals) make ionic liquid crystals attractive as new class of functional materials in low‐speed Kerr effect applications.
Developing a sustainable HRM system from a contextual perspective
Authors: Diaz‐Carrion Rosalia , López‐Fernández Macarena , Romero‐Fernandez Pedro M.
Published: June 2018

Adopting a sustainability approach in management has become an imperative for organizations. This article addresses this challenge by establishing the criteria for the implementation of a human resource management (HRM) system based on an approach of corporate social responsibility (CSR). It also provides a measurement scale for CSR in the field of HRM. We analyse the sustainability reports of 194 companies quoted on the main stock exchanges of Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, we review the main international CSR standards. Finally, we develop a Delphi study among academic experts. The results have practical implications. They suggest that human resource managers must play a proactive role in pushing their organizations to develop employment practices with a CSR orientation. This will have positive effects for companies internally by enhancing employees' satisfaction and commitment toward the organization, and externally by improving the image that the company projects to society.
Iridium‐Coordinated Histidyl Bolaamphiphile Self‐Assemblies as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Water Oxidation
Authors: Keum Changjoon , Lee Sang‐Yup
Published: June 2018

Catalysts that can promote oxygen evolution from water are necessary for green energy production. In this study, colloidal heterogeneous catalysts for oxygen evolution were prepared by coordination of Ir species to self‐assemblies of histidyl bolaamphiphiles. When dissolved in water, the histidyl bolaamphiphiles self‐assembled to form particulate structures with the exposure of densely packed histidine imidazoles on their surface. Subsequent coordination of the Ir species to the bolaamphiphile assembly gave rise to catalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction. The oxygen evolution was examined by using the catalytic assemblies in the presence of a sacrificial oxidant, cerium ammonium nitrate. The Ir‐coordinated assemblies showed a turnover frequency of 13 min−1, which was comparable to those previously reported for molecular water oxidation catalysts. The catalytic activity increased with increasing histidine imidazole/Ir molar ratio, which suggested that multiple coordination of Ir to imidazoles facilitated the formation of active Ir intermediates. This study demonstrates the feasibility of constructing catalytically active interfaces from colloidal bolaamphiphile assemblies with biochemical ligands.
Turbulent heat transport in TOKAM3X edge plasma simulations
Authors: Baudoin Camille , Tamain Patrick , Bufferand Hugo , Ciraolo Guido , Fedorczak Nicolas , Galassi Davide , Ghendrih Philippe , Nace Nicolas
Published: June 2018

The recent version of the 3D fluid code TOKAM3X, including self‐consistent variation of both electron and ion temperature, is used to investigate the properties of energy turbulent structures and heat transport. We also make a comparison with the results of the isothermal equivalent simulation. The studied regime is an L‐mode‐like regime where both particle and heat transport are dominated by turbulence with Γturb/Γtot > 80% and the turbulence features are found to be similar in isothermal and anisothermal models. However, the presence of a significant shear at the separatrix in the anisothermal version modifies the penetration length of turbulent structures into the scrape‐off layer, and seems to trigger the appearance of a sharper gradient at the separatrix, reminiscent of the narrow feature observed in the experiment.
Increased risk of reproductive dysfunction in women prescribed long‐term opioids for musculoskeletal pain: A matched cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Richardson E. , Bedson J. , Chen Y. , Lacey R. , Dunn K.M.
Published: June 2018

Background

One‐fifth of primary care attendees suffer chronic noncancer pain, with musculoskeletal conditions the leading cause. Twelve percent of patients with chronic noncancer pain are prescribed strong opioids. Evidence suggests long‐term opioid use is related to hypogonadism in men, but the relationship in women is unclear. Our aim was to investigate reproductive dysfunction in women prescribed long‐term opioids for musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

We undertook a matched (matched 1:1; for year of birth, year of start of follow‐up and practice) cohort study of women aged 18–55 years old, with musculoskeletal pain and an opioid prescription in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (a primary care database) between 2002 and 2013. Long‐term opioid users (≥90 days) were compared with short‐term opioid users (<90 days) for four reproductive conditions (abnormal menstruation, low libido, infertility and menopause) using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 44,260 women were included; the median cohort age at baseline was 43 years (Interquartile Range 36–49). Long‐term opioid use was associated with an increased risk of altered menstruation (hazard ratio 1.13 95% CI 1.05–1.21) and with an increased risk of menopause (hazard ratio 1.16 95% CI 1.10–1.23). No significant association was found for libido (hazard ratio 1.19 95% CI 0.96–1.48) or infertility (hazard ratio 0.82 95% CI 0.64–1.06).

Conclusions

The risk of menopause and abnormal menstruation was increased in long‐term opioid users. This has implications for clinicians as reproductive dysfunction will need to be considered when prescribing long‐term opioids to women with musculoskeletal conditions.

Significance

This is a large‐scale cohort examining the relationship between long‐term opioid use and reproductive dysfunction using a UK national primary care database. There is an increased risk of reproductive dysfunction associated with long‐term opioid use.
Variational boundary integral approach for asymmetric impinging jets of arbitrary two‐dimensional nozzle
Authors: Yoo Sung Sic , Liu Wing Kam , Kim Do Wan
Published: June 2018

We consider asymmetric impinging jets issuing from an arbitrary nozzle. The flow is assumed to be two‐dimensional, inviscid, incompressible, and irrotational. The impinging jet from an arbitrary nozzle has a couple of separated infinite free boundaries, which makes the problem hard to solve. We formulate this problem using the stream function represented with a specific single layer potential. This potential can be extended to the surrounding region of the jet flow, and this extension can be proved to be a bounded function. Using this fact, the formulation yields the boundary integral equations on the entire nozzle and free boundary. In addition, a boundary perturbation produces an extraordinary boundary integral equation for the boundary variation. Based on these variational boundary integral equations, we can provide an efficient algorithm that can treat with the asymmetric impinging jets having arbitrarily shaped nozzles. Particularly, the proposed algorithm uses the infinite computational domain instead of a truncated one. To show the convergence and accuracy of the numerical solution, we compare our solutions with the exact solutions of free jets. Numerical results on diverse impinging jets with nozzles of various shapes are also presented to demonstrate the applicability and reliability of the algorithm.
Evaluation of the Effect of Position and Configuration of Electrodes in Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Pushkar P. , Prakash O. , Mungray A. A. , Kumar K. S. , Chongdar S. , Mungray A. K.
Published: June 2018

Benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFC) is a futuristic technology for powering low power devices. A major problem in the scale‐up of BMFC is decreasing in the power generation with an increase in the size of the electrodes. However, the multi‐electrodes have a potential to increase the power generation. Therefore, multi‐electrodes (three electrodes) in Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) configurations are examined in this work. For effective understanding, individual and combined electrodes in both the configurations are analyzed and compared with the Single (S) electrode. The analytical techniques, such as power and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used in situ to understand the performance of BMFC. The start‐up provides information that the position of the electrode is the key for the enhancement of power generation. V, H, and S generated a maximum power density of 56.6, 49.4 and 22.5 mW m−2 having internal resistances of 389, 421 and 668 Ω, respectively. EIS data shows that the energy generation is dependent on the capacitance and resistance. The vertical arrangement provided the best configuration.
Developments of modified magnetic nanoparticle‐supported heteropolyacid photocatalytic performances in methylene blue scavenger
Authors: Kazemi Shahnaz , Teimouri Abbas , Salavati Hossein
Published: June 2018

In this project, the Keggin‐type polyoxometalate, H5PMoV2O40 (denoted as PMoV), was immobilized on modified NiFe2O4 nanoparticles to produce a magnetically separable catalyst. This catalyst was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐DRS). The synthesized catalyst demonstrated a high photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue (denoted as MB) as a pollutant under UV light irradiation. The catalyst could be readily separated from the photocatalytic system using the magnetic field, and the loss of activity was negligible when the catalyst was recovered in five consecutive runs. In addition, optimization was performed using multiresponse optimization and the desirability function approach of the central composite design (CCD). The effects of various factors, such as the catalyst amount, contact time, and pH, on the degradation of MB were investigated. Optimization results for the 20 mg/L MB showed that the maximum degradation efficiency of 95.8% at optimum conditions was: catalyst amount: 22.35 mg, pH = 7.81, and time: 67 min, at ambient pressure and temperature.
Generation of albino medaka (Oryzias latipes) by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Fang Jian , Chen Tiansheng , Pan Qihua , Wang Qian
Published: June 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful tool to produce the genetic modification in plants and animals such as mouse and zebrafish. However, this technique was less reported in fish model medaka (Oryzias latipes). Here, we describe an efficient and rapid procedure for genome editing in medaka tyr and generate a stable albino strain. The Cas9 mRNA and gRNA for tyr gene were injected into the embryos of orange‐red medaka, and the tyr gene was disrupted in more than 90% of embryos in F0 and F1, which were validated by observation and sequencing of targeted locus. The pigment cells were largely decreased in the mutant medaka because open reading frames of tyr were shifted near the targeted locus, generating albino medaka. Taken together, this method provides a detailed procedure to generate the genetic modification medaka by using an optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system, and the new albino medaka provides an important research platform to study the pigmentation.
Parental Absence and Agency: The Household Characteristics of Hazardous Forms of Child Labour in Nepal
Authors: Kamei Akito
Published: June 2018

Using Nepal's first nationwide household survey that incorporates a module (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Module 5, Nepal 2014) on children's working conditions, this paper investigates the factors that drive children into hazardous forms of labour. While the importance of eliminating the hazardous and worst forms of child labour has been addressed for many years, quantitative evidence on what household characteristics lead children to work in hazardous environments is scarce. The new finding from this paper is that, even among children who are engaged in child labour, children from poorer households are more likely to engage in hazardous forms of child labour. Similarly, household characteristics such as father's absence due to death, and children living without parental care result in higher risk of children engaging in hazardous labour. The evidence from the empirical analysis about associated factors for hazardous child labour helps policymakers identify families at high risk. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of micro‐RNA on tenocytes and tendon‐related gene expression: A systematic review
Authors: Dubin Jeremy A. , Greenberg Daniel R. , Iglinski‐Benjamin Kag C. , Abrams Geoffrey D.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the review was to synthesize the current literature regarding the effect of miRNA on biological processes known to be involved in tendon and tenocyte development and homeostasis. Using multiple databases, a systematic review was performed with a customized search term crafted to identify any study examining micro‐RNA in relation to tendon and/or tenocytes. Results were classified based on the following categories: Gene expression, tenocyte development and differentiation, tendon tissue repair, and tenocyte senescence. A total of 3,112 potentially relevant studies were reviewed, and after exclusion criteria was applied, 15 investigations were included in the final analysis. There were 14 specific miRNA included in this review, with 11 studies reporting on tendon‐related gene expression, five reporting on tendon development and/or tenocyte differentiation, six reporting on tendon tissue repair, and five reporting on tenocyte senescence. The miR‐29 family was the most commonly reported micro‐RNA in the investigation. We also report on a number of micro‐RNA which are associated with both positive and negative effects on tendon homeostasis. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2823–2829, 2018.
Can myocardial remodeling be a useful surrogate predictor of myocardial iron load? A 3D echocardiographic multicentric study
Authors: Agha Hala Mounir , AbdelMassih Antoine Fakhry , AbdelRahman Mohamed Youssef , Milanesi Ornella , Castaldi Biagio , Geranio Giulia , Putti Maria Caterina , Kharabish Ahmed , Esmail Reem , El‐Kamah Ghada , Hamdy Mona , El‐Baz Heba , Behairy Noha , Hanna Carol , El‐Tagy Hassan , Mishriky Mary Atef , Mamdouh Mirna , Antonazzo Livio , Ramadan Tasneem
Published: June 2018

The relationship between myocardial iron load and eccentric myocardial remodeling remains an under‐investigated area; it was thought that remodeling is rather linked to fibrosis. This study aims to determine whether or not measures of remodeling can be used as predictors of myocardial iron. For this purpose, 60 patients with thalassemia were studied with 3D echocardiography and myocardial relaxometry (T2*) by Cardiac MRI. 3D derived sphericity index was significantly higher in patients with myocardial iron load. It was correlated with T2* with a 100% sensitivity and specificity (cut‐off value of 0.34) to discriminate between patients with and without myocardial iron overload.
Thermoelectric Materials Under Pressure
Authors: Alsaleh Najebah M. , Shoko Elvis , Arsalan Muhammad , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in high‐pressure technology provide access both to novel materials and to exotic properties of known materials, thus opening exciting opportunities for fundamental as well as applied research. This review summarizes for various classes of materials the existing knowledge on the thermoelectric behavior under hydrostatic pressure to identify promising directions for future developments.
Prior knowledge snake segmentation of ultrasound images denoised by J‐divergence anisotropy diffusion
Authors: Yan Jiawen , Pan Bo , Qi Yunfeng , Ben Jin , Fu Yili
Published: June 2018

Background

Applying transrectal ultrasound to robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has attracted attention in recent years, and it is considered as a proper method to provide real‐time subsurface anatomic features. A precise registration between the ultrasound equipment and robotic surgical system is necessary, which usually requires a fast and accurate recognition of the registration tool in the ultrasound image.

Methods

Tissue forceps are chosen as the registration tool. J‐divergence anisotropy diffusion and prior knowledge snake segmentation are proposed for the automatic recognition of forceps in ultrasound images.

Results

Simulation, gel tissue phantom experiments and in vitro experiments are carried out. Several evaluation indices are calculated to compare results under different methods.

Conclusions

The proposed methods are proved to be practicable, reliable and superior to existing ones, with reduced calculation time and higher accuracy.
A High Efficiency Si Photoanode Protected by Few‐Layer MoSe2
Authors: Vanka Srinivas , Wang Yongjie , Ghamari Pegah , Chu Sheng , Pandey Ayush , Bhattacharya Pallab , Shih Ishiang , Mi Zetian
Published: June 2018

To date, the performance of semiconductor photoanodes has been severely limited by oxidation and photo‐corrosion. Here, a report is given on the use of earth‐abundant MoSe2 as a surface protection layer for Si‐based photoanodes. Large area MoSe2 film was grown on p+‐n Si substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. It is observed that the incorporation of few‐layer (≈3 nm) epitaxial MoSe2 can significantly enhance the performance and stability of Si photoanode. The resulting MoSe2/p+‐n Si photoanode produces a light‐limited current density of 30 mA cm−2 in 1 M HBr under AM 1.5G one sun illumination, with a current‐onset potential of 0.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) reaches up to 13.8%, compared to the negligible ABPE values (<0.1%) for a bare Si photoanode under otherwise identical experimental conditions. The photoanode further produced stable voltage of ≈0.38 V versus RHE at a photocurrent density of ≈2 mA cm−2 for ≈14 h under AM 1.5G one sun illumination. This work shows the extraordinary potential of two‐dimensional transitional metal dichalcogenides in photoelectrochemical application and will contribute to the development of low cost, high efficiency, and highly stable Si‐based photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production.
On some high‐dimensional two‐sample tests based on averages of inter‐point distances
Authors: Sarkar Soham , Ghosh Anil K.
Published: June 2018

Over the last two decades, several two‐sample tests based on averages of inter‐point distances have been proposed in the literature. Most of these tests are based on the Euclidean distance, and they can be used even when the dimension of the data is much larger than the sample size. But these tests can produce poor results in high‐dimensional set‐ups even when the two distributions differ widely in their scatters and shapes. To overcome these limitations, we modify some tests by replacing the Euclidean distance with a new class of distance functions. The high‐dimensional consistency of these modified tests is established under appropriate regularity conditions. Numerical studies are also carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Resistant Starch Prepared by Autoclaving‐Microwave
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Han Wenfang , Zhang Binjia , Zhao Siming , Du Hongying
Published: June 2018

This work is focused on evaluating the structure (granular morphology, crystalline structure, molecular order structure), and properties (resistant starch content, swelling power, amylose leaching) of resistant starch (RS) prepared from corn starch by an autoclaving and autoclaving‐microwave method. The results indicated that compared with native starch, all of the RS granules became loose, bigger, and rough fragmented, and displayed a B + V crystalline structure. Meanwhile, the relative crystallinity, helix content, molecular orders for RS samples decrease. The RSs displayed mainly RS3 and RS5 types, with enhanced thermal stability. Compared to autoclaving method, the autoclaving‐microwave treatment significantly increases the RS content from 30.15% to 40.70%, since microwave could promote the formation of the double helix in RS. In particular, the RS prepared by autoclaving‐microwave (HRS‐CM) exhibits the highest degree of crystallinity, ordered structure, and degree of double helical structure as confirmed by XRD, FT‐Raman, and 13C NMR.
High Basal Levels of γH2AX in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Are Linked to Replication-Associated DNA Damage and Repair
Authors: Vallabhaneni Haritha , Lynch Patrick J. , Chen Guibin , Park Kyeyoon , Liu Yangtengyu , Goehe Rachel , Mallon Barbara S. , Boehm Manfred , Hursh Deborah A.
Published: June 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have great potential as source cells for therapeutic uses. However, reports indicate that iPSCs carry genetic abnormalities, which may impede their medical use. Little is known about mechanisms contributing to intrinsic DNA damage in iPSCs that could lead to genomic instability. In this report, we investigated the level of DNA damage in human iPSC lines compared with their founder fibroblast line and derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) lines using the phosphorylated histone variant, γH2AX, as a marker of DNA damage. We show that human iPSCs have elevated basal levels of γH2AX, which correlate with markers of DNA replication: 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and the single-stranded binding protein, replication protein A. γH2AX foci in iPSCs also colocalize to BRCA1 and RAD51, proteins in the homologous repair pathway, implying γH2AX in iPSCs marks sites of double strand breaks. Our study demonstrates an association between increased basal levels of γH2AX and the rapid replication of iPSCs.
Magnetically charged calorons with non-trivial holonomy
Authors: Kato Takumi , Nakamula Atsushi , Takesue Koki
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Instantons in pure Yang-Mills theories on partially periodic space

$$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^3\times {S}^1 $$

ℝ
3

×

S
1

are usually called calorons. The background periodicity brings on characteristic features of calorons such as non-trivial holonomy, which plays an essential role for confinement/deconfinement transition in pure Yang-Mills gauge theory. For the case of gauge group SU(2), calorons can be interpreted as composite objects of two constituent “monopoles” with opposite magnetic charges. There are often the cases that the two monopole charges are unbalanced so that the calorons possess net magnetic charge in R3. In this paper, we consider several mechanism how such net magnetic charges appear for certain types of calorons through the ADHM/Nahm construction with explicit examples. In particular, we construct analytically the gauge configuration of the (2, 1)-caloron with U(1)-symmetry, which has intrinsically magnetic charge.
Evolution of complexity following a quantum quench in free field theory
Authors: Alves Daniel W. F. , Camilo Giancarlo
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Using a recent proposal of circuit complexity in quantum field theories introduced by Jefferson and Myers, we compute the time evolution of the complexity following a smooth mass quench characterized by a time scale δt in a free scalar field theory. We show that the dynamics has two distinct phases, namely an early regime of approximately linear evolution followed by a saturation phase characterized by oscillations around a mean value. The behavior is similar to previous conjectures for the complexity growth in chaotic and holographic systems, although here we have found that the complexity may grow or decrease depending on whether the quench increases or decreases the mass, and also that the time scale for saturation of the complexity is of order δt (not parametrically larger).
Variation in wealth and educational drivers of fertility decline across 45 countries
Authors: Colleran Heidi , Snopkowski Kristin
Published: June 2018

Fertility decline in human populations is an inherent evolutionary puzzle with major demographic, socio‐cultural and evolutionary consequences. The individual level predictors of fertility decline are numerous, but the way these effects vary by country and how they are causally mediated by other factors has received relatively little attention. Here we take a multilevel approach to compare similarities and differences in the primary predictors of contemporary fertility declines—wealth and education—across 45 countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data collected from 2003 to 2015. We use multilevel models to understand variation in the slopes of these predictors on fertility, and structural equation models to examine the causal pathways by which they take their effects, focusing on four mediating variables: local mortality and birth rates, women's work status, and contraceptive use. We find that associations between wealth and fertility differ substantially across populations, while associations between education and fertility are consistently negative. The mediators also vary: community‐level birth rates and women's contraceptive use are important mediators between education, wealth and the number of children born across a wide variety of countries, but community‐level mortality rates and women's work status are not. We discuss our results in the context of different causal pathways that reflect cultural and biological evolutionary dynamics as simultaneous and interacting drivers of fertility decline.
Approximated Penalized Maximum Likelihood for Exploratory Factor Analysis: An Orthogonal Case
Authors: Jin Shaobo , Moustaki Irini , Yang-Wallentin Fan
Published: June 2018

The problem of penalized maximum likelihood (PML) for an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) model is studied in this paper. An EFA model is typically estimated using maximum likelihood and then the estimated loading matrix is rotated to obtain a sparse representation. Penalized maximum likelihood simultaneously fits the EFA model and produces a sparse loading matrix. To overcome some of the computational drawbacks of PML, an approximation to PML is proposed in this paper. It is further applied to an empirical dataset for illustration. A simulation study shows that the approximation naturally produces a sparse loading matrix and more accurately estimates the factor loadings and the covariance matrix, in the sense of having a lower mean squared error than factor rotations, under various conditions.