bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXTRATOS DE Brunfelsia uniflora NA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE Crotalaria spectabilis
Authors: Silva Elizeu Junior da , Custódio Samuel Pereira , Gomes Simone De Melo Santana , Andre Victor Cesar Sartori , Santos David Maran dos , Schwengber Raiane Pereira , Gazim Zilda Cristiani
Published: May 2017

As sementes do gênero Crotalaria L., de um modo geral, apresentam dificuldades no processo germinativo. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a eficiência do extrato bruto de Brunfelsia uniflora na germinação de Crotalaria spectabilis. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram extratos das folhas e flores de B. uniflora nas concentrações 25, 50, 100% e tratamento testemunha (0%). O experimento foi conduzido no laboratório de Fitopatologia da Universidade Paranaense – UNIPAR, Umuarama - PR. As folhas e frutos coletados foram expostos à secagem natural e posteriormente submetidos ao processo de maceração dinâmica com esgotamento e rota evaporação do etanol, obtendo o extrato bruto. As sementes foram expostas as diluições do extratos durante dois minutos, na sequência, foram dispostas para a secagem e distribuídas em rolo papel e armazenados na B.O.D., na temperatura de 26ºC. Na contagem, aos 4 e 10 dias, determinou-se a porcentagem de plântulas normais e anormais, sementes duras e dormentes. Os extratos brutos da folha e flor de B. uniflora não ocasionaram diferenças estatísticas significativas para as variáveis analisadas, demonstrando ausência de efeito antagônico.
UTILIZAÇÃO DE ENZIMAS EXÓGENAS NA NUTRIÇÃO DE PEIXES - REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Gomes Veruska Dilyanne Silva , Silva José Humberto Vilar da , Cavalcanti Cácio Ribeiro , Fonseca Sthelio Braga da , Filho José Jordão , Neto Manuel Rosa da Silva , Silva Felipe Bonifácio da
Published: May 2017

As enzimas exógenas são adicionadas nas rações para não ruminantes com o objetivo de remover ou diminuir fatores antinutricionais dos alimentos, aumentar a digestibilidade das rações, reduzir a viscosidade dos alimentos, auxiliar na atividade das enzimas endógenas e atuar em substratos que não são degradados pelas enzimas produzidas pelos peixes. Dessa forma, a presente revisão visa a apresentar as enzimas digestivas em peixes, os bioprocessos para produção de enzimas, alguns resultados obtidos com a adição de enzimas exógenas e a influência do uso de enzimas sobre a qualidade da água de cultivo. Diversos tipos de fungos, bactérias e leveduras podem produzir enzimas, por meio de técnicas de recombinação de DNA e mutações. Os peixes possuem estreita relação com o meio no qual estão inseridos, por isso, alterações nos parâmetros físico-químicos da água podem influenciar o crescimento, peso, saúde e reprodução destes. Dessa forma, o uso de enzimas exógenas na alimentação animal pode contribuir para a diminuição do impacto ambiental causado pela produção animal, pois, atuam aumentando a digestibilidade das rações e de nutrientes poluentes como fósforo e nitrogênio quando as enzimas específicas para estes substratos são adicionadas às rações, como a fitase e protease. O uso da biotecnologia, por meio da utilização de enzimas exógenas ou complexos enzimáticos na nutrição de peixes, melhora o desempenho zootécnico, aumenta a digestibilidade das rações e contribui na redução da excreção de nutrientes no ambiente aquático, interferindo de forma positiva na qualidade da água no sistema de produção.
McNamara’s Cephalometric Analysis of Adult Brahmins of Kathmandu
Authors: Pradhan Resina , Rajbhandari Anjana , Shrestha Situ Lal
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Appropriate comparison of an individual’s craniofacial structure can be made when evaluated relative to his/her comparable peer group. However, McNamara’s Caucasian norms are being used for adult Brahmins cephalometric analysis.Objective: To determine cephalometric norms using McNamara’s analysis in adult Brahmins of Kathmandu and to compare the values within the group and with Caucasians. Materials & Method: Screening of 850 individuals aged 18-27 years was performed. Inclusion criteria were Angle’s Class I molar and canine relation with normal overjet and overbite, symmetric face with acceptable profile, without craniofacial abnormalities, orthodontic/surgical treatment in the past and without proximal caries or prosthesis. Lateral digital cephalometric radiographs of 41 selected adult Brahmins of Kathmandu (23 males and 18 females) were manually traced. Comparative test was conducted within adult Brahmins of Kathmandu and with Caucasian group at significance level p≤0.05.Result: Adult male Brahmins of Kathmandu were found to have larger craniofacial measurements: Effective Mandibular Length (p≤0.001), Maxillo-mandibular Differential  (p≤0.05) and Lower Anterior Facial Height (p≤0.01) than adult female Brahmins of Kathmandu. Adult Brahmins were found to have smaller craniofacial measurements compared to Caucasians.Conclusion: Gender and ethnic diversity must be considered during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning for an individual.
Comparison of Reproducibility of Nasolabial Angle Constructed by Anatomic point method and Tangent line method
Authors: Giri Jamal , Pokharel Prabhat Ranjan , Gyawali Rajesh , Bhattarai Bhushan , Shrestha Gunjan Kumar
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Investigators have drawn nasolabial angle using different soft tissue landmarks. This has created confusion among the orthodontic students and clinicians regarding its construction.Objective: To evaluate two commonly used methods of constructing the nasolabial angle in order to establish a single reproducible method. Materials & Method: Lateral cephalograms of 120 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were obtained from the records of the patients. Soft tissue profile on the lateral cephalograms were traced manually by the principal investigator. All the tracings were photocopied and 6 copies of each tracing were made. Nasolabial angles were constructed and measured on photocopied copies of the tracings first using the anatomic point method and then using the tangent line method by the principal investigator and another investigator independently.  Result: The average nasolabial angle values for anatomic point method and tangent line method were found to be 94.32° ± 14.05° and 92.4° ± 14.59° respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient demonstrated excellent intra-observer and interobserver agreement among the two methods of nasolabial angle construction.Conclusion: Both anatomic point method and tangent line method of nasolabial angle construction have excellent reproducibility in terms of intra-observer and inter-observer agreement.
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation of Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta Alka , Karki Sunita , Thapa Deepak , Shrestha Rabindra Man
Published: May 2017

This case report describes a joint multidisciplinary approach of restoring function and esthetics in an 18-year-young female with ectodermal dysplasia. Ectodermal dysplasia is both physically and emotionally devastating to patients with dental manifestations. It is important that they are treated at an early age to help their social interaction. With proper dental intervention, the quality of life can be improved for patients with ectodermal dysplasia
Interview with Prof Praveen Mishra
Authors: Shrestha Rabindra Man , Acharya Asal
Published: May 2017

Prof. Dr. Praveen Mishra was born in November 11, 1962 in Pipara, Mahottari district. He completed BDS from University of Bombay in 1985, MDS (Orthodontics) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 1995 and Post-doctoral Fellowship from MAHE (Mangalore) in 1996. Currently, he is the Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics at Kantipur Dental College. He has served as Head, Department of Dental Surgery at NAMS (Bir Hospital); Chief of Oral Health Focal Point; Dean, National Academy of Medical Science; and Secretary, Ministry of Health & Population, Government of Nepal during 2009-14.He has also served as the President of Nepal Dental Association, Founder President of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic Association of Nepal, Executive Member- Nepal Medical Council. He is the Visiting Professor at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan; University Dental College, Dhaka. He is the Fellow of Academy of Dentistry International, International College of Dentists and Pierre-Fauchard Academy.
Preparing Soft Magnetic Composites for Structural and Micromechanical Investigations
Authors: Schwark T. , Müller M. , Mine Y. , Kreuter T. , Kraft O. , Schwaiger R.
Published: May 2017

Soft Magnetic Composites (SMC) consist of pure iron particles with an inorganic phosphorous coating and an additional iron oxide layer at the boundaries between them. It should be specified if the iron oxide is at the boundary of iron and the phosphorous coating or at the outer layer. It is assumed that it's a layer between the iron and the phosphorous layer. This combination of “ductile” and “brittle” constituents represents a challenge for preparing a specimen suitable for both microstructural and micromechanical studies. In particular for micromechanical tests, such as microcompression, microcantilever beam bending, micro tensile tests, and nanoindentation, the quality of the surface is critical. We demonstrate the effect of different surface preparation methods both on the microstructure and the mechanical properties. Mechanical polishing with two different end-polishing steps and combinations of mechanical polishing and ion-beam polishing are compared. Electron microscopy clearly showed the damaged or deformed surface layer of SMC specimens polished only mechanically, which significantly affected the mechanical properties as determined by nanoindentation. The microstructure of the particles was examined with electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealing a subgrain structure within the particles. While the boundaries do not exhibit any cracks after indentation, the hardness of the boundaries and the adjacent material is clearly enhanced.
Cracks in Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Components
Authors: Freitag C. , Panzenböck M.
Published: May 2017

Again and again, components fail due to sudden crack initiation. In the present case, a hot-dip galvanized structural hollow section failed. It was manufactured from unalloyed structural steel of the type S355J0. Hydrogen plays a decisive role in this failure which results from a time-delayed damage of the material.
Round Robin Test on the “Analysis of Graphite Shapes by Means of Microscopic Images of Cast Iron Samples” in the DGM Working Group “Quantitative Structural Analysis” of the Expert Committee Materialography
Authors: Sonntag U.
Published: May 2017

One of the main topics the working group “Quantitative Structural Analysis“ deals with is cast iron. The examination of metallographic 2D sections in order to eventually thus deduce the material properties of the three dimensional microstructure is common practice. Based on the results of a round robin test already performed in 2014, one of the then used samples was three-dimensionally measured in the IABG [1]. Using the thus obtained image data, a comparison between the 2D and 3D measurement results was performed in the second round robin test presented here. For the parameters graphite fraction and graphite size, a very good agreement could be achieved. However, there were important variations for the shape classification and the determination of the particle density. The main cause for this is the lack of appropriate specifications in the standard. Thus, the working group should further intensify the existing contact with the respective standardization bodies.
Neurodegenerative Markers are Increased in Postmortem BA21 Tissue from African Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ferguson Sherry A. , Panos John J. , Sloper Daniel , Varma Vijayalakshmi
Published: May 2017

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents with an earlier onset age and increased symptom severity in African Americans and Hispanics.

Objective: Although the prevalence of plaques and tangles may not exhibit ethnicity-related differences, levels of neurodegenerative proteins have not been described.

Methods: Here, levels of five proteins (i.e., S100B, sRAGE, GDNF, Aβ40, and Aβ42) and the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were measured in postmortem samples of the middle temporal gyrus (BA21) from age-matched African Americans and Caucasians with AD ( n = 6/gender/ethnicity).

Results: S100B levels were increased 17% in African Americans ( p < 0.003) while sRAGE was mildly decreased ( p < 0.09). Aβ42 levels were increased 121% in African Americans ( p < 0.02), leading to a 493% increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio ( p < 0.002). Analysis of GDNF levels did not indicate any significant effects. There were no significant effects of gender and no significant ethnicity with gender interactions on any analyte. Effect size calculations indicated “medium” to “very large” effects.

Conclusion: S100B is typically elevated in AD cases; however, the increased levels in African Americans here may be indicative of increased severity in specific populations. Increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios in the current study are compatible with increased disease severity and might indicate increased AD pathogenesis in African Americans. Overall, these results are compatible with a hypothesis of increased neuroinflammation in African Americans with AD.
Implementation of experimental design methodology in preparation and characterization of zolmitriptan loaded chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Mandlik Satish K. , Ranpise Nisharani S.
Published: May 2017

The present study investigated the implementation of 32 factorial design of experiment and statistical analysis for the optimization of chitosan nanoparticles containing zolmitriptan an antimigraine drug. The influence of chitosan concentration (X1) and sodium tripoly phosphate (X2) on responses namely nanoparticle size (Y1), and entrapment efficiency (Y2), was studied. As per design, nine runs of nanoparticles were prepared by modified ionic gelation method using high speed vortex mixing. The particle size was found in the range of 151-880 nm and entrapment efficiency was 72.3-81.2%. A statistical analysis was performed using licensed design expert software V.8.0 with respect to ANOVA, regression analysis. The contour plots and response surface plots showed visual representation of relationship between the experimental responses and the set of independent variables. Regression model equations were validated by a numerical and graphical optimization method. Further, optimized drug loaded nanoparticles showed +23.7mV zeta potential indicating storage stability, electron micrograph reflects spherical shape and mixed type of drug release followed by Fickian diffusion (n=0.266) was observed. Thus, using systematic factorial design approach, desirable goals can be achieved in shortest possible time with lesser number of experiments which was proven to be an effective tool in quality by design.Mandlik and Ranpise, International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2017, 6(3): 16-22http://www.icpjonline.com/documents/Vol6Issue3/01.pdf
Spore Density of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi is Fostered by Six Years of a No-Till System and is Correlated with Environmental Parameters in a Silty Loam Soil
Authors: Verzeaux Julien , Nivelle Elodie , Roger David , Hirel Bertrand , Dubois Frédéric , Tetu Thierry
Published: May 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play major roles in nutrient acquisition by crops and are key actors of agroecosystems productivity. However, agricultural practices can have deleterious effects on plant–fungi symbiosis establishment in soils, thus inhibiting its potential benefits on plant growth and development. Therefore, we have studied the impact of different soil management techniques, including conventional moldboard ploughing and no-till under an optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization regime and in the absence of N fertilization, on AMF spore density and soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators in the top 20 cm of the soil horizon. A field experiment conducted over six years revealed that AMF spore density was significantly lower under conventional tillage (CT) combined with intensive synthetic N fertilization. Under no-till (NT) conditions, the density of AMF spore was at least two-fold higher, even under intensive N fertilization conditions. We also observed that there were positive correlations between spore density, soil dehydrogenase enzyme activity, and soil penetration resistance and negative correlations with soil phosphorus and mineral N contents. Therefore, soil dehydrogenase activity and soil penetration resistance can be considered as good indicators of soil quality in agrosystems. Furthermore, the high nitrate content of ploughed soils appears to be detrimental both for the dehydrogenase enzyme activity and the production of AMF spores. It can be concluded that no-till, by preventing soil from structural and chemical disturbances, is a farming system that preserves the entire fungal life cycle and as such the production of viable spores of AMF, even under intensive N fertilization.
Direct-Current Forced Interruption and Breaking Performance of Spiral-Type Contacts in Aero Applications
Authors: Huo Wenlei , Wu Jianwen , Jia Bowen , Chen Mingxuan , Ma Suliang , Zhu Liying
Published: May 2017

This paper analyses the transient characteristics and breaking performance of direct-current (DC) forced-interruption vacuum interrupters in 270 V power-supply systems. Three stages are identified in forced interruption: the DC-arcing stage, current-commutation stage, and voltage-recovery stage. During the current-commutation stage, the reverse peak-current coefficient k, which is a key design factor, is used to calculate the rate of current at zero-crossing (di/dt). MATLAB/Simulink simulation models are established to obtain the transient characteristics influenced by the forced-commutation branch parameters and the coefficient k. To study the breaking performance of spiral-type contacts, experiments are conducted for different contact materials and arcing times for currents less than 3.5 kA. During the DC-arcing stage, a locally intensive burning arc is observed in the CuW80 contact; however, it is not observed in the CuCr50 contact. On examining the re-ignition interruption results of the CuW80 contact, the intensive burning arc is found to be positioned within a possible re-ignition region. When the arcing time is longer than 1 ms, the intensive burning arc occurs and affects the breaking performance of the spiral-type contacts. If the DC-arcing stage is prolonged, the total arcing energy increases, which leads to a lower breaking capacity.
DegoViz: An Interactive Visualization Tool for a Differentially Expressed Genes Heatmap and Gene Ontology Graph
Authors: Oh Somyung , Ha Junghyeon , Lee Kyungwon , Oh Sejong
Published: May 2017

Microarray is a general scheme to identify differentially expressed genes for a target concept and can be used for biology. The output is presented utilizing a heatmap that biologists analyze in related terms of gene ontology to determine the characteristics of differentially expressed genes. In this paper, we propose an integrated visualization tool for a heatmap and gene ontology graph. Most of the previous methods used were static and none of them were combined. The proposed visualization tool integrates these and provides users with an interactive management ability. Users can easily identify and confirm related terms of gene ontology for given differentially expressed genes. Further, the proposed tool visualizes the connections between genes on the heatmap and gene ontology graph. Therefore, the proposed tool can be used for precision healthcare.
Pore Characteristics and Their Effects on the Material Properties of Foamed Concrete Evaluated Using Micro-CT Images and Numerical Approaches
Authors: Chung Sang-Yeop , Lehmann Christian , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Stephan Dietmar
Published: May 2017

Foamed concrete contains numerous pores inside the material, and these pores are a significant factor determining the material characteristics. In particular, the pore distribution characteristics of foamed concrete significantly affect its thermal and mechanical properties. Therefore, an appropriate investigation is necessary for a more detailed understanding of foamed concrete. Here, a set of foamed concrete samples with different densities is used in order to investigate the density effects on the pore characteristics, as well as the physical properties of the materials. The pore distribution characteristics of these samples are investigated using an X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging technique with probabilistic and quantitative methods. Using these methods, the anisotropy, the pore circularity factor and the relative density of cell thickness are examined. The thermal (thermal conductivity) and mechanical (directional modulus and strength) properties of each foamed specimen are computed using numerical simulations and compared with experimental results. From the obtained results, the effects of the pore sizes and shapes on the local and global properties of the foamed concrete are examined for developing advanced foamed concrete with lower thermal conductivity by minimizing the strength reduction.
The Aerodynamic Analysis of a Rotating Wind Turbine by Viscous-Coupled 3D Panel Method
Authors: Nelson Bryan , Kouh Jen-Shiang
Published: May 2017

In addition to the many typical failure mechanisms that afflict wind turbines, units in Taiwan are also susceptible to catastrophic failure from typhoon-induced extreme loads. A key component of the strategy to prevent such failures is a fast, accurate aerodynamic analysis tool through which a fuller understanding of aerodynamic loads acting on the units may be derived. To this end, a viscous-coupled 3D panel method is herewith proposed, which introduces a novel approach to simulating the severe flow separation so prevalent around wind turbine rotors. The validity of the current method’s results was assessed by code-to-code comparison with RANS data for a commercial 2 MW wind turbine rotor. Along the outboard and inboard regions of the rotor, pressure distributions predicted by the current method showed excellent agreement with the RANS data, while pressure data along the midspan region were slightly more conservative. The power curve predicted by the current method was also more conservative than that predicted by the RANS solver, but correlated very well with that provided by the turbine manufacturer. Taking into account the high degree of comparability with the more sophisticated RANS solver, the excellent agreement with the official data, and the considerably reduced computational expense, the author believes the proposed method could be a powerful standalone tool for the design and analysis of wind turbine blades, or could be applied to the emerging field of wind farm layout design by providing accurate body force input to actuator line rotors within full Navier-Stokes models of multi-unit wind farms.
Low Frequency Interactive Auralization Based on a Plane Wave Expansion
Authors: Gómez Diego , Astley Jeremy , Fazi Filippo
Published: May 2017

This paper addresses the problem of interactive auralization of enclosures based on a finite superposition of plane waves. For this, room acoustic simulations are performed using the Finite Element (FE) method. From the FE solution, a virtual microphone array is created and an inverse method is implemented to estimate the complex amplitudes of the plane waves. The effects of Tikhonov regularization are also considered in the formulation of the inverse problem, which leads to a more efficient solution in terms of the energy used to reconstruct the acoustic field. Based on this sound field representation, translation and rotation operators are derived enabling the listener to move within the enclosure and listen to the changes in the acoustic field. An implementation of an auralization system based on the proposed methodology is presented. The results suggest that the plane wave expansion is a suitable approach to synthesize sound fields. Its advantage lies in the possibility that it offers to implement several sound reproduction techniques for auralization applications. Furthermore, features such as translation and rotation of the acoustic field make it convenient for interactive acoustic renderings.
Waveguiding Light into Silicon Oxycarbide
Authors: Memon Faisal , Morichetti Francesco , Melloni Andrea
Published: May 2017

In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication of single mode optical waveguides in silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) with a high refractive index n = 1.578 on silica (SiO2), exhibiting an index contrast of Δn = 8.2%. Silicon oxycarbide layers were deposited by reactive RF magnetron sputtering of a SiC target in a controlled process of argon and oxygen gases. The optical properties of SiOC film were measured with spectroscopic ellipsometry in the near-infrared range and the acquired refractive indices of the film exhibit anisotropy on the order of 10−2. The structure of the SiOC films is investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The channel waveguides in SiOC are buried in SiO2 (n = 1.444) and defined with UV photolithography and reactive ion etching techniques. Propagation losses of about 4 dB/cm for both TE and TM polarizations at telecommunication wavelength 1550 nm are estimated with cut-back technique. Results indicate the potential of silicon oxycarbide for guided wave applications.
Observed Effects of Vegetation Growth on Temperature in the Early Summer over the Northeast China Plain
Authors: Li Xiaxiang , Zhang Xuezhen , Zhang Lijuan
Published: May 2017

The effect of vegetation on temperature is an emerging topic in the climate science community. Existing studies have mostly examined the effects of vegetation on daytime temperature (Tmax), whereas this study investigates the effects on nighttime temperature (Tmin). Ground measurements from 53 sites across northeastern China (NEC) from 1982 to 2006 show that early summer (June) Tmax and Tmin increased at mean rates of approximately 0.61 °C/10 year and 0.67 °C/10 year, respectively. Over the same period, the satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) decreased by approximately 0.10 (accounting for 18% of the climatological NDVI for 1982–1991). It is highlighted that a larger increase in Tmax (Tmin) co-occurred spatially with a larger (smaller) decrease in NDVI. Deriving from such spatial co-occurrences, we found that the spatial variability of changes in Tmax (i.e., ΔTmax) is negatively correlated with the spatial variability of changes in NDVI (i.e., ΔNDVI), while the spatial variability of changes in Tmin (i.e., ΔTmin) is positively correlated (r2 = 0.10; p < 0.05) with that of ΔNDVI. Similarly, we detected significant positive correlations between the spatial variability of ΔNDVI and the change in surface latent heat flux (r2 = 0.16; p < 0.01) and in surface air specific humidity (r2 = 0.28; p < 0.001). These findings on the spatial co-occurrences suggest that the vegetation growth intensifies the atmospheric water vapor through evapotranspiration, which enhances the atmospheric downward longwave radiation and strengthens the greenhouse warming effects at night. Thereby, the positive correlation between ΔNDVI and ΔTmin is better understood. These results indicate that vegetation growth may not only exert effects on daytime temperature but also exert warming effects on nighttime temperature by increasing atmospheric water vapor and thus intensifying the local greenhouse effect. This study presents new observation evidence of the effects of vegetation on local temperature.
A Novel Micro Cold Atmospheric Plasma Device for Glioblastoma Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Zhitong , Simonyan Hayk , Cheng Xiaoqian , Gjika Eda , Lin Li , Canady Jerome , Sherman Jonathan , Young Colin , Keidar Michael
Published: May 2017

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is a rapidly expanding and emerging technology for cancer treatment. Direct CAP jet irradiation is limited to the skin and it can also be invoked as a supplement therapy during surgery as it only causes cell death in the upper three to five cell layers. However, the current cannulas from which the plasma emanates are too large for intracranial applications. To enhance efficiency and expand the applicability of the CAP method for brain tumors and reduce the gas flow rate and size of the plasma jet, a novel micro-sized CAP device (µCAP) was developed and employed to target glioblastoma tumors in the murine brain. Various plasma diagnostic techniques were applied to evaluate the physics of helium µCAP such as electron density, discharge voltage, and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The direct and indirect effects of µCAP on glioblastoma (U87MG-RedFluc) cancer cells were investigated in vitro. The results indicate that µCAP generates short- and long-lived species and radicals (i.e., hydroxyl radical (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitrite (NO2−), etc.) with increasing tumor cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Translation of these findings to an in vivo setting demonstrates that intracranial µCAP is effective at preventing glioblastoma tumor growth in the mouse brain. The µCAP device can be safely used in mice, resulting in suppression of tumor growth. These initial observations establish the µCAP device as a potentially useful ablative therapy tool in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Ammonia Generation via a Graphene-Coated Nickel Catalyst
Authors: Lu Fei , Botte Gerardine
Published: May 2017

A novel graphene-coated Ni electrode was developed in this investigation to improve corrosion resistance while unexpectedly enhancing the ammonia generation rate in the electrochemically induced urea to ammonia (eU2A) process, which is an electrochemical onsite ammonia generation method. The development of the electrode is crucial for the eU2A reactions since in the ammonia generation process, the concentration of ammonia is inevitably high on the surface of the electrode, leading to severe corrosion of the electrode and the loss of generated ammonia as well. In this paper, the graphene was derived from raw coal by using the chemical vapor deposition method and self-lifted onto a Ni electrode to form a protective layer for corrosion prevention. Transmission electron microscopy showed the synthesized graphene had few-layers and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the coating of graphene was stable during the eU2A reaction. As a result, the ammonia corrosion of the Ni electrode was dramatically reduced by ~20 times with the graphene coating method. More importantly, a higher ammonia generation rate (~2 times) was achieved using the graphene-coated Ni working electrode compared to a bare Ni electrode in the eU2A process.
Materials and Breakdown Phenomena: Heterogeneous Molybdenum Metallic Films
Authors: Marcelli Augusto , Spataro Bruno , Castorina Giovanni , Xu Wei , Sarti Stefano , Monforte Francesca , Cibin Giannantonio
Published: May 2017

Technological activities to design, manufacture, and test new accelerating devices using different materials and methods is under way all over the world. The main goal of these studies is to increase the accelerating gradients and reduce the probability of radio-frequency (RF) breakdown. Indeed, it is still not clear why, by increasing the intensity of the applied field, intense surface damage is observed in copper structures, limiting the lifetime and, therefore, the practical applications. A possible solution is represented by a coating of a relatively thick layer of molybdenum in order to improve the breakdown rate. molybdenum can be reliably grown on different substrates with a negligible strain and, for thicknesses up to 600 nm, with a resistivity < 100–150·μΩ cm. Moreover, Mo coatings with controlled composition, internal stress, and roughness may allow improving thermo-mechanical properties reaching values not attainable by uncoated copper. Although the Mo conductivity remains lower compared to Cu, a Mo coating represents a very interesting option for high gradient accelerator components manufactured in copper.
Growth and Characterization of Tetraphenylphosphonium Bromide Crystal
Authors: Wang Guangqiang , Liu Xiaolong , Ren Yan , Zhang Chengqian , Tao Xutang
Published: May 2017

Multiple-phenyl phosphorous compounds are a group of chemical materials that have been used as reactants, pharmaceutical intermediates, extractants, and catalysts in organic synthetic reactions. However, the crystal growth of bulk crystals of multiple-phenyl phosphorous compounds, which may expand their applications in photonics technology, have been largely overlooked. In this article, the crystal growth of tetraphenylphosphonium bromide (TPPB) has been studied in organic solvents and water. The crystal structures and crystallization features are analyzed by X-ray diffraction data. By a slow temperature-lowering method, a single-crystal of TPPB (2H2O) with the size of 27 × 20 × 20 mm3 has been obtained in water. The basic thermal and optical properties were characterized. We find that the TPPB (2H2O) crystal shows excellent transparent property in the near-IR region. Large Raman shifts and strong Raman scattering intensity indicate that TPPB is a potential candidate in Raman-scattering-based nonlinearity applications.
New Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Weaver M. , Lum Ying
Published: May 2017

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a widely recognized, yet controversial, syndrome. The lack of specific objective diagnostic modalities makes diagnosis difficult. This is compounded by a lack of agreed upon definitive criteria to confirm diagnosis. Recent efforts have been made to more clearly define a set of diagnostic criteria that will bring consistency to the diagnosis of neurogenic thoracic syndrome. Additionally, advancements have been made in the quality and techniques of various imaging modalities that may aid in providing more accurate diagnoses. Surgical decompression remains the mainstay of operative treatment; and minimally invasive techniques are currently in development to further minimize the risks of this procedure. Medical management continues to be refined to provide non-operative treatment modalities for certain patients, as well. The aim of the present work is to review these updates in the diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.
Dissecting Halo Components in IFU Data
Authors: Merrifield Michael , Johnston Evelyn , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso
Published: May 2017

While most astronomers are now familiar with tools to decompose images into multiple components such as disks, bulges, and halos, the equivalent techniques for spectral data cubes are still in their infancy. This is unfortunate, as integral field unit (IFU) spectral surveys are now producing a mass of data in this format, which we are ill-prepared to analyze effectively. We have therefore been developing new tools to separate out components using this full spectral data. The results of such analyses will prove invaluable in determining not only whether such decompositions have an astrophysical significance, but, where they do, also in determining the relationship between the various elements of a galaxy. Application to a pilot study of IFU data from the cD galaxy NGC 3311 confirms that the technique can separate the stellar halo from the underlying galaxy in such systems, and indicates that, in this case, the halo is older and more metal poor than the galaxy, consistent with it forming from the cannibalism of smaller satellite galaxies. The success of the method bodes well for its application to studying the larger samples of cD galaxies that IFU surveys are currently producing.
Evaluation of Device-Independent Internet Spatial Location
Authors: Komosny Dan , Pang Paul , Mehic Miralem , Voznak Miroslav
Published: May 2017

Device-independent Internet spatial location is needed for many purposes, such as data personalisation and social behaviour analysis. Internet spatial databases provide such locations based the IP address of a device. The free to use databases are natively included into many UNIX and Linux operating systems. These systems are predominantly used for e-shops, social networks, and cloud data storage. Using a constructed ground truth dataset, we comprehensively evaluate these databases for null responses, returned country/region/city, and distance error. The created ground truth dataset differs from others by covering cities with both low and high populations and maintaining only devices that follow the rule of one IP address per ISP (Internet Service Provider) and per city. We define two new performance metrics that show the effect of city population and trustworthiness of the results. We also evaluate the databases against an alternative measurement-based approach. We study the reasons behind the results. The data evaluated comes from Europe. The results may be of use for engineers, developers and researchers that use the knowledge of geographical location for related data processing and analysis, such as marketing.
Chemical Treatment of Waste Abaca for Natural Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composite
Authors: Malenab Roy , Ngo Janne , Promentilla Michael
Published: May 2017

The use of natural fibers in reinforced composites to produce eco-friendly materials is gaining more attention due to their attractive features such as low cost, low density and good mechanical properties, among others. This work thus investigates the potential of waste abaca (Manila hemp) fiber as reinforcing agent in an inorganic aluminosilicate material known as geopolymer. In this study, the waste fibers were subjected to different chemical treatments to modify the surface characteristics and to improve the adhesion with the fly ash-based geopolymer matrix. Definitive screening design of experiment was used to investigate the effect of successive chemical treatment of the fiber on its tensile strength considering the following factors: (1) NaOH pretreatment; (2) soaking time in aluminum salt solution; and (3) final pH of the slurry. The results show that the abaca fiber without alkali pretreatment, soaked for 12 h in Al2(SO4)3 solution and adjusted to pH 6 exhibited the highest tensile strength among the treated fibers. Test results confirmed that the chemical treatment removes the lignin, pectin and hemicellulose, as well as makes the surface rougher with the deposition of aluminum compounds. This improves the interfacial bonding between geopolymer matrix and the abaca fiber, while the geopolymer protects the treated fiber from thermal degradation.
Fault Diagnosis for Rolling Bearings under Variable Conditions Based on Visual Cognition
Authors: Cheng Yujie , Zhou Bo , Lu Chen , Yang Chao
Published: May 2017

Fault diagnosis for rolling bearings has attracted increasing attention in recent years. However, few studies have focused on fault diagnosis for rolling bearings under variable conditions. This paper introduces a fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings under variable conditions based on visual cognition. The proposed method includes the following steps. First, the vibration signal data are transformed into a recurrence plot (RP), which is a two-dimensional image. Then, inspired by the visual invariance characteristic of the human visual system (HVS), we utilize speed up robust feature to extract fault features from the two-dimensional RP and generate a 64-dimensional feature vector, which is invariant to image translation, rotation, scaling variation, etc. Third, based on the manifold perception characteristic of HVS, isometric mapping, a manifold learning method that can reflect the intrinsic manifold embedded in the high-dimensional space, is employed to obtain a low-dimensional feature vector. Finally, a classical classification method, support vector machine, is utilized to realize fault diagnosis. Verification data were collected from Case Western Reserve University Bearing Data Center, and the experimental result indicates that the proposed fault diagnosis method based on visual cognition is highly effective for rolling bearings under variable conditions, thus providing a promising approach from the cognitive computing field.
Crack Extension and Possibility of Debonding in Encapsulation-Based Self-Healing Materials
Authors: Li Wenting , Jiang Zhengwu , Yang Zhenghong
Published: May 2017

The breakage of capsules upon crack propagation is crucial for achieving crack healing in encapsulation-based self-healing materials. A mesomechanical model was developed in this study to simulate the process of crack propagation in a matrix and the potential of debonding. The model used the extended finite element method (XFEM) combined with a cohesive zone model (CZM) in a two-dimensional (2D) configuration. The configuration consisted of an infinite matrix with an embedded crack and a capsule nearby, all subjected to a uniaxial remote tensile load. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effect of geometry, elastic parameters and fracture properties on the fracture response of the system. The results indicated that the effect of the capsule wall on the fracture behavior of the matrix is insignificant for tc/Rc ≤ 0.05. The matrix strength influenced the ultimate crack length, while the Young’s modulus ratio Ec/Em only affected the rate of crack propagation. The potential for capsule breakage or debonding was dependent on the comparative strength between capsule and interface (Sc/Sint), provided the crack could reach the capsule. The critical value of Sc,cr/Sint,cr was obtained using this model for materials design.
Rapid Prototyping of Slot Die Devices for Roll to Roll Production of EL Fibers
Authors: Bellingham Alyssa , Bromhead Nicholas , Fontecchio Adam
Published: May 2017

There is a growing interest in fibers supporting optoelectrical properties for textile and wearable display applications. Solution-processed electroluminescent (EL) material systems can be continuously deposited onto fiber or yarn substrates in a roll-to-roll process, making it easy to scale manufacturing. It is important to have precise control over layer deposition to achieve uniform and reliable light emission from these EL fibers. Slot-die coating offers this control and increases the rate of EL fiber production. Here, we report a highly adaptable, cost-effective 3D printing model for developing slot dies used in automatic coating systems. The resulting slot-die coating system enables rapid, reliable production of alternating current powder-based EL (ACPEL) fibers and can be adapted for many material systems. The benefits of this system over dip-coating for roll-to-roll production of EL fibers are demonstrated in this work.
Emergence of an Aperiodic Dirichlet Space from the Tetrahedral Units of an Icosahedral Internal Space
Authors: Sen Amrik , Aschheim Raymond , Irwin Klee
Published: May 2017

We present the emergence of a root system in six dimensions from the tetrahedra of an icosahedral core known as the 20-group (20G) within the framework of Clifford’s geometric algebra. Consequently, we establish a connection between a three-dimensional icosahedral seed, a six-dimensional (6D) Dirichlet quantized host and a higher dimensional lattice structure. The 20G, owing to its icosahedral symmetry, bears the signature of a 6D lattice that manifests in the Dirichlet integer representation. We present an interpretation whereby the three-dimensional 20G can be regarded as the core substratum from which the higher dimensional lattices emerge. This emergent geometry is based on an induction principle supported by the Clifford multi-vector formalism of three-dimensional (3D) Euclidean space. This lays a geometric framework for understanding several physics theories related to S U ( 5 ) , E 6 , E 8 Lie algebras and their composition with the algebra associated with the even unimodular lattice in R 3 , 1 . The construction presented here is inspired by Penrose’s three world model.
Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Simulated Welding HAZ of Q315NS Steel in Sulfuric Acid Solution
Authors: Zhang Suqiang , Zhao Hongyun , Shu Fengyuan , He Wenxiong , Wang Guodong
Published: May 2017

The microstructure evolution and the corrosion behavior of welding heat affected zone (HAZ) of Q315NS steel in 50 wt % H2SO4 at 20 °C was investigated with thermal simulation technique, surface analysis and electrochemical tests. The microstructure of ferrite and pearlite was observed in base metal (BM), fine grained region (FGHAZ) and inter critical region (ICHAZ) while coarse grained region (CGHAZ) consisted of granular bainite. The CGHAZ exhibited the highest microhardness and the largest average grain size. The passivation process occurred on the surface of all specimens. Different microstructure give birth to different corrosion behaviors between CGHAZ and BM, FGHAZ, ICHAZ. The dense oxide film were formed on the surface of ferrite while oxide film with micro voids were formed on the surface of pearlite in BM, FGHAZ and ICHAZ after immersion in 50 wt % H2SO4 solution for 12 h. The rod-shaped corrosion product was formed on the surface of CGHAZ while the porous-structured corrosion product was formed on the surface of BM, FGHAZ and ICHAZ after immersion in 50 wt % H2SO4 solution for 72 h. The corrosion resistance of BM, CGHAZ, FGHAZ and ICHAZ increased during the first 12 h and then declined slowly with increasing immersion time. The BM had the best corrosion resistance while the CGHAZ had the lowest corrosion resistance throughout the corrosion process.
Synergetic Effect of the Mixed Anionic/Non-Ionic Collectors in Low Temperature Flotation of Scheelite
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhu Hailing , Sun Wei , Hu Yuehua , Qin Wenqing , Liu Runqing
Published: May 2017

The synergetic effect of four octaphenyl polyoxyethyienes (TX) on low temperature flotation of scheelite at 9–11 °C was investigated through flotation experiments, and the adsorption mechanism was studied by way of surface tension, zeta potential, and adsorption measurement. The results show that the presence of the four octaphenyl polyoxyethyienes can improve scheelite flotation in a low concentration range, and their synergetic effects increase with the increase of the oxyethyl group (EO) number in their molecular structure, the mixed sodium oleate/TX-15 collector exhibits the best collecting performance for scheelite. Compared with sodium oleate alone, a larger reduced value of zeta potential is seen in the presence of the mixed collectors, and the adsorption of sodium oleate on the scheelite surface is enhanced for a constant sodium oleate concentration. Moreover, the synergetic effect of TX-15 can be well demonstrated through surface tension measurement, a lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the mixed sodium oleate/TX-15 surfactant is obtained, indicating a higher surface property. Therefore, the mixed sodium oleate/TX-15 collector is suitable for low temperature flotation of scheelite.