bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) and Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) to Applications of Primisulfuron
Authors: Hendrickson Paul E. , Mallory-Smith Carol A.
Published: March 2018

Greenhouse and growth chamber experiments were conducted to evaluate primisulfuron phytotoxicity to downy brome (Bromus tectorum) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) as a function of herbicide placement, adjuvants, and environmental conditions. Primisulfuron rates needed to produce GR50(50% growth reduction) values were 0.97 ± 0.57 and 8.07 ± 1.85 g/ha for downy brome and Kentucky bluegrass, respectively. Primisulfuron was applied to downy brome and Kentucky bluegrass at three placement sites: foliar, soil, and foliar plus soil. Foliar or foliar plus soil applications were more effective at reducing downy brome dry weights than the soil application of primisulfuron, whereas Kentucky bluegrass was injured more from the soil or foliar plus soil applications than from the foliar application of primisulfuron. Primisulfuron at 5 g/ha applied alone reduced downy brome dry weights by 5%, whereas when an adjuvant was added, dry weights were reduced by 52 to 83%. Primisulfuron was more phytotoxic to downy brome at alternating temperatures of 8 to 16 C and 16 to 24 C than at 0 to 8 C. Phytotoxicity of primisulfuron was less when downy brome plants were stressed for soil moisture after herbicide treatments than when the plants were not stressed or only stressed before treatment.
Influence of Growth Stage and Herbicide Rate on Postemergence Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Control
Authors: Rosales-Robles Enrique , Chandler James M. , Senseman Scott A. , Prostko Eric P.
Published: March 2018

Studies were conducted to observe the effect of full and reduced rates of postemergence (POST) herbicides on seedling and rhizome johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) at different growth stages. Herbicides and labeled rates included primisulfuron at 40 g/ha, nicosulfuron at 35 g/ha, fluazifop-P at 210 g/ha, and clethodim at 140 g/ha. Contour graphs to predict johnsongrass control at different growth stages and herbicide rates were developed. Excellent seedling and rhizome johnsongrass control was obtained with reduced rates of herbicides applied at the three- to five-leaf stages. Primisulfuron at 20 g/ha resulted in 90% or greater control of seedling johnsongrass in the three- to four-leaf stage. Rhizome johnsongrass at this growth stage required 30 g/ha of primisulfuron for the same level of control. Nicosulfuron at 17.5 and 26.3 g/ha provided 90% or greater control up to the four-leaf stage of seedling and rhizome johnsongrass, respectively. Fluazifop-P and clethodim were more effective than primisulfuron and nicosulfuron. Fluazifop-P at 105 g/ha resulted in 90% or greater control of seedling and rhizome johnsongrass up to the seven- and five-leaf stages, respectively. Clethodim at 35 g/ha controlled seedling johnsongrass at least 90% up to the eight-leaf stage. Clethodim at 70 g/ha provided 90% or greater control of rhizome johnsongrass if applied at the three- to four-leaf stages.
Influence of Adjuvants and Bromoxynil on Absorption of Clethodim
Authors: Culpepper A. Stanley , Jordan David L. , York Alan C. , Corbin Frederick T. , Sheldon Yvonna
Published: March 2018

The effect of nonionic surfactant, crop oil concentrate, organosilicone surfactant, methylated seed oil, and a blend of organosilicone surfactant and methylated seed oil on absorption of14C-clethodim was evaluated in barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli). Absorption of14C-label was greatest during the first 40 min after application when14C-clethodim was applied with methylated seed oil or a blend of methylated seed oil and organosilicone surfactant. These adjuvants increased the rate of absorption more than crop oil concentrate, organosilicone surfactant, or nonionic surfactant. Crop oil concentrate was more effective than organosilicone or nonionic surfactant in increasing absorption, with nonionic surfactant being more effective than organosilicone surfactant. These results generally agreed with the order of increasing efficacy of clethodim on barnyardgrass as affected by adjuvants in field experiments. Another study was conducted to determine the effect of bromoxynil on absorption and translocation of14C-clethodim in yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca). Bromoxynil reduced absorption of14C–clethodim 4, 8, and 24 h after application and also reduced the amount of14C-label translocated from the treated leaf. These data suggest that antagonism of clethodim control of yellow foxtail by bromoxynil observed in previous research can be attributed partially to decreased absorption and translocation of clethodim.
The Quality Adjusted Life Year: A Total-Utility Perspective
Authors: FIRTH STEVEN J.
Published: March 2018

Given that a properly formed utilitarian response to healthcare distribution issues should evaluate cost effectiveness against the total utility increase, it follows that any utilitarian cost-effectiveness metric should be sensitive to increases in both individual and social utility afforded by a given intervention. Quality adjusted life year (QALY) based decisionmaking in healthcare cannot track increases in social utility, and as a result, the QALY cannot be considered a strict utilitarian response to issues of healthcare distribution. This article considers arguments against, and a possible defence of, the QALY as a utilitarian concept; in response, the article offers a similar — but properly formed — utilitarian metric called the (IALY). This article also advances a tool called the ‘glee factor’ (GF) on which the IALY may lean in a similar way to which the QALY leans on the Rosser Index.
Charting Regulatory Stewardship in Health Research: Making the Invisible Visible
Authors: LAURIE GRAEME T. , DOVE EDWARD S. , GANGULI-MITRA AGOMONI , FLETCHER ISABEL , MCMILLAN CATRIONA , SETHI NAYHA , SORBIE ANNIE
Published: March 2018

This section focuses on the ethical, legal, social, and policy questions arising from research involving human and animal subjects.
Right ventricular pressure response to exercise in adults with isolated ventricular septal defect closed in early childhood
Authors: Moller Thomas , Lindberg Harald , Lund May Brit , Holmstrom Henrik , Dohlen Gaute , Thaulow Erik
Published: March 2018

We previously demonstrated an abnormally high right ventricular systolic pressure response to exercise in 50% of adolescents operated on for isolated ventricular septal defect. The present study investigated the prevalence of abnormal right ventricular systolic pressure response in 20 adult (age 30–45 years) patients who underwent surgery for early ventricular septal defect closure and its association with impaired ventricular function, pulmonary function, or exercise capacity. The patients underwent cardiopulmonary tests, including exercise stress echocardiography. Five of 19 patients (26%) presented an abnormal right ventricular systolic pressure response to exercise ⩾ 52 mmHg. Right ventricular systolic function was mixed, with normal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and fractional area change, but abnormal tricuspid annular systolic motion velocity (median 6.7 cm/second) and isovolumetric acceleration (median 0.8 m/second2). Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function was normal at rest as measured by the peak systolic velocity of the lateral wall and isovolumic acceleration, early diastolic velocity, and ratio of early diastolic flow to tissue velocity, except for ejection fraction (median 53%). The myocardial performance index was abnormal for both the left and right ventricle. Peak oxygen uptake was normal (mean z score −0.4, 95% CI −2.8–0.3). There was no association between an abnormal right ventricular systolic pressure response during exercise and right or left ventricular function, pulmonary function, or exercise capacity. Abnormal right ventricular pressure response is not more frequent in adult patients compared with adolescents. This does not support the theory of progressive pulmonary vascular disease following closure of left-to-right shunts.
Political Science Student Journals: What Students Publish and Why Student Publishing Matters
Authors: Cox Michaelene , Kent Jaimie M.
Published: March 2018

Whereas there is a substantial body of scholarship assessing the merits of student journals, and an equally sizable amount of how-to-publish advice for students in higher education, there is little empirical research exploring the content of disciplinary student publications. To gain a sense of what political science students are publishing, this study examines articles in three peer-reviewed student journals of politics between 2005 and 2015: The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Critique, and Politikon. Content analysis reveals the nature of published student work by subfield, methodology, and topic, with findings discussed in the context of research trends in the profession and the debate about advantages and disadvantages of student journal publishing.
Forty years of the Law 180: the aspirations of a great reform, its successes and continuing need
Authors: Mezzina R.
Published: March 2018

Aim.

Italy pioneered deinstitutionalisation over the past 60 years and enforced a famous mental health (MH) reform law in 1978. Deinstitutionalisation has been completed with the very closure of all psychiatric hospitals over two decades.

Methods.

After 40 years of implementation, this article presents the main achievements and challenges of the Italian MH reform law, including its long-term effect and impact in Italy and abroad.

Results.

The Legislation of 1978 was based on the discovery of rights as a key tool in mental healthcare. At the climax of crisis of psychiatric hospitals as total institutions in this country, through the new community-based system of care, it has fostered the lowest rate of involuntary care and gave back the full citizenship to people with MH disorders. This act was also part of a social movement for expanding civil and social rights, and a promise of a true paradigm shift not only in psychiatry, but also in the way of providing an adequate welfare community for all citizens. According to the WHO, the Italian city of Trieste, together with its region, is a practical example of how the Italian movement achieved deinstitutionalisation, intended as a complex process resulting in the gradual relocation of the economic and human resources and subsequent creation of 24 h services together with the development of social inclusion programmes.

Conclusions.

Even if the great principles of the Italian reform law were anticipatory (e.g., the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities – CRPD), the law application has been poorly provided with resources and did not follow those avant-garde experiences as models. Limitations are evident today especially at the organisational levels, such as services capable to take up the challenge and transforming the field, left free from the imprint of total institutions. These endemic critical aspects concerning to implementation policies, together with the financial crisis of the Italian healthcare system, must be taken into consideration for a re-launch of this historical law. The rights-based approach opened by the Law 180 should now take into consideration the new legal situation caused by the CRPD worldwide in the area of individuals’ human rights, especially about the issue of legal capacity and related involuntary care.
Capture Hi-C identifies putative target genes at 33 breast cancer risk loci
Authors: Baxter Joseph S. , Leavy Olivia C. , Dryden Nicola H. , Maguire Sarah , Johnson Nichola , Fedele Vita , Simigdala Nikiana , Martin Lesley-Ann , Andrews Simon , Wingett Steven W. , Assiotis Ioannis , Fenwick Kerry , Chauhan Ritika , Rust Alistair G. , Orr Nick , Dudbridge Frank , Haider Syed , Fletcher Olivia
Published: March 2018

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified approximately 100 breast cancer risk loci. Translating these findings into a greater understanding of the mechanisms that influence disease risk requires identification of the genes or non-coding RNAs that mediate these associations. Here, we use Capture Hi-C (CHi-C) to annotate 63 loci; we identify 110 putative target genes at 33 loci. To assess the support for these target genes in other data sources we test for associations between levels of expression and SNP genotype (eQTLs), disease-specific survival (DSS), and compare them with somatically mutated cancer genes. 22 putative target genes are eQTLs, 32 are associated with DSS and 14 are somatically mutated in breast, or other, cancers. Identifying the target genes at GWAS risk loci will lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms that influence breast cancer risk and prognosis.
Publisher Correction: Influences of organic carbon speciation on hyporheic corridor biogeochemistry and microbial ecology
Authors: Stegen James C. , Johnson Tim , Fredrickson James K. , Wilkins Michael J. , Konopka Allan E. , Nelson William C. , Arntzen Evan V. , Chrisler William B. , Chu Rosalie K. , Fansler Sarah J. , Graham Emily B. , Kennedy David W. , Resch Charles T. , Tfaily Malak , Zachara John
Published: March 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 6e, in which the text in the legend was omitted. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article.
Artificial cationic oligosaccharides for heteroduplex oligonucleotide-type drugs
Authors: Hara Rintaro Iwata , Hisada Yuki , Maeda Yusuke , Yokota Takanori , Wada Takeshi
Published: March 2018

Heteroduplex oligonucleotides (HDOs), composed of a DNA/LNA gapmer and its complementary RNA, are a novel, promising candidates for antisense drugs. We previously reported oligodiaminogalactoses (ODAGals), designed to bind to A-type nucleic acid duplexes such as DNA/RNA and RNA/RNA duplexes. In this paper, we report oligodiguanidinogalactoses (ODGGals) as novel A-type duplex binding molecules. We aimed to study in detail applicability of ODAGals and ODGGals for additives to HDOs as an antisense drug. The effect of ODAGal4 (ODAGal 4mer) and ODGGal3 (ODGGal 3mer) on an HDO were evaluated by UV melting analyses, RNA degradation study by ribonuclease A (RNase A), and ribonuclease H (RNase H). Cleavage of a 13mer HDO by RNase A, which is considered to be the main cause of RNA degradation in serum, was effectively inhibited by the addition of only one equivalent of ODAGal4 and ODGGal3. In contrast, RNase H activity, which involves the cleavage of target RNAs by an antisense mechanism, was only slightly affected by the presence of the cationic oligosaccharides. These results suggest that ODAGal4 and ODGGal3 are useful because they could both stabilize the HDO and maintain RNase H activity of the gapmer.
Effects of Amphiphilic Chitosan on Stereocomplexation and Properties of Poly(lactic acid) Nano-biocomposite
Authors: Gupta Arvind , Pal Akhilesh Kumar , Woo Eamor M. , Katiyar Vimal
Published: March 2018

This article demonstrates an elegant approach for the fabrication of high heat-stable PLA using an industrially viable technique i.e. melt extrusion, which is quite challenging due to the higher viscosity of poly(lactic acid) melt. scPLA has been fabricated by melt extrusion of PLLA/PDLA using nano-amphiphilic chitosan (modified chitosan, MCH) which has been synthesized by grafting chitosan with oligomeric PLA via insitu polycondensation of L-lactic acid that possibly increases the molecular surface area and transforms it into nano-amphiphilic morphology and in turn lead to the formation of stereocomplex crystallites. The effect of MCH loading on the structural, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of PLLA/PDLA have been investigated. The modification of chitosan and formation of stereocomplexation in PLA has been confirmed by FTIR and XRD techniques, respectively. Heat treatment has also laid a significant effect on the stereocomplexation and the degree of crystallinity of stereocomplex crystallites has been increased to ~70% for 1.5 wt % MCH content with the absence of homocrystals. The heat deflection temperature is found to be more than 140 °C for the biocomposite with 1.5% MCH in comparison to ~70 °C for pristine scPLA. The biocomposites display significant improvement in UTS and Young’s modulus.
Electrochemical Evaluations of Fractal Microelectrodes for Energy Efficient Neurostimulation
Authors: Park Hyunsu , Takmakov Pavel , Lee Hyowon
Published: March 2018

Advancements in microfabrication has enabled manufacturing of microscopic neurostimulation electrodes with smaller footprint than ever possible. The smaller electrodes can potentially reduce tissue damage and allow better spatial resolution for neural stimulation. Although electrodes of any shape can easily be fabricated, substantial effort have been focused on identification and characterization of new materials and surface morphology for efficient charge injection, while maintaining simple circular or rectangular Euclidean electrode geometries. In this work we provide a systematic electrochemical evaluation of charge injection capacities of serpentine and fractal-shaped platinum microelectrodes and compare their performance with traditional circular microelectrodes. Our findings indicate that the increase in electrode perimeter leads to an increase in maximum charge injection capacity. Furthermore, we found that the electrode geometry can have even more significant impact on electrode performance than having a larger perimeter for a given surface area. The fractal-shaped microelectrodes, despite having smaller perimeter than other designs, demonstrated superior charge injection capacity. Our results suggest that electrode design can significantly affect both Faradaic and non-Faradaic electrochemical processes, which may be optimized to enable a more energy efficient design for neurostimulation.
Photo-induced Hall effect in metals
Authors: Li D. , Ruotolo A.
Published: March 2018

The Hall effect in metals is too small to have practical applications. Instead, the same effect in semiconductors is the standard for magnetic field sensing. Yet, in semiconducting Hall-sensors, Joule heating severely compromises the linearity range. We here show that a Hall effect can be photo-induced in metals used for bias-free magnetic sensing. The system consists of a transparent metal that forms a Schottky contact to a semiconductor. Light reaching the interface results in the injection of charge from the space charge region. If a magnetic field is applied, a transverse, open-circuit voltage appears at the metal edges that is proportional to the field, as well as light intensity. The system shows sensitivities that are comparable to semiconducting Hall-sensors but no net current flows, therefore its performances are not affected by Joule heating.
Antagonism of Two Plant-Growth Promoting Bacillus velezensis Isolates Against Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Cao Yu , Pi Hualiang , Chandrangsu Pete , Li Yongtao , Wang Yuqi , Zhou Han , Xiong Hanqin , Helmann John D. , Cai Yanfei
Published: March 2018

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide an effective and environmentally sustainable method to protect crops against pathogens. The spore-forming Bacilli are attractive PGPR due to their ease of storage and application. Here, we characterized two rhizosphere-associated Bacillus velezensis isolates (Y6 and F7) that possess strong antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum under both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. We identified three lipopeptide (LP) compounds (surfactin, iturin and fengycin) as responsible for the antimicrobial activity of these two strains. We further dissected the contribution of LPs to various biological processes important for rhizosphere colonization. Although either iturin or fengycin is sufficient for antibacterial activity, cell motility and biofilm formation, only iturin plays a primary role in defense against the fungal pathogen F. oxysporum. Additionally, we found that LP production is significantly stimulated during interaction with R. solanacearum. These results demonstrate the different roles of LPs in the biology of B. velezensis and highlight the potential of these two isolates as biocontrol agents against phytopathogens.
Small RNA-seq analysis of circulating miRNAs to identify phenotypic variability in Friedreich’s ataxia patients
Authors: Seco-Cervera Marta , González-Rodríguez Dayme , Ibáñez-Cabellos José Santiago , Peiró-Chova Lorena , Pallardó Federico V , García-Giménez José Luis
Published: March 2018

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA; OMIM 229300), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative mitochondrial disease, is the most prevalent hereditary ataxia. In addition, FRDA patients have shown additional non-neurological features such as scoliosis, diabetes, and cardiac complications. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is found in two thirds of patients at the time of diagnosis, is the primary cause of death in these patients. Here, we used small RNA-seq of microRNAs (miRNAs) purified from plasma samples of FRDA patients and controls. Furthermore, we present the rationale, experimental methodology, and analytical procedures for dataset analysis. This dataset will facilitate the identification of miRNA signatures and provide new molecular explanation for pathological mechanisms occurring during the natural history of FRDA. Since miRNA levels change with disease progression and pharmacological interventions, miRNAs will contribute to the design of new therapeutic strategies and will improve clinical decisions.
Survival, gene and metabolite responses of Litoria verreauxii alpina frogs to fungal disease chytridiomycosis
Authors: Grogan Laura F. , Mulvenna Jason , Gummer Joel P. A. , Scheele Ben C. , Berger Lee , Cashins Scott D. , McFadden Michael S. , Harlow Peter , Hunter David A. , Trengove Robert D. , Skerratt Lee F.
Published: March 2018

The fungal skin disease chytridiomycosis has caused the devastating decline and extinction of hundreds of amphibian species globally, yet the potential for evolving resistance, and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We exposed 406 naïve, captive-raised alpine tree frogs (Litoria verreauxii alpina) from multiple populations (one evolutionarily naïve to chytridiomycosis) to the aetiological agent Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in two concurrent and controlled infection experiments. We investigated (A) survival outcomes and clinical pathogen burdens between populations and clutches, and (B) individual host tissue responses to chytridiomycosis. Here we present multiple interrelated datasets associated with these exposure experiments, including animal signalment, survival and pathogen burden of 355 animals from Experiment A, and the following datasets related to 61 animals from Experiment B: animal signalment and pathogen burden; raw RNA-Seq reads from skin, liver and spleen tissues; de novo assembled transcriptomes for each tissue type; raw gene expression data; annotation data for each gene; and raw metabolite expression data from skin and liver tissues. These data provide an extensive baseline for future analyses.
Pretreatment with dihydroquercetin, a dietary flavonoid, protected against concanavalin A-induced immunological hepatic injury in mice and TNF-α/ActD-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Sun Xu , Xia Tingting , Mao Qiqi , Zhong Liang
Published: March 2018

We have previously demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of dihydroquercetin (DHQ) against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced immunological hepatic injury in mice.
Large-scale dewetting assembly of gold nanoparticles for plasmonic enhanced upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Clarke Christian , Liu Deming , Wang Fan , Liu Yongtao , Chen Chaohao , Ton-That Cuong , Xu Xiaoxue , Jin Dayong
Published: March 2018

The integrated methods of core shell upconversion nanoparticle synthesis, thermal annealing and gold dewetting produce gold-decorated upconversion nanoparticles with enhanced emission.
Stable micelles based on a mixture of coiled-coils: the role of different oligomeric states
Authors: Ma Dan , Keten Sinan
Published: March 2018

Phase separation in micelles made up of mixtures of tri- and tetra-meric coiled coils with alkyl and PEG conjugates.
Ultra-high sensitivity of luminescent ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles toward nitroaromatic explosives sensing
Authors: Ghosh Debamalya , Dutta Uma , Haque Ariful , Mordvinova Natalia E. , Lebedev Oleg I. , Pal Kamalesh , Gayen Arup , Seikh Md. Motin , Mahata Partha
Published: March 2018

Nanosized ZnCr2O4 has been used as a potential probe to detect nitroaromatic explosives through luminescence quenching in aqueous medium.
Phosphorescent cationic iridium(iii) complexes bearing a nonconjugated six-membered chelating ancillary ligand: a strategy for tuning the emission towards the blue
Authors: Hierlinger Claus , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Jacquemin Denis , Guerchais Véronique , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: March 2018

Blue and blue-green-emitting cationic Ir(iii) complexes bearing a nonconjugated N^N ligand have been studied.
An ingenious one-dimensional zirconium phosphonate with efficient strontium exchange capability and moderate proton conductivity
Authors: Zhang Jiarong , Chen Lanhua , Gui Daxiang , Zhang Haowen , Zhang Duo , Liu Wei , Huang Guolin , Diwu Juan , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: March 2018

A new 1-D zirconium phosphonate [(CH3)2NH2]2[Zr(CH2(HPO3)(PO3))2] (SZ-5) was synthesized via a solvothermal reaction and its single crystal structure was elucidated.
The PLUTO plastidial nucleobase transporter also transports the thiamin precursor hydroxymethylpyrimidine
Authors: Beaudoin Guillaume A.W. , Johnson Timothy S. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: March 2018

In plants, the hydroxymethylpyrimidine (HMP) and thiazole precursors of thiamin are synthesized and coupled together to form thiamin in plastids. Mutants unable to form HMP can be rescued by exogenous HMP, implying the presence of HMP transporters in the plasma membrane and plastids. Analysis of bacterial genomes revealed a transporter gene that is chromosomally clustered with thiamin biosynthesis and salvage genes. Its closest Arabidopsis homolog, the plastidic nucleobase transporter (PLUTO), is co-expressed with several thiamin biosynthetic enzymes. Heterologous expression of PLUTO in Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased sensitivity to a toxic HMP analog, and disrupting PLUTO in an HMP-requiring Arabidopsis line reduced root growth at low HMP concentrations. These data implicate PLUTO in plastidial transport and salvage of HMP.
Antibacterial activity and catalytic activity of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles by flavonoids from petals of Lilium casa blanca
Authors: Luo Qiushui , Su Weiwei , Li Haimin , Xiong Jianhua , Wang Wenjun , Yang Wuying , Du Juan
Published: March 2018

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by flavonoids extracts from petals of Lilium casa blanca was reported. Reaction conditions such as pH, concentration of flavonoids or silver nitrite, reaction temperature and reaction time were optimised to control the formation of the AgNPs. Synthesised AgNPs were characterised by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Stability, antibacterial and catalytic activities of the synthesised AgNPs were also discussed. The optimum synthetic conditions were 10 mL 20 mM AgNO3 added to 1 mL flavonoids extracts, adjusting pH to 10, and reacted at 70°C for 1 h. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, which showed maximum absorption peak at 404 nm. TEM analysis revealed spherical particles with size about 12.7 nm. FT‐IR spectra revealed flavonoids were present on the surface of the AgNPs. AgNPs showed highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella, and the lesser antibacterial activity of AgNPs was found against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The biosynthesised AgNPs showed good catalytic activity as well by hydroboration of p ‐nitrophenol. Catalytic reduction followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetic.
A combined Compton and coded-aperture telescope for medium-energy gamma-ray astrophysics
Authors: Galloway Michelle , Zoglauer Andreas , Boggs Steven E. , Amman Mark
Published: March 2018

A future mission in medium-energy gamma-ray astrophysics would allow for many scientific advancements, such as a possible explanation for the excess positron emission from the Galactic center, a better understanding of nucleosynthesis and explosion mechanisms in Type Ia supernovae, and a look at the physical forces at play in compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars. Additionally, further observation in this energy regime would significantly extend the search parameter space for low-mass dark matter. In order to achieve these objectives, an instrument with good energy resolution, good angular resolution, and high sensitivity is required. In this paper we present the design and simulation of a Compton telescope consisting of cubic-centimeter cadmium zinc telluride detectors as absorbers behind a silicon tracker with the addition of a passive coded mask. The goal of the design was to create a very sensitive instrument that is capable of high angular resolution. The simulated telescope achieved energy resolutions of 1.68% FWHM at 511 keV and 1.11% at 1809 keV, on-axis angular resolutions in Compton mode of 2.63° FWHM at 511 keV and 1.30° FWHM at 1809 keV, and is capable of resolving sources to at least 0.2° at lower energies with the use of the coded mask. An initial assessment of the instrument in Compton-imaging mode yields an effective area of 183 cm2 at 511 keV and an anticipated all-sky sensitivity of 3.6 × 10−6 photons cm−2 s−1 for a broadened 511 keV source over a two-year observation time. Additionally, combining a coded mask with a Compton imager to improve point-source localization for positron detection has been demonstrated.
Planetesimal formation during protoplanetary disk buildup
Authors: Dra̧żkowska J. , Dullemond C. P.
Published: March 2018

Context. Models of dust coagulation and subsequent planetesimal formation are usually computed on the backdrop of an already fully formed protoplanetary disk model. At the same time, observational studies suggest that planetesimal formation should start early, possibly even before the protoplanetary disk is fully formed.

Aims. In this paper we investigate under which conditions planetesimals already form during the disk buildup stage, in which gas and dust fall onto the disk from its parent molecular cloud.

Methods. We couple our earlier planetesimal formation model at the water snow line to a simple model of disk formation and evolution.

Results. We find that under most conditions planetesimals only form after the buildup stage, when the disk becomes less massive and less hot. However, there are parameters for which planetesimals already form during the disk buildup. This occurs when the viscosity driving the disk evolution is intermediate (αv ~ 10−3−10−2) while the turbulent mixing of the dust is reduced compared to that (αt ≲ 10−4), and with the assumption that the water vapor is vertically well-mixed with the gas. Such a αt ≪ αv scenario could be expected for layered accretion, where the gas flow is mostly driven by the active surface layers, while the midplane layers, where most of the dust resides, are quiescent.

Conclusions. In the standard picture where protoplanetary disk accretion is driven by global turbulence, we find that no planetesimals form during the disk buildup stage. Planetesimal formation during the buildup stage is only possible in scenarios in which pebbles reside in a quiescent midplane while the gas and water vapor are diffused at a higher rate.
Radio-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies in the JVLA perspective
Authors: Berton M. , Congiu E. , Järvelä E. , Antonucci R. , Kharb P. , Lister M. L. , Tarchi A. , Caccianiga A. , Chen S. , Foschini L. , Lähteenmäki A. , Richards J. L. , Ciroi S. , Cracco V. , Frezzato M. , La Mura G. , Rafanelli P.
Published: March 2018

We report the first results of a survey on 74 narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) carried out in 2015 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) at 5 GHz in A-configuration. So far, this is the largest survey aimed to image the radio continuum of NLS1s. We produced radio maps in order to compare the general properties of three different samples of objects: radio-quiet NLS1s (RQNLS1s), steep-spectrum radio-loud NLS1s (S-NLS1s), and flat-spectrum radio-loud NLS1s (F-NLS1s). We find that the three classes correspond to different radio morphologies, with F-NLS1s being more compact, and RQNLS1s often showing diffuse emission on kpc scales. We also find that F-NLS1s might be low-luminosity and possibly young blazars, and that S-NLS1s are part of the parent population of F-NLS1s. Dedicated studies to RQNLS1s are needed to fully understand their role in the unification pictures.
Megacities and tall buildings: symbiosis
Authors: Safarik Daniel , Ursini Shawn , Wood Antony
Published: March 2018

Anyone concerned with the development of human civilization in the 21st Century will likely have heard the term «megacity». It is – as it should be – increasingly prevalent in both mainstream and academic discussions of the great trends of our time: urbanization, rising technological and physical connectivity, increasingly polarized extremes of wealth and poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change. It is a subject as large and far-reaching as its name implies. This paper sets the scene on how megacities and the built environment are growing together, and examines the implications for those who plan, design, develop and operate tall buildings and urban infrastructure.
Conceptions of Height and Verticality in the History of Skyscrapers and Skylines
Authors: Maslovskaya Oksana , Ignatov Grigoriy
Published: March 2018

The main goal of this article is to reveal the significance of height and verticality history of skyscrapers and skylines. The objectives are as follows: 1. trace the origin of design concepts related to skyscraper; 2. discuss the perceived experience of the cultural aspects of skyscrapers and skylines; 3. describe the differences and similarities of the profiles of with comparable skylines. The methodology of study is designed to explore the perceived theory and principals of skyscraper and skyline development phenomenon and its key features. The skyscraper reveals an assertive creative form of vertical design. Skyscraper construction also relates to the origin of ancient cultural symbolism as the dominant vertical element as the main features of an ordered space. The historical idea of height reaches back to the earliest civilization such as the Tower of Babel. Philosophical approaches of elements of such post-structuralism have been included in studying of skyscraper phenomenon. The analysis of skyscraper and their resulting skyline are examined to show the connection to their origins with their concepts of height and verticality. From the historical perspective, cities with skyscrapers and a skyline turn out to be an assertive manifestation of common ideas of height and verticality.
The problems and perspectives for the introduction of high-rise construction in Russian cities
Authors: Pershina Anna , Radzhabov Mehman , Dormidontova Tatyana
Published: March 2018

The propose of academic affairs is discovery the principal areas of concern high-rise construction in Russia. Examples of modern Russian and foreign high-rise construction are considered in the work. The most important problems and their solutions for Russia are identified on their basis. The everyone area of concern is considered separately. Ecology problems and influence of high-rise construction for the healthy and psychological effect of people are considered special. High-rise constructions influence negative and positive for urban environment in Moscow and Samara cities. The experience lack, defects in requirements document, which don’t include all high-rise constructions specific, system problem of construction and often non-availability of proper control at the existing requirements document result for complexity of designing, construction and operation. At this moment, high-rise constructions temp is increasing in Moscow. Feasibility of high-rise buildings come up in regions of Russia. The reasons include high material inputs, irregularities of requirements network and utility lines and maintenance problems. The researching follow up of conclusions and recommendations for high-rise constructions development in Russia. The reasons of high-rise buildings are urbanization of people and necessary of concentration labor supply. The important tasks for organization are creating compact urban environment, decrease urban area for development, using an innovative technology for construction and properly maintenance. The balance between the preference of high-rise construction, inputs for construction and influence for ecology are resolve for this task.
Evolution of high-rise construction in Leningrad – Saint Petersburg in the middle of the 20th – Early 21st centuries: projects and Implementation
Authors: Vaytens Andrey , Rusanov Gennadiy , Skryabin Pavel
Published: March 2018

One of the most important issues in national urban planning is arrangement of high-rise buildings in the largest cities of Russia. This issue becomes especially acute in such cities as Saint Petersburg, which has unique architectural and urban-planning heritage preserved to a great extent. In this regard, it seems important to trace the evolution of high-rise construction development and arrangement in Leningrad – Saint Petersburg in the middle of the 20th — early 21st centuries. The goal of the article is to consider high-rise construction development regarding both public and residential buildings in comparison of project ideas and results of their implementation in the 1940s–2000s. Prerequisites and issues of high-rise construction of that period are considered. Particular attention is paid to changes in the official urban-planning policy, regulatory framework and attitude of city authorities to high-rise construction. The study was carried out with the consideration of the following historic periods differing in their urban-planning policy: the late 1940s–1950s; 1960s; 1970–1980s; 1990s; 2000s–2010s. Economical prerequisites of high-rise construction and their influence on the modern urban-planning policy during the post-Soviet period are considered. In conclusion, an attempt is made to determine tendencies of high-rise construction development in Saint Petersburg.
High-rise housing as a factor of the increase in Investment attractiveness of the city
Authors: Mottaeva Angela , Zheltenkov Alexander
Published: March 2018

That is obviously for experts, irrespective of status or quality, high-rise housing is here to stay. No country is in a position to ignore or discard this conspicuous legacy of the post-war and mass housing period. Nevertheless, high-rise residential buildings are still less widespread, than offices. According to the author, there are certain problems and reasons for limitation of high-rise construction in the housing sector. The author summarizes successful experience of high-rise housing construction in the world and considers some social-and-economic prerequisites of its development in the modern city. These concrete examples, given in article, prove that the existing problems are being solved. The most effective option of construction is the combination of inhabited and commercial chambers in the high-rise building and also the creation of specific infrastructure. In that case housing high-rise estates will promote the increase in investment attractiveness and investment activity in the district and in the city as whole.
National originality of the architecture of Khreshchatyk as a unique ensemble of the period of totalitarianism
Authors: Oliynyk Olena
Published: March 2018

Khreschatyk is a page apart in the history of world architecture. While it has a number of distinct characteristics of totalitarian architecture, Khreschatyk is the only architectural ensemble of the period to combine na-tional tradition with the exalted sentiment of Soviet architecture of the Stalin era. Also, it uniquely matched architecture and landscape. The façades has elements of Ukrainian baroque, which sets Khreschatyk apart from similar ensembles of the 1940s-1950s in other countries that mainly drew upon Ne-oclassicism or Modernism. While period architecture in other countries is typically marked by its grand scale and heavily accentuated civic spirit – complete with a denigration of the individual at the expense of the manifest greatness of Authority, Khreschatyk stand out for its pronounced harmony as an environment based on the careful preservation of old heritage, the skill-ful use of the landscape, and the introduction of traditional motifs, alongside an almost total lack of Soviet symbols. Unlike the grim grandness of totali-tarian architecture in other countries, the facades of the residential buildings that line Khreschatyk emanate joie de vivre and admiration for the fertility of Ukrainian soil.
Trend analysis of modern high-rise construction
Authors: Radushinsky Dmitry , Gubankov Andrey , Mottaeva Asiiat
Published: March 2018

The article reviews the main trends of modern high-rise construction considered a number of architectural, engineering and technological, economic and image factors that have influenced the intensification of construction of high-rise buildings in the 21st century. The key factors of modern high-rise construction are identified, which are associated with an attractive image component for businessmen and politicians, with the ability to translate current views on architecture and innovations in construction technologies and the lobbying of relevant structures, as well as the opportunity to serve as an effective driver in the development of a complex of national economy sectors with the achievement of a multiplicative effect. The estimation of the priority nature of participation of foreign architectural bureaus in the design of super-high buildings in Russia at the present stage is given. The issue of economic expediency of construction of high-rise buildings, including those with only a residential function, has been investigated. The connection between the construction of skyscrapers as an important component of the image of cities in the marketing of places and territories, the connection of the availability of a high-rise center, the City, with the possibilities of attracting a "creative class" and the features of creating a large working space for specialists on the basis of territorial proximity and density of high-rise buildings.
Multi-criteria thermal evaluation of wall enclosures of high-rise buildings insulated products based on modified fibers
Authors: Pavlov Alexey , Pavlova Larisa , Pavlova Lyudmila
Published: March 2018

In article results of research of versions of offered types of heaters on the basis of products from the modified fibers for designing energy efficient building enclosures residential high-rise buildings are presented. Traditional building materials (reinforced concrete, brick, wood) are not able to provide the required value of thermal resistance in areas with a temperate and harsh Russia climate in a single-layered enclosing structure. It can be achieved in a multi-layered enclosing structure, where the decisive role is played by new insulating materials with high thermal properties. In general, modern design solutions for external walls are based on the use of new effective thermal insulation materials with the use of the latest technology. The relevance of the proposed topic is to research thermoinsulation properties of new mineral heaters. Theoretical researches of offered heaters from mineral wool on slime-colloidal binder, bentocolloid and microdispersed binders are carried out. In addition, theoretical studies were carried out with several types of facade systems. Comprehensive studies were conducted on the resistance to heat transfer, resistance to vapor permeation and air permeability. According to the received data, recommendations on the use of insulation types depending on the number of storeys of buildings are proposed.
Failure of structural elements made of polymer supported composite materials during the multiyear natural aging
Authors: Blinkov Pavel , Ogorodov Leonid , Grabovyy Peter
Published: March 2018

Modern high-rise construction introduces a number of limitations and tasks. In addition to durability, comfort and profitability, projects should take into account energy efficiency and environmental problems. Polymer building materials are used as substitutes for materials such as brick, concrete, metal, wood and glass, and in addition to traditional materials. Plastic materials are light, can be formed into complex shapes, durable and low, and also possess a wide range of properties. Plastic materials are available in various forms, colors and textures and require minimal or no color. They are resistant to heat transfer and diffusion of moisture and do not suffer from metal corrosion or microbial attack. Polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermoset materials and wood-polymer composites, have many structural and non-structural applications in the construction industry. They provide unique and innovative solutions at a low cost, and their use is likely to grow in the future. A number of polymer composite materials form complex material compositions, which are applied in the construction in order to analyze the processes of damage accumulation under the conditions of complex nonstationary loading modes, and to determine the life of structural elements considering the material aging. This paper present the results of tests on short-term compression loading with a deformation rate of v = 2 mm/min using composite samples of various shapes and sizes.
Application of tuned mass dampers in high-rise construction
Authors: Teplyshev Vyacheslav , Mylnik Alexey , Pushkareva Maria , Agakhanov Murad , Burova Olga
Published: March 2018

The article considers the use of tuned mass dampers in high-rise construction for significant acceleration and amplitude of vibrations of the upper floors under dynamic wind influences. The susceptibility of people to accelerations in high-rise buildings and possible means of reducing wind-induced fluctuations in buildings are analyzed. The statistics of application of tuned mass dampers in high-rise construction all over the world is presented. The goal of the study is to identify an economically attractive solution that allows the fullest use of the potential of building structures in high-rise construction, abandoning the need to build massive frames leading to over-consumption of materials.
Methods of mathematical modeling using polynomials of algebra of sets
Authors: Kazanskiy Alexandr , Kochetkov Ivan
Published: March 2018

The article deals with the construction of discrete mathematical models for solving applied problems arising from the operation of building structures. Security issues in modern high-rise buildings are extremely serious and relevant, and there is no doubt that interest in them will only increase. The territory of the building is divided into zones for which it is necessary to observe. Zones can overlap and have different priorities. Such situations can be described using formulas algebra of sets. Formulas can be programmed, which makes it possible to work with them using computer models.