bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Suppression of Forest Combustible Material Pyrolysis under Influence of Steam-Water Curtain
Authors: Antonov Dmitry , Osipov Konstantin , Khasanov Irek
Published: August 2018

Forest fires inflict enormous damage to the environment and the economy of many countries around the world. This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical studies of the suppression of the pyrolysis reaction of forest combustible materials (birch leaves, spruce needles) under the influence of water vapor. The dependences of the characteristic times of suppression of the thermal decomposition and the complete decomposition of forest combustible material on the thickness of its layer were established. We used typical model of fire source with fixed height 0.04 m and varied diameter 0.02–0.06 m. The processes of suppressing the pyrolysis reaction of forest combustible materials were recorded using a high-speed video camera (recording frequency 6∙105 fps). Numerical studies were conducted using Ansys Fluent and Matlab. The obtained results are important for the development of technologies of extinguishing forest bottom fires.
Numerical research of metal tungsten fluoride process
Authors: Brendakov Roman , Shvab Alexander , Brendakov Vladimir
Published: August 2018

In this paper we consider the mathematical modelling of the process of obtaining tungsten hexafluoride gas, based on the reaction between tungsten powder and fluorine in a chemical reactor, which has a rectangle cross section channel as a working area. The modelling is conducted on the basis of solving three-dimensional equations of impulse, heat and substance transfer in the binary compound, taking into account the heterogeneous reaction undergoing on the bottom of the channel, between the tungsten powder layer and the fluorine gas flow. As a result of numerical solving the problem, the speed, concentration and temperature vector fields’ distributions were revealed, as well as integral characteristic of the completeness of fluorine use. The credibility of the results obtained is confirmed by test researches and the comparing of calculation results with the empirical evidence.
Finite element analysis of a thermally insulated infrared radiant emitter
Authors: Ermolaev Anton N. , Khaustova Olga V. , Yakovets Anastasia P.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this work is to analyze the efficiency of the technical solution that is based on thermal insulation of the infrared radiant burner outer surface and to identify of the characteristics of combustion and heat and mass exchange processes. Calculation of the heat balance is performed for thermal capacities of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 kW and proceeding from the main goal that was to generate directed local heating of workplaces and production areas. We used Ansys Multiphysics software and Fluent CFD solver to implement finite element analysis. Calculation of the thermal insulation layer thickness for a given external surface temperature was additionally performed. The technical solutions offered provides an optimal thermal regime in the whole building and enable us to increase the efficiency of the high temperature infrared radiant emitter to 2-17% and a consequence of the system as a whole.
Improvement air condensers evaluation model
Authors: Tsibulskiy Svyatoslav , Galashov Nikolay , Mel'nikov Denis , Kiselev Alexandr , Bannova Al'bina
Published: August 2018

The results of analysis of the literature on the calculation of the heat transfer coefficient of an air condenser in the flow past a bundle of finned tubes by an air flow. The methods of calculation are disassembled, marked advantages and disadvantages of each. Calculations of the heat transfer coefficient for each method are given; the results compared with the experimental data.
Research of the opportunity of using bran as a building material
Authors: Gaydabrus Maria , Mussafirov Dias , Tabakaev Roman
Published: August 2018

As a result of the functioning of the agro-industrial complex, several million tons of bran that require recycling are annually produced in Russia. At present, there is no resource-efficient way of utilizing bran, which ensures its ecological compatibility and economic efficiency. In this regard, the purpose of the paper is to investigate the possibility of using wheat bran as a building material. The article presents the prerequisites for the construction of low-rise buildings using wheat bran as a building material: an experiment was carried out for the manufacture of bran blocks, and their thermophysical characteristics, maximum crushing strength, and moisture resistance were measured. Building blocks made from bran have a thermal conductivity comparable to the thermal conductivity of wood. The high strength of the bran blocks to squeeze indicates the possibility of their use for the construction of low-rise buildings without any strengthening of their design. However, this blocks exhibit hydrophilic properties, which requires the application of a protective layer. For example, a conventional wood varnish can be use as such a coating.
Mathematical simulation of thermal state of digital current and voltage transformer in unfavourable weather conditions
Authors: Gotovkina Elena E. , Parfenov Grigory I. , Smirnov Nikolay N. , Lebedev Vladimir D. , Tyutikov Vladimir V.
Published: August 2018

This study examines issues relating to heat exchange between an innovative 6(10) kV current and voltage transformer (and its components) and its environment in unfavourable weather conditions. Existing designs of digital current and voltage transformers are featured in systems of commercial and technical electric power accounting, and also relay protection and automation. We have presented the results of mathematical simulation of the thermal state of both a single resistor included in our measuring device, and the digital transformer as a whole. Simulation was performed using the finite element method. We have taken into account the impact of such factors as direct and diffused solar radiation, high ambient temperatures and various voltage levels on the thermal state of the functioning equipment. To verify the developed mathematical model we have presented the results of a series of experiments conducted in a high-voltage environmental chamber. Our study conclusively shows that voltage, insolation and ambient temperature significantly affect the thermal state of a functioning current and voltage transformer.
Experimental determination of the heat transfer coefficient during evaporation and boiling of thin liquid film
Authors: Islamova Anastasia
Published: August 2018

Thin films evaporation of distilled water, ethanol and HFE-7100 liquid was experimentally studied. The dependences of heat transfer coefficients in time were determined. It has been established that with a decrease in the layer thickness of distilled water and ethanol, the heat transfer coefficient increases. For the HFE liquid, the nature of the change is different: as the time increases, the heat transfer coefficient decreases.
Nonisothermal desorption of droplets of LiBr salt solution on a heated wall
Authors: Misyura S. Y. , Morozov V. S.
Published: August 2018

Nonisothermal desorption and crystallization of droplets of aqueous salts solution of H2O/LiBr were studied experimentally. A droplet was placed on a horizontal heated wall. The initial concentration of salt C0 varied within 0-53 %. The wall temperature Tw varied within 80 - 235 °C and ambient air pressure was 1 bar. It was shown that the desorption time t1 decreases sharply with increasing Tw and at Tw < 150-160 °C. The desorption time t1 is the time until the onset of crystallization. The desorption time t1 is quasi-constant at Tw > 160 °C and increases with growth in C0.
Interdroplet distance in a structured monolayer of liquid microdroplets levitating over hot liquid surface
Authors: Shatekova Almira
Published: August 2018

Structured arrays of liquid microdroplets levitating over a heated liquid film have been observed in experimental works, but the nature of this phenomena is not completely understood. The aim of this work is to measure the distance between drops and the size of monolayer depending on the main parameters. We found that the average distance between drops increases with time from 40 to 100 μm. And the size of monolayer increases with time from approximately 1 mm to 5 mm. The distance between drops increases when approaching the boundary of monolayer.
Kinetics of biomass low-temperature pyrolysis by coats–redfern method
Authors: Altynbaeva Dariga , Astafev Alexander , Tabakaev Roman
Published: August 2018

Energy is one of the main sources of environmental pollution. In this regard, the world scientific community seeks to reduce its negative impact on human health and nature. To do this, some of the organic raw materials, which are fuel for power plants, are gradually replaced by renewable resources, in particular - biomass. The combustion of biomass by traditional methods is accompanied by high operating costs, which leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to process it into energy-valuable products. The development of one of the most promising such directions - thermal processing - requires studying the thermophysical properties of biomass and studying its kinetics of decomposition. The aim of this work is to estimate the activation energy of thermal decomposition of biomass by the method of Coats-Redfern.
Algorithm for calculation of a CCGT of a trinary type with an air condenser
Authors: Tsibulskiy Svyatoslav , Galashov Nikolay , Mel'nikov Denis , Kiselev Alexandr , Bannova Al'bina
Published: August 2018

In this paper, an algorithm and a program have been developed that make it possible in a complex to calculate the combined operation of a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and air condenser (AC), as a result of which it is possible to investigate their operation and performance, depending on a large number of operating parameters.
Ignition of liquid droplets fuels under conditions of radiation-conductive heating in air
Authors: Zakharevich Arkadiy V. , Zygin Mikhail S. , Tsymbalov Dmitriy N.
Published: August 2018

The results of an experimental investigation of ignition liquid fuel (kerosene, diesel fuel) by the single drops under conditions of radiation-conducting heating in air are presented. The dependences of the ignition delay time of the typical fuels droplets on the initial temperature of the heated oxidant in a limited space are established. The parameters of stable ignition of liquid fuel droplets are set.
Mathematical modeling of the melting of ice under conditions of motion of a heat drill
Authors: Zakharova Ekaterina , Purin Mikhal
Published: August 2018

The mathematical modeling results of the simultaneous processes of heat and mass transfer under the conditions of intense phase changes (melting of ice) during the movement of cryobot have been given. The spatial unevenness of the melting rate of ice has been taken into account. It has been established that the rate of passage of the cryobot depends essentially on its temperature. According to the results of the numerical simulation, considerable cooling of the cryobot sheath has been established. The latter is due to the high endothermic effect of melting ice.
The main reasons of rebound, coagulation, and explosive disintegration of the liquid drops in gas-vapor-droplet streams
Authors: Voytkov Ivan , Vysokomornaya Olga , Piskunov Maksim , Shlegel Nikita
Published: August 2018

We have reviewed the known data about mechanisms, conditions, reasons, and characteristics of rebound, coagulation, and explosive disintegration of drops in gas-vapor-droplet streams. The three main factors of altering a direction of motion, a velocity, a size and a concentration of droplets in a gaseous stream have been highlighted. Among of them are the thermal factor (heating and evaporation of drops), the aerodynamic factor (acceleration, reverse motion, and deceleration of drops due to their entrainment by gaseous stream), the dynamic factor (change in size, velocity, and direction of motion of drops after their collision). We have generalized the findings obtained by various authors in experiments with two drops, little group of drops, and aerosol. In addition, we have reviewed the published results about the fields of velocities and motion trajectories of drops in a flow, about the change in size and concentration of drops due to rebound, coagulation, disintegration (i.e. the complete destruction of the parent drops and the detachment of the liquid fragments of different size and volume from the surface).
On multi-level multi-objective linear fractional programming problem with interval parameters
Authors: Nayak Suvasis , Ojha Akshay
Published: August 2018

This paper develops a method to solve multi-level multi-objective linear fractional programming problem (ML-MOLFPP) with interval parameters as the coefficients of decision variables and the constants involved in both the objectives and constraints. The objectives at each level are transformed into interval-valued fractional functions and approximated by intervals of linear functions using variable transformation and Taylor series expansion. Interval analysis and weighting sum method with analytic hierarchy process (AHP), are used to determine the non-dominated solutions at each level from which the aspiration values of the controlled decision variables are ascertained and linear fuzzy membership functions are constructed for all the objectives. Two multi-objective linear problems are equivalently formulated for the ML-MOLFPP with interval parameters and fuzzy goal programming is used to compute the optimal lower and upper bounds of all the objective values. A numerical example is solved to demonstrate the proposed solution approach.
Gewebe und Zellen – Validierung mikrobiologischer Prüfmethoden bei Verwendung antibiotikahaltiger Medien
Authors: Schroeter Jan , Pruß Axel , Schilling-Leiß Dagmar , Bekeredjian-Ding Isabelle
Published: August 2018

Bei der Verarbeitung von Gewebe und Zellen zur Anwendung am Patienten können mikrobiologische Kontaminationen auftreten, die bei den Empfängern Infektionen verursachen können. Zur Keimreduktion werden Gewebe und Zellen daher mit Antibiotika behandelt. Die mikrobiologischen Kontrollmethoden müssen einfach, schnell und sensitiv sein und gemäß den Vorschriften im Europäischen Arzneibuch durchgeführt werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt pragmatische Lösungsansätze für die Validierung von Proben, bei welchen die Restaktivität von Antibiotika das Keimwachstum hemmt und die Interpretation der Testergebnisse erschwert.
Intravasale Hämolyse eines stammzelltransplantierten pädiatrischen Patienten nach Transfusion eines minor-inkompatiblen Thrombozytenprodukts mit hohem Anti-A-Isoagglutinintiter
Authors: Hinz Anna , Enkel Sigrid , Zimmermann Birgit , Lang Peter , Bakchoul Tamam
Published: August 2018

Wir berichten über einen 11-jährigen Patienten mit einem myelodysplastischen Syndrom, der eine hämatopoetische Stammzelltransplantation eines HLA-identen, nicht verwandten Spenders erhielt. Nach fast täglicher Versorgung mit Pool-Thrombozytenkonzentraten über Wochen wurde der Patient aufgrund einer Therapierefraktärität mit Thrombozytenkonzentraten aus Apherese versorgt. Der Patient erhielt unter anderem 2 Aphereseprodukte von HLA-kompatiblen Spendern der Blutgruppe 0. In den Tagen nach Transfusion dieser AB0-(minor-)inkompatiblen Produkte kam es zum Anstieg der laborchemischen Hämolyseparameter. Der direkte Coombs-Test zeigte eine schwache Beladung mit IgG. Im Eluat (Lui-Eicher) aus Patientenerythrozyten konnte eine stark positive Reaktion mit Testzellen der Blutgruppe A beobachtet werden, obwohl die freien Anti-A-Isoagglutinine im Patientenserum nur einen Titer von 2 aufwiesen. Eine daraufhin durchgeführte Untersuchung des Spenderbluts ergab bei dem Spender des 2. Produkts einen hohen Isoagglutinintiter Anti-A von 2048. Im weiteren Verlauf wurden nur noch blutgruppengleiche Thrombozytenpräparate transfundiert. Parallel dazu erholten sich die Hämolyseparameter. Elf Tage später lag die LDH wieder im Bereich der Ausgangswerte vor Gabe des Thrombozytenprodukts mit dem nachgewiesenen hohen Anti-A-Titer. Dieser repräsentative Fall unterstreicht das Risiko einer posttransfusionellen Hämolyse infolge der Gabe von plasmahaltigen AB0-(minor-)inkompatiblen Thrombozytenkonzentraten und zeigt, dass ein individualisiertes Management unerlässlich ist bei der Versorgung von pädiatrischen hämatoonkologischen Patienten.
Brustrekonstruktion mit freien TRAM oder DIEP Lappen – Was ist zeitgemäßer Standard?
Authors: Eisenhardt Steffen U. , Momeni Arash , von Fritschen Uwe , Horch Raymund E. , Stark G. Björn , Bannasch Holger , Harder Yves , Heitmann Christoph , Kremer Thomas , Rieger Ulrich M. , Kneser Ulrich
Published: August 2018

Die Brustrekonstruktion mit freiem Gewebetransfer vom Unterbauch als (muskelsparende) TRAM oder DIEP Lappenplastik stellt das Standardverfahren der autologen
Brustrekonstruktion dar. Durch operative Fortschritte ist es gelungen die Hebedefektmorbidität durch muskelsparende bzw. perforatorbasierte Techniken zu
minimieren. Hier stellt sich die Frage, in wie weit dies als ein notwendiger Standard angesehen werden kann oder ob auch Lappenplastiken mit Muskelanteilen
(MS-TRAM) noch als zeitgemäß anzusehen sind. In einem Konsensusworkshop der 3 Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der
peripheren Nerven und Gefäße (DAM) wurde die Datenlage kritisch geprüft und durch eine Expertengruppe ein Konsensus erarbeitet. Dieser beinhaltet neben den
aktuellen Daten zu Lappensicherheit und Hebedefektmorbidität aus der Literatur auch ein aktuelles Meinungsbild der Expertengruppe bzgl. verschiedener
technischer Details des operativen Vorgehens.
Elevation Technique for Medial Branch based Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator flap
Authors: Suh Young Chul , Hong Joon Pio , Suh Hyunsuk Peter
Published: August 2018

According to early studies on the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap, there are two major types of perforators that are presumed to originate
from the superficial circumflex iliac artery: the medial perforator with a direct cutaneous vessel (superficial branch) - located relatively medially on the
flap, and the lateral perforator, traveling laterally beneath the deep fascia and often with an intramuscular pathway penetrating the deep fascia on the lateral
aspect (deep branch) of the flap. Although there are well described studies on the anatomy of the arterial vasculature, design and elevation of the flap are
different issues, as there are always some potential for anatomical variations, such as pedicle anatomy, location of lymph nodes, and thickness of superficial
fascia. The presence of internal pudendal artery and superficial inferior epigastric artery in the groin may add to the confusion. One should also beware of the
presence of major lymphatics which are drained into the superficial venous system. Therefore this paper will try to simplify the elevation technique based on
the medial perforator. However, one must always be ready to identify a good perforator and to elevate it as a freestyle approach to overcome the variations
wherever the perforator may originate from. The best way to feel comfortable using any flap is from practice and repetitive elevation. The same is for the
medial branch based SCIP flap. The direct cutaneous nature of the pedicle will make the dissection even easier as the dissection course bypasses muscle and
lymph nodes. This technical note describes practical surgical tips for elevating the medial perforator based SCIP flap.
Sind autonome Kliniken die besseren Forschungsstandorte? Einfluss von Eigenständigkeit auf Publikationsleistung und Studientypen in der
akademischen Plastischen Chirurgie
Authors: Schubert Cornelius Dieter , Haertnagl Felix , Elsner Jörg , Giunta Riccardo E.
Published: August 2018

Hintergrund Trotz der zunehmenden Akzeptanz als autonome Fachdisziplin bleibt das Fachgebiet der Plastischen Chirurgie im Sinne eigenständiger Kliniken
mit eigener Forschungsinfrastruktur an deutschen Universitätsklinika immer noch unterrepräsentiert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die aktuelle quantitative und
qualitative Publikationsleistung der deutschen akademischen Plastischen Chirurgie zu analysieren, um eigenständige Kliniken und untergeordnete
Organisationsstrukturen hinsichtlich ihrer wissenschaftlichen Effizienz zu vergleichen.

Material und Methoden Mittels einer Pubmed-Analyse wurde die Publikationsleistung im Untersuchungszeitraum von 2014 und 2015 erforscht. In einer
qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse wurden anschließend potentielle Unterschiede bzgl. der Publikationsqualität und Studientypen untersucht.

Ergebnisse Der Großteil der Publikationen (81 %) und des kumulativen Impactfaktors (87 %) wurden von den eigenständigen Kliniken generiert.
Top-Publikationen mit einem Impactfaktor > 5 wurden ausschließlich an autonomen Kliniken veröffentlicht. Die qualitative Inhaltsanalyse zeigte einen
unterschiedlichen Forschungs-Fokus bei den jeweiligen Organisationsstrukturen. Während an eigenständigen Kliniken 50 % der Publikationen experimentell,
klinisch-experimentell oder klinisch waren, lag bei den untergeordneten Organisationseinheiten der Hauptfokus auf den retrospektiv-statistischen Arbeiten mit 24
% im Gegensatz zu 10 % im Falle der eigenständigen Kliniken.

Schlussfolgerung Diese Studie zeigt, dass die Art der Organisationsstruktur einen bedeutenden Einflussfaktor auf die Publikationsleistung der deutschen
akademischen Plastischen Chirurgie darstellen könnte. Eine zunehmende Autonomie einer akademischen plastisch-chirurgischen Einheit könnte daher sehr
wahrscheinlich zu einer verbesserten Publikationsleistung, -qualität und zu komplexeren Studientypen führen.
Vitamin D niemals ohne Vitamin K2 – Imperativ oder Konjunktiv?
Authors: Gröber Uwe , Kisters Klaus
Published: August 2018

In der Fachwelt, aber auch auf Seiten der Verbraucher kursiert seit einiger Zeit die Aussage, Vitamin D müsse mit Vitamin K2 kombiniert supplementiert werden. Bisher vorliegende Studien dazu sind allerdings extrem heterogen. Zum einen wurde Vitamin D nicht in einer rationalen Tagesdosierung eingesetzt, zum anderen liegen keine wissenschaftlichen Studien zum Verhältnis von Vitamin D und Vitamin K vor. Die Aussage, Vitamin D würde ohne Vitamin K2 eine Gefäßverkalkung verursachen, entbehrt jeglicher wissenschaftlichen Evidenz.

Studien zur Osteoporosetherapie mit postmenopausalen Frauen zeigten Vorteile einer kombinierten Gabe von Vitamin D und Vitamin K, die Supplementierung kann unter synergistischen Aspekten daher sinnvoll sein.

Insgesamt sind weitere größere Interventionsstudien dringend erforderlich.
Pd-Catalyzed Oxidation of Aldimines to Amides
Authors: Luo Junfei , Gao Shanshan , Ma Yaorui , Chen Weidong
Published: August 2018

Methods for the synthesis of amides via the direct oxidation of imines are rarely reported. Here we report an efficient method for Pd-catalyzed oxidation of imines to amide derivatives by the use of cheap aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant through a Wacker-type reaction. This method is practically convenient and displays high functional group tolerance, allowing a variety of imines to transform into the corresponding amide derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Factor VIII S373L: Mutation at P1’ Site Confers Thrombin Cleavage Resistance, Causing Mild Haemophilia A
Authors: Johnson D J D , Pemberton S , Acquila M , Mori P G , Tuddenham E G D , O'Brien D P
Published: August 2018

A novel CRM+ mutation, factor VIII position 373 serine to leucine substitution (FVIII 373-Leu) was identified during a survey of Factor VIII (FVIII) mutations. We have purified the variant protein from the patient's plasma in order to allow further characterisation of the molecule. The CRM+ plasma contained 120% Factor VIII antigen (FVIILAg) and 6% Factor Vili coagulant activity (FVIILC). After purification the mutant FVIII was subjected to thrombin proteolysis, and was thereby activated 5.6-fold compared with 7-fold for wild type molecule. Subsequently, spontaneous inactivation of the mutant was much slower than noted for wild type FVIII. Western blot analysis using monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that thrombin cleavage of FVIII 373-Leu at positions 740 and 1689 were normal but that cleavage at position 372 was completely absent.

Crystallographic coordinates of the active site of thrombin complexed to fibrinopeptide A were used to explore possible mechanistic reasons for the failure of thrombin to cleave the mutant FVIII at position 372. Steric hindrance between the mutant side chain and the side chain of the PI residue was apparent. We conclude that the functional defect of FVIII 373-Leu results from the inability of thrombin to cleave the mutant at position 372-373, and propose that this is due to steric hindrance by the side chain of leucine 373, preventing correct formation of the enzyme substrate complex.
Collaborative Study on Assays of Activated FIX (FIXa) On Behalf of the Factor VIII and Factor IX Subcommittee of the ISTH
Authors: Gray Elaine , Walker Dawn , Heath Alan , Barrowcliffe Trevor W
Published: August 2018

A collaborative study has been organised by NIBSC to examine the performance of FIXa assays between laboratories, and to investigate the need for a standard. Ampoules of 3 materials, one monocomponent concentrate (coded C) and 2 different preparations of purified human FIXa (one proposed reference preparation, coded A and a test material coded B), have been assayed in 11 laboratories for FIXa using either the NIBSC method or a local method, with local standards (if available, coded D) to determine their potencies. The data showed high between assay variability; with the exception of one laboratory, most of the between assay variation expressed as %geometric coefficients of variation (gcv) were over 15%

The interlaboratory gcv when preparation B was assayed against the local standard was over 1700%, suggesting that most of the local standards are poorly calibrated. The %gcv was improved to 80% when reference A was used as the standard. These data clearly show that an international reference standard for FIXa would help to standardise FIXa preparations and would also improve in house assays for FIXa. However, an accelerated degradation study has shown that reference A is not suitable as a long term standard and another material with suitable stabilisers has to be established as an international standard for FIXa.
Plasma Fibrinopeptide A and Beta-Thromboglobulin in Major Bacterial Infections
Authors: van Hulsteijn H , Fibbe W , Bertina R , Briët E
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of plasma fibrinopeptide A and beta-thromboglobulin concentrations for the diagnosis of acute venous thromboembolism in patients with a major bacterial infection. In 80 controls the mean plasma fibrinopeptide A concentration was 0.72 ± 0.47 (ng/ml ± SD) and the mean plasma beta-thromboglobulin concentration 28.2 ± 10.1 (ng/ml ± SD).

On admission the mean fibrinopeptide A concentration was significantly raised (5.42 ng/ml) in these patients and 17 of them had a raised fibrinopeptide A concentration. However, the mean beta-thromboglobulin concentration was not significantly different from that of the healthy individuals (35.4 ng/ml) and only three patients had an increased beta-thromboglobulin concentration.

Our data show that patients with major bacterial infections tend to have increased fibrinopeptide A and normal beta-thromboglobulin concentrations. Consequently, the measuring of plasma fibrinopeptide A concentration is useless for the diagnosis of acute venous thromboembolism in these patients. However, the determination of plasma beta-thromboglobulin concentration can still be used for this purpose, since a normal beta-thrombo-globulin concentration excludes the presence of acute venous thrombosis.
Platelet and Coagulation Parameters Following Millisecond Exposure to Laminar Shear Stress
Authors: Wurzinger L J , Opitz R , Blasberg P , Schmid-Schönbein H
Published: August 2018

Blood flowing through artificial organs or arterial stenoses is subjected to high shear for short times. To clarify the effects of short acting high shear forces upon platelets, heparinized PRP was exposed to viscometric flow (57–255 N/m2; 7–700 ms). Before and after shear exposure β-TG release, LDH liberation, platelet count, and ADP-induced aggregation were assayed. Stypven time-monitored platelet procoagulant activity, determined after heparin neutralization by protamine, proved to be the most sensitive indicator for shear-induced platelet alteration. A shear stress of 170 N/m2, acting for as short a time as 7 ms made available procoagulant phospholipids, whereas P-TG and LDH liberation required 255 N/m2 for 7 ms, and ADP refractoriness was found only after 113 ms exposure to 255 N/m2. Under these conditions the percent release of β-TG does not exceed the liberation of LDH, suggesting that the evidence for “shear induced platelet activation” from experiments with exposure times of minutes, is most likely a conventional biochemical rather than biophysical effect.
Protein C Deficiency – Response to Danazol and DDAVP
Authors: Gonzalez R , Alberca I , Sala N , Vicente V
Published: August 2018

We studied a Spanish family in which one of the female members presented recurrent thrombophlebitis in both legs after three different deliveries. Biological and antigenic activity of protein C was decreased (35% and 42% respectively). Reduced protein C levels were also observed in 6 other family members. Administration of danazol (600 mg/day) in two patients with protein C deficiency elevated this protein and discontinuation of the drug resulted in a reduction of protein C to pretreatment values. The proposita showed a normal fibrinolytic activity and infusion of DDAVP produced a similar response of FVIII/VWF and plasminogen activator to those observed in healthy subjects.
High p16 Expression Is Associated with Malignancy and Shorter Disease-Free Survival Time in Solitary Fibrous Tumor/Hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Liang Yuanxin , Heller Robert S. , Wu Julian K. , Heilman Carl B. , Tischler Arthur S. , Arkun Knarik
Published: August 2018

Objective Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) and hemangiopericytomas (HPC) are now classified along a single spectrum of fibroblastic mesenchymal tumors with NAB2–STAT6 fusion. This fusion acts as a driver mutation that constitutively activates EGR1, which is known to be involved in the p16 pathway. Overexpression of p16 is associated with malignancy and worse prognosis in multiple mesenchymal tumors. The authors sought to investigate p16 immunoexpression in association with malignancy and prognosis of SFT/HPC tumors.

Design Twenty-three SFT/HPC tumors (central nervous system [CNS]: 12, non CNS: 11) diagnosed at our institution from 2002 to 2016 were assigned into 3 grades. Data from microarray immunohistochemistry for STAT6, synaptophysin, CD56, chromogranin, SST2A, EGR1, Ki67, and p16, grade and survival were analyzed.

Results CNS SFT/HPCs tend to be malignant (grade 3; 67 vs. 18%, p = 0.036) and more likely to express synaptophysin (33 vs. 0%, p = 0.035) than non CNS tumors. Overexpression of p16 (immunopositivity ≥ 50% tumor cells) was associated with malignant (grade 3) tumors, and has a sensitivity of 70% (7/10), and a specificity of 77% (10/13), as a predictive marker for malignancy. SFT/HPC patients with low p16 expression demonstrated significantly longer disease-free survival time (median survival > 113 months) than those with high p16 expression (median survival = 30 months, p = 0.045).

Conclusions SFT/HPCs in the CNS are more likely to be malignant than the tumors in other sites. High p16 expression is also associated with malignancy and shorter disease-free survival time in SFT/HPC tumors in our study cohort. Clinically, p16 overexpression can be used as predictive marker for malignancy and prognosis and a possible therapeutic target.
Infinite-layer phase formation in the Ca1–xSrxCuO2 system by reactive molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Krockenberger Yoshiharu , Ikeda Ai , Kumakura Kazuhide , Yamamoto Hideki
Published: August 2018

We synthesized thin films of the thermodynamically unstable infinite-layer compound Ca1–xSrxCuO2 by reactive molecular beam epitaxy and established thermodynamic boundary conditions that allow for the minimization of impurity phases and defects. In particular, the choice of radio-frequency oxygen plasma as an oxidizing agent as well as diverse substrate materials has been found to limit the stability region in a way that is comparable to the synthesis temperature. We employed scanning transmission electron microscopy to gain microscopic information and feedback on the formation behavior of the infinite layer phase. Moreover, we find that minute variations of the oxidizing power coerce strong responses, i.e., termination of the formation of the infinite layer phase.
Phase space reconstruction for non-uniformly sampled noisy time series
Authors: Lekscha Jaqueline , Donner Reik V.
Published: August 2018

Analyzing data from paleoclimate archives such as tree rings or lake sediments offers the opportunity of inferring information on past climate variability. Often, such data sets are univariate and a proper reconstruction of the system’s higher-dimensional phase space can be crucial for further analyses. In this study, we systematically compare the methods of time delay embedding and differential embedding for phase space reconstruction. Differential embedding relates the system’s higher-dimensional coordinates to the derivatives of the measured time series. For implementation, this requires robust and efficient algorithms to estimate derivatives from noisy and possibly non-uniformly sampled data. For this purpose, we consider several approaches: (i) central differences adapted to irregular sampling, (ii) a generalized version of discrete Legendre coordinates, and (iii) the concept of Moving Taylor Bayesian Regression. We evaluate the performance of differential and time delay embedding by studying two paradigmatic model systems—the Lorenz and the Rössler system. More precisely, we compare geometric properties of the reconstructed attractors to those of the original attractors by applying recurrence network analysis. Finally, we demonstrate the potential and the limitations of using the different phase space reconstruction methods in combination with windowed recurrence network analysis for inferring information about past climate variability. This is done by analyzing two well-studied paleoclimate data sets from Ecuador and Mexico. We find that studying the robustness of the results when varying the analysis parameters is an unavoidable step in order to make well-grounded statements on climate variability and to judge whether a data set is suitable for this kind of analysis.
The effect of adding a magnetic oxide in the grain boundaries of HAMR media
Authors: Zhou Bing , Varaprasad B. S. D. Ch. S. , Dai Zhengkun , Laughlin David E. , Zhu Jian-Gang
Published: August 2018

Grain-to-grain Curie temperature (Tc) variation in media reduces the signal-to-noise ratio due to its contribution to the transition jitter noise, especially when the average grain size is decreased to increase the area storage capacity. Thermally insulating magnetic grain boundaries may suppress such grain-to-grain Tc variation, especially at small grain sizes. In this paper, we discuss the effect of adding a thermally insulating magnetic oxide, in particular, BaFexOy, to the grain boundaries of granular FePt-C heat-assisted magnetic recording media. It is found that BaFexOy is chemically inert with respect to FePt and the chemical ordering of FePt-BaFexOy-C media is similar to that of FePt-C media. By tuning the volume fraction of BaFexOy and C, well-separated FePt grains (average grain size = 6.8 nm) surrounded by BaFexOy shells enable the attainment of perpendicular Hc greater than 35 kOe. Chemical mapping by transition electron microscopy shows that the magnetic oxide appears to be crystalline and completely surrounds the FePt grains. Temperature-dependent magnetization measurements indicate an effective increase in the magnetic grain size at temperatures below the FePt Curie temperature. The pulsed laser pump-probe measurement indicates a measurable reduction of the Curie temperature variation for the FePt-BaFexOy-C media compared to the reference FePt-C media.
Optimal dynamic induction control of a pair of inline wind turbines
Authors: Yılmaz Ali Emre , Meyers Johan
Published: August 2018

We study dynamic induction control for mitigating the wake losses of a pair of inline wind turbines. In order to explore control strategies that account for unsteady interactions with the flow, we employ optimal control and adjoint-based optimization in combination with large-eddy simulations. The turbines are represented with an actuator line model. We consider a simple uniform inflow case with two NREL 5 MW turbines spaced 5 diameters apart and find that optimal control leads to 25% gains compared to standard Maximum-Power-Point Tracking (MPPT). It is further found that only the control dynamics of the first turbine are changed, improving wake mixing, while the second turbine controller remains close to the MPPT control. We further synthesize the optimal generator torque and blade pitch controls of the first turbine into a signal that can be periodically used as an open-loop controller, with a Strouhal number of 0.38, while realizing the same gains as the original optimal control signal. Further analysis of the improved wake mixing resulting from the open-loop signal reveals periodic shedding of a three-vortex ring system, which interacts and merges downstream of the first turbine, increasing entrainment of high-speed momentum into the wake. The sensitivity of the open-loop signal to inlet turbulence levels and turbine spacing is also investigated. At low to medium turbulence levels, the control remains effective, while at higher levels, the coherence of the vortex rings degrades too fast for them to remain effective.
Annealing-free Si3N4 frequency combs for monolithic integration with Si photonics
Authors: El Dirani Houssein , Kamel Ayman , Casale Marco , Kerdiles Sébastien , Monat Christelle , Letartre Xavier , Pu Minhao , Oxenløwe Leif Katsuo , Yvind Kresten , Sciancalepore Corrado
Published: August 2018

Silicon-nitride-on-insulator (SiNOI) is an attractive platform for optical frequency comb generation in the telecommunication band because of the low two-photon absorption and free carrier induced nonlinear loss when compared with crystalline silicon. However, high-temperature annealing that has been used so far for demonstrating Si3N4-based frequency combs made co-integration with silicon-based optoelectronics elusive, thus reducing dramatically its effective complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility. We report here on the fabrication and testing of annealing-free SiNOI nonlinear photonic circuits. In particular, we have developed a process to fabricate low-loss, annealing-free, and crack-free Si3N4 740-nm-thick films for Kerr-based nonlinear photonics featuring a full process compatibility with front-end silicon photonics. Experimental evidence shows that micro-resonators using such annealing-free silicon nitride films are capable of generating a frequency comb spanning 1300–2100 nm via optical parametrical oscillation based on four-wave mixing. This work constitutes a decisive step toward time-stable power-efficient Kerr-based broadband sources featuring full process compatibility with Si photonic integrated circuits on CMOS lines.
Thin foil proton recoil spectrometer performance study for application in DT plasma measurements
Authors: Marcinkevicius B. , Hjalmarsson A. , Andersson Sundén E. , Ericsson G.
Published: August 2018

The Thin foil Proton Recoil (TPR) technique has previously been used for deuterium-tritium fusion neutron diagnostics [N. P. Hawkes et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 1134 (1999)] and is one of the candidates put forward for use in ITER as part of the high resolution neutron spectrometer (HRNS) system [E. A. Sundén et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 701, 62 (2013)]. For ITER, the neutron spectrometer’s main purposes are to determine the fuel ion density ratio as well as the ion temperature in DT plasma. This work focuses on testing the capability of a proton telescope detector intended for use as part of the TPR spectrometer. The proton telescope has been tested using proton energies in the range of 3–8 MeV. The experimental results cover energy calibration, resolution estimation, and testing the spectrometer’s capability to perform background separation using ΔE − E energy cuts. In addition, spectrometer performance in terms of signal to background ratios for ITER-like DT plasma conditions is estimated using Monte-Carlo simulations. Results show that the TPR spectrometer geometry dominates in determining the energy resolution and the ΔE − E energy cuts will significantly reduce the background. In addition, the estimated spectrometer count rates in ITER-like conditions fall below 20 kHz per detector segment.
Plasmon-induced enhancement of efficiency of solar cells modified by metallic nano-particles: Material dependence
Authors: Jacak J. , Jacak W.
Published: August 2018

We analyze the material dependence of the near-field coupling to band electrons of surface plasmons in metallic nanoparticles deposited on the top of a semiconductor substrate in nano-modified solar cells. Various materials for the metal and substrate are considered for comparison upon the Fermi Golden Rule approach to theoretical modeling of the plasmon-electron coupling. The material dependence of the plasmon effect in two types of solar cells, multi-crystalline Si and CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide), modified by various metallic nano-particles is illustrated by the experimental data and compared with the theoretical predictions.
Polyamorphism and liquid-liquid transformations in D-mannitol
Authors: Tang W. , Perepezko J. H.
Published: August 2018

The polyamorphism exhibited by D-mannitol between the normal melt quenched glass (GN) and the amorphous Phase X (GX) induced by annealing has been examined in a detailed series of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements covering a wide range of scanning rates. The glass transition of the (GN), TgN develops an increasing behavior upon annealing, but the glass transition of (GX), TgX changes little during annealing, implying that (GX) is a kinetically more stable glass. A series of interrupted thermal cycles has allowed for the identification of a liquid-liquid transition between the supercooled liquid of (GN), SCL-1 and that for (GX), SCL-2. The precise annealing conditions that could be reached by Flash DSC enabled the construction of the Temperature-Time-Transformation plot of D-mannitol for the transition between GN/(SCL1) and G X/(SCL2), as well as the transition between amorphous and crystalline phases revealing thermally activated behavior. Under the action of an applied stress, GX can be induced to transform irreversibly into the higher density GN.
Atomistic and mesoscale simulation of sodium and potassium adsorption in cement paste
Authors: Dufresne Alice , Arayro Jack , Zhou Tingtao , Ioannidou Katerina , Ulm Franz-Josef , Pellenq Roland , Béland Laurent Karim
Published: August 2018

An atomistic and mesoscopic assessment of the effect of alkali uptake in cement paste is performed. Semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations indicate that Na and K not only adsorb at the pore surface of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) but also adsorb in the C-S-H hydrated interlayer up to concentrations of the order of 0.05 and 0.1 mol/kg, respectively. Sorption of alkali is favored as the Ca/Si ratio of C-S-H is reduced. Long timescale simulations using the Activation Relaxation Technique indicate that characteristic diffusion times of Na and K in the C-S-H interlayer are of the order of a few hours. At the level of individual grains, Na and K adsorption leads to a reduction of roughly 5% of the elastic moduli and to volume expansion of about 0.25%. Simulations using the so-called primitive model indicate that adsorption of alkali ions at the pore surface can reduce the binding between C-S-H grains by up to 6%. Using a mesoscopic model of cement paste, the combination of individual grain swelling and changes in inter-granular cohesion was estimated to lead to overall expansive pressures of up to 4 MPa—and typically of less than 1 MPa—for typical alkali concentrations observed at the proximity of gel veins caused by the alkali-silica reaction.
Protected 0-πstates in SIsFS junctions for Josephson memory and logic
Authors: Bakurskiy S. V. , Klenov N. V. , Soloviev I. I. , Pugach N. G. , Kupriyanov M. Yu. , Golubov A. A.
Published: August 2018

We study the peculiarities in current-phase relations (CPR) of the SIsFS junction in the region of 0 to π transition. These CPR consist of two independent branches corresponding to 0- and π-states of the contact. We have found that depending on the transparency of the SIs tunnel barrier, the decrease in the s-layer thickness leads to transformation of the CPR shape going in the two possible ways: either one of the branches exists only in discrete intervals of the phase difference φ or both branches are sinusoidal but differ in the magnitude of their critical currents. We demonstrate that the difference can be as large as 10% under maintaining superconductivity in the s layer. An applicability of these phenomena for memory and logic application is discussed.
Phonon scattering on quantized vortices under quasi-stable laminar flow of superfluid helium
Authors: Grytsenko I. A. , Dubchak T. A. , Mikhailenko K. A. , Sokolov S. S. , Sheshin G. A.
Published: August 2018

Experimental studies of the coefficient of resistance in a quasi-stable laminar flow of superfluid He II under vibrations of a quartz tuning fork immersed in liquid, at a temperature of 140 mK, were performed. After analyzing various additive contributions to the value of the coefficient of resistance, the contribution from the process of ballistic phonon scattering of quantized vortices of superfluid helium at small vibration amplitudes of the prongs was established; this process changes with the increase in amplitudes of these vibrations and the number of quantized vortices. It was shown that the observed experimental dependencies of the resistance coefficient on the fluid flow rate may be explained by multiple phonon scattering, which was not previously considered a dissipation mechanism. The dependence of the effective cross section of the multiple phonon scattering process upon the vibration rates of the prongs of the tuning forks was plotted.