bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarization Dependence of Photoluminescence from InAs Quantum Dots Grown on InP(311)B Substrates Using Digital Embedding Method
Authors: Akahane Kouichi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Atsushi , Umezawa Toshimasa , Sotobayashi Hideyuki , Yamamoto Naokatsu
Published: January 2018

Hybrid structures of InGaAs/InAlAs two‐dimensional quantum well superlattices and self‐assembled InAs quantum dots (QD) are fabricated on an InP(311)B substrate by the digital embedding method. Samples, in which the period of the superlattice is changed, are evaluated by atomic force microscope and polarized photoluminescence (PL). The intensity of PL polarized in the [‐233] direction is found to be higher than that in the [01–1] direction, which is affected by the structural anisotropy of InAs QDs and crystal anisotropy of the (311) surface. The polarization degree can be controlled by changing the period of the superlattice. These results indicate that the thickness of the InAlAs barrier of the superlattice plays an important role for controlling optical properties of InAs QDs embedded in superlattices.
Position‐Controlled VLS Growth of Nanowires on Mask‐Patterned GaAs Substrates for Axial GaAsSb/InAs Heterostructures
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenichi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Okamoto Naoya , Sato Masaru
Published: January 2018

Position‐controlled vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) growth of nanowires (NWs) is investigated using GaAs substrates with SiN‐patterned masks and Au catalysts for the realization of axial GaAsSb/InAs heterostructures. Rod‐like InAs NWs are obtained by the introduction of a small amount of HCl gas. The InAs NW diameter depends on the Au catalyst size and pitch of NWs, which can be explained by the VLS growth accompanied by lateral growth. A peculiar change in NW shapes for additive HCl gas is also revealed. Moreover, the formation of axial GaAsSb/InAs heterostructure NWs, by controlling the growth temperature of GaAsSb segments is demonstrated. These results indicate that this growth method is promising for the development of NWs suitable for vertical nano‐scale devices with Sb‐containing heterostructures.
Evolution of Electronic Spectrum and Magnetic Properties of the High‐Temperature Cubic Phase La1−xSrxFeO3−δ in Coherent Potential Approximation
Authors: Zainullina Veronika M. , Korotin Michael А. , Kozhevnikov Victor L.
Published: January 2018

The electron structure features in the high‐temperature cubic perovskite‐like ferrite La1−xSrxFeO3−δ are studied depending on concentration of disordered cation and anion defects by use of the Coherent Potential Approximatiom (CPA) taking into account the strong electronic correlations (U) in Fe d‐shell. The variations of electronic‐energy and magnetic characteristics are described at 0 ≤ δ ≤ 0.25 and 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.50. The spin state of iron atoms in stoichiometric δ = 0 compositions is shown to change near x = 0.4, which gives an explanation to the observed experimental data.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for the detection of ash tree metabolites following Emerald Ash Borer infestation
Authors: Stock Naomi L. , Doran Michael C. , Bonners Ron F. , March Raymond E.
Published: January 2018

Rationale

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, an invasive insect detected in the USA and Canada in 2002, is a threat to ash trees with both ecological and economic implications. Early detection of EAB‐infestation is difficult due to lack of visible signs and symptoms in the early stages of attack, but is essential to prevent ash mortality. An efficient and reliable tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation would be advantageous.

Methods

A mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach, using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), has been used to investigate the leaf metabolites of both healthy and EAB‐infested trees.

Results

Leaves from 40 healthy and 40 EAB‐infested trees were extracted and analyzed using LC/MS. Resulting data were examined to differentiate between foliage from healthy and EAB‐infested trees. Possible biomarkers of EAB attack have been detected. Twenty‐one metabolites with increased average ion intensity in EAB‐infested ash tree samples and nine metabolites with increased average ion intensity in healthy ash tree samples were identified.

Conclusions

Results of this study indicate that metabolomic screening of leaf samples using LC/MS can be useful as a potential tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation.
Context and Implications Document for: A critical review of the literature on the relationship between school quality and health inequalities
Authors: Garcy Anthony M. , Berliner David C.
Published: January 2018

This guide accompanies the following article: Garcy, A. M. & Berliner, D. C. (2018) A critical review of the literature on the relationship between school quality and health inequalities,Review of Education, https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3106
Hydrogen Storage in Porous Materials: Status, Milestones, and Challenges
Authors: Berenguer‐Murcia Ángel , Marco‐Lozar Juan Pablo , Cazorla‐Amorós Diego
Published: January 2018

In this account the most relevant advancements in hydrogen storage in porous materials are presented. These include the current state‐of‐the‐art, the challenges which have been overcome, and the hurdles which still remain. The most important milestones which will be discussed in this work will be the development of new apparatuses capable of delivering reliable results under a broad range of operational conditions, in which analysis temperature and pressure are critical parameters. Other aspects such as the materials storage capacity in gravimetric and volumetric terms will be critically discussed to identify the conditions required from an ideal material. Finally, different upgrade possibilities from modifying the adsorbate‐adsorbent interaction to using rigid or flexible materials will be presented and put into perspective with current literature.
Associating weather societies across Europe, Part 1
Authors: Morin René , Wieringa Jon
Published: January 2018

National societies of meteorologists in Europe discovered each other's existence at a conference in 1993 and decided to cooperate on matters which would be practical to handle on a European scale. They decided in 1997 to establish a European Meteorological Society (EMS), not as a society with individuals as members, but rather as a society of societies. The development of this unusually structured organisation towards its foundation in 1999 will be described in Part 2.
CLOUD computing risk management for server‐farm repair rates, consumer load cycle, server‐farm repair crew count, and additional servers
Authors: Sahinoglu Mehmet
Published: January 2018

A discrete event simulator, CLOURAM: CLOUD Risk Assessor and Manager, algorithmically estimates the risk indices in modern‐day CLOUD computing scenarios with tangible risk management targets that are favorable to the intractably tedious, theoretical Markov solutions or hand calculations overly limited in scope. The goal is to improve the operational quality of CLOUD by optimizing the number of servers for capacity addition and optimizing the final repair crew count. We too optimize the server unit repair rates, and the consumer load cycle by curbing the demand using Linear Programming (LP)‐based optimization with the proper objective functions and constraints. Small and large CLOUD systems are simulated with cost and benefit comparisons. The 2‐state (UP and DN) or 3‐State (UP, DN, and DER) units statistically fail and recover with Negative Exponential or Weibull densities. WIREs Comput Stat 2018, 10:e1424. doi: 10.1002/wics.1424

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Reliability, Survivability, and Quality Control

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Networks and Security

Statistical Models > Simulation Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Linear Programming
Balancing small against large burdens
Authors: VOORHOEVE ALEX
Published: January 2018

Common principles for resource allocation in health care can prioritise the alleviation of small health burdens over lifesaving treatment. I argue that there is some evidence that these principles are at odds with a sizable share of public opinion, which holds that saving a life should take priority over any number of cures for minor ailments. I propose two possible explanations for this opinion, one debunking and one vindicatory. I also outline how well-designed surveys and moral enquiry could help decide between them. Finally, I consider how priority-setting principles could be adjusted if the view that saving a life always trumps alleviating small burdens were vindicated.
Marine Reservoir Effect Values from Shell-Middens of San Matías Gulf, Northern Patagonia (Argentina): A 5000-yr Record
Authors: Favier Dubois Cristián M , Jull A J Timothy
Published: January 2018

Ten marine reservoir effect (R) values were obtained from archaeological shell-middens along the San Matías Gulf, North Patagonian Atlantic coast, Argentina. They were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements on marine shell (Mytilidae) and charcoal samples (burned, short-lived plants) derived from a common stratigraphic unit. The R values fluctuate between 205±48 and 358±56 14C yr BP from ca. 5300 to ca. 700 14C yr BP with no obvious temporal trend. Calculated ΔR values fluctuate between +30±66 and –162±48 yr during the same time span. Local factors such as restricted connection with the open sea or presence of aged carbonates do not appear to have had an influence on this effect along the gulf coastline. The mean R value obtained (266 ± 51 yr) constitutes a useful value for correcting ages in shells from abundant archaeological deposits recorded in the area since Middle Holocene times.
Is dietary macronutrient composition during pregnancy associated with offspring birth weight? An observational study
Authors: Sharma Sukshma S. , Greenwood Darren C. , Simpson Nigel A. B. , Cade Janet E.
Published: January 2018

There is lack of evidence on the differential impact of maternal macronutrient consumption: carbohydrates (CHO), fats and protein on birth weight. We investigated the association between maternal dietary macronutrient intakes and their sub-components such as saccharides and fatty acids and birth weight. This analyses included 1,196 women with singleton pregnancies who were part of the CAffeine and REproductive health study in Leeds, UK between 2003 and 2006. Women were interviewed in each trimester. Dietary information was collected twice using a 24-h dietary recall about 8–12 weeks and 13–27 weeks of gestation. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for alcohol and smoking in trimester 1, showed that each additional 10 g/d CHO consumption was associated with an increase of 4 g (95 % CI 1, 7;P=0·003) in birth weight. Conversely, an additional 10 g/d fat intake was associated with a lower birth weight of 8 g (95 % CI 0, 16;P=0·04) when we accounted for energy contributing macronutrients in each model, and maternal height, weight, parity, ethnicity, gestational age at delivery and sex of the baby. There was no evidence of an association between protein intake and birth weight. Maternal diet in trimester 2 suggested that higher intakes of glucose (10 g/d) and lactose (1 g/d) were both associated with higher birth weight of 52 g (95 % CI 4, 100;P=0·03) and 5 g (95 % CI 2, 7;P<0·001) respectively. These results show that dietary macronutrient composition during pregnancy is associated with birth weight outcomes. An appropriately balanced intake of dietary CHO and fat during pregnancy could support optimum birth weight.
THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT AND DREAMS OF BRITAIN'S POST-WAR FUTURE
Authors: KOWOL KIT
Published: January 2018

The British general election of 1945 and the return of the nation's first ever majority Labour government was a profound turning point in Britain's political history. The scale of Labour's victory, and the belief in its inevitability, has, however, obscured important developments in British Conservatism. Historians have subsequently characterized the Conservative party as either unwilling to develop their own distinct plans for the post-war future, or divided between those who were willing to embrace the policies of social democracy and those with a neo-liberal approach to political economy. This article challenges this depiction by examining the thoughts and actions of those within what it terms the wartime ‘Conservative movement’: the constellation of fringe and pressure groups that orbited around the Conservative party during the period. In examining this movement, it identifies three major traditions of Conservative political thinking, and three sets of activists and parliamentarians all committed to developing radical Conservative plans for post-war Britain. The article demonstrates how these different traditions built upon but also radicalized pre-existing currents of Conservative thought, how the language of social democracy was co-opted and reinterpreted by those within the Conservative movement, and how the war changed Conservative perception of the British people.
Sugarcane Workers in Search of Justice: Rural Labour through the Lens of the State
Authors: Dabat Christine Rufino , Rogers Thomas D.
Published: January 2018

Drawing from case file records generated in rural labour courts in Brazil’s north-eastern state of Pernambuco between 1965 and 1982, this paper demonstrates how these forums reified class-based exploitation, even as they purportedly protected workers’ rights. The paper focuses on two districts in the state’s sugarcane-growing region, both of which reveal a clear pattern of inferior treatment for rural as opposed to non-rural workers. Interpreting the evidence as a function of long-term patterns of social and economic relations in the region, the paper also sets this case in a larger context of rural labour history around the world.
Translation, Adaptation, and Appropriation in Brook's Mahabharata
Authors: Lee So-Rim
Published: January 2018

In this article So-Rim Lee closely investigates the Mahābhārata in relation to – but quite distinct from – The Mahabharata: a Play (1985) by Peter Brook and Jean-Claude Carrière. Since the ancient text of the Mahābhārata does not have a definitive author, version, or form, So-Rim Lee argues that Brook and Carrière's framing of their modern reading as an adaptation of the ancient text poses a series of questions regarding the politics of recontextualizing a South Asian text in Western terms, the methodological process involved in doing this, and the ethical stance espoused by the transcultural adapters. She then questions whether the audience actually finds Brook and Carrière's international, multi - racial production as cosmopolitan and multicultural as the authors claim it to be. If The Mahabharata: a Play is a matter of cultural appropriation rather than adaptation, what transgressions are involved in reframing the source text and how does it produce what Gayatri Spivak calls ‘epistemic violence’? Lee is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Theater and Performance Studies at Stanford University. She has previously reviewed for Theatre Survey and Performance Research.
‘Spoken Drama (Huaju) with a Strong Chinese Flavour’: The Resurrection and Demise of Popular Spoken Drama (Tongsu Huaju) in Shanghai in the 1950s and Early 1960s
Authors: LIU SIYUAN
Published: January 2018

In the late 1950s and early 1960s in Shanghai, the remnant ofwenmingxi(civilized drama), China's first form of Western-style spoken drama, which had flourished in the 1900s and 1910s as a hybrid of Western spoken theatre and indigenous performance, experienced a brief resurrection and ultimate demise under the name oftongsu huaju(popular spoken drama). Considered until then as popular entertainment inferior to the officially recognized form of modern theatre,huaju(spoken drama), that adhered to Western realistic dramaturgy and performance,tongsu huajustaged a six-play festival in January 1957 thanks to liberal art policies, received a warm welcome in Beijing and other cities, and attracted the attention of somehuajuexperts who praised its affinity to indigenous performance, thus triggering a debate over its efficacy as a localized alternative tohuajufor the future of modern Chinese theatre. Using contemporary sources, this article examinestongsu huaju’s brief rise and fall in Shanghai, with a focus on its performances, the debate, the policy changes that decided the fate of China's first form of modern theatre, and the implications of its fate for the narrative of periodization in modern Asian theatre.
Sisterly Disaffection: Women's Colleges, Theatre and the Limits of Dissent
Authors: SENGUPTA PROMONA
Published: January 2018

This essay explores contemporary cultural practices of feminist politics emerging within the women's college campus at the University of Delhi. Through the study of two examples of a public demonstration and campaign against high prices of certain essential provisions and a formal performance outside the campus, the essay tries to map cultural practices, transgressions and political potentials, but also the limits and shortcomings. The essay intends to read these examples through a gender critique and alternate registers of sisterhood, collective imagination and solidarity.
Prehospital Modified HEART Score Predictive of 30-Day Adverse Cardiac Events
Authors: Stopyra Jason P. , Harper William S. , Higgins Tyson J. , Prokesova Julia V. , Winslow James E. , Nelson Robert D. , Alson Roy L. , Davis Christopher A. , Russell Gregory B. , Miller Chadwick D. , Mahler Simon A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The History, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Age, Risk Factors, and Troponin (HEART) score is a decision aid designed to risk stratify emergency department (ED) patients with acute chest pain. It has been validated for ED use, but it has yet to be evaluated in a prehospital setting.

Hypothesis

A prehospital modified HEART score can predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among undifferentiated chest pain patients transported to the ED.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with chest pain transported by two county-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies to a tertiary care center was conducted. Adults without ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included. Inter-facility transfers and those without a prehospital 12-lead ECG or an ED troponin measurement were excluded. Modified HEART scores were calculated by study investigators using a standardized data collection tool for each patient. All MACE (death, myocardial infarction [MI], or coronary revascularization) were determined by record review at 30 days. The sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPVs) for MACE at 30 days were calculated.

Results

Over the study period, 794 patients met inclusion criteria. A MACE at 30 days was present in 10.7% (85/794) of patients with 12 deaths (1.5%), 66 MIs (8.3%), and 12 coronary revascularizations without MI (1.5%). The modified HEART score identified 33.2% (264/794) of patients as low risk. Among low-risk patients, 1.9% (5/264) had MACE (two MIs and three revascularizations without MI). The sensitivity and NPV for 30-day MACE was 94.1% (95% CI, 86.8-98.1) and 98.1% (95% CI, 95.6-99.4), respectively.

Conclusions

Prehospital modified HEART scores have a high NPV for MACE at 30 days. A study in which prehospital providers prospectively apply this decision aid is warranted.

StopyraJP, HarperWS, HigginsTJ, ProkesovaJV, WinslowJE, NelsonRD, AlsonRL, DavisCA, RussellGB, MillerCD, MahlerSA. Prehospital modified HEART score predictive of 30-day adverse cardiac events. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(1):58–62.
Development of materials to support parents whose babies cry excessively: findings and health service implications
Authors: Long Jaqui , Powell Charlotte , Bamber Deborah , Garratt Rosemary , Brown Jayne , Dyson Sue , James-Roberts Ian St
Published: January 2018

Aim

To develop evidence-based materials which provide information and support for parents who are concerned about their baby’s excessive crying. As well as meeting these parents’ needs, the aim was to develop a package of materials suitable for use by the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Background

Parents report that around 20% of infants in Western countries cry excessively without an apparent reason during the first four months of age. Traditionally, research has focused on the crying and its causes. However, evidence is growing that how parents evaluate and respond to the crying needs to receive equal attention. This focus encompasses parental resources, vulnerabilities, well-being and mental health. At present, the UK NHS lacks a set of routine provisions to support parents who are concerned about their baby’s excessive crying. The rationales, methods and findings from a study developing materials for this purpose are reported.

Method

Following a literature review, 20 parents whose babies previously cried excessively took part in focus groups or interviews. They provided reports on their experiences and the supports they would have liked when their baby was crying excessively. In addition, they identified their preferred delivery methods and devices for accessing information and rated four example support packages identified by the literature review.

Findings

During the period their baby cried excessively, most parents visited a health service professional and most considered these direct contacts to have provided helpful information and support. Websites were similarly popular. Telephones and tablets were the preferred means of accessing online information. Groups to meet other parents were considered an important additional resource by all the parents. Three package elements – a Surviving Crying website, a printed version of the website and a programme of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-based support sessions delivered to parents by a qualified practitioner, were developed for further evaluation.
The need of an ethics of planetary sustainability
Authors: Losch Andreas
Published: January 2018

The concept of sustainability is widely acknowledged as a political guideline. Economic, ecological, social and cultural aspects of sustainability are already under discussion. Current space mining efforts demand that the discussion become a broader one about ‘planetary sustainability’, including the space surrounding Earth. To date, planetary sustainability has mainly been used with reference to Earth only and I will extend it here, elaborating on a similar NASA initiative. This article (1) sketches the contemporary economic–political initiatives which call for a special reflection of Earth's location in space, and then (2) discusses the meaning of the concept of sustainability in this context. Next, (3) I relate the discussion to the issue of planetary and environmental protection, before, (4) finally, presenting a philosophical and theological perspective that seems particularly able to broach the issue of the multiple dimensions of sustainability in this context. This is the concept of constructive-critical realism. My overview of the topic concludes with (5) a summarizing outlook.
TGR5 signalling promotes mitochondrial fission and beige remodelling of white adipose tissue
Authors: Velazquez-Villegas Laura A. , Perino Alessia , Lemos Vera , Zietak Marika , Nomura Mitsunori , Pols Thijs Willem Hendrik , Schoonjans Kristina
Published: January 2018

Remodelling of energy storing white fat into energy expending beige fat could be a promising strategy to reduce adiposity. Here, we show that the bile acid-responsive membrane receptor TGR5 mediates beiging of the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) under multiple environmental cues including cold exposure and prolonged high-fat diet feeding. Moreover, administration of TGR5-selective bile acid mimetics to thermoneutral housed mice leads to the appearance of beige adipocyte markers and increases mitochondrial content in the scWAT of Tgr5
+/+
mice but not in their Tgr5
−/−
littermates. This phenotype is recapitulated in vitro in differentiated adipocytes, in which TGR5 activation increases free fatty acid availability through lipolysis, hence fuelling β-oxidation and thermogenic activity. TGR5 signalling also induces mitochondrial fission through the ERK/DRP1 pathway, further improving mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, these data identify TGR5 as a druggable target to promote beiging with potential applications in the management of metabolic disorders.
Breakdown of Kasha’s Rule in a Ubiquitous, Naturally Occurring, Wide Bandgap Aluminosilicate (Feldspar)
Authors: Prasad Amit Kumar , Jain Mayank
Published: January 2018

Excitation-energy-dependent emission (EDE) is well known from photoluminescence (PL) studies of polar solvents and carbon-based nanostructures. In polar solvents, this effect known as the ‘red edge effect’ (REE) is understood to arise from solute-solvent interactions, whereas, in case of carbon-based nanostructures, the origin is highly debated. Understanding this effect has important bearings on the potential applications of these materials. EDE has never been reported from large crystalline materials, except very recently by our group. Here, we make detailed investigations to understand the universality and the mechanism behind the EDE in a wide band gap aluminosilicate (feldspar), which comprises more than half of the Earth’s crust, and is widely used in geophotonics (e.g., optical dating). We observe EDE up to 150 nm at room temperature in our samples, which is unprecedented in rigid macroscopic structures. Based on PL investigations at 295 K and 7 K, we present a novel model that is based on photoionisation of a deep lying defect and subsequent transport/relaxation of free electrons in the sub-conduction band tail states. Our model has important implications for potential photonic applications using feldspar, measurement of band tail width in wide bandgap materials, and understanding the EDE effect in other materials.
Assemble-And-Match: A Novel Hybrid Tool for Enhancing Education and Research in Rational Structure Based Drug Design
Authors: Tavousi Pouya , Amin Reza , Shahbazmohamadi Sina
Published: January 2018

Rational drug design is the process of finding new medication that can activate or inhibit the biofunction of a target molecule by binding to it and forming a molecular complex. Here, shape and charge complementarities between drug and target are key. To help find effective drug molecules out of a huge pool of possibilities, physical and computer aided tools have been developed. Former offers a tangible experience of the molecular interactions yet lacks measurement and evaluation capabilities. Latter enables accurate and fast evaluations, but does not deliver the interactive tangible experience of physical models. We introduce a novel hybrid model called “Assemble-And-Match” where, we enhance and combine the unique features of the two categories. Assemble-And-Match works based on fabrication of customized molecular fragments using our developed software and a 3D printer. Fragments are hinged to each other in different combinations and form flexible peptide chains, conformable to tertiary structures, to fit in the binding pocket of a (3D printed) target molecule. Through embedded measurement marks, the molecular model is reconstructed in silico and its properties are evaluated. We expect Assemble-And-Match tool can enable combination of visuospatial perception with in silico computational power to aid research and education in drug design.
Optimized chaotic Brillouin dynamic grating with filtered optical feedback
Authors: Zhang Jianzhong , Li Zhuping , Wu Yuan , Zhang Mingjiang , Liu Yi , Li Mengwen
Published: January 2018

Chaotic Brillouin dynamic gratings (BDGs) have special advantages such as the creation of single, permanent and localized BDG. However, the periodic signals induced by conventional optical feedback (COF) in chaotic semiconductor lasers can lead to the generation of spurious BDGs, which will limit the application of chaotic BDGs. In this paper, filtered optical feedback (FOF) is proposed to eliminate spurious BDGs. By controlling the spectral width of the optical filter and its detuning from the laser frequency, semiconductor lasers with FOF operate in the suppression region of the time-delay signature, and chaotic outputs serving as pump waves are then utilized to generate the chaotic BDG in a polarization maintaining fiber. Through comparative analysis of the COF and FOF schemes, it has been demonstrated that spurious BDGs are effectively eliminated and that the reflection characterization of the chaotic BDG is improved. The influence of FOF on the reflection and gain spectra of the chaotic BDG is analyzed as well.
Extractable pool of biochar controls on crop productivity rather than greenhouse gas emission from a rice paddy under rice-wheat rotation
Authors: Korai Punhoon Khan , Xia Xin , Liu Xiaoyu , Bian Rongjun , Omondi Morris Oduor , Nahayo Alphonse , Pan Genxing
Published: January 2018

The role of extractable pool of biochar in crop productivity and soil greenhouse gas (GHGs) emission is not yet clear. In this study, two biochars with and without extraction was added to a paddy before rice transplantation at 20 t·ha−1. Crop yield, plant traits and greenhouse gas emission monitored throughout a rice-wheat rotation. Between the biochar treatments, changes in bulk density and microbial biomass carbon were insignificant. However, the increase in organic carbon was similar between maize and wheat biochars while higher under bulk wheat biochar than extracted one. The increase in available P and K was higher under wheat than maize biochar regardless of extraction. Moreover, the increase in plant traits and grain yield, in rice season only, was higher under bulk than extracted biochars. Yet, there was no difference in changes in GHGs emission between bulk and extracted biochars regardless of feedstock. Nevertheless, increased methane emission for rice season was lower under extracted biochars than bulk ones. Overall, crop productivity rather than GHGs emission was affected by treatment of extraction of biochars. Thus, use of unextracted biochar is recommended for improving soil crop productivity in the paddy soils.
A hydrogen fuel cell for rapid, enzyme-catalysed organic synthesis with continuous monitoring
Authors: Wan Lei , Megarity Clare F. , Siritanaratkul Bhavin , Armstrong Fraser A.
Published: January 2018

A one-pot fuel cell for specific, enzyme-catalysed organic synthesis, with continuous monitoring of rate and reaction progress, combines an electrode catalysing rapid, reversible and diffusion-controlled interconversion of NADP+ and NADPH with a Pt electrode catalysing 2H+/H2 interconversion.
The structures of liquid pyridine and naphthalene: the effects of heteroatoms and core size on aromatic interactions
Authors: Headen T. F. , Cullen P. L. , Patel R. , Taylor A. , Skipper N. T.
Published: January 2018

Spatial and orientational structures of liquid naphthalene and pyridine revealed using neutron scattering combined with empirical potential structure refinement.
Unravelling the mechanisms of interference between overlapping resonances
Authors: García-Vela A.
Published: January 2018

A law that predicts quantitatively the optimal delay time between laser pulses to maximize the resonance lifetime enhancement is reported.
Aerogen bonds formed between AeOF2(Ae = Kr, Xe) and diazines: comparisons between σ-hole and π-hole complexes
Authors: Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Michalczyk Mariusz , Scheiner Steve
Published: January 2018

AeOF2(Ae = Kr, Xe) engages in noncovalent aerogen bonds with diazines, of both σ-hole and π-hole type. The former are particularly stable, several times stronger than typical H-bonds.
U–Pb age determination of schorlomite garnet by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Yue-Heng , Wu Fu-Yuan , Yang Jin-Hui , Mitchell Roger H. , Zhao Zi-Fu , Xie Lie-Wen , Huang Chao , Ma Qian , Yang Ming , Zhao Han
Published: January 2018

We report the first U–Pb geochronological investigation of schorlomite garnet from carbonatite and alkaline complexes and demonstrate its applicability for U–Pb age determination using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) due to its relatively high U and Th abundances and negligible common Pb content.
Dual in vitro and in silico analysis of thiacalix[4]arene dinaphthalene sulfonate for the sensing of 4-nitrotoluene and 2,3-dinitrotoluene
Authors: Modi Krunal , Panchal Urvi , Patel Chirag , Bhatt Keyur , Dey Shuvankar , Mishra Divya , Jain V. K.
Published: January 2018

A newly synthesized thiacalix[4]arene dinaphthalene sulfonate, i.e., TCDNS, has been used as a fluorescence quencher for 2,3-DNT as well as 4-NT. The complex was analyzed by ESI-MS and 1H-NMR titration, which has been further confirmed by the in silico study.
A novel glucosamine-linked fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of pyrophosphate in an aqueous medium and live cells
Authors: Meng Qingtao , Wang Yue , Feng Huan , Zhou Fang , Zhou Bo , Wang Cuiping , Zhang Run , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: January 2018

A glucosamine-linked Cu2+ ensemble has been successfully developed for detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) in aqueous medium and in live MD-AMB-231 cells.
Selected carbonyl compounds in the air of Silesia region
Authors: Czaplicka Marianna , Chrobok Michał
Published: January 2018

This study was carried out to characterize three aldehydes of health concern (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein) at a three sites in Silesian region (Poland) in January and June 2015. Aldehydes in polluted atmospheres comes from both primary and secondary sources, which limits the control strategies for these reactive compounds. Average aldehyde concentration in summer period lies in range from 3.13 μg/m3 to 10.43 μg/m3, in winter period in range from 29.0 μg/m3 to 32.2 μg/m3. Acetaldehyde was dominant compound in winter period, in summer formaldehyde concentration was highest of all determined aldehydes.
Preliminary comparative assessment of PM10 hourly measurement results from new monitoring stations type using stochastic and exploratory methodology and models
Authors: Czechowski Piotr Oskar , Owczarek Tomasz , Badyda Artur , Majewski Grzegorz , Rogulski Mariusz , Ogrodnik Paweł
Published: January 2018

The paper presents selected preliminary stage key issues proposed extended equivalence measurement results assessment for new portable devices - the comparability PM10 concentration results hourly series with reference station measurement results with statistical methods. In article presented new portable meters technical aspects. The emphasis was placed on the comparability the results using the stochastic and exploratory methods methodology concept. The concept is based on notice that results series simple comparability in the time domain is insufficient. The comparison of regularity should be done in three complementary fields of statistical modeling: time, frequency and space. The proposal is based on model’s results of five annual series measurement results new mobile devices and WIOS (Provincial Environmental Protection Inspectorate) reference station located in Nowy Sacz city. The obtained results indicate both the comparison methodology completeness and the high correspondence obtained new measurements results devices with reference.
Distribution of gaseous and particle-bound Hg concentrations at the sites representative for urban and non-urban zones of Silesia Province
Authors: Pyta Halina , Słaby Krzysztof , Rajczykowski Krzysztof , Sadowski Tadeusz
Published: January 2018

The basic features of the distribution of total gaseous (TGM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) concentrations were determined for a five locations representative for urban (Bielsko-Biała, Lubliniec, Zabrze) and rural areas (Godów, Złoty Potok) of Silesia Province. Gaseous mercury concentrations were measured (1) continuously - the automatic 1h TGM measurements in Zloty Potok and Zabrze and (2) non-continuously manual 24h TGM measurements with a pre-concentration of the Hg on gold traps (Bielsko-Biała, Lubliniec, Godów). The PBM concentrations were measured non-continuously by taking PM2.5 samples. The Hg content was determined by using a CVAAS method. The highest average concentration of TGM was recorded in Zabrze (2.8ng/m3), significantly lower (2.0ng/m3) in Bielsko-Biała and in the non-urban station in Godów, the lowest concentration (<2.0 ng/m3) was observed in Lubliniec and at the regional background station in Zloty Potok. The results obtained for TGM concentrations exceeded the European average level of 1.5 ng/m3 (AirBase, 2014). The highest average PBM concentration, associated with PM2.5, was obtained in Zabrze (70pg/m3), more than 20% lower results were obtained in Bielsko-Biała and Godów, finally, the lowest one (lower by about 40% in comparison with Zabrze) were obtained in Lubliniec and Złoty Potok. Moreover, an enrichment of Hg concentration in PM was observed with the increasing of the PM content, during the heating season.
Identification of PM10 air pollution origins at a rural background site
Authors: Reizer Magdalena , Orza José A. G.
Published: January 2018

Trajectory cluster analysis and concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) approach have been applied to investigate the origins of PM10 air pollution recorded at a rural background site in North-eastern Poland (Diabla Góra). Air mass back-trajectories used in this study have been computed with the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model for a 10-year period of 2006–2015. A cluster analysis grouped back-trajectories into 7 clusters. Most of the trajectories correspond to fast and moderately moving westerly and northerly flows (45% and 25% of the cases, respectively). However, significantly higher PM10 concentrations were observed for slow moving easterly (11%) and southerly (20%) air masses. The CWT analysis shows that high PM10 levels are observed at Diabla Góra site when air masses are originated and passed over the heavily industrialized areas in Central-Eastern Europe located to the south and south-east of the site.
Preliminary analysis of odor legal solutions and study on their implementation possibilities in Poland
Authors: Sówka Izabela , Karski Leszek
Published: January 2018

The problem of odor nuisance requires undertaking legal means that aim towards implementation of regulations in order to improve the odor-related quality of air in selected areas in Poland. So far the works carried out in the country were concluded by drawing up ‘The guidelines for the bill on counteracting the odor nuisance’. However, as a result of completed social consultations in Poland, the Ministry of Environment, in 2015, resigned from implementing of so called anti-odor act. Currently, the legislature is taking steps which aim at undertaking specific actions in order to introduce solutions, which would directly regulate the issues of odors and the odor nuisance, to the national system. In the countries of the European Union, the issues related to odors are solved in diversified ways and the system still lacks of a uniform proposition, among others related to odor standards. In connection with the above, actions that are taken on a national level should fundamentally aim at developing national odor standards which would take into account the type / the kind of economic activity being a source of odor emission (e.g. clearly separated for existing objects and planned investments), at establishing a procedure and also legal and operational requirements related to determination and the types of zones with defined values of acceptable concentration and determination of reference methodology in monitoring, and modeling the dispersion of odors e.g. including strictly defined frequency of necessary tests. In addition, the process should be accompanied by a creation of financial mechanisms and streams in range of investments related to the development of technology and methods used to limit emission of odors.
Particle size distribution of the radon progeny and ambient aerosols in the Underground Tourist Route “Liczyrzepa” Mine in Kowary Adit
Authors: Wołoszczuk Katarzyna , Skubacz Krystian
Published: January 2018

Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection, in cooperation with Central Mining Institute performed measurements of radon concentration in air, potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC), particle size distribution of the radon progeny and ambient aerosols in the Underground Tourist-Educational Route “Liczyrzepa” Mine in Kowary Adit. A research study was developed to investigate the appropriate dose conversion factors for short-lived radon progeny. The particle size distribution of radon progeny was determined using Radon Progeny Particle Size Spectrometer (RPPSS). The device allows to receive the distribution of PAEC in the particle size range from 0.6 nm to 2494 nm, based on their activity measured on 8 stages composed of impaction plates or diffusion screens. The measurements of the ambient airborne particle size distribution were performed in the range from a few nanometres to about 20 micrometres using Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) spectrometer and the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Spectrometer (SMPS).
Neutron detection devices with 6LiF converter layers
Authors: Finocchiaro Paolo , Cosentino Luigi , Meo Sergio Lo , Nolte Ralf , Radeck Desiree
Published: January 2018

The demand for new thermal neutron detectors as an alternative to 3He tubes in research, industrial, safety and homeland security applications, is growing. These needs have triggered research and development activities about new generations of thermal neutron detectors, characterized by reasonable efficiency and gamma rejection comparable to 3He tubes. In this paper we show the state of art of a promising lowcost technique, based on commercial solid state silicon detectors coupled with thin neutron converter layers of 6LiF deposited onto carbon fiber substrates. Several configurations were studied with the GEANT4 simulation code, and then calibrated at the PTB Thermal Neutron Calibration Facility. The results show that the measured detection efficiency is well reproduced by the simulations, therefore validating the simulation tool in view of new designs. These neutron detectors have also been tested at neutron beam facilities like ISIS (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK) and n_TOF (CERN) where a few samples are already in operation for beam flux and 2D profile measurements. Forthcoming applications are foreseen for the online monitoring of spent nuclear fuel casks in interim storage sites.
A Complete Readout Chain of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter for the HL-LHC: from FATALIC Front-End Electronics to Signal Reconstruction
Authors: Senkin Sergey
Published: January 2018

The ATLAS Collaboration has started a vast programme of upgrades in the context of high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) foreseen in 2024. We present here one of the frontend readout options, an ASIC called FATALIC, proposed for the high-luminosity phase LHC upgrade of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter. Based on a 130 nm CMOS technology, FATALIC performs the complete signal processing, including amplification, shaping and digitisation. We describe the full characterisation of FATALIC and also the Optimal Filtering signal reconstruction method adapted to fully exploit the FATALIC three-range layout. Additionally we present the resolution performance of the whole chain measured using the charge injection system designed for calibration. Finally we discuss the results of the signal reconstruction used on real data collected during a preliminary beam test at CERN.
The role of 14 MeV neutrons in light element nucleosynthesis
Authors: Valkovic V. , Sudac D. , Obhodas J.
Published: January 2018

The 14 MeV neutron induced nuclear reactions which might contribute to better understanding of so-called “cosmological lithium problem” have been discussed. The BBN theory predicted 7Li overestimated value could be lowered by 2n induced reactions on Li-isotopes and/or 7Be destruction via resonance in d+7Be→9B process.

Proposals for 6Li+2n and 7Li+2n reactions cross section evaluations and measurements are discussed in some details.

We discuss also a preliminary measurements of n-n coincidences from the 10B(n,2n)9B reaction with two neutron detectors placed outside the cone of 14 MeV tagged neutron beam. From the time-of-flight measurements and known geometry we deduce the neutron energies and calculate the 9B missing mass spectrum.
Correlated Production and Analog Transport of Fission Neutrons and Photons using Fission Models FREYA, FIFRELIN and the Monte Carlo Code TRIPOLI-4® .
Authors: Verbeke Jérôme M. , Petit Odile , Chebboubi Abdelhazize , Litaize Olivier
Published: January 2018

Fission modeling in general-purpose Monte Carlo transport codes often relies on average nuclear data provided by international evaluation libraries. As such, only average fission multiplicities are available and correlations between fission neutrons and photons are missing. Whereas uncorrelated fission physics is usually sufficient for standard reactor core and radiation shielding calculations, correlated fission secondaries are required for specialized nuclear instrumentation and detector modeling. For coincidence counting detector optimization for instance, precise simulation of fission neutrons and photons that remain correlated in time from birth to detection is essential. New developments were recently integrated into the Monte Carlo transport code TRIPOLI-4 to model fission physics more precisely, the purpose being to access event-by-event fission events from two different fission models: FREYA and FIFRELIN. TRIPOLI-4 simulations can now be performed, either by connecting via an API to the LLNL fission library including FREYA, or by reading external fission event data files produced by FIFRELIN beforehand. These new capabilities enable us to easily compare results from Monte Carlo transport calculations using the two fission models in a nuclear instrumentation application. In the first part of this paper, broad underlying principles of the two fission models are recalled. We then present experimental measurements of neutron angular correlations for 252Cf(sf) and 240Pu(sf). The correlations were measured for several neutron kinetic energy thresholds. In the latter part of the paper, simulation results are compared to experimental data. Spontaneous fissions in 252Cf and 240Pu are modeled by FREYA or FIFRELIN. Emitted neutrons and photons are subsequently transported to an array of scintillators by TRIPOLI-4 in analog mode to preserve their correlations. Angular correlations between fission neutrons obtained independently from these TRIPOLI-4 simulations, using either FREYA or FIFRELIN, are compared to experimental results. For 240Pu(sf), the measured correlations were used to tune the model parameters.