bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computational study of laminar-flow secondary separation on a slender delta wing
Authors: Jones I. P. , Riley N.
Published: September 2018

The laminar flow over a slender delta wing at incidence has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically using vortex sheet methods. These vortex sheet methods have generally been successful apart from the prediction of the secondary boundary-layer separation induced by the primary vortex. This paper revisits the problem using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and focusses on the effects of the secondary flow separation. The modelling approach is briefly summarised, and the results are compared with flow measurements and results from vortex sheet methods. The computations show very good agreement with measurements for the surface pressures and total head contours. The results help to understand the complex structure of the leading edge vortex flow, and the associated secondary separation of the boundary layer. They indicate that inviscid mechanisms dominate the larger scale features, and highlight a possible mechanism for the development of an instability in the leading edge vortex sheet.
Small-scale structure and energy transfer in homogeneous turbulence
Authors: Carter Douglas W. , Coletti Filippo
Published: September 2018

We use high-resolution velocity measurements in a jet-stirred zero-mean-flow facility to investigate the topology and energy transfer properties of homogeneous turbulence over the Reynolds number range$Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 300$–500. The probability distributions of the enstrophy and strain-rate fields show long tails associated with the most intense events, while the weaker events behave as random variables. The high-enstrophy and high-strain structures are shaped as tube-like and sheet-like objects, respectively, the latter often wrapped around the former. Both types of structures have thickness that scales in Kolmogorov units, and display self-similar topology over a wide range of scales. The small-scale turbulence activity is found to be strongly correlated with the large-scale activity, suggesting that the phenomenon of amplitude modulation (previously observed in advection-dominated shear flows) is not limited to specific production mechanisms. Observing the significant variations in spatially averaged enstrophy, we heuristically define hyperactive and sleeping states of the flow: these also correspond to, respectively, high and low levels of large-scale velocity gradients. Moreover, the hyperactive and sleeping states contribute very differently to the inter-scale energy flux, characterized via the nonlinear transfer term in the Kármán–Howarth–Monin equation. While the energy cascades to smaller scales along the jet-axis direction, a weaker but sizable inverse transfer is observed along the transverse direction; a behaviour so far only observed in spatially developing flows. The hyperactive states are characterized by very intense energy transfers, while the sleeping states account for weaker fluxes, largely directed from small to large scales. This implies that the form of energy cascade depends on the presence (or absence) of intense turbulent structures. These results are at odds with the classic concept of the energy cascade between adjacent scales, but are compatible with the view of a cascade in physical space.
Maternal and Paternal Bonding and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Male and Female Adolescents
Authors: Curcio Angela L. , Mak Anita S. , George Amanda M.
Published: September 2018

While poor parental bonding has been linked with psychological distress, few studies have assessed bonding with mothers and fathers separately among adolescents and whether there are gender differences in the relationships between bonding and psychological distress. Additionally, low self-esteem has been shown to predict psychological distress, but low self-esteem may develop as a result of poor bonding with parental figures. We explored the relationships between (a) perceived maternal and paternal bonding factors and (b) psychological distress, and examined whether self-esteem mediated these relationships in a non-clinical sample of 337 adolescents (aged 13–17 years,M= 14.17, 50.6% female) in Canberra, Australia. Relative to males, females reported lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of psychological distress. For females, low self-esteem and perceived maternal or paternal rejection predicted higher levels of psychological distress, whereas low self-esteem predicted psychological distress for males. Implications for future research and further considerations are discussed.
Using electron backscatter diffraction to measure full crystallographic orientation in Antarctic land-fast sea ice
Authors: WONGPAN PAT , PRIOR DAVID J. , LANGHORNE PATRICIA J. , LILLY KATHERINE , SMITH INGA J.
Published: September 2018

We have mapped the full crystallographic orientation of sea ice using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). This is the first time EBSD has been used to study sea ice. Platelet ice is a feature of sea ice near ice shelves. Ice crystals accumulate as an unconsolidated sub-ice platelet layer beneath the columnar ice (CI), where they are subsumed by the advancing sea–ice interface to form incorporated platelet ice (PI). As is well known, in CI the crystal preferred orientation comprises dominantly horizontalc-axes, while PI hasc-axes varying between horizontal and vertical. For the first time, this study shows thea-axes of CI and PI are not random. Misorientation analysis has been used to illuminate the possible drivers of these alignments. In CI the misorientation angle distribution from random pairs and neighbour pairs of grains are indistinguishable, indicating the distributions are a consequence of crystal preferred orientation. Geometric selection during growth will develop thea-axis alignment in CI if ice growth in water is fastest parallel to thea-axis, as has previously been hypothesised. In contrast, in PI random-pair and neighbour-pair misorientation distributions are significantly different, suggesting mechanical rotation of crystals at grain boundaries as the most likely explanation.
Body mass but not wing size or symmetry correlates with life span of honey bee drones
Authors: Czekońska K. , Szentgyörgyi H. , Tofilski A.
Published: September 2018

In social insects such as the honey bee, the quality of drones at the time of their emergence can affect their maintenance in the colony until maturity. Body mass, wing size and wing asymmetry of emerging honey bee drones were measured and correlated with their life span in the colony and compared between individuals reaching maturity or not. The life span of drones differed among colonies in which they were maintained after emergence but not between colonies in which they were reared. More drones heavier at emergence reached sexual maturity at 15 days and had a longer life span compared with light-weight drones of lower mass. The size and symmetry of drone forewings was not correlated with their life span. Our results suggest that body mass at emergence is a good predictor of drone survival in the colony.
Individual Interests Behind the Institutional Façade: The Dutch East India Company’s Legal Presence in Seventeenth-Century Mughal Bengal
Authors: Sur Byapti
Published: September 2018

VOC officials as well as the Mughal administrators conducted their trading activities in Bengal under different systems of jurisdiction. They both used local brokers and ordinary villagers who became simultaneously part of the VOC and Mughal jurisdictions. But what happened when conflicts broke out between the Company and the Mughal officials? In which jurisdiction did the brokers then participate and why? This article explores such questions through the study of two legal cases involving the VOC in Bengal. It argues that the institutional binary of the VOC and the Mughal as administrative entities were not stable in the face of personal interests and factional ambitions.
A mixed-methods study of tailor-made animated cartoons in teaching punctuation in EFL writing
Authors: Bakla Arif
Published: September 2018

Despite their potential benefits, teacher-created animated cartoons have not found much room in second-language (L2) research, probably due to some technical challenges involved in creating them. This paper reports the findings of a mixed-methods embedded experimental study, designed to test the impact of tailor-made animated cartoons on the correct use of common punctuation rules in English. The participants were 112 Turkish-first language (L1) learners of English, assigned to either the treatment or control group through random cluster sampling. The instructional materials in the treatment group included teacher-created animated cartoons, exercises designed using SCORM-compliant software, and a forum for discussions in Moodle. The participants in the control group, on the other hand, used PowerPoint presentations (PPTs) instead of animated cartoons and completed the same follow-up activities. Quantitative results suggested that the treatment and control groups’ post-test and late post-test scores significantly differed in favour of the former. Moreover, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and document analysis revealed that the participants, especially those in the treatment group, viewed this learning experience highly positively. The findings globally imply that tailor-made animated cartoons might facilitate the learning of punctuation and help raise students’ awareness of it.
Efficiency of different incubation systems for the in vitro production of bovine embryos
Authors: Cavalcanti Camila M. , Campelo Iana S. , Silva Mirelly M.A.S. , Albuquerque João V.S. , Melo Luciana M. , Freitas Vicente J.F.
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of different incubation systems for in vitro embryo production in bovine. Oocytes/embryos were cultured in three incubators: conventional – CONV, mini bench – MINI and portable – PORT. After in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were verified for maturation rate. The remaining structures were submitted to in vitro fertilization and culture to verify cleavage (day 2) and blastocyst (day 7) rates. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in post-IVM oocytes and embryos (days 2 and 7) using arbitrary fluorescence units (AFUs). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed for maturation rate. The CONV system (74.0%) produced the highest cleavage rate (P<0.05) when compared with PORT (59.5%), but similar (P>0.05) to MINI (65.0%). The same pattern and differences were observed for blastocyst rate: CONV (33.3%), MINI (32.3%) and PORT (21.9%). ROS levels were not different (P>0.05) in post-IVM oocytes: CONV (35.6±4.5), MINI (29.4±4.0) and PORT (35.6±4.5). For day-2 embryos, ROS levels were higher (P<0.05) in MINI (44.2±3.1) in comparison with CONV (27.7±3.7) and PORT (33.3±3.2). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in blastocysts. In conclusion, although it produced high ROS levels at day 2 of culture, the MINI system was as efficient as the CONV system for blastocyst production. This option may be an interesting and economical for the in vitro embryo industry.
Trends in sweetened beverages consumption among adults in the Brazilian capitals, 2007–2016
Authors: Figueiredo Natasha , Maia Emanuella Gomes , Silva Luiza Eunice Sá da , Granado Fernanda Serra , Claro Rafael Moreira
Published: September 2018

Objective

To analyse trends in sweetened beverages consumption among adults in Brazil between 2007 and 2016.

Design

A time-series analysis, with data from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL). The prevalence of regular consumption (≥5 d/week), the average daily consumption (millilitres) and the prevalence of non-consumption of these beverages were analysed. The temporal variations of the indicators were calculated by linear regression. The analyses were performed for the complete set of the evaluated population and stratified by sociodemographic characteristics.

Setting

Brazilian capitals and Federal District.

Subjects

Brazilian adults aged ≥18 years (n 519 641).

Results

There was a reduction in both regular and average daily consumption of sugar- and artificially sweetened beverages (−1·28 percentage points (pp)/year, P=0·001 and −9·63 ml/year, P=0·001, respectively). The same result regarding regular consumption was found when only sugar-sweetened beverages were analysed (−1·11 pp/year, P=0·011). Similar trends were identified in the stratified analyses, with a greater magnitude of reduction among males, young adults, those with higher schooling and residents of more developed regions. Coincidentally, there was an increase in the prevalence of adults who did not consume sweetened beverages (1·54 pp/year, P=0·005).

Conclusions

The consumption of sweetened beverages decreased during the period. However, a significant portion of the population still referred a daily consumption of these beverages.
NAVIGATING THE POSTWAR LIBERAL ORDER: AUTONOMY, CREATIVITY AND MODERNISM IN SOCIALIST YUGOSLAVIA, 1949–1953
Authors: ROBERTSON JAMES M.
Published: September 2018

Between the years 1949 and 1953 the leaders of the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia embarked on a series of radical social and economic reforms that restructured state–society relations in line with a decentralized, participatory model of socialism. “Self-management socialism,” as this system became known, served to harmonize local revolutionary ambitions with the embedded liberalism of the postwar international order into which Yugoslavia sought to integrate. During the early reform period Yugoslav intellectuals reorganized socialist ideology around new understandings of autonomy and creativity in ways that resonated with liberal traditions and diverged sharply from the Soviet paradigm. These concepts informed Yugoslav ideas of social self-management and national self-determination and facilitated the country's orientation to the postcolonial world. They also underpinned the new realm of cultural production, where reformers such as Miroslav Krleža and Marko Ristić mobilized this new concern with autonomous creativity to revive previously discarded aesthetic theories of interwar modernism.
Diffraction of the H-polarized plane wave by a finite layered graphene strip grating
Authors: Kaliberda Mstislav E. , Lytvynenko Leonid M. , Pogarsky Sergey A. , Roiuk Mariia P.
Published: September 2018

The scattering of the H-polarized plane electromagnetic wave by a finite multilayer graphene strip grating is considered. The properties of the whole structure are obtained from the set of integral equations, which are written in the operator form. The scattering operators of a single layer are used and supposed to be known. Scattering and absorption characteristics as well as diffraction patterns are presented.
Emplacement History of the Miocene Zebín Tuff Cone (Czech Republic) Revealed From Ground Geophysics, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility, Paleomagnetic, and 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology Data
Authors: Petronis Michael , Valenta Jan , Rapprich Vladislav , Lindline Jennifer , Heizler Matthew , van Wyk de Vries Benjamin , Shields Sarah , Balek Jan , Fojtíková Lucia , Tábořík Petr
Published: September 2018

The Zebín Volcano, Czech Republic, is a quarried tuff cone that offers the opportunity to understand emplacement processes responsible for magma transport through a pyroclastic cone and magmatic processes involved in its development. A high‐resolution ground magnetometry survey, electrical resistivity tomography, and refraction seismic were conducted to supplement field mapping of the size, shape, and inner structure of the volcanic system. The Zebín Volcano yields normal polarity rocks, and the cone is underlain by a complex and branching magma feeder system with several diverging dikes. Samples were collected at 24 sites from feeder dikes and the main conduit for anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility and paleomagnetic analysis. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility results yield inferred magma flow directions indicating subhorizontal magma flow toward and away from the axial conduit as well as both upward and downward flow. Paleomagnetic data from all sites are normal polarity with statistically distinct remanence directions between some sites that indicate that significant time passed or deformation occurred during the growth of this volcanic system. 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of groundmass provide emplacement ages of 18.38 ± 0.03 and 18.45 ± 0.03 Ma, whereas a weighted mean date of 18.52 ± 0.03 Ma for hornblende provides an eruption age. We argue that the Zebín Volcano evolved from a polyphase feeding system and through a complex feeder network. This detailed study shows that many monogenetic volcanoes deserve highly detailed study, as their subtleties can provide insight into broader crustal and magmatic environment during magmatism.
Dramatic Stratospheric Warmings Carved a Hole in the Ionosphere
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: September 2018

A new study of sudden temperature spikes in Earth’s stratosphere could improve space weather forecasting.
How Americans Respond to Information About Global Warming's Health Impacts: Evidence From a National Survey Experiment
Authors: Kotcher John , Maibach Edward , Montoro Marybeth , Hassol Susan Joy
Published: September 2018

Americans tend to see global warming as a distant threat, but a small body of previous research suggests that information about the health implications of global warming may enhance public engagement with the issue. We sought to extend those findings with a longitudinal study that examined how Americans react to information about eight specific categories of health impacts from global warming. In winter 2017, we conducted a two‐wave survey experiment using a quota sample of American adults (n = 2,254). Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group who read eight brief essays about different categories of health impacts from global warming or to a control group who received no information. Participants answered questions before reading the essays, immediately after reading each essay and at the conclusion of all essays (treatment participants only), and 2–3 weeks later. Reading the information had small‐ to medium‐sized effects on multiple indicators of participants' cognitive and affective engagement with global warming, especially among people who are politically moderate and somewhat conservative; some of these changes persisted 2–3 weeks later. Some impacts were seen as more novel and worrisome, including illnesses from contaminated food, water, and disease‐carrying organisms. Our findings provide the most definitive evidence to date about the importance of raising awareness about the health impacts of global warming. While participants believed all of the essays as offered valuable information, educational efforts might most productively focus on impacts that are relatively less familiar and more emotionally engaging, such as food‐, water‐, and vector‐borne illnesses.
Signatures of Obliquity and Eccentricity in Soil Chronosequences
Authors: Shepard Christopher , Pelletier Jon D. , Schaap Marcel G. , Rasmussen Craig
Published: September 2018

Periodic shifts in Earth's orbit alter incoming solar radiation and drive Quaternary climate cycles. However, unambiguous detection of these orbitally driven climatic changes in records of terrestrial sedimentation and pedogenesis remains poorly defined, limiting our understanding of climate change‐landscape feedbacks, impairing our interpretation of terrestrial paleoclimate proxies, and limiting linkages among pedogenesis, sedimentation, and paleoclimatic change. Using a meta‐analysis, we show that Quaternary soil ages preserved in the modern record have periodicities of 41 and 98 kyr, consistent with orbital cycles. Further, soil ages predominantly date to periods of low rates of climatic change following rapid climate shifts associated with glacial‐to‐interglacial transitions. Soil age appears linked to orbital cycles via climate‐modulated sediment deposition, which may largely constrain soil formation to distinct climate periods. These data demonstrate a record of widespread orbital cyclicity in sediment deposition and subsequent pedogenesis, providing a key insight into soil‐landscape evolution and terrestrial paleo‐environment changes.
Seasonal Variations in Airflow Over the Namib Dune, Gale Crater, Mars: Implications for Dune Dynamics
Authors: Cornwall Carin , Jackson Derek W. T. , Bourke Mary C. , Beyers Meiring , Cooper J. Andrew G.
Published: September 2018

Dune length scale airflow modeling provides new insights on eolian bedform response and complex near‐surface 3‐D wind patterns not previously resolved by mesoscale models. At a 1‐m surface resolution, Curiosity wind data are used to investigate the eolian environment of the Namib dune on Mars, providing improved seasonal constraints on grainfall, grainflow activity, and ripple migration. Based on satellite images, airflow patterns, and surface shear stress, enhanced eolian activity, and slipface advancement occurs during early springtime. Autumn and winter winds are also favorable to eolian activity, but minimal movement was detected in satellite images overlapping with wind data. During the summer, the migration of large stoss ripples on the Namib dune may augment sediment deposition on the slipface. These results provide a better understanding of the overall migration pattern of the Namib dune, which can be extrapolated to other dunes in the Bagnold Dune Field.
Identification of a molecular locus for normalizing dysregulated GABA release from interneurons in the Fragile X brain
Authors: Yang Yi-Mei , Arsenault Jason , Bah Alaji , Krzeminski Mickael , Fekete Adam , Chao Owen Y. , Pacey Laura K. , Wang Alex , Forman-Kay Julie , Hampson David R. , Wang Lu-Yang
Published: September 2018

Principal neurons encode information by varying their firing rate and patterns precisely fine-tuned through GABAergic interneurons. Dysregulation of inhibition can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, yet little is known about the molecular basis underlying inhibitory control. Here, we find that excessive GABA release from basket cells (BCs) attenuates the firing frequency of Purkinje neurons (PNs) in the cerebellum of Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (Fmr1) knockout (KO) mice, a model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) with abrogated expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). This over-inhibition originates from increased excitability and Ca2+transients in the presynaptic terminals, where Kv1.2 potassium channels are downregulated. By paired patch-clamp recordings, we further demonstrate that acutely introducing an N-terminal fragment of FMRP into BCs normalizes GABA release in theFmr1-KO synapses. Conversely, direct injection of an inhibitory FMRP antibody into BCs, or membrane depolarization of BCs, enhances GABA release in the wild type synapses, leading to abnormal inhibitory transmission comparable to theFmr1-KO neurons. We discover that the N-terminus of FMRP directly binds to a phosphorylated serine motif on the C-terminus of Kv1.2; and that loss of this interaction in BCs exaggerates GABA release, compromising the firing activity of PNs and thus the output from the cerebellar circuitry. An allosteric Kv1.2 agonist, docosahexaenoic acid, rectifies the dysregulated inhibition in vitro as well as acoustic startle reflex and social interaction in vivo of theFmr1-KO mice. Our results unravel a novel molecular locus for targeted intervention of FXS and perhaps autism.
Temporal dynamics of bacteria-plasmid coevolution under antibiotic selection
Authors: Bottery Michael J , Wood A Jamie , Brockhurst Michael A
Published: September 2018

Horizontally acquired genes can be costly to express even if they encode useful traits, such as antibiotic resistance. We previously showed that when selected with tetracycline, Escherichia coli carrying the tetracycline-resistance plasmid RK2 evolved mutations on both replicons that together provided increased tetracycline resistance at reduced cost. Here we investigate the temporal dynamics of this intragenomic coevolution. Using genome sequencing we show that the order of adaptive mutations was highly repeatable across three independently evolving populations. Each population first gained a chromosomal mutation in ompF which shortened lag phase and increased tetracycline resistance. This was followed by mutations impairing the plasmid-encoded tetracycline efflux pump, and finally, additional resistance-associated chromosomal mutations. Thus, reducing the cost of the horizontally acquired tetracycline resistance was contingent on first evolving a degree of chromosomally encoded resistance. We conclude therefore that the trajectory of bacteria-plasmid coevolution was constrained to a single repeatable path.
Evaluating the consumption of chemical products and articles as proxies for diffuse emissions to the environment
Authors: Bolinius Damien J. , Sobek Anna , Löf Marie F. , Undeman Emma
Published: September 2018

The lack of knowledge on chemicals in products hampers effective chemical management.
Formation of N-nitrosamines by micelle-catalysed nitrosation of aliphatic secondary amines
Authors: Breider Florian , Salihu Isuf , von Gunten Urs
Published: September 2018

Cation micelle-forming surfactants can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic and mutagenic N-nitrosamines by catalysing the nitrosation of secondary amines.
Cell refinement of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles and thin films
Authors: Tenailleau Christophe , Aharon Sigalit , Cohen Bat-El , Etgar Lioz
Published: September 2018

In this work, we performed a detailed study of the phase transformations and structural unit cell parameters of CsPbBr3 nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films.
Organocatalysis and catalyst aggregation: a study using the asymmetric synthesis of benzofuranones as a test reaction
Authors: Salvio Riccardo , Massaro Luca , Puglisi Antonio , Angelini Lucrezia , Antenucci Achille , Placidi Simone , Sciubba Fabio , Galantini Luciano , Bella Marco
Published: September 2018

An aggregation phenomenon involving Cinchona alkaloid derivatives deeply affects the performance of the catalyst in an organocatalytic process – a mechanistic study.
Dirhodium(ii)-catalyzed ortho C–H amination of sterically congested N,N-dialkylanilines
Authors: Ito Motoki , Nakagawa Tomoya , Higuchi Kazuhiro , Sugiyama Shigeo
Published: September 2018

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed C–H amination of N,N-dialkylanilines proceeded in excellent ortho selectivities regardless of whether the para position was substituted or not.
Catalytic enantioselective one-pot approach tocis- andtrans-2,3-diaryl substituted 1,5-benzothiazepines
Authors: Meninno Sara , Quaratesi Ilaria , Volpe Chiara , Mazzanti Andrea , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: September 2018

A first enantioselective one-pot organocatalytic sulfa-Michael/lactamization sequence providedcis- andtrans-2,3-diaryl substituted 1,5-benzothiazepines in satisfactory yields and good to high enantioselectivity.
Adsorption and fusion of hybrid lipid/polymer vesicles onto 2D and 3D surfaces
Authors: Paxton Walter F. , McAninch Patrick T. , Shin Sun Hae Ra , Brumbach Michael T.
Published: September 2018

We monitored the interaction of hybrid lipid/polymer vesicles with planar and spherical silica substrates via confocal microscopy, AFM, QCM-D, and cryo-EM.
Development of a microencapsulated Al–Si phase change material with high-temperature thermal stability and durability over 3000 cycles
Authors: Sheng Nan , Zhu Chunyu , Saito Genki , Hiraki Takehito , Haka Miki , Hasegawa Yuta , Sakai Hiroki , Akiyama Tomohiro , Nomura Takahiro
Published: September 2018

A microencapsulated Al–Si phase change material with a multi-layered Al2O3 shell.
Selective extraction of supported Rh nanoparticles under mild, non-acidic conditions with carbon monoxide
Authors: Ibrahim Malek Y. S. , Denmark Scott E.
Published: September 2018

A method for extraction of rhodium from heterogeneous supports requiring only carbon monoxide, water and a weak base at ambient temperature.
Zinc/itaconate coordination polymers as first examples with long-lasting phosphorescence based on acyclic ligands
Authors: Wibowo Atmanto Heru , Suryandari Yetti , Masykur Abu , Pérez-Yáñez Sonia , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Cepeda Javier
Published: September 2018

CPs based on zinc(ii) and the acyclic dicarboxylate itaconate linker show blue fluorescence that turns into green long lasting phosphorescence.
Low-LUMO acceptor polymers for high-gain all-polymer photodiodes
Authors: Han Jinfeng , Yang Dezhi , Wang Yang , Ma Dongge , Qiao Wenqiang , Wang Zhi Yuan
Published: September 2018

Three acceptor polymers with different LUMO energy levels were synthesized. High-gain all-polymer photodiodes based on low-LUMO acceptor polymers exhibit a high specific detectivity of 3.5 × 1014 Jones and responsivity over 110 A W−1. This is the first work of high-gain all-polymer photodiodes, which provides a novel way for obtaining all-polymer photodiodes.
Local cyclical compression modulates macrophage functionin situand alleviates immobilization-induced muscle atrophy
Authors: Saitou Kumiko , Tokunaga Masakuni , Yoshino Daisuke , Sakitani Naoyoshi , Maekawa Takahiro , Ryu Youngjae , Nagao Motoshi , Nakamoto Hideki , Saito Taku , Kawanishi Noriaki , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Ogata Toru , Makuuchi Michiru , Takashima Atsushi , Sawada Keisuke , Kawamura Shunsuke , Nakazato Koichi , Kouzaki Karina , Harada Ichiro , Ichihara Yoshinori , Sawada Yasuhiro
Published: September 2018

Physical inactivity gives rise to numerous diseases and organismal dysfunctions, particularly those related to aging. Musculoskeletal disorders including muscle atrophy, which can result from a sedentary lifestyle, aggravate locomotive malfunction and evoke a vicious circle leading to severe functional disruptions of vital organs such as the brain and cardiovascular system. Although the significance of physical activity is evident, molecular mechanisms behind its beneficial effects are poorly understood. Here, we show that massage-like mechanical interventions modulate immobilization-induced pro-inflammatory responses of macrophages in situ and alleviate muscle atrophy. Local cyclical compression (LCC) on mouse calves, which generates intramuscular pressure waves with amplitude of 50 mmHg, partially restores the myofiber thickness and contracting forces of calf muscles that are decreased by hindlimb immobilization. LCC tempers the increase in the number of cells expressing pro-inflammatory proteins, tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), including macrophages in situ. The reversing effect of LCC on immobilization-induced thinning of myofibers is almost completely nullified when macrophages recruited from circulating blood are depleted by administration of clodronate liposomes. Furthermore, application of pulsatile fluid shear stress, but not hydrostatic pressure, reduces the expression of MCP-1 in macrophages in vitro. Together with the LCC-induced movement of intramuscular interstitial fluid detected by µCT analysis, these results suggest that mechanical modulation of macrophage function is involved in physical inactivity-induced muscle atrophy and inflammation. Our findings uncover the implication of mechanosensory function of macrophages in disuse muscle atrophy, thereby opening a new path to develop a novel therapeutic strategy utilizing mechanical interventions.
Acquisition and Generalization Responses in Aphasia Naming Treatment: A Meta-Analysis of Semantic Feature Analysis Outcomes
Authors: Quique Yina M. , Evans William S. , Dickey Michael Walsh
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This meta-analysis synthesizes results from published studies that used semantic feature analysis (SFA) treatment to improve naming for people with aphasia. It examines how both person- and treatment-related variables affected the likelihood of correct naming responses in individual probe sessions for both acquisition (treated) and generalization (untreated) stimuli.

Method

The meta-analysis compiled data from 12 studies analyzing a total of 35 participants with aphasia. It used mixed-effects models as a novel statistical tool to examine the effects of 2 sets of variables on naming performance: treatment-related variables, including treatment phase (baseline vs. treatment), dosage (number of treatment sessions), and stimulus type (treated vs. untreated, semantically related vs. unrelated items), and person-specific variables, including degree of language impairment and demographic variables (age, time poststroke).

Results

Results of the meta-analysis revealed that SFA intervention promoted increased naming accuracy during naming probes when comparing baseline and treatment phases. In addition, increased dosages of SFA were associated with increased naming accuracy, and treatment-related gains were larger for acquisition (treated) than generalization (untreated) stimuli, likewise for related versus unrelated generalization stimuli. Furthermore, a subset of person-specific variables was predictive of SFA-related gains: Language impairment variables were related to treatment-related changes in naming performance, but demographic variables were not.

Conclusion

These results provide group-level evidence for the efficacy of SFA as well as preliminary estimates of how much naming performance benefit is engendered by varying dosages of SFA. The results also provide promising and previously unobserved evidence of potential person-level predictors of SFA treatment response.
Reliability of Measures of N1 Peak Amplitude of the Compound Action Potential in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: McClaskey Carolyn M. , Dias James W. , Dubno Judy R. , Harris Kelly C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Human auditory nerve (AN) activity estimated from the amplitude of the first prominent negative peak (N1) of the compound action potential (CAP) is typically quantified using either a peak-to-peak measurement or a baseline-corrected measurement. However, the reliability of these 2 common measurement techniques has not been evaluated but is often assumed to be relatively poor, especially for older adults. To address this question, the current study (a) compared test–retest reliability of these 2 methods and (b) tested the extent to which measurement type affected the relationship between N1 amplitude and experimental factors related to the stimulus (higher and lower intensity levels) and participants (younger and older adults).

Method

Click-evoked CAPs were recorded in 24 younger (aged 18–30 years) and 20 older (aged 55–85 years) adults with clinically normal audiograms up to 3000 Hz. N1 peak amplitudes were estimated from peak-to-peak measurements (from N1 to P1) and baseline-corrected measurements for 2 stimulus levels (80 and 110 dB pSPL). Baseline-corrected measurements were made with 4 baseline windows. Each stimulus level was presented twice, and test–retest reliability of these 2 measures was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the extent to which age group and click level uniquely predicted N1 amplitude and whether the predictive relationships differed between N1 measurement techniques.

Results

Both peak-to-peak and baseline-corrected measurements of N1 amplitude were found to have good-to-excellent reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient values > 0.60. As expected, N1 amplitudes were significantly larger for younger participants compared with older participants for both measurement types and were significantly larger in response to clicks presented at 110 dB pSPL than at 80 dB pSPL for both measurement types. Furthermore, the choice of baseline window had no significant effect on N1 amplitudes using the baseline-corrected method.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that measurements of AN activity can be robustly and reliably recorded in both younger and older adults using either peak-to-peak or baseline-corrected measurements of the N1 of the CAP. Peak-to-peak measurements yield larger N1 response amplitudes and are the default measurement type for many clinical systems, whereas baseline-corrected measurements are computationally simpler. Furthermore, the relationships between AN activity and stimulus- and participant-related variables were not affected by measurement technique, which suggests that these relationships can be compared across studies using different techniques for measuring the CAP N1.
Approach for the improvement of sensitivity and sensing speed of TFET‐based biosensor by using plasma formation concept
Authors: Soni Deepak , Sharma Dheeraj , Aslam Mohd. , Yadav Shivendra
Published: September 2018

In this work, a new design of dual‐gate source electrode (SE) dielectric‐modulated tunnel field‐effect transistor (TFET) biosensor with improved sensitivity and sensing speed has been presented. For this, P + (source) I (channel) N + (drain) type conventional TFETs structure is initially considered for comparison. Further to this, for the first time, an additional electrode is placed over the physically doped source region of the conventional biosensor with the negative supply voltage for extension of the cavity over the source region. The use of extra SE with negative supply voltage for the formation of cavity over the source region overcome the issues related to the formation of abrupt junction (at source/channel junction) and solubility limit of silicon material by the formation of a plasma layer of holes near to Si/HfO2 interface in the source region. Moreover, the presence of extra biomolecules in the source cavity region of the proposed device further increases the concentration of plasma layer of holes near to Si/HfO2 due to better coupling of SE and source region which is responsible for the improvement in sensing capability and sensing the speed of TFET biosensor. In this concern, a comparative investigation has been performed.
Micro and nanoparticles blended sesame oil bio‐lubricant: study of its tribological and rheological properties
Authors: Sankaran Nair Sabarinath , Prabhakaran Nair Kumarapillai , Rajendrakumar Perikinalil Krishnan
Published: September 2018

Non‐renewability, depleting resources and damage caused to the environment by mineral oil‐based lubricants are the greatest concerns of this century. Recently, these issues have triggered a global trend to use vegetable oil‐based lubricants in industries. Sesame oil (SESO) extracted from widely cultivated tropical crop – sesame (‘Sesamum indicum’) possesses distinctive characteristics such as low pour point and reasonable oxidation stability. However, the poor tribological properties of SESO limit its application as an industrial grade lubricant. Further improvement of these properties can aid its use as potential bio‐lubricant in industries. This work encompasses the blending of micro and nanoparticles in SESO with the aim of enhancing its tribological properties to suit many industrial purposes. The tribological properties of SESO with nanoparticles having morphology variation spherical‐shaped titanium dioxide (TiO2) and rod‐shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) are used. The significance of adding microparticles is also dealt with by using molybdenum disulphide (MoS2). Tribological properties and stability of the above‐formulated lubricants with and without the addition of surfactant to particles are studied. The rheological properties of the oil blends are examined using a rheometer. Studies indicate that rod‐shaped ZnO blended SESO reduces the coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter by 24.04 and 13.74%, respectively.
Solving the heart curve with geogebra
Authors: Nuraida Ida , Sugilar Hamdan , Kariadinata Rahayu , Juariah Juariah , Sobarningsih Nunung
Published: September 2018

Heart symbols are used as expressions of love. There are several mathematical explanations that can produce a curve in the shape of a heart symbol, the most famous of which is cardioid. Graphs that look exotic like cardioid and limacon can be solved using polar coordinates. Polar equations r = a ± b cos θ and r = a ± b sin θ, with a and b positive are called limacon curves, for the special case a = b is called the cardiod. Computer technology is an alternative that can be used to help this. One of the computer programs that can be utilized as a medium of mathematics learning especially in drawing the heart curve is GeoGebra. GeoGebra is a dynamic mathematical software that combines geometry, algebra, and calculus. GeoGebra program serves as a learning medium that provides a visual experience to students in interacting with the concept of polar coordinates in solving the problem of the heart curve.
The Pij matrix and flux calculation of one-dimensional neutron transport in the slab geometry of nuclear fuel cell using collision probability method
Authors: Shafii Mohammad Ali , Usman Jakaria , Tongkukut Seni H. J. , Abdullah Ade Gafar
Published: September 2018

Calculation of Pij matrix of one-dimensional neutron transport in the slab geometry of the nuclear fuel cell using Collision Probability (CP) method has been done. Pij matrix is one of important parameters within the distribution of neutron flux in the nuclear fuel cell. The CP method is the most efficient methods to solve the neutron transport equation in the reactor core. The study is focused on neutron interaction with nuclear fuel cell of U-235 and U-238 for homogeneous condition. The parameters to calculate the Pij matrix are the cross section of nuclear fuel, width of the region and number of regions. A lattice of slabs have been constructed using void boundary conditions for model of finite system to calculate the collision probabilities. If the Pij matrix has been calculated then neutron flux can be determined. The results show that total value of Pij matrix using CP method for U-235 and U-238 is less than one, respectively. This is in accordance with the definition of void boundary conditions for finite slab geometry. Along with Pij matrix, neutron flux is also appropriate with the reference.
Structure and magnetic properties of Co-Zn substituted hexagonal ferrites
Authors: Handoko Erfan , B S Anggoro , Sugihartono Iwan , AM Mangasi , Nurwulan Dini Siti , Christina Serafin , Jalil Zulkarnain
Published: September 2018

In In this study to understand the substitutional effect of Co-Zn on structural and magnetic properties of the BaFe12-2xCoxZnxO19 M-type hexagonal ferrites with concentration (x= 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) were synthesized by the ceramic method. The results of x-ray diffraction show polycrystalline with single phase. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs shows the hexagonal ferrites that are composed of small particles with large porosity, roughly of spherical shapes. The substitution of Fe3+ ion by Co2+ and Zn2+ has changed magnetic properties of hexagonal ferrites.
Effects of sintering temperature on structure, magnetic and dielectric properties of La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.9Mn0.05Ti0.05O3 material
Authors: Handoko Erfan , Sugihartono Iwan , Fahdiran Riser , Jalil Zulkarnain , Saptari Sitti Ahmiatri , A M Mangasi
Published: September 2018

We have investigated structure, magnetic and dielectric of La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.9Mn0.05Ti0.05O3 (LSFMTO) system using ultrasonic mixing method. LSFMTO system is driven by 40 kHz frequency and calcinate process up to 750°C for 30 minutes. Then sintering process also carried out by systematic various of temperature 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C respectively, as same time previously. Very interestingly, the LSFMTO system exhibits ferroelectric (La,Sr)(Fe,Mn,Ti)O3 and ferromagnetic SrFe12019 properties and minor phase La2O3 by XRD interpretation analyzation. We have also carried out the measurement of LSFMTO system using a systematic applied the external magnetic field from 0 to 1 T and the electric polarization from 0 to 50 kV/m . The hysteresis curve of LSFMTO system shows the electricty coercive (Ec) increases while the saturation polarization (Pc) and the remanent polarization are tendency constant at the magnetic strength of 0.12 T. We believed that our finding of LSFMTO system is potensial to multiferroic material as magnetic sensor application.
Decision support system for football player's position with tsukamoto fuzzy inference system
Authors: Gerhana Yana Aditia , Zulfikar Wildan Budiawan , Nurrokhman Yuga , Slamet Cepy , Ramdhani Muhammad Ali
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, football is one of the most famous sports in the world. Many football clubs and football academies have been established in Indonesia. In football academy, each player will be trained and selected to get the best positon in the team formation. In fact, each player has a different ability and skill. If a player gets a correct position, he can open the opportunity for his team to win a competition. This condition absolutely gives a good impact for the team. However, it will be a serious problem if a player plays in an incorrect position. The player's best position can be deciding by his own ability and skill. This study proposes the selection model of player's position by understanding a player's speed, stamina, strength, and other skills that covering, shooting, passing, dribble, and header with Tsukamoto Fuzzy Inference System. A player may have the following positions: central forward, midfielder, winger, goal keeper. In evaluation phase, this model exactly shows 52.17% accurate value. This means that the model decreases the misplacement of player's position. It is recommended for further study to make some additional criteria such as player's emotion, attitude, etc in order to increase accurate.
Design of expert system for train operational feasibility with Tsukamoto fuzzy inference system
Authors: Jumadi Jumadi , Zulfikar Wildan Budiawan , Sulaeman Dicky Andika , Ramdhani Muhammad Ali
Published: September 2018

Train is one of the most favorite mass transportation in the world. In 2017 train in Indonesia can bring about 341.605 passengers to many destinations. PT. Kereta Api Indonesia is a state owned enterprise that has responsibility to make sure that train is safe and works well. As we know that a train has several components to check. It is very difficult to identify whether a train is in a good condition or needs repairing. The purpose of this work is to proposes a model of operational feasibility by several main criteria: bogie, breaking system, boffer, electric coupler, and safety kit. In its experiment phase, this model uses Tsukamoto Fuzzy Inference System to decide that a train is in good condition or need repairing. In evaluation phase we compare this model with traditional method and this model shows exactly 99% of the same result. It is suggested for further work to include several methods such as Tsugeno and Mamdani fuzzy inference system.
Design of prototype decision support system for flood detection based on ultrasonic sensor
Authors: Septiana Yosep
Published: September 2018

The system of awareness of the overflow of river water that causes flooding cannot work automatically and in real time in providing a warning about the elevation of river surface that potentially flood. It's caused residents who live around the river area do not know the situation when the river overflow. There are several alternatives to detect river overflow, one of them is by using microcontroller ultrasonic sensor based. The research aims to design prototype decision support system based on the ultrasonic sensor for flood detection that works automatically detects the river overflow. The software development model used is Prototype Model. The result of this research is a prototype in the form of microcontroller ultrasonic sensor based which can be used as flood detection decision support system that will know the height of river surface designed to detect certain level about flood potency with a low-level error.