bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast Development of Self‐Assembled, Highly Oriented Polymer Thin Film and Observation of Dual Sensing Behavior of Thin Film Transistor for Ammonia Vapor
Authors: Sahu Praveen Kumar , Chandra Lalit , Pandey Rajiv K. , Mehta Niraj Singh , Dwivedi R. , Mishra V. N. , Prakash Rajiv 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe technological demand for polymer thin film transistors (PTFTs) is continuously increasing because of their potential applications in various kinds of sensor designs. Despite this, there is need for development of a facile technique that can produce high performance low cost PTFTs. Therefore, a facile method is presented for ultrafast formation of large area self‐assembled, highly orientated, crystalline polymer thin films at high surface free energy mobile air–liquid interface named “floated polymer thin film over fluid substrate.” The grown thin film over different solid substrates is studied by multiple‐characterization techniques viz. high resolution‐transmission electron microscopy, grazing incident X‐ray diffraction, absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Finally, the PTFTs having bottom gate and top contact configuration with the variations in source‐drain (S/D) electrode is fabricated for ammonia sensing. A synergistic enhanced ammonia vapor sensing performance with dual sensing characteristics through Pd‐electrode based PTFTs is observed when it is operated in two different modes of operation, that is, ON state to OFF state and vice‐versa. However, this transition is absent in Au‐electrode based PTFTs. Further, the observation of high gas response and dual sensing phenomena for ammonia vapor is argued by the evidence from a higher (approximately threefold) mobility, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images.
An Ionomeric Renewable Thermoplastic from Lignin‐Reinforced Rubber
Authors: Barnes Sietske H. , Goswami Monojoy , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Keum Jong K. , Bowland Christopher C. , Chen Jihua , Naskar Amit K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAn ionomeric, leathery thermoplastic with high mechanical strength is prepared by a new thermal processing method from a soft, melt‐processable rubber. Compositions made by incorporation of equal‐mass lignin, a renewable oligomeric feedstock, in an acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber often yield weak rubbers with large lignin domains (1–2 µm). The addition of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) in such a composition based on sinapyl alcohol‐rich lignin during a solvent‐free synthesis induces a strong interfacial crosslinking between lignin and rubber phases. This compositional modification results in finely interspersed lignin domains (<100 nm) that essentially reinforce the rubbery matrix with a 10–22 °C rise in the glassy‐to‐rubbery transition temperature. The ion‐modified polymer blends also show improved materials properties, like a 100% increase in ultimate tensile strength and an order of magnitude rise in Young's modulus. Coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations verify the morphology and dynamics of the ionomeric material. The computed result also confirms that the ionomers have glassy characteristics.
Using Fractionation and Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy to Study Lignin Molecular Weight.
Authors: Montgomery James R. D. , Bazley Priory , Lebl Tomas , Westwood Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecent reports demonstrate that applications of the biopolymer lignin can be helped by the use of a fraction of the lignin which has an optimal molecular weight range. Unfortunately, the current methods used to determine lignin's molecular weight are inconsistent or not widely accessible. Here, an approach that relies on 2D DOSY NMR analysis is described that provides a measure of lignin's molecular weight. Consistent results were obtained using this well‐established NMR technique across a range of lignins.
Facile preparation of hyperbranched polysiloxane‐grafted carbon fibers with improved interfacial strength of silicone resin composites
Authors: Liu Huilin , Liu Jingxiang , Wu Guangshun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNew hybrid carbon fibers (CFs) were facilely prepared via in situ synthesizing hyperbranched polysiloxane with epoxy groups onto the fiber surface with the aim to enhance interfacial strength of composites. CFs were grafted with phenyl amine groups through an aryl diazonium reaction, and then modified with hyperbranched polysiloxane obtained by the sol‐gel polymerization of γ‐glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. Surface structures of different CFs were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating the successful modification. The introduced hyperbranched polysiloxane enhanced fiber roughness, polarity, wettability, and surface free energy. Hence, the interfacial shear strength and impact toughness of polysiloxane modified composites (CF‐g‐Polysiloxane) increased sharply compared with those of untreated composites. Moreover, Interfacial reinforcing and toughening mechanisms have also been studied, and polysiloxane modification maintained fiber tensile strength. The obvious improvement of anti‐hydrothermal aging behaviors after modification could be due to the introduction of strong SiOSi bonds at the interface.
Steel–concrete composite shear walls using precast high performance fiber reinforced concrete panels
Authors: Ayazi Amir , Shafaei Soheil 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this research, seismic performance of composite steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs) using high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) panels is experimentally and numerically investigated. Three one‐story one‐bay CSPSW specimens using precast HPFRC panels were designed and fabricated for cyclic quasi‐static experiments. The HPFRC panels of composite shear wall specimens did not have any steel rebars. The main purpose of the study was to understand the effects of rigid and semirigid HPFRC panels on the seismic behavior of the system. Shear capacity, ultimate shear strength, lateral stiffness, energy dissipation, and ductility ratios of the specimens are evaluated.The experimental results demonstrate that specimens were able to resist lateral load up to at least interstory drift of 6%. Using HPFRC panels, CSPSW specimens becomes stiffer in the elastic region, and the yield displacement of the shear wall is decreased; therefore, the ductility ratio of the system is increased. It should be noted that ultimate shear strength, initial elastic stiffness, and energy absorption of specimens with an HPFRC panel on one side or both sides of the infill steel plate were approximately the same. However, using two HPFRC panels is not economical in comparison with CSPSW with an HPFRC panel on one side. Additionally, the second panel increases the seismic mass of the structure.
Kampo medicine resolves a case of polypharmacy with improvement sustained for 10 years
Authors: Nogami Tatsuya , Fujimoto Makoto , Watari Hidetoshi , Kimbara Yoshiyuki , Shibahara Naotoshi , Shimada Yutaka 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTCaseAn 81‐year‐old man who had many symptoms, including body pain, was receiving 13 different drugs. We used kampo medicine to improve his symptoms and to reduce the number of drugs he received.OutcomeKeishikajutsubuto (KSTJB) was given to the patient, and gradually the number of drugs he received was reduced. All symptoms were improved with only two drugs, KSTJB and epinastine, and the patient's condition has been improved for more than 10 years.ConclusionBy introducing kampo medicine, we were able to reduce the patient's daily regimen from 13 to 2 medications. A pharmaceutical cost estimate indicated savings of approximately ¥1m over the past 10 years. Thus, use of kampo medicine can resolve polypharmacy and potentially reduce pharmaceutical costs.
Sex and Male Circumcision: Women’s Preferences Across Different Cultures and Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morris Brian J. , Hankins Catherine A. , Lumbers Eugenie R. , Mindel Adrian , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Krieger John N. , Cox Guy 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionWomen’s choices for a sexual partner are influenced by numerous personal, cultural, social, political and religious factors, and may also include aspects of penile anatomy such as male circumcision (MC) status.AimTo perform a systematic review examining (i) whether MC status influences women’s preference for sexual activity and the reasons for this, and (ii) whether women prefer MC for their sons.MethodsPRISMA-compliant searches were conducted of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were rated for quality using the SIGN system.ResultsDatabase searches identified 29 publications with original data for inclusion, including 22 for aim (i) and 4 of these and 7 others pertaining to aim (ii). In the overwhelming majority of studies, women expressed a preference for the circumcised penis. The main reasons given for this preference were better appearance, better hygiene, reduced risk of infection, and enhanced sexual activity, including vaginal intercourse, manual stimulation, and fellatio. In studies that assessed mothers’ preference for MC of sons, health, disease prevention, and hygiene were cited as major reasons for this preference. Cultural differences in preference were evident among some of the studies examined. Nevertheless, a preference for a circumcised penis was seen in most populations regardless of the frequency of MC in the study setting.ConclusionWomen’s preferences generally favor the circumcised penis for sexual activity, hygiene, and lower risk of infection. The findings add to the already well-established health benefits favoring MC and provide important sociosexual information on an issue of widespread interest.
The European Citizens’ initiative: too much democracy for EU polity?
Authors: Longo Erik 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis Article analyzes the state of democracy in the EU through the study of the European Citizens’ Initiative. The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) represents one of the main ways the European institutions chose during the making of the European Convention, and then reproduced in the Lisbon Treaty, to beat populism by bringing decision-making closer to the citizens and promoting a new legitimization of Europe’s political unity. This Article starts by arguing that if one wants to understand European versions of populism it is necessary to pay attention to the reason why “democratic deficit” and “Euroscepticism” are predominant problems that the European Union is facing. It then analyzes the implementation of the ECI and the main issues of this instrument of democratization pointing at three flaws: a) the problem of e-democracy; b) the difficulty of stimulating large participation of civil society and people for the purposes of the ECIs; c) the cumbersome role of the EU Commission and the difficulties to ensure a real participatory instrument for the European citizens. From the analysis of the ECI this Article first advocates for a more robust public sphere in Europe as indispensable ground for a supranational democracy; second, it supports the revision of the ECI procedural aspects to transform it into a viable channel for amending EU policies in a more democratic way; third, this Article participates in the debate over the brand of democracy most suited to EU governance and polity.
Varieties of populist constitutionalism: The transnational dimension
Authors: Blokker Paul 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPopulist constitutionalism is an increasingly discussed topic, but so far the analysis of the interrelation between populism and constitutionalism lacks a more systematic and comparative approach, able to bring out significant variety. Most of the recent literature on the phenomenon focuses on (right-wing) populism as a threat to constitutional democracy. This Article sets out to contribute to a more comparative and comprehensive discussion of the relation between varieties of populism—situated on a continuum from left- to right-wing, but also from national to transnational—with varieties of constitutional projects. The objective of this Article is threefold. First, I argue that it is problematic to consider legal constitutionalism as exhausting the possibilities of constitutionalism. Second, if populism is reduced to right-wing projects and as an unequivocal threat to liberal democracy, it becomes difficult to distinguish between dissimilar manifestations of populist projects, in particular regarding constituent politics. Third, while hardly any attention has been paid to constitutionalism and populist claims on the transnational level, in the European context, transnational forms of populism and constituent politics manifest themselves frequently, articulating an incisive critique on the European constitutional and political status quo, and contributing to a re-imagination and democratization of the European constitutional reality.
Populism: A health check for constitutional democracy?
Authors: Doyle Oran , Longo Erik , Pin Andrea 
Published: April 2019

Abstract“Populism” appears everywhere: a frequently proffered assessment—or perhaps diagnosis—of constitutional systems around the world. Both its supporters and opponents emphasise its newness. But its phisiognomy, causes, and impact on legal orders and institutions are a matter of deep controversy. In a few words, its contours and core components adapt to different constitutional settings. Populist forces back a variety of agendas, which often overlap in a more rhetorically than concrete way.The authors of this issue divide themselves among opponents to populism and moderately optimistic observers. In this respect, populism has probably become a catalyst both for its supporters and detractors. Populism identifies through ideas that rally increasing number of discontents. But also opponents identify as populists the perceived threats to liberal democracy as they understand them.Defining populism has not simply proven to be a Sysyphean task; it has also showed that it is all but easy to pin down what a liberal democracy is made of. Contemporary debates about the fate of democracy need to abandon metaphysics for a more realistic, down-to-earth approach that is sensitive of the specificities of each constitutional setting.
From rhetoric to action, a constitutional analysis of populism
Authors: Fournier Théo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe article considers populism not as common ideology but as a common strategy for implementing various distinct ideologies. Constitutional democracy and populist strategy are inherently connected. Populist strategies develop a specific rhetoric which takes root in the features of constitutional democracy. The populist rhetoric manipulates the rule-of-law and the majoritarian pillars of constitutional democracy by convincing a fictional majority that constitutional democracy gives rise to a tyranny of minorities. Populism in action represents the second facet of the populist strategy. It corresponds to a specific constitutional strategy of legal and constitutional reforms aiming at disrupting constitutional democracy. After exposing my theoretical assumption, I move to a comparative study of two countries, France and Hungary, selected according to the most different cases approach. I analyze first how Viktor Orban based his constitutional strategy on a progressive deconstruction of the post-communist legacy. I study then how Marine le Pen’s strategy consisted of a comprehensive reform of the French semi-presidential system via referendum. I finally conclude by recalling the essential role academics have to play in the fight against populism. My last point is a provocation, what if calling populism by its real diversity (fascism, racism and antisemitism) was the most efficient way to fight them?
Bremsstrahlung emission from high power laser interactions with constrained targets for industrial radiography
Authors: Armstrong C. D. , Brenner C. M. , Jones C. , Rusby D. R. , Davidson Z. E. , Zhang Y. , Wragg J. , Richards S. , Spindloe C. , Oliveira P. , Notley M. , Clarke R. , Mirfayzi S. R. , Kar S. , Li Y. , Scott T. , McKenna P. , Neely D. 
Published: April 2019

Laser–solid interactions are highly suited as a potential source of high energy X-rays for nondestructive imaging. A bright, energetic X-ray pulse can be driven from a small source, making it ideal for high resolution X-ray radiography. By limiting the lateral dimensions of the target we are able to confine the region over which X-rays are produced, enabling imaging with enhanced resolution and contrast. Using constrained targets we demonstrate experimentally a $(20\pm 3)~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ X-ray source, improving the image quality compared to unconstrained foil targets. Modelling demonstrates that a larger sheath field envelope around the perimeter of the constrained targets increases the proportion of electron current that recirculates through the target, driving a brighter source of X-rays.
A support theorem for the X-ray transform on manifolds with plane covers
Authors: PEYERIMHOFF NORBERT , SAMIOU EVANGELIA 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper is concerned with support theorems of the X-ray transform on non-compact manifolds with conjugate points. In particular, we prove that all simply connected 2-step nilpotent Lie groups have a support theorem. Important ingredients of the proof are the concept of plane covers and a support theorem for simple manifolds by Krishnan. We also provide examples of non-homogeneous 3-dimensional simply connected manifolds with conjugate points which have support theorems.
Le vœu, la dette et le contrôle pontifical des échanges au début du XIIIe siècle
Authors: Boureau Alain 
Published: April 2019

RésuméEntre 1190 et 1234, depuis les premières compilations des lettres décrétales des papes jusqu’au Liber Extra, le pontificat s’est doté d’un puissant instrument de pouvoir, la gestion des dettes. On donne ici une analyse détaillée du titre du Liber Extra sur le voeu, qui offre un bon objet de conversion mutuelle entre le spirituel et le temporel, surtout à propos du voeu de croisade, offert, échangé et racheté. Innocent III avait joué un rôle original: le pouvoir pontifical ne se voulait ni directement absolu ni contractuel, mais arbitral. Mais il avait dû composer avec les tendances plus strictement centralisatrices de la Curie, qui ont triomphé dans le Liber Extra, commandé par Grégoire IX, au fondement durable et fragile d’un droit monarchique.
Manorialisme et gestion du risque dans la société préindustrielle: La Suède aux XVIIIeet XIXesiècles
Authors: Dribe Martin , Olsson Mats , Svensson Patrick 
Published: April 2019

RésuméDans toute l’Europe préindustrielle, le domaine manorial était une institution importante de l’économie rurale. Il est une vue largement répandue dans les textes publiés sur le sujet selon laquelle le propriétaire du domaine garantissait les paysans locataires contre les imprévus, par exemple dans les temps de difficulté économique. En distribuant des céréales, ou en acceptant de déférer le paiement de la rente, les seigneurs des domaines aidaient à réduire les effets de la faim dans les périodes de pénurie. Si cette forme d’assurance s’était avérée efficace, alors les paysans locataires des domaines auraient dû subir des fluctuations moins importantes que les autres paysans dans leur revenu ou leur alimentation. On ne rencontre que peu de confirmations empiriques du fait que les domaines de l’ère préindustrielle eussent de fait fourni une assurance de ce type. Cet article utilise l’impact du prix des céréales sur la démographie pour mesurer l’efficacité du système manorial à protéger ses sujets contre le stress économique. En examinant 400 paroisses de Suède (1749-1849), on peut constater que le domaine manorial pouvait certes assurer ses habitants contre les risques de stress économique, mais que l’effet de protection était finalement très imparfait et observable uniquement dans le court terme.
L’énigme de lafaggāra: commerce, crédit et agriculture dans le Touat algérien
Authors: Scheele Judith 
Published: April 2019

RésuméDans le Touat algérien, les économies locales dépendent nécessairement de sources d’investissement extérieures et font donc partie de projets économiques et socio-politiques qui les dépassent. La propriété foncière y est morcelée, les réseaux d’investissement multiples et complexes. L’économie locale s’y exprime en partie en termes monétaires qui participent de la création de dettes, celles-ci assignant la plupart des producteurs dans une dépendance chronique. Le droit islamique y est volontairement adopté pour redéfinir les transactions locales en termes universalistes et inscrire le local dans un monde intellectuel et spirituel plus vaste. Les oasis apparaissent ainsi comme le résultat d’un mouvement « colonisateur » intérieur, tant sur le plan politique et commercial que spirituel.
My Life With Erwin: The Beginning of an Atom-Probe Legacy
Authors: Panitz John A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe atom-probe field ion microscope was introduced in 1967 at the 14th Field Emission Symposium held at the National Bureau of Standards (now, NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The atom-probe field ion microscope was, and remains, the only instrument capable of determining “the nature of one single atom seen on a metal surface and selected from neighboring atoms at the discretion of the observer”. The development of the atom-probe is a story of an instrument that one National Science Foundation (NSF) reviewer called “impossible because single atoms could not be detected”. It is also a story of my life with Erwin Wilhelm Müller as his graduate student in the Field Emission Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University in the late 1960s and his strong and volatile personality, perhaps fostered by his pedigree as Gustav Hertz’s student in the Berlin of the 1930s. It is the story that has defined by scientific career.
Dissimilarity of the Earth's Inner Core Surface Under South America and Northeastern Asia Revealed by Core Reflected Phases
Authors: Krasnoshchekov Dmitry , Ovtchinnikov Vladimir , Polishchuk Valentin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractResolving topography of the inner core boundary (ICB) and the structure and composition of the nearby region is key to improving our understanding of solidification of the Earth's inner core. Observations of travel times and amplitudes of short‐period seismic phases of PKiKP and PcP reflected, respectively, off the inner and outer boundary of the liquid core, provide essential constraints on the properties of this region. We revisit heterogeneities of ICB using a total of more than 1,300 new differential travel times and amplitude ratios of PKiKP and PcP measured at 3.2–35.2° and reflected off the core's boundaries under Northeastern Asia and South America. We observe a statistically significant systematic bias between the measurements collected in the two spots. We carefully examine its origin in terms of contributions by various Earth's shells and find that most of variance in PKiKP‐PcP differential travel times measured above the epicentral distance of 16.5° in Northeastern Asia can be accounted for by mantle corrections. We find slight disparity of about 1–3 km between the outer core thickness under Asia and America; the ICB density jump under Northeastern Asia is about 0.3 g/cm3, which is three times as small as under South America. The findings are interpretable either as evidence for inner core hemispherical asymmetry, whereby crystallization dominates in the West and melting in the East (not vice versa), or in terms of two disconnected mosaic patches with contrasting properties.