bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron beam‐induced dynamic evolution of vortex domains and domain walls in single crystalline YMnO3
Authors: Deng Shiqing , Cheng Shaobo , Zhang Yang , Tan Guotai , Zhu Jing 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe ability to reversibly switch ferroelectric polarization directions with small driving force is of interest both for fundamental researches and for novel applications. Here, the dynamic evolution of vortex domains in hexagonal ferroelectric YMnO3 is systematically demonstrated. Driven by propagations of charged domain walls (CDWs), vortex domains can be reversibly switched by merely utilizing electron beam irradiation. Dislocations pining at domain walls impede their motions, contributing to the irreversible evolution. Moreover, none of six ferroelectric domains in a vortex can vanish during such evolution due to the topological protection. Our results suggest that even with small external stimuli, CDWs in improper ferroelectrics can be considerably active and altered, providing a perspective on potential applications in ferroelectric storage.
Dielectric properties and vacancy‐like defects in plasma‐sprayed barium titanate
Authors: Ctibor Pavel , Čížek Jakub , Sedláček Josef , Lukáč František 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPositron annihilation spectroscopy was employed for investigation of vacancy‐like defects in plasma‐sprayed barium titanate. Defect studies were combined with measurement of dielectric properties of barium titanate coatings. Samples prepared by gas‐stabilized plasma spray (GSP) torch and by plasma torch with the hybrid water‐argon stabilization (WSP‐H) were studied. Processing parameters were selected so that GSP coatings were sprayed in reductive conditions, whereas WSP‐H coatings were prepared in oxidizing environment. As‐sprayed GSP coating is dark, whereas WSP‐H one is light. The dielectric properties of WSP‐H coating are superior to those for GSP one. Defect studies revealed that both GSP and WSP‐H coatings contain titanium vacancies. However, GSP coating contains in addition a considerable concentration of oxygen vacancies. Some fraction of oxygen vacancies in GSP coating is coupled with titanium vacancies forming partial Schottky defect. The structure of WSP‐H coating is less disordered and contains only a low concentration of oxygen vacancies. This is consistent with reductive and oxidizing conditions in GSP and WSP‐H spraying, respectively. Annealing at elevated temperatures in air leads to removal of oxygen vacancies which are filled by oxygen diffusing into the samples.
Long‐term oxidation and electrical behavior of Nb‐doped Ti3SiC2 as solid oxide fuel cell interconnects
Authors: Zheng Li‐Li , Li Xi‐Chao , Hua Qing‐Song , Dai Zuo‐Qiang , Zhang Tie‐Zhu , Qian Yu‐Hai , Xu Jing‐Jun , Li Mei‐Shuan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNb‐doped Ti3SiC2 compounds ((Ti1‐xNbx)3SiC2, x=0%, 2%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) as novel interconnect materials of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT‐SOFC) were studied in the simulated cathode atmosphere. The long‐term oxidation behaviors and area‐specific resistance (ASR) of these compounds have been investigated at 800°C up to 700 hours. Among these compounds, (Ti0.95Nb0.05)3SiC2 shows the best oxidation resistance and lowest postoxidation ASR (5.6 mΩ·cm2 after exposure at 800°C in air for 700 hours), endowing it a great promising material in the application as interconnect of IT‐SOFC. After oxidation, Nb is mainly doped uniformly into the lattice of rutile‐TiO2 (r‐TiO2) grains formed on the tested compounds. Nb doping could decrease the concentrations of both oxygen vacancies and titanium interstitials in r‐TiO2. As a result, the oxidation rate of (Ti,Nb)3SiC2 decreases remarkably, the structure of the oxide scale changes from a duplex layer of TiO2 outer layer and TiO2+SiO2 mixture inner layer to a single mixture layer. Nb doping also increases the amount of semifree electrons, causing the significant reduce of the postoxidation ASR of (Ti,Nb)3SiC2.
Influence of preheating of fly ash precursors to produce geopolymers
Authors: Ranjbar Navid , Kuenzel Carsten 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study has been focused on the effect of pretreatment of FA and POFA after geopolymerization on the mechanical properties. The aim of this work was to simplify the pretreatment that it can easily industrial be applied, using existing technology. Previous work has shown that a reduction in particle size increases the mechanical properties. However, this method involves a milling process which is not applicable for a wide industrial application. Hence, FA and POFA particles have been heated to 300°C, 500°C, and 800°C but applying different pretreatments: (i) predried at 110°C (reference sample); (ii) as received; (iii) prewetted; (iv) prewetted and later quenched in cold water. It was found that during the treatment the particle size increased due to thermal stress cracking. During fast heating, trapped pore water cannot be removed as fast as it evaporates and hence the particles crack. This increase in particle size caused an increase in compressive strength. In addition, heating to 300°C and 500°C caused a dehydroxylation of FA and POFA. This dehydroxylation resulted in a higher initial reactivity, reducing the setting time and improved mechanical strength.
Enhanced high‐temperature thermoelectric performance of CdO ceramics with randomly distributed micropores
Authors: Liu Ran , Gao Linjie , Li Longjiang , Zha Xinyu , Wang Jianglong , Fu Guangsheng , Wang Shufang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCdO ceramics with randomly distributed micropores were synthesized by the conventional solid‐state reaction method via adding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the void forming agent. The introduction of microsized pores can significantly affect both electrical and thermal transport properties of the CdO matrix, and possible underlying mechanisms are discussed. Due to the dramatically reduced thermal conductivity, a highest ZT value of ~0.51 has been achieved in the porous CdO at about 1000 K, increased by about 52% as compared to that of the dense sample without PMMA addition. This work demonstrates that introducing microsized pores is a very simple, low‐cost, and efficient strategy to improve the high‐temperature thermoelectric performance of CdO ceramics.
Microstructure and electric properties of (Na0.85K0.15)0.5Bi0.5TiO3 composited films with alternative TiO2 layers
Authors: Wu Yunyi , Wang Xiaohui , Zhong Caifu , Li Longtu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this work, in order to investigate the effect of TiO2 layer on the microstructure and piezoelectric properties of (Na0.85K0.15)0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NKBT) thin films, TiO2 layer was inserted at the interface between the NKBT thin film and substrate and on both sides of the NKBT, i.e., at the interface and on the top of the NKBT thin film. NKBT composited films with alternative TiO2 layer were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate by aqueous sol‐gel method. X‐ray diffraction observation found that the degree of (100) preferred orientation strengthened with TiO2 layers added, especially on both sides of NKBT thin film. The TiO2/NKBT/TiO2 composited film with both TiO2 layer of 40 nm thickness exhibited a remnant polarization value Pr of 22.6 μc/cm3 and effective piezoelectric coefficient of approximate 77 pm/V, which are much larger than that of the single‐layered NKBT thin film with Pr value of 13.7 μc/cm3 and of 56 pm/V, respectively. According to the investigation of the temperature‐dependent ferroelectric property, it was found that the Pr gradually increased, and in the meantime the coercive voltage gradually moved to higher voltage with testing temperature varied from 20 to −150°C. Besides, applied voltage dependence of leakage current density measurement indicated that the TiO2 layer would effectively lower the leakage current of the films, and the TiO2/NKBT/TiO2 composited film both TiO2 layer of 40 nm exhibited the lowest leakage current.
Signals of selection in conditionally expressed genes in the diversification of three horned beetle species
Authors: Pespeni M. H. , Ladner J. T. , Moczek A. P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSpecies radiations may be facilitated by phenotypic differences already present within populations, such as those arising through sex‐specific development or developmental processes biased towards particular reproductive or trophic morphs. We sought to test this hypothesis by utilizing a comparative transcriptomic approach to contrast among‐ and within‐species differentiation using three horned beetle species in the genusOnthophagus. These three species exhibit differences along three phenotypic axes reflective of much of the interspecific diversity present within the genus: horn location, polarity of sexual dimorphism and degree of nutritional sensitivity. Our approach combinedde novotranscript assembly, assessment of amino acid substitutions (dN/dS) across orthologous gene pairs and integration of gene function and conditional gene expression data. We identified 17 genes across the three species pairs related to axis patterning, development and metabolism withdN/dS > 1 and detected elevateddN/dSin genes related to metabolism and biosynthesis in the most closely related species pair, which is characterized by a loss of nutritional polyphenism and a reversal of sexual dimorphism. Further, we found that genes that are conditionally expressed (i.e. as a function of sex, nutrition or body region) within one of our focal species also showed significantly stronger signals of positive or relaxed purifying selection between species divergent along the same morphological axis (i.e. polarity of sexual dimorphism, degree of nutritional sensitivity or location of horns). Our findings thus reveal a positive relationship between intraspecific differentiation due to condition‐specific development and genetic divergences among species.
A protocol for registration and correction of multicolour STED superresolution images
Authors: HEBISCH E. , WAGNER E. , WESTPHAL V. , SIEBER J.J. , LEHNART S.E. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMulticolour fluorescence imaging by STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) superresolution microscopy with doughnut‐shaped STED laser beams based on different wavelengths for each colour channel requires precise image registration. This is especially important when STED imaging is used for co‐localisation studies of two or more native proteins in biological specimens to analyse nanometric subcellular spatial arrangements. We developed a robust postprocessing image registration protocol, with the aim to verify and ultimately optimise multicolour STED image quality. Importantly, this protocol will support any subsequent quantitative localisation analysis at nanometric scales. Henceforth, using an approach that registers each colour channel present during STED imaging individually, this protocol reliably corrects for optical aberrations and inadvertent sample drift. To achieve the latter goal, the protocol combines the experimental sample information, from corresponding STED and confocal images using the same optical beam path and setup, with that of an independent calibration sample. As a result, image registration is based on a strategy that maximises the cross‐correlation between sequentially acquired images of the experimental sample, which are strategically combined by the protocol. We demonstrate the general applicability of the image registration protocol by co‐staining of the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel in primary mouse cardiomyocytes. To validate this new approach, we identify user‐friendly criteria, which – if fulfilled – support optimal image registration. In summary, we introduce a new method for image registration and rationally based postprocessing steps through a highly standardised protocol for multicolour STED imaging, which directly supports the reproducibility of protein co‐localisation analyses. Although the reference protocol is discussed exemplarily for two‐colour STED imaging, it can be readily expanded to three or more colours and STED channels.
SelfMED: Self‐Administration of Medication in Hospital: A Prevalence Study in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Vanwesemael Toke , Van Rompaey Bart , Petrovic Mirko , Boussery Koen , Dilles Tinne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐management is a key element in regaining and maintaining health. However, during hospitalization it becomes less obvious. Patient self‐administration of medication during hospitalization is suggested to be beneficial to patient satisfaction, adherence to pharmacotherapy, and self‐care competence.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of self‐administration of medication during hospitalization, and possible contributing factors.Design and SettingA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted in 12 Belgian hospitals from February 2015 until June 2015.ParticipantsData were collected on all hospitalized patients at 57 wards, based in 12 hospitals.Data CollectionA structured questionnaire at ward level and patient level on medication management, self‐administration of medication, and rationale for prohibiting or allowing patients to self‐administer their medication was conducted in consultation with the head nurse.ResultsOf the 1,269 patients participating in this study, 22% self‐administered at least one medicine during hospitalization and 13.8% self‐administered at least 50% of their total amount of medication. In the opinion of the head nurse, 40.9% of the hospitalized patients would have been able to self‐administer their medication during hospitalization. Only a few wards had an available procedure and screening tool to assess the competence of the patients to self‐administer their medication. This did not affect the prevalence of self‐administration. Self‐administration occurred significantly more at surgical short‐stay wards, compared to other wards. The self‐administering patients were on average younger and female and had a lower number of different medications per day before and during hospitalization. These patients had a good health status and were independent to mildly dependent on nurses on the ward. Related factors were used to provide a multivariate logistic regression model.ConclusionsSometimes self‐administration of medication was allowed. According to the surveyed nurses, however, more patients would be able to self‐administer their medication during hospitalization. There seems to be a lack of procedures and screening tools to assess the competence or appropriateness of patients to self‐administer their medication.Clinical RelevanceThis study provides new knowledge about the prevalence of self‐administration of medication, contributing factors, the types of self‐administered medications, and the organization of self‐administration of medication on different wards.
FACTOR MODELS AND TIME‐VARYING PARAMETER FRAMEWORK FOR FORECASTING EXCHANGE RATES AND INFLATION: A SURVEY
Authors: Kavtaradze Lasha , Mokhtari Manouchehr 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA survey of models used for forecasting exchange rates and inflation reveals that the factor‐based and time‐varying parameter or state space models generate superior forecasts relative to all other models. This survey also finds that models based on Taylor rule and portfolio balance theory have moderate predictive power for forecasting exchange rates. The evidence on the use of Bayesian Model Averaging approach in forecasting exchange rates reveals limited predictive power, but strong support for forecasting inflation. Overall, the evidence overwhelmingly points to the context of the forecasts, relevance of the historical data, data transformation, choice of the benchmark, selected time horizons, sample period and forecast evaluation methods as the crucial elements in selecting forecasting models for exchange rate and inflation.
Social Comparison in Coping With Occupational Uncertainty: Self‐Improvement, Self‐Enhancement, and the Regional Context
Authors: Pavlova Maria K. , Lechner Clemens M. , Silbereisen Rainer K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTaking into account the regional context, we investigated whether social comparison in coping with occupational uncertainty served self‐improvement (i.e., adaptive coping) or self‐enhancement (i.e., subjective well‐being).MethodRespondents were 620 German adults aged 16 to 43, 59% female, who participated in three yearly follow‐ups of a larger survey. The number of observations was 1,309 for contemporaneous and 1,079 for longitudinal analyses. Participants reported on perceived occupational uncertainty (e.g., risk of losing a job and difficulties with career planning), strategies for coping with it, and whether, and in which direction, they made social comparisons in coping with occupational uncertainty.ResultsMaking social comparisons (vs. not) was associated with higher goal engagement and lower goal disengagement. Upward (as opposed to downward) comparison prospectively predicted higher goal engagement. Under high regional unemployment, upward comparison prospectively predicted lower goal disengagement, whereas making social comparisons was contemporaneously associated with higher subjective well‐being. Higher regional unemployment rates predicted more frequent comparison, whereas comparison direction was predicted only by situational variables, especially personal control over the outcomes.ConclusionsWhen operationalized as a conscious mental action and put in the context of coping with occupational uncertainty, social comparison serves primarily self‐improvement.
Use of a novel extracapsular bone anchor system for stabilisation of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency
Authors: Muro N. M. , Lanz O. I. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate early clinical experiences using the novel extracapsular bone anchor Ruby system for stabilisation of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle in the dog and report short‐term outcome and complications for 17 clinical cases.Materials and MethodsSeventeen dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency were treated using the Ruby system. Dogs were eligible if diagnosed via orthopaedic examination with unilateral or bilateral cranial cruciate ligament instability without any comorbidities. Subjective lameness assessments on a 0 to 4 scale were made pre‐operatively and at six to eight weeks post‐operatively; complications were also recorded. Lameness was also assessed on a visual analogue scale at six to eight months post‐operatively.ResultsAll cases had substantial improvement in lameness following surgery. Mean post‐operative lameness grade was 1·18 (±0·53) out of 4, compared to a grade of 3·06 (±0·9) before surgery, and owner assessment at six to eight months after surgery was also positive. There were major complications that required surgical intervention in one dog.Clinical SignificanceThe Ruby system is a feasible method of extracapsular stabilisation with comparable outcomes and complication rates to previously reported methods of addressing cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency. Further work is required to acquire more data on objective outcome measurement and mechanisms of failure.
Grass flowers: An untapped resource for floral evo‐devo
Authors: Schrager‐Lavelle Amanda , Klein Harry , Fisher Amanda , Bartlett Madelaine 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe abrupt origin and rapid diversification of the flowering plants presents what Darwin called “an abominable mystery”. Floral diversification was a key factor in the rise of the flowering plants, but the molecular underpinnings of floral diversity remain mysterious. To understand the molecular biology underlying floral morphological evolution, genetic model systems are essential for rigorously testing gene function and gene interactions. Most model plants are eudicots, while in the monocots genetic models are almost entirely restricted to the grass family. Likely because grass flowers are diminutive and specialized for wind pollination, grasses have not been a major focus in floral evo‐devo research. However, while grass flowers do not exhibit any of the raucous morphological diversification characteristic of the orchids, there is abundant floral variation in the family. Here, we discuss grass flower diversity, and review what is known about the developmental genetics of this diversity. In particular, we focus on three aspects of grass flower evolution: (1) the evolution of a novel organ identity—the lodicule; (2) lemma awns and their diversity; and (3) the convergent evolution of sexual differentiation. The combination of morphological diversity in the grass family at large and genetic models spread across the family provides a powerful framework for attaining deep understanding of the molecular genetics of floral evolution.
Comparative Assessment of the Accuracy of Cytological and Histologic Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Canine Bone Lesions
Authors: Sabattini S. , Renzi A. , Buracco P. , Defourny S. , Garnier‐Moiroux M. , Capitani O. , Bettini G. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OSA) should be differentiated from other less frequent primary bone neoplasms, metastatic disease, and tumor‐like lesions, as treatment and prognosis can vary accordingly. Hence, a preoperative histologic diagnosis is generally preferred. This requires collection of multiple biopsies under general anesthesia, with possible complications, including pathological fractures. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology would allow an earlier diagnosis with a significant reduction of discomfort and morbidity.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cytological and histologic biopsies in the diagnosis of canine osteodestructive lesions.AnimalsSixty‐eight dogs with bone lesions.MethodsRetrospective study. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the former diagnosis with the final histologic diagnosis on surgical or post‐mortem samples or, in the case of non‐neoplastic lesions, with follow‐up information.ResultsThe study included 50 primary malignant bone tumors (40 OSAs, 5 chondrosarcomas, 2 fibrosarcomas, and 3 poorly differentiated sarcomas), 6 carcinoma metastases, and 12 non‐neoplastic lesions. Accuracy was 83% for cytology (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 80%) and 82.1% for histology (sensitivity, 72.2%; specificity, 100%). Tumor type was correctly identified cytologically and histologically in 50 and 55.5% of cases, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe accuracy of cytology was similar to histology, even in the determination of tumor type. In no case was a benign lesion diagnosed as malignant on cytology. This is the most important error to prevent, as treatment for malignant bone tumors includes aggressive surgery. Being a reliable diagnostic method, cytology should be further considered to aid decisions in the preoperative setting of canine bone lesions.