bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Microscopy to Study Crystal Nucleation in Polymers Using a Fast Scanning Chip Calorimeter for Precise Control of the Nucleation Pathway
Authors: Androsch René , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura , Schick Christoph 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPolarized‐light optical microscopy (POM) is applied for investigation of homogeneous crystal nucleation in polymers, using the advantage of precise control of the nucleation pathway by application of fast scanning chip calorimetry (FSC). In the first part of this paper, homogeneous crystal nucleation in glassy poly (l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) employing Tammann's two‐stage crystal nuclei‐development method is highlighted. PLLA samples of different nucleation history are prepared in an FSC, and then POM micrographs are studied regarding the effect of time and temperature of annealing the glass on the number of spherulites, which developed in the growth‐stage at higher temperature. The obtained images provide ultimate evidence about the validity of Tammann's approach for obtaining information about the kinetics of homogeneous crystal nucleation using calorimetry, when quantifying the number of nuclei by the enthalpy of crystallization during their growth to crystals in the development stage. In the second part of this study, information about the semicrystalline morphology of samples of poly(butylene terephthalate) and polyamide 66 crystallized at different supercooling using FSC is presented. POM analysis confirms the origin of the frequently observed bimodal temperature‐dependence of the crystallization rate as being caused by different mechanisms of crystal nucleation, resulting in qualitatively different structures.
A silicon strip detector array for energy verification and quality assurance in heavy ion therapy
Authors: Debrot Emily , Newall Matthew , Guatelli Susanna , Petasecca Marco , Matsufuji Naruhiro , Rosenfeld Anatoly B. 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe measurement of depth dose profiles for range and energy verification of heavy ion beams is an important aspect of quality assurance procedures for heavy ion therapy facilities. The steep dose gradients in the Bragg peak region of these profiles require the use of detectors with high spatial resolution. The aim of this work is to characterize a one dimensional monolithic silicon detector array called the “serial Dose Magnifying Glass” (sDMG) as an independent ion beam energy and range verification system used for quality assurance conducted for ion beams used in heavy ion therapy.MethodsThe sDMG detector consists of two linear arrays of 128 silicon sensitive volumes each with an effective size of 2mm × 50μm × 100μm fabricated on a p‐type substrate at a pitch of 200 μm along a single axis of detection. The detector was characterized for beam energy and range verification by measuring the response of the detector when irradiated with a 290 MeV/u 12C ion broad beam incident along the single axis of the detector embedded in a PMMA phantom. The energy of the 12C ion beam incident on the detector and the residual energy of an ion beam incident on the phantom was determined from the measured Bragg peak position in the sDMG. Ad hoc Monte Carlo simulations of the experimental setup were also performed to give further insight into the detector response.ResultsThe relative response profiles along the single axis measured with the sDMG detector were found to have good agreement between experiment and simulation with the position of the Bragg peak determined to fall within 0.2 mm or 1.1% of the range in the detector for the two cases. The energy of the beam incident on the detector was found to vary less than 1% between experiment and simulation. The beam energy incident on the phantom was determined to be (280.9 ± 0.8) MeV/u from the experimental and (280.9 ± 0.2) MeV/u from the simulated profiles. These values coincide with the expected energy of 281 MeV/u.ConclusionsThe sDMG detector response was studied experimentally and characterized using a Monte Carlo simulation. The sDMG detector was found to accurately determine the 12C beam energy and is suited for fast energy and range verification quality assurance. It is proposed that the sDMG is also applicable for verification of treatment planning systems that rely on particle range.
The effect of preparation parameters on performance of polyvinyl alcohol thin‐film composite membrane: Experimental study, modeling, and optimization
Authors: Medhat Bojnourd Fatemeh , Pakizeh Majid 
Published: December 2017

To systematically investigate the influence of preparation conditions on pure water permeability (PWP) and solute removal performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin‐film composite (TFC) membrane, fractional factorial design was applied. The considered conditions were related to 3 steps of the TFC preparation, including support membrane preparation, PVA coating, and cross‐linking. The results showed that among the selected factors, polysulfone concentration (polymer of the support membrane), heat curing time (related to cross‐linking condition), and their interaction have the most significant effects on the both permeability and salt rejection. The effects of significant factors interaction on permeability and solute rejection of PVA TFC membrane were discussed. Finally, optimum preparation conditions were calculated by numerical optimization to achieve maximum permeability and solute removal, simultaneously. The prepared membrane at optimum conditions showed PWP of 1.74 L/m2hbar and 96.19% Na2SO4 rejection. It was realized that the prediction of mathematical models at optimum conditions was reliable with absolute average relative error 7.43% and 1.18% for PWP and rejection, respectively.
“Cell adhesion resistant, UV curable, polymer zinc oxide nanocomposite materials for intraocular lens application”
Authors: Syed Hussain Shaik , Donempudi Shailaja , Tammishetti Shekharam , Garikapati Koteswara Rao , Bhadra Manika Pal 
Published: December 2017

Foldable acrylic lenses are used for surgical replacement of diseased intraocular lens in treatment of cataract. One of the main postsurgical complications of this treatment method is postcapsular opacification caused by proliferating epithelial cells. The most common approach taken by research community to address this issue has been modification of lens surface with hydrophobic or hydrophilic moieties to manipulate surface cell interaction. In the present study, inherently cell repellent photopolymer resins are presented. Taking advantage of zinc oxide antiproliferative properties, its nanocomposite resins were made and investigated. Hydrophobically modified zinc oxide nanoparticles and poly(phenylethylacrylate‐co‐phenylethyl methacrylate) were made, and their nanocomposite films were prepared by UV polymerization. Films made with 5 wt% ZnO nanoparticles in them resisted fibroblast attachment substantially. In addition, these films filtered harmful UV light and showed other necessary properties like visible light transparency, glass transition temperatures, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility necessary for making intraocular lenses.
Entanglement and Complete Positivity: Relevance and Manifestations in Classical Scalar Wave Optics
Authors: Arvind  , Chaturvedi S. , Mukunda N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEntanglement of states and Complete Positivity of maps are concepts that have achieved physical importance with the recent growth of quantum information science. They are however mathematically relevant whenever tensor products of complex linear (Hilbert) spaces are involved. We present such situations in classical scalar paraxial wave optics where these concepts play a role: propagation characteristics of coherent and partially coherent Gaussian beams; and the definition and separability of the family of Twisted Gaussian Schell Model (TGSM) beams. In the former, the evolution of the width of a projected one‐dimensional beam is shown to be a signature of entanglement in a two‐dimensional amplitude. In the latter, the partial transpose operation is seen to explain key properties of TGSM beams.
Revised constraints and Belle II sensitivity for visible and invisible axion-like particles
Authors: Dolan Matthew J. , Ferber Torben , Hearty Christopher , Kahlhoefer Felix , Schmidt-Hoberg Kai 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Light pseudoscalars interacting pre-dominantly with Standard Model gauge bosons (so-called axion-like particles or ALPs) occur frequently in extensions of the Standard Model. In this work we review and update existing constraints on ALPs in the keV to GeV mass region from colliders, beam dump experiments and astrophysics. We furthermore provide a detailed calculation of the expected sensitivity of Belle II, which can search for visibly and invisibly decaying ALPs, as well as long-lived ALPs. The Belle II sensitivity is found to be substantially better than previously estimated, covering wide ranges of relevant parameter space. In particular, Belle II can explore an interesting class of dark matter models, in which ALPs mediate the interactions between the Standard Model and dark matter. In these models, the relic abundance can be set via resonant freeze-out, leading to a highly predictive scenario consistent with all existing constraints but testable with single-photon searches at Belle II in the near future.
AIDING AND ASSISTING: THE MENTAL ELEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 16 OF THE INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMISSION'S ARTICLES ON STATE RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Moynihan Harriet 
Published: December 2017

AbstractArticle 16 of the International Law Commission's Articles on State Responsibility provides that a State that aids or assists another State in the commission of an internationally wrongful act by the recipient State is internationally responsible, where certain conditions are fulfilled. This article clarifies one of those conditions, namely the difficult and contested issue of what degree of knowledge or intent engages the responsibility of an assisting State under Article 16. The article focuses particularly on assistance in armed conflict and counterterrorism situations, which increasingly feature some form of operational or intelligence cooperation between States.
Sward structure and short-term herbage intake inArachis pintoicv. Belmonte subjected to varying intensities of grazing
Authors: Silva G. P. , Fialho C. A. , Carvalho L. R. , Fonseca L. , Carvalho P. C. F. , Bremm C. , Da Silva S. C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe use of forage legumes has been proposed as a means of generating sustainable grazing environments. Their limited use, particularly in tropical pastures, is partially due to the limited knowledge regarding the efficiency of utilization by animals. The present study characterized the sward structure, nutritive value and ingestive behaviour of dairy heifers in pastures of peanut cv. Belmonte under continuous stocking management. Treatments corresponded to sward heights of 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm, according to a randomized complete block design, with four replications. The following response variables were evaluated: vertical distribution of the morphological components within the sward, forage mass, nutritive value (simulated grazing), bite rate (BR), bite mass (BM) and short-term herbage intake rate (STIR). The top half of the sward height was mainly composed of leaves and the bottom half mainly of stolon and dead material regardless of management height. Greater values of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were recorded during autumn, while higher values ofin-vitrodry matter (DM) digestibility (0·85) occurred during spring regardless of management height for the grazed stratum. In relation to treatments, greater values of crude protein were recorded on swards managed at 5 cm (0·27) and 10 cm (0·26). Bite rate, BM and STIR varied with sward height, but not with a season of the year. The STIR followed a broken line response to sward height, with increasing values up to 13·1 cm (106 g DM/kg body weight). Sward structure played an important role in determining the STIR. To maximize the STIR of dairy heifers under continuous stocking management, swards should be managed at heights of not <13·1 cm.
The Gay Community Response to the Emergence of AIDS in Ireland: Activism, Covert Policy, and the Significance of an “Invisible Minority”
Authors: Nolan Ann 
Published: December 2017

Abstract:The first response to AIDS in Ireland emerged from within a radical, socialist, and predominantly nationalist wing of the gay rights movement in 1985. At a time when homosexual acts were criminalized, the Irish state operated a policy of protracted nonengagement with Gay Health Action, while covertly supporting selected health-promotion activities. As international momentum unified around a response to the AIDS crisis characterized by value-neutral public health principles, the Irish State, and particularly the statutory health sector, was compelled to balance the views of a conservative voting majority at home with the liberal consensus that was defining the response internationally. AIDS was a catalyst for change throughout the world and Gay Health Action was at the forefront of that transformative movement in Ireland. At the outbreak of AIDS, the gay community was an “invisible minority” that by 1990 had pushed the boundaries of sexual health discourse to herald a more liberal age.
Recent changes in populations of Critically EndangeredGypsvultures in India
Authors: PRAKASH VIBHU , GALLIGAN TOBY H. , CHAKRABORTY SOUMYA S. , DAVE RUCHI , KULKARNI MANDAR D. , PRAKASH NIKITA , SHRINGARPURE ROHAN N. , RANADE SACHIN P. , GREEN RHYS E. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPopulations of the White-rumped VultureGyps bengalensis, Indian VultureG. indicusand Slender-billed VultureG. tenuirostrisdeclined rapidly during the mid-1990s all over their ranges in the Indian subcontinent because of poisoning due to veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac. This paper reports results from the latest in a series of road transect surveys conducted across northern, central, western and north-eastern India since the early 1990s. Results from the seven comparable surveys now available were analysed to estimate recent population trends. Populations of all three species of vulture remained at a low level. The previously rapid decline of White-rumped Vulture has slowed and may have reversed since the ban on veterinary use of diclofenac in India in 2006. A few thousand of this species, possibly up to the low tens of thousands, remained in India in 2015. The population of Indian Vulture continued to decline, though probably at a much slower rate than in the 1990s. This remains the most numerous of the three species in India with about 12,000 individuals in 2015 and a confidence interval ranging from a few thousands to a few tens of thousands. The trend in the rarest species, Slender-billed Vulture, which probably numbers not much more than 1,000 individuals in India, cannot be determined reliably.
On Lipschitz Bijections Between Boolean Functions
Authors: RAO SHRAVAS , SHINKAR IGOR 
Published: December 2017

Given two functions f,g : {0,1}n → {0,1}, a mapping ψ : {0,1}n → {0,1}n is said to be a mapping from f to g if it is a bijection and f(z) = g(ψ(z)) for every z ∈ {0,1}n. In this paper we study Lipschitz mappings between Boolean functions.Our first result gives a construction of a C-Lipschitz mapping from the Majority function to the Dictator function for some universal constant C. On the other hand, there is no n/2-Lipschitz mapping in the other direction, namely from the Dictator function to the Majority function. This answers an open problem posed by Daniel Varga in the paper of Benjamini, Cohen and Shinkar (FOCS 2014 [1]).We also show a mapping from Dictator to XOR that is 3-local, 2-Lipschitz, and its inverse is O(log(n))-Lipschitz, where by L-local mapping we mean that each output bit of the mapping depends on at most L input bits.Next, we consider the problem of finding functions such that any mapping between them must have large average stretch, where the average stretch of a mapping φ is defined as

$${\sf avgstretch}(\phi) = {\mathbb E}_{x,i}[{\sf dist}(\phi(x),\phi(x+e_i)].$$

We show that any mapping φ from XOR to Majority must satisfy avgStretch(φ) ≥ c$\sqrt{n}$ for some absolute constant c > 0. In some sense, this gives a ‘function analogue’ to the question of Benjamini, Cohen and Shinkar (FOCS 2014 [1]), who asked whether there exists a set A ⊆ {0,1}n of density 0.5 such that any bijection from {0,1}n−1 to A has large average stretch.Finally, we show that for a random balanced function f: {0,1}n → {0,1}n, with high probability there is a mapping φ from Dictator to f such that both φ and φ−1 have constant average stretch. In particular, this implies that one cannot obtain lower bounds on average stretch by taking uniformly random functions.
Hidden hunger in South Asia: a review of recent trends and persistent challenges
Authors: Harding Kassandra L , Aguayo Víctor M , Webb Patrick 
Published: December 2017

Abstract‘Hidden hunger’ is a term used to describe human deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients. While global in scale, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is particularly high in South Asia despite recent successes in economic growth, agricultural output and health care. The present paper reviews the most recent evidence on patterns and trends of hidden hunger across the region, with a focus on the most significant deficiencies – iodine, Fe, vitamin A and Zn – and interprets these in terms of health and economic consequences. The challenge for South Asian policy makers is to invest in actions that can cost-effectively resolve chronic nutrient gaps facing millions of households. Appropriate solutions are available today, so governments should build on evidence-based successes that combine targeted health system delivery of quality services with carefully designed multisector actions that help promote healthier diets, reduce poverty and ensure social protection simultaneously.
Burnout among psychosocial oncologists in Israel: The direct and indirect effects of job demands and job resources
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri , Cohen Miri , Rasmussen Victoria , Turnell Adrienne , Butow Phyllis 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivePsychosocial oncologists may be particularly vulnerable to burnout. This study aimed to assess burnout among Israeli psychosocial oncologists in relation to the Job Demands-Resources model and the coping strategies model.MethodParticipants included 85 of 128 listed psychosocial oncologists currently working with cancer patients. They completed a questionnaire assessing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, job demands, job resources, work engagement, overcommitment, and perceived value of work.ResultsThe mean level of burnout was low, whereas 16.3% experienced high levels of emotional exhaustion and only 2.4% experienced high levels of depersonalization. According to mediation analysis, overcommitment, partially mediated job demands-burnout associations, and work engagement mediated the perceived value-burnout association. Job resources and burnout were not related, either directly or indirectly.Significance of resultsThe study extended the Job Demands-Resources model to include perceived value as an additional resource, and work-engagement and overcommitment as coping strategies. Two distinct patterns of associations were found between work characteristics and burnout: the positive-protective pattern (perceived value and work engagement) and the negative pattern (job demands and overcommitment). These two patterns should be considered for further research and for implementing preventive interventions to reduce burnout in the workplace setting.
Experimental repetitive mild traumatic brain injury induces deficits in trabecular bone microarchitecture and strength in mice
Authors: Kesavan Chandrasekhar , Bajwa Nikita M , Watt Heather , Mohan Subburaman 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo evaluate the long-term consequence of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on bone, mTBI was induced in 10-week-old female C57BL/6J mice using a weight drop model, once per day for 4 consecutive days at different drop heights (0.5, 1 and 1.5 m) and the skeletal phenotype was evaluated at different time points after the impact.In vivomicro-CT (μ-CT) analysis of the tibial metaphysis at 2, 8 and 12 weeks after the impact revealed a 5%–32% reduction in trabecular bone mass. Histomorphometric analyses showed a reduced bone formation rate in the secondary spongiosa of 1.5 m impacted mice at 12 weeks post impact. Apparent modulus (bone strength), was reduced by 30% (P<0.05) at the proximal tibial metaphysis in the 1.5 m drop height group at 2 and 8 weeks post impact.Ex vivoμ-CT analysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra revealed a significant reduction in trabecular bone mass at 12 weeks of age in all three drop height groups. Serum levels of osteocalcin were decreased by 22%, 15%, and 19% in the 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m drop height groups, respectively, at 2 weeks post impact. Serum IGF-I levels were reduced by 18%–32% in mTBI mice compared to contro1 mice at 2 weeks post impact. Serum osteocalcin and IGF-I levels correlated with trabecular BV/TV (r2=0.14 and 0.16,P<0.05). In conclusion, repetitive mTBI exerts significant negative effects on the trabecular bone microarchitecture and bone mechanical properties by influencing osteoblast function via reduced endocrine IGF-I actions.
Expanding Cochlear Implant Criteria: Real World Applications and Outcomes
Authors: Dansie Joseph E. , Cordingley Sarah A. , Brown Brittany 
Published: December 2017

This article discusses the evolution, current criteria, expanded/expanding indications, and potential future indications for cochlear implants. Some of these areas of expansion include earlier implantation in pediatrics, electroacoustic stimulation for both adults and pediatrics, cochlear implants for single-sided deafness, significant asymmetric hearing loss, and cases of severe debilitating tinnitus associated with hearing loss.
Note: Some of the discussion in this article is viewed/regarded as off label from the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria. The authors' intent for this article is for it to be a helpful overview in the current trends that are changing in cochlear implants. This article is not indented to be a definitive paper about new trends in cochlear implants.
A deep narrowband survey for planetary nebulae at the outskirts of M 33
Authors: Galera-Rosillo R. , Corradi R. L. M. , Mampaso A. 
Published: December 2017

Context. Planetary nebulae (PNe) are excellent tracers of stellar populations with low surface brightness, and therefore provide a powerful method to detect and explore the rich system of substructures discovered around the main spiral galaxies of the local group.
Aim. We searched the outskirts of the local group spiral galaxy M 33 (the Triangulum) for PNe to gain new insights into the extended stellar substructure on the northern side of the disc and to study the existence of a faint classical halo.
Methods. The search is based on wide field imaging covering a 4.5 square degree area out to a maximum projected distance of about 40 kpc from the centre of the galaxy. The PN candidates are detected by the combination of images obtained in narrowband filters selecting the [OIII]λ5007 Å and Hα + [NII] nebular lines and in the continuum g′ and r′ broadband filters.
Results. Inside the bright optical disc of M 33, eight new PN candidates were identified, three of which were spectroscopically confirmed. No PN candidates were found outside the limits of the disc. Fourteen additional sources showing [OIII] excess were also discovered.
Conclusions. The absence of bright PN candidates in the area outside the galaxy disc covered by this survey sets an upper limit to the luminosity of the underlying population of ~1.6 × 107 L⊙, suggesting the lack of a massive classical halo, which is in agreement with the results obtained using the red giant branch population.