bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contactless flow rate measurements in metallic melts
Authors: Buchenau D. , Eckert S. , Lenk S. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Control of the flow rate of liquid metals is required in a number of
technological processes such as the cooling of nuclear reactors,
transmutation systems and the dosing and casting of liquid
metals. Electromagnetic flow meters play an important role in the
diagnostics and automatic control of such processes. For example, the
electromagnetic control of casting processes can be used to improve
the quality of products by reducing their brittleness and increasing
durability at high production efficiency, especially for complex shape
components. A number of different electromagnetic flow meter designs
have been developed starting from the end of the forties of the last
century. One such flow meter – the Magnetic Flywheel, which is
described in the textbook of Shercliff uses the electromagnetic force
exerted by the flow on a close magnet. Commercial electromagnetic flow
meters are typically based on the flow-induced electrical voltage
measurements by electrodes in direct contact to the melt in a steady
magnetic field. In view of the typical problems coming along with
applications at liquid metal flows such as high temperatures,
interfacial effects and corrosion, the main disadvantage of this type
of flow meter is the electrical contact to the liquid metal, which is
necessary to measure the electric potential difference. Therefore,
contactless operating measurement techniques are very attractive for
liquid metal applications.
A Novel Solvent-free Room Temperature Molten Salt Electrolyte Based on LiODFB and 2-Oxazolidinone for EDLCs
Authors: Zhao Pingying , Qi Kefeng , Xiang Feng , Zhang Rongbin , Gu Ningyu , Yang Zhenyu 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A series of new room temperature molten salt electrolyte based
on lithium oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB) and 2-Oxazolidinone
(C3H5NO2, OZO) for EDLCs were
synthesized by a facile and fast route. The investigation of the
electrochemical characteristics of LiODFB-OZO molten salt
electrolytes and the evaluation of LiODFB-OZO complex as
electrolyte for EDLCs shows that the resulting molten salt
exhibits excellent thermal stability, high ionic conductivity (up
to ∼ 12.8 mS cm
–1), a wide
electrochemical stability window (∼ 3.8 V) and lower
electron-transfer resistance (∼ 4.8 Ω).The EDLCs with the
LiODFB-OZO complex electrolyte can be charged up to 3.0 V. At 30°C
the EDLCs with LiODFB-OZO complex electrolyte based on activated
carbon electrodes deliver a stable specific capacitance of
∼ 83.9 F g
–1; At 70°C, they can
deliver stable capacities of up to
∼ 106.1 F g
–1 (current density,
1 mA cm
–2). It is reasonable to assume
that LiODFB-OZO complex system has some advantages as electrolyte
for EDLCs with high energy density and high-power density,
especially at elevated temperatures.
Seasonal variation in plasma free normetanephrine concentrations: implications for biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Bursztyn Michael , Reimann Manja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Bornstein Stefan R , Sweep Fred C G J , Timmers Henri , Lenders Jacques W M , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundHigher plasma concentrations of catecholamines in winter than in summer are established; whether this impacts plasma concentrations of metanephrines used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is unknown.ObjectiveIn this study, we examined seasonal variations in plasma concentrations of metanephrines, the impact of this on diagnostic test performance and the influences of forearm warming (‘arterialization’ of venous blood) on blood flow and measured concentrations.MethodsMeasurements of plasma concentrations of metanephrines were recorded from 4052 patients tested for pheochromocytoma at two clinical centers. Among these patients, 107 had tumors. An additional 26 volunteers were enrolled for measurements of plasma metanephrines and forearm blood flow before and after forearm warming.ResultsThere was no seasonal variation in the plasma concentrations of metanephrines among patients with pheochromocytoma, whereas among those without tumors, plasma concentrations of normetanephrine were higher (P<0.0001) in winter than in summer. Lowest concentrations of normetanephrine were measured in July, with those recorded from December to April being more than 21% higher (P<0.0001). These differences resulted in a twofold higher (P=0.0012) prevalence of false-positive elevations of normetanephrine concentrations in winter than in summer, associated with a drop in overall diagnostic specificity from 96% in summer to 92% in winter (P=0.0010). Forearm warming increased blood flow and lowered (P=0.0020) plasma normetanephrine concentrations.ConclusionsPlasma concentrations of normetanephrine are subject to seasonal variation with a resulting higher prevalence of false-positive results in winter than in summer. Lowered plasma concentrations of normetanephrine with forearm warming suggest an effect of temperature. These results have implications for considerations of temperature to minimize false-positive results.
Near-Absent Levels of Segregational Variation Suggest Limited Opportunities for the Introduction of Genetic Variation Via Homeologous Chromosome Pairing in Synthetic NeoallotetraploidMimulus
Authors: Modliszewski Jennifer L , Willis John H 
Published: February 2014

AbstractGenetic variation is the fundamental medium of evolution. In allopolyploids, which are the product of hybridization and whole genome duplication, if homologous chromosomes always pair, then all descendants of a single diploid F1 hybrid lineage will be genetically identical. Contrarily, genetic variation among initially isogenic lineages is augmented when homeologous chromosomes pair; this added variation may contribute to phenotypic evolution. Mimulus sookensis is a naturally occurring, small-flowered allotetraploid derived from the large-flowered Mimulus guttatus and small-flowered Mimulus nasutus. Because diploid F1 hybrids between M. guttatus and M. nasutus have large flowers, phenotypic evolution post-polyploidization is implied in M. sookensis. Here, we present genetic and phenotypic analyses of synthetic neoallotetraploid Mimulus derived from a cross between M. guttatus and M. nasutus. Genetic marker data from S2 and BC1N progeny suggest that chromosomes regularly pair with their homologous counterpart. By measuring the phenotype of synthetic neoallotetraploids, we demonstrate that polyploidization per se does not induce the small flowers of M. sookensis. Moreover, phenotypic measurements of synthetic allotetraploid F2s and S4 families suggest that rare homeologous recombination events have a negligible phenotypic effect in the first few generations. In total, the results are consistent with either exceedingly rare homeologous pairing and recombination or spontaneous fragment loss. The low levels of fragment loss and phenotypic variation in neoallotetraploids suggest that homeologous recombination after polyploidization is not a major mechanism of phenotypic evolution in M. sookensis. Rather, it may be that spontaneous mutations or epigenetic changes after allopolyploidization have driven phenotypic evolution in M. sookensis.
Fast and Efficient Estimation of Individual Ancestry Coefficients
Authors: Frichot Eric , Mathieu François , Trouillon Théo , Bouchard Guillaume , François Olivier 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInference of individual ancestry coefficients, which is important for population genetic and association studies, is commonly performed using computer-intensive likelihood algorithms. With the availability of large population genomic data sets, fast versions of likelihood algorithms have attracted considerable attention. Reducing the computational burden of estimation algorithms remains, however, a major challenge. Here, we present a fast and efficient method for estimating individual ancestry coefficients based on sparse nonnegative matrix factorization algorithms. We implemented our method in the computer program sNMF and applied it to human and plant data sets. The performances of sNMF were then compared to the likelihood algorithm implemented in the computer program ADMIXTURE. Without loss of accuracy, sNMF computed estimates of ancestry coefficients with runtimes ∼10–30 times shorter than those of ADMIXTURE.
Enhancing the Power to Detect Low-Frequency Variants in Genome-Wide Screens
Authors: Lin Chang-Yun , Xing Guan , Ku Hung-Chih , Elston Robert C , Xing Chao 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn genetic association studies a conventional test statistic is proportional to the correlation coefficient between the trait and the variant, with the result that it lacks power to detect association for low-frequency variants. Considering the link between the conventional association test statistics and the linkage disequilibrium measure r2, we propose a test statistic analogous to the standardized linkage disequilibrium D′ to increase the power of detecting association for low-frequency variants. By both simulation and real data analysis we show that the proposed D′ test is more powerful than the conventional methods for detecting association for low-frequency variants in a genome-wide setting. The optimal coding strategy for the D′ test and its asymptotic properties are also investigated. In summary, we advocate using the D′ test in a dominant model as a complementary approach to enhancing the power of detecting association for low-frequency variants with moderate to large effect sizes in case-control genome-wide association studies.
Tissue Scaffold Engineering by Micro-Stamping
Authors: Schmitt Eric C. , White Robert D. , Sagar Amrit , James Thomas P. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA hand operated benchtop stamping press was developed to conduct research on microscale hole fabrication in polymer membranes for applications as scaffolds in tissue engineering. A biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone), was selected for micropunching. Membranes between 30 μm and 50 μm thick were fabricated by hot melt extrusion, but could not be stamped with a 200 μm circular punch at room temperature, regardless of die clearance due to excessive strain to fracture. This problem was overcome by cooling the membrane and die sets with liquid nitrogen to take advantage of induced brittle behavior below the polymer’s glass transition temperature. While cooled, 203 μm hole patterns were successfully punched in 33 μm thick poly(ε-caprolactone) membranes with 11% die clearance, achieving 71% porosity.
Temperature dependence of magnetic and magnetotransport properties in BiFeO3 thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Tiberto P. , Barrera G. , Celegato F. , Coïsson M. , Rizzi P. , Vinai F. , Garcia Castro A.C. , Salamanca-Riba L. , Vispute R.D. , Espinoza Beltran F.J. , Sandaña J. Muñoz 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTMultiferroic BFO/SRO/Si trilayers have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition in the form of thin films. As a function of the BFO layer thickness, magnetic and magneto-transport properties have been investigated at room temperature and down to 5 K. At low BFO layer thickness, a residual γ-Fe2O3 phase, which interacts interfacially with the SRO and BFO layers, is responsible for moderately hard magnetic properties of the film. On increasing BFO layer thickness, more homogeneous deposits are obtained with uniform magnetic and magneto-resistive properties.
Search for the Major Chlorine-Related Defects in CdTe:Cl
Authors: Krasikov Dmitry , Knizhnik Andrey , Potapkin Boris , Sommerer Timothy 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the effect of chlorine-related defects on the CdTe electric properties is important both for obtaining high resistivity CdTe-based detectors and for high efficiency CdTe-based thin-film solar cells. The actual mechanism of the effect of Cl on electric properties of CdTe is not clear and different sometimes contradictory hypotheses appear. For example ClTeVCd shallow acceptor complex defect was proposed both as a reason of increased carrier concentration in CdTe thin film and also as a reason of high resistivity of CdTe:Cl thin films. In the present work we are trying to clarify the effect of Cl on CdTe electric properties and to find the reason of high resistivity of CdTe:Cl crystals using first principles calculations and defect chemistry modeling. For the first time we are trying to develop a model capable to describe experimental data on both high temperature and room temperature conductivity of CdTe:Cl.
Correlation of resistance switching behaviors with dielectric functions of manganite films: A study by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Nakamura Toshihiro , Sakai Osamu 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPr0.5Ca0.5MnO3(PCMO) films were deposited on LaAlO3(100) substrates under pressure from 1.33 to 5.33 Pa by RF magnetron sputtering. Resistance switching and dielectric functions of PCMO films were studied by DC current-voltage characteristic measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements. Resistance switching was observed in the devices composed of PCMO films deposited under low pressures of 1.33 and 2.67 Pa. SE measurements revealed that dielectric functions also depended on deposition pressure. PCMO films deposited under lower pressure had larger high-frequency dielectric constant, larger oscillator strength of the electric dipole charge transitions in MnO6octahedral complexes, and lower oscillator strength ofd-dtransitions in Mn3+and Mn4+ions. SE measurements suggested that oxygen vacancies and MnO6octahedral complexes play an important role in resistance switching in PCMO films.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Compounds
Authors: Hering K.P. , Polity A. , Kramm B. , Portz A. , Meyer B.K. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe p-type conducting Copper-oxide compound semiconductors (Cu2O, CuO) provide a unique possibility to tune the band gap energies from 2.1 eV to the infrared at 1.40 eV into the middle of the efficiency maximum for solar cell applications. By a pronounced non-stoichiometry the electronic properties may vary from insulating to metallic conduction. They appear to be an attractive alternative absorber material in terms of abundance, sustainability, non-toxicity of the elements, and numerous methods for thin film deposition that facilitate low cost production. The synthesis and characterization of Cu2O thin films used as p-type absorbers in heterojunction solar cells will be reported. We discuss properties of the undoped non-stoichiometric Cu2O, controlled p-type doping by nitrogen, analysis of band offsets by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition we show proof of concept for an increase in photovoltaic conversion efficiency in AlGaN/Cu2O heterostructures due to a more favorable band alignment.
Sunspot numbers: Implications on Eastern African rainfall
Authors: Gachari Francis , Mulati David M. , Mutuku Joseph N. 
Published: February 2014

Following NASA’s prediction of sunspot numbers for the current sunspot cycle, Cycle 24, we now include
sunspot numbers as an explanatory variable in a statistical model. This model is based on fitting monthly
rainfall values with factors and covariates obtained from solar–lunar geometry values and sunspot numbers.
The model demonstrates high predictive skill in estimating monthly values by achieving a correlation
coefficient of 0.9 between model estimates and the measurements. Estimates for monthly total rainfall for the
period from 1901 to 2020 for Kenya indicate that the model can be used not only to estimate historical values
of rainfall, but also to predict monthly total rainfall. We have found that the 11-year solar sunspot cycle has
an influence on the frequency and timing of extreme hydrology events in Kenya, with these events occurring
every 5±2 years after the turning points of sunspot cycles. While solar declination is the major driver of
monthly variability, sunspots and the lunar declinations play a role in the annual variability and may have
influenced the occurrence of the Sahelian drought of the mid-1980s that affected the Sahel region including
the Greater Horn of Africa. Judging from the reflection symmetry, the trend of the current maximum and the
turning point of the sunspot minimum at the end of the Modern Maximum, with a 95% level of confidence,
drought conditions similar to those of the early 1920s may reoccur in the year 2020±2.
A centrifugal microfluidic platform for point-of-care diagnostic applications
Authors: Hugo Suzanne , Land Kevin , Madou Marc , Kido Horacio 
Published: February 2014

Microfluidic systems enable precise control over tiny volumes of fluid in a compact and low-cost form, thus
providing the ideal platform on which to develop point-of-care diagnostic solutions. Centrifugal microfluidic
systems, also referred to as lab-on-a-disc or lab-on-a-CD systems, provide a particularly attractive solution
for the implementation of microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic solutions as a result of their simple and
compact instrumentation, as well as their functional diversity. Here we detail the implementation of a
centrifugal microfluidic platform – the first of its kind in South Africa – as a foundation for the development
of point-of-care diagnostic applications for which both the need and impact is great. The centrifugal
microfluidic platform consists of three main components: a microfluidic disc device similar in size and
shape to a CD, a system for controlling fluid flow on the device, and a system for recording the results
obtained. These components have been successfully implemented and tested. Preliminary test results show
that microfluidic functions such as pumping and valving of fluids can be successfully achieved, as well as
the generation of monodisperse microfluidic droplets, providing a complete centrifugal microfluidic platform
and the building blocks on which to develop a variety of applications, including point-of-care diagnostics.
The lab-on-a-disc platform has the potential to provide new diagnostic solutions at the point-of-need in
health- and industry-related areas. This paves the way for providing resource limited areas with services
such as improved, decentralised health-care access or water-quality monitoring, and reduced diagnosis
times at a low cost.
Efficacy of Misoprostol as a Post Abortion Care
Authors: Jha M , Chitrakar NS , Shakya B , Jha R 
Published: February 2014

Aims: This study was done to find the efficacy of Misoprostol as a post-abortion care in our setting. Methods: Women with incomplete abortion of gestational age ≤ 12 weeks or uterine size ≤ 12 weeks with open cervical os, haemoglobin ≥ 9 gm% and stable physical condition; were given 600 microgram Misoprostol orally and were observed for 24 hours for complete expulsion. If the patient failed to expel within 24 hours of Misoprostol administration manual vacuum aspiration or suction evacuation was done. Results: One hundred and twenty-two women were enrolled in the study. Among them, 41% had complete expulsion within 24 hours of administration of misoprostol and 49% had incomplete expulsions. The success rate was high in the group of < 8 weeks of pregnancy. Among 50 (41%) successful cases, 38 (76%) belonged to 8 weeks of gestation by bimanual examination (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Single dose of oral Misoprostol was effective, safe and alternative method to the management of incomplete abortion compared to the manual vacuum aspiration or suction evacuation in case of early pregnancy abortion.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 71-74 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9778
Informationsgehalt des schweißpunktabhängigen Emissionsgrades
Authors: Zubert Boris , Hönl Fabian , Gühmann Clemens , Rethmeier Michael 
Published: February 2014

Kurzfassung
Bei der thermografischen Prüfung von Widerstandspunktschweißverbindungen wird die Emissivität der Fügeverbindung bisher als Störgröße angesehen und – wenn möglich – unterdrückt. Nachfolgende Arbeit untersucht, ob eine für diese Prüfung nutzbare Korrelation zwischen Emissionsgrad des Kappenabdrucks und Schweißpunktdurchmesser besteht. Dazu werden 60 Blechproben in drei praxisrelevanten Materialkombinationen und mit unterschiedlicher Anbindungsqualität vermessen. Über die thermografische Grundgleichung kann die Emissivität bestimmt werden. Der Punktdurchmesser wird zerstörend ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine Korrelation der beiden Messwerte auf, die umso höher ausfällt, je geringer die Emissivität des Grundwerkstoffes ist. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf die Verwendbarkeit dieses Zusammenhangs in der thermografischen Schweißpunktprüfung gegeben.
Kinetic Investigations of Boronized Cold Work Tool Steels
Authors: Topuz Polat , Yılmaz Eren , Gündoğdu Emine 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this study, kinetic examinations on boronized X45NiCrMo4 (DIN 1.2767) and 90MnCrV8 (DIN 1.2842) steel samples are described. Samples were boronized in indirect heated fluidized bed furnace at 1123 K, 1223 K, and 1323 K for 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h. Morphologically and typically examinations of borides formed on the surface of the steel samples were studied by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Boride layer thickness formed on the steel X45NiCrMo4 ranges from 45 μm to 382 μm and for the material 90MnCrV8 ranges from 33 μm to 471 μm. The hardness of the boride layer formed on the steel X45NiCrMo4 varied between 1713 HV0.1 and 2111 HV0.1 and for the steel 90MnCrV8 between 1716 HV0.1 and 2761 HV0.1. Layer growth kinetics were analyzed by measuring the extent of penetration of FeB and Fe2B sublayers as a function of boronizing time and temperature. The kinetics of the reaction has been determined with K = Ko exp (-Q/RT) equation. Activation energy (Q) of the borided steel X45NiCrMo4 was determined as 156 kJ/mol and that of the steel 90MnCrV8 was determined as 179 kJ/mol.
Properties of Boronized, Carbonitrided and Steamed Iron-Based Compacts
Authors: Çavdar Uğur , Atik Enver 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this study, powder metal (P/M) compacts were prepared by mixing iron powder with 0–1 wt.-% Al, 2–3 wt.-% Cu and 0.2–0.8 wt.-% graphite. The 16 different P/M compacts compositions were prepared with 0.8 wt.-% zinc stearate as lubricant. The compacts' dimensions were 10 × 10 × 55 mm. All compacts were pressed at 600 MPa and sintered at 1120 °C for 30 minutes using a conventional sintering furnace and then boronizing, steaming and carbonitriding heat treatments were applied. The results of all the compacts in regard of the effects of corrosion endurance, density, and HV microhardness results were compared.
Micrometastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood: Clinical significance and biologic implications
Authors: Leong Stanley P.L. , Tseng William W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAnswer questions and earn CME/CNECancer metastasis may be regarded as a progressive process from its inception in the primary tumor microenvironment to distant sites by way of the lymphovascular system. Although this type of tumor dissemination often occurs in an orderly fashion via the sentinel lymph node (SLN), acting as a possible gateway to the regional lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood and ultimately to distant metastatic sites, this is not a general rule as tumor cells may enter the blood and spread to distant sites, bypassing the SLN. Methods of detecting micrometastatic cancer cells in the SLN, bone marrow, and peripheral blood of patients have been established. Patients with cancer cells in their SLN, bone marrow, or peripheral blood have worse clinical outcomes than patients with no evidence of spread to these compartments. The presence of these cells also has important biologic implications for disease progression and the clinician's understanding of the process of cancer metastasis. Further characterization of these micrometastatic cancer cells at each stage and site of metastasis is needed to design novel selective therapies for a more “personalized” treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:195–206. © 2014 American Cancer Society.