bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sn on the structural and thermoelectric properties of the type-I clathrates Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35-xSnx (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6)
Authors: Yan X. , Bauer E. , Rogl P. , Paschen S. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTOn the search for cost-competitive thermoelectric clathrates we have investigated the influence of Sn substitutions for Ge on the structural and thermoelectric properties of the type-I clathrate Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35. The solid solubility of Sn was found to be limited to 0.6 atoms per unit cell. A series of compounds with the nominal compositions Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35-xSnx (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) was synthesized in a high-frequency furnace. The samples were annealed, and subsequently ball milled and hot pressed. The hot pressed samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transport property measurements. Our results show that the substitution of Ge by Sn introduces vacancies at the 6d site of the type-I clathrate structure and shifts the highest dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT from 570 °C for the Sn free sample to lower temperatures. The highest figure of merit ZT = 0.42 is reached at about 320 °C for the Sn-substituted sample Ba8Cu5Si6Ge35Sn0.6.
Diameter and Temperature Dependences of Phonon-Drag Magnetothermopower in Bismuth Nanowires
Authors: Hirayama Naomi , Endo Akira , Hatano Naomichi 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe present theoretical calculations of the phonon-drag contribution to the Nernst thermoelectric power Syx in Bismuth nanowires. We investigate the thermopower Syx with diameters L ranging from 22 to 900 nm at low temperatures (0.1 - 4.0 K) and high magnetic fields (up to 16 T). We find that the peak of thermopower Syx around 14.75 T exhibits the size effect in two different ways: for wires with L≥200 nm, the peak height increases with decreasing L; for wires with L<200 nm, on the other hand, the peak height rapidly decreases with decreasing L. The dependence is accounted for by considering the contributions of discrete quantized phonon modes. We also discuss the temperature dependence of Syx.
Investigation of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Kucukgok B. , He Q. , Carlson A. , Melton A. G. , Ferguson I. T. , Lu N. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThermoelectric materials with stable mechanical and chemical properties at high temperature are required for power generation applications. For example, gas temperatures up to 1000°C are normally present in the waste stream of industrial processes and this can be used for electricity generation. There are few semiconductor materials that can operate effectively at these high temperatures. One solution may be the use of wide bandgap materials, and in particular GaN-based materials, which may offer a traditional semiconductor solution for high temperatures thermoelectric power generation. In particular, the ability to both grow GaN-based materials and fabricate them into devices is well understood if their thermoelectric properties are favorable. To investigate the possibility of using III-Nitride and its alloys for thermoelectric applications, we synthesized and characterized room temperature thermoelectric properties of metal organic chemical vapor deposition grown GaN and InGaN with different carrier concentrations and indium compositions. The promising value of Seebeck coefficients and power factors of Si-doped GaN and InGaN indicated that these materials are suitable for thermoelectric applications.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic evaluation of adrenal glands in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Pey Pascalline , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale Marcel Yvonne , Duchateau Luc , De Fornel-Thibaud Pauline , Rosenberg Dan , Saunders Jimmy C. H. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Objective—To assess vascular changes induced by hyperadrenocorticism of hyperplastic adrenal glands in dogs via contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.
Animals—12 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and 7 healthy control dogs ≥ 7 years old.
Procedures—Dogs were assigned to the PDH and control groups and to small-breed (n = 6), medium-breed (4), and large-breed (9) subgroups. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of both adrenal glands in each dog was performed with IV injections of contrast agent. Time-intensity curves for the adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, and ipsilateral renal artery of both adrenal glands were generated. Perfusion variables (time to peak [TTP], upslope of wash-in phase, and downslope of washout phase) were calculated.
Results—Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed no qualitative difference between PDH and control groups. Quantitatively, TTPs were longer in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla of the PDH group, compared with values for the control group, particularly in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla of the small-breed subgroup. Washout downslopes were lower for the renal artery, adrenal cortex, and adrenal medulla of the small-breed subgroup between the PDH and control groups. No other perfusion variables differed between groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the adrenal glands in dogs with PDH revealed a delayed TTP in the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla, compared with values for control dogs. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was able to detect vascular changes induced by hyperadrenocorticism. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether reference ranges for clinically normal dogs and dogs with PDH can be determined and applied in clinical settings.
Effects of conjugated linoleic acids on prostaglandin secretion by bovine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Heravi Moussavi Alireza , Butler W. Ronald , Bauman Dale E. , Gilbert Robert O. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Objective—To determine the effects of 2 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) on synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2α and expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) of adult and fetal bovine endometrial epithelial cells in vitro.
Sample—Primary cultures of endometrial epithelial cells obtained from 4 adult cows and 4 fetal bovine carcasses.
Procedures—Cells were exposed to 0, 50, 100, or 200μM cis-9, trans-11 or trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers for 24 hours. Culture media collected before and after 6 hours of stimulation of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were assayed to detect PGE2 and PGF2α via ELISA. After stimulation, cells were collected for western blot analysis to quantify PGHS-2.
Results—Concentrations of PGF2α and PGE2 were significantly lower in culture media of adult and fetal endometrial epithelial cells exposed to any concentration of either CLA than they were in media of cells not exposed to CLAs. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer seemed to decrease PG production more markedly than did the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer. Most concentrations of both CLAs significantly reduced culture media PGE2:PGF2α concentration ratios of cells. Exposure of cells to CLAs did not affect expression of PGHS-2 protein.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study indicated CLAs significantly decreased PGF2α and PGE2 concentrations and PGE2:PGF2α concentration ratios for cultures of adult and fetal endometrial epithelial cells with no apparent effect on PGHS-2 expression. Similar effects in cows could have effects on maternal recognition of pregnancy and immune function.
Evaluation of DNA Damage in the Lymphocytes of Young, Elderly and Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Treated with β-Estradiol in the Comet Assay
Authors: Žrsković Lada , Djelić Ninoslav , Bajićs Vladan , Bogavac-Stanojwić Nataša , Žukovec Dijana , Cabarkapa Andrea , Spremo-Potparevič Biljana 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Background: The antioxidant activity of estrogen has a be ne - ficial impact in Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of clinical stu - dies have demonstrated that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women results in a lower frequency of AD, delaying the onset of the neurodegenerative cascade. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that estrogens may exhibit genotoxic effects, especially at elevated tissue concentrations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether b-estradiol induces DNA damage in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy young females and males, healthy elderly females and males and females and males with Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods: All experiments were performed using the alkaline version of the Comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis), on six donors per each experimental group and controls.
Results: In the Comet assay, a significant increase of DNA migration was observed in the lymphocytes of all treated groups (young and elderly females, young and elderly males, AD females and AD males) at all b-estradiol concentrations (50 mmol/L, 100 mmol/L and 250 mmol/L) used in this investigation. In all the experiments cell viability was over 80%.
Conclusions: Lymphocytes are sensitive to the test concentrations of b-estradiol in the Comet assay regardless of gender, age and health condition of the examined subjects. Therefore, the role of b-estradiol in cellular DNA damage has been confirmed.
Evaluation of Thermal Conditions in Jeziory (The Wielkopolski National Park)
Authors: Szyga-Pluta Katarzyna , Półrolniczak Marek 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present selected methods of evaluation of thermal conditions in the Wielkopolski National Park and their initial characterization. The analysis was based on data from the automatic meteorological station in Jeziory measured during the period 2001-2010. The calendar of thermal classes graphically shows the variation in thermal conditions for each month and deviation from the standard adopted for the period concerned (Table 2). A good complement to the calendar seems the graphs of mean daily air temperature for months above and below the standards that enable their connection with the peculiarities of weather occurring in the area of Central Europe (Fig. 1). In addition to complete characterization of thermal conditions, specific number of days according to the average daily temperature ranges (Tavr): tavr. < 10°C, tavr. 10.1-15.0°C, tavr. 15.1-20.0°C, tavr. 20.1-25.0°C, tavr. 25.1-30.0°C and interdiurnal changes of average daily temperature (ΔTavr): Δtavr. < 2°C, Δtavr. 2.1-4.0°C, Δtavr. 4.1-6.0°C, Δtavr. >6.0°C were calculated (Table 3, 4). They were the basis for separating the year into thermal seasons (Table 5, Fig. 2). Ward’s method was used giving the best results in the case while both Tavr and ΔTavr were taken into consideration. The results obtained allow concluding that different methods of evaluation of thermal conditions applied separately do not give a full picture of thermal conditions of the area. Only a combination of results obtained using the Ward’s and calendar methods can give a complete thermal conditions characterization.
After Rio+20: Preparing for Sustainable Retreat?
Authors: Nováček Pavel 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The industrial age has brought us much good: a higher quality of life which is reflected in better healthcare and education, a longer life expectancy etc. But besides the indisputable benefits, the industrial age has also caused many problems which are now assuming global proportions. In 1987 UN Commission on Environment and Development attempted to propose how to enable people and whole nations to develop while sustaining functioning ecosystems and healthy environment. The key term became “sustainable development”. But problem with sustainable development concept is that it is so vague and “all-embracing”. Its biggest deficiency is the fact that it fails to attempt to even define human needs. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20 conference, June 2012) did not change current unsustainable development trends. Therefore we should allow for and ponder the possibility that effort at sustainable development will fail and the human community will experience great civilization turbulence. Maybe it is too late for sustainable development, what we need is a sustainable retreat. Our abilities are limited and promoting sustainable development may prove to be beyond us. In comparison with our ancestors we have much greater opportunities. But this has not been counterbalanced by greater responsibility and foresight. We should explore and study future opportunities and dangers that could occur under certain conditions. These images of possible futures may help to make our present decisions more qualified and responsible.
How to measure motivation to change risk behaviours in the self-determination perspective? The Polish adaptation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) among patients with chronic diseases
Authors: Życińska Jolanta , Januszek Maciej , Jurczyk Maria , Syska-Sumińska Joanna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

The aim of this study was to validate the Polish adaptation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire
(TSRQ; Ryan, Conell, 1989), which measures the degree of self-determination in risk behaviour changes (diet, exercise
and smoking). The study comprised 219 patients (101 after acute coronary syndrome and 118 with type 2 diabetes),
beginning to undergo treatment. The Global Motivation Scale was used to test a convergent validity. The confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA) did not support the theoretical four-factor model, thus an exploratory analysis was conducted to
determine an optimal model across risk behaviours. The adopted two-factor model matched original TSRQ subscales:
autonomous motivation and external regulation (it did not contain the items from the introjected regulation and amotivation
subscales). The internal consistency of factors (Cronbach’s α) ranging from .78 to .89. Structural equation modeling
revealed the impact of global motivation on contextual motivation, limited to the equivalent type of regulation. The action
aimed at supporting patient’s autonomy should consider the particular behaviour and the global motivation as a resource
in disease.
Risk propensity, absent-mindedness and depression versus involvement in accidents
Authors: Studenski Ryszard 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Relations between individual traits and frequency of causing accidents have been analyzed. On the basis of
results from 465 women and 277 men it has been found that the causing of accidents correlates with risk propensity and
with risk taking influenced by self-destructive motivation. Persons often causing accidents are also absent minded to a
greater degree, and experience depressive moods more frequently than persons rarely involved in accidents.
Sound Diffusers with Fabric Covering
Authors: Kamisiński Tadeusz , Brawata Krzysztof , Pilch Adam , Rubacha Jarosław , Zastawnik Marcin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Fabric covering is often used by designers, as it can easily mask acoustic structures that do not match an interior. However, in the case of sound diffusers based on change in the phase of the reflected wave, the use of fabric covering is not without its effect on acoustics. It reduces the effectiveness of these structures and raises acoustic absorption. In the paper, the authors analyzed the acoustical properties of a selected fabric used to cover sound diffusers. Sound absorption and scattering coefficients for a system composed of sound diffusers and a fabric situated at different distances d were measured. The results were compared to the sound absorption predicted on the basis of Kuttruff’s and Mechel’s theoretical models. Analysis of the results indicates that the fabric has a significant influence on the system’s acoustic parameters. It is also observed, that fabric applied directly on a phase grating diffuser, produces higher absorption than when it is at some distance from it.
Subjective Assessment of Concert Halls: a Common Vocabulary for Music Lovers and Acousticians
Authors: Giménez Alicia , Cibrián Rosa María , Cerdá Salvador 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In recent years we have interviewed members of the audience after musical performances and asked them to evaluate the acoustics of the concert halls. A group of ‘music lovers’ (with a high level of musical training and experience) and ‘acousticians’ (with a wide knowledge of the physical characteristics of sound transmission) also attended each performance and answered the same questions as the general public. This group thereby served as a control group when evaluating surveys of the general public. In this paper, the results obtained when analyzing these control group surveys are presented. This analysis shows that a common vocabulary exists between music lovers and acousticians when rating a hall, although the grouping of the questions for each factor depends on the training of the respondents.
Perception of Mixture of Musical Instruments with Spectral Overlap Removed
Authors: Kleczkowski Piotr 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The issue of auditory segregation of simultaneous sound sources has been addressed in speech research but was given less attention in musical acoustics. In perception of concurrent speech, or speech with noise, the operation of time-frequency masking was often used as a research tool. In this work, an ex- tension of time-frequency masking, leading to the removal of spectro-temporal overlap between sound sources, was applied to musical instruments playing together. The perception of the original mixture was compared with the perception of the same mixture with all spectral overlap electronically removed. Ex- periments differed in the method of listening (headphones or a loudspeaker), sets of instruments mixed, and populations of participants. The main findings were: (i) in one of the experimental conditions the removal of spectro-temporal overlap was imperceptible, (ii) perception of the effect increased when removal of spectro-temporal overlap was performed in larger time-frequency regions rather than in small ones, (iii) perception of the effect decreased in loudspeaker listening. The results support both the multiple looks hypothesis and the “glimpsing” hypothesis known from speech perception.
Test Signal Selection for Determining the Sound Scattering Coefficient in a Reverberation Chamber
Authors: Kamisiński Tadeusz , Brawata Krzysztof , Pilch Adam , Rubacha Jarosław , Zastawnik Marcin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The paper focuses on the problem of test signal selection in determining the sound scattering coefficient in accordance with ISO 17497-1. Research shows that the use of MLS signal is preferred in this procedure. The sine sweep signal, despite its advantages, presents certain limitations if the sample is moving during measurement. An attempt has been made to develop a method that allows for minimization of error, demonstrating the dependence of the obtained values of the sound scattering coefficient on the rotational speed of the turntable and type of test signal. Conditions for the application of the sine sweep signals in continuous and discrete measurements were defined.
Hierarchical Classification of Environmental Noise Sources Considering the Acoustic Signature of Vehicle Pass-Bys
Authors: Valero Xavier , Alías Francesc 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This work is focused on the automatic recognition of environmental noise sources that affect humans’ health and quality of life, namely industrial, aircraft, railway and road traffic. However, the recognition of the latter, which have the largest influence on citizens’ daily lives, is still an open issue. Therefore, although considering all the aforementioned noise sources, this paper especially focuses on improving the recognition of road noise events by taking advantage of the perceived noise differences along the road vehicle pass-by (which may be divided into different phases: approaching, passing and receding). To that effect, a hierarchical classification scheme that considers these phases independently has been implemented. The proposed classification scheme yields an averaged classification accuracy of 92.5%, which is, in absolute terms, 3% higher than the baseline (a traditional flat classification scheme without hierarchical structure). In particular, it outperforms the baseline in the classification of light and heavy vehicles, yielding a classification accuracy 7% and 4% higher, respectively. Finally, listening tests are performed to compare the system performance with human recognition ability. The results reveal that, although an expert human listener can achieve higher recognition accuracy than the proposed system, the latter outperforms the non-trained listener in 10% in average.
Trombone Transfer Functions: Comparison Between Frequency-Swept Sine Wave and Human Performer Input
Authors: Beauchamp James W. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Source/filter models have frequently been used to model sound production of the vocal apparatus and musical instruments. Beginning in 1968, in an effort to measure the transfer function (i.e., transmission response or filter characteristic) of a trombone while being played by expert musicians, sound pressure signals from the mouthpiece and the trombone bell output were recorded in an anechoic room and then subjected to harmonic spectrum analysis. Output/input ratios of the signals’ harmonic amplitudes plotted vs. harmonic frequency then became points on the trombone’s transfer function. The first such recordings were made on analog 1/4 inch stereo magnetic tape. In 2000 digital recordings of trombone mouthpiece and anechoic output signals were made that provide a more accurate measurement of the trombone filter characteristic. Results show that the filter is a high-pass type with a cutoff frequency around 1000 Hz. Whereas the characteristic below cutoff is quite stable, above cutoff it is extremely variable, depending on level. In addition, measurements made using a swept-sine-wave system in 1972 verified the high-pass behavior, but they also showed a series of resonances whose minima correspond to the harmonic frequencies which occur under performance conditions. For frequencies below cutoff the two types of measurements corresponded well, but above cutoff there was a considerable difference. The general effect is that output harmonics above cutoff are greater than would be expected from linear filter theory, and this effect becomes stronger as input pressure increases. In the 1990s and early 2000s this nonlinear effect was verified by theory and measurements which showed that nonlinear propagation takes place in the trombone, causing a wave steepening effect at high amplitudes, thus increasing the relative strengths of the upper harmonics.
Design, Manufacture and Characterization of an Acoustic Barrier Made of Multi-Phenomena Cylindrical Scatterers Arranged in a Fractal-Based Geometry
Authors: Castiñeira-Ibáñez Sergio , Rubio Constanza , Romero-García Vicent , Sánchez-Pérez Juan Vicente , García-Raffi Luís Miguel 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In this work we present the design and the manufacturing processes, as well as the acoustics standardization tests, of an acoustic barrier formed by a set of multi-phenomena cylindrical scatterers. Periodic arrangements of acoustic scatterers embedded in a fluid medium with different physical properties are usually called Sonic Crystals. The multiple scattering of waves inside these structures leads to attenuation bands related to the periodicity of the structure by means of Bragg scattering. In order to design the acoustic barrier, two strategies have been used: First, the arrangement of scatterers is based on fractal geometries to maximize the Bragg scattering; second, multi-phenomena scatterers with several noise control mechanisms, as resonances or absorption, are designed and used to construct the periodic array. The acoustic barrier reported in this work provides a high technological solution in the field of noise control.