Search

The electric field dependence of the electrocaloric effect is investigated in BaTiO 3 and Ba(Zr 0.12 Ti 0.88 )O 3 by a direct method with sub-mK temperature resolution. The field dependence of the caloric temperature change Δ T (E) shows a pronounced change within a few Kelvin around the Curie temperature for the first-order phase transition in BaTiO 3. The transition from a linear field dependence in the ferroelectric phase over a butterfly-shaped to a quadratic field dependence in the paraelectric phase is compared to predictions of Landau–Devonshire theory. The simultaneous measurement of caloric and dielectric properties further allows for the investigation of the polarization dependence Δ T (P) of the electrocaloric effect. We find clear deviations from the predicted quadratic polarization dependence for temperatures close to the Curie temperature. Ba(Zr 0.12 Ti 0.88 )O 3 shows in contrast only a slow and gradual change of the field dependence over a broad temperature range as a consequence of its diffuse phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocaloric effect and loss-induced self-heating are simultaneously investigated in single-crystalline relaxor 0.9Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.1PbTiO3 by a direct, high-resolution method. Transients of the total temperature change for few-cycle electric field pulses allow to distinguish and individually determine the contributions from electrocaloric effect and self-heating with millikelvin temperature and submillisecond temporal resolution. Simultaneous dielectric measurements make the comparison of observed self-heating to hysteresis losses possible, where very good agreement is found. The loss factor as a figure of merit for electrocaloric materials is directly obtained from the combined determination of caloric temperature change and losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). The analysis included seven studies with a total of 14,196 patients. The results showed that CABG was associated with a lower risk of long-term mortality, as well as lower rates of long-term myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization compared to PCI. However, there were no significant differences in other secondary endpoints. The findings suggest that CABG may be a superior treatment option for patients with CTO. [Extracted from the article]

A contactless technique for direct time-resolved measurements of the full dynamics of the adiabatic temperature change in electrocaloric materials is introduced. The infrared radiation emitted by the electrocaloric sample is sensitively detected with μs time resolution and mK temperature resolution. We present time-resolved measurements of the electrocaloric effect up to kHz frequencies of the driving electric field and down to small field strengths. The simultaneous recording of transients for applied electric field and induced polarization gives a comprehensive view of the correlation of electrocaloric and ferroelectric properties. The technique can further be applied to the continuous measurement of fatigue for > 1 0 6 electric field cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we employ broadband dielectric spectroscopy to study the molecular dynamics of the prototypical glass former glycerol confined in two microporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8 and ZIF-11) with well-defined pore diameters of 1.16 and 1.46 nm, respectively. The spectra reveal information on the modified α relaxation of the confined supercooled liquid, whose temperature dependence exhibits clear deviations from the typical super-Arrhenius temperature dependence of the bulk material, depending on the temperature and pore size. This allows assigning well-defined cooperativity length scales of molecular motion to certain temperatures above the glass transition. We relate these and previous results on glycerol confined in other host systems to the temperature-dependent length scale deduced from nonlinear dielectric measurements. The combined experimental data can be consistently described by a critical divergence of this correlation length as expected within theoretical approaches assuming that the glass transition is due to an underlying phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the line shape at the electronic origin of single porphine molecules doped into superfluid helium droplets as a function of the droplet size. Helium droplets comprised of less than 105 atoms are generated from an expansion of gaseous helium, while droplets with more than 105 atoms originate from liquid helium. In contrast to our recent study on phthalocyanine, porphine is found to exhibit a solvent shift to the blue with respect to the gas-phase resonance frequency as well as a multiplet splitting. A comparison of the helium-induced features of phthalocyanine and porphine with those obtained in similar studies on tetracene and pentacene reveals that these occur chiefly as two kinds of excitations distinguished by their linewidths and their dependence on the droplet size. Moreover, at quasi-bulk conditions achieved with droplets in excess of 106 helium atoms, none of these four dopant species yields an optical spectrum that can be assigned to a plausible rotational band structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study complex characterization and comparison of as-grown and chemical-mechanical (CM) polished ultra-thin (≤500 nm) boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes with various boron content (0.58–4.4 × 1021 cm−3, deposited with B/C 500–8000 ppm) was performed. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare morphological changes and confirm the reduction in roughness down to ≤2 nm. High-quality CM polishing enabled electron backscatter diffraction leading to the evaluation of grain size distribution (mean 0.3 μm) and preferred grain texture, {011}. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed an increase in the B content on the surface of CM polished electrodes as a result of exposure of boron atoms incorporated into the bulk for highly doped BDD 4000 and BDD 8000 electrodes. Additionally, CM polished BDD electrodes are shown to possess uniform distribution of conductivity as proved by scanning electrochemical microscopy. This was reflected in faster heterogenous electron transfer kinetics for inner-sphere redox markers ([Fe(CN) 6 ]3–/4– and dopamine) and higher values of double layer capacitance in comparison with as-grown electrodes. These changes were more pronounced for low doped electrodes. Finally, the improvement in electrochemical characteristics was demonstrated by superior electroanalytical performance of CM polished BDD electrodes for dopamine detection. [Display omitted] • Chem-mechanical polishing of BDD with various [B] content. • Chem-mechanical polishing reveals bulk [B] content to the surface. • Chem-mechanical polishing leads to uniform distribution of electro-chemical surface activity. • Significant enhancement of HET kinetics recognized on chem-mechanical polished BDD electrodes. • Superior electroanalytical performance of chem-mechanical polished BDD electrodes for dopamine detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is among the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Understanding which species are vulnerable to climate change and in what ways is essential for adaptation planning and mitigation. We used the NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) to conduct a range‐wide assessment of tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) – a California‐endemic ungulate with low genetic diversity, occupying highly fragmented landscapes – to climate change. Using results from the CCVI, we tested the hypothesis that increasing connectivity among populations, by mitigating anthropogenic barriers to movement and dispersal, decreases vulnerability of tule elk to climate change. We compared CCVI scores given predicted conditions within current ranges with CCVI scores as if anthropogenic barriers were mitigated, with and without allowing elk to shift distributions up to 50 km to areas predicted to experience less warming, drying, or overall exposure to climate change (indicated by an interaction between warming and drying). Vulnerability of tule elk to climate change varied among populations; from most to least vulnerable rankings in the CCVI, 1 population was ranked extremely vulnerable, 1 was highly vulnerable, 12 were moderately vulnerable, and 4 were less vulnerable. Mitigating anthropogenic barriers alone did not have a significant effect on vulnerability to climate change compared to original CCVI estimates, nor did mitigation of anthropogenic barriers and shifts in distribution to areas expected to experience the least amount of warming. Mitigation of anthropogenic barriers coupled with elk shifting distributions to areas predicted to experience less drying than current ranges or less overall exposure to climate change significantly reduced climate change vulnerability. Our findings illustrate the need to prioritize increasing landscape connectivity for tule elk across California as part of climate change mitigation measures, but also may apply to non‐migratory ungulates more generally, particularly where drying and warming are predicted to increase under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different methods for creating Olympic gels are analyzed using computer simulations. First ideal reference samples are obtained from freely interpenetrating semi-dilute solutions and melts of cyclic polymers. The distribution of pairwise concatenations per cyclic molecule is given by a Poisson-distribution and can be used to describe the elastic structure of the gels. Several batches of linear chains decorated with different selectively binding groups at their ends are mixed in the "DNA Origami" technique and network formation is realized. While the formation of cyclic molecules follows mean field predictions below overlap of the precursor molecules, an enhanced ring formation above overlap is found that is not explained by mean field arguments. The "progressive construction" method allows to create Olympic gels with a single reaction step from a concentrated mixture of large compressed rings with a low weight fraction of short chains that are below overlap concentration. This method, however, is limited by the difficulty to obtain a sufficiently high degree of polymerization of the large rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developed countries, peripartum hemorrhage, thromboembolic events and hypertensive pregnancy disorders are the most frequent complications in pregnancy. They pose a significant challenge for the interdisciplinary team of gynecology and anesthesiology. Untreated, these pregnancy-related complications result in a fulminant course. Close consultation between the specialist departments and knowledge of the area of responsibility are essential. In the case of acute bleeding the anesthesiologist is responsible for maintaining adequate circulatory conditions and management of hemostasis. Thromboembolic events require immediate anticoagulation and focused diagnostics. Thereby, both the fetal and the maternal risks must be weighed up. The hypertensive diseases in pregnancy have a very high risk of complications. In addition to symptomatic treatment in the intensive care unit, the optimal time of delivery must be determined by an interdisciplinary consensus. This is the only causal treatment option possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripartum emergencies that require intensive medical care represent a major challenge for the interdisciplinary treatment team. Due to physiological changes in pregnant women symptoms can be masked and the initiation of treatment is delayed. Peripartum sepsis has a relatively high incidence. The anti-infective treatment depends on the spectrum of pathogens to be expected. Endocrinological emergencies are rare but can be fulminant and fatal. The development of ketoacidosis is favored by decreased bicarbonate buffer and placental hormones. In the case of thyrotoxicosis, propylthiouracil and thiamazole are available for treatment depending on the stage of gestation. Sheehan's syndrome is an infarction of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland during a hemorrhage. Due to the loss of production of vital hormones, this can be fatal. The development of pulmonary edema is just as acute. This is favored by physiological changes during pregnancy. The differentiation between hypertensive and hypotensive pulmonary edema is important for the causal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we examine the use of metal-organic framework (MOF) systems as host materials for the investigation of glassy dynamics in confined geometry. We investigate the confinement of the molecular glass former glycerol in three MFU-type MOFs with different pore sizes (MFU stands for "Metal-Organic Framework Ulm-University") and study the dynamics of the confined liquid via dielectric spectroscopy. In accord with previous reports on confined glass formers, we find different degrees of deviations from bulk behavior depending on pore size, demonstrating that MOFs are well-suited host systems for confinement investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eradication of invasive predators from islands is a successful technique to safeguard seabird populations, but adequate post‐eradication monitoring of native species is often lacking. The Whenua Hou Diving Petrel (Pelecanoides whenuahouensis; WHDP) is a recently‐described and 'Critically Endangered' seabird, restricted to Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), New Zealand. Invasive predators, considered the major threat to WHDP, were eradicated on Codfish Island in 2000. However, estimates of WHDP population size and trends remain unknown, hindering assessments of the success of the eradications. We collated intermittent burrow counts (n = 20 seasons) conducted between 1978 and 2018. To estimate the population growth rate (λ) before and after predator eradications, we used log‐linear models in a Bayesian hierarchical framework while retrospectively accounting for differences in detection probabilities among burrow counts, due to differences in effort, marking and timing. The number of WHDP burrows was estimated at 40 (36–46) in 1978 and 100 (97–104) in 2018. The pre‐eradication λ was estimated at 1.023 (0.959–1.088), while the post‐eradications λ was estimated at 1.017 (1.006–1.029). The WHDP population appears to be increasing, yet the rate of increase is low compared to other Procellariiformes following predator eradications. The comparatively low post‐eradication λ, combined with an apparent lack of change between pre‐ and post‐eradication λ, indicates that additional threats might be limiting WHDP population growth and that further conservation management is required. The continuation of affordable and simple, albeit imperfect, monitoring methods with retrospective corrections facilitated the assessment of invasive predator eradications outcomes and should guide future management decisions. An abstract in Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) can be found in Appendix S1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple density functional approach for modeling the adsorption of biomolecules is considered. The model comprises a three-component mixture consisting of spherical and differently charged ions and chain molecules. Spherical ions can form associative bonds with selected segments of a chain. To enable the formation of bonds between chain segments and spherical ions, the statistical associating fluid theory is applied. The present theory is used to study the structure of adsorbed layers, the excess adsorption isotherms, and the capacitance of the double layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiProton Unstable Matter Annihilation experiment (PUMA) at CERN aims at investigating the nucleon composition in the matter density tail of radioactive as well as stable isotopes by use of low-energy antiproton-nucleon annihilation processes. For this purpose, antiprotons provided by the Extra Low ENergy Antiproton (ELENA) facility will be trapped together with the ions of interest. While exotic ions will be obtained by the Isotope mass Separator On-Line DEvice (ISOLDE), stable ions will be delivered from an offline ion source setup designed for this purpose. This allows the proposed technique to be applied to a variety of stable nuclei and for reference measurements. For beam purification, the ion source setup includes a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-ToF MS). Supported by SIMION® simulations, an earlier MR-ToF MS design has been modified to meet the requirements of PUMA. During commissioning of the new MR-ToF device with Ar+ ions, mass resolving powers in excess of 50,000 have been obtained after 150 revolutions, limited by the chopping of the continuous beam from an electron impact ionisation source. • Versatile ion source setup delivers isotopically pure and cooled ion bunches. • Development of a new MR-ToF MS for high-precision ion beam purification. • SIMION simulations increase the MR-ToF MS performance. • Modular electrode design enables flexible geometry changes. • In-trap deflector allows mass-selective transversal ion ejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thick films of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) exhibiting in-plane preferred orientation have been produced by filter deposition from suspension in strong magnetic fields. We characterize the field-induced alignment with x-ray fiber diagrams and polarized Raman scattering, using a model which includes a completely unaligned fraction. We correlate the texture parameters with resistivity and thermal conductivity measured parallel and perpendicular to the alignment direction. Results obtained with 7 and 26 T fields are compared. We find no significant field dependence of the distribution width, while the aligned fraction is slightly greater at the higher field. Anisotropy in both transport properties is modest, with ratios in the range 5-9, consistent with the measured texture parameters assuming a simple model of rigid rod conductors. We suggest that further enhancements in anisotropic properties will require optimizing the filter deposition process rather than larger magnetic fields. We show that both x-ray and Raman data are required for a complete texture analysis of oriented SWNT materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated whether differences across Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) top-of-atmosphere (TOA) clear-sky angular distribution models, estimated separately over regional (1° × 1° longitude–latitude) and temporal (monthly) bins above land, can be explained by geophysical parameters from Max Planck Institute Aerosol Climatology, version 1 (MAC-v1), ECMWF twentieth-century reanalysis (ERA-20C), and a MODIS bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF)/albedo/nadir BRDF-adjusted reflectance (NBAR) Climate Modeling Grid (CMG) gap-filled products (MCD43GF) climatology. Our research aimed to dissolve binning and to isolate inherent properties or indicators of such properties, which govern the TOA radiance-to-flux conversion in the absence of clouds. We collocated over seven million clear-sky footprints from CERES Single Scanner Footprint (SSF), edition 4, data with above geophysical auxiliary data. Looking at data per surface type and per scattering direction—as perceived by the broadband radiometer (BBR) on board Earth Clouds, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE)—we identified optimal subsets of geophysical parameters using two different methods: random forest regression followed by a permutation test and multiple linear regression combined with the genetic algorithm. Using optimal subsets, we then trained artificial neural networks (ANNs). Flux error standard deviations on unseen test data were on average 2.7–4.0 W m−2, well below the 10 W m−2 flux accuracy threshold defined for the mission, with the exception of footprints containing fresh snow. Dynamic surface types (i.e., fresh snow and sea ice) required simpler ANN input sets to guarantee mission-worthy flux estimates, especially over footprints consisting of several surface types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The penetration of hernia prevention techniques into surgical practice remains unknown.Methods: A survey about knowledge/attitudes on hernia prevention was sent to the members of hernia societies.Results: The 497 respondents were mostly from the US (47%) or Europe (40%). Most reported practicing, but not measuring their suture-to-wound length closure of > 4:1 (63%) and practicing but not measuring the number of stitches (58%). Reasons for not using short stitch closure were: does not apply to patient population (19%), not familiar enough with methods to correctly execute (25%), takes too long (13%), not reimbursed (4%), concerned about closure-related complications (27%), and other (22%). Regarding prophylactic mesh, respondents stated they were not familiar with literature (11%), familiar with literature but would not use (24%), familiar with literature and interested in use (45%), familiar with literature and using (15%), and other (5%).Conclusions: There appears to be some application of hernia prevention principles related to fascial closure; however, the use of prophylactic mesh still appears to be controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV) MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory) PyMorph Photometric (MPP-VAC) and MaNGA Deep Learning Morphology (MDLM-VAC) Value Added Catalogues. The MPP-VAC provides photometric parameters from Sérsic and Sérsic + Exponential fits to the 2D surface brightness profiles of the MaNGA Data Release 15 (DR15) galaxy sample. Compared to previous pymorph analyses of SDSS imaging, our analysis of the MaNGA DR15 incorporates three improvements: the most recent SDSS images; modified criteria for determining bulge-to-disc decompositions; and the fits in MPP-VAC have been eye-balled, and re-fit if necessary, for additional reliability. A companion catalogue, the MDLM-VAC, provides Deep Learning-based morphological classifications for the same galaxies. The MDLM-VAC includes a number of morphological properties (e.g. a TType, and a finer separation between elliptical and S0 galaxies). Combining the MPP- and MDLM-VACs allows to show that the MDLM morphological classifications are more reliable than previous work. It also shows that single-Sérsic fits to late- and early-type galaxies are likely to return Sérsic indices of n ≤ 2 and ≥4, respectively, and this correlation between n and morphology extends to the bulge component as well. While the former is well known, the latter contradicts some recent work suggesting little correlation between n -bulge and morphology. Combining both VACs with MaNGA's spatially resolved spectroscopy allows us to study how the stellar angular momentum depends on morphological type. We find correlations between stellar kinematics, photometric properties, and morphological type even though the spectroscopic data played no role in the construction of the MPP- and MDLM-VACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causes peripheral olfactory dysfunction that can be corrected with surgical treatment. • CRS is therefore a good model to study structural plasticity within olfactory eloquent brain regions, using VBM. • Surgical treatment led to increased gray matter volume in primary and secondary olfactory networks, after three months. • Change in right olfactory bulb volume correlated with change in right orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume. Abstract Functional plasticity of the adult brain is well established. Recently, the structural counterpart to such plasticity has been suggested by neuroimaging studies showing experience-dependent differences in gray matter (GM) volumes. Within the primary and secondary olfactory cortices, reduced GM volumes have been demonstrated in patients with olfactory loss. However, these cross-sectional studies do not provide causal evidence for GM volume change, and thereby structural plasticity. Disorders of the peripheral olfactory system, such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), provide an ideal model to study GM structural plasticity, given that patients may experience long periods of olfactory impairment, followed by near complete recovery with treatment. We therefore performed a prospective longitudinal study in patients undergoing surgical treatment for CRS. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate GM volume change in 12 patients (M:F = 7:5; 47.2 ± 14.9 years), 3 months post-op. There was a significant improvement in olfactory function according to birhinal psychophysical testing. We performed a voxel-wise region of interest analysis, with significance corrected for number of regions (p < 0.0036 corr). We found significantly increased post-operative GM volumes within the primary (left piriform cortex, right amygdala) and secondary (right orbitofrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, hippocampal–parahippocampal complex and bilateral temporal poles) olfactory networks, and decreased GM volumes within the secondary network only (left caudate nucleus and temporal pole, bilateral hippocampal–parahippocampal complex). As a control measure, we assessed GM change within V1, S1 and A1, where there were no suprathreshold voxels. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate GM structural plasticity within the primary and secondary olfactory cortices, following restoration of olfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic neutron-scattering data from all-hydrogen and selectively deuterated poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) samples from 296≤T≤616 K are reported. These data, in combination with structure factor refinements, support a nonplanar structural model of the phenylene rings. Increased temperature is accompanied by a gradual rise in both the degree of nonplanarity and in the associated displacements from this mean position. There is also measurable anisotropy in the equatorial thermal expansion coefficients combined with a small 2° drop in the polymer chain setting angle, thereby indicating only a weak approach toward a high-temperature rotator phase. This is in contrast to the pronounced variations seen in polyacetylene and polyethylene, which lack local ring torsional degrees of freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density functional theory of Meister and Kroll for nonuniform simple fluids [Phys. Rev. A 31, 4055, (1985)] is modified in order to take into account pair correlations in the attractive energy term. The theory is applied for the calculation of density profiles of argon in the case of the free liquid surface and in the case of adsorption on ‘‘solid carbon dioxide.’’ For the gas–liquid interface the theory yields dew and bubble densities, which are in good agreement with computer simulations. For the adsorption of argon on solid CO2, the first-order thin-film to thick-film transition is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limiting values of the one-particle background correlation function for inhomogeneous fluids are considered and used as boundary values for the integration of the Born–Green–Yvon equation. For a system of hard spheres in contact with a hard wall different approximations of the pair correlation function are tested with respect to (a) the consistency of the limiting values, (b) the behavior of the background correlation function inside the wall, and (c) the form of the local density in front of the wall. Then the study concentrates on using the Fischer–Methfessel version of the Born–Green–Yvon equation together with the limiting value of the one-particle background correlation function inside the solid for describing density profiles of a fluid inside a pore. Comparison of the results against computer simulations shows quite reasonable agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the measurement of quantum efficiency of diamond turned magnesium (Mg) with low intensity p-polarized radiation for various incident angles. Types of laser systems used to examine the Mg photocathode; Reason for the use of Auger electron spectrometer and ion bombardment; Role of the optical field in photoemission.

Studies the rapid thermal processing, phase separation and ternary phase formation of nickel niobium bilayers on silicon thin films. Potential applications of the interaction between thin films of silicon and two metals in very large scale integration; Experimental procedure and results; Discussion on the results of the study.

Presents a study which discussed the quantum efficiency of various metals irradiated by laser pulses of 10-picosecond duration. Overview of the experimental arrangement; Components of the vacuum photodiode cell; Details on the scaling of the electron yield with area and energy.

Investigates the formation of niobium (Nb)-silicon (Si) from Nb/Si using relative frequency sputtering and rapid thermal processing. Correlation of the variation of the sheet resistance versus annealing temperature and grain growth; Application of x-ray powder diffraction and Auger depth profiling; Effect of contamination by oxygen on the silicide growth.

This paper compares the results of different implementation methods of Time-Reversal (TR) and Conventional Beamforming (CB) array processing techniques for localizing experimental flow-induced rod-airfoil interaction noise sources. Experiments were conducted in an anechoic wind tunnel for low Mach number cross-flow whereby the far-field acoustic pressure was recorded using two line arrays (LAs) of microphones located above and below the rod-airfoil test-model for a range of flow speeds. TR simulations were carried out for the highest flow speed considered, without and with the rigid-wall modeling of the scattering surfaces which include the experimental facility and the airfoil. The predicted location, resolution and strength of the flow-induced dipole source was noted across different frequency bands wherein it was observed that modeling the airfoil during TR simulation helps to identify location of the scattered field source and simultaneously improves resolution. A Dipole phase-correction method for TR is presented (wherein the scattering surfaces are not modeled) which yields a single focal spot, thereby unambiguously localizing the dipole source. However, the predicted source location and focal-resolution in the Dipole phase-correction TR maps were found to be nearly the same as that obtained by TR without phase-correction and without scatterer modeling. It was shown that the CB maps based on monopole/dipole steering vector formulations were highly comparable to their counterpart TR maps in terms of source characteristics, predicted location, strength and focal-resolution. This demonstrates the equivalence of the TR and CB methods for aeroacoustic source localization when the experimental facility and airfoil were not modeled during TR simulations. Additionally, the Point-Time-Reversal-Sponge-Layer (PTRSL) damping and the deconvolution CLEAN-SC techniques used for enhancing the resolution of TR and dipole CB source maps, respectively, were compared. It was shown that while both methods were equally effective in suppressing side-lobes, the former produced a commensurate reduction in focal spot size whilst the latter yields a nearly constant focal spot size across the frequency bands. Moreover, the simultaneous use of the PTRSL damping and scatterer (in particular, the airfoil) modeling during TR not only yields a further enhanced resolution but also improves the accuracy of the scattered field source location in the low-frequency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to improve the quality of acoustic beamforming in reverberant environments is proposed in this paper. The processing is based on a filtering of the cross-correlation matrix of the microphone signals obtained using a microphone array. The main advantage of the proposed method is that it does not require information about the geometry of the reverberant environment and thus it can be applied to any configuration. The method is applied to the particular example of aeroacoustic testing in a hard-walled low-speed wind tunnel; however, the technique can be used in any reverberant environment. Two test cases demonstrate the technique. The first uses a speaker placed in the hard-walled working section with no wind tunnel flow. In the second test case, an airfoil is placed in a flow and acoustic beamforming maps are obtained. The acoustic maps have been improved, as the reflections observed in the conventional maps have been removed after application of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Refuse-derived fuels (RDF) made from waste are co-fired in cement production plants. • Composition of RDF determines cement quality, but is unknown. • A database of individual RDF images was built. • Random forrest classifier and neural network tested to identify RDF fractions. • The neural network was tested in a conveyor belt setup and reached 71 % accuracy. The current paper aims at the evaluation of computer vision methods to identify RDF (Refuse-derived fuels) fractions based on images of the RDF particles. For this purpose, images of 1345 single RDF particles, with a typical size in the cm-range, were taken in bird's eye view and assigned manually to one of six predefined material fractions. Two possible methods were tested for fraction identification: First, a classical machine learning approach consisting of feature extraction of color histograms and Haralick-textures as input for a random forest classifier and, second, a neural network approach with transfer learning. In the machine learning approach, the random forest classifier with feature extraction based on image color distribution (histograms of colors in images) and Haralick-textures (matrix of gray-value co-occurrences) achieved an accuracy of 49 %. The neural network approach is based on the Xception network, a state-of-the-art convolutional neural network with depthwise separable convolutions. The accuracy of the Xception network for recognizing RDF fractions with transfer learning is 69%, thus considerably better than with the machine learning approach and a good starting point for identifying the very inhomogeneous appearance of RDF fractions. The Xception approach was then used in a more realistic setup where the RDF particles are transported by a conveyor belt which allowed for simplified image acquisition. Here, some additional measures are needed for image recognition like edge detection performed by the Canny algorithm. The accuracy for a test data set could be increased to 71 % after using images from this setup to improve the neural network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The production of IgE molecules specific to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is known to induce delayed anaphylaxis against mammalian meat. Tick bites constitute the primary sensitization source, as ticks transfer alpha-gal in their saliva to a host during a bite. The reported prevalence of alpha-gal-specific IgE (alpha-gal- sIgE) positivity varies between different populations from diverse geographic regions. Objective To investigate the prevalence of alpha-gal- sIgE positivity in a population of forest service employees who are highly exposed to ticks in comparison with a residential population and a historic sample. Methods A cross-sectional study evaluating 300 forest service employees and hunters from southwest Germany was performed. Alpha-gal- sIgE levels were assessed by Immuno CAP assay. The prevalence of alpha-gal- sIgE-positive individuals was compared with a matched cohort composed of a residential population and blood samples from forest service employees collected 15 years ago. Results In the study population, the prevalence of alpha-gal- sIgE-positive (≥0.10 kUA/L) individuals was 35.0%, whereas the prevalence of individuals with alpha-gal- sIgE levels ≥0.35 kUA/L was 19.3%. Alpha-gal- sIgE positivity was associated with total IgE levels and recent tick bites. Mammalian meat-induced delayed anaphylaxis was found in 8.6% of the participants with alpha-gal- sIgE levels ≥0.35 kUA/L. For forest service employees and hunters, the odds ratio for alpha-gal- sIgE positivity was 2.48 compared to the residential population. The prevalence of alpha-gal- sIgE positivity in the current and historic cohort was comparable. Conclusion Forest service employees and hunters compose a population with a high prevalence of alpha-gal- sIgE positivity and carry a considerable risk of red meat allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of acoustic reflections on beamforming maps and their correction is investigated in this paper. By replacing the usual steering vector expression in the beamforming algorithm with an adapted one, the effect of reflections can be reduced. Two formulations of the steering vectors are considered. The first makes use of an experimental Green’s function, which is obtained by measuring simultaneously the signal of a speaker and of a 31-channel acoustic array in a hard-walled test-section. The second formulation is based on the assumption that the reflections can be modeled by a set of monopoles located at the image source positions. This numerical model is first validated by comparing the obtained Green’s function with the experimental one. Then, the beamforming algorithm is modified by using the different steering vector formulations. In addition, the deconvolution algorithm Clean-SC has been used and implemented with the different formulations. The best results in terms of location and resolution accuracy were obtained when using the experimental Green’s function formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) pipeline photometry underestimates the brightnesses of the most luminous galaxies. This is mainly because (i) the SDSS overestimates the sky background, and (ii) single-component or two-component Sérsic-based models better fit the surface brightness profile of galaxies, especially at high luminosities, than the de Vaucouleurs model used by the SDSS pipeline. We use the PYMORPH photometric reductions to isolate effect (ii) and show that it is the same in the full sample as in small group environments, and for satellites in the most massive clusters as well. None of these are expected to be significantly affected by intracluster light (ICL). We only see an additional effect for centrals in the most massive haloes, but we argue that even this is not dominated by ICL. Hence, for the vast majority of galaxies, the differences between PYMORPH and SDSS pipeline photometry cannot be ascribed to the semantics of whether or not one includes the ICL when describing the stellar mass of massive galaxies. Rather, they likely reflect differences in star formation or assembly histories. Failure to account for the SDSS underestimate has significantly biased most previous estimates of the SDSS luminosity and stellar mass functions, and therefore halo model estimates of the z ~ 0.1 relation between the mass of a halo and that of the galaxy at its centre. We also show that when one studies correlations, at fixed group mass, with a quantity that was not used to define the groups, then selection effects appear. We show why such effects arise and should not be mistaken for physical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of recent estimates of the total luminosities of galaxies in the SDSS are significantly larger than those reported by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) pipeline. This is because of a combination of three effects: one is simply a matter of defining the scale out to which one integrates the fit when defining the total luminosity, and amounts on average to ≤0.1 mag even for the most luminous galaxies. The other two are less trivial and tend to be larger; they are due to differences in how the background sky is estimated and what model is fit to the surface brightness profile. We show that PYMORPH sky estimates are fainter than those of the Sloan Digital Sky Servey Data Release 7 or Data Release 9 pipelines, but are in excellent agreement with the estimates of Blanton et al. Using the SDSS sky biases luminosities by more than a few tenths of a magnitude for objects with half-light radii ≥7 arcsec. In the SDSS main galaxy sample, these are typically luminous galaxies, so they are not necessarily nearby. This bias becomes worse when allowing the model more freedom to fit the surface brightness profile. When PYMORPH sky values are used, then two-component Sersic-exponential fits to E+S0s return more light than single component deVaucouleurs fits (up to ~0.2 mag), but less light than single Sersic fits (0.1 mag). Finally, we show that PYMORPH fits of Meert et al. to DR7 data remain valid for DR9 images. Our findings show that, especially at large luminosities, these PYMORPH estimates should be preferred to the SDSS pipeline values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antivenoms are mammalian immunoglobulins with the ability to neutralize snake venom components and to mitigate the progression of toxic effects. Immediate hypersensitivity to antivenoms often occurs during the first administration of these heterologous antibodies. A comparable clinical situation occurred after introduction of cetuximab, a chimeric mouse-human antibody, for cancer treatment. The carbohydrate epitope galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, located on the Fab region of cetuximab, was identified as the target responsible for IgE reactivity. Objective To investigate whether serum IgE antibodies directed to the α-gal epitope are associated with hypersensitivity to equine antivenoms. Methods Antivenoms were screened for α-gal epitopes via immunoblot and in comparison with cetuximab and pork kidney by IgE reactivity assays. Basophil activation tests were used to investigate reactivity to antivenoms in samples from 20 patients with specific IgE antibodies to α-gal and 10 controls. Additional IgE detection, IgE inhibition, Immuno CAP inhibition, and skin prick tests were performed using samples from selected patients. Results Both antivenoms and cetuximab induced positive skin prick test results in patients with sIgE to α-gal. Alpha-gal epitopes were detected by immunoblotting on antivenoms. Measurements of IgE reactivity and Immuno CAP inhibition indicated that the antivenoms contained lower α-gal contents than cetuximab. Deglycosylation assays and IgE inhibition tests confirmed that IgE-mediated reactivity to antivenom is associated with α-gal. Antivenoms, pork kidney, and cetuximab activated basophils from patients with IgE to α-gal. Conclusion Alpha-gal is a potential target of IgE-mediated reactivity to equine antivenom and a possible cause of the high incidence of hypersensitivity reactions during the first application of equine antivenom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi of the Monilinia genus occur worldwide and affect a wide range of economically important stone fruits. Several Monilinia species are responsible for brown rot. Although this disease is common in Brazil, Monilinia sp. genetic variability in Brazilian orchards has generally been poorly characterized. The present study represents the first report on the genetic diversity of Monilinia sp. from Brazilian orchards. The genetic structure of the Brazilian population was also compared to isolates from other countries, together with some morphological characteristics and aggressiveness. Sixty-one isolates belonging to the Monilinia genus were obtained from different orchards in Brazilian states. Ten Monilinia fructicola isolates from the United States and one isolate from a fruit imported into Brazil were also evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1-5.8S- ITS2 region (internal transcribed spacer) clustered most Brazilian and American isolates with M. fructicola authentic strains from Q-Bank. Two isolates (one from an imported fruit) clustered as Monilinia laxa. The results revealed M. fructicola as the prevalent species associated with brown rot in Brazilian orchards. To evaluate the intraspecific diversity of M. fructicola and M. laxa, multigene sequence analysis was performed using ITS1-5.8S- ITS2 and TEF1 (elongation factor 1). Whilst TEF1 is the most phylogenetically informative gene for intraspecific studies of M. fructicola, RPB2 ( RNA polymerase II gene) displayed low variation in intraspecific analysis, but was an informative locus for assigning isolates to M. fructicola or M. laxa species. The amova suggests that Brazilian isolates from the States of the main producing regions belong to a single genetic population, which is genetically distinct from the US (Californian) population of M. fructicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the intermittency of the broadband aeroacoustic noise produced by a forward-facing step in a flow. The noise source is viewed as a random succession of the so-called intermittent events of short duration distributed spatially in a source region in the flow. An array processing method based on time-domain beamforming has been developed in order to track systematically the intermittent events, both in the time and space domains. Based on a simulated model of the far-field pressure field, the method is validated in terms of event detection and of performance for recovering the pressure spectrum. The method is then applied to experimental array data taken in an anechoic wind-tunnel at low Mach numbers (not exceeding 0.15) for a forward-facing step of height 30 mm. The results show that some very short intermittent events (with a mean duration of the order of 0.15 ms) can be identified from the array data. The spatial distribution of the intermittent events is found to be in agreement with the frequency domain beamform maps. The probability density functions of the events, in terms of widths and apparition times, are shown to be governed by Gamma laws and indicate random phenomena; it is observed that the statistical distributions vary with the streamwise position downstream and upstream of the step, the trends being in agreement with the source behavior as evidenced by using the frequency-domain beamforming methods. The proposed method is then shown to identify, in terms of emission time, location and temporal width, a succession of short acoustic events that participate to the broadband aeroacoustic noise produced by the step; those random events are likely to be linked to the dynamics of the flow interacting with the step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Serum IgE antibodies directed at galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) are associated with a novel form of delayed anaphylaxis occurring upon consumption of red meat or innards. Pork kidney is known as the most potent trigger of this syndrome, but the culprit allergens have not yet been identified. The aim of this study was the identification and characterization of pork kidney proteins mediating delayed anaphylactic reactions through specific IgE to α-Gal. Methods A cohort of 59 patients with specific IgE to α-Gal was screened by immunoblot for IgE-reactive proteins in pork kidney. Proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. Isolated proteins were assayed in ELISA and ELISA inhibition, basophil activation and skin prick test. Results Several IgE-binding proteins of high molecular weight (100- >200 kDa) were detected in pork kidney extracts by immunoblot using patient sera and an anti-α-Gal antibody. Two major IgE-binding proteins were identified as porcine angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE I) and aminopeptidase N (AP-N). Reactivity of patient sera and anti-α-Gal antibody to both proteins was abolished by carbohydrate oxidation. The α-Gal IgE epitopes were resistant to heat denaturation. Pork kidney extract, isolated ACE I, and AP-N were able to activate patient basophils and elicit positive responses in skin prick tests. Conclusion Two cell-membrane proteins carrying α-Gal epitopes were identified in pork kidney. For the first time, isolated meat proteins were shown to induce basophil activation in patients with delayed anaphylaxis to red meat providing further confirmation for the clinical relevance of these α-Gal-carrying proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat sharing in non-human primates has been linked to a variety of functions, including harassment reduction, mate provisioning and status enhancement. We present observational data regarding male prey capture and male-female meat sharing in wild Guinea baboons. Guinea baboons live in a multilevel society that comprises units of males with associated females and, sometimes, secondary males. Several males of different units maintain strong bonds, resulting in the formation of parties within gangs. Female-male relationships persist irrespective of female reproductive states, yet females may also switch between males at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Our data show that males capture and kill a variety of prey, including hares and antelope. Males shared meat passively only with females in their social and reproductive units. The occurrence of oestrus females in the gang did not influence whether or not sharing would occur in that males did not share with oestrus females unless an affiliative relationship already persisted, indicating that short-term currency exchanges of meat for sex are unlikely. We hypothesise that males may benefit from feeding tolerance by retaining females, while females may increase access to potentially nutritious and rare food sources. Alternatively, females may prefer males that are generally less aggressive and thus also more likely to share meat. Long-term data will be needed to ultimately distinguish between the two accounts. Although there is no evidence that males intentionally provide necessary resources to particular females during times of high energetic demands and decreased foraging efficiency, as has been found in humans, and meat sharing is generally rare, it may have subtle, yet important effects on the maintenance of bonds in Guinea baboons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin was extracted from blueberry powder into three fractions of water soluble (WSF), chelator soluble (CSF) and sodium carbonate soluble (NSF). The fractions were incubated with cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a mixture of five anthocyanidins (cyanidin, pelargonidin, malvidin, petunidin and delphinidin) or blueberry juice at pH 2.0–4.5. Free anthocyanins and bound anthocyanin–pectin mixtures were separated by ultrafiltration. WSF bound the least amount of anthocyanin at all pH values. CSF had stronger anthocyanin binding ability at pH 2.0–3.6, while NSF had stronger anthocyanin binding ability at pH 3.6–4.5. The pectin and anthocyanin binding was lowest at pH 4.5 and higher at pH 2.0–3.6. Nearly doubling C3G pigment content increased bound anthocyanin percentage by 16–23% at pH 3.6, which favored anthocyanin aromatic stacking, compared to 3–9% increase at pH 2.0. Ionic interaction between anthocyanin flavylium cations and free pectic carboxyl groups, and anthocyanin stacking may be two major mechanisms for pectin and anthocyanin binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Sandblasting with subsequent acid etching is a potential procedure to generate microstructured surfaces on zirconia implants. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the effect of these process steps on surface morphology and mechanical strength of the implants. Materials and methods Zirconia implant blanks (ceramic.implant, VITA) were sandblasted (105-μm alumina, 6 bar), subsequently HF-etched, and finally heat-treated at 1250°C. Surface topographies were documented by SEM. Surface roughness Ra ( n = 4), monoclinic volume fraction in the surface layer ( n = 1), and static fracture load ( n = 4) were measured. Results Surface roughness Ra reached a maximum of 1.2 μm after 4× sandblasting. Scratches and sharp edges dominated the surface aspect. Fracture load increased with the number of sandblasting cycles with a gain of 30% after 20 cycles. HF etching did not change the Ra values, but sharp edges were rounded and small pits created. A minor decrease in fracture load with increasing etching time was observed. Heat treatment of 1 h reduced the fracture load by 1/3. Longer heat treatment had no further effect. The roughness Ra was not modified by heat treatment. Fracture load was strongly correlated with the monoclinic fraction except for the results obtained directly after acid etching, where a constant monoclinic fraction was observed. Conclusions Sandblasting with 105-μm alumina followed by 1 h HF etching at room temperature and 1 h heat treatment at 1250°C is a reliable and tolerant process to create a surface roughness of about Ra = 1.2 μm on zirconia implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat sharing in non-human primates has been linked to a variety of functions, including harassment reduction, mate provisioning and status enhancement. We present observational data regarding male prey capture and male-female meat sharing in wild Guinea baboons. Guinea baboons live in a multilevel society that comprises units of males with associated females and, sometimes, secondary males. Several males of different units maintain strong bonds, resulting in the formation of parties within gangs. Female-male relationships persist irrespective of female reproductive states, yet females may also switch between males at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Our data show that males capture and kill a variety of prey, including hares and antelope. Males shared meat passively only with females in their social and reproductive units. The occurrence of oestrus females in the gang did not influence whether or not sharing would occur in that males did not share with oestrus females unless an affiliative relationship already persisted, indicating that short-term currency exchanges of meat for sex are unlikely. We hypothesise that males may benefit from feeding tolerance by retaining females, while females may increase access to potentially nutritious and rare food sources. Alternatively, females may prefer males that are generally less aggressive and thus also more likely to share meat. Long-term data will be needed to ultimately distinguish between the two accounts. Although there is no evidence that males intentionally provide necessary resources to particular females during times of high energetic demands and decreased foraging efficiency, as has been found in humans, and meat sharing is generally rare, it may have subtle, yet important effects on the maintenance of bonds in Guinea baboons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient (F5-1) had a cirrhosis at the age of 34 years (after 12 years of OR), but liver blood parameters remained stable during the 31 years of follow-up. Before introducing OR, all also had liver anomalies, that consisted in either increased liver enzymes, hyper echogenic liver, hepatosplenomaly or cirrhosis for one patient (F6-1). In conclusion, awaiting future targeted therapy for DCS or prospective monitoring studies, there is no safety signal to contraindicate OR in CDS patients with disabling skin anomalies, on condition that a close monitoring is performed. [Extracted from the article]

We investigate the solvent shift of phthalocyanine (Pc) doped into superfluid helium droplets and probed by optical spectroscopy at the electronic origin. Our present work complements extant studies and provides results that in part contradict previous conclusions. In particular, the solvent shift does not increase monotonously with droplet radius all the way up to the bulk limit, but exhibits just the reverse dependence instead. Moreover, a substructure is resolved, whose characteristics depend on the droplet size. This behavior can hardly be reconciled with that of a freely rotating Pc-helium complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we introduce the notion of a renormalized solution for reaction-diffusion systems with entropy-dissipating reactions. We establish the global existence of renormalized solutions. In the case of integrable reaction terms our notion of a renormalized solution reduces to the usual notion of a weak solution. Our existence result in particular covers all reaction-diffusion systems involving a single reversible reaction with mass-action kinetics and (possibly species-dependent) Fick-law diffusion; more generally, it covers the case of systems of reversible reactions with mass-action kinetics which satisfy the detailed balance condition. For such equations the existence of any kind of solution in general was an open problem, thereby motivating the study of renormalized solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]