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Due to the logistical challenges associated with using nuclear densitometers at remote sites, the industry is seeking an alternative method to determine the in situ density and moisture content during the construction of filtered tailings facilities. This study aims to investigate the impact of salinity on soil electrical properties and evaluate the feasibility of using an electrical density gauge (EDG) to measure the in situ density and moisture content of saline filtered tailings. The results indicate a dependence of electrical measurements on salinity. To develop procedures for soil calibration models of filtered tailings, standard Proctor tests were first conducted using Devon silt. These procedures were then applied to the filtered tailings to establish correlations between electrical properties (dielectric constant, impedance, capacitance-to-resistance ratio) and physical properties (density and moisture content) at varying salinities. It is suggested to build the soil calibration model using an EDG within a water content range of 10% to 18%. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the developed calibration models has been validated, demonstrating the applicability of the EDG instrument for filtered tailings in a saline environment. However, applying the salinity correction is crucial when the sample has a considerably different salinity than the calibration model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The agreement between the Stratos DR and Discovery A densitometers was assessed for measurements of whole‐body (WB) and regional fat mass (FM), fat‐free soft tissue (FFST) and bone mineral density (BMD). Moreover, the precision of the Stratos DR was also evaluated. Methods: Fifty participants (35 women, 70%) were measured consecutively, once on the Discovery A and once on the Stratos DR. In a subgroup of participants (n = 29), two successive measurements with the Stratos DR were also performed. Results: FM, FFST and BMD measured with the two devices were highly correlated, with a coefficient of correlation ranging from 0.80 to 0.99. Bland‐Altman analyses indicated significant bias between the two devices for all measurements. Thus, compared to the Discovery A, the Stratos DR underestimated WB BMD and WB and regional FM and FFST, with the exception of trunk FM and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which were overestimated. Precision error for the Stratos DR, when expressed as root mean square‐coefficient of variation (RMS‐CV%) for FM, was 1.4% for WB, 3.0% for the gynoid and android regions, and 15.9% for VAT. The RMS‐CV% for FFST was 1.0% for WB. The root mean square of standard deviation for WB BMD was 0.018 g/cm², corresponding to a 1.4% CV. The least significant change was 0.050 g/cm² (SD), and 4.0% was considered to be a significant biological change. Conclusions: Differences between the Stratos DR and Discovery A measurements are significant and require the use of translational cross‐calibration equations. For most of the BMD and body composition parameters, our results demonstrated good Stratos DR precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the characteristics of separationless three-phase oil–water–gas flowmeters of horizontal orientation is presented, probably, for the first time; it is related to the optimization of their design based on experimental studies of single-isotope and dual-isotope gamma densitometers (GD) and a combined conical narrowing device (ND), which consists of two sequentially installed cones of various dimensions. The experiments were carried out on both real oil–gas–salt water mixtures at a TUV SUD NEL test bench (Glasgow) and with model exxsol–gas–fresh water flows at the GET195-2011 standard of multiphase flows at the All-Russia Research Institute for Flow Metering (Kazan) using typical flowmeters with a nominal diameter of DN 100. It is shown that it is advisable to install a γ-densitometer in a cross section with an intermediate diameter of D = 70 mm, use a cone of 70/50 mm as the measuring ND, and use a cone of 100/70 mm to preaccelerate the flow in order to reduce the variety of flow regimes of two-phase and three-phase flows in the measuring ND and in the flow part of the γ-densitometer. This significantly improves the characteristics of the prototype flowmeter. Some of the obtained characteristics are compared with those of the well-known Vx Schlumberger vertical analogue, and designs of variants of an advanced horizontal three-phase flowmeter are presented, which also make it possible to increase its service life and raise the operating pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of the Żelazny Most tailings store facility (TSF), which is the largest in Europe, requires the transport of large amounts of tailings, e.g., from the central area of the TSF reservoir to the new southern extension (SE). In order to use the mature fine tailings deposits located under the clarified water in the TSF reservoir, which were thickened in the process of natural sedimentation, it was decided to choose suction dredgers that collect tailings a few meters from under the water surface. The dredgers, which are most commonly used for the extraction of sand or gravel, showed the ability to pump fine flotation tailings slurry in the conducted tests. However, in order to reduce the costs of the entire operation, it was necessary to control the density of the slurry. The article presents a prototype installation for measuring the efficiency of the solid phase of the "in situ" dredging process in real time. The installation was designed for the needs of dredging a deposit of tailings that were thickened in the natural sedimentation process, and which had a particle size of below 63 μm. The installation consists of a flow meter, a densimeter, and a section for measuring the head loss of the flow of the slurry. The applied methodology allows for the current assessment of the dredger's operating parameters, which translates into a more effective–in terms of process efficiency–management of the dredger's work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of the optical density parameters of a sample and the absorptivity of the sample material is studied; this is important when analyzing and differentiating the results of measurements by filtering of the luminous flux and spectral devices (densitometers and spectrophotometers). To clarify the analytical relationship between the values of the optical density of a sample and the absorptivity of the sample material, a formula is derived for calculating the diffuse optical transmittance density for the case in which the detected light contains directed and diffuse components. The first term in this formula characterizes the absorptivity of the sample material and the second is a correction owing to the diffuse component of the radiation and is a function of the ratio of the coefficients of diffuse and directed transmission. Expressions are obtained for functionally and quantitatively determining the ratio of the absorbance of the sample material and its optical transmittance density. The results of a calculation of the absorbance of a sample material, the diffuse radiation component, the diffuse optical transmittance density, and corrections to these are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present experiments at the Trident laser facility demonstrating the use of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to simultaneously measure density, ionization state populations, and electron temperature in shocked foams. An imaging x-ray spectrometer obtained spatially resolved measurements of Ti K-a emission. Density profiles were measured from K-a intensity. Ti ionization state distributions and electron temperatures were inferred by fitting K-a spectra to spectra from CRETIN simulations. This work shows that XRF provides a powerful tool to complement other diagnostics to make equation of state measurements of shocked materials containing a suitable tracer element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for estimating near-interface oxide trap density in silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors by transient capacitance measurements was investigated. The fitting of the transient capacitance characteristics measured at room and low temperatures to a simple model describing the de-trapping process enables us to characterize the responses of the traps at various distances from the interface. The distribution of the trap locations in the oxide and that of response times were taken into account in this fitting. This method was applied to MOS-capacitor samples to show the significant reduction in interface state density by tuning the thermal oxidation conditions. It was found that the density of the oxide traps, especially in the spatially shallow region within several angstroms from the interface, is sensitive to thermal oxide growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of bone turnover markers, namely the N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (NTx) and alpha C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (α-CTx), in detecting bone metastasis (bone-only) in breast cancer (BC) patients, as well as to determine whether this effect is related to changes in bone mineral density (BMD). Materials and Methods: The participants in this study comprised 30 postmenopausal BC patients with bone metastases (age range: 59.56 ± 9.02), 20 postmenopausal BC patients without bone metastases (age range: 55.30 ± 11.55), and 20 healthy postmenopausal female controls (age range: 55.55 ± 5.85). Bone turnover markers (serum NTx and urine α-CTx) were measured using the ELISA method. A densitometer using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to analyze the BMD, and tumor markers were measured using the chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Results: The corresponding levels of serum NTx (p = 0.004), parathyroid hormone (PTH) (p = 0.001), and urine α-CTx (p < 0.001) of BC patients were found to be higher than the standard levels. After the BC patients were divided into subgroups on the basis of the presence of metastasis, the urine α-CTx levels (p = 0.001) were seen to be at critically high levels in those patients suffering from BC with metastasis. Though the BMD values in the lumbar spine (p < 0.001) and femoral neck (p = 0.001) were found to be significantly low in BC patients, no statistically substantial difference in the BMD levels of BC patients suffering from metastasis was observed. It was observed that urine α-CTx (specificity: 70%; sensitivity: 85%) values are critical factors that differentiate BC patients with metastasis from BC patients without metastasis. Conclusions: We found that alterations in bone turnover could be detected by using the values of urine α-CTx while differentiating BC patients with metastasis from BC patients without metastasis. Using the biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD together would be pertinent for determining the level of metastasis present and examining the efficiency of bone density preservation therapy. Ideally, BMD measurement would be evaluated together with biochemical markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of the Żelazny Most tailings store facility (TSF), which is the largest in Europe, requires the transport of large amounts of tailings, e.g., from the central area of the TSF reservoir to the new southern extension (SE). In order to use the mature fine tailings deposits located under the clarified water in the TSF reservoir, which were thickened in the process of natural sedimentation, it was decided to choose suction dredgers that collect tailings a few meters from under the water surface. The dredgers, which are most commonly used for the extraction of sand or gravel, showed the ability to pump fine flotation tailings slurry in the conducted tests. However, in order to reduce the costs of the entire operation, it was necessary to control the density of the slurry. The article presents a prototype installation for measuring the efficiency of the solid phase of the “in situ” dredging process in real time. The installation was designed for the needs of dredging a deposit of tailings that were thickened in the natural sedimentation process, and which had a particle size of below 63 μm. The installation consists of a flow meter, a densimeter, and a section for measuring the head loss of the flow of the slurry. The applied methodology allows for the current assessment of the dredger’s operating parameters, which translates into a more effective–in terms of process efficiency–management of the dredger’s work.

Exponential growth of the areal density has driven the magnetic recording industry for almost sixty years. But now areal density growth is slowing down, suggesting that current technologies are reaching their fundamental limit. The next generation of recording technologies, namely, energyassisted writing and bit-patterned media, remains just over the horizon. Two-Dimensional Magnetic Recording (TDMR) is a promising new approach, enabling continued areal density growth with only modest changes to the heads and recording electronics. We demonstrate a first generation implementation of TDMR by using a dual-element read sensor to improve the recovery of data encoded by a conventional low-density parity-check (LDPC) channel. The signals are combined with a 2D equalizer into a single modified waveform that is decoded by a standard LDPC channel. Our detection hardware can perform simultaneous measurement of the pre- and postcombined error rate information, allowing one set of measurements to assess the absolute areal density capability of the TDMR system as well as the gain over a conventional shingled magnetic recording system with identical components. We discuss areal density measurements using this hardware and demonstrate gains exceeding five percent based on experimental dual reader components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic and electronic properties of Eu2Ru2O7 are discussed in terms of the local ruthenium and europium coordination, electronic band structure calculations, and molecular orbital energy levels. A preliminary electronic structure was calculated within the local density approximation (LDA) and local spin density approximation taking in to account on-site Hubbard U (LSDA+U). The molecular orbital energy level diagrams have been used to interpret the Eu-Ru ligand spectrum and the ensuing magnetic properties. The orbital hybridizations and bonds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An up-to-11-fold enhancement was observed in the in-magnetic-field critical current density (Jc) in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7 films on CeO2-buffered SrTiO3 substrates by irradiation with 200- to 750-keV Si and 200-keV B ions. This enhancement indicates that ion beams in the range of 100 to 1000 keV, which are widely used for modifying the conductive properties of semiconducting materials, can significantly improve the vortex-pinning properties in second-generation superconducting wires. Also observed was a scaling relation between Jc and the density of the vacancies (i.e., of Frenkel pairs) produced by the nuclear collisions between incident ions and target atoms, suggesting that this density is a key parameter in determining the magnitude of the Jc enhancement. Also observed was an additional Jc enhancement by a modification of the depth distribution of the vacancies, thus demonstrating the flexibility in controlling artificial pinning center (APC) properties in physical APC introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we propose a scheme for strong coupling of a petawatt laser with an opening gold cone filled with near-critical-density plasmas. When relevant parameters are properly chosen, most laser energy can be fully deposited inside the cone with only 10% leaving the tip opening. Due to the asymmetric ponderomotive acceleration by the strongly decayed laser pulse, high-energy-density electrons with net laser energy gain are accumulated inside the cone, which then stream out of the tip opening continuously, like a jet. The jet electrons are fully relativistic, with speeds around 0.98 - 0.998 c and densities at 1020/cm3 level. The jet can keep for a long time over 200 fs, which may have diverse applications in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loss of bone mineral density is one of the most important complications of menopause. The results of studies about the relation between body fat and bone mineral density are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the association between fat mass and bone mineral density on non-obese post-menopausal elderly women. Methods: This cross-sectional study is a part of the second phase of the Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP) that has been done on 356 elderly women with BMI of 18.5- 30. Bone mineral density (BMD) and total body fat were measured using the Hologic Horizon-WI densitometer. Statistical tests were ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression and a p- value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 70.22±7.34 and the mean age of menopause was 47.68±5.05. Women with highest fat mass had a greater spine, femur and whole-body BMD (p<0.0001). In this study, we observed a direct and positive significant correlation between body fat mass and BMD at spine (r=0.308), femur (r=0.420) and whole body (r=0.312) (p<0.0001). Adjusted linear regression showed positive effect of fat mass on BMD on all three anatomical sites especially in total femur (β=0.254, p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed a positive correlation between fat mass and bone mineral density at all sites in post-menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulated annealing basin-hopping method incorporating the penalty function was used to predict the lowest-energy structures for ultrathin tungsten nanowires and nanotubes of different sizes. These predicted structures indicate that tungsten one-dimensional structures at this small scale do not possess B.C.C. configuration as in bulk tungsten material. In order to analyze the relationship between multi-shell geometries and electronic transfer, the electronic and structural properties of tungsten wires and tubes including partial density of state and band structures which were determined and analyzed by quantum chemistry calculations. In addition, in order to understand the application feasibility of these nanowires and tubes on nano-devices such as field emitters or chemical catalysts, the electronic stability of these ultrathin tungsten nanowires was also investigated by density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic properties and Seebeck coefficients of Ce3Te4 and La3Te4 are computed using Density Functional Theory with on-site Coulomb interaction correction. We found that the Seebeck coefficients of Ce3Te4 and La3Te4 are almost equal at temperatures larger than the Curie temperature of Ce3Te4, and in good agreement with the measurements reported by May et al. [Phys. Rev. B 86, 035135 (2012)]. At temperatures below the Curie temperature, the Seebeck coefficient of Ce3Te4 increases due to the ferromagnetic ordering, which leads the f-electron of Ce to contribute to the Seebeck coefficient in the relevant range of electron concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ab-initio calculations based on density functional theory have been performed to study the electronic, optical, mechanical, and vibrational properties of scintillator host compounds YOX (X=F, Cl, Br, and I). Semiempirical dispersion correction schemes are used to find the effect of van der Waals forces on these layered compounds and we found this effect to be negligible except for YOBr. Calculations of phonons and elastic constants showed that all the compounds studied here are both dynamically and mechanically stable. YOF and YOI are found to be indirect band gap insulators while YOCl and YOBr are direct band gap insulators. The band gap is found to decrease as we move from fluorine to iodine, while the calculated refractive index shows the opposite trend. As the band gap decreases on going down the periodic table from YOF to YOI, the luminescence increases. The excitonic binding energy calculated, within the effective mass approximation, is found to be more for YOF than the remaining compounds, suggesting that the excitonic effect to be more in YOF than the other compounds. The optical properties are calculated within the Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) and compared with results obtained within the random phase approximation. The TDDFT calculations, using the newly developed bootstrap exchange-correlation kernel, showed significant excitonic effects in all the compounds studied here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary solvent mixtures of different (%) compositions have been prepared at 303.15 K using tetra alkyl ammonium iodides (R4NI) of 0.02 M to 0.14 M to investigate inter ionic interaction, ion-ion and ion solvent interactions in NMF-DMSO solvent mixture containing large cations of tetra alkyl ammonium iodides (R4NI). The densities (ρ0) of binary solvent mixtures and salt solutions have been measured by magnetic float densitometer. The apparent molar volume at infinite dilution фv0, in the solvent mixtures, have been utilized to estimate the apparent molar volumes of transfer ∆фv0 (tr), for various tetra alkyl ammonium iodide salts (R4NI) from NMF-DMSO mixtures. The observed trend and variations of dielectric constant and density with different (%) composition of NMF – DMSO provide useful information about the structural interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermophysical properties like density, speed of sound and viscosity have been measured for different molalities of sucrose in aqueous and different concentrations of aqueous solutions of an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, at different temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The results are explained in terms of acoustic parameters like apparent molar volume, apparent molar isentropic compressibility, limiting apparent molar volume, limiting apparent molar isentropic compressibility, limiting apparent molar transfer volume, limiting apparent molar transfer compressibility, hydration number, etc. Further, pair and triplet interaction coefficients, solvation number, viscosity B-coefficients and activation parameters have also been evaluated. The results demonstrate that solute-solvent interactions exist in the ternary system which increases with an increase in ionic liquid concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A solid solution of lead-free piezoelectric ceramic (1- x)Bi 0.50 (Na 0.80 K 0.20) 0.50 TiO 3 - x Ba 0.90 Ca 0.10 Ti 0.90 Zr 0.10 O 3 (with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) was synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction route. The effect of addition of BCZT on BNKT was investigated on structural, microstructural, dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric and high-density energy storage properties experimentally. Modified Curie Weiss law and Vogel-Fulcher law were employed to study the diffusivity and activation energy. The dielectric dispersion with frequency reveals the relaxor behavior for all compositions. The value of T v (calculated from Vogel-Fulcher relation) decreases while the corresponding value of E a increases with the BCZT composition. The unipolar curve shows the increased strain of 0.15% and corresponding d 33 ∗ (S max /E max = 311 pm/V) for x = 0.02 composition among all studied compositions. Furthermore, compositions x = 0.02 and x = 0.04 shows the improved energy storage efficiency ∼50% with respect to pure BNKT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract During the plastic deformation of a metal matrix composite (MMC) containing non-deformable particles, high dislocation density and strong back stresses are expected because the particles help with blocking and accumulating dislocations. Here we report that the MMC has lower, instead of higher, dislocation density than the corresponding monolithic matrix material when they are deformed to high plastic strains, because smaller sub-grains in the MMC lowered dislocation generation rate and meanwhile promoted the dislocation interaction and annihilation in the matrix. This unique defect density evolution is a hitherto unknown but important factor affecting the mechanical properties of MMCs. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on density functional theory within GGA formalism, first-principles calculations were performed in order to study the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Cu-doped ZnO compound with dopant concentrations x = 0.028, 0.042, 0.056, and 0.125. It was found that Cu x Zn (1− x) O is ferromagnetic for both the closest and farthest impurity distances, but it is more stable energetically for the closest one. For all concentrations we obtained nearly half − metallic behavior. The calculations show that two substitutional Cu atoms introduce a magnetic moment of about 2.0 μ B for all dopant concentrations. The results indicate that the magnetic ground state originates from the strong hybridization between the 3 d -Cu and 2 p -O states, and suggest that the ferromagnetism could be governed by interactions between cluster spins in the CuO 4 tetrahedra. The U eff for Cu 0.042 Zn 0.958 O was calculated using the approach of Cococcioni and co-workers. The effect of Coulomb correlation U eff on the ferromagnetic stability is strongly dependent on the structure of the atomic positions and the local chemical environment. Our calculated results completely agree with experimental observations and could clarify the controversy in the literature with respect to the exchange mechanism that dominates the magnetic properties of Cu-doped ZnO. Highlights • For Cu x Zn (1− x) O, x = 0.028, 0.042, 0.056, and 0.125, the FM state is more stable than the AFM state. • Ferromagnetism in Cu-doped ZnO can be attributed to an indirect exchange mechanism of p-d hybridization. • Ferromagnetism could be governed by interactions between cluster spins in the CuO 4 tetrahedra. • The exchange mechanisms show a dependence of the position of the d states of the magnetic impurities at the Fermi level. • The effect of U eff on the ferromagnetic stability is strongly dependent on the structure of the atomic positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We have performed first-principles calculations on orthorhombic antimony sulphide (Sb 2 S 3) nanowire using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density-functional theory (DFT) as implemented in WIEN2k package to investigate the electronic and optical properties. Engel–Vosko generalized gradient approximation (EV-GGA) is used as exchange-correlation functional. The nanowire is simulated in the [001] direction with vacuum in two directions using supercell method. The results are compared with Sb 2 S 3 bulk results obtained in our pervious study. We have found that the electronic and optical properties significantly change in Sb 2 S 3 nanowire. The density of state (DOS) for Sb 2 S 3 nanowire calculated is higher than bulk Sb 2 S 3 and from the electronic band structure, the indirect band gap is about 0.12 eV where this value is much lower than Sb 2 S 3 bulk. However, this value is much lower than experimental value. The optical properties including absorption coefficient, reflectivity, refractive index and energy loss function are derived from the calculated complex dielectric for photon energy up to 20 eV to understand the optical behavior of Sb 2 S 3 in one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructure. From analysis, the optical response of Sb 2 S 3 nanowire demonstrate quite interesting optical behavior for one-dimension (1-D) nanostructure. The absorption coefficient for Sb 2 S 3 nanowire is considerably higher in visible light range than Sb 2 S 3 bulk. Highlights • First principle study of antimony sulphide (Sb 2 S 3) in nanowire structure. • Sb 2 S 3 nanowire has lower indirect band gap than Sb 2 S 3 bulk. • Sb 2 S 3 nanowire has a higher absorption coefficient and reflectivity than Sb 2 S 3 bulk in the visible regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Attempts have been made to manufacture AlON transparent ceramics at low temperature using a new sintering aid system, Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 -MnO. The sintering behaviors, including relative density and microstructure evolution of AlON ceramics doped with Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 , MnO alone, and Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 -MnO were compared. It was found that both the relative densities and grain sizes of samples doped with Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 -MnO were much higher and larger than those of samples doped with Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 or MnO alone, respectively. A liquid phase containing Al, O, N, Mn, and La formed at high temperature and played an important role on both eliminating pores and promoting grain growth of the sintered AlON bodies. Finally, translucent AlON ceramics were obtained through pressureless sintering at 1830 °C for 1 h, ~100 °C lower than those with conventional sintering aid Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3. The ceramics doped with MnO showed green emission at 534 nm, under 445 nm excitation. We believe Y 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 -MnO is a promising additive for the preparation of AlON transparent ceramic at lower temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Alginate/chitosan PEC films were elaborated. • RAFT polymerized PNIPAM was grafted on PECs and compared to a commercial one. • Two grafting strategies were used in order to vary the graft density. • Thermosentivity was evaluated in terms of bioadhesion toward cells and tissues. • Cell adhesion was favored at 37 °C whereas tissue adhesion was favored at 25 °C. Abstract Alginate and chitosan are polysaccharides that are widely used in the biomedical field, especially as wound dressings. Controlled bioadhesion is an advanced functionality that offers the potential to reduce injuries due to the stripping-off of the biomaterial. Herein, we report the efficient grafting of poly-N(isopropylacryamide) (PNIPAM), a thermosensitive polymer that exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 32 °C on the alginate/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) surface. In vitro studies did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect, and cells adhered preferentially on the LCST on PNIPAM grafted surfaces, as reported in the literature. E x vivo investigations revealed that the adhesive behavior of the biomaterials was not the same on the liver and pancreas. The effect of the temperature on the bioadhesion to organs was unexpected, as PNIPAM surfaces exhibited higher adhesion at low temperature. The PNIPAM was therefore able to confer PEC matrix thermosensitivity, but due to the application force, interactions between PNIPAM chains and their substrate could influence bioadhesion on tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The polysaccharide, inulin, is considered the clinical gold standard for measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an assessment of kidney filtering capacity and renal function, and therefore, is a prognostic indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The classic method of measuring GFR is laborious, tedious and invasive. Therefore, estimated GFR (eGFR) has become the favoured measurement, but unfortunately suffers in its accuracy. Here, we describe the development of a near infrared dye-labeled inulin, Cy7.5-inulin conjugate, for use as an optical probe to accurately and non-invasively measure GFR in patients by transcutaneous pulse dye densitometer (TPDD). We have characterized the modifications made to inulin and the dye-polysaccharide conjugate by a number of analytical techniques and demonstrated that it is stable under experimental in vivo conditions. To this end, the probe has been successfully used in a pig model to accurately measure GFR non-invasively. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • An optical probe based on inulin was developed to measure GFR in patients by transcutaneous pulse dye densitometry (TPDD) • The modifications made to inulin and the dye-polysaccharide conjugate were characterized by IR, NMR, MALDI, and DLS • The conjugate is stable under experimental in vivo conditions • The conjugate has been successfully used in a pig model to accurately measure GFR non-invasively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Growth is the key to establish nutritional needs. • Gompertz function is a suitable descriptor of growth potential. • DXA measures in vivo chemical composition of birds. • DXA method saves time and labor in experimentation and are a non-invasive method. • Equations are necessary to correct the DXA bias in predicting chemical composition. Abstract In order to describe the growth potential and body chemical composition using the Gompertz function, a total of 360 one-day-old commercial pullets of four different strains (Dekalb White and Brown, and Lohmann White and Brown) (90 pullets/strain) were allotted in stainless steel cages in environmentally controlled room from 1 to 18 weeks of age. Hens were provided water and a unique diet (mash form) throughout 18 weeks and in 15- d -intervals six pullets from each strain had the body composition measured until 18 weeks of age using DXA method. Concomitantly to the DXA measurements, a group of pullets were euthanized and had their body and feather chemical composition determined in order to devise equation to correlate DXA measurements with body chemical composition. Feather composition was determined using chemical analysis. Analyzing the same pullet throughout the aforementioned period using DXA method allowed reducing the error in the prediction of bird growth. The genetic strains assessed in the current research exhibited few differences regarding body and feather growth and their bodily chemical components. The growth parameters described herein are in accordance with those described in literature. With the accurate description of genetic growth rate potential, the amount of nutrient required for maintenance purposes and growth may be predicted though the association of growth curves with factorial models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effect of CeO 2 addition ranging from 0 wt. % to 7 wt. % on phase, microstructural evolution, physical and mechanical properties of ZTA-3 wt. % TiO 2 ceramic composite were investigated. The samples were prepared by solid-state mixing and sintered at 1600 °C for 1hr under pressureless condition. Samples were then characterized by XRD, SEM, densitometer and Vickers indentation method. Based on XRD analysis, m -ZrO 2 began to diminish at 1 wt.% CeO 2 while secondary phases, i.e. Ce 0.7 Zr 0.3 O 2 and Zr 0.4 Ti 0.6 O 2 initiated at 3 wt.% CeO 2 addition. SEM images showed finer grain sizes was produced upon increasing amount of CeO 2 up to 5 wt.%, corresponding to higher average grain intercept (AGI) values. From the results obtained, the optimum amount of CeO 2 addition was at 5 wt. % which yielded the highest bulk density (4.41 g/cm3), firing shrinkage (21.94%), hardness (1580.10HV) and fracture toughness (9.77 MPa m1/2). This is contributed by the grain refinement and the highest amount of secondary phases formed, especially Zr 0.4 Ti 0.6 O 2. However, with an excessive addition of CeO 2 , i.e more than 5 wt.%, grain sizes enlarged and the amount of secondary phases reduced, which degraded the mechanical properties of ZTA-3 wt. % TiO 2. Highlights • Effects of CeO 2 addition on the ZTA-TiO 2 systems were investigated. • Small additions of CeO 2 lead to improved mechanical properties. • Effects of excessive amount of CeO 2 addition have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Crosslink-free collagen of skin from peacock bass Cichla ocellaris was successfully isolated and had its structural characteristics analyzed mainly by the combination of two techniques: optical densitometry and FT-IR. The optical densitometry coupled to the electrophoretic profile showed two typical α chains (α1 and α2), lower content of dimmers and trimmers (β and ɣ chain, respectively) than other extraction methods and without formation of high molecular weight crosslinks (HMC and VMC). UV–visible absorption spectrum was 211 nm. FT-IR spectra analysis of the amide A, amide B, amide Ι, amide ΙI and amide ΙΙI bands were 3276, 2930, 1637, 1547 and 1240 cm−1, respectively, and showed maintenance of the triple helical chain stabilized by hydrogen bonds characterizing it as collagen. Moreover, PSC was soluble in the range from 0 to 3% of salt concentrations, as well as in alkaline media (pH 8). Our results indicate that the two main techniques used were able to identify and characterize the type 1 crosslinks-free collagen from C. ocellaris , which may be suitable for applications that requires higher purification degree. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Crosslink-free collagen (pepsin-soluble, PSC) of skin from Cichla ocellaris was successfully isolated. • Optical densitometry characterization showed high content of monomeric chains and no HMC and VMC crosslinks. • PSC was classified as type I which present the highest biological and commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A study is performed on the effect of the electrode distance to impedance meter. • A sensitivity study of the electrode distance is done by numerical simulation. • Void fraction measurement is done using impedance meters with different geometries. • Gamma densitometer and conductivity probes are used in the experiment as comparisons. • The performance of flow regime identification is analyzed with the impedance signals. Abstract Experimental study on the effect of electrode distance on the performance of impedance void meter is presented. The study includes multiple approaches. In the numerical simulation approach, based on the mathematical similarity between electric and temperature fields, the electric fields with different electrode distances are simulated using ANSYS Fluent to generate temperature fields. In the experimental study, an adiabatic air-water experiment is performed to compare two impedance meters with different electrode distances. The test conditions cover the flow regimes from bubbly flow to annular flow. Gamma densitometer and multi-single sensor conductivity probe are utilized for the void fraction comparison. The effect of the electrode distance on the flow regime identification using the artificial neural network is investigated, the signals of the different impedance meters are applied as the inputs for the artificial neural network. It is found that impedance meter with a properly large electrode distance has better performance in void fraction measurement, especially at high superficial velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MFIS and MRA models were developed to estimate E. • MFIS shows reliable performance and proposed to predict E. • MFIS can minimize uncertainties in E estimation. • Density and depth of coring are the most and least effective variables on E , respectively. Abstract Elastic modulus of intact rocks (E) is one of the most important parameters in the initial and final design of rock engineering projects. Laboratory measurements of E require the high quality core samples and expensive tools which cause it is very costly and time-consuming. As an alternative, indirect models i.e., Mamdani fuzzy inference system (MFIS) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) are uses to determine E in this research. The proposed models are constructed based on the measured data in Azad and Bakhtiary dam sites. To estimate E , easily determinable variables including depth of coring, density, porosity and durability index are considered as the input parameters. Models evaluation shows that MFIS performance is considerably better than the MRA model and its results are quite consistent with measured data. Finally, sensitivity analysis reveals that density and depth of coring are the most and least effective parameters on elastic modulus in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The increase of inoculum density of Rhodobacter sphaeroides B-3059 above 2.0 mg bacteriochlorophyll/l in 15 mM K-phosphate buffer inhibited hydrogen photoproduction but favored PHB synthesis. This inhibition was substrate-specific and was observed on media containing acetate. The inhibition resulted from sharp increase in pH above 10 due evidently to fast acetate consumption. The lower the buffer concentration, the lower the inhibitory inoculum density was. The dependence of H 2 photoproduction from acetate on buffer concentration at low and high inoculum density was different for different strains of purple bacteria. However, conditions were found to provide H 2 production by each of 9 tested strains. Acetate-dependent hydrogen photoproduction in 10 mM K-phosphate buffer was unreliable even with low inoculum density. Ammonium traces and high acetate concentration also facilitated medium alkalization and, consequently, inhibited H 2 production. The increase of buffer concentration above 20 mM helped to prevent pH rise independent of the triggering factor. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • High inoculum density inhibits H 2 photoproduction from acetate due to pH rise. • The lower the buffer concentration, the lower the inhibitory inoculum density. • Low buffer capacity makes acetate photofermentation vulnerable to various impacts. • Under selected conditions each tested strain is capable to produce H 2 from acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are a lot of clustering algorithms available in the literature, existing algorithms are usually afflicted by practical problems of one form or another, including parameter dependence and the inability to generate clusters of arbitrary shapes. In this paper we aim to solve these two problems by merging the merits of dominant sets and density based clustering algorithms. We firstly apply histogram equalization to eliminate the parameter dependence problem of the dominant sets algorithm. Noticing that the obtained clusters are usually smaller than the real ones, a density threshold based cluster growing step is then used to improve the clustering results, where the involved parameters are determined based on the initial clusters. This is followed by the second cluster growing step which makes use of the density relationship between neighboring data. Data clustering experiments and comparison with other algorithms validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Electrolytes that possess both interfacial stability toward lithium metal anodes and compatibility with high voltage cathodes are required for high energy density batteries. Here a high concentration LiTFSI salt firstly dissolves in an ionic liquid Pyr1,3FSI. This electrolyte with synergetic effect of TFSI and FSI anions, which not only effectively suppresses lithium dendrite growth because of the highly concentrated solid electrolyte interphase film, but also beneficially improve the cycling performance of lithium batteries. Lithium plating/stripping tests reveal that the concentrated electrolyte has superior compatibility with a lithium metal anode than an electrolyte with low salt concentration. Furthermore, a lithium metal battery containing the electrolyte and a lithium cobalt oxide cathode achieves high coulombic efficiency and good cycling stability at 4.4 V and high temperature. These results indicate that the highly concentrated ionic liquid electrolyte is promising for use in lithium metal batteries. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • High concentrated electrolyte synthesized with LiTFSI and ionic liquid Pyr1,3FSI. • High concentrated sample possess interfacial stability toward lithium metal anode. • High concentrated sample was used in a high-voltage LiCoO 2 /Li battery. • The lithium metal battery achieved a high coulombic efficiency at 60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the occurrences of low-level stratiform clouds such as Nimbostratus and Stratus, in Swider, Poland (51.15 N, 21.23 E) in the years 2005–2015. There have been on average 44 days with Nimbostratus a year between 2005 and 2015 at Swider and 51 days with Stratus over this period. Atmospheric electric field, current density and air conductivity available for the recorded cloud cases from years 2012–2015 have been analysed and their average values obtained for all cases and separately for the cloud cases with their main types of precipitation: rain and snow for Nimbostratus, drizzle and granular snow for Stratus. The analysis of atmospheric electricity parameters confirms previous results indicating differences in the electrical behaviour of raining and snowing clouds. The atmospheric electric field and conduction current is more likely downward under Stratus cloud as is its precipitation-convection current. This type of cloud mostly behaves like a passive element of the global circuit. The electric field under Nimbostratus during rain at the ground is upward and upward precipitation current occurs during heavier rain. Such raining mid-latitude Nimbostratus can potentially be an electric cloud generator which charges the Earth's global atmospheric circuit, the contribution of which needs to be investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New experimental density data are reported for binary mixtures of 2-propanol + di-isopropyl ether over the composition range (6 compositions; 0.15 ≤ 2-propanol mole fraction x  ≤ 0.85), between 293.15 and 393.28 K, and for 23 pressures from 0.1 MPa up to 140 MPa. Measurements were performed by means of an Anton Paar vibrating tube densitometer, calibrated with an uncertainty of 7 × 10 −4  g cm −3 . A Tait like equation was used to fit the experimental density data, with low standard deviations. Excess volumes have been calculated from the experimental data and fitted by the Redlich–Kister equation. Moreover, the isothermal compressibility and the isobaric thermal expansivity have been derived from the Tait-like equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]