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Combining both processing techniques of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) and surface-to-borehole spectral ratio (SBR), using the KiK-net and K-NET database in Japan, could be used in the present study to establish relationships of VS and resonant frequency ( $$f$$ ) versus depth to bedrock half-space ( $$h$$ ) based on the site-dependent variability. Remarkable correlations of the average $${V}_{s}$$ of layers overlying the bedrock half-space ( $$\overline{{V }_{S}}$$ ) versus $$h$$ are inversely resembling those of the $$f$$ versus $$h$$ . The maximum $$\overline{{V }_{S}}$$ values are 1262 m/s, 933 m/s, 842 m/s, and 568 m/s through site class of B, C, D, and E, respectively. These values of $$\overline{{V }_{S}}$$ are decreasing gradually resembling the $${V}_{s30}$$ through site class of B, C, D, and E according to (NEHRP, Report FEMA 368, NEHRP, Washington, 2000). The $$f$$ versus $$h$$ regressions at KiK-net sites yield gradual decrease in the correlation coefficients (i.e., a and b) through site class of B, C, D, and E, particularly the resulted a and b from SBR technique. K-NET sites yield significant lower correlation coefficients, which could be attributed to the K-NET shallow depths ( $$h$$ ) and their corresponding limited ranges of ( $$f$$ ). Although such relationships are site-specific and highly dependent on each region’s geologic conditions, fair comparisons based on site information and site-dependent variability between previous relationships of $$f$$ versus $$h$$ in the literature and the present study relationships are showing remarkable similarities. This indicates significant importance of introducing the seismic site classification as a crucial controlling factor in establishing the previous and the present $${V}_{s}$$ and $$f$$ versus $$h$$ nonlinear regression relationships.

The relationship of the hierarchical organization of the skeleton with the local electronic and atomic structure of bone is investigated. The Ca 2p photoemission from intact and various arthritis-damaged areas was measured and examined to study site-dependent peculiarities of calcium bonds in subchondral femoral bone. The medial and lateral condyles of the femur resected during total knee arthroplasty were used as samples. The Ca 2p

We report a simple but detailed solution 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of atomically precise neutral Au25(SR)180 (SR = alkyl thiolate) clusters. The paramagnetic 13C Knight shi...

Temporal & spatial variations in ground-level total non-methane hydrocarbon (TNMHC) were studied in Nagpur urban agglomeration (UA) for a year over three seasons viz. post-monsoon (September-October), winter (January-February) and summer (May-June) in 2013-14. Ground-level TNMHC showed low to moderate spatial (over residential, commercial, traffic intersections, residential cum commercial sites) and temporal (at 7:00, 13:00; 18:00 and 23:00 h in all three seasons) variations. There was no specific increasing or decreasing trend with time, either within a day or a season. Daily mean concentration of TNMHC (averaged over concentrations at 7:00, 13:00; 18:00 and 23:00 h) ranged from 0.88-1.73 ppmV, 1.75-4.04 ppmV and 1.20-1.53 ppmV at residential sites; 2.99-6.47 ppmV, 1.52-7.38 ppmV and 0.98-1.63 ppmV at traffic site; 0.83-1.15 ppmV, 2.03-3.24 ppmV, 1.1-1.70 ppmV at residential cum commercial sites and 1.05-4.79 ppmV, 6.2-8.58 ppmV, 0.34-0.64 ppmV at the purely commercial site, during post-monsoon, winter and summer, respectively. Occasional spikes (TNMHC>10 to

The search for novel and low-cost cocatalysts that can achieve high efficiency, while maintaining high selectivity in photocatalytic CO2 reduction is highly desirable, yet challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that transitional metal borides (TMBs) Ni3B, Co3B and Fe2B can serve as effective and low-cost cocatalysts to enhance the performance of photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible light, while other TMBs (TaB2, NbB2 and MoB) are almost ineffective. The performance of photocatalytic CO2 reduction depends on the metal site in TMBs, among which Ni3B exhibits the highest selectivity and activity compared to those of other TMBs. Specifically, Ni3B exhibits a CO evolution rate of 157.7 μmol h−1 with selectivity of 93.0% in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 as a light absorber under visible light, representing state-of-the-art cocatalyst. The excellent activity of Ni3B can be ascribed to its metallic feature that can efficiently transport photogenerated electrons from the light absorber, as well as the unique Ni–B bond that acts as an electron accumulator to provide abundant long-lived electrons to be injected into Ni0 active sites for the activation of CO2. These findings may provide the principle guidance for the search and design of efficient cocatalytic materials and systems for solar energy conversion.

BACKGROUND Within the thenar eminence, the median nerve innervates three muscles: abductor pollicis brevis (APB), flexor pollicis brevis (FPB), and opponens pollicis (OP). Of these muscles, APB was often considered as the sole contributor to the thenar compound muscle action potential (CMAP). OBJECTIVE To evaluate subcomponents of the thenar CMAP from the median nerve innervated muscles. METHODS Surface and needle CMAPs were recorded in normal human subjects from three recording sites: proximal (site-I), middle (site-II), and distal (site-III) aspects of the thenar eminence when the median nerve was activated at the wrist. RESULTS In the site-I and -II, both the surface and needle CMAPs shared many similar characteristics although the needle CMAPs were larger (∼ 5 folds) and briefer (∼ 60%, needle/surface duration). In addition, on the surface recording, the CMAP was larger (by ∼ 1.9 mV) when recorded from the site-I comparing to that of the site-II. In the site-III, the surface recordings registered a delayed (by ∼ 3.8 ms) CMAP. The muscle fiber action potential (MFAP) study suggested a predominant FPB contribution in the site-III. CONCLUSION The optimal recording site for APB derived thenar CMAP is the site-I and for FPB is the site-III. The CMAPs registered by the needle recordings are more robust than the surface ones.

Fundamental understanding of the structure sensitivity of Au-catalyzed H2O2 formation from H2 with O2 is of prime scientific and industrial significance. Herein, DFT calculations are employed to re...

Single-molecule tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) has emerged as an important technique for structural analysis at sub-molecular scale. Here in this work, we report a TERS study of an isolated free-base porphyrin molecule adsorbed on the Ag(100) surface at cryogenic temperature ( $\sim$ 7 K). Site-dependent TERS spectra reveal distinct local vibrational information for the chemical constituents within a single molecule. Moreover, distinct spatial features among different Raman peaks can be resolved from the TERS mapping images. These images are found to associate with related vibrational modes, enabling to resolve the mode associated with N-H bonds at the sub-nanometer level. This study will provide deep insights into the symmetry of adsorption configurations and local vibrational information within a single molecule.

Corner and edge sites have long been predicted to play a dominant role in the chemistry of nanomaterials due to their low metal–metal coordination numbers. However, due to the difficulty in directl...

In human cochlear implant (CI) recipients, the slope of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) amplitude growth function (AGF) is not very well investigated, in comparison to the threshold derived from the AGF. This is despite the fact that it was shown in animal experiments that the slope correlates with the number of excitable neurons. The rationale of this study was to establish baseline data of the AGF slope for possible clinical applications, while investigating stability over time and dependence on cochlear site.ECAP AGFs of 16 ears implanted with MED-EL CIs were recorded on all electrode contacts during the normal clinical routine at 4 different points in time.Due to patient availability, not all 16 ears could be measured at all 4 points in time. A dependence of the slope on the electrode position was visible and statistically significant: At the three electrode contacts at the apical end of the array, the slope is greater compared to the medial and basal region of the cochlea.The three most apical electrode contacts show greater slopes of ECAP AGF recordings. Our data of the cohort slopes show mild effects between the 4 different points in time.

Face ao aumento da demanda por transporte de mercadorias por comércios e residências nos últimos anos e, considerando as restrições de entrada de caminhões de grande porte impostas pelas cidades, faz-se necessário planejar as entregas de maneira diferente. Assim, esse artigo propõe o planejamento da entrega de mercadorias considerando recarregamento intermediário na rota, veículos com múltiplos compartimentos, alocação independente das caixas, período de atendimento e restrições de acesso nos clientes. Para planejar as entregas em áreas urbanas, é proposta uma nova classe de problema denominada Site Dependent Multiple Compartment Vehicle Routing Problem with Intermediate Replenishment Facilities and Time Windows com objetivo de minimizar o custo total do transporte. Foi analisado o problema de uma empresa que está em implantação na cidade de Vitória, ES. Utilizou-se o CPLEX 12.8 para resolver o modelo e os resultados mostraram que a disponibilidade de mais armazéns intermediários é a estratégia mais econômica.

The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the Sun is called solar radiation. Almost all life on Earth evolved with the Sun as a major influence. The rising and setting Sun defined the daily cycle we still respond to biologically. This study investigates theyearly, monthly and daily variation of mass loss by the Sun for two locations; Gusau and Calabar situated across the Sahelianand Coastal climatic zones of Nigeria using daily, monthly and yearly global solar radiation meteorological data obtained fromthe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the period of twenty two years (July 1983 – June 2005). Theenergy available for utilization based on the mass loss by the Sun for the two locations was also investigated. The fluctuations inthe results revealed that the mass loss by the Sun varies significantly from year to year, month to month and from day to day; thus, indicating that it is site dependent and strongly depends on the global solar radiation and solar activities in each of the locations. The highest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun for Gusau are 6.3155 1017 kg y -1 in 1985, 5.5691 1016 kg m -1 in April and 2.3482 1015 kg d -1 on April 21, 1985 respectively and the lowest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun are 5.6423 1017 kg y -1 in 1999, 4.2740 1016 kg m -1 in December and 1.3031 1015 kg d -1 on December 25, 1999 respectively. The highest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun for Calabar are 4.6558 1017 kg y -1 in 1984, 4.6451 1016kg m -1 in February and 2.0252 1015 kg d -1 on February16, 1984 respectively and the lowest yearly, monthly and daily mass losses by the Sun are3.6806 1017 kg y-1 in 1983, 2.5346 1016 kg m-1 in August and 1.9546 1014 kg d-1 on August7, 1983 respectively. The results indicated that the solar energy available for utilization for Gusau are greater than that of Calabar and this is a reflection of the abundant amount of global solar radiation received on a horizontal surface for Gusau as compared to Calabar.

International audience; Current level of morbidity generated by industrial air pollution requires effective tools combining pollutant rates and their risks on human health. Traditional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) appears to be the most appropriate method for assessing impact of human toxicity by inhalation. However, its interest is limited due to lack of spatial-temporal specificities of emissions. To solve this problem, this research work shows the feasibility of a site-dependent dynamic LCA, obtained by a coupling between a traditional LCA, a method of temporal and spatial disaggregation of pollution rates and a model of numerical dispersion.

Transport characteristics of graphene field-effect transistors were measured in situ in oxygen/nitrogen atmospheres and at various temperatures. Mobilities of holes were extracted from transport ch...

In Kinnell (2018), I proposed that the soil erodibility factor KUMM used in the USLE-MM model could be replaced by the product of the soil erodibility factor KUM and a coefficient a1 that was given by the ratio of between KUMM and KUM. The theory was developed based on the well-known practice that for USLE based models, the erodibility factor is calculated as the ratio between the total soil loss for a set of erosion producing events and the total value of the erosivity index associated with those events. In their comment, Pampalone et al. (2018) used data for KUMM and KUM values for 12 plots at Sparacia determined by regression analysis to calculate a1 using a different method to show that the exponential equation I proposed in Kinnell (2018) between the power of the erosivity term and the a1 was demonstrated to be site dependent. In this reply, the approach adopted by Pampalone et al. is challenged for not using the well-known method for determining soil erodibilities in USLE based models and the consequences of power increasing with slope length while the runoff ratio decreases with slope length on the values of a1 is illustrated. At Sparacia, soil loss varies with KUM, slope length, and slope gradient, and, in addition, in the context of the USLE-MM, consideration has to be given to the fact that both b1 and the runoff ratio vary with slope length.

The ionic Hubbard model with spatially alternating interactions, which may be realized by cold atoms in optical lattices, is studied by mean of the coherent potential approximation. The paramagnetic phase diagram for the half-filled model at zero temperature is obtained. The possibility of enlarging an intermediate metallic region in the parameter space is addressed.

A novel approach to construct site-dependent ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) was implemented to build a uniform hazard response spectra (UHRS) using a reservoir site in southern Taiwan as an example. This innovation minimizes the GMPE uncertainties to avoid over-estimations in a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). We selected ground-motion records with similar site conditions from the stations within 70 km of the studied site to build a site-dependent ground-motion prediction model for crustal earthquakes in the region. This site-dependent GMPE set obtains a significantly smaller scattering of residuals compared with the existing regional GMPEs from the Taiwan data set. This indicates that a set of site-dependent GMPEs could provide a more accurate and reasonable prediction of ground-motion levels for the design or safety evaluation of important infrastructures.

The interactions between substitutional carbon atoms and S3 {111}, S9 {221}, and S27 {552} twin boundaries (TB) in silicon were investigated by first-principles calculations. The preferential segregation sites and segregation energy for carbon at different TBs were determined. It shows that segregation of carbon atoms at S3 {111} TB is energetically unfavorable while S9 {221} and S27 {552} TBs are efficient gettering centers for carbon. A linear relationship between the atomic-site specific segregation energy for carbon at TBs and the average bond length (ABL) of the atomic site is deduced. © 2017. This is the authors’ accepted and refereed manuscript to the article. LOCKED until 15.4.2019 due to copyright restrictions. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Objectives/Hypothesis External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. Study Design Case-control study. Methods We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry. Results There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure. Conclusions The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466–2474, 2017

Atomic substitution and doping are two of the most adopted strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of layered cathode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we report a comprehensive study on the effects of seven dopants (Al, Ga, Mg, Si, Ti, V, and Zr) on the well-known drawbacks of Ni-rich LiNi1−2yCoyMnyO2 (NCM) (y ≤ 0.1), one of the most promising next-generation cathode materials for LIBs, including phase instability, Li–Ni exchange, Ni segregation, lattice distortion, and oxygen evolution. Our results show that there is not a single dopant that can solve all the problems at the same time and, moreover, while they often improve certain properties, they may have no effect or even worsen others. By comparing different doping sites, we found a strong site preference due to the tradeoff between Mn and Co concentrations. This site preference indicates that a multicomponent-doping strategy should be adopted at both Mn and Co sites. Finally, a rationale for the optimization of the overall electrochemical performance of Ni-rich NCM is proposed, which will ultimately provide practical guidance (Ti or Zr at the Co site and Al at the Mn site) for the design of new Ni-rich layered cathode materials for LIBs.

The iliotibial band (ITB) is the lateral thickening of the fascia lata. The ITB has been extensively studied for its relevance to injury, but not much is known about its elastic properties. We aimed to investigate the site- and joint angle-dependence of ITB elasticity. We tested twelve healthy males (22–30 years; in vivo) and twelve male cadavers (69–93 years; cadaver). The Young’s modulus of the ITB was measured in the longitudinal direction at five sites (over the proximal, middle, and distal bellies of the vastus lateralis (VL), superior border of the patella, and between femur and tibia) of the right limb, by ultrasound shear wave elastography (in vivo) and the tensile test (cadaver). Joint angle-dependence was also studied for nine different positions (knee angles at 0, 25, 90˚ x hip angles at 0, 40, 90˚) (in vivo). Over VL, the ITB was more compliant at the distal (17.6–190.1 kPa; in vivo, 219.4 ± 68.8 MPa; cadaver, mean ± SD) than other sites (24.2–221.4 kPa, 337.9–362.7 MPa). The ITB at the superior border of the patella and between femur and tibia was stiffer in vivo (31.8–271.8 and 50.9–208.8 kPa), while it was more compliant in cadavers (113.4 ± 63.7 and 130.4 ± 73.7 MPa), compared to other sites. The ITB became stiffer associated with increasing hip extension angle and knee flexion angle, and the hip remarkably affecting the values regardless of site (in vivo). Our findings have clinical significance with respect to the site- and joint angle-dependence of ITB-related overuse injury.

The main objective of this work is to present a theoretical proposal for an implementation of the $(2 + 1)$-dimensional Dirac equation in classical gravitational and electromagnetic backgrounds in a two-dimensional waveguide array. For this, a framework for achieving site-dependent effective coupling constants in two-dimensional waveguide arrays is developed. Implementability of the Dirac equation under the proposed scheme puts minor demands on gauge and spacetime backgrounds; however, a wide array of physical spacetimes, such as all vacuum and static solutions, prove to be implementable. As an interesting and instructive example, we discuss a tabletop realization of the gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect: After devising a thought experiment in which signatures of the gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect could be detected, we briefly discuss how the analogue of such a setting can in principle be implemented using the proposed waveguide setup., 17 pages, 2 figures

We propose a self-consistent site-dependent Hubbard $U$ approach for density functional theory (DFT)+$U$ calculations of defects in complex transition metal oxides, using Hubbard parameters computed via linear response theory. The formation of a defect locally perturbs the chemical environment of Hubbard sites in its vicinity, resulting in different Hubbard $U$ parameters for different sites. Using oxygen vacancies in ${\mathrm{SrMnO}}_{3}$ as a model system, we investigate the dependence of $U$ on the chemical environment and study its influence on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of defective bulk and strained thin-film structures. Our results show that a self-consistent $U$ improves the description of stoichiometric bulk ${\mathrm{SrMnO}}_{3}$ with respect to generalized gradient approximation (GGA) or GGA+$U$ calculations using an empirical $U$. For defective systems, $U$ changes as a function of the distance of the Hubbard site from the defect, its oxidation state, and the magnetic phase of the bulk structure. Taking into account this dependence, in turn, affects the computed defect formation energies and the predicted strain- and/or defect-induced magnetic phase transitions, especially when occupied localized states appear in the band gap of the material upon defect creation.

We investigate a continuous Heisenberg spin chain equation which models the local magnetization in ferromagnet with time- and site-dependent inhomogeneous bilinear interaction and time-dependent spin-transfer torque. By establishing the gauge equivalence between the spin chain equation and an integrable generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation, we present explicitly a novel nonautonomous magnetic soliton solution for the spin chain equation. The results display how the dynamics of the magnetic soliton can be controlled by the bilinear interaction and spin-polarized current. Especially, we find that the site-dependent bilinear interaction may break some conserved quantity, and give rise to damping-like effect in the spin evolution.

Modelling predicts that drought tolerance during reproductive development is important for higher yield potentials (up to 37%) and greater yield stability for wheat under future climate change in Europe., Drought stress during reproductive development could drastically reduce wheat grain number and yield, but quantitative evaluation of such an effect is unknown under climate change. The objectives of this study were to evaluate potential yield benefits of drought tolerance during reproductive development for wheat ideotypes under climate change in Europe, and to identify potential cultivar parameters for improvement. We used the Sirius wheat model to optimize drought-tolerant (DT) and drought-sensitive (DS) wheat ideotypes under a future 2050 climate scenario at 13 contrasting sites, representing major wheat growing regions in Europe. Averaged over the sites, DT ideotypes achieved 13.4% greater yield compared with DS, with higher yield stability. However, the performances of the ideotypes were site dependent. Mean yield of DT was 28–37% greater compared with DS in southern Europe. In contrast, no yield difference (≤1%) between ideotypes was found in north-western Europe. An intermediate yield benefit of 10–23% was found due to drought tolerance in central and eastern Europe. We conclude that tolerance to drought stress during reproductive development is important for high yield potentials and greater yield stability of wheat under climate change in Europe.

A strategy for threading an axle having a hydrogen bond acceptor unit in the cavity of a C3v symmetric amido-amine macrobicycle is investigated. The macrobicycle acts as a wheel in its neutral as well as triprotonated states to form threaded architectures with a pyridine N-oxide derivative. The negative oxygen dipole of the axle is capable of [2]pseudorotaxane formation in two different orientations with the wheel in its neutral and triprotonated states.

Recent evidence from across the southeastern United States indicating high predation rates by coyotes (Canis latrans) on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns has led some managers to implement coyote control. Although some evidence suggests coyote control can improve recruitment, success appears to be site dependent. Therefore, we designed an experiment to assess feasibility of coyote control as a management action to increase recruitment on B.F. Grant and Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in central Georgia, USA. We estimated annual coyote abundance during 2010–2012 using a noninvasive mark–recapture design and fawn recruitment using infrared-triggered camera surveys. During March–June 2011 and March–April 2012, trappers removed coyotes from both sites. Estimates of coyote abundance on B.F. Grant WMA after trapping were 81% (2011) and 24% (2012) lower than during preremoval. Coyote abundance estimates were similar among years on Cedar Creek WMA. Fawn recruitment on B.F. Grant WMA averaged 0.65 fawns/adult female prior to removal and 1.01 fawns/adult female during the 2 years following the removals. Fawn recruitment on Cedar Creek WMA did not differ among years during the study, and was similar to that prior to coyote arrival. The differential coyote impacts and variable effectiveness of trapping we observed on nearby sites suggest coyote control may not achieve management objectives in some areas. Furthermore, transient behavior and the potential for coyotes to adapt to control efforts likely reduce efficacy of this management action. However, we observed an increase in recruitment on B.F. Grant WMA during one year, and others have seen similar responses. Therefore if lowered fawn recruitment is hindering achievement of management objectives, we recommend managers who opt to control coyotes continuously monitor recruitment to determine whether a response occurs. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.

The time dynamics of seismic microtremors recorded in several sites in Chisinau City (Moldova) are analysed by means of the informational approaches of the Fisher Information Measure (FIM) and the Shannon entropy. The sites show different soil characteristics. One of the investigated sites, Minar Calcar (MC), is located on hard rock, while the others on soft soil. Our analysis has shown that MC, which is very different from the other sites, is featured by the highest FIM and the lowest Shannon entropy. This indicates that the properties of order and organization of seismic microtremor time series depend on the soil characteristics of the sites, suggesting a higher organization structure and lower disorder in those microtremors recorded in hard rock sites with respect to those recorded in soft soil sites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The impact of site-dependent pumping (SDP) on the performance of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) pumped at wavelengths around 1480 nm is investigated, both experimentally and numerically. An improved numerical model incorporating the SDP effect for two-level EDFAs is derived and experimentally validated. We confirm by comparing with experimental data that the proposed model accurately describes the dependence of the amplifier gain spectrum on the pump wavelength and pump power. We conclude that SDP has a significant impact on the dynamic response of an EDFA due to input spectral variations and should be considered when simulating high performance links.

A system for the radiological protection of the environment (or wildlife) based on Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) has been suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). To assess whole-body activity concentrations for RAPs and the resultant internal dose rates, transfer parameters are required. However, transfer values specifically for the taxonomic families defined for the RAPs are often sparse and furthermore can be extremely site dependent. There is also a considerable geographical bias within available transfer data, with few data for Mediterranean ecosystems. In the present work, stable element concentrations (I, Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, K. Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb and U) in terrestrial RAPs, and the corresponding whole-body concentration ratios, CRwo, were determined in two different Mediterranean ecosystems: a Pinewood and a Dehesa (grassland with disperse tree cover). The RAPs considered in the Pinewood ecosystem were Pine Tree and Wild Grass; whereas in the Dehesa ecosystem those considered were Deer, Rat, Earthworm, Bee, Frog, Duck and Wild Grass. The CRwo values estimated from these data are compared to those reported in international compilations and databases.

Energy yield predictions vs. time depend on both the degradation rates and which parameters are affected e.g. I SC , FF, V OC , R SC , and/or R OC . These cause site dependent energy yield changes (due to the varying fraction of energy generated vs. irradiance or temperature). This study uses outdoor measurements from the publically available NREL data set and also Gantner Instruments' (GI) in-house data from AZ. Analysis is performed with the normalised matrix method vs. the SRCL/GI Loss Factors Model. The LFM can better identify and quantify degradation including R SC and R OC changes. For best understanding these needed the higher quality data from Gantner Instruments measurements rather than NREL which has difficulty finding R SHUNt .

Typically used as a primary anesthetic or for postoperative pain control for procedures on the upper extremity, with block site dependent on location of procedure. May also be performed for acute pain control associated with trauma or chronic pain (CPRS, Raynaud’s, peripheral neuropathy).

Phonon dispersion in periodically rippled graphene/Ru(0001) has been studied by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy and density functional theory. We show that, in addition to the usual phonon modes of the free-standing graphene lattice, the phonon spectrum of graphene/Ru(0001) exhibits additional modes arising from the peculiar nanostructured morphology of this system. In particular, the out-of-plane optical phonon has two components at 83 and 105 meV, related to the spectral contribution arising from carbon atoms in the valleys and in the hills of the ripples, respectively.

Acid–base properties exert important influences on biochar’s practical application as a soil amendment or contaminant sorbent. In this paper, a model with independent acidic/basic sites coexisting on a biochar surface is proposed to account for the acid–base behavior of biochar derived from two invasive species (Spartina alterniflora and water hyacinth). Modeling results show that a three-site model with two acidic sites and one basic site can reflect the acid–base behavior of biochar, increasing pyrolysis temperature results in the change in concentration (basic sites increase successively, while acidic sites decrease first and then increase) and strength (individual site dependent) of acidic and basic sites. Both the concentration and strength of the sites play important roles in the acid–base behavior of biochar. Theoretical simulations based on modeling results demonstrate that both surface net and local charge should be considered when electrostatic interaction is responsible for the biochar’s enviro...

Exotic metal (EM) doping in LiFePO4 materials could mitigate their poor electronic conductivity and electrochemical performance. This effect is believed to be dependent on the EM dwelling site, which has yet been well clarified due to experimental difficulty. Herein, we report on Mg-doped LiFePO4 samples with dopant in two distinct sites, namely the Li1− 2xMgxFePO4 and LiFe1− xMgxPO4, using a specially designed two-step reaction. The conductivity and electrochemical test results are a clear indication that the performance of the doped LiFePO4 samples is highly Mg site dependent, consistent with theoretical analysis. Keywords: Lithium rechargeable battery, Lithium iron phosphate, Dopant, Conductivity, Electrochemical performance

We examine the heterogeneity of the Lewis acidity on the (100) and (110) facets of γ-Al2O3 by computing the binding energies of various oxygenates, in addition to the reaction barriers of dehydration and etherification reactions of ethanol. We show that the ethanol dehydration barrier is moderately affected by site heterogeneity (barriers between 1.2 and 1.6 eV); in contrast, a nearly 3-fold change in the ethanol etherification barrier is found among the various Al3+ sites. In order to rationalize these results, the s-conduction band mean of the Al3+ sites is introduced as a descriptor to characterize the ability to transfer electron charge from the adsorbate to the Lewis acid site. It is shown for the first time that this descriptor quantitatively correlates the oxygenate binding energies and the ethanol dehydration reaction barriers. However, for the ethanol etherification reactions the s-conduction band mean of the Al3+ sites describes barriers only qualitatively due to the bimolecular nature of this r...

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the site-dependent changes in the structure and function of articular cartilage in the lapine knee joint at a very early stage of osteoarthritis (OA), created experimentally by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT).MethodsUnilateral ACLT was performed in eight mature New Zealand white rabbits. ACL transected and contralateral (C-L) joints were prepared for analysis at 4 weeks after ACLT. Three rabbits with intact joints were used as a control group (CNTRL). Femoral groove, medial and lateral femoral condyles, and tibial plateaus were harvested and used in the analysis. Biomechanical tests, microscopy and spectroscopy were used to determine the biomechanical properties, composition and structure of the samples. A linear mixed model was chosen for statistical comparisons between the groups.ResultsAs a result of ACLT, the equilibrium and dynamic moduli were decreased primarily in the femoral condyle cartilage. Up to three times lower moduli (P

We consider a kind of site-dependent branching Brownian motions whose branching laws depend on the site-branching factor σ(·). We focus on the functional ergodic limits for the occupation time processes of the models in R. It is proved that the limiting process has the form of λ ξ (·), where λ is the Lebesgue measure on R and ξ (·) is a real-valued process which is non-degenerate if and only if σ is integrable. When ξ (·) is non-degenerate, it is strictly positive for t > 0. Moreover, ξ converges to 0 in finite-dimensional distributions if the integral of σ tends to infinity.

We study the effects of heat loss and nest site quality on fecundity in a chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) colony on Deception Island, Antarctica. During the austral summers of 1990-1991, 1993-1994, and 1995-1996, 441 randomly selected nests were analyzed. Penguins breeding in the center of subcolonies hatched significantly earlier and had larger broods and than those nesting near or at the edge of the subcolonies. These differences, however, were significantly affected by interaction between year and nest location, being highly significant in colder years, when peripheral nests produce fewer young. Analysis of the rate of heat loss showed that penguins breeding at the edge of subcolonies lost heat twice as rapidly as those breeding in the interior of the subcolony. In a re-occupation experiment, evacuated center nests were re-occupied almost ten times as rapidly as edge nests. An analysis of mean fecundity in the period 1991-1996 and mean wind chill suggested that most of the variability in fecundity among years was related to differences in the rate of heat loss. Subcolonies tend to be as circular as possible, thereby decreasing the proportion of edge nests as the size of subcolony increases. Our results support the site-dependent fecundity hypothesis. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Six experiments, initially established to investigate the effects of weed control on establishment of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong) Carr.) were revisited 15–25 years after planting, and 6–22 years after weed control ceased. At three of the six experiments weed control resulted in initial benefits to growth and in some cases survival at Age 3, while no effect was evident at the other three sites. At mid-rotation, 15–25 years after planting, although there were no persistent effects of weed control on height or diameter growth, at three of the experiments there was a positive effect on survival. Projection of these mid-rotation survival effects to full rotation using a growth and yield model indicated that weed control may have the potential to increase final yield and carbon storage at some of these sites in the longer term. The existence and magnitude of benefits from weed control were highly site dependent. This study demonstrates that there is clear potential for early weed control to increase the cost-effective carbon storage and hence the climate change mitigation potential of some British Sitka spruce forests, particularly on nutrient rich sites and with stands that are subsequently thinned. The development of dedicated long-term weeding trials in the UK, including thinned stands where cumulative volume removed in thinning is recorded, is required to confirm this.

Author(s): Saito, Shinji; Higashi, Masahiro; Fleming, Graham R | Abstract: Revised Table 1 is provided. (Table Presented). The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b11080. Revised Table S1 of exciton energies and eigenfunctions (PDF).

Using Density Functional Theory, we have investigated the emergence of half-metallicity in a quaternary Heusler compound with both 3d and 4d electrons as constituents, by chemical substitutions at different sites in the lattice. Mn2RhSi, Co2RhSi and CoRhMnSi, the parents-daughter combination where one of the ternary parents is a normal metal is chosen as an example. We find that the substituting site, and the electronic structures of the constituent magnetic components are responsible for sustenance of half-metallicity or absence of it while making quaternary daughter from ternary parents. We have studied the effects of site-dependent substitutions on the finite temperature magnetic properties and predicted that in this family, half-metals with high Curie temperatures can be obtained in substitutionally disordered quaternary compounds, apart from the ordered ones. We have also proposed that similar phenomena can be observed in other parent-daughter combinations having both 3d and 4d elements in the same compound and having same combination of electronic properties in the context of half-metallic behaviour.

Spalling is an unstable phenomenon of rock surrounding underground openings that are subject to high in situ stress, along with the development of fractures. Up until now, spalling criteria have been developed based on experience in the field; however, the range of values in all spalling criteria is in either case or site dependent such that fuzziness or vagueness cannot be avoided. In this study, a new fuzzy probability model to assess systematically the probability of spalling in early design stage is proposed. Twenty underground opening projects across the world were evaluated using the proposed method. Results expressed in terms of spalling probability agreed well with field observations. In particular, the new fuzzy probability model, which considers all three spalling criteria by adopting weighting factors, was able to resolve the problem of erroneous assessment of spalling when only one spalling criterion is chosen.