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The Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon 1 (EUSO-SPB1) was launched in 2017 April from Wanaka, New Zealand. The plan of this mission of opportunity on a NASA super pressure balloon test flight was to circle the southern hemisphere. The primary scientific goal was to make the first observations of ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray extensive air showers (EASs) by looking down on the atmosphere with an ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence telescope from suborbital altitude (33 km). After 12 days and 4 h aloft, the flight was terminated prematurely in the Pacific Ocean. Before the flight, the instrument was tested extensively in the West Desert of Utah, USA, with UV point sources and lasers. The test results indicated that the instrument had sensitivity to EASs of ⪆ 3 EeV. Simulations of the telescope system, telescope on time, and realized flight trajectory predicted an observation of about 1 event assuming clear sky conditions. The effects of high clouds were estimated to reduce this value by approximately a factor of 2. A manual search and a machine-learning-based search did not find any EAS signals in these data. Here we review the EUSO-SPB1 instrument and flight and the EAS search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies of the magnetic properties of the LiYb F 4 single crystal and powder samples, and magnetoelastic properties of the LiYb F 4 single crystal samples, at low temperature and applied field range of 0-9 T. The magnetostriction experimental data for the single crystal of LiYb F 4 is published for the first time. The magnetization and magnetostriction were calculated in the framework of the exchange-charge model taking into account dipole–dipole and electron-deformation interactions, with the calculation of the electron-deformation parameters. The theoretical analysis presents quantitative agreement in the temperature range of 2–10 K with the magnetization and magnetostriction measurements of the LiYb F 4 samples. • Experimental magnetostriction data shows high anisotropy of the magnetoelastic properties. • Exchange-charge model describes magnetic properties of LiYb F 4 crystals at 2 < T < 300 K. • Magnetic properties of LiYb F 4 single crystal have four-fold symmetry. • Set of electron-deformation parameters for LiYb F 4 was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, characterization was conducted on resistant starch, isolated from different cultivars of V. unguiculata (Bechuana White , Fahari , PAN 311 , TVU 11424 and DT 129-4). The fraction of resistant starch obtained was found in the range of 9.42–13.74%, with DT 129-4 yielding the highest fraction. Amylose content of the starches varied between 18.72 and 19.67%. Swelling power, solubility index and syneresis was directly proportional to the different temperatures. A correlation between amylose content and swelling power was observed as swelling power was indirectly proportional to amylose content. Water and oil absorption capacity was 31.93–88.06% and 10.29–27.71% respectively. Foaming, emulsion capacity, and stability were done, however, due to the lack of protein in the resistant starch samples, results obtained were relatively low, ranging between 0.00 and 22.41%. The degree of whiteness during colour analysis ranged between 80.81 and 84.61%. The FTIR-spectra displayed no distinctive difference amongst the vibration bands on the hydroxyl, methine and carbonyl frequency stretches and confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the resistant starch. The XRD spectra displayed a Ca-type crystalline structure for all 5 cultivars. Overall, this study shows that resistant starch has the potential to be used in many food applications and as a microencapsulation membrane. • Vigna unguiculata cultivars contain approximately 9–14% resistant starch. • Swelling power of resistant starch is indirectly proportional to amylose content. • Resistant starch displayed a Ca-type crystalline structure. • Resistant starch has the potential to be used in various food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The JEM-EUSO (Joint Experiment Missions for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory) program aims at developing Ultra-Violet (UV) fluorescence telescopes for efficient detections of Extensive Air Showers (EASs) induced by Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) from satellite orbit. In order to demonstrate key technologies for JEM-EUSO, we constructed the EUSO-Balloon instrument that consists of a ∼1 m2 refractive telescope with two Fresnel lenses and an array of multi-anode photo-multiplier tubes at the focus. Distinguishing it from the former balloon-borne experiments, EUSO-Balloon has the capabilities of single photon counting with a gate time of 2.3 µs and of imaging with a total of 2304 pixels. As a pathfinder mission, the instrument was launched for an 8 h stratospheric flight on a moonless night in August 2014 over Timmins, Canada. In this work, we analyze the count rates over ∼2.5 h intervals. The measurements are of diffuse light, e.g. of airglow emission, back-scattered from the Earth's atmosphere as well as artificial light sources. Count rates from such diffuse light are a background for EAS detections in future missions and relevant factor for the analysis of EAS events. We also obtain the geographical distribution of the count rates over a ∼780 km2 area along the balloon trajectory. In developed areas, light sources such as the airport, mines, and factories are clearly identified. This demonstrates the correct location of signals that will be required for the EAS analysis in future missions. Although a precise determination of count rates is relevant for the existing instruments, the absolute intensity of diffuse light is deduced for the limited conditions by assuming spectra models and considering simulations of the instrument response. Based on the study of diffuse light by EUSO-Balloon, we also discuss the implications for coming pathfinders and future space-based UHECR observation missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We examined the friction and wear properties of nanostripe-inducing structures (NISs), namely, a multilayer film consisting of layers of a soft metal (Ag) and a hard metal (Cr) applied on a periodic slope array on a Si substrate. The friction coefficients of the different samples of the Cr-Ag NISs were measured by rubbing four different types of sliders against the samples using a reciprocating friction tester under dry conditions. The wear depths were examined using a confocal microscope. It was found that, when the rubbing was done under vacuum conditions of 2 × 10−4 Pa, the friction coefficient decreased with increasing number of oscillations, and its values ranged between 0.2 and 0.3 at the end of the test. In addition, the wear resistances of the different NIS samples were observed to be one order of magnitude higher than that of a single Cr layer on a periodic slope array. Highlights • Nanostripe-Inducing Structures (NISs) realize self-repairing solid lubricating film. • The NISs generate an Ag transfer thin film on the Cr surface by rubbing. • The NISs reduced friction coefficient to 0.2–0.3, irrespective to the slider material and to its curvature radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EUSO-TA is a ground-based telescope, installed at the Telescope Array (TA) site in Black Rock Mesa, Utah, USA. This is the first detector to successfully use a Fresnel lens based optical system and multi-anode photomultipliers (64 channels per tube, 2304 channels encompassing a 10.6° × 10.6° field of view) for detection of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR). The telescope is located in front of one of the fluorescence detectors of the TA experiment. Since its installation in 2013, the detector has observed several ultra-high energy cosmic ray events and, in addition, meteors. The limiting magnitude of 5.5 on summed frames ( ∼ 3 ms) has been established. Measurements of the UV night sky emission in different conditions and moon phases and positions have been completed. The performed observations serve as a proof of concept for the future application of this detector technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JEM-EUSO is a space mission designed to investigate Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos ( E > 5 ⋅ 1 0 19 eV ) from the International Space Station (ISS). Looking down from above its wide angle telescope is able to observe their air showers and collect such data from a very wide area. Highly specific trigger algorithms are needed to drastically reduce the data load in the presence of both atmospheric and human activity related background light, yet retain the rare cosmic ray events recorded in the telescope. We report the performance in offline testing of the first level trigger algorithm on data from JEM-EUSO prototypes and laboratory measurements observing different light sources: data taken during a high altitude balloon flight over Canada, laser pulses observed from the ground traversing the real atmosphere, and model landscapes reproducing realistic aspect ratios and light conditions as would be seen from the ISS itself. The first level trigger logic successfully kept the trigger rate within the permissible bounds when challenged with artificially produced as well as naturally encountered night sky background fluctuations and while retaining events with general air-shower characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoot-through phenomenon has not been fully discussed for high-power inverters with IGBTs. This is because a negative gate voltage is applied to IGBTs during off states. Recently, attention is paid to an improved gate driver with only a positive gate voltage in order to meet demands for simplification, integration, and reduction in power consumption as well as in cost of the gate driver. Moreover, the threshold voltage of the next-generation IGBT will decrease with microfabrication techniques of the gate structure. This will make the shoot-through phenomenon severer and degrade the inverter reliability with the next-generation IGBTs. The influence of the parasitic parameters in both the IGBT and circuit on the shoot-through mechanism has not been investigated so far. This paper clarifies the shoot-through mechanism and investigates the impact of the next generation IGBTs on the inverter reliability. The influence of the internal capacitance of IGBT including stray inductance on inverter reliability is experimentally confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarize the state of the art of a program of UV observations from space of meteor phenomena, a secondary objective of the JEM-EUSO international collaboration. Our preliminary analysis indicates that JEM-EUSO, taking advantage of its large FOV and good sensitivity, should be able to detect meteors down to absolute magnitude close to 7. This means that JEM-EUSO should be able to record a statistically significant flux of meteors, including both sporadic ones, and events produced by different meteor streams. Being unaffected by adverse weather conditions, JEM-EUSO can also be a very important facility for the detection of bright meteors and fireballs, as these events can be detected even in conditions of very high sky background. In the case of bright events, moreover, exhibiting some persistence of the meteor train, preliminary simulations show that it should be possible to exploit the motion of the ISS itself and derive at least a rough 3D reconstruction of the meteor trajectory. Moreover, the observing strategy developed to detect meteors may also be applied to the detection of nuclearites, exotic particles whose existence has been suggested by some theoretical investigations. Nuclearites are expected to move at higher velocities than meteoroids, and to exhibit a wider range of possible trajectories, including particles moving upward after crossing the Earth. Some pilot studies, including the approved Mini-EUSO mission, a precursor of JEM-EUSO, are currently operational or in preparation. We are doing simulations to assess the performance of Mini-EUSO for meteor studies, while a few meteor events have been already detected using the ground-based facility EUSO-TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a search for MeV-scale astrophysical neutrinos in KamLAND presented as an excess in the number of coincident neutrino interactions associated with the publicly available high-energy neutrino datasets from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. We find no statistically significant excess in the number of observed low-energy electron antineutrinos in KamLAND, given a coincidence time window of ± 500 s, ± 1,000 s, ± 3,600 s, and ± 10,000 s around each of the IceCube neutrinos. We use this observation to present limits from 1.8 MeV to 100 MeV on the electron antineutrino fluence, assuming a mono-energetic flux. We then compare the results to several astrophysical measurements performed by IceCube and place a limit at the 90% confidence level on the electron antineutrino isotropic thermal luminosity from the TXS 0506+056 blazar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystallization processing of glasses is important as a novel technique for the development of new optical materials, and laser-induced crystallization provides a new challenge in science and technology of materials. Nonlinear optical BaAlBO 3 F 2 crystal lines with crossing, bending, and spiral shapes were patterned at the surface of 2NiO–49BaF 2 –24.5Al 2 O 3 –24.5B 2 O 3 (mol%) and 2.9NiO–48.5BaF 2 –24.3Al 2 O 3 –24.3B 2 O 3 (mol%) glasses by laser irradiation (Yb:YVO 4 laser with a wavelength of 1080 nm) and the orientation state of BaAlBO 3 F 2 crystals was examined from birefringence image observations. The birefringence images indicate that the growth of highly c -axis oriented BaAlBO 3 F 2 crystals follows along the laser scanning direction even if the laser scanning direction changes, and in particular the direction of the c -axis of BaAlBO 3 F 2 crystals changes gradually at the crossing and bending points. The model of “ self-organized homo-epitaxial growth ” is proposed for the crystal orientation at the crossing and bending points, as a new crystal growth science and engineering beyond the wise providence of nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the addition of Nb and B on grain boundary precipitation, martensitic transformation and superelasticity were investigated in the Fe–Ni–Co–Al alloys. The addition of Nb increases the hardness and the martensitic transformation changes from non-thermoelastic to thermoelastic, while the addition of B is effective for suppressing the formation of brittle grain boundary precipitates. By the recrystallization texture developed by 98.5% cold-rolling and annealing, high ductility and superelasticity with 5% recoverable strain were realized in the Fe–28Ni–17Co–10.5Al–2.5Nb–0.05B polycrystalline alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Deposition of titanium on oxidized silicon surfaces. [•] Characterization of oxide thin films on Si surfaces using photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation. [•] Chemical shift due to charge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To determine the effects of seminal plasma during and after cyopreservation on post-thaw sperm functions in semen from poor freezability boars, seminal plasma was removed immediately after collection, and sperm was subjected to cooling and freezing. Removal of seminal plasma did not significantly affect post-thaw sperm motility in good freezability boars; however, in boars with poor freezability, it increased post-thaw motility relative to control sperm cooled with seminal plasma (64.5±3.4% vs. 30.9±3.1%, P <0.01). Freezing sperm without seminal plasma increased both loss of the acrosome cap (37.5±1.6% vs. 18.4±2.8%, P <0.01) and expression of a 15kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (capacitation marker) in thawed sperm relative to controls; the addition of 10% (v/v) seminal plasma to the thawing solution significantly suppressed both changes and increased conception rate to AI (70% vs. 9% in the control group, P <0.05). In conclusion, our novel cryopreservation and thawing method increased the success of AI with frozen-thawed porcine semen, particularly from boars with poor post-thaw semen quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We examined the effect of short HVEM pre-irradiation at lower or higher temperature on void swelling behavior in electron irradiated austenitic model alloys, Fe–15Cr–xNi (x =15, 20, 25 or 30wt%). By 6dpa irradiation at constant temperature, voids were formed at 200–400°C in 15, 20, and 25Ni alloys but did not form above 350°C in the 30Ni alloy. In the temperature variation irradiation, an initial 0.6dpa irradiation at 200–500°C was followed by irradiation of 5.4dpa at 400°C. The effect of pre-irradiation at lower temperature was a slight increase in the void number density, and that at higher temperature was a suppression of void formation. SFT induced by irradiation at lower temperature were not effective void nuclei in the subsequent irradiation at higher temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present an overview of the laser altimeter(LIDAR) results for asteroid 25143 Itokawa. The trace of a 7×12-m elliptical beam spot made it possible to determine the local surface topography with an accuracy of a few meters in altitude, from a home position roughly 7km above the surface. Sequential detection of the altitude of the spacecraft during two orbital spans of descent for sampling allowed determination of the asteroid mass as 3.58×1010 kg±5% and 3.54×1010 kg±6%, which are consistent with the most probable mass estimate of 3.51×1010 kg±3% given by Fujiwara et al. [Fujiwara, A., Kawaguchi, J., Yeomans, D.K. et al., 2006. The rubble-pile asteroid Itokawa as observed by Hayabusa. Science 312, 1330–1334]. Together with the total volume of the asteroid deduced from a shape model (i.e., 1.84×107 m3 ±3%), this estimate by LIDAR suggests that asteroid Itokawa has a low density of 1.9g/cm3 ±9% and a high bulk porosity of about 40%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated compositional plane of a wide band gap solid solution semiconductor Ca1− x Cd x Se1− y S y (x⩽0.32) using powder synthesis under thermal equilibrium condition. The solubility limit at 1273K varies with respect to the Se concentration y, taking a minimum Cd solubility limit of 0.12 at and a maximum limit of 0.32 at . It is found that the system can be lattice-matched to GaAs and InP under covering the energy band gap of ultraviolet–visible region. These results allow to design optoelectronic devices adopting the Ca1− x Cd x Se1− y S y system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The purpose of this study was to clarify any changes in muscle fibre properties in different regions of murine tongue during development, and to assess the effects of functional changes including weaning on these muscle fibres. The tongue was divided into upper and lower regions at the lateral margin, and the expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms at different ages was investigated. Expression of genes encoding MHC proteins was quantified at the transcription level by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and the protein expression of MHC isoforms was assessed by immunostaining. No difference was found in isoform expression between the upper and lower regions of the tongue before weaning. However, the expression of MHC-2b increased markedly in both regions after weaning, while that of MHC-2a decreased. At the age of 16 weeks, the expression of MHC-2b in the lower region was greater than that in the upper region. These findings show that during weaning, when there is a shift from sucking behaviour to mastication, the expression of MHC-2b increases along with an increase in the speed and strength of muscle contraction. Also, contraction force becomes stronger in the lower region of the tongue than the upper region at the age of 16 weeks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Conducting polymers with a fractal pattern have been prepared electrochemically and have been connected to each other. A network of conducting polymers similar to a neural network has been fabricated. The dopant used in the channels of the network of conducting polymers can be controlled by the current through the channels utilizing the property of a gel-conducting polymer such as poly (alkylthiophene). Thus the signal weight of the network of conducting polymers depends on the signals that flow through the network. This is called learning effect. In the case of a network of a single conducting polymer, it is hard to control the conductivity in the channels. In this paper, double or triple-layer conducting polymers have been used to achieve stable operation. Furthermore an alternative (sine wave) signal has been used to investigate the learning effect on the double layer conducting film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: cDNA microarray analysis indicated that COL9A1 and COL9A3 are highly expressed in the human inner ear, suggesting that type IX collagen has a crucial functional role in the inner ear. This study further confirmed, by means of real-time PCR, the presence of collagen type IX genes in the mouse inner ear. Immunocytochemical analysis also revealed that type IX collagen is distributed in the tectorial membrane, where it co-localizes with type II collagen, indicating that type IX collagen may contribute to the three-dimensional integrated structure of type II collagen molecules. Mice with targeted disruption of the col9a1 gene were shown through assessment by auditory brain stem response to have hearing loss, suggesting an important role of type IX collagen in maintaining normal hearing. At the light microscopic level, the tectorial membrane of knock-out mice was found to be abnormal in shape, and electron microscopy confirmed disturbance of organization of the collagen fibrils. An antibody against type II collagen failed to detect type II collagen in the tectorial membrane of type IX collagen knock-out mice, suggesting that a lack of type IX collagen may affect the three-dimensional structure of type II collagen molecules. These findings indicate that genes encoding each chain of type IX collagen may fulfill an important function associated with the tectorial membrane in the auditory system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Current perpendicular to plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) of single spin valves with two kinds free layers has been investigated. One is a single ferromagnetic layer (Conventional structure) and the other is a ferromagnetic layer with thin Ru cap layer (Ru cap structure). Both structure had increasing resistance and resistance changes with decreasing element size. The CPP-GMR ratio for a Ru cap structure was enhanced from 0.70 to 4.3% at room temperature. We think the MR enhancement is caused by the spin dependent scattering due to strong reflection of majority spins at the Co90Fe10/Ru interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: To clarify changes in the properties of the masseter muscle superficial and deep layer muscle fibres, which initiate masticatory movement, myosin heavy chain isoforms were evaluated based on immunohistochemistry at the transcription level in male mice both before and after weaning. In the results, MHC-2b isoforms, the isoforms with the fastest contraction speed, were observed in the superficial layer after weaning. However, MHC-2a isoforms with slower contraction speeds were not apparent. By contrast, in the deep layer, MHC-2a isoforms were present, as were MHC-2b isoforms, however, there were fewer MHC-2b isoforms present than in the superficial layer. The most rapid movement in the mouse mandible was observed anteroposteriorly during mastication. As the superficial layer of the masseter muscle runs parallel to the direction of mandibular movement, the presence of MHC-2b isoforms in it is consistent. The presence of MHC-2a isoforms in the deep layer, lying at right angles to the direction of mastication movement, is consistent with the positional adjustment of the mandible contributed by the deep layer muscle fibres during masticatory movement. We therefore conclude that complicated masticatory movement is achieved by the presence of various muscle bundles within the masseter, each carrying out different roles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Structural and magnetic properties of pseudo-binary compounds CrAs1-xPx (0≤x≤1) with the MnP-type structure have been studied by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and differential thermal analysis. For the compounds with x=0 and 0.03, the lattice parameters a and c increase abruptly, and b and v (unit cell volume) decrease abruptly at 265 and 110 K, respectively, which are considered to correspond to the Néel temperature (TN), as temperature increases. Magnetic susceptibility of all the prepared compounds shows feasible temperature dependence at temperatures from 4.2 to 300 K. The decrease of TN with x is discussed based on the x dependence of lattice parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated the optical and electrical properties of Bi- or Tl-doped Pb1−x(Mg1−ySry)xS thin films. The films with carrier concentration sufficient for use as cladding layers in a laser diode, were obtained by doping with Bi as n-type impurity or Tl as p-type impurity. Optical absorption was observed at far-infrared region on the Bi-doped films, and the relation between absorption coefficient α and carrier concentration n was found to be expressed as α=0.27n0.21 at 6 μm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New superconducting intermetallic compounds with a chemical formula of MRhGe2 (M=Zr, Hf) were discovered, and their crystallographic, magnetic, and electric properties were investigated. MRhGe2 crystallizes in an orthorhombic TiMnSi2 structure of space group Pbam and shows a superconducting transition at about 3 K. The magnetic susceptibility measurement indicated bulk superconductivity of MRhGe2. The superconducting parameters of MRhGe2 (M=Zr, Hf) indicate that they are type-II superconductors in the category of the BCS theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated the fabrication of the PbS single crystal with well-developed facet under the vapor pressure of sulfur. The relation between the vapor pressure of sulfur pS and the growth temperature Tg followed the expression as log(pS)=38−37410 Tg−1, when the faceted PbS single crystal was obtained. The conductivity type of the crystals changed from n-type to p-type in the vicinity of 100 Pa for pS, and the carrier concentration varied from 1016 to 1018 cm−3 at 77 K with respect to pS. This means that the deviation from stoichiometry in the faceted PbS single crystal can be controlled by pS. The flat surface thus obtained in the as-grown (1 0 0) facet allows us to use as a substrate directly for the mid-infrared laser without any mechanical polishing and chemical etching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We compared fresh weight, dry weight, amounts of several proteins and polyribosome content (putative protein synthesizing potential) in three maize varieties: wild-type (WT), opaque-2 (o2), and sweet corn (SW). All three varieties increased in fresh weight until 28 d after pollination (DAP), but o2 lost large amounts of water during the later stages, thus rendering its dry weight content much higher. Protein content (mg seed–1) was increased similarly in all three varieties, but protein concentration (mg g-tissue–1) was highest in o2 and lowest in WT. WT and SW accumulated about three times as much zein, and three times the amount of protein bodies (PB) as did o2, but only about half the amount of the cytoskeleton proteins, actin, β;-tubulin, and EF1α. Protein synthesizing potential (measured as polysomes and polysomal mRNA) was high in WT, somewhat lower in SW, and much lower in o2. The accumulation of total proteins was similar in all three varieties, the accumulation of zeins was much higher in WT and SW than in o2, but the accumulation of cytoskeleton proteins was higher, and the polysome content was much lower, in o2. This apparent discrepancy (less polysomes, but equal protein accumulation in o2) can be explained by the fact that protein synthesis is dependent not only on the amount of polyribosomes, but also on the cytoskeleton, either in the construction of the cytoskeleton as a scaffold for polysomes·mRNA, or as a provider of factors (EF1α) essential for translation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The occurrence of ferromagnetism was investigated in the Laves-phase compounds Mn1−xMxBe2 (M=Co, Ni, Cu) and MnBe2−xMx (M=Cu, B, Al) through magnetization measurements. The magnetic susceptibility is enhanced when Mn is replaced by Co and shows a maximum at about x=0.6. Ferromagnetic behavior is observed for specimens with a Co content of 0.3

The behaviours of MS-13X and MS-4A were examined. The fitness of the Dubinin–Astakhov equation to the adsorption equilibria of the fully-desorbed honeycomb beds was examined. The validity of the Langmuir approximation to the obtained adsorption equilibria for relatively low CO2 partial pressures was also discussed. The CO2 adsorption equilibria of the honeycomb zeolite beds are not affected by it''s desorption temperature, as long as the examined honeycomb beds are desorbed at a temperature greater than 250 °C, and are well correlated with the Dubinin–Astakhov equation, irrespective of adsorption temperature. The Langmuir approximation works well for CO2 partial pressures less than about 0.2 bar, but the accuracy of the approximation deteriorates as the adsorption temperature increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polycarbazole (PCZ) thin films have been electrochemically synthesized on SnO2 coated glass substrates. The electrolyte used was the anhydric LiClO4. It is shown that, after optimization of the potential scanning domain, PCZ films are systematically obtained. The physical and morphological properties of films are described. The films obtained with LiClO4 as electrolyte are homogeneous and their coverage efficiency on the SnO2 underlayer is very high. Films are exempt of pinholes, cracks and other morphological defaults as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammograms are reversible, attesting the high quality of the structural properties of the films. Moreover these films are photoluminescent. After deposition of an aluminum upper layer, the structures SnO2/PCZ/Al behave like diodes with a forward polarization when the SnO2 electrode is positively biased. Also these structures exhibit electroluminescent properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• An aquaculture management system for fish identifying and tracking was developed. • SegNet deep learning and space-state modeling were used to identify individuals. • Performance was evaluated in terms of SegNet network structure and training. • SegNet identification informed a particle tracking velocimetry analysis. In marine aquaculture, fish populations constantly decrease throughout the cultivation period because of mortality and escape. Current production management systems provide limited opportunities to count the cultured fish, making it difficult to estimate accurately the fish population in the cage. To overcome this problem, an automatic fish identifying method based on particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) flow visualization technology is proposed in this paper. The proposed method utilizes an image processing unit that extracts individual fish from the acquired image and a motion analysis unit that calculates the motion vector for each individual. Thus, the accuracy of the extraction results in the image processing unit affects the system's counting results. To validate the efficiency and robustness of the image extraction performed by the image processing unit, individuals were extracted from images using the open-source image deep learning semantic segmentation method (SegNet), which is able to distinguish between the background and foreground in the images via analysis at the pixel level. SegNet is able to improve the image discrimination performance by multiplying the learning paths, and the robustness of the detection results can be ensured by changing the layer structure according to the detection target. Accordingly, the use of SegNet was evaluated in terms of the number of layers and images in the training set. The results of this study indicate that the application of SegNet with PTV technology represents a promising method for the automatic identifying and behavioral tracking of fish in an aquaculture net cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention has been paid to the next-generation IGBT toward CMOS compatible wafer processes, which can be driven by a 5-V logic level due to its low threshold gate voltage. This low threshold voltage makes the so-called shoot-through fault severer. Even though the switching speed of the IGBT is intentionally reduced, the shoot-through fault can happen. This paper presents shoot-through protection for an inverter consisting of the next-generation IGBTs with gate impedance reduction. Theoretical analysis reveals the criterion of the gate impedance with taking parasitic parameters of the inverter into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical destruction and fatalities caused by earthquake events has compelled scientists to develop a method for predicting Earthquakes. It is almost impossible to detect earthquake events due to limited seismometer sensitivity; therefore, a non-seismological predictor was established by using the Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) magnetic field as a potential earthquake precursor. ULF waves respond to magnetic activity that are transferred to Earth by solar winds, and become ultimately linked to earthquake events. The statistical correlation analysis is used between ULF Pc4 and Pc5 pulsation, solar wind parameters; IMF- component (Bz), solar wind speed (Vsw), solar wind pressure (Psw), solar wind input energy (IEsw), and near-equator geomagnetic storm (SYM/H). Through a multiple regression modelled approach, the relationship between solar wind (SW) parameters (IMF-Bz, Vsw, Psw, IEsw) and near-equator geomagnetic index (SYM/H) with ULF wave pulsations (Pc4 - Pc5) prior to an earthquake (EQ) event (magnitude, M = 3.0–6.0, depth, d < 100 km, epicentre distance from magnetometer station, r < 100 km) was determined. The solar wind and geomagnetic index parameters were obtained from OMNIWeb, where ULF pulsations (Pc4 - Pc5) were computed from the magnetometer Davao station (Philippines) (7.00 o N, 125.40 o E) located in a low latitude region. The ULF Pc5 band demonstrated the best fit for the ULF earthquake precursor model in relation to solar wind parameters (Vsw, Psw) and geomagnetic index (SYM/H) with R 2 and R 2-adjusted values of (R 2 =0.5011, R 2-adj = 0.4940). The Vsw, Psw and SYM/H are major factors that contribute to the emission of ULF Pc5 prior to an earthquake, as determined by the stepwise regression method. This ULF earthquake precursor model is intended to address the problem seismologists face when predicting seismic events by assisting non-seismologists in locating the most effective EM-ULF wave bands in solar-terrestrial activities for detecting seismic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to examine the effects of narcissism on help seeking, problematic behavior, and academic achievement in junior high school. Five hundred and forty-one Japanese junior high school students (274 male, 277 female) completed a questionnaire survey. Survey items were Narcissistic Personality Inventory-Short Version (NPI-S; Oshio, 1998), the frequency of asking questions of teacher, the frequency of being reprimanded from teacher, and the results of the latest regular examination. Using structural equation modeling, the results showed that the higher the NPI-S is, the more often students asked to teacher, were reprimanded from teacher, and got good grade. In addition, it was also found that the three subscales of NPI-S have different effects on these behaviors. From the results, it was suggested that narcissism influences various aspects in school life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by abnormal and excessive motor activity in electromyographic (EMG) during REM sleep. Presence of sleep bBruxism (SB)/tooth grinding and oromandibular myoclonus (OMM) were investigated in RBD patients not taking medications in comparison to age matched control subjects (CTRL). Materials and methods: Polygraphy sleep and oromotor activity data from 9 RBD patients (68.22 3.63 y.o.) and 9 healthy CTRL (65.11 3.95 y.o.) were analyzed. RBD patients were diagnosed by a neurologist and confirmed by sleep laboratory recording. Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA), a marker of sleep bruxism, and oromandibular myoclonus were scored from jaw electromyographic recordings during sleep using published criteria (Lavigne 1996; Kato 1999). Results: RBD patients had significantly higher index of RMMA/SB than CTRL during sleep (p 0.01). During REM sleep, RBD patients had significantly higher index of RMMA/SB episodes and bursts than CTRL subjects (p 0.001). During non-REM sleep, no significantly difference between RBD and CTRL was observed (p =0.12). Compared to controls, the OMM episode and burst indexes were significantly higher in RBD patients (p =0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: RBD patient’s not taking medication had significantly higher RMMA activity, a proxy of sleep bruxism diagnosis, than CTRL subjects over night and during REM sleep. The higher index of RMMA/SB during REM sleep of RBD patients suggest that activity in jaw closing muscles can be scored during sleep of suspected RBD patients. Furthermore, sleep bruxism occurring during REM may be a concomitant finding influencing the diagnosis and management of both SB and RBD. Acknowledgements: (Supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. grant from CIHR). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]