Digital Commons Network^™

Spin Density Wave Instability In A Ferromagnet, Yan Wu, Zhenhua Ning, Huibo Cao, Guixin Cao, Katherine A. Benavides, S. Karna, Gregory T. Mccandless, R. Jin, Julia Y. Chan, W. A. Shelton, J. F. Ditusa

Faculty Publications

Due to its cooperative nature, magnetic ordering involves a complex interplay between spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom, which can lead to strong competition between magnetic states. Binary Fe3Ga4 is one such material that exhibits competing orders having a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) behavior at intermediate temperatures, and a conspicuous re-entrance of the FM state at high temperature. Through a combination of neutron diffraction experiments and simulations, we have discovered that the AFM state is an incommensurate spin-density wave (ISDW) ordering generated by nesting in the spin polarized Fermi surface. These two magnetic states, FM and …

Atomic-Scale Tailoring Of Spin Susceptibility Via Non-Magnetic Spin-Orbit Impurities, F. N. Womack, P. W. Adams, H. Nam, C. K. Shih, G. Catelani

Faculty Publications

Following the discovery of topological insulators, there has been a renewed interest in superconducting systems that have strong spin-orbit (SO) coupling. Here we address the fundamental question of how the spin properties of a otherwise spin-singlet superconducting ground state evolve with increasing SO impurity density. We have mapped out the Zeeman critical field phase diagram of superconducting Al films that were deposited over random Pb cluster arrays of varying density. These phase diagrams give a direct measure of the Fermi liquid spin renormalization, as well as the spin orbit scattering rate. We find that the spin renormalization is a linear …

Geometric Quenching Of Orbital Pair Breaking In A Single Crystalline Superconducting Nanomesh Network, Hyoungdo Nam, Hua Chen, Philip W. Adams, Syu You Guan, Tien Ming Chuang, Chia Seng Chang, Allan H. Macdonald, Chih Kang Shih

Faculty Publications

In a superconductor Cooper pairs condense into a single state and in so doing support dissipation free charge flow and perfect diamagnetism. In a magnetic field the minimum kinetic energy of the Cooper pairs increases, producing an orbital pair breaking effect. We show that it is possible to significantly quench the orbital pair breaking effect for both parallel and perpendicular magnetic fields in a thin film superconductor with lateral nanostructure on a length scale smaller than the magnetic length. By growing an ultra-thin (2 nm thick) single crystalline Pb nanowire network, we establish nm scale lateral structure without introducing weak …

On The Electric-Magnetic Duality Symmetry: Quantum Anomaly, Optical Helicity, And Particle Creation, Iván Agulló, Adrián Del Río, José Navarro-Salas

Faculty Publications

It is well known that not every symmetry of a classical field theory is also a symmetry of its quantum version. When this occurs, we speak of quantum anomalies. The existence of anomalies imply that some classical Noether charges are no longer conserved in the quantum theory. In this paper, we discuss a new example for quantum electromagnetic fields propagating in the presence of gravity. We argue that the symmetry under electric-magnetic duality rotations of the source-free Maxwell action is anomalous in curved spacetimes. The classical Noether charge associated with these transformations accounts for the net circular polarization or the …

The Kic 8462852 Light Curve From 2015.75 To 2018.18 Shows A Variable Secular Decline, Bradley E. Schaefer, Rory O. Bentley, Tabetha S. Boyajian, Phillip H. Coker, Shawn Dvorak, Franky Dubois, Emery Erdelyi, Tyler Ellis, Keith Graham, Barbara G. Harris, John E. Hall, Robert James, Steve J. Johnston, Grant Kennedy, Ludwig Logie, Katherine M. Nugent, Arto Oksanen, John J. Ott, Steve Rau, Siegfried Vanaverbeke, Rik Van Lieshout, Mark Wyatt

Faculty Publications

The star KIC 8462852 (Boyajian's Star) displays both fast dips of up to 20 per cent on time-scales of days and long-term secular fading by up to 19 per cent on time-scales from a year to a century. We report on CCD photometry of KIC 8462852 from 2015.75 to 2018.18, with 19 176 images making for 1866 nightly magnitudes in BVRI. Our light curves show a continuing secular decline (by 0.023 ± 0.003 mags in the B band) with three superposed dips with duration 120-180 d. This demonstrates that there is a continuum of dip durations from a day to …

Development Of A Standard Test Method For Characterization Of Asphalt Modifiers And Aging-Related Degradation Using An Extensional Rheometer, Nazimuddin Wasiuddin

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17BLSU01. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"An extensional deformation test method using a Sentmanat Extensional Rheometer (SER) fixture inside a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) is developed in this study to investigate the degradation of the polymer due to aging and to investigate the effect of modifier type. A relationship between different percentages of modifier and ductility of the modified binder is also investigated. The sample geometrics used in this study are 1 mm  0.72 mm and 3 mm  0.72 mm. A total of one hundred and …

Prediction And Rehabilitation Of Highway Embankment Slope Failures In Changing Climate, Navid Jafari, Anand Puppala

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17GTLSU04. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Highway slopes constructed with clayey soil are prone to desiccation cracks due to wetting and drying weather cycle, which allows greater moisture infiltration into the embankment from precipitation. Fissures formed due to extended wetting and drying cycles allow water to seep deeper into the soil than surficial wetting and increase the water content. This increases the moisture content in the soil and results in reduction in shear strength to the fully softened strength. On the other hand, development of desiccation cracks and …

Bridge Deck Overlays Using Ultra-High Performance Concrete, Craig Newtson, Brad Weldon

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17CNMS01. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"This study investigated the use of a locally produced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an alternative to typical overlay materials. Several bond strength tests including slant-shear, splitting tension, and direct tension tests were performed to assess the bond strength between UHPC and normal strength concrete (NSC) substrate with varying surface textures. Tests were also conducted to assess the early-age and longer-term shrinkage behavior and coefficient of thermal expansion of the UHPC as well as rapid chloride permeability testing. Good bond between UHPC …

Modeling Sulfate Attack In Modern Concrete For Building Sustainable And Resilient Infrastructure, Zachary Grasley

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17CTAM01. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"External sulfate attack is a complex phenomenon and is manifested in the form of large expansion, cracking, and spalling depending on the exposure solution and material constituent properties. Several models were developed in the past to demonstrate sulfate attack mechanisms that account for the diffusion of sulfate ions into the porous concrete and the successive deformation triggered by the chemical reaction and precipitation of expansive agents. However, none of these models accounts for the effect of the migration of solvent water from …

Use Of Rice Hull Ash (Rha) As A Sustainable Source Of Construction Material, Zahid Hossain, Ashraf Elsayed

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17CASU02. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"With the imminent shortage of natural resources, the need to find sustainable development is the highest in recent history. Therefore, this study examines the potential uses of Rice Hull Ash (RHA) as a sustainable cementitious material (SCM) in preparation of concrete. This study also assesses the use of RHA as an alternative of commonly used polymers in preparing high-grade asphalt binders. RHA is a potential sustainable solution because it is currently being treated as an agricultural waste material, yet its high silica …

Bridge Inspecting With Unmanned Aerial Vehicles R&D, Paul Darby, Vijaya Gopu

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17STLSU11. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"The project achieves through research including literature, on site interviews, and experimentation: 1) a recommendation for a UAV-based system to practically assist in routine bridge inspection work in the State of Louisiana, 2) the identification and description of advantages, disadvantages, and limitations in the use of UAVs for routing bridge inspection work in Louisiana, and 3) provided recommendations for future work. The Yuneec H520 aircraft and its E90 camera are recommended, as is the need for a boat to be included as …

Simplified Approach For Structural Evaluation Of Flexible Pavements At The Network Level, Mena Souliman, Stefan Romanoschi, Samer Dessouky

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17PUTA02. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Currently, there are few available simple procedures to identify structurally weak pavement sections utilizing Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) data at the network level (e.g., city, state or province). A simple method is required to determine the structural condition of pavement sections that can be directly implemented and automated in current pavement databases. The objective of this research study is to develop a simple analysis method to determine the structural condition of pavement sections utilizing the currently available non-destructive testing (NDT) deflection measurement …

Relationship Between Road Network Characteristics And Traffic Safety, Hatim Sharif, Samer Dessouky

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17ITSTSA01. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"The Transportation and Capital Improvement of the City of San Antonio, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other related agencies often make several efforts based on traffic data to improve safety at intersections, but the number of intersection crashes is still on the high side. There is no one size fits all solution for intersections and the City is often usually confronted with doing best value option analysis on different solutions to choose the least expensive yet more advancements. The goal of …

Development, Training, Education, And Implementation Of Low-Cost Sensing Technologies For Bridge Structural Health Monitoring (Shm), Fernando Moreu, Chris Lippitt, Dilendra Maharjan, Marlon Aguero, Roya Nasimi

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17STUNM02. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Transportation infrastructure needs continuous monitoring. However, traditional inspections cost money and are conducted visually. New technologies for bridge monitoring are expensive and complex. This project involved developing cost-effective sensor technologies that can be applied towards the maintenance of railroad bridges by recording reference-free transverse displacement. More specifically, this project developed new applications of new technologies (Arduino, wireless smart sensors, drones, Hololens) and promoted workforce development with an emphasis on outreach of high-school students. This project was carried out in three main phases: …

Evaluation Of The Performance And Cost-Effectiveness Of Engineered Cementitious Composites (Ecc) Produced From Region 6 Local Materials, Gabriel Andres Arce Amador, Tyson Rupnow, Marwa Hassan

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17CLSU05. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"The project objective is to develop cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) with locally available ingredients in Region 6 to address the deficiencies observed in ordinary concrete materials. The study explored the utilization of two types of river sands (coarse and fine), two types of PVA fibers (long and short), four levels of cement replacement with Class F fly ash, and the implementation of recycled crumb rubber in the performance of ECC materials. A total of 24 mix designs were prepared and evaluated …

Impacts Of Moisture On Asphalt Properties, Zahid Hossain

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17BASU03. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Stripping related moisture damage has been recognized as one of the major pavement distresses since the early 1990s. The main objective of this study is to establish an effective test protocol to quantify moisture susceptibility of asphalt pavements. To this end, selective test methods (Texas Boiling test, Tensile Strength Ratio, Retained Stability, and Hamburg Wheel Test), and procedures based on surface chemistries and molecular-level mechanistic properties have been investigated in this study. Firstly, a comprehensive list of literature related to moisture damage …

Integrated Health Monitoring And Reinforcement Of Transportation Structures With Optimized Low-Cost Multifunctional Braided Cables, Ibrahim Karaman, Darren Hartl

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17STTAM04. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Corresponding data set for The objective of this research study is to design, fabricate, and characterize multifunctional high strength and self-sensing braided cables and structures using novel Fe-based shape memory alloys (SMAs). The system exploits unique properties of recently developed low-cost super-elastic FeMnAlNi SMAs, which enables excellent super-elastic properties, high strength, and self-sensing in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. This novel material technology can be coupled with modeling efforts that allow for accurate prediction of both the materials and structural response during …

Investigating Problem Of Distracted Drivers On Louisiana Roadways, Xiaoduan Sun

Data

Corresponding data set for Tran-SET Project No. 17SALSU10. Abstract of the final report is stated below for reference:

"Due to the escalating usage of cellphone and social networking, distracted driving is and will remain as one of the most serious problems faced by Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and law enforcement agencies. Under the aim of in-depth investigation of distracted driving crashes in Louisiana, the specific objectives of this study are: (1) reviewing the crash reports for the quality of distracted driving crash reporting, (2) analyzing distracted driving-related crashes through regression model and data mining algorithm to link the severity of …

Dissolved Carbon Transport In A River-Lake Continuum: A Case Study In A Subtropical Watershed, Usa, Zhen Xu, Y. Jun Xu

Faculty Publications

Rivers and lakes have been traditionally studied as separate entities for carbon transport. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of the connectivity of dissolved carbon in a river-lake continuum. In this study, we analyzed dissolved carbon along the Little River-Catahoula Lake in subtropical Louisiana, United States to assess carbon biogeochemistry in such a river-lake continuum. Monthly in-situ measurements and water sample collections were made at four locations during April 2015 to February 2016 to determine riverine carbon transport into and out of the lake. Results show that much of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the river-lake continuum …

Riverbed Erosion Of The Final 565 Kilometers Of The Yangtze River (Changjiang) Following Construction Of The Three Gorges Dam, Shuwei Zheng, Y. Jun Xu, Heqin Cheng, Bo Wang, Wei Xu, Shuaihu Wu

Faculty Publications

The world’s largest hydropower dam, the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), spans the upper Yangtze River in China, creating a 660-km long and 1.1-km wide reservoir upstream. Several recent studies reported a considerable decline in sediment load of the Lowermost Yangtze River (LmYR) and a rapid erosion in the subaqueous delta of the river mouth after the closure of the TGD in 2003. However, it is unknown if the TGD construction has also affected river channel and bed formation of the LmYR. In this study, we compared bathymetric data of the last 565 kilometers of the Yangtze River’s channel between 1998 …

Gobbling Activity Of Eastern Wild Turkeys Relative To Male Movements And Female Nesting Phenology In South Carolina, Michael J. Chamberlain, Patrick H. Wightman, Bradley S. Cohen, Bret A. Collier

Faculty Publications

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) use a polygynous mating system, and males must balance fitness benefits of courtship displays against costs of their reproductive strategies. Wild turkeys are the only gamebird species in the contiguous United States hunted primarily during their reproductive period. Managers attempt to implement seasons that allow for hunter satisfaction while limiting effects to reproduction and ensuring sustainable populations. To minimize illegal harvest, managers often attempt to set spring hunting seasons when gobbling activity is high and females are actively incubating nests. Gobbling activity varies significantly both temporally and spatially, and relationships between gobbling activity and reproductive phenology …

Reporting Characteristics In Sports Nutrition, Conrad P. Earnest, Brandon M. Roberts, Christopher R. Harnish, Jessica L. Kutz, Jason M. Cholewa, Neil M. Johannsen

Faculty Publications

Purpose: To examine data reporting characteristics in sports nutrition. Methods: We examined 236 papers from ten journals published in 2016. The primary outcome was statistical variance associated with treatment (SD (correct) vs. SEM or CI). Secondary outcomes included the reporting of: (a) effect sizes (Y/N); (b) outcome prioritization (Y/N; primary, secondary, etc.) and (c) statistical variance relative to change from baseline (CI (correct) vs. SD or SEM). As tertiary/exploratory outcome, we examined whether authors stated a directed hypothesis. Statistical evaluation was performed using chi-square analyses. Results: We observed significant trends for all analyses (p < 0.001) and between category comparisons (p < 0.002). For the primary outcome, 128 (59%) articles correctly used SD to denote treatment variance, while 79 (36%) and 11 (5%) used SEM and CI, respectively. For secondary outcomes, 63 articles (29%) reported effect sizes, while 155 (71%) did not. Additionally, 188 articles (86%) did not prioritize outcomes, 134 articles (61%) stated no hypotheses and 40 (19%, out of 100) articles used CI to denote change scores vs. SD (19%, n = 41) and SEM (n = 10, 5%). Eight articles (4%) reported no variance terms. Conclusions: Overall, there are gaps regarding reporting in sports nutrition. Editors, journal publishers, and the field of exercise science alike should consider these outcomes and provide editorial staff, reviewers and authors with more concrete guidelines.

Genome-Wide Discovery Of Dna Polymorphisms By Whole Genome Sequencing Differentiates Weedy And Cultivated Rice, Chenglin Chai, Rama Shankar, Mukesh Jain, Prasanta K. Subudhi

Faculty Publications

Analyzing the genome level DNA polymorphisms between weedy and cultivated rice is crucial to elucidate the molecular basis of weedy and agronomic traits, which in turn can enhance our ability to control weedy rice and its utilization for rice improvement. Here, we presented the genome-wide genetic variations between a weedy rice accession PSRR-1 and two cultivated rice accessions, Bengal and Nona Bokra, belonging to japonica and indica subspecies, respectively. The total number of SNPs and InDels in PSRR/Bengal was similar to that of Nona Bokra/Bengal, but was three times greater than that of PSRR/Nona Bokra. There were 11546 large-effect SNPs/InDels …

Genetic Interaction Involving Photoperiod-Responsive Hd1 Promotes Early Flowering Under Long-Day Conditions In Rice, Prasanta K. Subudhi, Teresa B. De Leon, Ronald Tapia, Chenglin Chai, Ratna Karan, John Ontoy, Pradeep K. Singh

Faculty Publications

Although flowering in rice has been extensively investigated, few studies focused on genetic interactions. Flowering evaluation of two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations involving photo-insensitive rice cultivars, Bengal and Cypress, and a weedy rice accession, PSRR-1, under natural long-day (LD) conditions, revealed six to ten quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and a major QTL interaction. In addition to the validation of several previously cloned genes using an introgression lines (IL) population of PSRR-1, a few novel QTLs were also discovered. Analysis of the marker profiles of the advanced backcross lines revealed that Hd1 allele of PSRR-1 was responsible for the photoperiodic …

The Effect Of Exogenous Glucose Infusion On Early Embryonic Development In Lactating Dairy Cows, S. Leane, M. M. Herlihy, F. Curran, J. Kenneally, N. Forde, C. A. Simintiras, R. G. Sturmey, M. C. Lucy, P. Lonergan, S. T. Butler

Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of intravenous infusion of glucose on early embryonic development in lactating dairy cows. Nonpregnant, lactating dairy cows (n = 12) were enrolled in the study (276 ± 17 d in milk). On d 7 after a synchronized estrus, cows were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion of either 750 g/d of exogenous glucose (GLUC; 78 mL/h of 40% glucose wt/vol) or saline (CTRL; 78 mL/h of 0.9% saline solution). The infusion period lasted 7 d and cows were confined to metabolism stalls for the duration of the study. Coincident …

Effect Of Surrounding Vegetation On Microbial Survival Or Die-Off On Watermelon Surface In An Agriculture Setting, Vijay Singh Chhetri, Kathryn Fontenot, Ronald Strahan, Veerachandra K. Yemmireddy, Katheryn J. Parraga Estrada, Achyut Adhikari

Faculty Publications

Preharvest contamination of produce with food borne pathogens has been a major food safety issue. In this study, we investigated the effect of surrounding vegetation on the survival of natural and inoculated generic Escherichia coli on watermelon rinds in an agricultural field setting. There was no significant difference (p >.05) on the populations of natural generic E. coli (1–1.46 log Most Probable Number (MPN)/sample) and coliforms (<3.99 log CFU/cm2) on watermelons harvested from low, medium, and high levels of vegetation. However, the survival rate of generic E. coli inoculated on watermelon rind discs was variable with the level of vegetation. A significant reduction in generic E. coli count was observed within 12 hr at all vegetation levels. After 108 hr, discs placed at low vegetation level had a highest die-off reduction (3 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/cm2) compared to medium and high vegetation levels. Practical applications: To ensure preharvest produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce safety rule has suggested a time interval between last irrigation and harvest for potentially contaminating microorganisms to die-off. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of surrounding vegetation on microbial die-off rates on produce in the agricultural field. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering the surrounding vegetation while making decisions for developing preharvest risk management strategies based on microbial die-off rate calculations.

The Worlds Of Wine: Old, New And Ancient, Hua Li, Hua Wang, Huanmei Li, Steve Goodman, Paul Van Der Lee, Zhimin Xu, Alessio Fortunato, Ping Yang

Faculty Publications

As the world׳s seventh largest wine producer (OIV, 2017), China plays a significant role in the world׳s wine industry. Classified as neither New or Old World it was recently classified into a “New, New World Category” (CNCCEF, 2009 Lawrence, 2016). This paper presents an overview of the Chinese wine industry using evidence from literature of archaeological finds and documents to propose a new category extending the New or Old World definitions. We propose classification of the Chinese wine industry as Ancient World, a term which might also be useful in other producing nations such as Greece and Georgia.

Development Of Nanocomposite Adsorbents For Heavy Metal Removal From Wastewater, Bin Wang, Tingting Wu, Subramania Angaiah, Vignesh Murugadoss, Jong Eun Ryu, Evan K. Wujcik, Na Lu, David P. Young, Qiang Gao, Zhanhu Guo

Faculty Publications

Development of highly efficient, low cost adsorbents for heavy metal ion removal from wastewater is an enduring undertaking. Two major groups of nanocomposite adsorbents are reviewed here. The magnetic carbon family is first discussed including the preparation of such materials. Various carbon sources have been used in the preparation, and the structural characteristics have been analyzed. Cr(VI) removal studies unveil a wide range of performance. The second group adsorbents is polymer functionalized nanocomposites. One notable polymer is polyaniline which is a redox polymer. The redox nature allows the composite materials to facilitate Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) which is prone to …

Characteristics Of The Deforming Bed: Till Properties On The Deglaciated Antarctic Continental Shelf, Anna Ruth W. Halberstadt, Lauren M. Simkins, John B. Anderson, Lindsay O. Prothro, Philip J. Bart

Faculty Publications

Contemporary ice stream flow is directly linked to conditions at the ice/bed interface, yet this environment is logistically difficult to access. Instead, we investigate subglacial processes important for ice stream flow by studying tills on the deglaciated Antarctic continental shelf. We test currently-accepted hypotheses surrounding subglacial processes and till properties with a Ross Sea dataset. Till shear strengths indicate a continuum of simultaneous processes acting at the bed, rather than discrete 'deformation' and 'lodgement' end-members. We identify a threshold water content representing saturated pore spaces, leading to basal sliding and meltwater channelization. Based on observations of till properties relative to …

Past Continental Shelf Evolution Increased Antarctic Ice Sheet Sensitivity To Climatic Conditions, Florence Colleoni, Laura De Santis, Enea Montoli, Elisabetta Olivo, Christopher C. Sorlien, Philip J. Bart, Edward G.W. Gasson, Andrea Bergamasco, Chiara Sauli, Nigel Wardell, Stefano Prato

Faculty Publications

Over the past 34 Million years, the Antarctic continental shelf has gradually deepened due to ice sheet loading, thermal subsidence, and erosion from repeated glaciations. The deepening that is recorded in the sedimentary deposits around the Antarctic margin indicates that after the mid-Miocene Climate Optimum (≈15 Ma), Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) dynamical response to climate conditions changed. We explore end-members for maximum AIS extent, based on ice-sheet simulations of a late-Pleistocene and a mid-Miocene glaciation. Fundamental dynamical differences emerge as a consequence of atmospheric forcing, eustatic sea level and continental shelf evolution. We show that the AIS contributed to the …