bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A straightforward TBHP-mediated synthesis of 2-amidobenzoic acids from 2-arylindoles and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Patel Om P. S. , Dhiman Shiv , Khan Shahid , Shinde Vikki N. , Jaspal Sonam , Srivathsa Manu R. , Jha Prabhat N. , Kumar Anil
Published: May 2019

Synthesis of 2-amidobenzoic acids has been achieved through TBHP-mediated oxidative ring opening of 2-arylindoles. The synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their antimicrobial activity.
Iron-catalyzed domino Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels–Alder reaction: facile access to oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene derivatives
Authors: Wu Mingchang , Yang Junhang , Luo Fang , Cheng Cungui , Zhu Gangguo
Published: May 2019

An iron-catalyzed domino Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels–Alder reaction has been developed.
Triple phase boundary and power density enhancement in PEMFCs of a Pt/C electrode with double catalyst layers
Authors: Dao Dung Van , Adilbish Ganpurev , Le Thanh Duc , Lee In-Hwan , Yu Yeon-Tae
Published: May 2019

Pt/C double catalyst layers (DCL), serving as an anodic electrode, have been utilized in a PEMFC application for the first time.
Three-dimensional graphene networks and RGO-based counter electrode for DSSCs
Authors: Tang Bo , Yu Haogang , Huang Weiqiu , Sun Yunfei , Li Xufei , Li Sen , Ma Tingting
Published: May 2019

Graphene is considered to be a potential replacement for the traditional Pt counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Conversion of two stereocenters to one or two chiral axes: atroposelective synthesis of 2,3-diarylbenzoindoles
Authors: Hu Yu-Long , Wang Zhe , Yang Hui , Chen Jie , Wu Zi-Bo , Lei Yibo , Zhou Ling
Published: May 2019

Central-to-axial chirality conversion provides efficient access to axially chiral compounds, and several examples regarding the conversion of one, two or four stereocenters to one axis have been reported.
Atomic resolution map of the soluble amyloid beta assembly toxic surfaces
Authors: Ahmed Rashik , Akcan Michael , Khondker Adree , Rheinstädter Maikel C. , Bozelli José C. , Epand Richard M. , Huynh Vincent , Wylie Ryan G. , Boulton Stephen , Huang Jinfeng , Verschoor Chris P. , Melacini Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Atomic resolution map of the soluble amyloid beta assembly (Aβn) “toxic surfaces” that facilitate the early pathogenic events in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Under-liquid dual superlyophobic nanofibrous polymer membranes achieved by coating thin-film composites: a design principle
Authors: Wang Qifei , Wang Yang , Wang Baixian , Liang Zhiqiang , Di Jiancheng , Yu Jihong
Published: May 2019

Under-liquid dual superlyophobic polymer membranes are fabricated by coating thin-film composites, achieving efficient separation of arbitrary oil/water mixtures and emulsions.
Three‐coil structure‐based WPT system design for electric bike CC and CV charging without communication
Authors: Liu Sheng , Li Xiaoming , Yang Lin
Published: May 2019

In comparison with the traditional plug‐in charging systems for the electric bike (EB), wireless power transfer (WPT) systems have superior advantages of convenience and safety. Combining the application requirement range of the EB, this study proposes a three‐coil structure‐based WPT system in order to achieve ideal and reliable constant current (CC) output and constant voltage (CV) output without the need for a sophisticated control strategy and the real‐time communication links between the transmitter and receiver sides. Two ac switches are utilised at the transmitter side to implement the change of charging mode from CC to CV. By correctly selecting the parameters of compensation components, the required load‐independent CC and CV characteristics with zero phase angle in the CC and CV modes can be achieved. Besides this, a load identification method based on the active power calculation used to estimate the equivalent resistance of the battery in the whole charging process, is utilised to judge the switching point from CC to CV mode. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified through the construction of a laboratory platform with a 3.3 A charging current and a 57 V charging voltage.
Analysis of an eddy current brake for an actuator of a high‐voltage direct current circuit breaker
Authors: Sim Min‐Seob , Ro Jong‐Suk
Published: May 2019

High‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system is difficult to proliferate due to the absence of a useful brake for the HVDC circuit breaker. To overcome this problem, this study proposes a useful brake, termed as an Eddy current brake (EB). A time‐consuming time step analysis using the finite element method (FEM) is required to analyse the EB. To address this problem, a rapid and accurate analysis method is proposed using the equivalent circuit model, equation of motion, and the Runge–Kutta method. This technique is termed as the EER method in this research. The characteristic of the EB is analysed by using the proposed EER method and the results are compared with those of the 2D FEM analysis. The usefulness of the proposed EER method with regard to accuracy and rapidness is confirmed via 2D FEM analysis.
Bi‐level operational planning of microgrids with considering demand response technology and contingency analysis
Authors: Haghifam Sara , Zare Kazem , Dadashi Mojtaba
Published: May 2019

Considering financial, ecological and also reliability challenges in planning and operation of microgrids is an indispensable issue. On the other hand, an appropriate design of microgrids in planning stages has a major impact on the daily operation of the system. According to these matters, in this study, a hierarchical decision‐making framework has been presented for both planning and operation of microgrids with wide ranges of means and concepts. The proposed model has been formulated as a bi‐level optimisation problem in which every level optimises its own objectives independently, however, in interaction with each other. The upper level (leader) problem, which is related to the planning of microgrids, minimises the utility's demand, investment, and emission costs, while the lower level (follower) problem minimises the operation and maintenance costs through the implementation of an energy management system. The mentioned model is a non‐linear bi‐level problem, which is transformed into a linear single‐level problem through Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. Moreover, the contingency based energy management, demand response programme and uncertain nature of renewable resources have been taken into account. Finally, the proposed method has been applied to a typical microgrid and its results are compared with the weighted‐sum multi‐objective approach to depict its efficiency.
Power factor improvement of permanent‐magnet linear vernier motor by using dual‐inverter with hybrid discontinuous PWM
Authors: Xu Dezhi , Zhao Wenxiang , Cheng Yu , Chen Qian , Xu Liang
Published: May 2019

A permanent‐magnet linear vernier (PMLV) motor has the advantages of large force and low cost, but it suffers from a low‐power factor. This study proposes an instantaneous power control algorithm by using a dual‐inverter open‐winding (OW) configuration to equivalently improve the PMLV motor power factor. In the proposed algorithm, the active and reactive powers for the motor operation are supplied by the main and compensation inverters, respectively. Therefore, the main inverter dc‐link voltage is fully utilised to generate the active power, which is equivalent to the improvement of the motor power factor. Furthermore, a hybrid discontinuous pulse width modulation (HDPWM) scheme is proposed, which takes into consideration the power factor characteristics of the dual‐inverter. Compared to the existing OW modulation ones, the proposed HDPWM technique can greatly reduce the dual‐inverter loss. The experimental results are carried out to verify the proposed control strategy.
The 1D Schrödinger equation with a spacetime white noise: the average wave function
Authors: Gu Yu
Published: May 2019

For the 1D Schrödinger equation with a mollified spacetime white noise, we show that the average wave function converges to the Schrödinger equation with an effective potential after an appropriate renormalization.
Cardiorespiratory and Autonomic Nervous System Responses to Prolonged Eccentric Cycling
Authors: Ritter Ophélie , Isacco Laurie , Rakobowchuk Mark , Tordi Nicolas , Laroche Davy , Bouhaddi Malika , Degano Bruno , Mourot Laurent
Published: May 2019

Offering large muscle benefits despite low metabolic demand, continuous eccentric exercise appears to be an interesting alternative to concentric exercise. Nevertheless, further knowledge is needed about prolonged eccentric exercise. This work sought to investigate the cardiovascular responses to prolonged constant-load eccentric compared to concentric cycling. Ten healthy males performed two 45-min exercise sessions of either concentric or eccentric cycling separated by a month and matched for heart rate during the first 5 min of exercise. Cardiorespiratory, autonomic nervous system and vascular responses were assessed at rest, and during exercise and recovery. During cycling, oxygen uptake, cardiac output and systolic blood pressure were similar but heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were greater whereas stroke volume was lower during eccentric than concentric cycling (118±21 vs. 104±10 bpm; 77±9 vs. 65±8 mmHg; 122±12 vs. 135±13 mL). Baroreflex and noradrenaline concentration were altered during eccentric cycling, and after eccentric exercise, vascular tone was greater than after concentric cycling. We observed increased cardiovascular strain and altered baroreflex activity during eccentric compared with concentric exercise, suggesting eccentric cycling triggers greater sympathetic activity.
Update Breast Cancer 2019 Part 1 – Implementation of Study Results of Novel Study Designs in Clinical Practice in Patients with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Hartkopf Andreas , Müller Volkmar , Wöckel Achim , Lux Michael , Janni Wolfgang , Nabieva Naiba , Taran Florin-Andrei , Ettl Johannes , Lüftner Diana , Belleville Erik , Schütz Florian , Fasching Peter , Fehm Tanja , Kolberg Hans-Christian , Overkamp Friedrich , Schneeweiss Andreas , Tesch Hans
Published: May 2019

For many years, small but significant advancements have been made time and again in the prevention and treatment of early breast cancer. The so-called panel gene analyses are becoming more and more important in prevention, since the risk due to the tested genes is better understood and as a result, concepts for integration in health care can be developed. In the adjuvant situation, the first study in the so-called post-neoadjuvant situation was able to demonstrate a clear improvement in the prognosis with an absent pathological complete remission following trastuzumab or pertuzumab + trastuzumab. Additional studies with this post-neoadjuvant therapeutic concept are still being conducted at present. The CDK4/6 inhibitors which had shown a significant improvement in progression-free survival in a metastatic situation are currently being tested in the adjuvant situation in large therapeutic studies. These and other new data for the treatment or prevention of primary breast cancer are presented in this review against the backdrop of current studies.
Perioperative antientzündliche Therapie im Rahmen der Glaukomchirurgie
Authors: Dietlein Thomas S. , Erb Carl , Hoffmann Esther
Published: May 2019

Viele klinische Studien belegen, dass der funktionelle Ausgang der Glaukomchirurgie, insbesondere der Filtrationschirurgie, durch eine topische antientzündliche Vor- und Nachbehandlung signifikant beeinflusst werden kann. Die topischen Steroide erweisen sich sowohl in der Vor- als auch in der Nachbehandlung nach Trabekulektomie als günstig, wobei die Dauer der postoperativen Behandlung vom individuellen Befund abhängig gemacht werden soll. Eine systemische Steroidtherapie oder Immunmodulation ist beim uveitischen Sekundärglaukom für den Erfolg der Glaukomchirurgie signifikant von Bedeutung, bei anderen Glaukomformen ist ein Nutzen der systemischen Therapie nicht belegt. Eine zusätzliche topische Therapie mit nicht steroidalen Antiphlogistika ist bei einer kombinierten Katarakt-Glaukom-Chirurgie zu erwägen. Eine topische antientzündliche Therapie nach selektiver Lasertrabekuloplastik ist nicht notwendig, bei Argonlasertrabekuloplastik und Zyklophotokoagulation wirkt diese sich schmerzlindernd aus. Die intravitreale Gabe von Steroiden im Rahmen der Glaukomchirurgie muss aufgrund der Induktion von Augendruckspitzen immer kritisch abgewogen werden.
SIOP-E-BTG and GPOH Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Low Grade Glioma
Authors: Gnekow Astrid K. , Kandels Daniela , Tilburg Cornelis van , Azizi Amedeo A. , Opocher Enrico , Stokland Tore , Driever Pablo Hernaiz , Meeteren A. Y. N. Schouten-van , Thomale Ulrich W. , Schuhmann Martin U. , Czech Thomas , Goodden John Robert , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Bison Brigitte , Avula Shivaram , Kortmann Rolf-D. , Timmermann Beate , Pietsch Torsten , Witt Olaf
Published: May 2019

Low grade gliomas (LGGs) constitute the largest, yet clinically and (molecular-) histologically heterogeneous group of pediatric brain tumors of WHO grades I and II occurring throughout all pediatric age groups and at all central nervous system (CNS) sites. The tumors are characterized by a slow growth rate and may show periods of growth arrest. Around 40% of all LGG patients can be cured by complete neurosurgical resection and are followed by close observation. In case of relapse, second resection often is possible. Following incomplete resection observation is recommended, as long as there is no radiologic tumor growth and the patient does not suffer from significant, tumor-related symptoms. This also applies to patients with a diagnosis of LGG on the basis of radiological criteria. By contrast, clinical worsening and / or radiologic progression are an indication to treatment with either chemo- or radiotherapy. Overall survival is around 90%, and many patients survive with residual tumor, i. e. they suffer from chronic disease. All patients need comprehensive neuro-oncological care, the principles and details of which are summarized in the current guidelines. These represent standard of care for diagnostic work-up (including neuroimaging and neuropathology), and for therapeutic decisions (including the indications to non-surgical treatment) as well as concepts for neurosurgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as surveillance and rehabilitation. The current treatment algorithm was compiled by members of the LGG working group of the SIOP-E brain tumor group (SIOP-E-BTG) and is based upon the results of previous European LGG studies and international reports.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of γ-Lactams and δ-Lactams via a Conjugate Addition-Initiated Tandem Reaction
Authors: Gan Miaomiao , Jiang Lan , Li Zhengning
Published: May 2019

β-Alkoxycarbonyl-γ-lactams and γ-alkoxycarbonyl-δ-lactams were synthesized via a conjugate alkylation/Mannich reaction/lactamization tandem reaction of unsaturated dicarboxylates with diethyl zinc and aldimines. The high yield, the ready availability of the reagents, and especially the high diastereoselectivity are promising characteristics of the approach that allows access to functionalized lactams.
Anion Metathesis in Facile Preparation of Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Bearing a Quaternary Ammonium Chloride Tag
Authors: Patrzałek Michał , Piątkowski Jakub , Kajetanowicz Anna , Grela Karol
Published: May 2019

Easy and efficient method for preparation of all-chloro ruthenium catalysts bearing a quaternary ammonium tag was developed. The key anion metathesis reaction was made with AgCl, and the facile recycling of silver wastes was demonstrated. The developed method transforms more accessible, yet poorly characterised mixed chloro/iodo Ru complexes into valuable all-chloro catalysts, useful in aqueous metathesis. Practical utility of the developed anion metathesis reaction was demonstrated by preparation of a commercial Ru catalyst, StickyCat™, on a 5 gram scale.
Anoxic Brain Injury: The Abominable Malady
Authors: Hrishi Ajay P. , Prathapadas Unnikrishnan , Lionel Karen R. , Puthanveedu Divya K. , Sethuraman Manikandan
Published: May 2019

Anoxic brain injury (ABI) is an important cause of prolonged hospital stay and morbidity across the globe. It is a sequel of major systemic insults resulting from various etiologies, such as reduced oxygen availability, insufficient cerebral blood flow, reduced oxygen carriage, or any metabolic condition that can interfere with the utilization of oxygen. A varying combination of pathophysiologic mechanisms leads to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, the understanding of which will significantly help in prognostication of patients. Neuroprognostication helps both the clinician and the patient's family in planning future course and is further aided by various neuromonitoring modalities, biomarkers, and imaging. Targeted temperature management still remains a therapeutic tool in ABI and along with other neuroprotective measures may improve the survival. Continuing research in ABI may uncover more promising treatment strategies.
Impact of Tourniquet Strategy on Perioperative Results of Modern TKA
Authors: Rames Richard D. , Haynes Jacob , Hellman Michael , Barrack Toby , Barrack Robert
Published: May 2019

Recent changes in perioperative management of total knee patients including tranexamic acid, multimodal pain management, and periarticular injection make previous data on tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) less relevant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tourniquet use on short-term postoperative outcomes in the era of modern TKA. Our institutional database was utilized to retrospectively identify three cohorts (long, short, and no tourniquet) of consecutive patients after unilateral TKA with a single surgeon. These three groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey's tests. Primary endpoints being hemoglobin index (difference in preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin), inpatient narcotic use, surgical time, length of hospital stay (total hours and % day1 discharges), and distance ambulated prior to discharge. The no-tourniquet group used significantly less narcotic than the short-tourniquet (2.4 vs. 2.9 morphine equivalent/hour, p = 0.004) and long-tourniquet groups (2.4 vs. 3.4 morphine equivalents/hour, p < 0.001). The no-tourniquet group ambulated significantly further than patients in the short (108 vs. 57 feet, p < 0.001) and long (108 vs. 76 feet, p < 0.001) groups. Finally, the no-tourniquet group had significantly shorter duration of hospitalization than the long-tourniquet group in both hours in the hospital (35 vs. 57 hours, p < 0.001) and % postoperative day 1 discharge (57 vs. 12%, p < 0.001). TKA without the use of a tourniquet is associated with less narcotic consumption and increased distance ambulated prior to discharge compared with cohorts of patients utilizing tourniquet for a short or long duration.
Barbed Sutures in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Are They Really Useful? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gamba Carlo , Hinarejos Pedro , Serrano-Chinchilla Paula , Leal-Blanquet Joan , Torres-Claramunt Raul , Sánchez-Soler Juan , Monllau Joan Carles
Published: May 2019

Bidirectional barbed sutures (BBSs) have recently been investigated in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The contrasting results from the scarce literature suggest that BBSs are safe, save time and money, and give results comparable to traditional sutures. The purpose of the study is to test the real effect of BBSs on closure time in TKA and assess the functional results as well as the complications related to them. It was a randomized controlled trial. Eighty-five patients undergoing primary TKA were assigned to receive traditional closure with Vicryl (V-group) or with BBSs (Q-group). The exclusion criteria were significant coronal deformity, flexion contracture, or the need for stem and/or augmentation. The closure time for the capsule and that for the subcutaneous layer were registered separately. Intraoperative incidences were recorded. The follow-up was up to 1 month, during which the range of motion (ROM), superficial or deep infection, and wound dehiscence were assessed. There was a significant reduction in the capsule layer (27 seconds; p = 0.02) and global time closure (51 seconds; p = 0.01) in the Q-group. No differences were found in the subcutaneous layer (24 seconds; p = 0.055). There were more intraoperative suture breakages in the Q-group, mainly in the subcutaneous layer (p < 0.001). No differences in terms of dehiscence, infection, and ROM were observed at the 1-month follow-up. BBSs allow for slightly faster wound closure than Vicryl during a TKA. However, the differences observed have minimal clinical repercussions. Moreover, no differences in the infection rate (deep or superficial), dehiscence, or ROM were found.
DC arc suppression in the improved multichamber structure
Authors: Li Zijian , Wang Jufeng , Zhou Xin , Yan Renbao , Cui Zhimei
Published: May 2019

In order to apply the multichamber structure to DC lines, it’s necessary to know the principle of arc quenching and the arc development process in the multichamber structure. Through analyzing the quenching characteristics of DC arc and establishing the 2-D geometric model of multichamber structure based on the magnetohydrodynamics theory in COMSOL Multiphysics simulation platform, this paper reveals and explains the principle of arc quenching in the multichamber structure. The simulation result shows that the strong self-expanding airflow which caused by the instantaneous temperature rise in the chambers can cut off the arc channel and block the energy supply of the arc. Then the Impulse-DC arc quenching test is carried out to verify the arcing performance of the improved multichamber structure. The arc is finally extinguished at 1.5ms, which manifests that the improved device can effectively suppress DC arc development.
Dual manipulation of ferromagnetism in co-doped ZnO thin films by surfactant and n-type carriers
Authors: Che Wei , Su Hui , Zhao Xu , Cheng Wei-ren , Liu Qing-hua
Published: May 2019

We present a conceptually-new approach “dual manipulation effect” using the surfactant passivation and the electron carrier doping for mediating intrinsic ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) thin films. The first-principles calculations show that the surface passivation by hydrogen serves as a magnetism switch for the Co-O-Co magnetic coupling at the surface of the thin film, and thus can control the spin polarization of the doped Co atoms. Meanwhile, the electron carrier doping can further function as an effective layerlike ferromagnetism mediator for the underneath layer. The dual manipulation effect sheds light on the essential magnetism origin of n-type Co:ZnO DMS thin films, and may be used as an alternative strategy for enhancing the ferromagnetism in other n-type DMS oxides thin films.
The effects of corrective feedback with and without revision on enhancing L2 pragmatic performance
Authors: Minh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Ha Do Thi Thanh , Thuy Pham Thi Thanh , Anh Nguyen Tuan
Published: May 2019

This study investigated the efficacy of different feedback conditions in developing accurate and fluent production of L2 English email requests. Sixty-nine intermediate-level Vietnamese EFL university students were randomly assigned to one control and three experimental groups. All the four groups received three hours of explicit metapragmatic instruction on email requests, but only the experimental groups received written corrective feedback on their pragmatic production. One experimental group received feedback without opportunity for revision. Another experimental group received one cycle of feedback and revision, and the third group two cycles of feedback and revision. Results of a Discourse Completion Task (DCT) pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test indicated that the combination of instruction and feedback had a positive effect on the accuracy of learners’ pragmatic performance. However, no clear-cut evidence for the effect of revision on the fluency of learners’ pragmatic performance was found in the study. The findings highlight the effectiveness of corrective feedback and revision in consolidating emergent L2 pragmatic knowledge, but further research is needed to understand how much revision is sufficient to facilitate fluency development.
Actiones secundum fidei1
Authors: Poppi Fabio Indìo Massimo , Kravanja Peter
Published: May 2019

In this article, we describe how antithesis and metaphoric conceptualization interact with each other and which rhetorical effects this interaction brings about. We illustrate this interaction with an analysis of seventeen graffiti artworks by Banksy, who uses the contraposition of visual elements that are characterized by opposite semantic and affective values. This article contributes to the expanding field of empirical studies of visual/pictorial metaphors and antitheses, in which artworks are interpreted according to conceptual dynamics and not only in relation to their thematic, semiotic and representational properties.
High-K isomer and the rotational properties in the odd-Z neutron-rich nucleus
M163Eu *
Authors: He Xiao-Tao , Chen Ze-Long
Published: May 2019

The newly observed isomer and ground-state band in the odd-Z neutron-rich rare-earth nucleus 163Eu are investigated by using the cranked shell model (CSM), with pairing treated by the particle-number conserving (PNC) method. This is the first time detailed theoretical investigations are performed of the observed 964(1) keV isomer and ground-state rotational band in 163Eu. The experimental data are reproduced very well by the theoretical results. The configuration of the 964(1) keV isomer is assigned as the three-particle state

. More low-lying multi-particle states are predicted in 163Eu. Due to its significant effect on the nuclear mean field, the high-order

deformation plays an important role in the energy and configuration assignment of the multi-particle states. Compared to its neighboring even-even nuclei 162Sm and 164Gd, there is a 10%~15% increase of

of the one-particle ground-state band in 163Eu. This is explained by the pairing reduction due to the blocking of the nucleon on the proton

[413] orbital in 163Eu.
Strongly screening β− decay antineutrino energy loss in presupernova *
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Liu Dong-Mei , Hao Liang-Huan
Published: May 2019

In this study, we investigate the ion-ball screening model (model (I)), focused on the screening electrostatic potential per electron under the Wigner-Seitz approximation and the Q-value correction. By considering the changes of the Coulomb free energy and the effects of strong electron screening (SES) on the Q-value and the Coulomb chemical potential, we discuss the linear-response screening model (model (II)). We also analyze the influence of the SES on the

decay antineutrino energy loss rate by considering the corrections of the Q-value, the electron chemical potential, and electron energy, as well as the shell and pair effects. The antineutrino energy loss rate is found to increase by two orders of magnitude (e.g., the SES enhancement factor reaches 651.9 for model (II)) due to the SES effect.
Computation of products of phase space factors and nuclear matrix elements for double beta decay *
Authors: Stoica S.
Published: May 2019

Nuclear matrix elements (NME) and phase space factors (PSF) entering the half-life formulas of the double-beta decay (DBD) process are two key quantities whose accurate computation still represents a challenge. In this study, we propose a new approach of calculating these, namely the direct computation of their product as an unique formula. This procedure allows a more coherent treatment of the nuclear approximations and input parameters appearing in both quantities and avoids possible confusion in the interpretation of DBD data due to different individual expressions adopted for PSF and NME (and consequently their reporting in different units) by different authors. Our calculations are performed for both two neutrino (

) and neutrinoless (

) decay modes, for five nuclei of the most experimental interest. Further, using the most recent experimental limits for

decay half-lives, we provide new constraints on the light mass neutrino parameter. Finally, by separating the factor representing the axial-vector constant to the forth power in the half-life formulas, we advance suggestions on how to reduce the errors introduced in the calculation by the uncertain value of this constant, exploiting the DBD data obtained from different isotopes and/or decay modes.
Numerical analysis of temperature stratification in the CIRCE pool facility
Authors: Edemetti Francesco , Tassone Alessandro , Narcisi Vincenzo , Giannetti Fabio , Ferroni Luisa , Tarantino Mariano
Published: May 2019

In the framework of Heavy Liquid Metal (HLM) GEN IV Nuclear reactor development, the focus is in the combination of security and performance. Numerical simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or system codes are useful tools to predict the main steady-state phenomena and how transitional accidents could unfold in GEN IV reactors. In this paper, to support the validation of CFD as a valid tool for the design, the capability of ANSYS CFX 15 to simulate and reproduce mixed natural convection and thermal stratification phenomena inside a pool is investigated. The 3D numerical model is based on the CIRCE facility, located in CR ENEA Brasimone. It is a pool facility, structured with all the components necessary to simulate the behavior of an HLM reactor, where LBE flows into the primary circuit. For the analysis, the LBE physical properties are implemented in CFX by using recent NEA equations [2]. Previously published RELAP5-3D© results [1] are employed to derive accurate boundary conditions for the simulation of the steady-state conditions in the pool and for CFX validation. The analysis focuses on the pool natural circulation with the presence of thermal structures in contact with LBE, considered as constant temperature sources. The development of thermal stratification in the pool is observed and evaluated with a mesh sensitivity analysis.
Modeling heat conduction in open-cell metal foams by means of the Three-Dimensional Thermal Fin theory
Authors: Iasiello M , Savarese C , Damian P J , Bianco N , Andreozzi A , Chiu W K S , Naso V
Published: May 2019

Their relatively high thermal conductivity makes metal open-cell foams promising heat transfer enhancers for lightweight applications. Conduction occurs through both solid and fluid phases, depending on the material and the microstructure. The effective conductivity of a foam is predicted by means of analytical and numerical methods, based on both idealized and realistic foam geometries, as well as by empirical correlations based on experiments. In this paper, a new model for the prediction of the effective thermal conductivity of foams is proposed. The proposed Three-Dimensional Thermal Fin (TTF) theory is based on the Electrochemical Fin (ECF) theory previously applied to the analysis of ion and electron transport through nanoporous materials. It has computational time two - three times shorter than those of current numerical techniques, such as finite-element methods. Starting from a tomography-reconstructed metallic open cell foam, the 3-D structure is modeled as a network. Conventional fin heat transfer scaled equations, applied to each part of the network, allow for the evaluation of the temperature distribution and heat rates. The effective thermal conductivity of the metal foam is then derived. The proposed model is validated by comparison with experimental results as well as with predictive models from the open literature and a finite-element based model.
Performance maps for an air-cooled air conditioning system as a preliminary instrument for the diagnosis of evaporator fouling
Authors: Catrini P. , Piacentino A. , Braun J. E. , Patil A. , Hjortland A. L.
Published: May 2019

During the past few decades, there has been increased interest in the development of automated approaches for detecting and diagnosing faults in air conditioning systems. Among them, thermoeconomic diagnosis is a technique which involves the use of exergy analysis. As a first step towards improving its performance, this work is focused on the thermodynamic and exergy analysis of a direct expansion air conditioning system used in small commercial building applications. The analysis was carried out by means of experimental activities on a 17.5 kW rooftop unit installed at the Herrick Laboratories, Purdue University, Indiana (USA). The system under investigation was equipped with a variable-speed compressor and variable-speed fans, thus allowing the unit to meet different loads. A detailed mapping of the performance of this system was carried out by considering the effect of the outdoor temperature and the cooling load. In addition, the effect of evaporator fouling was investigated. Results showed that poor exergy performance were achieved due to the exergy destruction occurring in the evaporator. Also, when testing evaporator fouling, results showed that this fault contributed to increase the consumption of the mechanical exergy of the air, thus allowing for an easy detection of this fault.
Horizontal Air-Water Two-Phase Flow Measurement Using an Electrical Impedance Probe and a Venturi Flow Meter
Authors: Chiesa G , Bertani C , Falcone N , Bersano A , Salve M DE , Panella B
Published: May 2019

Two-phase flow rate measurement is extremely important in many industrial sectors (nuclear, chemical, oil and gas, etc.). Nevertheless, the instrumentation required to perform these measurements is still very limited despite the huge research efforts during the last years. In the frame of the development of instrumentation for the two-phase flow rate measurement, the main aim of this study is the characterization of a spool piece consisting of a Venturi Flow Meter, and two Electric Capacitance Probes mounted in a horizontal test section, where an air-water two phase flow occurs. The probes response is analyzed versus superficial velocities of liquid and gas, flow patterns and void fraction. The test section consists of a nominal ID 80 mm horizontal transparent pipe equipped with a Venturi Flow Meter, a new capacitance probe with concave electrodes and a SIET designed electrical capacitance probe with ten long linear electrodes. In this experimental campaign, the air flow rate is in the range 0.048-0.119 kg/s (superficial velocity from 8 to 19 m/s) and the range of water flow rate is 0.0040-0.0535 kg/s (superficial velocity from 0.0006 m/s to 0.0103 m/s). These ranges of superficial velocities correspond to wavy stratified and annular-dispersed flow patterns along the test section.
The effect of PPI on thermal parameters in compact heat exchangers with aluminum foam
Authors: Buonomo B , di Pasqua A , Ercole D , Manca O
Published: May 2019

A numerical analysis on a compact heat exchanger in aluminum foam is accomplished. The governing equations in two-dimensional steady state regime are written in local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE). The physical domain under investigation is made up of a plate in aluminum foam with inside a single array of five circular tubes. The presence of the open-celled metal foam is modelled as a porous media by means of the Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer law. The metal foam is characterized by a porosity of 0.93 and different pores per inch (PPI), equal to 5, 10, 20 and 40 are analized. The LTNE assumption is considered to simulate the heat transfer between the fluid phase and the solid matrix of the foam. The compact heat exchanger at different air flow rates is studied with an assigned surface tube temperature. The results are shown in terms of heat and mechanical power ratio. Global parameters such as effectiveness and NTU, typical in compact heat exchangers, are showed. Furthermore, local air temperature and velocity profiles in the smaller cross section, between two consecutive tubes, as a function of Reynolds number are presented.
Preliminary DNS results of friction factor at low Re inside a rectangular channel with 1:10 Aspect Ratio
Authors: Vignati F. , Gramazio P. , Vitali L. , Fustinoni D. , Niro A.
Published: May 2019

A numerical and experimental study is carried on to investigate the fluiddynamical performanced of a smooth duct with Aspect Ratio of 10. The flow Reynolds number is between 470 and 14500, computed over the duct hydraulic diameter, ranging from laminar to turbulent flow. Direct Numerical Simulations are performed, to explore the details of all flow scales, by means of a code developed at Politecnico di Milano.

The presented numerical results include the computation of the friction factor and the identification of the transition from laminar to turbulent flow regime, and reproduce experimental and literature data fairly well. The setup of the described numerical and experimental techniques will allow to carry on a detailed investigation of the fluid-dynamical and thermal performances of ribbed duct.
Mass-Energy-Momentum Radiation in Stueckelberg-Horwitz-Piron (SHP) Electrodynamics
Authors: Land Martin
Published: May 2019

In Stueckelberg-Horwitz-Piron (SHP) electrodynamics individual particles are not restricted to fixed mass shells. Particles and fields may exchange mass along with energy-momentum, while total mass-energy-momentum is conserved for the system. By extension, interacting particles may exchange mass through the fields, and much as a radio transmitter produces electromagnetic waves that carry power to a remote radio receiver, the corresponding SHP apparatus can, in principle, transport mass across spacetime. The conserved Noether current contains energy density and energy flux density into space (Poynting 3-vector) as in Maxwell theory, as well as two additional features of the electromagnetic field: the mass density and mass flux density into spacetime (Poynting 4-vector). In this paper we consider the radiation from a simple dipole antenna in SHP, and use the mass-energy-momentum tensor to compare the results with the standard treatment in Maxwell theory. We find that mass radiation can only take place when the net charge on the entire antenna oscillates along with the current. We show that much as an ideal amplifier drives current into the antenna as the source of the radiated energy, the oscillating net charge drives spacetime events into the antenna as the source of the radiated mass. This process illuminates the event-oriented nature of mass dynamics in SHP theory.
Geometrization of Newtonian Dynamics
Authors: Friedman Yaakov , Scarr Tzvi
Published: May 2019

Riemann’s principle “force equals geometry” provided the basis for Einstein’s General Relativity - the geometric theory of gravitation. In this paper, we follow this principle to derive the dynamics for any conservative force. We introduce the relativity of spacetime : an object lives in its own spacetime, whose geometry is determined by all of the forces affecting it. We also introduce the Generalized Principle of Inertia which unifies Newton’s first and second laws and states that: An inanimate object moves freely, that is, with zero acceleration, in its own spacetime. We derive the metric of an object’s spacetime in two ways. The first way uses conservation of energy to derive a Newtonian metric. We reveal a physical deficiency of this metric (responsible for the inability of Newtonian dynamics to account for relativistic behavior), and remove it. The dynamics defined by the corrected Newtonian metric leads to a new Relativistic Newtonian Dynamics (RND) for both massive objects and massless particles moving in any static, conservative force field, not necessarily gravitational. In the case of the gravitational field of a static, spherically symmetric mass distribution, this metric turns out to be the Schwarzschild metric. This dynamics reduces in the weak field, low velocity limit to classical Newtonian dynamics and also exactly reproduces the classical tests of General Relativity. In the second way, we obtain the RND metric directly, without first obtaining a Newtonian metric. Instead of conservation of energy, we use conservation of angular momentum, a carefully defined Newtonian limit and Tangherlini’s condition. The non-static case is handled by applying Lorentz covariance to the static case.
Quantum equations for massless particles of any spin in curved spacetime
Authors: Moalem Amnon , Gersten Alexander
Published: May 2019

Quantum equations for massless particles of any spin in curved spacetime are presented. These equations can be extended to a global spacetime from the ones derived in a flat spacetime. Here we demonstrate that these equations can be derived also from a scalar Lagrangian, and they form a basis for quantum theory of spins 1 and 2 in in the vicinity of massive objects. The conserved current is calculated by applying Noether theorem and a complete set of commutative observables is determined. The solutions of these equations are considered in a flat Minkowski spacetime and in axially symmetric spacetimes.
Impacts of the 2017 flash drought in the US Northern plains informed by satellite-based evapotranspiration and solar-induced fluorescence
Authors: He Mingzhu , Kimball John S , Yi Yonghong , Running Steve , Guan Kaiyu , Jensco Kelsey , Maxwell Bruce , Maneta Marco
Published: May 2019

Drought is increasing in frequency and severity, exacerbating food and water security risks in an era of continued global warming and human population growth. Here, we analyzed a severe summer drought affecting the US Northern Plains region in 2017. We examined the spatial pattern and seasonal progression of vegetation productivity and water use in the region using satellite-based estimates of field-scale (30 m) cropland evapotranspiration (ET), county level annual crop production statistics, and GOME-2 satellite observations of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF). The cropland ET record shows strong potential to track seasonal cropland water demands spatially, with strong correspondence to regional climate variables in the Northern Plains. The GOME-2 SIF record shows significant but limited correlations with finer scale climate variability due to the coarse sensor footprint, but captured an anomalous regional productivity decline coincident with drought related decreases in crop production and ET. The drought contributed to an overall 25% reduction in cropland ET, 6% decrease in crop production, and 11% reduction in SIF productivity over the region from April to September in 2017 relative to the longer (2008–2017) satellite record. More severely impacted agricultural areas indicated by the US Drought Monitor exceptional drought (D4) category represented 11% of the region and showed much larger anomalous ET (20%–81%) and productivity (11%–73%) declines. The regional pattern of drought impacts indicated more severe productivity and ET reductions in the north central and southern counties with extensive agriculture, and less impact in the western counties of the Northern Plains. This study provides a multiscale assessment of drought related impacts on regional productivity and ET over a crop intensive region, emphasizing the use of global satellite observations capable of informing regional to global scale water and food security assessments.
Matching scope, purpose and uses of planetary boundaries science
Authors: Downing Andrea S , Bhowmik Avit , Collste David , Cornell Sarah E , Donges Jonathan , Fetzer Ingo , Häyhä Tiina , Hinton Jennifer , Lade Steven , Mooij Wolf M
Published: May 2019

Background: The Planetary Boundaries concept (PBc) has emerged as a key global sustainability concept in international sustainable development arenas. Initially presented as an agenda for global sustainability research, it now shows potential for sustainability governance. We use the fact that it is widely cited in scientific literature (>3500 citations) and an extensively studied concept to analyse how it has been used and developed since its first publication. Design: From the literature that cites the PBc, we select those articles that have the terms ‘planetary boundaries’ or ‘safe operating space’ in either title, abstract or keywords. We assume that this literature substantively engages with and develops the PBc. Results: We find that 6% of the citing literature engages with the concept. Within this fraction of the literature we distinguish commentaries—that discuss the context and challenges to implementing the PBc, articles that develop the core biogeophysical concept and articles that apply the concept by translating to sub-global scales and by adding a human component to it. Applied literature adds to the concept by explicitly including society through perspectives of impacts, needs, aspirations and behaviours. Discussion: Literature applying the concept does not yet include the more complex, diverse, cultural and behavioural facet of humanity that is implied in commentary literature. We suggest there is need for a positive framing of sustainability goals—as a Safe Operating Space rather than boundaries. Key scientific challenges include distinguishing generalised from context-specific knowledge, clarifying which processes are generalizable and which are scalable, and explicitly applying complex systems’ knowledge in the application and development of the PBc. We envisage that opportunities to address these challenges will arise when more human social dimensions are integrated, as we learn to feed the global sustainability vision with a plurality of bottom-up realisations of sustainability.
Accelerating The Physilogical Properties of Sodium Alginate Paste by Thermal Method and Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Yudiati E , Djarod M S R , Pringgenies D , Susilo E S
Published: May 2019

Breaking down the polysaccharide of sodium alginate powder to enhance the bioactivity has been done by several methods. This study was aimed to enhance the physiological properties by drying up the sodium alginate paste with cool dry, oven dry, low and high intensity of microwave irradiation. Cool dry technique was done in refrigerated laboratory at 4°C for 24 hr. The drying technique was done in oven laboratory at 60°C for 24 hr. The microwave was set up at minimum intensity (2 Ghz, 450 watt, 13 mins) and maximum intensity (4 Ghz, 450 watt, 5 mins) for the low and high microwave irradiation. The assessment of molecular weight, UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopic studies were applied. The UV-visible spectroscopic studies pointed that there was a new absorption band around 260-270 nm in all treatments. Comparing to the standard alginate, the spectra of FT_IR analysis show that there were some variation in certain bands and fingerprint area. The antiradical scavenging activity (DPPH) of cool and oven dry, low and high microwave irradiation were 24.68%, 26.54%, 40.43% and 45.44%, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited from the lowest molecular weight at high intensity of microwave irradiation treatment (P<0.05).The simple and practical treatment of high microwave irradiation accelerated the antioxidant activity and reduced the ability of donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to inactivate this radical action.