bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermosetting polymers from renewable sources
Authors: Quirino Rafael L , Monroe Khristal , Fleischer Carl H , Biswas Eletria , Kessler Michael R
Published: September 2020

Environmental concerns and the need for sustainable industrial practices have sparked the search for alternative materials that offer a lower impact on the environment. Over the course of the past few decades, numerous bio‐based polymers have been developed from natural resources. Among the materials, bio‐based thermosets are of particular interest due to their increased thermal stability in comparison to thermoplastics. This review covers recent advancements made in the field of bio‐based thermosets, with a special focus devoted to resins prepared from vegetable oils, natural phenolic compounds and a selection of other thermosetting systems developed recently based on either the polymerization of multifunctional monomers or the crosslinking of linear systems. This review article concludes with a critical perspective on the environmental implications of bio‐based thermosets. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
A European proficiency test on thin‐film tandem photovoltaic devices
Authors: Salis Elena , Gerber Andreas , Andreasen Jens Wenzel , Gevorgyan Suren A. , Betts Tom , Mihaylov Blagovest , Gottschalg Ralph , Kodolbaş Alp Osman , Yilmaz Okan , Leidl Roman , Rennhofer Marcus , Zamini Shokufeh , Acciarri Maurizio , Binetti Simona , Lotter Erwin , Bakker Klaas , Kroon Jan , Soppe Wim , Razongles Guillaume , Mercaldo Lucia V. , Roca Francesco , Romano Antonio , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Warta Wilhelm , Balenzategui José L. , Trigo Juan F. , Neubert Sebastian , Pavanello Diego , Müllejans Harald , Lauermann Iver
Published: September 2020

A round‐robin proficiency test (RR PT) on thin‐film multi‐junction (MJ) photovoltaic (PV) cells was run between 13 laboratories within the European project CHEETAH. Five encapsulated PV cells were circulated to participants for being tested at Standard Test Conditions (STC). Three cells were a‐Si/μc‐Si tandem PV devices, each of which had a different short‐circuit current ratio between the top junction and the bottom one; the remaining two cells were single‐junction PV devices made with material representative of the individual junctions in the MJ cells. The RR PT's main purpose was to assess the capability of the participating laboratories, in terms of employed facilities and procedures, to test MJ PV devices. Therefore, participants were requested to perform STC measurements of all cells according to their own procedure, which might not include external quantum efficiency measurements. The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) provided the reference calibrations against which the participants' results are compared. ESTI made also a verification of the cells performance at STC at the end of the RR PT, in order to allow a comparison between the initial stable state at which the cells were calibrated (just before circulation) and the one they had reached at the end of the RR PT. The overall results of the RR PT are here presented and discussed together with some aspects of MJ PV testing that emerged as not adequately applied or largely missing. Their full implementation is expected to improve the consistency of future results.
Metabolomics analysis reveals both plant variety and choice of hormone treatment modulate vinca alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Fraser Valerie N. , Philmus Benjamin , Megraw Molly
Published: September 2020

The medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus produces numerous secondary metabolites of interest for the treatment of many diseases – most notably for the terpene indole alkaloid (TIA) vinblastine, which is used in the treatment of leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Historically, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been used to induce TIA production, but in the past, this has only been investigated in whole seedlings, cell culture, or hairy root culture. This study examines the effects of the phytohormones MeJA and ethylene on the induction of TIA biosynthesis and accumulation in the shoots and roots of 8‐day‐old seedlings of two varieties of C. roseus. Using LCMS and RT‐qPCR, we demonstrate the importance of variety selection, as we observe markedly different induction patterns of important TIA precursor compounds. Additionally, both phytohormone choice and concentration have significant effects on TIA biosynthesis. Finally, our study suggests that several early‐induction pathway steps as well as pathway‐specific genes are likely to be transcriptionally regulated. Our findings highlight the need for a complete set of'omics resources in commonly used C. roseus varieties and the need for caution when extrapolating results from one cultivar to another.
Influence of apparently negative personality characteristics on the long‐term outcome of health anxiety: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Wang Duolao , Tyrer Helen , Crawford Mike , Loebenberg Gemma , Cooper Sylvia , Barrett Barbara , Sanatinia Rahil
Published: September 2020

Background

It is known that personality has an influence on the outcome of mental state disorders, but detailed studies on its long‐term impact are few. We examined the influence of personality status on the 8‐year outcome of health anxiety and its relationship to the effects of cognitive behaviour therapy in a randomized controlled trial.

Aims

This study aims to examine both the usefulness of the diagnosis of personality disorder and an additional measure of pathological dependence, in predicting the outcome of medical patients with health anxiety treated with cognitive behaviour therapy. Because the influence of personality is often shown in the long term, these assessments covered the period of 8 years after randomization. An additional aim is to examine the costs of different levels of personality dysfunction in each treatment group.

Method

Personality dysfunction, using both ICD‐10 and ICD‐11 classifications of severity, was assessed at baseline by interview in a randomized controlled trial. Patients were also assessed for pathological dependence using the Dependent Personality Questionnaire, also scored along a severity dimension. Four hundred forty‐four patients from medical clinics with pathological health anxiety were treated with a modified form of cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety (CBT‐HA) or standard care. Total costs over follow‐up were calculated from hospital data and compared by personality group.

Results

At baseline, 381 (86%) had some personality dysfunction, mainly at the lower level of personality difficulty (not formally a disorder). One hundred eighty four (41%) had a personality disorder. A similar proportion was found with regard to dependent personality. Using the ICD‐10 classification, 153 patients (34.6%) had a personality disorder, with 83 (54.2%) having anxious or dependent personality disorder, 20 (13.1%) having an anankastic disorder, but also with 66 (43.1%) having mixed disorder. During initial treatment, those with personality disorder adhered more closely to CBT‐HA, and after 8 years, they had a significantly better outcome than those with personality difficulty and no personality disorder (p < 0.002). Similar results were found in those scoring high on the Dependent Personality Questionnaire. All these differences increased over the follow‐up period. Costs were similar in all groups but were somewhat higher in the CBT‐HA one; this finding is hypothesised to be due to fuller hospital treatment once health anxiety is discounted.

Conclusion

Personality disorder in people with health anxiety, particularly in those who have anxious and dependent traits, reinforces the benefits of cognitive behaviour therapy, particularly in the longer term. © 2020 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Direct Synthesis of ZIF‐8 on Transmission Electron Microscopy Grids Allows Structure Analysis and 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Hugenschmidt Milena , Kutonova Ksenia , Valadez Sánchez Elvia P. , Moulai Sarah , Gliemann Hartmut , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Gerthsen Dagmar
Published: September 2020

The first example of layer‐by‐layer growth of a metal–organic framework (MOF) directly on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids is described. ZIF‐8 is deposited on thin amorphous carbon films and subjected to a structure analysis by (scanning) TEM ((S)TEM). This method serves as a two‐in‐one synthesis and TEM sample‐preparation technique and allows straightforward analysis of ZIF‐8 crystallites. Artifacts resulting from sample preparation are completely avoided by this approach. The morphological properties, crystal structure, and the chemical composition of the material are investigated with high spatial resolution by a variety of methods of (analytical) electron microscopy. Furthermore, the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles in ZIF‐8 by integrating a corresponding step into the layer‐by‐layer deposition process is examined. The formation of ZIF‐8 crystals on the film proceeds as under the absence of nanoparticle‐forming synthesis steps. However, the nanoparticles rather cover the supporting amorphous carbon film than being incorporated in the ZIF‐8 material. This information cannot be obtained from standard characterization techniques but requires the application of analytical (S)TEM techniques.
Obstructive sleep apnea in children with hypothalamic obesity: Evaluation of possible related factors
Authors: Iyigun Irem , Alikasifoglu Ayfer , Gonc Nazlı , Ozon Alev , Eryilmaz Polat Sanem , Hizal Mina , Kiper Nural , Ozcelik Ugur
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a type of obesity that is caused by hypothalamic damage. HO can be complicated by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) due to anatomical narrowing of the upper airway and hypothalamic damage‐induced dysfunction of the sleep control mechanisms. We aimed to explore the presence and severity of OSAS in children with HO and hypothesized that OSAS is more severe and frequent in HO than exogenous obesity (EO).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among children aged 6.6–17.9 years. Subjects with HO (n = 14) and controls with EO (n = 19) were consecutively recruited through an endocrinology clinic. All patients underwent full‐night polysomnography. The primary outcomes were obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI) and the severity of OSAS. We analyzed the polysomnography findings, biochemical parameters, Brodsky and modified Mallampati scores, and blood pressure compared with the controls. We explored the different obesity types and these variables in association with OAHI using multiple linear regression (MLR).

Results

Age and body mass index z scores (BMI‐z) were similar between the EO and HO groups. The OAHI of HO (5.8) was higher than that of EO (2.2). In MLR, the predicted OAHI was formulated as an equation using regression coefficients of obesity type (HO), age, and BMI‐z (R2 = .41). In the logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio of moderate/severe OSA was 5.6 for HO.

Conclusions

Children with HO have a higher risk of moderate/severe OSAS than children with EO. Polysomnography should be considered in all patients with HO.
Permethrin resistance associated with inherited genes in a near‐isogenic line of Musca domestica
Authors: Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Permethrin has been used frequently in the control of Musca domestica worldwide including Pakistan, with reports of resistance development in different field strains. A near‐isogenic line of M. domestica with permethrin resistance (Perm‐R) was constructed to elucidate mode of inheritance and cross‐resistance analyses.

RESULTS

Toxicity responses of reciprocal progenies F1 and F1′ showed no significant difference in median lethal dose (LD50) values, suggesting that permethrin resistance was inherited in an autosomal fashion with neither sex linkage nor maternal effects in the Perm‐R strain of M. domestica. Degree of dominance was 0.6 and 0.7 for F1 and F1′ progenies, respectively, which suggests that permethrin resistance was expressed as an incompletely dominant trait. Chi‐square analyses for self‐bred (F2), and backcross progenies (BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4) revealed significant differences between the observed and expected mortality, indicating the possibility of multiple genes responsible for permethrin resistance. Moreover, the Perm‐R strain did not show cross‐resistance to propoxur, chlorpyrifos, profenofos or spinetoram.

CONCLUSION

Permethrin resistance in the Perm‐R strain of M. domestica was inherited as autosomal, incompletely dominant and governed by more than one gene. Lack of cross‐resistance between permethrin and propoxur, chlorpyrifos, profenofos or spinetoram provides an opportunity for rotational use of these insecticides in the control of M. domestica. These data could help to manage M. domestica and the problem of permethrin resistance.
Protective and therapeutic effects of natural products against diabetes mellitus via regenerating pancreaticβ‐cells and restoring their dysfunction
Authors: Semwal Deepak Kumar , Kumar Ankit , Aswal Sonali , Chauhan Ashutosh , Semwal Ruchi Badoni
Published: September 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern and an increasing interest has been raised to search for new compounds with therapeutic effects onβ‐cells. There are chronic insulin resistance and loss ofβ‐cell mass in the case of type‐2 diabetes which covers about 90% of total diabetic patients. This work aims to critically review the protective and regenerative effects of various antidiabetic natural products on pancreaticβ‐cells. A thorough literature survey was conducted on the natural molecules and extracts having a protective, regenerative, and repairing effect onβ‐cells. The primary source of the literature was online scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Besides, selected relevant textbooks were also consulted. Various natural molecules including berberine, curcumin, mangiferin, stevioside and capsaicin, and extracts obtained from the plants likeCapsicum annum,Gymnema sylvestre,Stevia rebaudianaandNymphaea stellate, were found to produce regenerative and anti‐apoptosis effects onβ‐cells. These natural products were also found to increase insulin secretion by stimulatingβ‐cells. The present review concluded that a large number of molecules and extracts, abundantly found in nature, possess antidiabetic effect via targetingβ‐cells. Further research is warranted to use these agents as a drug against diabetes.
Lagrangian trajectories at the outflow of tropical cyclones
Authors: Cohen Yair , Paldor Nathan
Published: September 2020

Recent observations from the upper levels of tropical cyclones show the development of a Low engulfed by a larger High. The impact of such a geopotential map on the dynamics of the outflow is studied by analysing the Lagrangian trajectories of air parcels. The geopotential is modelled by the hydrostatic sum of two, oppositely signed, Gaussians: a warm core and a near‐surface low that together reproduce the relevant features of the observed tropical cyclones. Assuming a time‐independent and axisymmetric geopotential map, the dynamics is described by an integrable, two degrees‐of‐freedom, angular momentum conserving, Hamiltonian system with a single non‐dimensional parameter. The steady states of this system bifurcate when the geopotential amplitude increases above a threshold where the single elliptic fixed‐point becomes hyperbolic surrounded by a pair of elliptic fixed‐points. A gradient balance prevails near the elliptic points while an inertial balance occurs at the radius of maximum geopotential, where the hyperbolic (unstable) point is located. The divergence of trajectories around this hyperbolic point implies the existence of strong horizontal wind divergence. A gradient non‐balance region emerges in the steady state (radius, geopotential amplitude) map and this region expands with the increase of geopotential amplitude which implies that higher angular momentum values are required for trajectories to transition from high to low. A transformation of the (radius, radial velocity) variables to action‐angle variables yields an approximate expression for the tangential drift (long‐time average of the tangential speed) that estimates the tangential winds. The analysis is extended numerically to the case of warm core offset, where the two Gaussians have different centres.
Assessment and development of DFT with the expanded CUAGAU‐2 set of group‐11 cluster systems
Authors: Chan Bun
Published: September 2020

In the present study, we have compiled the expanded CUAGAU‐2 set of group‐11 (Cu, Ag, Au) cluster systems. It contains species that we find to be more challenging for density functional theory (DFT) methods, which are not represented in the previous set. In the prosses, we have also devised the W1X‐G0 method for cost‐effective calculation of accurate reaction energies for such species; it is comparable to the W1X‐2 composite protocol but with a more sophisticated treatment for core correlation, which is necessary for the group‐11 cluster systems. Our assessment of DFT methods shows the MN15 method to be one of the most accurate for CUAGAU‐2. Nonetheless, the CUAGAU‐2 systems are more challenging for even some of the most advanced DFT methods when compared with main‐group and molecular transition‐metal systems. To facilitate rapid development of functionals with better accuracy and robustness, we have statistically downsized the 123‐point CUAGAU‐2 set to smaller sets with 11 (CUAGAU‐2s) and 41 (CUAGAU‐2m) points. In a brief case study, we have used CUAGAU‐2m and other small test sets to revise the SCAN0 method. The results suggest that reducing %HF in SCAN0 from 25% to 10% (yielding the SCANh method) would lead to an overall better performance, as well as a more uniform accuracy over different properties. This exercise demonstrates the utility of the CUAGAU‐2(s/m) and our previously compiled test sets for the exploration of density functionals.
Event‐triggered leader‐follower tracking control for interconnected systems
Authors: Cheng Yi , Ugrinovskii Valery
Published: September 2020

This article considers the event‐triggered leader‐follower tracking control for interconnected systems with directed communication topology. Different from the existing work, here we consider systems which are physically coupled. We propose a model‐based event‐triggered tracking control strategy and an event triggering rule with a time‐dependent threshold which guarantees that the tracking errors in the systems asymptotically converge to zero. With the proposed event triggering rule, we prove that the system does not exhibit Zeno behavior. As a special case, the proposed event‐triggered tracking control strategy is also applied to decoupled multiagent systems. The efficacy of the proposed method is discussed using two simulation examples.
Set‐based gain‐scheduled control via quasi‐convex difference inclusions
Authors: Sala Antonio , Ariño Carlos , Robles Ruben
Published: September 2020

A nonlinear system with sector‐bounded nonlinearities may be expressed as a quasi‐linear parameter‐varying (LPV) system (convex combination of linear models), being this a well‐known fact. The convex difference inclusion (CDI) modeling framework proposed by Fiacchini and coworkers in several of their works generalizes the quasi‐LPV modeling procedure and proposes robust controllers enlarging polytopic domain of attraction estimates. This works further generalizes the CDI approach to a gain‐scheduled case including, also, some quasi‐convex cases. Controller design is based on convexity properties of two set valued maps describing (with some uncertainty) the state evolution and the state‐dependent set where scheduling variables take values. As most set‐based approaches, the proposal is tractable in low‐dimensional cases. The presented results encompass prior quasi‐LPV and CDI models as particular cases.
Parameter identification of a nonlinear radial basis function‐based state‐dependent autoregressive network with autoregressive noise via the filtering technique and the multiinnovation theory
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Ma Fengying , Ding Feng , Xu Ling , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: September 2020

This article studies the parameter estimation problems of radial basis function‐based state‐dependent autoregressive models with autoregressive noises (RBF‐ARAR models). To reduce the effect of the colored noise to parameter estimation, the data filtering technique is applied and a filtering based generalized stochastic gradient algorithm is derived for the RBF‐ARAR models. In order to achieve more accurate parameter estimates, a filtering based multiinnovation generalized stochastic gradient (F‐MI‐GSG) algorithm is proposed by utilizing the current and past innovations. Introducing two forgetting factors, a filtering based multiinnovation generalized forgetting gradient algorithm is developed to improve the transient performance of the F‐MI‐GSG algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is verified through the simulation examples.
Effects of extreme high flow events on macroinvertebrate communities in Vermont streams
Authors: Stamp Jen , Moore Aaron , Fiske Steve , Gerritsen Jeroen , Bierwagen Britta , Hamilton Anna
Published: September 2020

Heavy precipitation events and subsequent high flows are occurring with greater frequency and intensity, which could have substantial implications for biomonitoring programs that typically evaluate changes in biological condition due to stressors at local and watershed scales. In this study we evaluated response and recovery of macroinvertebrate communities at nine reference quality streams located in multiple watersheds throughout Vermont to flooding from Tropical Storm (TS) Irene in 2011. At each site, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) had collected macroinvertebrate data on an annual basis from 2009–2013. We compared the data collected in the days and weeks following TS Irene (2011) to samples collected for 2 years prior to the event (2009–2010) and 2 years after (2012–2013). While most metrics used in Vermont's biocriteria did not demonstrate a response to TS Irene, density showed a significant reduction in 2011 (across sites, percent change ranged from −24 to −91%; mean −66%). The percent change in density at each site was significantly correlated with the amount of localized rainfall during the storm (rs= −0.79,p= .02) and was most evident at small to medium‐sized, high gradient streams. Reduced density caused several of these sites to fail to meet minimum criteria for biological integrity, though densities rebounded the following year. While the quick recovery indicated resiliency at these reference streams, the timing and magnitude of flood events may decrease the ability of biomonitoring programs to accurately evaluate the effect of watershed stressors.
Asymptotic normality of the number of corners in tableaux associated with the partially asymmetric simple exclusion process
Authors: Hitczenko Paweł , Yaroslavskiy Aleksandr
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study corners in tree‐like and permutation tableaux. Tree‐like tableaux are in bijection with other combinatorial structures, including permutation tableaux, and have a connection to the partially asymmetric simple exclusion process (PASEP), an important model of an interacting particles system. In particular, in the context of tree‐like tableaux, a corner corresponds to a node occupied by a particle that could jump to the right while inner corners indicate a particle with an empty node to its left. Thus, the total number of corners represents the number of nodes at which PASEP can move, that is, the total current activity of the system. As the number of inner corners and regular corners is connected, we limit our discussion to just regular corners and show that asymptotically, the number of corners in a tableau of length n is normally distributed. Furthermore, since the number of corners in tree‐like tableaux is closely related to the number of corners in permutation tableaux, we will discuss the corners in the context of the latter tableaux. Finally, using analogous techniques, we prove a central limit theorem for the number of corners in symmetric tree‐like tableaux and type‐B permutation tableaux.
The activity and thermal stability of RhOx/CeO2 nanocomposites prepared by radio‐frequency plasma sputtering
Authors: Kibis Lidiya S. , Krotova Alena I. , Zaikovskii Vladimir I. , Boronin Andrei I.
Published: September 2020

The model RhOx/CeO2 systems were prepared by radio‐frequency (RF) plasma sputtering of Rh electrode in O2 or Ar/O2 atmosphere. Thermal stability of the systems and their reaction probability towards CO oxidation were studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was shown that the small oxidized Rh nanoparticles on the CeO2 surface (RhOx/CeO2) obtained by RF sputtering in O2 have spectroscopic characteristics close to those of Rh3+ ions highly dispersed in ceria lattice. The RhOx/CeO2 system remains stable upon heating in vacuum at 450°C and shows reactivity towards CO oxidation at T > 200°C. RF sputtering in Ar/O2 atmosphere results in the formation of larger rhodium nanoparticles that are close to Rh2O3 oxide. The Rh2O3/CeO2 system demonstrates lower activity in CO oxidation and cannot be reduced at a temperature below 300°C.
Explaining the negative impact of workplace incivility on work and non‐work outcomes: The roles of negative rumination and organizational support
Authors: He Yimin , Walker Jessica M. , Payne Stephanie C. , Miner Kathi N.
Published: September 2020

Research studies have shown that workplace incivility is associated with numerous negative work and non‐work outcomes. The underlying mechanisms explaining why workplace incivility is associated with these outcomes, as well as contextual buffers of these relationships, have received less attention. This study extends workplace incivility research by examining the mediating role of negative rumination as a potential factor undergirding the relationship between experiences of incivility from colleagues at work and detrimental outcomes. We also investigated perceived organizational support and family supportive work environment as potential mitigators of the indirect relationship between incivility and negative outcomes. Data were collecfrom 154 university faculty members on two occasions. The results showed that negative rumination mediated the relationships between workplace incivility and both work (job satisfaction, burnout) and non‐work (work‐to‐family conflict, life satisfaction) outcomes. Furthermore, results from the moderated mediation analyses revealed that perceived organizational support buffered the mediated effect of negative rumination and job satisfaction and a family‐supportive work environment buffered the mediated effect of negative rumination on work‐to‐family conflict. Overall, the results demonstrate that negative rumination helps explain why workplace incivility negatively affects both work and non‐work outcomes and underscores the important role of organizational context as buffers for these relationships.
Incorporating of Lanthanides Ions into Perovskite Film for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Song Zonglong , Xu Wen , Wu Yanjie , Liu Shuainan , Bi Wenbo , Chen Xinfu , Song Hongwei
Published: September 2020

Since Yan's work, incorporation of some lanthanide elements, such as Eu and Nd, into MAPbI3 layer has been proven to be a powerful strategy on improving the permanence of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, a comprehensive configuration has not been given for different lanthanide elements doping while the mechanism has not been clarified. Herein, the incorporation of various lanthanides ions (Ln3+ = Ce3+, Eu3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, or Yb3+) into perovskite films to largely enhance the performance of PSCs is presented. Arising from the enlarged grain size and crystallinity of perovskite film upon Ln3+ ions doping, the efficiency and stability of PSCs are significantly improved. Extraordinarily, PSCs with Ce3+ doping achieve the best performance, with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.67% in contrast to 18.50% for pristine PSCs, and outstanding long‐term and UV irradiation stability. Such high performance of PSCs after Ce3+ doping originates from special Ce3+/Ce4+ redox pair and the unique 4f‐5d absorption in the UV region. Finally, the flexible PSCs with low‐temperature preparation are explored. Considering the richer deposition of cerium element in the earth and lower price, the findings may provide new opportunities for developing low‐cost, highly efficient, air/UV stable, and flexible PSCs.
Understanding the Role of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Application
Authors: Huang Chuanhui , Li Ailin , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Tie
Published: September 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), built from organic linkers and metal ions/clusters, have emerged as highly promising materials for wide applications. Combining highly porous crystalline MOFs with the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique can achieve unprecedented advantages of high selectivity, high sensitivity, and expedience in analysis and detection. In this critical review, the aim is to present a comprehensive review of recent advances in understanding of the roles of MOFs in MOF‐SERS systems, particularly their structure‐to‐property correlation. Key examples are selected from representative literature to illustrate critical concepts and the MOF‐based property‐dependent applications are particularly emphasized. Finally, the barriers, future trends, and prospects for further advances in MOF‐SERS platforms are also discussed.
Probing and Resolving the Heterogeneous Degradation of Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes across Multi‐Length Scales
Authors: Wang Jian , Kim Hwiho , Hyun Hyejeong , Jo Sugeun , Han Jeongwoo , Ko DongHyuk , Seo Sungjae , Kim Juwon , Kong Hui , Lim Jongwoo
Published: September 2020

Ni‐rich layered oxides (NRLO) are widely considered among the most promising cathode materials for high energy‐density lithium ion batteries. However, the high proportion of Ni content accelerates the cycling degradation that restricts their large‐scale applications. The origins of degradation are indeed heterogeneous and thus there are tremendous efforts devoted to understanding the underlying mechanisms at multi‐length scales spanning atom/lattice, particle, porous electrode, solid‐electrolyte interface, and cell levels and mitigating the degradation of the NRLO. This review combines various advanced in situ/ex situ analysis techniques developed for resolving NRLO degradation at multi‐length scales and aims to convey a comprehensive picture of its heterogeneous degradation mechanism. This contribution starts with discussing various factors influencing NRLO stability and proceeds to elaborate the multi‐scale characterization, including synchrotron‐based X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray imaging, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, online‐electrochemical mass spectrometry, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Further, the detailed degradation mechanisms at each length scale are analyzed, and corresponding strategies to alleviate the degradation are evaluated. By conveying the progress (mainly between the years 2015 and 2020), methods, insights, and perspectives, this review contributes significantly to the understanding and tackling of the cycling degradation of NRLO.
NASICON Li1.2Mg0.1Zr1.9(PO4)3 Solid Electrolyte for an All‐Solid‐State Li‐Metal Battery
Authors: Zhou Qiongyu , Xu Biyi , Chien Po‐Hsiu , Li Yutao , Huang Bing , Wu Nan , Xu Henghui , Grundish Nicholas S. , Hu Yan‐Yan , Goodenough John B.
Published: September 2020

A thin solid electrolyte with a high Li+ conductivity is used to separate the metallic lithium anode and the cathode in an all‐solid‐state Li‐metal battery. However, most solid Li‐ion electrolytes have a small electrochemical stability window, large interfacial resistance, and cannot block lithium‐dendrite growth when lithium is plated on charging of the cell. Mg2+ stabilizes a rhombohedral NASICON‐structured solid electrolyte of the formula Li1.2Mg0.1Zr1.9(PO4)3 (LMZP). This solid electrolyte has Li‐ion conductivity two orders of magnitude higher at 25 °C than that of the triclinic LiZr2(PO4)3. 7Li and 6Li NMR confirm the Li‐ions in two different crystallographic sites of the NASICON framework with 85% of the Li‐ions having a relatively higher mobility than the other 15%. The anode–electrolyte interface is further investigated with symmetric Li/LMZP/Li cell testing, while the cathode–electrolyte interface is explored with an all‐solid‐state Li/LMZP/LiFePO4 cell. The enhanced performance of these cells enabled by the Li1.2Mg0.1Zr1.9(PO4)3 solid electrolyte is stable upon repeated charge/discharge cycling.
Performance assessment of a concrete railway bridge by diagnostic load testing
Authors: Duvnjak Ivan , Bartolac Marko , Damjanović Domagoj , Košćak Janko
Published: September 2020

Diagnostic load testing can be a suitable method for condition assessment of existing bridges. This paper presents the evaluation of a concrete railway bridge built in the 1940s based on diagnostic load testing. The test was the outcome of a visual inspection and preliminary theoretical analysis that found the bridge to be in unsatisfactory condition. Unlike the other possibilities that infrastructure management bodies have in such situations, for example, structure replacement, traffic reorganization, closure of the bridge, etc., diagnostic load testing is a low cost and quick method that indicates the bridge response to real traffic load. The paper describes the test plan and implementation covering the static and dynamic load tests. The experimental methods comprise superstructure displacements measurement, strain measurement on concrete and reinforcement and determination of bridge dynamic parameters. The obtained test results analysis enabled more accurate diagnosis of the actual bridge condition. The bridge demonstrated satisfactory load bearing capacity and response to real service load in terms of registered levels of displacement and strain and proper dynamic performance.
Application of response surface methodology to optimize alkali‐activated slag mortar with limestone powder and glass powder
Authors: Zhang Lanfang , Zhai Jianjin
Published: September 2020

An experimental and statistical investigation is carried out to analyze the influences of three variables (limestone powder, glass powder, and alkali content) on performance of alkali activated slag mortar. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model all measured responses like 28‐day flexural and compressive strength, water absorption, and dry shrinkage. Analysis of variance showed that all developed models were statistically significant. The interaction between the corresponding variables was analyzed using three‐dimensional response surface plots that were drawn using developed regression models. Optimization was performed using desirability approach of the RSM with an objective to maximize 28‐day flexural and compressive strength while minimizing water absorption and drying shrinkage. The optimum values of limestone powder, glass powder, and alkali content with highest desirability of 0.706 are 15.80, 17.02, and 6.71%, respectively. The predicted combination was validated by confirmatory tests and the error in prediction was found to be within 3.5%.
Multiscale Molecular Modelling of ATP‐Fueled Supramolecular Polymerisation and Depolymerisation**
Authors: Perego Claudio , Pesce Luca , Capelli Riccardo , George Subi J. , Pavan Giovanni M.
Published: September 2020

Fuel‐regulated self‐assembly is a key principle by which Nature creates spatiotemporally controlled materials and dynamic molecular systems that are in continuous communication (molecular exchange) with the external environment. Designing artificial materials that self‐assemble and disassemble via conversion/consumption of a chemical fuel is a grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry, which requires a profound knowledge of the factors governing these complex systems. Here we focus on recently reported metal‐coordinated monomers that polymerise in the presence of ATP and depolymerise upon ATP hydrolysis, exploring their fuel‐regulated self‐assembly/disassembly via multiscale molecular modelling. We use all‐atom simulations to assess the role of ATP in stabilising these monomers in assemblies, and we then build on a minimalistic model to investigate their fuel‐driven polymerisation and depolymerisation on a higher scale. In this way, we elucidate general aspects of fuel‐regulated self‐assembly that are important toward the rational design of new types of bioinspired materials.
Traumatic asphyxia successfully treated with jidabokuippo
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Irie Yasuhito , Satoh Kasumi , Kitamura Toshiharu , Kameyama Koumei , Furuya Tomoki , Okuyama Manabu
Published: September 2020

Case

A 29‐year‐old man presented with traumatic asphyxia associated with symptoms of ecchymosis over the face, conjunctival hyperemia, and a blood‐red puffy face. Jidabokuippo (JDI), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine to alleviate static blood™1 was administered. The blood‐red puffy face improved dramatically.

Outcome

Symptoms improved after treatment with JDI.

Conclusion

JDI can be used for the management of ecchymosis and swelling following traumatic asphyxia.
Agitation and impulsivity in mid and late life as possible risk markers for incident dementia
Authors: Bateman Daniel R. , Gill Sascha , Hu Sophie , Foster Erin D. , Ruthirakuhan Myuri T. , Sellek Allis F. , Mortby Moyra E. , Matušková Veronika , Ng Kok Pin , Tarawneh Rawan M. , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Kumar Sanjeev , Gauthier Serge , Rosenberg Paul B. , Ferreira de Oliveira Fabricio , Devanand D. P. , Ballard Clive , Ismail Zahinoor ,   for The International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART), Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA)
Published: September 2020

To identify knowledge gaps regarding new‐onset agitation and impulsivity prior to onset of cognitive impairment or dementia the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (NPS) Professional Interest Area conducted a scoping review. Extending a series of reviews exploring the pre‐dementia risk syndrome Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI), we focused on late‐onset agitation and impulsivity (the MBI impulse dyscontrol domain) and risk of incident cognitive decline and dementia. This scoping review of agitation and impulsivity pre‐dementia syndromes summarizes the current biomedical literature in terms of epidemiology, diagnosis and measurement, neurobiology, neuroimaging, biomarkers, course and prognosis, treatment, and ongoing clinical trials. Validations for pre‐dementia scales such as the MBI Checklist, and incorporation into longitudinal and intervention trials, are needed to better understand impulse dyscontrol as a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Caveolae, CD109, and endothelial cells as targets for treating Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Reduced functionality of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is a major pathogenetic component of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The reduction is caused by an ≈50% decrease in the AD brain of the TGF‐β receptor, TGFBR, causing a bottleneck effect that reduces the downstream actions of TGF‐β, which is highly disadvantageous for brain function. Degradation of TGFBR occurs in caveolae with participation by caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) and CD109. Mechanisms for this are discussed. In the cerebral microcirculation, endothelial cells (which are rich in caveolae) carry CD109 as a surface marker that co‐precipitates with Cav‐1. Atorvastatin reduced Cav‐1 by 75% and, because Cav‐1 and CD109 co‐immunoprecipitate reciprocally, atorvastatin would also reduce the level of CD109. Administration of atorvastatin as a component of combination therapy would diminish the degradation of TGFBR and thereby benefit patients with AD.
Gear fault detection based on instantaneous frequency estimation using variational mode decomposition and permutation entropy under real speed scenarios
Authors: Sharma Vikas
Published: September 2020

Structural compactness with multiple meshing points excites multiple vibrations in a planetary gearbox of a wind turbine operating at varying speeds. The nonstationary, multicomponent vibration signals result in complex modulations challenging the effectiveness of a signal processing technique‐based fault diagnosis method. This paper aims to detect gear tooth faults under varying speed conditions based on the instantaneous frequency (IF) estimate of the decomposed component. Vibration signals were decomposed using variational mode decomposition (VMD), which is capable of frequency demodulation by exhibiting mono‐oscillatory components, followed by the IF estimation to select the most sensitive decomposed mode. The selected sensitive mode was further analyzed to deduce envelope spectrums for the extraction of frequency components highlighting fault symptoms. Furthermore, permutation entropy (PE) was evaluated to characterize the presence of randomness due to fault severity and to validate the proposed signal processing approach. In this paper, the vibration signals simulating planet gear faults were analyzed using the proposed signal processing approach. Symptoms of planet tooth faults were analyzed using the experimental investigation under real‐time varying speed to validate and exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis approach for a planetary gearbox.
A Long‐term and Stable Surface Modification Method for Lanthanide Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles by Oxidized Alginate
Authors: Cao Cong , Hong Chang , Li Yu , Li Guangshen , Jiang Guohua
Published: September 2020

Lanthanide doped upconversion luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) have drawn widely attention in biomedical research. The generally synthesized oleate capped UCNPs have no aqueous dispersibility so that surface modification is required to be water dispersible. Herein, we developed an easy‐going but effective approach to prepare hydrophilic UCNPs based on oxidized alginate molecule (OAlg). After surface modification treatment, the OAlg modified UCNPs (UCNPs‐OAlg) shows excellent dispersibility and longer stability in aqueous solution even after 180 days. After incubation with UCNPs‐OAlg, the upconversion luminescent images of living Hela cells were clearly obtained. It indicated that oxidized alginate modified UCNPs can be candidate for excellent imaging probes in future.
A Precise Geoid Model for Africa: AFRgeo2019
Authors: Abd-Elmotaal Hussein A. , Kühtreiber Norbert , Seitz Kurt , Heck Bernhard
Published: September 2020

In the framework of the IAG African Geoid Project, an attempt towards a precise geoid model for Africa is presented in this investigation. The available gravity data set suffers from significantly large data gaps. These data gaps are filled using the EIGEN-6C4 model on a 15′× 15′ grid prior to the gravity reduction scheme. The window remove-restore technique (Abd-Elmotaal and Kühtreiber, Phys Chem Earth Pt A 24(1):53–59, 1999; J Geod 77(1–2):77–85, 2003) has been used to generate reduced anomalies having a minimum variance to minimize the interpolation errors, especially at the large data gaps. The EIGEN-6C4 global model, complete to degree and order 2190, has served as the reference model. The reduced anomalies are gridded on a 5′× 5′ grid employing an un-equal weight least-squares prediction technique. The reduced gravity anomalies are then used to compute their contribution to the geoid undulation employing Stokes’ integral with Meissl (Preparation for the numerical evaluation of second order Molodensky-type formulas. Ohio State University, Department of Geodetic Science and Surveying, Rep 163, 1971) modified kernel for better combination of the different wavelengths of the earth’s gravity field. Finally the restore step within the window remove-restore technique took place generating the full gravimetric geoid. In the last step, the computed geoid is fitted to the DIR_R5 GOCE satellite-only model by applying an offset and two tilt parameters. The DIR_R5 model is used because it turned out that it represents the best available global geopotential model approximating the African gravity field. A comparison between the geoid computed within the current investigation and the existing former geoid model AGP2003 (Merry et al., A window on the future of geodesy. International Association of Geodesy Symposia, vol 128, pp 374–379, 2005) for Africa has been carried out.
Past and Future Sea Level Changes and Land Uplift in the Baltic Sea Seen by Geodetic Observations
Authors: Nordman M. , Peltola A. , Bilker-Koivula M. , Lahtinen S.
Published: September 2020

We have studied the land uplift and relative sea level changes in the Baltic Sea in northern Europe. To observe the past changes and land uplift, we have used continuous GNSS time series, campaign-wise absolute gravity measurements and continuous tide gauge time series. To predict the future, we have used probabilistic future scenarios tuned for the Baltic Sea. The area we are interested in is Kvarken archipelago in Finland and High Coast in Sweden. These areas form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the land uplift process and how it demonstrates itself are the main values. We provide here the latest numbers of land uplift for the area, the current rates from geodetic observations, and probabilistic scenarios for future relative sea level rise. The maximum land uplift rates in Fennoscandia are in the Bothnian Bay of the Baltic Sea, where the maximum values are currently on the order of 10 mm/year with respect to the geoid. During the last 100 years, the land has risen from the sea by approximately 80 cm in this area. Estimates of future relative sea level change have considerable uncertainty, with values for the year 2100 ranging from 75 cm of sea level fall (land emergence) to 30 cm of sea-level rise.
Introduction
Authors: Keilman Nico , Mazzuco Stefano
Published: September 2020

Future trends in population size, age structure, regional distribution, and other demographic variables are important for a wide range of planning situations. Hence, many statistical agencies and independent researchers compute demographic forecasts at various levels of detail. The primary aim of this book is to sketch new developments in the field of demographic forecasting. This chapter addresses various issues taken up by the authors of this volume. We discuss deterministic and probabilistic approaches to forecast uncertainty, Bayesian and frequentist perspectives, the role of experts compared to purely data driven methods, and ways to communicate forecast results to the users.
New Approaches to the Conceptualization and Measurement of Age and Ageing
Authors: Scherbov Sergei , Sanderson Warren C.
Published: September 2020

People’s views on population ageing are influenced by the statistics that they read about it. The statistical measures in common use today were first developed around a century ago, in a very different demographic environment. For around two decades, we have been studying population ageing and have been arguing that its conventional portrayal is misleading. In this chapter, we summarize some of that research, which provides an alternative picture of population ageing, one that is more appropriate for twenty-first century. More details about our new view of population ageing can be found in. (Sanderson and Scherbov 2019). Population ageing can be measured in different ways. An example of this can found in the UN’s Profiles in Ageing, 2017. One way is to report on the forecasted increase in the number of people 60+ years old in the world.