bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of MnO2 in synthesis of nano-rod erdite promoted tetracycline adsorption
Authors: Zhu Suiyi , Liu Yanwen , Huo Yang , Chen Yu , Qu Zhan , Yu Yang , Wang Zhihua , Fan Wei , Peng Juwei , Wang Zhaofeng
Published: November 2019

Erdite is a rare sulphide mineral found in mafic and alkaline rocks. Only weakly crystallised fibrous erdite has been artificially synthesised via evaporation or the hydrothermal method, and the process generally requires 1–3 days and large amounts of energy to complete. In this study, well-crystallised erdite nanorods were produced within 3 h by using MnO2 as an auxiliary reagent in a one-step hydrothermal method. Results showed that erdite could synthesised in nanorod form with a diameter of approximately 200 nm and lengths of 0.5–3 μm by adding MnO2; moreover, the crystals grew with increasing MnO2 addition. Without MnO2, erdite particles were generated in irregular form. The capacity of the erdite nanorods for tetracycline (TC) adsorption was 2613.3 mg/g, which is higher than those of irregular erdite and other reported adsorbents. The major adsorption mechanism of the crystals involves a coordinating reaction between the −NH2 group of TC and the hydroxyl group of Fe oxyhydroxide produced from erdite hydrolysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to synthesise erdite nanorods and use them in TC adsorption. Erdite nanorods may be developed as a new material in the treatment of TC-containing wastewater.
Comparative genomic analysis of eutherian connexin genes
Authors: Premzl Marko
Published: November 2019

The eutherian connexins were characterized as protein constituents of gap junctions implicated in cell-cell communications between adjoining cells in multiple cell types, regulation of major physiological processes and disease pathogeneses. However, conventional connexin gene and protein classifications could be regarded as unsuitable in descriptions of comprehensive eutherian connexin gene data sets, due to ambiguities and inconsistencies in connexin gene and protein nomenclatures. Using eutherian comparative genomic analysis protocol and 35 public eutherian reference genomic sequence data sets, the present analysis attempted to update and revise comprehensive eutherian connexin gene data sets, and address and resolve major discrepancies in their descriptions. Among 631 potential coding sequences, the tests of reliability of eutherian public genomic sequences annotated, in aggregate, 349 connexin complete coding sequences. The most comprehensive curated eutherian connexin gene data set described 21 major gene clusters, 4 of which included evidence of differential gene expansions. For example, the present gene annotations initially described human CXNK1 gene and annotated 22 human connexin genes. Phylogenetic tree calculations and calculations of pairwise nucleotide sequence identity patterns proposed revised and updated phylogenetic classification of eutherian connexin genes. Therefore, the present study integrating gene annotations, phylogenetic analysis and protein molecular evolution analysis proposed new nomenclature of eutherian connexin genes and proteins.
Computational redesign of the Escherichia coli ribose-binding protein ligand binding pocket for 1,3-cyclohexanediol and cyclohexanol
Authors: Tavares Diogo , Reimer Artur , Roy Shantanu , Joublin Aurélie , Sentchilo Vladimir , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: November 2019

Bacterial periplasmic-binding proteins have been acclaimed as general biosensing platform, but their range of natural ligands is too limited for optimal development of chemical compound detection. Computational redesign of the ligand-binding pocket of periplasmic-binding proteins may yield variants with new properties, but, despite earlier claims, genuine changes of specificity to non-natural ligands have so far not been achieved. In order to better understand the reasons of such limited success, we revisited here the Escherichia coli RbsB ribose-binding protein, aiming to achieve perceptible transition from ribose to structurally related chemical ligands 1,3-cyclohexanediol and cyclohexanol. Combinations of mutations were computationally predicted for nine residues in the RbsB binding pocket, then synthesized and tested in an E. coli reporter chassis. Two million variants were screened in a microcolony-in-bead fluorescence-assisted sorting procedure, which yielded six mutants no longer responsive to ribose but with 1.2–1.5 times induction in presence of 1 mM 1,3-cyclohexanediol, one of which responded to cyclohexanol as well. Isothermal microcalorimetry confirmed 1,3-cyclohexanediol binding, although only two mutant proteins were sufficiently stable upon purification. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated discernable structural differences between these two mutant proteins and wild-type RbsB. This and further quantification of periplasmic-space abundance suggested most mutants to be prone to misfolding and/or with defects in translocation compared to wild-type. Our results thus affirm that computational design and library screening can yield RbsB mutants with recognition of non-natural but structurally similar ligands. The inherent arisal of protein instability or misfolding concomitant with designed altered ligand-binding pockets should be overcome by new experimental strategies or by improved future protein design algorithms.
Author Correction: De novo assembly of the Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco transcriptome provides insight into the development and pollination mechanism of female cone based on RNA-Seq data
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Qi , Wang Xiao-Bing , Hughes Tyler O. , Liu Jian-Jun , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Increase of isoflavones in the aglycone form in soybeans by targeted crossings of cultivated breeding material
Authors: Miladinović Jegor , Đorđević Vuk , Balešević-Tubić Svetlana , Petrović Kristina , Ćeran Marina , Cvejić Jelena , Bursać Mira , Miladinović Dragana
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
P band intermediate state (PBIS) tailors photoluminescence emission at confined nanoscale interface
Authors: Yang Taiqun , Shan Bingqian , Huang Fang , Yang Songqiu , Peng Bo , Yuan Enhui , Wu Peng , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2019

The availability of a range of excited states has endowed low dimensional quantum nanostructures with interesting luminescence properties. However, the origin of photoluminescence emission is still not fully understood, which has limited its practical application. Here we judiciously manipulate the delicate surface ligand interactions at the nanoscale interface of a single metal nanocluster, the superlattice, and mesoporous materials. The resulting interplay of various noncovalent interactions leads to a precise modulation of emission colors and quantum yield. A new p-band state, resulting from the strong overlapping of p orbitals of the heteroatoms (O, N, and S) bearing on the targeting ligands though space interactions, is identified as a dark state to activate the triplet state of the surface aggregated chromophores. The UV-Visible spectra calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) are in quantitative agreement with the experimental adsorption spectra. The energy level of the p-band center is very sensitive to the local proximity ligand chromophores at heterogeneous interfaces.
Individual skyrmion manipulation by local magnetic field gradients
Authors: Casiraghi Arianna , Corte-León Héctor , Vafaee Mehran , Garcia-Sanchez Felipe , Durin Gianfranco , Pasquale Massimo , Jakob Gerhard , Kläui Mathias , Kazakova Olga
Published: November 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin textures, stabilised in systems with strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). Several studies have shown that electrical currents can move skyrmions efficiently through spin-orbit torques. While promising for technological applications, current-driven skyrmion motion is intrinsically collective and accompanied by undesired heating effects. Here we demonstrate a new approach to control individual skyrmion positions precisely, which relies on the magnetic interaction between sample and a magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probe. We investigate perpendicularly magnetised X/CoFeB/MgO multilayers, where for X = W or Pt the DMI is sufficiently strong to allow for skyrmion nucleation in an applied field. We show that these skyrmions can be manipulated individually through the local field gradient generated by the scanning MFM probe with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Furthermore, we show that the probe stray field can assist skyrmion nucleation. Our proof-of-concepts results pave the way towards achieving current-free skyrmion control.
Glutamate sensing in biofluids: recent advances and research challenges of electrochemical sensors
Authors: Schultz Jessica , Uddin Zakir , Singh Gurmit , Howlader Matiar M. R.
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical sensing guidelines for glutamate in biofluids, associated with different diseases, providing knowledge translation among science, engineering, and medical professionals.
Rapid and scalable production of high-quality phosphorene by plasma–liquid technology
Authors: Huang Hao , Gao Ming , Kang Yihong , Li Jia , Wang Jiahong , Wu Lie , Chu Paul K. , Huang Yifan , Ibarra Manuel Ricardo , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: November 2019

A facile plasma–liquid technique is designed and demonstrated for rapid and mass production of few-layered phosphorene.
Size-dependent melting thermodynamics of nanorods in theory and experiment
Authors: Song Xinru , Li Hongxing , Cui Zixiang , Xue Yongqiang , Zhang Jianhua , Yu Xing , Zhang Rong
Published: November 2019

Compared with other morphological nanomaterials, nanorods have many unique properties that are closely related to their thermal stability.
Broadband visible-near infrared and deep ultraviolet generation by four-wave mixing and high-order stimulated Raman scattering from the hybrid metasurfaces of plasmonic nanoantennae and Raman-active nanoparticles
Authors: Rim Wi-Song , Kim Kwang-Hyon
Published: November 2019

Broadband visible-near infrared and deep ultraviolet generation from Raman-active hybrid metasurfaces by two-color pumping.
Hysteretic thermal spin-crossover in heteroleptic Fe(ii) complexes using alkyl chain substituted 2,2′-dipyridylamine ligands
Authors: Geoghegan Blaise L. , Phonsri Wasinee , Horton Peter N. , Orton James B. , Coles Simon J. , Murray Keith S. , Cragg Peter J. , Dymond Marcus K. , Gass Ian A.
Published: November 2019

The complexes trans-[FeII(LC4)2(NCS)2] (1C4) and trans-[FeII(LC10)2(NCS)2] (1C10) undergo thermally hysteretic spin-crossover with T1/2 = 127.5 K and 119.0 K respectively.
Two rare-earth-based quaternary chalcogenides EuCdGeQ4(Q = S, Se) with strong second-harmonic generation
Authors: Xing Wenhao , Wang Naizheng , Guo Yangwu , Li Zhuang , Tang Jian , Kang Kaijin , Yin Wenlong , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong , Kang Bin
Published: November 2019

Two RE-based quaternary metal chalcogenides EuCdGeQ4(Q = S, Se) are discovered. They possess many attractive properties as preferred IR NLO materials including large band gaps, phase-matched intense SHG and congruent melting behavior.
A series of host–guest coordination polymers containing viologens: syntheses, crystal structures, thermo/photochromism and factors influencing their thermo/photochromic behaviors
Authors: Kan Wei-Qiu , He Yuan-Chun , Wen Shi-Zheng , Zhao Pu-Su
Published: November 2019

Some viologen-containing compounds displaying thermo/photochromic behaviors which can be used as inkless print media and anti-counterfeiting materials have been reported.
Shedding light on the use of Cu(ii)-salen complexes in the A3 coupling reaction
Authors: Sampani Stavroula I. , Zdorichenko Victor , Danopoulou Marianna , Leech Matthew C. , Lam Kevin , Abdul-Sada Alaa , Cox Brian , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Tsipis Athanassios , Kostakis George E.
Published: November 2019

One air stable Cu(ii)-salen complex compound enables the generation of propargylamines. Mechanistic details, scope and limitations of this protocol are presented.
Functional construction of a water-stable Tb-coordination polymer luminescent sensor for highly selective detection of picric acid in an aquatic environment
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Chengdong , Chen Chunyang , Huang Xin , Liu Weisheng
Published: November 2019

In order to achieve convenient and efficient detection of picric acid in a water environment, based on function-oriented strategy, we combine luminescence performance with recognition performance, taking into account the application conditions.
A highly stable, Au/Ru heterobimetallic photoredox catalyst with a [2.2]paracyclophane backbone
Authors: Knoll Daniel M. , Zippel Christoph , Hassan Zahid , Nieger Martin , Weis Patrick , Kappes Manfred M. , Bräse Stefan
Published: November 2019

A highly stable and distance-defined [2.2]paracyclophane-based Au/Ru heterobimetallic complex shows promising catalytic properties in a visible-light mediated arylative Meyer–Schuster rearrangement.
Inactivation ofE. coli,Enterococcusspp., somatic coliphage, andCryptosporidium parvumin wastewater by peracetic acid (PAA), sodium hypochlorite, and combined PAA-ultraviolet disinfection
Authors: Hassaballah Abdulrahman H. , Bhatt Tanmay , Nyitrai Jeremy , Dai Ning , Sassoubre Lauren
Published: November 2019

Wastewater disinfection is important to protect human and ecosystem health.
Cu-based alloys as a benchmark for T-PGAA quantitative analysis at spallation neutron sources
Authors: Arcidiacono L. , Martinón-Torres M. , Senesi R. , Scherillo A. , Andreani C. , Festa G.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we present, for the first time, a quantitative analysis carried out using time-resolved prompt gamma activation analysis (T-PGAA), a technique currently under development at the ISIS pulsed Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire.
In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of a thiourea tripyridyl dinuclear Cu(ii) complex
Authors: Jin Jinjin , Hu Jiyong , Qin Yue , Zhang Junshuai , Zhao Jin’an , Yue Liang , Hou Hongwei
Published: November 2019

The framework of the copper complex and its biological analysis.
Theoretical calculation studies on the rearrangement mechanisms of arenesulfenanilides to generate o- and p-aminodiphenyl sulfides
Authors: Liu Guangyan , Hou Shili , Xu Jiaxi
Published: November 2019

Arenesulfenanilides undergo reaction medium-controlled pericyclic rearrangements to generate o- and p-aminodiphenyl sulfides competed by radical disproportionation.
Brønsted acid mediated intramolecular cyclopropane ring expansion/[4 + 2]-cycloaddition
Authors: Li Jian , Zhu Shangrong , Xu Qiuneng , Liu Li , Yan Shenghu
Published: November 2019

A cascade reaction of 3-hydroxy-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one and cyclopropyl ketone has been developed via BrØnsted acid-promoted ring-opening/intramolecular cross-cycloaddition/[4 + 2]-cycloaddition process.
Au nanocrystals decorated TiO2 nanotubes for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation into ammonia
Authors: Chang Shufang , Xu Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2019

Nitrogen photofixation has been successfully performed on TiO2 nanotubes decorated with Au nanocrystals which clearly outperform commercial P25 under the same conditions.
Direct and sensitive detection of sulfide ions based on one-step synthesis of ionic liquid functionalized fluorescent carbon nanoribbons
Authors: Luo Tao , Wang Xiaobo , Qian Yuting , Liu Junjie , Li Lequn , Liu Jiyang , Chen Jie
Published: November 2019

Sensitive detection of sulfide ions is realized based on one-step synthesis of ionic liquid functionalized fluorescent carbon nanoribbons.
Partially fluorinated copolymers containing pendant piperidinium head groups as anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Koronka Daniel , Matsumoto Akinobu , Otsuji Kanji , Miyatake Kenji
Published: November 2019

Piperidinium functionalized partially fluorinated copolymers with varying alkyl spacer length were synthesized and evaluated as anion exchange membranes to achieve improved performance in alkaline fuel cells.
Synthesis of flowerlike carbon nanosheets from hydrothermally carbonized glucose: an in situ self-generating template strategy
Authors: Chen Yun , Qiu Wenge , Sun Jiayuan , Li Shining , Bai Guangmei , Li Shenghua , Sun Chenghui , Pang Siping
Published: November 2019

A reliable in situ self-generating template strategy has been developed for the synthesis of flowerlike carbon nanosheets by hydrothermal carbonization in the presence of both silica and zinc acetate using glucose as the carbon source.
UNAM-1: a robust CuIand CuIIcontaining 3D-hydrogen-bonded framework with permanent porosity and reversible SO2sorption
Authors: Domínguez-González Ricardo , Rojas-León Irán , Martínez-Ahumada Eva , Martínez-Otero Diego , Lara-García Hugo A. , Balmaseda-Era Jorge , Ibarra Ilich A. , Percástegui Edmundo G. , Jancik Vojtech
Published: November 2019

[CuIICuI12(HL)12]10−and [Me2NH2]+ions assemble into a unique 3D hydrogen-bonded framework.
Hollow Au nanorattles for boosting the performance of organic photovoltaics
Authors: Bao Zhi Yong , Liu Shenghua , Hou Yidong , Shang Aixue , Yan Feng , Wu Yucheng , Lei Dangyuan , Dai Jiyan
Published: November 2019

The interplay between local field enhancement and plasmon resonance energy transfer boosts the performance of hollow Au nanorattle-incorporated organic photovoltaics.
A dual functional Janus membrane combining superwettability with electrostatic force for controllable anionic/cationic emulsion separation and in situ surfactant removal
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Qu Ruixiang , Li Xiangyu , Liu Yanan , Wei Yen , Feng Lin
Published: November 2019

A dual-functional Janus membrane was fabricated through mussel-inspired chemistry and an EDC/NHS coupling reaction for in situ oil-in-water emulsion separation and anionic/cationic surfactant removal with high efficiency.
Tuning valley polarization in two-dimensional ferromagnetic heterostructures
Authors: Sun Yu-Yun , Shang Liyan , Ju Weiwei , An Yi-Peng , Gong Shi-Jing , Wang Ji-Qing
Published: November 2019

Large and tunable valley polarization induced by magnetic proximity effect in MX2/Cr2Ge2Te6 (M = Mo, W; X = Se, Te) heterostructures.
Designing Dirac semimetals with a honeycomb Na3Bi-lattice via isovalent cation substitution
Authors: Chen Xinbo , Chen Weida , Yu Shu , Xu Shaogang , Rong Ximing , Huang Pu , Zhang Xiuwen , Wei Su-Huai
Published: November 2019

By using an iso-symmetry isovalent cation substitution method for designing ternary Dirac semimetals within a honeycomb structure, three stable Dirac semimetals are predicted with interesting hidden spin textures.
Constructing layered structures to enhance the breakdown strength and energy density of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based lead-free dielectric ceramics
Authors: Li Mei , Fan Pengyuan , Ma Weigang , Liu Kai , Zang Jiadong , Samart Chanatip , Zhang Ting , Tan Hua , Salamon David , Zhang Haibo
Published: November 2019

The improvement of breakdown strength for NBT-based ceramics is currently the main challenge in applications of lead-free dielectric energy-storage materials.
Moracin attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in nucleus pulposus cells via Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/TGF-β pathway
Authors: Gu Ronghe , Huang Zonggui , Liu Huijiang , Qing Qiwen , Zhuan Zou , Yang Lijing , Su Zhongyi , Huang Weiguo
Published: November 2019

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of moracin on primary culture of nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc and explore the underlying mechanism. Moracin treatment significantly inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine accumulation (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in nucleus pulposus cells. And moracin also dramatically decreased MDA activity, and increased the levels of SOD and CAT induced by LPS challenge. Moreover, the expressions of Nrf-2 and HO-1 were decreased and the protein levels of p-NF-κBp65, p-IκBα, p-smad-3 and TGF-β were increased by LPS challenge, which were significantly reversed after moracin treatments. Moracin treatments also decreased the levels of matrix degradation enzymes (MMP-3, MMP-13) as indicated by RT-PCR analysis. However, Nrf-2 knockdown abolished these protective effects of moracin. Together, our results demonstrated the ability of moracin to antagonize LPS-mediated inflammation in primary culture of nucleus pulposus in intervertebral disc by partly regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/TGF-β pathway in nucleus pulposus cells.
Confronting the grey zone after severe brain injury
Authors: Peterson Andrew , Owen Adrian M.
Published: November 2019

In recent years, rapid technological developments in the field of neuroimaging have provided several new methods for revealing thoughts, actions and intentions based solely on the pattern of activity that is observed in the brain. In specialized centres, these methods are now being employed routinely to assess residual cognition, detect consciousness and even communicate with some behaviorally non-responsive patients who clinically appear to be comatose or in a vegetative state. In this article, we consider some of the ethical issues raised by these developments and the profound implications they have for clinical care, diagnosis, prognosis and medical-legal decision-making after severe brain injury.
Design of an ultra‐small UHF RFID tag for embedded applications in metallic objects
Authors: Do Kim Young
Published: November 2019

A small UHF RFID tag for embedded applications in the metallic objects was proposed. Using the high dielectric ceramic as a tag antenna substrate and the folded tag antenna structure reduces the total RFID tag size compared to the conventional tag designs. The tuning slot length on ceramic top patch is used to match conjugate impedance. The proposed RFID tag antenna exhibits a reasonable radiation gain in the metal embedded environments. The maximum read range of the fabricated RFID tag in the different commercial RFID handheld reader set‐up are 40 and 60 cm, respectively.
Analysis of frequency detection capability of Alexander phase detector
Authors: Park Kwanseo , Jeong Deog‐Kyoon
Published: November 2019

An analysis of a frequency detection capability of the Alexander phase detector is described. Based on the analysis, a simple modified implementation achieving unilateral frequency acquisition is proposed. The probability of the output occurrence and the frequency detection gain are calculated and verified by simulation. The gain curves show that the proposed phase‐frequency detector (PFD) has a unilateral frequency detection capability without a range limitation. The capability is demonstrated through transient simulation of a PLL‐based clock and data recovery (CDR) utilising the proposed PFD. The CDR achieves both phase and frequency acquisitions when the initial clock frequency is lower than the data rate. Moreover, the seamless transition from frequency locking to phase locking is obtained.
Simulation study on direct‐drive wind power system
Authors: Tian Hong , Xu Xiaofeng , Lin Han
Published: November 2019

Direct‐drive wind turbine is an important type of wind power technology. In recent years, it has also become the development trend of large‐capacity wind turbines. It is difficult and expensive to establish physical simulation for wind in reality, which makes the real‐time simulation model necessary in the study its power generation control strategy and operation characteristics. Here, the structure and basic principles of the direct‐drive wind power system was studied, mathematical model of the dq generator and converter using coordinate transformation was built, and control methods including the wind turbine pitch angle control, maximum power tracking control, and generator‐side variable flow control were simulated. Furthermore, a control strategy of generator‐side converters and grid‐side converters was proposed and studied based on the model in the real‐time simulation system RTDS. Different working conditions as grid‐connected normal operation and operation with grid fault were simulated within the strategy. Waveforms of current, voltage, power, torque were obtained and analysed. The simulation results showed that the simulation model reflected the operating characteristics of the direct‐drive wind power generation system well, the control strategy performed successfully, and the features of the system in normal and faulted operation were preliminarily revealed.
Optimizing The Addition of TiB to Improve Mechanical Properties of the ADC 12/SiC Composite Through Stir Casting Process
Authors: Retno Putri Cindy , Zulfia Syahrial Anne , Yunus Salahuddin , Wahyu Utomo Budi
Published: November 2019

The goal of this research is to improve the mechanical properties such as strength, hardness and wear resistance for automotive application such as brake shoe and bearings due to high cycle, load and impact during their usage. Therefore, another alloying element or reinforcement addition is necessary. In this work, the composites are made by ADC 12 (Al-Si aluminum alloy) as the matrix and reinforced with micro SiC through stir casting process and TiB is added various from (0.04, 0.06, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.5) wt.% that act as grain refiners and 5 wt.% of Mg is added to improve the wettability of the composites. The addition of TiB improves the mechanical properties because the grain becomes finer and uniform, and the addition of Mg makes the matrix and reinforce have better adhesion. The results obtained that the optimum composition was found by adding 0.15 wt.% of TiB with tensile strength improve from 98 MPa to 136.3 MPa, hardness from 35 to 53 HRB and wear rate reduced from 0.006 2 mm3 s−1 to 0.002 3 mm3 s−1 respectively.
Experimental Analysis on Solid Desiccant Used in An Air Conditioning
Authors: Anggraini Handoyo Ekadewi , Slamet Andriono , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang
Published: November 2019

Garden by The Bay in Singapore is the world’s largest coolest conservatories. Although it is located in tropics and uses so many glasses, its electricity consumption is as much as a commercial building. The key to this low consumption is in air cooling technology. Air used for cooling the conservatories is dehumidified first using liquid desiccants before cooled. The same technology was implemented to a single-split air conditioner (AC) that works on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The experiments were conducted in a room with opened and closed door. Instead of using a liquid desiccant, the experiment used a solid desiccant, i.e., silica gel which thickness was 6 mm and 8 mm with density equals to 1.27 gr cm–3. From the experiment, it is found that: (i) the thicker the silica gel, the higher outlet air temperature from silica gel, (ii) less condensate will be produced when the silica gel used is thicker, (iii) silica gel is suitable for reducing humidity of outdoor/fresh air, and (iv) the electricity consumption saving for inserting 8 mm silica gel is only 4 % when the door is closed and 31 % when the door is opened.
Optimization of Soft Body Armor with Laminates of Carbon–aramid Fiber and Polyester Fiber Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Purnomo Hari , Ismail Kurnia Wahyu , Haji Muhammad Saleh Farham , Kisanjani Alex
Published: November 2019

Body armor is a vital instrument for Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Polisi Republik Indonesia-Indonesian National Police (POLRI) to protect themselves from any projectile penetration and the spread of explosive material. One type of body armor is soft body armor, commonly used for handling community riots. The forming material of soft body armor should be strong and flexible. For that, selecting appropriate materials to optimize their ability is necessary. This research aims to develop soft body armor with carbon–aramid and polyester laminate as materials using a quasi–static impact test. The method used was the Taguchi experiment, the advantage of which is its ability to optimize the desired quality characteristics based on the best factor. The results showed that the optimal combination of polyester and
carbon–aramid composite materials showed a median result from the quasi–static impact test of 61 259.91 N with the optimum compositions of factor D level 1, factor A level 2, factor B level 1, factor E level 2, factor C level 2, factor F level 1, and factor G level 2.
Structural Evaluation on Sugarcane Bagasse Treated Using Sodium and Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Anggono Juliana , Purwaningsih Hariyati , Sugondo Suwandi , Henrico Steven , Sewucipto Sanjaya , Patel Jay
Published: November 2019

Greater interest in recent years to the increase demand in using natural fiber reinforcement of polymers is to comply with the increasing stringent international protocols related to climate change and environmental awareness. Many studies have reported the development of renewable and biodegradable agricultural by-products as reinforcement fibers for biocomposites. One of the essential factors in producing strong biocomposites is the properties prepared from the natural fibers which results from the alkalitreatment given. This research aims to evaluate the effect of different treatment duration on structural changes on sugarcane after alkali treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solutions. Calcium hydroxide was used as comparative solution in search for milder and more environmental friendly alkali solution as an alternative solution of NaOH. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) confirmed the major removal of lignin and minor of hemicellulose. It shows that the structure did not change considerably with the additional treatment time. The weight loss measurement after each treatmentshows a higher weight loss with the treatment with NaOH (40.5 % to 57.75 %) than the weight loss after Ca(OH)2treatment (25 % to 46 %). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observed the morphology changes onthe fiber from both treatments.
The Effect of Coconut Shell Powder as Functional Filler in Polypropylene during Compounding and Subsequent Molding
Authors: Kirby Matt , Lewis Benjamin , Peterson Benjamin , Anggono Juliana , Bradley Walter
Published: November 2019

Fine powder produced from coconut shells (CSP) has been found to be excellent functional filler in polypropylene, significantly increasing flexural and tensile moduli, slightly increasing tensile strength, and good retention of Izod impact strength at weight percentages less than 20 %. The research presented in this paper explores the temperature processing window for coconut shell powder filled polypropylene and the change in the rheological behavior of the polypropylene due to the addition of CSP as functional filler in this processing temperature window. The reason for the simultaneous increase in flexural modulus, tensile strength, and good retention of Izod impact behavior is also investigated
Relative effects of elevational and habitat constraints on alpine spring biodiversity
Authors: Claret Cécile , Marmonier Pierre
Published: November 2019

Global climatic changes and local disturbances may alter composition and distribution of spring invertebrates in mountains. In this study, we compared the effects of elevation, landscape and local characteristics on spring biodiversity. At 16 springs (from 570 to 1650 m a.s.l.) in The Chartreuse Range (French Alps) benthic, vegetation, and interstitial habitats were sampled in summer for aquatic invertebrate assemblage structure (abundances, richness, reproduction and dispersal traits, functional feeding groups). Assemblages were related to geographic location (elevation), landscape characteristics and local variables. Elevation was the major driver of the fauna: taxonomic richness and the percentage of scrapers decreased with elevation, while the proportion of predators and species with an asexual reproduction increased with elevation. The landscape characteristics around the spring had a weak influence on the benthic taxonomic richness which increased with the percentage of forest and decreased with the proportion of grassland. Finally, the habitat characteristics had no effect on taxonomic richness, but partially control the abundances of benthic assemblages and sediment-feeder organisms that both decreased with increasing sediment grain size. Current and future changes in the temperature patterns would affect alpine spring fauna, but disturbance of the local characteristics of springs must not be neglected.
Scientistsʼ Warning on Climate Change and Medicinal Plants
Authors: Applequist Wendy L. , Brinckmann Josef A. , Cunningham Anthony B. , Hart Robbie E. , Heinrich Michael , Katerere David R. , van Andel Tinde
Published: November 2019

The recent publication of a World Scientistsʼ Warning to Humanity highlighted the fact that climate change, absent strenuous mitigation or adaptation efforts, will have profound negative effects for humanity and other species, affecting numerous aspects of life. In this paper, we call attention to one of these aspects, the effects of climate change on medicinal plants. These plants provide many benefits for human health, particularly in communities where Western medicine is unavailable. As for other species, their populations may be threatened by changing temperature and precipitation regimes, disruption of commensal relationships, and increases in pests and pathogens, combined with anthropogenic habitat fragmentation that impedes migration. Additionally, medicinal species are often harvested unsustainably, and this combination of pressures may push many populations to extinction. A second issue is that some species may respond to increased environmental stresses not only with declines in biomass production but with changes in chemical content, potentially affecting quality or even safety of medicinal products. We therefore recommend actions including conservation and local cultivation of valued plants, sustainability training for harvesters and certification of commercial material, preservation of traditional knowledge, and programs to monitor raw material quality in addition to, of course, efforts to mitigate climate change.
Study on Closure of Skull Base Defect Post–Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoid Pituitary Surgery: A Novel Flap Design
Authors: Gopi Gokul , Sarkar Saurav , Mohakud Sudipta , Patnaik Ashis , Bansal Sumit , Preetam C. , Sahu Rabi Narayan , Parida Pradipta Ku
Published: November 2019

Objective This study was aimed to compare the closure of skull base defect in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors, using bipedicled nasal septal flap versus fascial closure. The study hypothesis being that bipedicled nasal septal flap is better, compared with fascial closure of skull base defect post–endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors.

Methods All the eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups and then randomly allocated to the surgeons. In one group, fat and fascia lata was used for closure of the skull base defect and nasal septal flap was not harvested whereas in the other, nasal septal flap was used for closure.

Results There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak between the two groups. Patients who had undergone flap repair had lower incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Duration of postoperative hospital stay was also less among the group who underwent flap repair (statistically significant).

Conclusion Bipedicled nasal septal flap serves an excellent cover for the skull base defect following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. It can prevent postoperative CSF leak even in cases where tissue glue is not used.
Anatomical Predictors of Transcranial Surgical Access to the Suprasellar Space
Authors: Straus David , Eddelman Daniel B. , Byrne Nika , Tchalukov Konstantin , Wewel Josh , Munich Stephan A. , Kocak Mehmet , Byrne Richard
Published: November 2019

Objective The suprasellar space is a common location for intracranial lesions. The position of the optic chiasm (prefixed vs. postfixed) results in variable sizes of operative corridors and is thus important to identify when choosing a surgical approach to this region. In this study, we aim to identify relationships between suprasellar anatomy and external cranial metrics to guide in preoperative planning.

Methods T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from 50 patients (25 males and 25 females) were analyzed. Various intracranial and extracranial metrics were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to determine any associations between metrics.

Results Interoptic space (IOS) size correlated with interpupillary distance (IPD; a = 7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5–10.0, R 2 = 0.3708, p = 0.0009). IOS size also correlated with fixation of the optic chiasm, for prefixed chiasms (n = 7), the mean IOS is 205.14 mm2, for normal chiasm position (n = 33) the mean IOS is 216.94 mm2 and for postfixed chiasms (n = 10) the mean IOS is 236.20 mm2 (p = 0.002). IPD correlates with optic nerve distance (OND; p = 0.1534). Cranial index does not predict OND, IPD, or IOS.

Conclusion This study provides insight into relationships between intracranial structures and extracranial metrics. This is the first study to describe a statistically significant correlation between IPD and IOS. Surgical approach can be guided in part by the size of the IOS and its correlates. Particularly small intraoptic space may guide the surgeon away from a subfrontal approach.
Mixed global dynamics of forced vibro-impact oscillator with Coulomb friction
Authors: Gendelman Oleg , Kravetc Pavel , Rachinskii Dmitrii
Published: November 2019

This paper revisits a well-known model of forced vibro-impact oscillator with Amonton-Coulomb friction. In the vast majority of the existing studies, this model included also viscous friction, and its global dynamics in the state space is governed by periodic, quasiperiodic, or chaotic attractors. We demonstrate that removal of the viscous friction leads to qualitative modification of the global dynamics, namely, the state space is divided into the regions with “regular” attraction to the aforementioned special solutions and the regions with profoundly Hamiltonian dynamics. The latter regions contain structures typical for forced Hamiltonian systems: stability islands, extended nonattractive chaotic regions, etc. We prove that such local Hamiltonian behavior should occur for phase trajectories with nonvanishing velocity. Stability analysis for the periodic orbits confirms the above statement. It is demonstrated that similar mixed global dynamics can be observed in a broader class of models.
Two-dimensional numerical study of two-phase rotating detonation wave with different injections
Authors: Sun Bo , Ma Hu
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional numerical simulations on the two-phase rotating detonation wave of a stoichiometric ratio of the air-octane mixture by the discrete phase model are performed. The propagation process and stable flow field of the rotating detonation wave under nonpremixed and nonuniform injection conditions are analyzed. The effects of air injection total temperature and fuel injection inhomogeneity on the gas-liquid two-phase rotating detonation wave are investigated. The results show that under the same conditions, with the increase in the total temperature of air injection, the peak temperature, height, and propagation velocity of the detonation wave increase, but the peak pressure of the detonation wave decreases. The larger the jet spacing, the more pronounced the detonation wave is disturbed by the fuel jet. As the fuel jet spacing increases, the detonation wave propagation velocity decreases, but the peak temperature and peak pressure of the detonation wave increase. For the case of a jet spacing of 10 mm, the detonation wave cannot propagate when the air total temperature is 300 K, but the detonation wave can be stably propagated when the air total temperature is increased to 600 K. The stable propagation boundary of the rotating detonation wave with the combined action of the air total temperature and the jet spacing is obtained.
Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible gallium arsenide metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (GaAs MSMPDs) on silicon using ultra-thin germanium buffer layer for visible photonic applications
Authors: Dushaq Ghada , Nayfeh Ammar , Rasras Mahmoud
Published: November 2019

The monolithic integration of III–V materials on silicon appears as the most promising, cost-effective, and versatile method for next-generation optoelectronic devices. Here, we report on GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors integrated on an Si substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The device architecture is based on a GaAs active layer grown on Si via ultrathin, low-temperature Ge buffer layers. The Ge-on-Si acts as a “virtual” substrate to reduce the overall structural defects in the GaAs device layers. The metal-semiconductor junction characteristics were optimized to effectively suppress the dark current and passivate the interface defects. This was achieved through the insertion of an ultrathin Al2O3 interlayer at the metal/GaAs interface. The results show that a Schottky barrier height of 0.62 eV and 0.8 eV for electrons and holes, respectively, can be achieved. Circular devices with diameters ranging from 30 to 140 μm were fabricated. The measured room temperature dark current is ∼48 nA for an applied reverse bias of 1.0 V and a device diameter of 30 μm. Additionally, the GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal structure exhibited a remarkable photoresponsivity and detectivity values of (0.54 ± 0.15) A/W and ∼4.6 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W−1 at 5 V reverse bias, 850 nm, respectively. The proposed method offers great potential for the monolithic integration of GaAs on an Si platform. Furthermore, this technique can be extended to other III–V materials and lattice mismatched systems for high-performance multiple band optoelectronics.
Energy level alignment and nanoscale investigation of a-TiO2/Cu-Zn-Sn-S interface for alternative electron transport layer in earth abundant Cu-Zn-Sn-S solar cells
Authors: Nisika  , Kaur Kulwinder , Arora Kanika , Chowdhury Ashraful Haider , Bahrami Behzad , Qiao Qiquan , Kumar Mukesh
Published: November 2019

Efficiency of earth abundant and pure sulfide kesterite Cu-Zn-Sn-S (CZTS) solar cell has been stagnant around 9.4% for years, while its counterpart Cu-In-Ga-Se (CIGS) reports an efficiency of more than 22%. Low open circuit voltage (VOC) is the major challenging factor for low efficiency due to severe nonradiative interface recombinations. The existence of higher defect states at the conventional CZTS-CdS interface due to undesirable energy level alignment and lattice misfit promotes trap-assisted recombinations and results in low VOC. In this work, amorphous TiO2 (Eg=3.8eV) is proposed as a promising substitute to the conventional and low bandgap CdS (Eg=2.4eV) layer. The surface and interface of the CZTS-TiO2 layer were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The result reveals favorable “spike”-like conformations at the CZTS-TiO2 interface with a conduction band offset value of 0.17 eV. The nanoscale probing of the interface by Kelvin probe force microscopy across CZTS-TiO2 layers shows a higher potential barrier for interface recombination at CZTS-TiO2 in contrast to the conventional CZTS-CdS interface. Finally, the fast decay response and lower persistent photoconductivity of photogenerated carriers for CZTS-TiO2 heterojunction based photodetectors further validate our results. The energy level alignment and nanoscale interface studies signify TiO2 as a promising alternate buffer layer for earth abundant CZTS solar cells.
Thickness dependence of domain size in 2D ferroelectric CuInP2S6 nanoflakes
Authors: Chen Liufang , Li Yongqiang , Li Chuanfu , Wang Hanwen , Han Zheng , Ma He , Yuan Guoliang , Lin Lin , Yan Zhibo , Jiang Xiangping , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics refer to those ferroelectrics with layered structure and weak interlayer interactions (e.g., van de Waals interlayer coupling). A number of basic physical issues in the framework of ferroelectricity deserve clarifications, and one of them is the size effect regarding the dependence of ferroelectricity on material thickness. In this work, we investigate the ferroelectric domain structures of 2D ferroelectric CuInP2S6 nanoflakes attached on heavily doped Si wafers and polarization switching using the piezoresponse force microscopy. While the domain structure shows highly irregular morphology and 180° domain walls, the statistics on domain size (diameter) W and nanoflake thickness d demonstrates the remarkable thickness dependence of domain size, illustrated by the shrinking domain size from 630 nm to 75 nm with decreasing thickness d from ∼130 nm to ∼11 nm. This dependence fits the Landau-Lifshitz-Kittel (LLK) scaling law with the scaling exponent of ∼0.65, slightly larger than 0.5 for 3D ferroelectrics. It is suggested that the size effect in terms of the LLK scaling law does not show an essential difference between the 2D and 3D ferroelectric systems.
Singular, plural, or collective?
Authors: Dossena Marina
Published: November 2019

Emigrants’ letters have finally become the object of linguistic investigation since language historians have joined historians in
their study of correspondence as a valuable research tool. In historical sociolinguistics and historical pragmatics, in particular, letters
have proved useful in studies of interaction strategies meant to convey greater or lesser distance from other participants in the exchange. In
this contribution I intend to further my analysis of such strategies in a corpus of nineteenth-century Scottish emigrants’ letters, currently
in preparation at the University of Bergamo, Italy; the aim is to study how the use of personal pronouns may vary depending on the topics at
hand and the author’s attitude towards them. After an overview of the material currently available, my contribution will follow an integrated
approach in which basic quantitative findings provide preliminary data; this will be supplemented with an outline of what pragmatic moves
appear to be most prominent, in order to define how morphosyntactic patterns are used in different communicative contexts with different
illocutionary aims. To that end, both close readings of the documents and qualitative analyses are shown to be indispensable.
Homesickness, recollections and reunions
Authors: Moreton Emma , Culy Chris
Published: November 2019

This study uses corpus and computational methods to explore topics and emotions in a collection of nineteenth-century migrant
correspondence. Specifically, it examines letters by two sisters, Annie and Julia Lough, who migrated from Ireland to America in the late
1870s and early 1880s. First, a close reading of the letters is carried out to identify topics and emotions in the discourse. Then, three
topics are examined in detail (“Homesickness and Separation”, “Recollection” and “Reunion”), using the Interesting Items Visualisation
Tool (IIVT) and Sketch Engine to identify local grammars – words, phrases and structures that are statistically
more likely to occur in one topic over another. Our findings show that certain linguistic patterns emerge. For example, in the topic
“Homesickness and Separation”, the material verbs CROSS, COME and GO are used when writing about the physicality of separation, while the
mental verbs SEEM, LOOK, SEE and WISH are used when writing about psychological aspects of homesickness. Additionally, verbs to do with
remembering, forgetting and dreaming (or not dreaming) are statistically significant in the topic “Recollection”. Although working with a very
small dataset, our findings demonstrate how this type of analysis might complement more qualitative methods, providing insight into what
female migrants wrote about and how, through language, they maintained relationships with family back home.