bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable NIR AIE-active optical materials for lipid droplet imaging in typical model organisms and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Fei , Liu Yaoming , Yang Binsheng , Guan Pengli , Chai Jie , Wen Guangming , Liu Bin
Published: February 2021

Near infrared luminescent materials with AIE features have attracted enormous attention in the areas of medical imaging and diagnostic therapeutics because of their low background fluorescence and strong tissue penetration.
Recent progress in functional peptides designed for tumor-targeted imaging and therapy
Authors: Wang Xing-Yu , Wang Yi-Hui , Song Zhen , Hu Xin-Yuan , Wei Ji-Ping , Zhang Jun , Wang Huai-Song
Published: February 2021

Peptide-based materials have been used in tumor imaging and therapy by targeting tumor high-expressing receptors and microenvironments.
Dithienoazaborine derivatives with selective π-conjugated extension via late-stage functionalization
Authors: Zhang Sikun , Yang Xiaodong , Liu Xu , Xu Letian , Rao Bin , Yan Ni , He Gang
Published: February 2021

Two kinds of dithienoazaborine derivatives with BN bonds on the conjugated main chain and side chain were synthesized via late-stage functionalization.
Improved color quality in double-EML WOLEDs by using a tetradentate Pt(ii) complex as a green/red emitter
Authors: Liu Weiqiang , Zhou Liang , Jin Long Yi , Xie Wenfa , Che Chi-Ming , Cheng Gang
Published: February 2021

Improved CRI of 81 and high EQE of 19.85% were achieved in simple structure WOLEDs with FIrpic as a blue emitter and a Pt(ii) complex as a green/red emitter.
Fast-response oxygen sensitive transparent coating for inner pressure ratiometric optical mapping
Authors: Yang Di , Li Jiwei , Ren Junkai , Wang Qinglin , Zhou Shuyun , Wang Qiu , Xie Zheng , Qu Xiaozhong
Published: February 2021

Transparent dual-luminophore fast-response bi-layer pressure sensitive coating is developed for the measurement of inner surface pressure distribution in millisecond scale in unsteady aerodynamic tests.
Optimization of local orientation and vertical phase separation by adding a volatilizable solid additive to the J51:N2200 blend to improve its photovoltaic performance
Authors: Yan Ye , Liu Yadi , Zhang Jidong , Zhang Qiang , Han Yanchun
Published: February 2021

A multi-length scale collaborative optimization from the chain structure to the domain structure was realized, resulting in the increase in charge mobility and a decrease in charge recombination.
Solar Power Generation System for the Canadian Space Agency STRATOS Program
Authors: Doulfikar Amine , Cabales Ian , Hossan Akash , Bloemink Jeff , Taheri Pooya
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the design and application of solar photovoltaics (PV) under aerospace conditions. The application of solar PV that is addressed is the Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) stratospheric balloon (STRATOS) program. The PDU utilizes four 1 kWh Battery Unit (BUs) that have been sized with volume and weight restrictions in mind. Without the capacity to provide enough energy to support multi-day missions, they are thus supplemented by the solar power generation subsystem presented in this paper. The power generation sub-system includes a bespoke solar panel design and a centralized Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) power conversion unit to maximize the power output of solar panels. The centralized unit can accommodate up to eight solar panels, each consisting of nine individual C60 SunPower solar cells. The centralized MPPT unit consists of two MPPT controllers, each controller supporting up to four solar panels. The MPPT unit is modular and can be easily integrated to the CSA’s existing intelligent Battery Management System (BMS).
Optimisation for Coalitions Formation Considering the Fairness in Flexibility Market Participation
Authors: Faia Ricardo , Pinto Tiago , Lezama Fernando , Vale Zita , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a coalitional game-theoretical model for consumers’ flexibility coalition formation, supported by an optimization model based on differential evolution. Traditionally, the participation in conventional electricity markets used to be limited to large producers and consumers. The final end-users contract their energy supply with retailers, since due to the smaller quantity available for trading, they cannot participate in electricity market transactions. Nowadays, the growing concept of local electricity market brings many advantages to the end-users. The flexibility negotiation considering local areas is an important procedure for network operators and it is incorporating a local electricity market opportunity. A coalition formation model to facilitate small players participation in the flexibility market proposed by the network operator is addressed in this work. The inclusion of Shapley value in the proposed model enables finding the best coalition structures considering the fairness of the coalitions in addition to the potential income achieved by the consumers when selling their flexibility. An optimization model based on differential evolution is also proposed as the way to find the optimal coalition structures based on the multi-criteria specifications.
Hybrid DC-AC homes with roof top solar power
Authors: Madhu M. C , Badari Narayana K. , Krishna Kishore J.
Published: February 2021

The paper investigates the feasibility of a hybrid DC-AC home with roof top solar power. In recent times, roof top solar power has become popular for residential homes. Generally, the power obtained from roof-top solar panels is converted to AC with a power control unit and routed to the existing wiring network of the houses designed essentially to support the Electric Utilities which deliver AC power. Solar power with DC bus routing power to various sub-units and Brushless DC (BLDC) motor-based systems have been successfully flown in satellites for decades. The study presents the possibility of having a dedicated DC bus (24V / 48V) in the home connected directly to roof-top solar panels along with the traditional wiring network to support AC power (220-230V) from Electric Utilities. The recent success of the BLDC based home appliances further highlights the potential. This will also help to benefit from higher efficiency due to BLDC and avoid the conversion losses as home appliances that can run on DC power are presently available. It is now possible to have an independent local Roof Top solar power-based DC home-grid to support lighting circuit and home-appliances that operate on DC power. The existing wiring network for AC can continue to support high power equipment like motors, boilers, washing machines etc., It will also simplify the power control unit as the traditional inverter portion is avoided. Thus, the proposed hybrid DC-AC home needs be viewed in terms of an overall green approach which will be a paradigm shift for energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint. It has the potential to boost the sale of DC home appliances.
Dealing with pest infested wood in the pelleting process
Authors: Streetz Holger
Published: February 2021

The performance of a pellet plant depends highly on the feedstock quality and the pretreatment. The usual difficulties in operation increase when the wooden raw material is infested with pests and varmints. For the past years, we have been experiencing an increase in infections on a larger and broader scale. This means, more and more forests are experiencing dramatic losses. Infested wood is useless to the timber industry and needs to be removed from the woods to prevent further damage.
Enhanced optical properties of perovskite thin film through material optimization for photovoltaic application
Authors: Olaleru SA , Kirui JK , Wamwangi D , Jhamba L , Erasmus R , Mwakikunga B , Roro K
Published: February 2021

The optical performance of the perovskite materials is enhanced through material optimization. This work seeks to establish the role of antisolvent and additive with new material composition on light absorption property. Due to this composition we extended the wavelengths to near Infrared range which is a suitable property for photovoltaic device. From the features of the film, optical parameters, together with anti-stoke shift and dielectric constant were calculated using Cauchy dispersion formalism. Based on our results, dielectric constant which is considered as a design parameter for photovoltaic cell and an unusual anti-stoke shift were observed. In sum, the optical properties are tied to material composition, morphology and technique used.
L’efficacité des partenariats public-privé des stades Euro 2016 : un contrat, 3 perdants ?
Authors: Moulard Jeremy , Dermit-Richard Nadine
Published: February 2021

Cette contribution évalue les résultats du programme de construction de trois stades français (Lille, Nice et Bordeaux) mené conjointement entre le secteur public et privé entre 2012 et 2015viades contrats de partenariats public-privé (PPP). L’objectif visé par le programme, outre l’accueil de l’Euro 2016, était de permettre le développement économique des clubs de football professionnel français grâce à l’exploitation de ces nouvelles enceintes sportives. Cette évolution devait permettre aux collectivités publiques de supprimer dans un second temps le subventionnement des clubs résidents de ces nouveaux stades. Cet article propose une évaluation de ce programme grâce à une comparaison entre les ambitions énoncées par les parties prenantes et les résultats. Les spécificités du sport qui se regardent font de cette politique de rénovation en PPP une source de difficulté plus importante qu’envisagée. Des propositions d’explications sont présentées permettant de conclure sur la nécessité d’une suppression de ces contrats au sein du secteur du sport spectacle et sur la nécessaire évolution des modalités de régulation des programmes de construction des équipements sportifs marchands français.
Lokale und Metastasen -gerichtete Therapieoptionen beim oligometastasierten Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Püllen Lukas , Sprave Tanja , Hadaschik Boris , Wiegel Thomas
Published: February 2021

Die Weiterentwicklung systemischer Therapiekonzepte beim metastasierten Prostatakarzinom haben in der jüngeren Vergangenheit zu einer deutlichen Prognoseverbesserung geführt. Inwieweit durch lokale und/oder gezielte Metastasen-gerichtete Therapien neben Palliation, lokaler Kontrolle und Funktionserhalt ein zusätzlicher prognostischer Nutzen besteht, war lange unklar. Für die lokale Therapie der Prostata besteht aktuell die höchste Evidenz für die Strahlentherapie und zeigt bei „niedriger Metastasen-Tumorlast“ oligometastasierter Patienten einen signifikanten Überlebensvorteil. Metastasen-gerichtete operative oder radioonkologische Konzepte zeigen ebenfalls Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der Prognose auf, sind bislang aber noch unzureichend untersucht und sollten daher immer individuell und interdisziplinär diskutiert, dokumentiert und etabliert werden.
Streptococcal Throat Carriage among Primary School Children Living in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Edem Kevin B. , Ikpeme Enobong E. , Akpan Mkpouto U.
Published: February 2021

Surveillance of the carrier state for β-hemolytic streptococcal (BHS) throat infections remains essential for disease control. Recent published works from Sub-Saharan Africa have suggested a changing epidemiology in the burden of BHS throat infections. The objective of the present study was therefore to determine the prevalence and pattern of BHS throat carriage in school-aged children in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 276 primary school children in Uyo. Subjects were recruited by multistage random sampling. Obtained throat swabs were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar. Lancefield grouping on positive cultures was done by using the Oxoid Streptococcal Grouping Latex Agglutination Kit, United Kingdom. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done with the disk diffusion method. Associations were tested with Fischer's exact test. The prevalence of BHS carriage was 3.3%. Group C Streptococcus was identified in 89% of isolates and Group G Streptococcus in 11%. Younger age and larger household size were associated with asymptomatic streptococcal throat infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility was highest with cefuroxime and clindamycin (89% of isolates each), while 78% of isolates were susceptible to penicillin. None of the tested isolates was susceptible to co-trimoxazole. The prevalence of streptococcal throat carriage in the study area was low. There were no Group A Streptococcus isolates suggesting an evolving epidemiology of BHS disease in the study area.
Molecular Study of Childhood Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Singh Ankur , Mishra Om Prakash , Prasad Rajniti , Narayan Gopeshwar , Batra Vineeta V , Tabatabaeifar Mansoureh , Schaefer Franz
Published: February 2021

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) patients with genetic mutations most commonly have histology of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and do not respond to immunosuppressive drugs. We report the molecular screening results of 18 pediatric SRNS cases presented to our nephrology clinic. Three pathogenic variants have been detected, two previously reported and one novel variant. The reported pathogenic variants have been detected in NPHS1 and NPHS2 genes. A novel pathogenic variant has been detected in the inverted formin 2 gene (INF2) gene. We did not detect any variant of the WT1 gene. There were 13 males. Mean age of study participants at enrollment was 69 months. There were 12 cases of primary SRNS. The mean duration from onset of symptoms to SRNS diagnosis was 13 months. FSGS and minimal change disease (MCD) were present in the same number of cases. The response rate (complete or partial) to immunosuppressive drugs was seen in only one patient in the genetic SRNS group (n = 3), while the response rate in nongenetic cases (n = 15) was 80%. Two nonresponders in the genetic SRNS group had FSGS for histopathology and pathogenic variants (NPHS2 and INF2). The other three nonresponders in the nongenetic SRNS group had both FSGS (n = 1) and MCD (n = 2) histopathology. There were two deaths in the study cohort of the nongenetic SRNS group. This study highlights the screening of the SRNS cohort by a panel of extended genes rather focussing on the three most common genes (NPHS1, NPHS2, and WT1). This further confirms the molecular etiology of SRNS in three cases and extends the list of pathogenic variants of genetic SRNS in the North Indian population. This is the first study in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh in India.
Comparative Evaluation of Hard-Tissue and Soft-Tissue Changes following Fixed Functional Appliance Treatment in a Skeletal Class II Malocclusion Using Forsus and PowerScope
Authors: Shetty Prajwal , Shetty Mukul , Chalapati Maitreyi , Kori Chaitra , Soans Crystal Runa , S. Murali P.
Published: February 2021

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft-tissue effects of 2 fixed functional appliance; Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device (FFRD) and PowerScope appliance in treating patients with skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion.

Materials and Methods This comparative prospective two-group study included 20 patients with a mean age of 11.2 ± 1.6 years with skeletal class II malocclusion with retrognathic mandible. One group was treated with FFRD, and second group was treated with PowerScope appliance. Lateral cephalograms were evaluated at T1 (pre-functional appliance treatment)) and at T2 (postappliance treatment). Cephalometric values were calculated and assessed to evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft-tissue changes.

Results Sagittal correction of class II malocclusion appeared to be mainly achieved by dentoalveolar changes in the PowerScope group. The FFRD was able to induce both skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. A favorable influence on facial convexity was achieved by both groups. A significant increase in upper pharynx and lower pharynx dimension was seen in the PowerScope group. A statistically significant decrease in upper lip protrusion, increase in lower lip protrusion, increased nasolabial angle, and decrease in inferior labial sulcus were noted in both the groups. Lower incisors proclined more in the PowerScope group.

Conclusion Both appliances were effective in correcting class II malocclusion. Forsus had more skeletal effects on the mandible, whereas PowerScope had less skeletal effects on the mandible and more dentoalveolar effects, contributing to class II correction. Both groups showed a significant improvement in soft-tissue profile. PowerScope group showed a significant increase in airway dimensions.
Posttraumatic Carpal Instability Nondissociative
Authors: Urbanschitz Lukas , Pastor Tatjana , Fritz Benjamin , Schweizer Andreas , Reissner Lisa
Published: February 2021

Background Posttraumatic midcarpal instability nondissociative (CIND) is an exceptional rare condition, therefore the outcome after different treatment options remains unknown.

Questions The purpose of this study was to investigate the different treatment options for posttraumatic CIND. We also describe the different radiological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in this patient cohort.

Patients and Methods We present outcomes of 10 patients who developed CIND following acute wrist trauma between 2007 and 2018, 3 with dorsal intercalated segment instability pattern (CIND-DISI) and 7 with volar intercalated segment instability (CIND-VISI) radiographically.

Results Three patients with CIND-VISI had satisfactory outcomes with conservative treatment. Two patients with irreducible CIND-DISI and one with CIND-VISI underwent proximal row carpectomy (PRC), two with reducible CIND-VISI had radiolunate fusion, and two with secondary osteoarthritis had total wrist fusion. All patients with CIND-DISI needed surgery, whereas only four of the seven patients with CIND-VISI needed surgery. On MRI, all three patients with CIND-DISI had rupture of the radiolunate ligament.

Conclusions The data collected in this study may provide the first step toward better understanding of the pathology for this exceptionally rare finding. In CIND-VISI, we have not seen any ligament injury in four patients. Therefore, conservative therapy is more likely to be the first step. In CIND-DISI, we recommend an operative procedure: if detected early, with ligament suture, otherwise by radiolunate fusion, PRC, or total wrist fusion.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.
Self-regulated growth of [111]-oriented perovskite oxide films using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Roth Joseph , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Miao Leixin , Pogrebnyakov Alexej , Alem Nasim , Engel-Herbert Roman
Published: February 2021

Exotic material properties and topological nontrivial surface states have been theoretically predicted to emerge in [111]-oriented perovskite layers. The realization of such [111]-oriented perovskite superlattices has been found challenging, and even the growth of perovskite oxide films along this crystallographic direction has been proven as a formidable task, attributed to the highly polar character of the perovskite (111) surface. Successful epitaxial growth along this direction has so far been limited to thin film deposition techniques involving a relatively high kinetic energy, specifically pulsed laser deposition and sputtering. Here, we report on the self-regulated growth of [111]-oriented high-quality SrVO3 by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy. The favorable growth kinetics available for the growth of perovskite oxides by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy on non-polar surfaces was also present for the growth of [111]-oriented films, resulting in high-quality SrVO3(111) thin films with residual resistivity ratios exceeding 20. The ability to grow high-quality perovskite oxides along energetically unfavorable crystallographic directions using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy opens up opportunities to study the transport properties of topological nontrivial and correlated electron systems.
Development of highly sensitive MI element by controlling anisotropy and noise analysis of MI element
Authors: Ma J. , Uchiyama T.
Published: February 2021

In order to further improve noise performance and achieve higher sensitivity, we have investigated a highly sensitive MI element by controlling anisotropy, and have analyzed noise components of a MI sensor by using a femto-tesla MI sensor system with a synchronized peak-to-peak detector. According to the results, sensitivity of a MI element decreases when tension increases. Meanwhile, sensitivity of a MI element is also linearly proportional to the ratio of impedance change and anisotropy field (∆Z/Hk). The theoretical model shows the same effect as measurement results. Furthermore, the noise of a MI sensor is considered to be mainly due to circuit noise, fluctuation of wire magnetic moment (thermal magnetic noise), and irreversible movement of a domain wall trapped by impurities and scratches on a wire surface (Barkhausen noise). The lowest thermal magnetic noise of amorphous wire calculated in our study is approximately 60 fT. Meanwhile, thermal magnetic noise and magnetic noise due to irreversible movement of a domain wall have been demonstrated as a function of the magnetic anisotropy.
Australia’s persistently high rate of early-term prelabour Caesarean delivery
Authors: Adams Nicole , Tudehope David
Published: February 2021

Objective To compare the incidence of prelabour Caesarean delivery (PCD) at early term (37 weeks and 0 days (370) to 38 weeks and 6 days (386) of gestation) between Australian states and hospital sectors over time and to compare these rates with those of England and the United States of America (USA). Method A population-based descriptive study of 556 040 singleton PCDs at term (370−406 weeks) in all public and private hospitals in Australian states, 2005–16, was performed. The primary outcome was the early-term PCD rate, defined as early-term PCDs as a percentage of all term PCDs. Results Across Australian states, the early-term PCD rate fell from 56.4% in 2005 to 52.0% in 2016. Over a similar period, England’s rate fell from 48.2% in 2006–07 to 35.2% in 2016–17, while the USA’s rate fell from 47.4% in 2006 to 34.2% in 2016. Australian public hospitals reduced their rate from 54.2% in 2005 to 44.7% in 2016, but the rate increased in private hospitals from 59.1% in 2005 to 62.5% in 2016. There was considerable variation between states and hospital sectors. Conclusions The early-term PCD rate increased in Australian private hospitals from 2005 to 2016. The public hospital rate fell by nearly 10% over the period but remained ~10% above the English and USA national rates. What is known about the topic? Babies born at early term (370−386 weeks) are at greater risk of morbidity than babies born at full term (390−406 weeks). Australia has a persistently high rate of early-term prelabour Caesarean delivery (PCD). What does this paper add? This paper reveals concerning differences in the early-term PCD rate between Australian states and hospital sectors. Further, the paper highlights that both Australian hospital sectors (public and private) have not reduced their rates to levels achieved in England and the USA. What are the implications for practitioners? These results should inform efforts to reduce Australia’s early-term PCD rate to prevent harm to babies.
How metaphoremes emerge
Authors: Tang Xuri
Published: February 2021

According to the dynamic view of metaphor, the complexities of metaphorical expressions are emergent products of
language use. However, this view lacks an explicit mechanism to account for the process. This paper puts forward a model named
single-scope integration network with entrenchment (SINE), and uses if-then rules in the model to explain the
temporal order and regularities that the metaphoremes of a metaphor should follow in their emergence. The validity of the model is
tested in the case studies of Chinese verb metaphors, which reveal four if-then rules that govern the metaphoreme emergence of
Chinese verb metaphors. These if-then rules are obtained via the analysis of the occurrence order of metaphoremes by performing
DepCluster, a machine learning tool for collostruction generation, over a large-scale diachronic corpus. The case studies
demonstrate that the proposed model is applicable to Chinese verb metaphors.
The semantic network of temperature
Authors: Coschignano Serena
Published: February 2021

The present study investigates the relation betweentemperatureand non-sensory domains conceptually close to it. Observing metaphorical extensions of the Italian basic temperature termscaldo‘hot’ andfreddo‘cold’, individuated through a collocational analysis performed on the ItTenTen16 corpus, mental operations responsible for the association oftemperaturewith other domains are assessed. Interestingly, many associations are first elaborated ontowarmth/heatand then used to map concepts ontocold. Although conceptual associations are primarily motivated by embodiment, in some cases they stem from a shared “vertical” image-schematic structure:warmthandheatareup, whilecoldisdownon the axis, resembling the configuration of other domains with a positive/negative orientation (e.g.,good/bad). A visual representation of the semantic network oftemperaturehighlights that domains associated withtemperatureare mirrored in its two poles: for instance,highandlow temperatureare associated, respectively, withfriendlinessandunfriendliness.
The internal structure of microprocessors for industrial control and data processing systems
Authors: Antonov A A , Krasnyuk A A
Published: February 2021

The fundamental objective of the problem is a comprehensive study of the internal structure of microprocessors for industrial microelectronics, design technology to ensure VLSI efficiency at extremely high temperature levels with external destructive factors. Based on the data we have studied, the main problem of choosing optimal structural solutions for industrial systems based on them, providing the best resistance and fault tolerance of memory and microprocessors under difficult operating conditions, requires a preliminary comparative analysis of various schemes and functional solutions used for IP blocks.
Features of grinding surfaces of double curvature with cylindrical flap wheels
Authors: Koltsov V P , Vinh Le Tri , Rakitskaya V B , Tardybaeva E V
Published: February 2021

In the manufacture of the panels and sheaths of outer-forming parts, after milling operations or shot peen forming, grinding the surface with flap wheels is widely used. Surface grinding is often performed with flap wheels, which may have a cylindrical or profiled surface. Since profiled flap wheels are designed to handle surfaces with a specific curvature, cylindrical flap wheels are more universal and more often used. The main task of technological operation of grinding the complex surfaces is to ensure a same removal over the entire part surface. In this paper, an analytical study of the interaction features of the flaps of the cylindrical flap wheel along the width of the flap wheel when grinding the surfaces of double curvature is carried out. The analysis of possibilities for leveling the degree of influence of the flaps of the cylindrical flap wheel on the treated surface by re-overlapping the processing surface to ensure uniformity of grinding is carried out. A variant of grinding the surfaces of outer-forming parts with a cylindrical flap wheel with overlapping passages, which provides uniform treatment of the surface of double curvature, is proposed.
Variations in health of piezoelectric elements of the Common Rail electric hydraulic nozzles in the operating conditions
Authors: Krivtsov S N , Krivtsova T I
Published: February 2021

The article discusses operational reliability of piezoelectric elements of the Common Rail electric hydraulic nozzles. Attention is paid to the piezoelectric element’s health and its influence on the output injector parameters. It was assumed that capacity of the piezoelectric packet can be used as a diagnostic parameter. The studies carried out in the operating conditions identified failures of some elements of the electro-hydraulic nozzles, patterns of variations in capacity of the piezoelectric packet exposed to short or long-lasting heat treatment. Based on the data obtained, conclusions about the frequency of monitoring of the piezoelectric element’s health were drawn.
Development of electric power systems based on the use of intelligent technologies
Authors: Burda Y D , Kosygina A V , Volkova I O , Gorgisheli M V , Yakovleva A Y , Suslov K V
Published: February 2021

The development of retail electricity markets was specific in different countries. There is an important condition for further development of an electric power system with active consumers and prosumers’ participation and the integration of renewable energy sources (RES), other innovative technologies and smart solutions. This study is aimed at observation of tracks of development and of retail electricity market characteristics in some countries through introducing a uniform framework for comparison. The results can help both experts and authorities to better understand the tasks and the conditions for the processes of energy transition.
Increasing the energy efficiency of the industrial enterprise technological and mechanical equipment due to the use of converter steam
Authors: Osintsev K V , Shishkov A N
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the possibility of using converter steam to improve energy efficiency. The development of the authors will improve the performance of technological equipment in mechanical engineering. The problem of inefficient use of heat and loss of energy exists at mechanical engineering enterprises. In addition, environmental safety must be ensured at a high technological level. The above scientific problems are solved in this article by the authors. To solve the set tasks, scientific methods are used related to the generalization of data sets, their processing and the construction of an optimization model. In addition, variants of technical solutions at the enterprises of the energy industry are shown. To determine the long-term direction of increasing the energy efficiency of the facility, it is necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of the options. We have analyzed the use of converter steam for heating process equipment. It can be concluded that the method has mainly strengths, but since steam production has an almost constant cycle, the use of this method will not have a positive effect on eliminating problems. Prospects for using the technological solutions developed by the authors are associated with their practical application at metallurgy and mechanical engineering enterprises. It should be noted that the authors were the first to propose such a method for utilizing heat.
Impact of dangling bonds on properties of h-BN
Authors: Turiansky Mark E , Van de Walle Chris G
Published: February 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride is a promising host for quantum defects, with several single-photon emitters having been observed. In the visible spectrum, the observed single-photon emitters are notoriously heterogeneous, exhibiting a range of properties. To harness these emitters for quantum applications, identification and characterization of the responsible defects are of paramount importance. Towards this end, we characterize the effects of out-of-plane displacements on boron dangling bonds, which have been suggested as the microscopic origin of the emission. We find that the out-of-plane displacements influence the zero-phonon line energy as well as the coupling to phonons. We compute the radiative lifetime of the emission, which is in agreement with the experimental value.
Near-infrared emitting graphene quantum dots synthesized from reduced graphene oxide for in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo bioimaging applications
Authors: Hasan Md Tanvir , Lee Bong Han , Lin Ching-Wei , McDonald-Boyer Ainsley , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Roberto , Vasireddy Satvik , Tsedev Uyanga , Coffer Jeffery , Belcher Angela M , Naumov Anton V
Published: February 2021

Near-infrared (NIR) emissive nanomaterials are desired for bioimaging and drug delivery applications due to the high tissue penetration depth of NIR light, enabling in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo fluorescence tracking. Considering the scarcity of NIR-fluorescing biocompatible nanostructures, we have for the first-time synthesized nanometer-sized reduced graphene oxide-derived graphene quantum dots (RGQDs) with NIR (950 nm) emission highly biocompatible in vitro with no preliminary toxic response in vivo. RGQDs are obtained in a high-yield (∼90%) top-down sodium hypochlorite/ultraviolet-driven synthetic process from non-emissive micron-sized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) flakes. This oxidation of RGO yields quantum dots with an average size of 3.54 ± 0.05 nm and a highly crystalline graphitic lattice structure with distinguishable lattice fringes. RGQDs exhibit excitation-independent emission in the visible and NIR-I region with a maximum NIR quantum yield of ∼7%. Unlike their parent material, RGQDs show substantial biocompatibility with ∼75%–80% cell viability up to high (1 mg ml−1) concentrations verified via both MTT and luminescence-based cytotoxicity assays. Tracked in vitro via their NIR fluorescence, RGQDs exhibit efficient internalization in HeLa cells maximized at 12 h with further anticipated excretion. In vivo, RGQDs introduced intravenously to NCr nude mice allow for fluorescence imaging in live sedated animals without the need in sacrificing those at imaging time points. Their distribution in spleen, kidneys, liver, and intestine assessed from NIR fluorescence in live mice, is further confirmed by excised organ analysis and microscopy of organ tissue slices. This outlines the potential of novel RGQDs as NIR imaging probes suitable for tracking therapeutic delivery in live animal models. A combination of smaller size, water-solubility, bright NIR emission, simple/scalable synthesis, and high biocompatibility gives RGQDs a critical advantage over a number of existing nanomaterials-based imaging platforms.
Demonstration that Newtonian gravity moves at the speed of light and not instantaneously (infinite speed) as thought!
Authors: Haug Espen Gaarder
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we will demonstrate, based on reasoning as well as mathematical evidence and experimental observations, why Newtonian gravity moves at the speed of light and is not, as previously thought, instantaneous. The misunderstanding that Newtonian gravity is instantaneous has constrained our progress in understanding gravity to its full extent. We will show that all of Newton’s gravitational phenomena contain the Planck length and the speed of gravity; this speed of gravity is identical to the speed of light. A series of gravitational phenomena that are considered to be non-Newtonian and most often explained by the theory of general relativity actually contain no information about the speed of gravity. However, all observable gravitational phenomena which we will look at here can be predicted from the Planck length and the speed of gravity alone, and we can easily extract both of them from gravitational phenomena with no knowledge of any physics constants. In addition, we can also measure the speed of light from electromagnetic phenomena and then extract the Planck length from any of Newton’s gravitational phenomena with no knowledge of G or

ℏ

.
Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) mediates MMP14 localization and facilitates triple-negative breast cancer cell invasion
Authors: Decotret Lisa R. , Wadsworth Brennan J. , Li Ling Vicky , Lim Chinten J. , Bennewith Kevin L. , Pallen Catherine J.
Published: February 2021

Protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) regulates breast tumor cell invasion in vitro and in vivo, implicating PTPα as a potential therapeutic target for limiting the spread of triple-negative breast cancer.
The Lincolnshire Rebellion of 1470 Revisited
Authors: Tucker Penny
Published: February 2021

The Lincolnshire rebellion of 1470 lasted little more than a week, ending in the rout of the rebels by the king, Edward IV. Despite its extreme brevity, it was important, as it spelled the end of any hope of a reconciliation between the king and the man who hitherto been his leading supporter, the earl of Warwick (‘the Kingmaker’). The rebellion is generally believed to have been instigated, or at least exploited once it had begun, by Warwick with the aim of replacing King Edward with his younger brother, the duke of Clarence. The argument of this article is that historians have been led astray by an apparently authoritative royalist account of events, supported by what purports to be the confession of the rebel leader, but is not. Using other evidence it can be demonstrated that, of the several possible interpretations of the causes of the rebellion, the presently dominant one is the least likely to be correct. The interpretation of what happened that best fits the evidence is that the king exploited, and may even have himself provoked, the rebellion. His attitude towards the earlier attempt at a reconciliation with Warwick and Clarence helps to explain why he experienced so many problems in the first decade of his reign.
Hymenolepis diminuta-based helminth therapy in C3(1)-TAg mice does not alter breast tumor onset or progression
Authors: Sauer Scott , Beinart Dylan , Finn Sade M B , Kumar Sereena L , Cheng Qing , Hwang Shelley E , Parker William , Devi Gayathri R
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives

An individual’s risk of breast cancer is profoundly affected by evolutionary mismatch. Mismatches in Western society known to increase the risk of breast cancer include a sedentary lifestyle and reproductive factors. Biota alteration, characterized by a loss of biodiversity from the ecosystem of the human body as a result of Western society, is a mismatch known to increase the risk of a variety of inflammation-related diseases, including colitis-associated colon cancer. However, the effect of biota alteration on breast cancer has not been evaluated.

Methodology

In this study, we utilized the C3(1)-TAg mouse model of breast cancer to evaluate the role of biota alteration in the development of breast cancer. This model has been used to recapitulate the role of exercise and pregnancy in reducing the risk of breast cancer. C3(1)-TAg mice were treated with Hymenolepis diminuta, a benign helminth that has been shown to reverse the effects of biota alteration in animal models.

Results

No effect of the helminth H. diminuta was observed. Neither the latency nor tumor growth was affected by the therapy, and no significant effects on tumor transcriptome were observed based on RNAseq analysis.

Conclusions and implications

These findings suggest that biota alteration, although known to affect a variety of Western-associated diseases, might not be a significant factor in the high rate of breast cancer observed in Western societies.

Lay summary

An almost complete loss of intestinal worms in high-income countries has led to increases in allergic disorders, autoimmune conditions, and perhaps colon cancer. However, in this study, results using laboratory mice suggest that loss of intestinal worms might not be associated with breast cancer.
The link between regional temperature and regional incomes: econometric evidence with sub-national data
Authors: Greßer Christina , Meierrieks Daniel , Stadelmann David
Published: February 2021

summary

We study the link between temperature and economic development at the sub-national level, employing cross-sectional data from two distinct sources. In contrast to much of the existing cross-country literature on the temperature–income relationship, our setting allows for the inclusion of country-fixed effects. Once we account for country-fixed effects, we do not find a statistically robust relationship between regional temperature and three different measures of regional economic development (per capita GDP, nightlights and gross cell production). We also test whether temperature is non-linearly related to regional income (with hotter regions being potentially particularly prone to adverse effects of temperature on income) but find no systematic evidence in favour of such a relationship. Finally, we examine whether the effect of temperature on economic development is especially pronounced in poorer regions (e.g., due to weaker adaptation). Again, we find no statistically robust link.
A study on evaluation systems for optimized design GSHP and ES technologies used in HVAC systems
Authors: Zhou Ruifang , Gong Dejian , Zhu Shengjie , Ma Jianchao , Chen Jiufa
Published: February 2021

Due to the lack of suitable evaluation systems for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with ground source heat pump (GSHP) and energy storage (ES) technologies, it is difficult to design a building HVAC system to achieve optimized design with regard to investment cost, energy saving and environmental protection. This is a study on developing a fuzzy evaluation system by including GSHP and ES with comprehensively determined weights into an HVAC system. A questionnaire method was used and the answers from 21 HVAC experts were analyzed to facilitate the modeling. Taking a commercial integrated project in Nanjing as an engineering case, the evaluation system was tested. If the system with a comprehensive merit value of 0.303 is adopted, the annual operating cost is reduced by 32.5%, the annual total life cycle cost is reduced by 26.5% and the primary energy consumption and carbon emissions are reduced by 10.5%, with the initial investment increased by 6.5%. This study revealed that the newly developed evaluation system is very useful for realizing the optimal design of HVAC systems.
Selective genotyping and phenotypic data inclusion strategies of crossbred progeny for combined crossbred and purebred selection in swine breeding
Authors: See Garrett M , Mote Benny E , Spangler Matthew L
Published: February 2021

Inclusion of crossbred (CB) data into traditionally purebred (PB) genetic evaluations has been shown to increase the response in CB performance. Currently, it is unrealistic to collect data on all CB animals in swine production systems, thus, a subset of CB animals must be selected to contribute genomic/phenotypic information. The aim of this study was to evaluate selective genotyping strategies in a simulated 3-way swine crossbreeding scheme. The swine crossbreeding scheme was simulated and produced 3-way CB animals for 6 generations with 3 distinct PB breeds each with 25 and 175 mating males and females, respectively. F1 crosses (400 mating females) produced 4,000 terminal CB progeny which were subjected to selective genotyping. The genome consisted of 18 chromosomes with 1,800 QTL and 72k SNP markers. Selection was performed using estimated breeding values (EBV) for CB performance. It was assumed that both PB and CB performance was moderately heritable (h2=0.4). Several scenarios altering the genetic correlation between PB and CB performance (rpc=0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7,or 0.9) were considered. CB animals were chosen based on phenotypes to select 200, 400, or 800 CB animals to genotype per generation. Selection strategies included: (1) Random: random selection, (2) Top: highest phenotype, (3) Bottom: lowest phenotype, (4) Extreme: half highest and half lowest phenotypes, and (5) Middle: average phenotype. Each selective genotyping strategy, except for Random, was considered by selecting animals in half-sib (HS) or full-sib (FS) families. The number of PB animals with genotypes and phenotypes each generation was fixed at 1,680. Each unique genotyping strategy and rpc scenario was replicated 10 times. Selection of CB animals based on the Extreme strategy resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) rates of genetic gain in CB performance (ΔG) when rpc<0.9. For highly correlated traits (rpc=0.9) selective genotyping did not impact (P > 0.05) ΔG. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in ΔG between top, bottom, or middle when rpc>0.1. Higher correlations between true breeding values (TBV) and EBV were observed using Extreme when rpc<0.9. In general, family sampling method did not impact ΔG or the correlation between TBV and EBV. Overall, the Extreme genotyping strategy produced the greatest genetic gain and the highest correlations between TBV and EBV, suggesting that 2-tailed sampling of CB animals is the most informative when CB performance is the selection goal.
EU General Court says that there is no likelihood of confusion between EU collective trade mark ‘HALLOUMI’ and ‘BBQLOUMI’
Authors: Malovic Nedim
Published: February 2021

EU General Court, Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus named Halloumi v European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), T-328/17, EU: T:2021:16, 20 January 2021
Kentucky Soybean Farmers’ Supportiveness of Two Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management Tactics
Authors: Penn Hannah J , Penn Jerrod , Cunningham-Minnick Michael , Hu Wuyang
Published: February 2021

Beneficial insect conservation in agriculture is often studied in the context of integrated pest management (IPM). For instance, vegetative field edges provide habitat and changing the timing of insecticidal sprays decreases risk for pollinators and natural enemies of insect pests. However, the attitudes and confidence of U.S. growers towards IPM implementation in traditional row crops remain understudied. We developed an online survey using a convenience sample and surveyed Kentucky soybean growers to understand their current pest and general management practices, beliefs about sources of insect pests/weeds, and attitudes towards pollinators. We also asked about their willingness to implement two management tactics—maintaining tree-lined field edges and changing the timing of their combination insecticide/fungicide sprays to avoid flowering. Our data indicate that many Kentucky soybean growers already use crop rotation, no-till soil management, and limit insecticide application based on high pest abundance. When asked about their management of field edges, the most common responses included removal of trees/shrubs, mowing, or herbicide application. Growers also believed that nationally, farmers can influence pollinator populations and that a portion of the soybean yield is due to pollinator activity within crop fields. However, they were less willing to maintain tree lines as a habitat for natural enemies and pollinators out of concern for the increased spread of weeds and insect pests. Given these findings, we need to evaluate the perceived and actual trade-offs of weed and insect pest management in future on-farm conservation efforts for beneficial insects such as pollinators using integrated pest and pollinator management.
Identification and Biology of Common Caterpillars in U.S. Soybean
Authors: Hodgson Erin W , Koch Robert L , Davis Jeffrey A , Reisig Dominic , Paula-Moraes Silvana V
Published: February 2021

Soybean is an established crop with a high production value in the United States. The insects that utilize soybean as a food source have changed drastically over the last 20 yr. Much of the extension literature summarizing pest species distribution and abundance is out of date. This article provides profiles for five common soybean caterpillars, including description, life cycle, and injury to plants.