bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of electricity generation on air pollution: evidence from data on air quality index and six criteria pollutants
Authors: Hu Fengping , Guo Yongming
Published: December 2020

We estimate impacts of electricity generation (total power output and thermal power output) on air pollution (air quality index (AQI) and six criteria air pollutants), with a particular emphasis on industry and city heterogeneity. To identify this relationship, we combine detailed monthly data on electricity production, air pollution, economy and weather for a six-year period in four biggest cities in China. Our fundamental identification strategy employs Ordinary Least Squares Regression of panel data with city–month fixed effects and addresses confounding variations between electricity generation and economy or weather conditions. We find that one unit (100 million kwh) increase in power output is associated with a 0.3-unit (representing value) increase in AQI, nearly all of which is driven by increases in thermal power output. We notice a robust positive impact of increased electricity generation (specifically thermal power output) on PM2.5 and PM10, also positive relationships between increases in other power output (total power output minus thermal power output) and SO2, NO2, while changes in power output have no statistically significant effect on CO and O3. The heterogeneous pollution effects of electricity generation are present in specific cities with different weather conditions. The results indicate that a reduction policy in power industry differentiating among cities might enhance effectiveness by considering each city’s particular backgrounds, a previously overlooked aspect associated with pollution reduction policies.
Combining imaging and laparoscopy for the staging of peritoneal metastases: A retrospective cohort pilot study
Authors: Kefleyesus Amaniel , Dromain Clarisse , Clerc Daniel , Teixeira-Farinha Hugo , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Peritoneal cancer (PC) staging work-up is challenging. Current gold standard is the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) performed during laparotomy (LT). Accurate and less invasive alternatives, such as computed tomography (CT) or diagnostic laparoscopy (LS), are needed to avoid unnecessary laparotomies. Despite inherent limitations, these modalities have improved over time. Combination of both CT and laparoscopy for PCI evaluation might come close to laparotomy.

Objective:

To analyze the accuracy, agreement and reliability of combined PCI (PCICT+LS) evaluation of CT (PCICT) and laparoscopy (PCILS) compared to laparotomy (PCILT) in patients eligible for cytoreductive surgery.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective pilot study of consecutive patients with PC irrespective of etiology, between February 2017 and May 2019. All included patients had sequential PCI staging with CT, laparoscopy and laparotomy. PCI was prospectively documented via a web-based form. Agreement and reliability were analyzed, using weighted-kappa and intraclass correlation respectively (ICC).

Results:

Out of 220 patients, 25 had all three modalities of staging. Accuracy of PCICT+LS (76%) was highest between the 3 modalities in middle-PCI group (PCI 10 to 20), which was the group with the lowest accuracy (44–67%). Compared to laparotomy, reliability of combined CT + LS was the highest (ICC 0.91; 95% CI 0.81–0.96; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The combination of CT with laparoscopy as combined PCI displayed the highest overall accuracy observed by group, as well as excellent reliability. CT is currently the preoperative reference imaging which may be enhanced by laparoscopy as a mandatory procedure selection of eligible candidates for CRS.

Highlights
A novel cleanliness control method for disk amplifiers
Authors: Li Yangshuai , Wang Bingyan , Zhang Panzheng , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Yanfeng , Zhou Shenlei , Ma Weixin , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: December 2020

As the key part for energy amplification of high-power laser systems, disk amplifiers must work in an extremely clean environment. Different from the traditional cleanliness control scheme of active intake and passive exhaust (AIPE), a new method of active exhaust and passive intake (AEPI) is proposed in this paper. Combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology, through the optimization design of the sizes, shapes, and locations of different outlets and inlets, the turbulence that is unfavorable to cleanliness control is effectively avoided in the disk amplifier cavity during the process of AEPI. Finally, the cleanliness control of the cavity of the disk amplifier can be realized just by once exhaust. Meanwhile, the micro negative pressure environment in the amplifier cavity produced during the exhaust process reduces the requirement for sealing. This method is simple, time saving, gas saving, efficient, and safe. It is also suitable for the cleanliness control of similar amplifiers.
OP456 The Format And Language Consistency Of Guidance At The National Institute Of Health And Care Excellence (NICE)
Authors: Barnacle Gemma
Published: December 2020

Introduction

NICE is undergoing transformational change aiming to improve consistency across the different types of guidance and to bring together related guidance in a more accessible way (NICE Connect). Currently, NICE publishes myriad guidance with different language and formats, which may lead to stakeholder confusion and gaps in the provision of information. Here, the consistency of the format and language of a subset of NICE guidance was assessed to understand where and how guidance could be better aligned. This preliminary investigation is important to determine the extent of inconsistencies and whether a more detailed analysis is warranted.

Methods

Ten randomly selected pieces of guidance published (or updated) April 2018 – March 2019 from three programs were assessed (two pieces of guidance or ten percent of guidance per program, whichever was greatest): Medical Technologies (n = 2); Diagnostics (n = 2); Technology Appraisals (n = 6). Guidance was assessed on aspects listed on the guidance webpage (for example, summary type, additional sections, links to other resources, format) and the guidance pdf (for example, table of contents and language). Observed data and trends are described.

Results

The webpage summary and additional sections were consistent within and between programs. Additional information on the webpages showed themes which are not currently standardized (for example, guidance history). In the table of contents only one section was consistently included in all guidance, and the terminology was not consistent across different types of guidance. The format used to present evidence differed between programs (webpage tab or within the pdf), as did terminology for the external assessment groups.

Conclusions

These descriptive data highlight inter- and intra-program inconsistencies in the content and format of NICE guidance, especially in the guidance table of contents and the format and language regarding the provision of evidence. These inconsistencies contribute to the inaccessibility of NICE guidance, making it potentially difficult for patients and professionals to understand guidance, conditions and treatments as a whole.

A more comprehensive analysis is warranted to extend and validate these conclusions. Future research of this kind could constructively direct the resources and priorities of NICE transformational projects, and could lead to an improvement in the accessibility of NICE Guidance.
OP608 The Diagnostic Accuracy Of Quantitative Flow Ratio In Myocardial Ischemia Of Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Guo , Xue Di
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel approach to derive fractional flow reserve (FFR) from coronary angiography. QFR based on 3-dimensional reconstruction of angiographic images assesses the significance of coronary artery disease (CAD) without using an invasive pressure wire. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative flow ratio in myocardial ischemia of coronary artery disease.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted of published research articles on diagnostic accuracy of QFR between January 2016 and September 2019 in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and China Bio-medicine Database. Statistical analysis was performed with software Meta-Disc 1.4 and Stata 12.0, and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was drawn to evaluate accuracy of the method.

Results

A total of 11 articles were retreived, including 1,782 patients and 2,054 vessels. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio for quantitative flow ratio respectively, were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.89), 0.89 (95%CI: 0.87–0.91), 7.51(95%CI: 6.40–8.82), 0.15 (95%CI: 0.10–0.23), 54.18 (95%CI: 34.09–86.12), and the pooled AUC was 0.9458.

Conclusions

Several limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings of this meta-analysis. First, despite the extensive literature search, the number of included studies was small; however, the number of patients and vessels enrolled was satisfactory, thereby decreasing type II error. Furthermore, data acquisition is not comprehensive enough because the language of the literature search was limited to Chinese and English. Despite these limitations, our study suggests with a definition of ischemia as FFR ≤ 0.8, the QFR obtains high diagnostic efficacy in myocardial ischemia of CAD. It can be used as a non-invasive novel method to screen CAD patients with myocardial ischemia.
The Political Complexity of Coastal Flood Risk Reduction: Lessons for Climate Adaptation Public Works in the U.S.
Authors: Rasmussen D. J. , Kopp Robert E. , Shwom Rachael , Oppenheimer Michael
Published: December 2020

Coastal climate adaptation public works, such as storm surge barriers and levees, are central elements of several current proposals to limit damages from coastal storms and sea‐level rise in the United States. Academic analysis of these public works projects is dominated by technocratic and engineering‐driven frameworks. However, social conflict, laws, political incentives, governance structures, and other political factors have played pivotal roles in determining the fate of government‐led coastal flood risk reduction efforts. Here, we review the ways in which politics has enabled or hindered the conception, design, and implementation of coastal risk reduction projects in the U.S. We draw from the literature in natural hazards, infrastructure, political science, and climate adaptation and give supporting examples. Overall, we find that (1) multiple floods are often needed to elicit earnest planning; (2) strong and continuous leadership from elected officials is necessary to advance projects; (3) stakeholder participation during the design stage has improved outcomes; (4) legal challenges to procedural and substantive shortcomings under environmental protection statutes present an enduring obstacle to implementing megastructure proposals.
Field‐Aligned Currents in Auroral Vortices
Authors: Johnson Jay R. , Wing Simon , Delamere Peter , Petrinec Steven , Kavosi Shiva
Published: December 2020

Auroral bright spots have been observed at Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn in regions that map to the magnetopause boundary layer. It has been suggested that the bright spots are associated with the Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) instability. We utilize a quasistatic magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling model driven by a vortex in the boundary layer to determine how the field‐aligned current structure depends on ionospheric and boundary layer parameters. We compare vortex induced currents with shear‐flow induced currents. We find that the strength of the maximum currents are comparable, but the structure is significantly different. For a vortex, the current and electron precipitation maximize when the vortex size mapped to the ionosphere is approximately 1.5L, where is the auroral scale length, ΣP is the Pedersen conductivity, and κ is the Knight parameter. For a vortex, the current width provides a direct measure of the size, Δ, of the boundary layer structure, while the current width of shear‐flow aurora is generally determined by the larger of Δ or L. For comparison with observations, an event is considered where auroral bright spots in the ionosphere are detected by DMSP SSUSI FUV when KH structures are observed on the dusk flank by THEMIS.
Variations of Thermospheric Winds Observed by a Fabry–Perot Interferometer at Mohe, China
Authors: Li Wenbo , Chen Yiding , Liu Libo , Trondsen Trond S. , Unick Craig , Wyatt Devin , Ning Baiqi , Li Guozhu , Huang Cong , Yang Sipeng , Le Huijun
Published: December 2020

A Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) system was deployed to observe the thermospheric winds at Mohe (53.5°N, 122.3°E), the northernmost observatory of space environment in the mainland of China, in July 2019. Thermospheric winds variations revealed from the 1 year FPI observations are as follows: (1) For the diurnal variation, southward meridional winds prevail at night and peak after midnight with amplitudes from 70 to 110 m/s; meridional winds are northward (∼40 m/s) at dusk and dawn in winter. For the zonal winds, eastward winds prevail only at dusk in summer, while it can sustain after midnight in winter. The maximum amplitudes of eastward winds are 50–130 m/s. Westward winds are strongest at dawn, with amplitudes of 75–120 m/s. (2) For the seasonal variation, both the meridional and zonal winds are dominated by annual oscillations. The semi‐annual oscillations can be observed at midnight. (3) The eastward (southward) winds become strong (weak) at midnight in January and December. An empirical model of thermospheric winds was established based on Mohe FPI observations and compared with HWM14. The variation trends of thermosphere winds described by HWM14 is basically consistent with the observations at Mohe. Moreover, Mohe FPI observations were compared with those by Kelan (38.7°N, 111.6°E) FPI. Variations of thermospheric winds showed some discrepancies between these two locations. The southward winds were significantly stronger at Mohe than at Kelan after midnight; and the semi‐annual and tri‐annual oscillations in the midnight zonal winds are observed at Mohe but not significant at Kelan.
Observational Evidence and Formation Mechanism of Low‐Density Cells in the Upper Thermosphere on September 8, 2017
Authors: Yuan Liangliang , Jin Shuanggen
Published: December 2020

The low‐density cell structure in the high‐latitude thermosphere is referred to as the density depletion with respect to the adjacent area. Based on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) accelerometer data during the September 2017 geomagnetic storms, the thermospheric mass density at about 350 km are estimated and further investigated especially in the high‐latitude regions. At least two kinds of low‐density cells over the Southern Hemisphere (SH) are observed along the GRACE orbit. To understand the low‐density cell structures over the SH observed by GRACE, we investigate the underlying physical mechanism based on thermosphere‐ionosphere numerical simulations using Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model and Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model. According to the simulation results, the formation mechanism of the low‐density cell is attributed to the storm‐time vertical advection and horizontal velocity divergence driven by the auroral ion convection. The critical height of observable low‐density cells is shown to be not less than 350 km. The meridional spatial scale of observed low‐density cells over the SH are approximately or slightly larger than 1,500 km. Three low‐density cells, including two in the dawn sector and one in the night sector were observed about 1 hour after the direction of interplanetary magnetic field BY component reversed. The occurrence of thermospheric low‐density structure is essential to be included in the empirical model during geomagnetic storm time.
Dynamical Ocean Responses to Typhoon Malakas (2016) in the Vicinity of Taiwan
Authors: Shen Dongliang , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Jia , Bao Shaowu , Pietrafesa Leonard J.
Published: December 2020

Saffir‐Simpson Category‐4 Typhoon Malakas crossed the Kuroshio, the Western Boundary Current of the North Pacific Ocean, and moved along the path of the Kuroshio for eight days between September 12 and 20, 2016. Malakas induced a 3–4°C sea surface cooling and an increase in sea surface Chlorophyll‐a concentration to 0.8 mg/m3. The total cooling area was approximately 18,000 km2. Satellite observations show that Malakas triggered two upwelling regions associated with two mesoscale eddies, both to the northeast of Taiwan. The Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) was employed to offer insights into the dynamical mechanisms on the ocean response to a typhoon. The numerical model results reveal that a coastal upwelling event was induced by southeasterly winds blowing prior to the arrival of Malakas' outer band, and caused a surface cooling near Taiwan's northeast coast. A branch of the Taiwan Warm Current interacted with the offshore Kuroshio current to form an eddy prior to the typhoon's arrival. Malakas then facilitated the development of the near‐coastal eddy. An open ocean eddy was triggered by inertial‐Ekman pumping under the forcing effect of Malakas. The interaction between the southward current caused by Malakas and the northeastward flowing Kuroshio maintained these two induced mesoscale eddies. Numerical results show a near‐inertial oscillation (IO) of about a 26‐h period with an e‐folding time scale of ∼5 days was magnified and modulated by Malakas. The typhoon‐induced oceanic phenomena were very well revealed in this combined observational and numerical modeling study.
A Hybrid Ensemble Canonical Correlation Prediction Model of the Winter Siberian High
Authors: Yang Hongqing , Fan Ke
Published: December 2020

As one of the main components of the East Asian winter monsoon, the winter Siberian High (SH) plays an important role in the variability of East Asian climate. However, the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), shows limited prediction skill for the winter SH. To improve the prediction skill, a hybrid ensemble canonical correlation (ECC) prediction model is established for the winter SH and SH intensity index (SHI) basing the year‐to‐year increment method and an efficient downscaling approach. Hence, three preceding predictors from observation/reanalysis [sea‐ice concentration (SIC), snow‐cover extent (SCE), and sea surface temperature (SST)] and one integrated current predictor from CFSv2 [surface air temperature and sea level pressure (SAT&SLP)] are selected based on their fundamental physical roles. Considering these individual predictors, four separate downscaling schemes are constructed. The regional‐mean temporal anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) of the winter SH for each scheme is 0.54 (SIC‐scheme‐SH), 0.50 (SCE‐scheme‐SH), 0.72 (SST‐scheme‐SH) and 0.42 (SAT&SLP‐scheme‐SH) [four schemes exceed significant at the 1% level]. However, the skill of each scheme differs in regional and temporal distribution. Thus, a hybrid ECC prediction model is proposed by employing multiple linear regression. The regional‐mean temporal ACC of the winter SH between the observed and predicted results increases from −0.12 (CFSv2; not significant at the 10% level) to 0.85 (significant at the 1% level). Besides, the correlation coefficient between the observation and hybrid ECC scheme for winter SHI is 0.90 (significant at the 1% level). Furthermore, the strongest winter SH in 2012 is reproduced well by ECC‐scheme‐SH.
A chromosome-level reference genome of non-heading Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis]
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Gao-Feng , Ma Li-Ming , Liu Tong-Kun , Zhang Chang-Wei , Xiao Dong , Zheng Hong-Kun , Chen Fei , Hou Xi-Lin
Published: December 2020

Non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC) is an important leafy vegetable cultivated worldwide. Here, we report the first high-quality, chromosome-level genome of NHCC001 based on PacBio, Hi-C, and Illumina sequencing data. The assembled NHCC001 genome is 405.33 Mb in size with a contig N50 of 2.83 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 38.13 Mb. Approximately 53% of the assembled genome is composed of repetitive sequences, among which long terminal repeats (LTRs, 20.42% of the genome) are the most abundant. Using Hi-C data, 97.9% (396.83 Mb) of the sequences were assigned to 10 pseudochromosomes. Genome assessment showed that thisB. rapaNHCC001 genome assembly is of better quality than other currently availableB. rapaassemblies and that it contains 48,158 protein-coding genes, 99.56% of which are annotated in at least one functional database. Comparative genomic analysis confirmed thatB. rapaNHCC001 underwent a whole-genome triplication (WGT) event shared with otherBrassicaspecies that occurred after the WGD events shared withArabidopsis. Genes related to ascorbic acid metabolism showed little variation among the threeB. rapasubspecies. The numbers of genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis and catabolism were higher in NHCC001 than in Chiifu and Z1, due primarily to tandem duplication. The newly assembled genome will provide an important resource for research onB. rapa, especiallyB. rapassp.chinensis.
Combinatorial effect of nano whitlockite/nano bioglass with FGF-18 in an injectable hydrogel for craniofacial bone regeneration
Authors: Amirthalingam Sivashanmugam , Lee Seunghun S. , Pandian Mahalakshmi , Ramu Janarthanan , Iyer Subramania , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Jayakumar Rangasamy
Published: December 2020

Comparing the bone regeneration potential of nano whitlockite or nano bioglass in combination with FGF-18, loaded in an injectable, shear-thinning chitin/PLGA hydrogel for craniofacial bone regeneration.
SPECT imaging and highly efficient therapy of rheumatoid arthritis based on hyperbranched semiconducting polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Qin , Li Daochang , Zhong Jing , Wu Yanglin , Shi Yucheng , Yang Huilin , Zhao Li , Yang Kai , Lin Jun
Published: December 2020

In this work, hyperbranched semiconducting polymer with diagnostic radioisotope (99mTc) labeling and therapeutic targeted drug (MTX) delivery for RA theranostics was developed.
The effect of pressure on synthetic diamond crystals at high temperatures and pressures in an Fe/Ni catalyst system
Authors: Fang Shuai , Wang Yongkui , Chen Liangchao , Lu Zhiyun , Cai Zhenghao , Fang Chao , Zhao Zhandong , Ma Hongan , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: December 2020

Pressure is a necessary condition for the growth of natural diamond.
Microbial synthesis of Cu7S4/rGO nanocomposites with efficient photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl green
Authors: Li Chun-Xiao , Huang Ru-Ting , Shi Xian-Yang
Published: December 2020

Cu7S4/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) photocatalysts are attracting increasing interest because of their low cost and environmental friendliness.
Room temperature depolymerization of lignin using a protic and metal based ionic liquid system: an efficient method of catalytic conversion and value addition
Authors: Mehta Mohit J. , Kulshrestha Akshay , Sharma Shweta , Kumar Arvind
Published: December 2020

An integrated approach for valorization of lignin under ambient conditions using a protic and metal based ionic liquid system.
Anomalous plasmons in a two-dimensional Dirac nodal-line Lieb lattice
Authors: Ding Chao , Gao Han , Geng Wenhui , Zhao Mingwen
Published: December 2020

Plasmons in two-dimensional (2D) Dirac materials feature an interesting regime with a tunable frequency, and long propagating length and lifetime, but are rarely achieved in the visible light regime.
Interface-enhanced CO2 capture via the synthetic effects of a nanomaterial-supported ionic liquid thin film
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Yanmei , Qu Yuanyuan , Li Yong-Qiang , Zhao Mingwen , Li Weifeng
Published: December 2020

The CO2 capture capability of ionic liquids can be effectively enhanced by synthetic effects of two interfacial regions induced by the insertion of nanomaterials.
Sequential growth and twisted stacking of chemical-vapor-deposited graphene
Authors: Liu Jinglan , Zhang Xuewei , Zhang Shuai , Zou Zhenxing , Zhang Zilong , Wu Zehao , Xia Yang , Li Qunyang , Zhao Pei , Wang Hongtao
Published: December 2020

Adlayers have been one of the main concerns for controlled synthesis of graphene by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method.
Theoretical evaluation of the corrosion inhibition performance of aliphatic dipeptides
Authors: Kasprzhitskii Anton , Lazorenko Georgy , Nazdracheva Tatiana , Kukharskii Aleksandr , Yavna Victor , Kochur Andrei
Published: December 2020

The peptide molecular group participates in donor-accepting processes by interacting with the metal surface. It boosts adsorption interaction with the metal surface which enhances the inhibitory effect.
High photosensitivity light-controlled planar ZnO artificial synapse for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Xiao Wei , Shan Linbo , Zhang Haitao , Fu Yujun , Zhao Yanfei , Yang Dongliang , Jiao Chaohui , Sun Guangzhi , Wang Qi , He Deyan
Published: December 2020

In this work, a planar light-controlled artificial synapse having high photosensitivity (Ion/Ioff> 1000) with a high photocurrent and a low dark current is realized based on a ZnO thin film grown by radiofrequency sputtering.
UV-trained and metal-enhanced fluorescence of biliverdin and biliverdin nanoparticles
Authors: Fathi Parinaz , Roslend Ayman , Mehta Kritika , Moitra Parikshit , Zhang Kai , Pan Dipanjan
Published: December 2020

UV irradiation and metal chelation can be utilized alone or in combination to tailor the fluorescence behavior of biliverdin-based imaging probes at selected wavelengths.
Metal (Co/Mo)–N bond anchor-doped N in porous carbon for electrochemical nitrogen reduction
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Zhang Shengbo , Li Wenyi , Zhou Hongjian , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin
Published: December 2020

Co (Mo) atoms coordinated with N atoms on N-doped porous carbon could not only effectively inhibit the disaggregation of doped N atoms, but also provided abundant active sites, thus promoting the enhancement of the electrochemical NRR performance.
Single-molecule fluorescence detection of a tricyclic nucleoside analogue
Authors: Samaan George N. , Wyllie Mckenzie K. , Cizmic Julian M. , Needham Lisa-Maria , Nobis David , Ngo Katrina , Andersen Susan , Magennis Steven W. , Lee Steven F. , Purse Byron W.
Published: December 2020

Fluorescent nucleoside analogue ABN is readily detected at the single-molecule level and retains a quantum yield >50% in duplex DNA oligonucleotides.
Encapsulation of tricopper cluster in a synthetic cryptand enables facile redox processes from CuICuICuI to CuIICuIICuII states
Authors: Zhang Weiyao , Moore Curtis E. , Zhang Shiyu
Published: December 2020

Geometric constraints and site isolation provided by the cryptand enable reversible redox of tricopper μ-oxo cluster.
Predicting glycosylation stereoselectivity using machine learning
Authors: Moon Sooyeon , Chatterjee Sourav , Seeberger Peter H. , Gilmore Kerry
Published: December 2020

A random forest algorithm, trained on a concise dataset and validated experimentally, accurately predicts the stereoselectivity of a complex organic coupling varying all reaction parameters as well as previously unknown mechanistic influences.
An efficient hybrid supercapacitor based on Zn–Mn–Ni–S@NiSe core–shell architectures
Authors: Zardkhoshoui Akbar Mohammadi , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: December 2020

Hierarchical Zn–Mn–Ni–S@NiSe core–shell nanostructures are fabricated via hydrothermal and electrodeposition methods for hybrid supercapacitors.
Hierarchical assemblies of superparamagnetic colloids in time-varying magnetic fields
Authors: Spatafora-Salazar Aldo , Lobmeyer Dana M. , Cunha Lucas H. P. , Joshi Kedar , Biswal Sibani Lisa
Published: December 2020

Time-varying magnetic fields can be used to assemble superparamagnetic colloids into hierarchically organized assemblies, ranging from 1-D chains, 2-D networks, and 2-D clusters that exhibit novel dynamics.
Orienting and shaping organic semiconductor single crystals through selective nanoconfinement
Authors: Alaei Aida , Zong Kai , Asawa Kaustubh , Chou Tseng-Ming , Briseño Alejandro L. , Choi Chang-Hwan , Lee Stephanie S.
Published: December 2020

Nanoconfining scaffolds can be used to orient and shape organic semiconductor crystals during solution-phase crystallization depending on the scaffold geometry and the native crystal growth habit.
Scalable perovskite coating via anti-solvent-free Lewis acid–base adduct engineering for efficient perovskite solar modules
Authors: Lee Do-Kyoung , Lim Kwang-Soo , Lee Jin-Wook , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: December 2020

High-quality large-area perovskite films are realized by an anti-solvent-free adduct approach using 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone (DMPU) as a Lewis base additive.
Bimetal–organic framework derived multi-heterostructured TiO2/CuxO/C nanocomposites with superior photocatalytic H2generation performance
Authors: Hussain Mian Zahid , van der Linden Bart , Yang Zhuxian , Jia Quanli , Chang Hong , Fischer Roland A. , Kapteijn Freek , Zhu Yanqiu , Xia Yongde
Published: December 2020

Optimized TiO2/CuxO/C nanocomposites derived from bi-MOF NH2-MIL-125(Ti/Cu) within situformed p–n heterojunctions exhibited superior photocatalytic HER performance without noble metals.
Edge-effect enhanced catalytic CO oxidation by atomically dispersed Pt on nitride-graphene
Authors: Jia Chuanyi , Wang Xijun , Yin Huabing , Zhong Wenhui , Sharman Edward , Luo Yi , Jiang Jun
Published: December 2020

The polarization charge on Gr/NGr supported Pt is found to be directly related to the stability and reactivity of the reactants.
Membership‐function‐dependent security control for networked T‐S fuzzy‐model‐based systems against DoS attacks
Authors: Li Xiehuan , Ye Dan
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on the observer‐based resilient event‐triggered security control issue for networked T‐S fuzzy‐model‐based systems suffered from energy‐limited Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks. Firstly, a novel resilient adaptive event‐triggered mechanism (AETM) is designed to deal with the packet losses problem induced by energy‐limited DoS attacks. Specifically, the resilient AETM threshold is adaptively updated based on the latest available packages. Secondly, according to Lyapunov theory, membership‐function‐dependent stabilisation criterions are obtained to ensure the control systems are stable with performance. Besides, the mismatched premise variables between model and controller are considered, and a slack matrix with the membership functions information is introduced to relax stability conditions. Then, the relationship between allowable duration of DoS attack and resilient AETM parameter is clarified. An algorithm is also presented to derive the resilient AETM parameter and observer‐based controller gains simultaneously. Finally, two examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fast algorithms for constrained generalised predictive control with on‐line optimisation
Authors: Peccin Vinícius Berndsen , Lima Daniel Martins , Flesch Rodolfo César Costa , Normey‐Rico Julio Elias
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes fast algorithms for constrained generalised predictive control based on two first‐order methods, namely accelerated dual gradient projection method and fast alternating minimisation algorithm. Theoretical bounds on the number of iterations, which play an important role in the context of real‐time model predictive controllers, are provided for both algorithms. Also, some implementation issues in parallel architectures are discussed. The methods are firstly validated by simulation and their results are compared with the ones presented by commercial solvers. A three‐phase grid‐connected LCL‐filtered inverter was used as a case study. The algorithms were evaluated in an FPGA with the quadratic program computed in microseconds.
Cooperative control of large flexible space structure by two planar robots
Authors: Kawai Yuta , Endo Takahiro , Matsuno Fumitoshi
Published: December 2020

This study discusses a cooperative control problem of a flexible beam by two planar space robots. The goal is to control the position and orientation of the flexible structure and robots, and to suppress the vibration of the flexible structure. To solve this problem, a boundary controller based on a dynamic model represented by a hybrid PDE‐ODE model is presented. In particular, a boundary controller using the Lyapunov method is derived, and it is showed that the system becomes Lyapunov stable and that the system in the neighbourhood of the desired configuration becomes asymptotically stable. As the system has an actuation redundancy, distribute control inputs among actuators considering each actuator's performance can be distributed. Finally, several numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the validity of the proposed boundary controller.
An improved low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) strategy for PV‐based grid connected inverter using instantaneous power theory
Authors: Bagchi Soubhik , Chatterjee Debashis , Bhaduri Rupam , Biswas Pabitra Kumar
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a low‐voltage ride‐through technique for large‐scale grid tied photovoltaic converters using instantaneous power theory. The control strategy, based on instantaneous power theory, can directly calculate the active and reactive component of currents using measured grid voltage and currents and generate inverter switching pulses based on the formulated reference current values and thus helping to improve the dynamic response when voltage sag takes place. The dynamic response of the proposed model has been compared with both proportional‐integral and fuzzy current controllers to judge their suitability. The proposed strategy can provide both active and reactive power support dynamically during grid side fault. The proposed active reactive current control based technique shows better dynamic response compared to existing techniques. The proposed method is tested through appropriate simulation on a practical system to show the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Full‐reference tone‐mapped images quality assessment
Authors: Faraji Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2020

Various tone mapping operators have been proposed to convert the high dynamic range images to low dynamic ranges to improve visualization on low dynamic range displays. This paper presents a full‐reference objective quality assessment index to evaluate the perceived quality of tone‐mapped images. The proposed method seamlessly employs the multi‐scale structural fidelity, statistical naturalness, colourfulness and the multi‐scale free energy of the image to create a similarity score between a produced low dynamic range image and its high dynamic range image. The extensive experiments on three publicly available datasets using Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient, Kendall's rank‐order correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristics analyses indicate the proposed tone‐mapped quality index is superior to recently proposed state‐of‐the‐art objective quality indices.
A pixel pair–based encoding pattern for stereo matching via an adaptively weighted cost
Authors: Fu Yuli , Lai Kaimin , Chen Weixiang , Xiang Youjun
Published: December 2020

Stereo matching, which is a key problem in computer vision, faces the challenge of radiometric distortions. Most of the existing stereo matching methods are based on simple matching cost algorithms and appear the problem of mismatch under radiometric distortions. It is necessary to improve the robustness and accuracy of matching cost algorithms. A novel encoding pattern is proposed for stereo matching. In the proposed encoding pattern, each of the matching windows in the grey image and gradient images is divided into several isoline‐like sets with different radii. Then, pixel pairs are defined in the isoline‐like sets. An encoding function is used to decide the relative order between the two pixels in each pixel pair. To apply the pattern for matching cost computation and enhance the matching accuracy, an adaptively weighted cost is designed that is related to the isoline‐like sets. Experiments are conducted on the Middlebury and KITTI data sets to show the validity of the proposed method under severe radiometric distortions. Also, the comparisons with some widely used methods are made in the experiments to illustrate the advantage of the proposed method.
Extraction of compact boundary normalisation based geometric descriptors for affine invariant shape retrieval
Authors: Paramarthalingam Arjun , Thankanadar Mirnalinee
Published: December 2020

Shape recognition and retrieval is a complex task on non‐rigid objects and it can be effectively performed by using a set of compact shape descriptors. This paper presents a new technique for generating normalised contour points from shape silhouettes, which involves the identification of object contour from images and subsequently the object area normalisation (OAN) method is used to partition the object into equal part area segments with respect to shape centroid. Later, these contour points are used to derive six descriptors such as compact centroid distance (CCD), central angle (ANG), normalized points distance (NPD), centroid distance ratio (CDR), angular pattern descriptor (APD) and multi‐triangle area representation (MTAR). These descriptors are a 1D shape feature vector which preserve contour and region information of the shapes. The performance of the proposed descriptors is evaluated on MPEG‐7 Part‐A, Part‐B and multi‐view curve dataset images. The present experiments are aimed to check proposed shape descriptor's robustness to affine invariance property and image retrieval performance. Comparative study has also been carried out for evaluating our approach with other state of the art approaches. The results show that image retrieval rate in OAN approach performs significantly better than that in other existing shape descriptors.
Understanding the influence of state of health on the range anxiety of battery electric vehicle drivers
Authors: Wang Zengkai , Zeng Shengkui , Guo Jianbin
Published: December 2020

Owing to the limited range, battery electric vehicle drivers are likely to worry about being stranded in range‐critical situations, known as range anxiety. Research has revealed that the provision of accurate information through range‐related in‐vehicle information systems establishes a solution to overcome range anxiety. However, an important range‐related information i.e. the battery state of health, is seldom being considered in the research of range anxiety due to the difficulty in daily‐use acquisition. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the influence of state of health on the range anxiety of battery electric vehicle drivers by performing a driving experiment. Under the condition of state of health degradation, participants used simplified battery electric vehicle simulators equipped with different types of in‐vehicle information systems to finish a designated trip in a range‐critical situation. During and after the trip, they measured their experienced range anxiety level. Results show that participants perceive less range anxiety when the in‐vehicle information system provides the remaining range corrected by the state of health, and range anxiety can be further reduced when the extra correlated information (the state of health) is displayed on the in‐vehicle information systems. The findings provide useful inspirations that range anxiety can be reduced if the range‐related in‐vehicle information system is well designed in information content and presentation considering the state of health.
The Dalton Minimum and John Dalton’s Auroral Observations
Authors: Silverman Sam M. , Hayakawa Hisashi
Published: December 2020

In addition to the regular Schwabe cycles of approximately 11 y, “prolonged solar activity minima” have been identified through the direct observation of sunspots and aurorae, as well as proxy data of cosmogenic isotopes. Some of these prolonged minima have been regarded as grand solar minima, which are arguably associated with the special state of the solar dynamo and have attracted significant scientific interest. In this paper, we review how these prolonged solar activity minima have been identified. In particular, we focus on the Dalton Minimum, which is named after John Dalton. We review Dalton’s scientific achievements, particularly in geophysics. Special emphasis is placed on his lifelong observations of auroral displays over approximately five decades in Great Britain. Dalton’s observations for the auroral frequency allowed him to notice the scarcity of auroral displays in the early 19th century. We analyze temporal variations in the annual frequency of such displays from a modern perspective. The contemporary geomagnetic positions of Dalton’s observational site make his dataset extremely valuable because his site is located in the sub-auroral zone and is relatively sensitive to minor enhancements in solar eruptions and solar wind streams. His data indicate clear solar cycles in the early 19th century and their significant depression from 1798 to 1824. Additionally, his data reveal a significant spike in auroral frequency in 1797, which chronologically coincides with the “lost cycle” that is arguably located at the late Solar Cycle 4. Therefore, John Dalton’s achievements can still benefit modern science and help us improve our understanding of the Dalton Minimum.
X-ray Follow-up after Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Forearm Fracture
Authors: Sjølander Henrik Johan , Jauffred Sune , Brix Michael , Gundtoft Per H.
Published: December 2020

Background Following surgery, the standard regimen for fractures of the distal forearm includes radiographs taken 2-weeks postoperatively. However, it is unclear whether these radiographs have any therapeutic risks or benefits for patients.

Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the importance of radiographs taken 2-weeks after surgery on distal forearm fractures, especially if it leads to further operations, and to establish whether this practice should be continued.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a distal forearm fracture treated surgically with a volar locking plate at two university hospitals in Denmark. Standard aftercare at both departments is 2 weeks in a cast. Patients attend a 2-week follow-up, at which the cast is replaced with a removable orthosis and radiographs are taken. It was recorded whether these radiographs had resulted in any change of treatment in terms of further operations, prolonged immobilization, additional clinical follow-up, or additional diagnostic imaging.

Results A total of 613 patients were included in the study. The radiographs led to a change of standard treatment for 3.1% of the patients. A second operation was required by 1.0%; 0.5% were treated with prolonged immobilization, and 1.6% had additional outpatient follow-up due to the findings on the radiographs. Additional diagnostic imaging was performed on 1.9% of the patients.

Conclusion The radiographs taken at the 2-weeks follow-up resulted in a change of treatment in 3.1% of the cases. Given the low cost and minimal risk of radiographs of an extremity, we concluded that the benefits outweigh the costs of routine radiographs taken 2 weeks after surgical treatment of distal forearm fractures.
Evaluation of Panoramic Radiographs in Relation to the Mandibular Third Molar and to Incidental Findings in an Adult Population
Authors: Cederhag Josefine , Lundegren Nina , Alstergren Per , Shi Xie-Qi , Hellén-Halme Kristina
Published: December 2020

Objectives The aim was to evaluate the characteristics of the mandibular third molars, especially in relation to the inferior alveolar nerve. Further aims were to investigate incidental findings in panoramic radiographs in an adult population, and to investigate image quality related to patient positioning.

Materials and Methods From a previous study with 451 randomly selected adult participants who lived in Sweden, 442 panoramic radiographs from four dental public health clinics were used. The third molars’ characteristics and relation to inferior alveolar nerve were evaluated. Incidental findings and patient positioning were recorded.

Statistical Analysis Frequency analysis was used to investigate the occurrence of all findings and their possible interconnections. Whether the patients’ age or gender had an impact or not was also analyzed.

Results The third molars were erupted in vertical position among 73% regardless of age. When retained or semi-retained, they were most commonly in mesioangular positions. The inferior alveolar nerve was located inferior to the roots in 52%, whereas an overlapped position was most common if the third molar was retained (90%), semi-retained (83%) or the age was less than 30 years (66%). Common incidental findings were apical radiolucencies, idiopathic osteosclerosis, and tooth fragments. Suboptimal patient positioning was found in one-third of the radiographs.

Conclusions Panoramic radiography is a useful method to evaluate third molar prior to surgical removal and may be the only image required. Most incidental findings on panoramic radiographs does not seem to require any further odontological management.
Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Encephalomyelitis and Extensive Longitudinal Transverse Myelitis Associated with Compound Heterozygous NLRP3 Missense Mutations in a Young Child
Authors: O'Sullivan Deirdre , Moore Michael , Byrne Susan , Reiff Andreas O. , Felsenstein Susanna
Published: December 2020

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in association with extensive longitudinal transverse myelitis is reported in a young child with positive anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody with heterozygous NLRP3 missense mutations; p.(Arg488Lys) and p.(Ser159Ile). This case may well present an exceptional coincidence, but may describe a yet unrecognized feature of the spectrum of childhood onset cryopyrinopathies that contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis for anti-MOG antibody positive encephalomyelitis. Based on this observation, a larger scale study investigating the role of NLRP3 and other inflammasomes in this entity would provide important pathophysiological insights and potentially novel avenues for treatment.