bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi‐level optimal planning model of power flow router based on convex relaxation optimisation and sensitivity analysis method
Authors: Xu Huating , Li Haibo , Yao Dawei , Zhang Xiaohui , Jin Shuxin
Published: February 2020

To improve the utilisation of renewable energy and the power transmission capacity in the power system, the concept of power flow router (PFR) is proposed by scholars worldwide. However, there lacks an optimal planning method for PFR based on the economic principle, which impedes the development of PFR. To solve the above problem, the optimal location and capacity planning method of PFR is researched in this study, where a bi‐level algorithm based on the convex relaxation optimisation and sensitivity analysis method is proposed. First, the definition and the general power flow model of PFR are introduced. According to the principle of engineering economy, the allocation model of PFR is established by introducing the binary variables. To solve the non‐linear and non‐convex mixed‐integer programming problem, this study proposes a bi‐level algorithm with the convex relaxation optimisation and sensitivity analysis method. Finally, the case studies are conducted in IEEE 30, IEEE 57 and IEEE 118 systems. The calculation results of the optimal power flow, planning results and economical analysis of PFRs are verified in IEEE 30, 57 and 118 systems, which shows the accuracy of the proposed algorithm.
Anämien und Erythrozytentransfusionen in der Neugeborenenperiode
Authors: Maier Rolf F. , Franz Axel R.
Published: February 2020

In kaum einer anderen Periode des Lebens gibt es so viele verschiedene Ursachen für eine Anämie wie in der Perinatalzeit. Neugeborene und insbesondere Frühgeborene mit ihrem geringen Blutvolumen zählen zu den Patientengruppen mit den meisten Erythrozytentransfusionen. Dieser Beitrag informiert über Besonderheiten bei der Indikation für und der Durchführung von Erythrozytentransfusionen in der Neonatalperiode sowie über Maßnahmen zu deren Vermeidung.
Aufklärung über die Gefahren des Schüttelns von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern
Authors: Königstein Astrid , Neumann Anna
Published: February 2020

Wenn Eltern ihren schreienden Säugling im Affekt schütteln, können sie ihrem Kind gravierende gesundheitliche Schäden zufügen oder es sogar töten. Seit 2017 klärt das Nationale Zentrum Frühe Hilfen mit Sitz in der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend über die Gefahren des Schüttelns von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern auf. Unterstützt wird es dabei vom bundesweiten „Bündnis gegen Schütteltrauma“. Ziel ist es, gemeinsam möglichst viele Familien und werdende Eltern zu erreichen. Fachkräfte der Gesundheits- und Kinderkrankenpflege sind hierbei wichtige Multiplikatoren.
Phytoestrogens in NAFLD: Potential Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Li Hui , Jia Erna , Jiao Jian
Published: February 2020

Many studies have shown that estrogen has a protective effect on premenopausal
women with metabolic disorders and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Estrogen
supplements may, at least in theory, prevent the development and progression of
NAFLD, while the possibility of inducing cancer limits its application in
practice. Phytoestrogen is extracted from plants, whose molecular structure and
biological activity are similar to those of mammals' estrogen,
therefore, could replace the role of estrogen and prevent the occurrence of
adverse reactions to estrogen. This article reviews the published literature
related to phytoestrogens and NAFLD as well as suggest the possible mechanisms
that may underlie the association between phytoestrogens and NAFLD. It is hoped
to provide basis for the treatment of NAFLD with phytoestrogen.
1,2-Dihydropyridazines as Versatile Synthetic Intermediates
Authors: Britten Thomas K. , Kemmitt Paul D. , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Coote Susannah C.
Published: February 2020

The reactivity of 1,2-dihydropyridazines under various conditions is described, leading to the formation of a variety of products, including 2-aminopyrroles, phenylenediamines, and several novel heterocyclic motifs.
1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of 3-Amino Oxindole-Based Azomethine Ylides and O-Vinylphosphonylated Salicylaldehydes for Diastereoselective Synthesis of Oxindole Spiro-P,N-polycyclic Heterocycles
Authors: Wu Mingshu , Kong Dulin , Huang Tiao , Liu Li , Wang Qinghe
Published: February 2020

An efficient stereoselective assembly strategy for the construction of pyrrolidin-2,3′-oxindole cis-fused phosphadihydrocoumarins was established. The process involves the condensation of O-vinylphosphonylated salicylaldehydes and 3-amino oxindoles followed by intermolecular cycloaddition with high diastereoselectivity and atom economy.
Interaction between Solvatochromic Dyes and Water Sampled from a Natural Source Treated with High Dilutions of Phosphorus
Authors: Aparicio Ana Carla C. , de Oliveira Larissa Helen S. , Silva Jefferson S. , Coelho Cideli P. , Pinheiro Sonia Regina , Souza Monica F. , Suffredini Ivana B. , Cartwright Steven J. , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: February 2020

Background Highly diluted and succussed solutions interact with solvatochromic dyes, indicating that changes in solvent and solute polarity could be related to their mechanism of action. It is not known, however, how the activity associated with succussed high dilutions is transferred to untreated water and what the limits of this process are.

Aims The aims of the present study were to ascertain whether a succussed high dilution of phosphorus (1.5 × 1−59 M; Phos 30cH) seeded into a natural water source that fed a fjord and two connected lakes could propagate itself through the lake system (total volume 2200 m3) and, moreover, whether the process could be tracked using solvatochromic dyes.

Methods Samples of water were collected before and after seeding, at different times and places throughout the lake system. Controls comprised water taken from an untreated and adjacent, but independent, lake (1385 m3).

Results Water samples taken up to 72 hours after the source treatment produced significant increases (p ≤ 0.03) in the absorbance of the solvatochromic dye methylene violet (MV), while samples from the control lake produced no changes.

Conclusions The study indicates that activity associated with Phos 30c can propagate itself through large volumes of water, causing changes throughout a whole connected lake system, and that these changes can be tracked using the solvatochromic dye MV. This in turn means the use of homeopathic medicines in large volumes of drinking water, in farming and ecological contexts, now has the potential to be assessed with physico-chemical monitoring.
Orientation of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image: Pursuit of Perfect Orientation Plane in Three Dimensions—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Balachandran Rajiv , Kharbanda Om Prakash , Sennimalai Karthik , Neelapu Bala Chakravarthy
Published: February 2020

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of nine reference planes used in orientation of as-received cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in all three dimensions.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted on CBCT images of 15 adult subjects (mean age 21.2 ± 5.8 years). The anonymized CBCT images were oriented using five different methods created from nine reference planes by two experienced orthodontists. For each subject, pitch, yaw, and roll changes with five orientation methods were recorded twice by each observer.

Statistical Analysis The inter- and intraobserver agreement was tested using intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot. The intra- and interobserver error was analyzed using paired t-test. Analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to analyze the differences among the various pitch, roll, and yaw orientation planes.

Results Inter- and intraobserver agreement (ICC, 0.9) was excellent for all the nine reference planes. The interobserver reliability showed statistically significant differences for four planes namely Frankfort horizontal plane constructed on right side (p = 0.014) and left side (p = 0.000), transorbital plane (p = 0.001), and midsagittal plane on top view (p = 0.036); however, the mean differences were clinically insignificant.

Conclusion The landmark-based nine reference planes used in this study to orient CBCT images showed good reproducibility. Therefore, these reference planes can be used to orient CBCT images and can be incorporated into automated software.
Stereoselective Analysis of Methadone and EDDP in Laboring Women and Neonates in Plasma and Dried Blood Spots and Association with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Metzger Ingrid F. , Thomas Anna E. , Evrard Cindy A. , Jones David R. , Masters Andrea R. , Haas David M. , Haneline Laura S. , Quinney Sara K.
Published: February 2020

Objective This pilot study evaluated the relationship between maternal and neonatal R- and S-methadone and R- and S-2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) exposure and the severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The use of dried blood spots (DBS) as an alternative for plasma in assessing methadone and EDDP was also assessed.

Study Design Women receiving methadone for medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy were eligible for recruitment. Plasma and DBS samples were collected from mothers during labor, from cord blood, and from newborns during genetic screen. R-/S-methadone and EDDP were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Associations between methadone exposure, neonatal morphine requirements, and severity of NAS were examined.

Results Twenty women and infants completed the study. Maternal methadone dose at delivery was 112 mg/day (range = 60–180 mg/day). Sixteen neonates experienced NAS requiring morphine; three also required phenobarbital. Higher cord blood concentrations of R-methadone, R- and S-EDDP were associated with higher maximum doses of morphine (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Maternal methadone and cord blood concentration at delivery are variable and may be potential markers of neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Lymph Node Involvement in T1a Glottic Carcinoma: Controversial Case Series
Authors: Yalcinozan Eda Tuna , Safak Mustafa Asim
Published: February 2020

The treatment modality of laryngeal cancer is complete resection of the primary lesion and dissection of the cervical lymph nodes that is related to their staging. Following the patient without neck dissection is the usual expectation in T1 glottic carcinomas. However, a combination of elective neck dissection with surgical treatment for clinically N0 neck in early glottic tumors may be an effective treatment modality in the prevention of missed micrometastases. In these two case reports, elective neck dissection and re-examination of the treatment were discussed accordingly. We aimed to point out the importance of evaluation, examination, and, if it is uncertain, moreover the dissection of lymph nodes in early-stage glottic carcinoma since there are rarely any studies available.
Toward universal human papillomavirus vaccination for adolescent girls in Hong Kong: a policy analysis
Authors: Chen Ruirui , Wong Eliza , Wu Lijuan , Zhu Yuanfang
Published: February 2020

Studies have assessed early population-level impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs for preventing cervical cancer. Through a case study in Hong Kong we examined stakeholder engagement and interactions to promote a universal HPV vaccination program using the Health Policy Triangle framework for structured health policy analysis. Using data from a document review and semi-structured in-depth interviews, we used thematic and stakeholder analyses to describe the process of policy formation. Given Hong Kong’s political and health system, and a mix of Chinese and Western values, stakeholders judged legitimacy of the process differently. We discuss their varied ethical stances and the role of research evidence for informing policy-making. For effective HPV vaccination policy and promotion of universal free HPV vaccination among adolescent girls, new strategies are needed to broaden acceptance of the process, to frame policies in terms of facts and values, and to connect research to policy-making and improve coalition-building.
Development and control of a hybrid active mount module for precision stages
Authors: Lee H. H. , Kim K. H. , Kim H. Y.
Published: February 2020

In recent years, precision stages, which are widely used in many industrial fields, have been required to have a higher speed, larger size, and higher precision to help realize higher productivity and product quality. High-performance positioning techniques for inspection and production equipment are classified as one of the most challenging technologies. Vibration control is crucial to realize high-precision positioning technologies. In a precision system, various vibrations exist, which act as disturbances and can degrade the system performance. Minimizing the vibrations generated by the system can, thus, help improve the accuracy of system positioning. This paper proposes a hybrid active mount module for a precision stage. The developed module improves stage performance by reducing the base vibration arising from the floor, minimizing the vibration caused by the driving linear motors of the precision stage, and reducing the settling time by compensating the offset displacement due to the nonlinearity of the passive mount during stage driving. The prototype design is presented herein, and the experimental results demonstrate the potential of the developed device. The developed system is expected to effectively improve the stage performance by controlling the various causes of vibration.
Muon implantation experiments in films: Obtaining depth-resolved information
Authors: Simões A. F. A. , Alberto H. V. , Vilão R. C. , Gil J. M. , Cunha J. M. V. , Curado M. A. , Salomé P. M. P. , Prokscha T. , Suter A. , Salman Z.
Published: February 2020

Implanted positive muons with low energies (in the range 1–30 keV) are extremely useful local probes in the study of thin films and multi-layer structures. The average muon stopping depth, typically in the order of tens of nanometers, is a function of the muon implantation energy and of the density of the material, but the stopping range extends over a broad region, which is also in the order of tens of nanometers. Therefore, an adequate simulation procedure is required in order to extract the depth dependence of the experimental parameters. Here, we present a method to extract depth-resolved information from the implantation energy dependence of the experimental parameters in a low-energy muon spin spectroscopy experiment. The method and corresponding results are exemplified for a semiconductor film, Cu(In,Ga)Se2, covered with a thin layer of Al2O3, but can be applied to any heterostructure studied with low-energy muons. It is shown that if an effect is present in the experimental data, this method is an important tool to identify its location and depth extent.
Simulation on multi-species vacuum arc considering both ionization-recombination and species diffusion processes
Authors: Wang Lijun , Deng Jie , Yang Ze , Zhang Xiao , Jia Shenli
Published: February 2020

The distribution of species is an important micro process in vacuum discharge equipment. This paper focuses on the investigation into the characteristics of species in a vacuum arc based on modeling and simulation technology. The simulation model in this paper considers that the vacuum arc is multi-species including atoms and ions of various categories and ions of various charge states. The model combines the MHD process and the species transport equation, which enables the acquisition of arc parameters as well as species characteristics. In species transport equations, ionization-recombination and species diffusion are the main factors that influence the distribution of arc species. Ionization-recombination is mainly caused by the collisions between ions and electrons. The species diffusion included the influence of an external body force on the ion species. Through this model, the distribution of ion and atom species can be obtained with and without an external transverse magnetic field (TMF). The simulation results reveal that the rise of the Cr concentration in the CuCr arc leads to the increase in triply charged ions with the electron number density, which weakens the Hall effect and enables the current to be distributed more uniformly at the anode. The lighter ions move faster than heavier ions, which results from the difference of the species distribution. Without the TMF, more ions with a lighter mass gather at the anode center than heavier ions. Under the TMF, the deflection of ions with higher specific charge is more significant. According to the comparison, our simulation is in good agreement with the experimental results from other researchers.
Effects of transverse electron beam motion in a relativistic backward wave oscillator operating at low guiding magnetic field
Authors: Wang Huida , Xiao Renzhen , Chen Changhua , Wu Ping , Shi Yanchao
Published: February 2020

We found that the electron drift length, L1, between a diode area and a resonant reflector in a relativistic backward wave oscillator operating at a low guiding magnetic field has a periodical influence on device power, which is a special characteristic due to periodical transverse motions of electron beams. In this paper, electron motion characteristics under both TM02 and TM01 fields are investigated using single-particle simulation, and the result shows that the condition of beam expansion is dependent on the beam state that spatially meets the TM02 standing-wave field. A larger beam expansion will lead to a larger axial energy spread in the modulation area, which is unfavorable for efficient beam-wave interaction. Furthermore, rapid transverse expansion of electron beams can be observed under a TM01 travelling-wave field, which is the main cause for the obvious decline in the current collected by the collector as the output power reaches saturation.
A novel dielectric barrier discharge instrument with asymmetrical electrodes for generating different patterns simultaneously
Authors: Li Caixia , Dong Lifang , Feng Jianyu , Huang Yongping , Sun Haoyang
Published: February 2020

We report on a novel dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) instrument with asymmetrical electrodes. It consists of three water electrodes, one big electrode faces to two small electrodes placed side by side, any one of two small electrodes connects with a high-voltage diode which can control on or off of applied power. Using this DBD experimental setup, the phenomenon of forming two kinds of different patterns at the different parts of discharge gap simultaneously is investigated for the first time. The spatio-temporal characteristic of these different patterns limited by the boundary which contains two connected same circles is studied. It is shown that although the power source is applied on one part of the discharge gap at a half period because of existence of high voltage photodiode, the discharge occurs at both areas in each half period of the applied voltage. Results have prospective applications for studying the discharge mechanism and different characteristic of positive and negative charges in forming of pattern.
Experimental characterization of the interaction zone between counter-propagating Taylor Sedov blast waves
Authors: Albertazzi B. , Mabey P. , Michel Th. , Rigon G. , Marquès J.-R. , Pikuz S. , Ryazantsev S. , Falize E. , Van Box Som L. , Meinecke J. , Ozaki N. , Ciardi A. , Gregori G. , Koenig M.
Published: February 2020

Astronomical observations reveal that the interaction between shock waves and/or blast waves with astrophysical objects (molecular clouds, stars, jet winds, etc.) is a common process which leads to a more intricate structure of the interstellar medium. In particular, when two isolated massive stars are relatively close and explode, the resulting Supernovae Remnants (SNRs) can interact. The impact zone presents fascinating complex hydrodynamic physics which depends on the age of the SNRs, their relative evolution stage, and the distance between the two stars. In this Letter, we investigate experimentally the interaction region (IR) formed when two blast waves (BWs) collide during their Taylor-Sedov expansion phase. The two BWs are produced by the laser irradiation (1 ns, ∼500 J) of 300 μm diameter carbon rods and propagate in different gases (Ar and N2) at different pressures. The physical parameters, such as the density and temperature of the IR, are measured for the first time using a set of optical diagnostics (interferometry, schlieren, time-resolved optical spectroscopy, etc.). This allows us to determine precisely the thermodynamic conditions of the IR. A compression ratio of r ∼ 1.75 is found and a 17–20% increase in temperature is measured compared to the shell of a single blast wave. Moreover, we observe the generation of vorticity, inducing strong electron density gradients, in the IR at long periods after the interaction. This could in principle generate magnetic fields through the Biermann Battery effect.
Synchrotron characterization of high-Z, current-mode x-ray detectors
Authors: Looker Quinn , Wood Michael G. , Miceli Antonino , Niraula Madan , Yasuda Kazuhito , Porter John L.
Published: February 2020

Fast x-ray detectors are critical tools in pulsed power and fusion applications, where detector impulse response of a nanosecond or better is often required. Semiconductor detectors can create fast, sensitive devices with extensive operational flexibility. There is typically a trade-off between detector sensitivity and speed, but higher atomic number absorbers can increase hard x-ray absorption without increasing the charge collection time, provided carriers achieve high velocity. This paper presents x-ray pulse characterization conducted at the Advanced Photon Source of x-ray absorption efficiency and temporal impulse response of current-mode semiconductor x-ray detectors composed of Si, GaAs, and CdTe.
Broadband optical measurement of AC magnetic susceptibility of magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Soucaille R. , Sharifabad M. E. , Telling N. D. , Hicken R. J.
Published: February 2020

Characterization of magnetic nanoparticles in solution is challenging due to the interplay between magnetic relaxation and agglomeration. The AC magnetic susceptibility of magnetite nanoparticles in water has been studied using magneto-optical methods in the frequency range of 10 Hz–250 kHz. The Faraday effect is detected simultaneously with changes in the fluid configuration. It is shown that the relative sensitivity to the magnetic and structural response can be adjusted by varying the wavelength, paving the way toward spatially resolved studies at the micro-scale.
Terahertz frequency spectrum analysis with a nanoscale antiferromagnetic tunnel junction
Authors: Artemchuk P. Yu. , Sulymenko O. R. , Louis S. , Li J. , Khymyn R. S. , Bankowski E. , Meitzler T. , Tyberkevych V. S. , Slavin A. N. , Prokopenko O. V.
Published: February 2020

A method to perform spectrum analysis on low power signals between 0.1 and 10 THz is proposed. It utilizes a nanoscale antiferromagnetic tunnel junction (ATJ) that produces an oscillating tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance, whose frequency is dependent on the magnitude of an evanescent spin current. It is first shown that the ATJ oscillation frequency can be tuned linearly with time. Then, it is shown that the ATJ output is highly dependent on matching conditions that are highly dependent on the dimensions of the dielectric tunneling barrier. Spectrum analysis can be performed by using an appropriately designed ATJ, whose frequency is driven to increase linearly with time, a low pass filter, and a matched filter. This method of THz spectrum analysis, if realized in the experiment, will allow miniaturized electronics to rapidly analyze low power signals with a simple algorithm. It is also found by simulation and analytical theories that for an ATJ with a 0.09μm2 footprint, spectrum analysis can be performed over a 0.25THz bandwidth in just 25 ns on signals that are at the Johnson–Nyquist thermal noise floor.
GronOR: Massively parallel and GPU-accelerated non-orthogonal configuration interaction for large molecular systems
Authors: Straatsma T. P. , Broer R. , Faraji S. , Havenith R. W. A. , Suarez L. E. Aguilar , Kathir R. K. , Wibowo M. , de Graaf C.
Published: February 2020

GronOR is a program package for non-orthogonal configuration interaction calculations for an electronic wave function built in terms of anti-symmetrized products of multi-configuration molecular fragment wave functions. The two-electron integrals that have to be processed may be expressed in terms of atomic orbitals or in terms of an orbital basis determined from the molecular orbitals of the fragments. The code has been specifically designed for execution on distributed memory massively parallel and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated computer architectures, using an MPI+OpenACC/OpenMP programming approach. The task-based execution model used in the implementation allows for linear scaling with the number of nodes on the largest pre-exascale architectures available, provides hardware fault resiliency, and enables effective execution on systems with distinct central processing unit-only and GPU-accelerated partitions. The code interfaces with existing multi-configuration electronic structure codes that provide optimized molecular fragment orbitals, configuration interaction coefficients, and the required integrals. Algorithm and implementation details, parallel and accelerated performance benchmarks, and an analysis of the sensitivity of the accuracy of results and computational performance to thresholds used in the calculations are presented.
BDF: A relativistic electronic structure program package
Authors: Zhang Yong , Suo Bingbing , Wang Zikuan , Zhang Ning , Li Zhendong , Lei Yibo , Zou Wenli , Gao Jun , Peng Daoling , Pu Zhichen , Xiao Yunlong , Sun Qiming , Wang Fan , Ma Yongtao , Wang Xiaopeng , Guo Yang , Liu Wenjian
Published: February 2020

The BDF (Beijing Density Functional) program package is in the first place a platform for theoretical and methodological developments, standing out particularly in relativistic quantum chemical methods for chemistry and physics of atoms, molecules, and periodic solids containing heavy elements. These include the whole spectrum of relativistic Hamiltonians and their combinations with density functional theory for the electronic structure of ground states as well as time-dependent and static density functional linear response theories for electronically excited states and electric/magnetic properties. However, not to be confused by its name, BDF nowadays comprises also of standard and novel wave function-based correlation methods for the ground and excited states of strongly correlated systems of electrons [e.g., multireference configuration interaction, static–dynamic–static configuration interaction, static–dynamic–static second-order perturbation theory, n-electron valence second-order perturbation theory, iterative configuration interaction (iCI), iCI with selection plus PT2, and equation-of-motion coupled-cluster]. Additional features of BDF include a maximum occupation method for finding excited states of Hartree–Fock/Kohn–Sham (HF/KS) equations, a very efficient localization of HF/KS and complete active space self-consistent field orbitals, and a unique solver for exterior and interior roots of large matrix eigenvalue problems.
Age validation of four rockfishes (genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus) with bomb-produced radiocarbon
Authors: Kastelle Craig , Helser Thomas , TenBrink Todd , Hutchinson Charles , Goetz Betty , Gburski Chris , Benson Irina
Published: February 2020

In rockfish (Family Scorpaenidae), age determination is difficult and the annual nature of otolith growth zones must be validated independently. We applied routine age determination to four species of Gulf of Alaska rockfish: two shallower-water species, namely harlequin rockfish (Sebastes variegatus) and redstripe rockfish (Sebastes proriger), and two deep-water species, namely shortspine thornyhead (Sebastolobus alascanus) and shortraker rockfish (Sebastes borealis). The estimated ages (counts of presumed annual growth zones in the otoliths) were then evaluated with bomb-produced radiocarbon (14C) and Bayesian modelling with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. This study successfully demonstrated the level of accuracy in estimated ages of redstripe rockfish (a 35% probability of underageing, and ~5% probability of overageing) and harlequin rockfish (a 100% probability that they were underaged by ~3 or 4 years). Measured Δ14C in shortspine thornyhead and shortraker rockfish otoliths was lower and increased later than expected. Hence, incorrect age determination could not be evaluated. This is likely caused by dissimilar environmental and biological availability of 14C between these two species and the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) reference chronology, or underageing of these two species.
Malaysia’s linguistic landscape and language practices in Chinese private clinics
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Lee Jin Zhuo , Koh Yi Chern
Published: February 2020

This paper reports on the organization of Malaysia’s linguistic landscape and the implications of this situation
for contacts between providers of medical service and patients. The main purpose of this study is to clarify the position of
Chinese private clinics in Malaysian society and to better understand language use between Chinese medical personnel and Chinese
patients. The fieldwork focused on clinics in the Klang Valley, Malaysia and was carried out between December 2016 and March 2017.
The results reveal the complex linguistic situation in the medical domain reflecting the general hierarchical social structure in
Malaysia. Chinese patients have different wishes as regards their preferred language environment in these clinics, but generally
prefer to use Mandarin Chinese for interaction with doctors. Medical staff also tend to prefer the use of Mandarin Chinese but
also understand the need for dialect based interactions to create a feeling of harmony and belonging. The data are used to clarify
existing problems in doctor-patient interaction and contribute to the debate of communication discordance in the healthcare
domain.
Borders and bridges
Authors: Hansen Edwards Jette G.
Published: February 2020

This study examines the construction of linguistic identities at a time of significant political tension in Hong Kong, with a focus on Hong Kong’s three official languages: Cantonese, the most widely spoken variety of Chinese in Hong Kong; English, the longest serving official language of Hong Kong; and Putonghua, the official language of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which became an official language in Hong Kong after the 1997 Handover of Hong Kong to PRC rule. Given the current political tensions between Hong Kong and the PRC, particularly in light of grassroots political movements such as the 2014 Umbrella Movement and the ongoing 2019 civil unrest due to the proposed introduction of an extradition treaty between Hong Kong and mainland China, the status of Hong Kong’s three languages is particularly interesting. Past research has primarily focused on the perceived value of these three languages in terms of instrumentality and integrativeness. The current study expands previous research by focusing on how the participants construct a linguistic identity of the self vs. a national language identity for Hong Kong, particularly within or in contrast to a national language identity of the PRC.
Rating L2 speaker comprehensibility on monologic vs. interactive tasks
Authors: Crowther Dustin
Published: February 2020

Second language (L2) scholars generally agree that pronunciation development should prioritize understandable over
nativelike speech. However, which linguistic features enable understanding lacks clarity. While monologic research indicates a
combined effect of segmental and suprasegmental measures, interactive research has emphasized a segmental focus. The current study
takes a step in addressing this divide by applying a monologic methodology to interactive speech. 20 L2 English learners completed
one interactive and three monologic tasks. 36 native listeners rated each speaker per task for comprehensibility. I additionally
coded all utterances for a series of phonological and fluency measures. Surprisingly, segmental and suprasegmental measures had
minimal impact on listerners’ ratings. Instead, ratings for the two more linguistically-constrained monologic tasks demonstrated
stronger associations with fluency measures than the less-constrained monologic and interactive tasks. This finding is likely an
effect of (a) increased cognitive task demands placed on speakers, and (b) listener familiarity with L2 English speech.
First-principles calculations of elastic constants for epsilon-carbide and the consequences
Authors: Jang Jae Hoon , Park Seong-Jun , Lee Tae-Ho , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: February 2020

The elastic constants of ϵ-carbide at 0 K and zero pressure have been calculated using first-principle methods. The iron to carbon ratio for the carbide is not established and may, in fact, vary between 3 and 2. As a consequence, the calculations have been conducted as a function of the chemical composition using the  special quasi-random structures method. In all cases, the elastic constants obtained are consistent with ϵ-carbide being mechanically stable. The analysis indicates that in comparison with cementite, ϵ-carbide should be more brittle; that when present as a precipitate in steel, it would be less effective in participating in the overall plastic deformation, and that its coherency strain field in the surrounding matrix should be less extensive than cementite.
Development of high strength suction cast hypereutectic Al–20Si alloy containing gamma alumina and strontium
Authors: Acharya Mihira , Mondol S. , Mandal A.
Published: February 2020

In this research, the hypereutectic Al–20Si alloy, containing an optimised amount of 4 wt-% γ-Al2O3 and 0.1 wt-% strontium, was successfully synthesised through the suction casting process. The cooling rate (563 K s−1) involved during solidification was estimated by measuring secondary dendritic arm spacing. As a result, a significant change in the morphology of silicon was observed and also led to the formation of a small fraction of refined α-Al throughout the microstructure. The work demonstrates that high tensile properties in hypereutectic Al–20Si alloys can be achieved without the use of conventional inoculants (such as phosphorus). The suction cast Al–20Si alloy exhibits remarkably enhanced tensile properties of average ultimate tensile strength of 355 MPa and average ductility of 7.1%.
Carbon nanomaterials based on plant biopolymers as radionuclides sorbent
Authors: Vozniakovskii Alexander , Kidalov Sergey , Vozniakovskii Aleksei , Karmanov Anatoly , Kocheva Ludmila , Rachkova Natalia
Published: February 2020

The technogenic human activities associated with the operation of nuclear power facilities lead to the contamination of natural water bodies and soils with radioactive substances, including heavy radionuclides, such as uranium and thorium. Purification of natural water bodies is a pressing
environmental issue. A study of the adsorption capacity for heavy U238 and Th232 radionuclides by the samples of new carbon nanomaterials was conducted. Nanocarbon materials was synthesized based on vegetal polymers, such as technical lignin, starch and from lignocellulosic
material—the bark. It was established that the investigated samples have different sorption indices in relation to radionuclides, which is determined by their chemical composition, as well as by the surface-capillary properties of carbonized materials. It is shown that the content of
mobile and fixed forms of radionuclides on the investigated sorbents are significantly different. High sorption capacity of the carbonated lignin sample with respect to uranium are shown. A sample of nanocarbon materials synthesized based on the lignocellulosic complex of the bark exhibits
high sorption properties in relation to thorium. The possibility of using the carbonic nanomaterial as the sorbents of radionuclides is shown.
RMO Brinell suplementary comparison COOMET M.H.-S4
Authors: Aslanyan Andrey , Aslanyan Edward , Obozniy Evgeny , Galat Evgeny , Dovzhenko Yakov , Zhamanbalin Meirtas
Published: February 2020

This report describes the results of suplementary comparison of National primary hardness machines on the Brinell scales of four national metrological institutes. The report presents the results of measurements of participants, the expanded uncertainty of hardness measurements on Brinell scales, the reference values of comparisons, expanded uncertainties of the reference values, criteria of the correlation of the measurement results and proposed minimum expanded uncertainties of hardness measurements on Brinell scales for CMC lines.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Final report for GULFMET.M.M-K7: key comparison of 5 kg, 100 g, 10 g, 5 g and 500 mg mass standards
Authors: Korutlu Beste , Mitsas Christos , Malengo Andrea , Wüthrich Christian , Alqarni Saud , Al-Abdulhadi Aisha , Al-Qattan Abeer I
Published: February 2020

This report summarizes the results of the key comparison (KC) carried out among seven National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) five of which are member countries of Gulf Association for Metrology (GULFMET). The KC of 5 kg, 100 g, 10 g, 5 g stainless steel knob weights and 500 mg nickel silver flat pentagonal shaped weight was decided during the 11th meeting of GULFMET TC Mass held in Abu Dhabi, 2017. TÜBİTAK UME (Turkey) acted as pilot laboratory. The comparison was linked to CCM.M-K7 via INRIM (Italy) and METAS (Switzerland). The results were evaluated by the generalized least square (GLS) estimation. Majority of results were consistent with each other and with the key comparison reference value of CCM.M-K7 within their expanded uncertainties with the coverage factor of k = 2.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Optoelectronic memristor for neuromorphic computing*
Authors: Xue Wuhong , Ci Wenjuan , Xu Xiao-Hong , Liu Gang
Published: February 2020

With the need of the internet of things, big data, and artificial intelligence, creating new computing architecture is greatly desired for handling data-intensive tasks. Human brain can simultaneously process and store information, which would reduce the power consumption while improve the efficiency of computing. Therefore, the development of brain-like intelligent device and the construction of brain-like computation are important breakthroughs in the field of artificial intelligence. Memristor, as the fourth fundamental circuit element, is an ideal synaptic simulator due to its integration of storage and processing characteristics, and very similar activities and the working mechanism to synapses among neurons which are the most numerous components of the brains. In particular, memristive synaptic devices with optoelectronic responding capability have the benefits of storing and processing transmitted optical signals with wide bandwidth, ultrafast data operation speed, low power consumption, and low cross-talk, which is important for building efficient brain-like computing networks. Herein, we review recent progresses in optoelectronic memristor for neuromorphic computing, including the optoelectronic memristive materials, working principles, applications, as well as the current challenges and the future development of the optoelectronic memristor.
Ab initio calculations on oxygen vacancy defects in strained amorphous silica*
Authors: Zhou Bao-Hua , Zhang Fu-Jie , Liu Xiao , Song Yu , Zuo Xu
Published: February 2020

The effects of uniaxial tensile strain on the structural and electronic properties of positively charged oxygen vacancy defects in amorphous silica (a-SiO2) are systematically investigated using ab-initio calculation based on density functional theory. Four types of positively charged oxygen vacancy defects, namely the dimer, unpuckered, and puckered four-fold (4 ×), and puckered five-fold (5 ×) configurations have been investigated. It is shown by the calculations that applying uniaxial tensile strain can lead to irreversible transitions of defect structures, which can be identified from the fluctuations of the curves of relative total energy versus strain. Driven by strain, a positively charged dimer configuration may relax into a puckered 5× configuration, and an unpuckered configuration may relax into either a puckered 4× configuration or a forward-oriented configuration. Accordingly, the Fermi contacts of the defects remarkably increase and the defect levels shift under strain. The Fermi contacts of the puckered configurations also increase under strain to the values close to that of

E
α
′

center in a-SiO2. In addition, it is shown by the calculations that the relaxation channels of the puckered configurations after electron recombination are sensitive to strain, that is, those configurations are more likely to relax into a two-fold coordinated Si structure or to hold a puckered structure under strain, both of which may raise up the thermodynamic charge-state transition levels of the defects into Si band gap. As strain induces more puckered configurations with the transition levels in Si band gap, it may facilitate directly the development of oxide charge accumulation and indirectly that of interface charge accumulation by promoting proton generation under ionization radiation. This work sheds a light on understanding the strain effect on ionization damage at an atomic scale.
Hydropower’s hidden transformation of rivers in the Mekong
Authors: Bonnema Matthew , Hossain Faisal , Nijssen Bart , Holtgrieve Gordon
Published: February 2020

Despite efforts to understand the hydrologic impact of hydropower dams, their influence on downstream river temperatures has gone unnoticed in data limited regions. Using 30 years of Landsat thermal infrared observations (1988–2018), we identified a relationship between dry season water temperature cooling trends and dam development in the 3S Basin, a major tributary of the Mekong River. Within a year of the beginning of operations of major dams in the 3S River Basin, rapid decreases in annual average dry season river temperature were observed ranging between 0.7 ° C and 2 ° C. Furthermore, in situ water temperature observations confirmed decreasing river temperature for two major dam development events. Evidence was found that the 3S outflow has been cooling the Mekong River downstream of the confluence, by as much as 0.8 ° C in recent years. Our findings are critically important for understanding how fish and aquatic ecosystems will behave in the future as more hydropower dams are built in the Mekong River Basin.
Microbial structure of nitrogen utilizers in Populus nigra L. compost and vermicompost
Authors: Kornievskaya E , Kurovsky A , Babenko A , Petrochenko K , Sechko O
Published: February 2020

Eisenia fetida worms affecting the amount of bacteria from four trophic groups in poplar leaf litter vermicompost was investigated. As a control, composted and vermicomposted horse manure was used. The number of ammonifiers in the vermicomposted manure was higher than in the composted; the opposite situation was observed in poplar litter substrates – the number of ammonifiers was higher in compost than in vermicompost. Nitrogen fixers of the genus Azotobacter were detected only in vermicomposts and were absent in composts. The activity of nitrogen fixers of the genus Azotobacter was higher in vermicomposted poplar leaf litter than in vermicomposted manure. The total amount of ammonifiers and utilizers of inorganic nitrogen is considered to be an integral indicator of the quality of organic fertilizers. This indicator was independent of the presence or absence of worms and was higher in the substrates based on poplar leaf litter compared to the ones based on manure. As the amount of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-nitrogen) is larger in the leaf litter substrates than in the horse manure substrates, we recommend using composted and vermicomposted poplar leaf litter as organic fertilizer with a microbial structure, which provides enough nitrogen available to plants.
Economic efficiency of Sinoestrol-2% used for down-calving cows to stimulate non-specific resistance in newborn calves
Authors: Velikanov V I , Klyapnev A V , Terentev S S , Gorina A V , Kharitonov L V , Elizarova E A , Denisova D V , Sletov A O
Published: February 2020

This article assesses the economic efficiency of using Synoestrol-2% to down-calving cows for stimulate colostral immunity and non-specific resistance in newborn calves. Use of the drug positively affected the health of calves. At the same time, the immuno-biochemical and morphological composition of the blood in newborn calves improved to the first day after born: increased the level of total protein for 9.75% (p<0.05) compared to the control group of calves, albumins – 13.7% (p<0.05), alpha-globulins – 31% (p<0.05), gamma globulins – 21.8% (p<0.05), number of leukocyte increased for 17.2% (p<0.05). Ten days after birth, the content of alpha- and gamma- globulin decreased in the calves of the control and experimental groups, but it was significantly higher in the calves of the experimental group. The number of leukocytes was higher in the calves of the experimental group, mainly due to neutrophils. The first day after birth bactericidal activity of the blood serum, lysozyme activity of the blood serum, neutrophil phagocytic rate was higher compared with similar indicators calves of control group. The incidence of dyspepsia of calves of the experimental group decreased by 1.3 times, the duration of the disease was shorter by 1.7 days compared to calves of the control group. The economic efficiency of the use of the drug Sinoestrol-2% to cows was 3.12 rubles per 1 ruble of expenses.
Results of the production test of sunflower harvesting attachment with an auger reel
Authors: Startsev A S , Demin E E , Danilin A V , Vasilyev O A , Terentyev A G
Published: February 2020

Sunflower is the main oil crop in Russia. Sunflower plantings occupy more than 95% of the area under oil crops and annually make 7.07% of the area under grain crops. The urgent problem is the loss of oilseeds behind the header during sunflower harvesting which, according to agro-technical requirements, should not exceed 2.5% of the actual yield. The article presents the average loss of oilseeds behind various sunflower harvesting attachments. The analysis of rationality of their use depending on the area under sunflower plantings is given. The design is offered and the scheme is substantiated of the performance of an auger-reel for sunflower harvesting attachment. The developed auger-reel is equipped with a winding, which allows reducing the acceleration of the sunflower head movement during the harvesting and minimizing the loss of oilseeds behind the header to 0.63%. The results of the production tests of the developed attachment with “Niva” SK-5-M-1 and ACROS 530 combine harvesters are presented. Their comparison with the average losses of oilseeds using different by design attachments is given.