bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional All‐Optical Synapses Based on a 2D Bi2O2Se/Graphene Hybrid Structure for Multifunctional Optoelectronics
Authors: Yang Chia‐Ming , Chen Tsung‐Cheng , Verma Dharmendra , Li Lain‐Jong , Liu Bo , Chang Wen‐Hao , Lai Chao‐Sung
Published: May 2020

Neuromorphic computing has been extensively studied to mimic the brain functions of perception, learning, and memory because it may overcome the von Neumann bottleneck. Here, with the light‐induced bidirectional photoresponse of the proposed Bi2O2Se/graphene hybrid structure, its potential use in next‐generation neuromorphic hardware is examined with three distinct optoelectronic applications. First, a photodetector based on a Bi2O2Se/graphene hybrid structure presents positive and negative photoresponsibility of 88 and −110 A W−1 achieved by the excitation of visible wavelength and ultraviolet wavelength light at intensities of 1.2 and 0.3 mW cm−2, respectively. Second, this unique photoresponse contributes to the realization of all optically stimulated long‐term potentiation or long‐term depression to mimic synaptic short‐term plasticity and long‐term plasticity, which are attributed to the combined effect of photoconductivity, bolometric, and photoinduced desorption. Third, the devices are applied to perform digital logic functions, such as “AND” and “OR,” using full light modulation. The proposed Bi2O2Se/graphene‐based optoelectronic device represents an innovative and efficient building block for the development of future multifunctional artificial neuromorphic systems.
Neuromorphic Organic Devices that Specifically Discriminate Dopamine from Its Metabolites by Nonspecific Interactions
Authors: Giordani Martina , Sensi Matteo , Berto Marcello , Di Lauro Michele , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto , Gomes Henrique Leonel , Zoli Michele , Zerbetto Francesco , Fadiga Luciano , Biscarini Fabio
Published: May 2020

Specific detection of dopamine (DA) is achieved with organic neuromorphic devices with no specific recognition function in an electrolyte solution. The response to voltage pulses consists of amplitude‐depressed current spiking mimicking the short‐term plasticity (STP) of synapses. An equivalent circuit hints that the STP timescale of the device arises from the capacitance and resistance of the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in series with the electrolyte resistance. Both the capacitance and resistance of PEDOT:PSS change with solution compositions. Dose curves are constructed from the STP timescale for each DA metabolite from pM to mM range of concentrations. The STP response of DA is distinctive from the other metabolites even when differences are by one functional group. Both STP and sensitivity to DA are larger across the patho‐physiological range with respect to those to DA metabolites. Density functional theory calculations hint to a stronger hydrogen bond pattern of DA ammonium compared to cationic metabolites. The exponential correlation between STP and the binding energy of DA metabolites interacting with PEDOT:PSS indicates that the slow dynamics of ionic species in and out PEDOT:PSS is the origin of the neuromorphic STP. The sensing framework discriminates differences of nonspecific interactions of few kcal mol−1, corresponding to one functional group in the molecule.
Double Barriers for Moisture Degradation: Assembly of Hydrolysable Hydrophobic Molecules for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Ye Qian , Liu Chen , Cao Fengren , Yang Xiaokun , Ye Linfeng , Zhao Wenhao , Wang Hongyue , Li Liang , Wang Hongqiang
Published: May 2020

The rapid growth in the device efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has raised great demands for tackling their long‐term stability upon external environmental stimuli that restricts the commercialization of PSCs, in which the instability upon exposure to moisture has been one of the major obstacles. Herein, an effective way of building up double barriers for moisture degradation of the perovskite films is demonstrated by modifying them with rationally selected hydrolyzable hydrophobic molecules (1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane, PFTS). The layer of oligomer derived from the hydrolyzed PFTS at the surface that increases the hydrophobicity of perovskite film could serve as an efficient wall preventing the moisture invasion. The long‐term exposure of the film upon moisture allows for the formation of a secondary wall that employs the hydrolyzation of PFTS at grain boundaries, favoring defects passivation to further improve the humidity stability. Such gradual hydrolyzation is encouragingly helpful for the enhancement of the open‐circuit voltage of the PSCs from the original 1.136 up to 1.205 V. The PSCs constructed with the double barriers demonstrate excellent stability upon moisture and improved thermal and light stabilities, as well as a champion power conversion efficiency up to 21.34%.
Efficient Photomodulation of Visible Eu(III) and Invisible Yb(III) Luminescences using DTE Photochromic Ligands for Optical Encryption
Authors: Al Sabea Hassan , Norel Lucie , Galangau Olivier , Roisnel Thierry , Maury Olivier , Riobé François , Rigaut Stéphane
Published: May 2020

This work describes a class of complex combining three dithienylethene units and a lanthanide ion used as an optical system displaying a double encryption method: i) a colorful code, drawn and erased under UV and visible irradiations respectively, due to coloration and discoloration of the photochromic entities, and ii) a concomitant gradual disappearance and progressive restoration of the associated lanthanide ion luminescence triggered with the same stimuli. The innovation of the system stems from the emission color tunability, i.e., with either a lanthanide ion emitting only in the visible range (Eu3+) or with another lanthanide ion emitting only in the near infrared (NIR) range (Yb3+), therefore observable, or not, to the naked eye. This system is the very first one to achieve efficient repeatable modulation of pure NIR luminescence on photochemical command. Furthermore, it is proven to be highly efficient when embedded in a PDMS polymer opening real opportunities for practical applications as anti‐counterfeiting.
Efficacy of amendments to improve soil physical properties at an abandoned lead and zinc mine
Authors: Alghamdi A. , Presley D.R. , Kirkham M.B. , Hettiarachchi G.
Published: May 2020

Relatively little information exists for the long‐term soil physical characteristics of revegetated heavy‐metal mine wastes, particularly several years after reclamation. A large area mined for Pb and Zn from the 1870s to the 1970s is located in the central United States in the Tri‐State Mining District that extends across southeastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri, and northeastern Oklahoma. Seven treatments were established in 2006 on two different sites (called Site A and Site B) near the town of Galena, KS, to study the effect of soil amendments on heavy metal bioavailability. Treatments included a non‐amended control, two different rates of compost, and combinations of compost, lime, and bentonite. The soil physical properties were not measured in 2006. In November 2014, 8.5 yr after the addition of the amendments, the plots were resampled, and water content, bulk density, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, and wet and dry aggregate stability were measured. Significant treatment effects of the amendments were observed 8.5 yr after treatment establishment, especially at Site B. The water content, bulk density, and hydraulic conductivity parameters had significant treatment differences at Site B, but no one treatment consistently improved soil physical properties. For the dry‐aggregate size distribution test, the control and high compost‐rate treatments at Site B had the greatest fraction of <0.84 mm dry aggregates, and the plots with bentonite had the least, indicating that plots with clay amendments might be most effective for controlling wind erosion for multiple years post‐reclamation.
Adapting the CROPGRO model to simulate chia growth and yield
Authors: Mack Laura , Boote Kenneth J. , Munz Sebastian , Phillips Timothy D. , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone
Published: May 2020

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds are becoming increasingly popular as a superfood in Europe. However, broad experience in growing chia in temperate climates is missing. Crop simulation models can be helpful tools for management and decision‐making in crop production systems in different regions. The objective of this study was to adapt the CROPGRO model for simulating growth and yield of chia. Data sets from a field experiment conducted over 2 yr in southwestern Germany (48°74′ N, 08°92′ E, 475 m above sea level) were used for model adaptation. The initial starting point was the CROPGRO–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] model as a template for parameterizing temperature functions and setting tissue composition. Considerable iterations were made in optimizing growth, development, and photosynthesis parameters. After model calibration, the simulation of leaf area index (LAI) was reasonable for both years, slightly over‐predicting LAI with an average d‐statistic of 0.95 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.53. Simulations of final leaf number were close to the observed data with d‐statistic of 0.98 and RMSE of 1.36. Simulations were acceptable for total biomass (d‐statistic of 0.93), leaf (d‐statistic of 0.94), stem (d‐statistic of 0.94), pod mass (d‐statistic of 0.89), and seed yield (d‐statistic of 0.88). Pod harvest index (HI) showed good model performance (d‐statistic of 0.96 and RMSE of 0.08). Overall, the model adaptation resulted in a preliminarily adapted model with realistically simulated crop growth variables. Researchers can use the developed chia model to extend knowledge on the eco‐physiology of chia and to improve its production and adaption to other regions.
Using Virtual Human Technology in Perioperative Team Training Simulations
Authors: Brunges Michele , Hughes Theresa E.
Published: May 2020

Incorporating virtual human (VH) technology into simulation programs for perioperative education and training can improve interdisciplinary teamwork and communication. The development of VHs allowed interdisciplinary teams at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital to overcome obstacles during training, such as communication gaps. A multidisciplinary team that included perioperative leaders and quality specialists developed three scenarios for interdisciplinary training to provide participants with the opportunity to practice their communication skills and improve patient safety. Using validated tools to promote standardized communication, participants had to address patient safety concerns assertively during the simulations. After each simulation session, quality specialists conducted a debriefing, collected data via surveys, and identified areas for improvement. As a result of the VH simulation sessions, perioperative staff members reported increased confidence and competence when providing patient care. Using VHs to enhance education is an innovative strategy that is useful for both novice and experienced perioperative nurses.
Choose to reuse: Predictors of using a reusable hot drink cup
Authors: Novoradovskaya Elizaveta , Mullan Barbara , Hasking Penelope
Published: May 2020

Sustainable behaviours are important for the future of the planet. Exploring the psychological predictors of those behaviours can assist in developing efficient and cost‐effective interventions for people to acquire and maintain them. We explored potential predictors of using a reusable hot drink cup. Students and staff (n = 270) from a number of Australian universities answered questions addressing their past behaviour, intention to use a reusable cup, habit automaticity, intolerance of uncertainty, need for structure, conscientiousness and environmental values. One week later, participants retrospectively reported use of their reusable cup over the previous week. Results demonstrated that past behaviour and strength of environmental values significantly predicted the use of the cup. A trend was found for people unable to withstand uncertainty, where stronger habits were associated with greater use of the cup. These results can contribute to development of evidence‐based behaviour change interventions.
Cu/PCy3‐Catalyzed Formal Carbene Insertion into Electron‐Deficient C−H Bonds
Authors: Ren Yuan‐Yuan , Mao Hong‐Xiang , Hu Meng‐Yang , Zhu Shou‐Fei , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: May 2020

A carbene insertion into electron‐deficient C−H bonds of 1,3‐diesters, β‐ketoesters, β‐ketonitriles, and malononitriles was realized by using CuCN/PCy3 as the catalyst. The reaction provides a straightforward approach to the synthetically important multi‐substituted succinic acid derivatives. A plausible reaction mechanism with cyclopropanation/ring opening as key steps was proposed based on control experiments.
Pd‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Borylation of Simple Arenes via Thianthrenation†
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Yue , Huang Yu‐Hao , Zhou Jian , Wang Peng
Published: May 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Site‐selective borylation of simple arenes was realized in one pot via an electrophilic thianthrenation/Pd‐catalyzed borylation sequence. The key to achieve this operatically simple process is the use of Pd catalysis, which could tolerate the solvent and acidic conditions used in the thianthrenation step. This protocol features mild conditions, broad functional group tolerance, and simple manipulations, and is suitable for late‐stage functionalization of a wide range of pharmaceuticals and complex bioactive molecules.
Prediction of Drug Exposure in Critically Ill Encephalopathic Neonates Treated With Therapeutic Hypothermia Based on a Pooled Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Seven Drugs and Five Metabolites
Authors: Favié Laurent M. A. , de Haan Timo R. , Bijleveld Yuma A. , Rademaker Carin M. A. , Egberts Toine C. G. , Nuytemans Debbie H. G. M. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , Groenendaal Floris , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: May 2020

Drug dosing in encephalopathic neonates treated with therapeutic hypothermia is challenging; exposure is dependent on body size and maturation but can also be influenced by factors related to disease and treatment. A better understanding of underlying pharmacokinetic principles is essential to guide drug dosing in this population. The prospective multicenter cohort study PharmaCool was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of commonly used drugs in neonatal encephalopathy. In the present study, all data obtained in the PharmaCool study were combined to study the structural system specific effects of body size, maturation, recovery of organ function, and temperature on drug clearance using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Data collected during the first 5 days of life from 192 neonates treated with therapeutic hypothermia were included. An integrated population pharmacokinetic model of seven drugs (morphine, midazolam, lidocaine, phenobarbital, amoxicillin, gentamicin, and benzylpenicillin) and five metabolites (morphine‐3‐glucuronide, morphine‐6‐glucuronide, 1‐hydroxymidazolam, hydroxymidazolam glucuronide, and monoethylglycylxylidide) was successfully developed based on previously developed models for the individual drugs. For all compounds, body size was related to clearance using allometric relationships and maturation was described with gestational age in a fixed sigmoidal Hill equation. Organ recovery after birth was incorporated using postnatal age. Clearance increased by 1.23%/hours of life (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.43) and by 0.54%/hours of life (95% CI 0.371–0.750) for high and intermediate clearance compounds, respectively. Therapeutic hypothermia reduced clearance of intermediate clearance compounds only, by 6.83%/°C (95% CI 5.16%/°C–8.34%/°C). This integrated model can be used to facilitate drug dosing and future pharmacokinetic studies in this population.
A comparative study on the size distribution and carbon components of particulate matters from typical sources
Authors: Zuo Lei , Mei Deqing , Yuan Yinnan , Zhu Zongning , Mei Congwei
Published: May 2020

A comparative study on the size distribution and carbon component of particulate matter (PM) from four typical sources in Zhenjiang, China were carried out. Two raw PM cases were collected directly from the diesel/gasoline engine, individually, while another two diluted PM cases were gleaned from the atmosphere on particular venues concerning the contribution of diesel/gasoline PMs, respectively. It was revealed that the raw diesel/gasoline PMs presented mass concentration peaks at the size range of 0.18–0.32 μm, while most of the diluted PM from the atmosphere near the chimney vent of the engine laboratory and in the basement garage concentrated at the size range of 0.32–0.56 and 1.0–1.8 μm, respectively. Via the carbon component analysis, for the raw diesel PM, the major parts of OC fractions were determined as OC1, OC2 and OC3, meanwhile EC2 took the majority of EC. As for the diluted PM from the atmosphere, OC2, OC3 and OC4, and EC1 and EC2 accounted for the main parts of OC and EC, respectively. The rate of OC to EC (OC/EC) of the PMs from the diesel engine, near the laboratory chimney vent and in the basement garage varied in a range of 0.92–2.50, 1.40–2.53, and 2.36–4.82, respectively. It is worth noting that the OC/EC of the PM collected in the basement garage exceeded 2.0, which implies that a great deal of secondary particulates were generated. Overall, this article may assist to understand the possible evolution path of PM from the raw source to the diluted status.
High adsorption capacity of nitrobenzene from aqueous solution using activated carbons prepared from vegetable waste
Authors: Kecira Zoubida , Benturki Oumessaâd , Benturki Asma , Daoud Mounir , Girods Pierre
Published: May 2020

The present study reports the preparation of chemically activated carbons (PAC and ZAC) from apricot stones using phosphoric acid and zinc chloride, respectively. The potential use of the prepared carbons, as adsorbents, and the effect of chemical activation on the surface properties and adsorptive mechanism of nitrobenzene (NB) were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the obtained materials were characterized by Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, Scanning Electron Microscope, FTIR Spectroscopy, EDX analysis, Boehm titration, and pH of zero charge. The results show that the prepared samples present high apparent surface areas (1,382 and 1,111 m2/g for PAC and ZAC, respectively) and pores volumes with the presence of various functional groups. It was found that pseudo‐second model was the most suitable for the fitting of the experimental kinetic data and the intraparticle diffusion was not the unique rate‐controlling stage. The adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir and the Freundlich models. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of PAC and ZAC were about 476.2 and 490.2 mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters showed the spontaneity, the exothermic nature, and the decrease in the randomness of the adsorption of nitrobenzene. Chemical regeneration showed that the prepared samples could be used for four time desorption–adsorption cycles with good efficiency for NB removal, indicating that the prepared carbons could be used as a low‐cost alternative to commercial activated carbon for the removal of nitrobenzene from wastewater.
Subclinical effects of long‐chain fatty acid β‐oxidation deficiency on the adult heart: A case‐control magnetic resonance study
Authors: Knottnerus Suzan J. G. , Bleeker Jeannette C. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Langeveld Mirjam , Nederveen Aart J. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Visser Gepke , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Wijburg Frits A. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Bakermans Adrianus J.
Published: May 2020

Cardiomyopathy can be a severe complication in patients with long‐chain fatty acid β‐oxidation disorders (LCFAOD), particularly during episodes of metabolic derangement. It is unknown whether latent cardiac abnormalities exist in adult patients. To investigate cardiac involvement in LCFAOD, we used proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) to quantify heart function, myocardial tissue characteristics, and myocardial lipid content in 14 adult patients (two with long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD); four with carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (CPT2D); and eight with very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD)) and 14 gender‐, age‐, and BMI‐matched control subjects. Examinations included cine MRI, MR tagging, native myocardial T1 and T2 mapping, and localized 1H‐MRS at 3 Tesla. Left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass (P = .011) and the LV myocardial mass‐to‐volume ratio (P = .008) were higher in patients, while ejection fraction (EF) was normal (P = .397). LV torsion was higher in patients (P = .026), whereas circumferential shortening was similar compared with controls (P = .875). LV hypertrophy was accompanied by high myocardial T1 values (indicative of diffuse fibrosis) in two patients, and additionally a low EF in one case. Myocardial lipid content was similar in patients and controls. We identified subclinical morphological and functional differences between the hearts of LCFAOD patients and matched control subjects using state‐of‐the‐art MR methods. Our results suggest a chronic cardiac disease phenotype and hypertrophic LV remodeling of the heart in LCFAOD, potentially triggered by a mild, but chronic, energy deficiency, rather than by lipotoxic effects of accumulating lipid metabolites.
Features of enteric disease from human coronaviruses: Implications for COVID‐19
Authors: Cimolai Nevio
Published: May 2020

Coronaviruses have long been studied in both human and veterinary fields. Whereas the initial detection of endemic human respiratory coronaviruses was problematic, detection of these and newly discovered human coronaviruses has been greatly facilitated with major advances in the laboratory. Nevertheless, technological factors can affect the accuracy and timeliness of virus detection. Many human coronaviruses can be variably found in stool samples. All human coronaviruses have been variably associated with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Coronaviruses can occasionally be cultured from enteric specimens, but most detection is accomplished with genetic amplification technologies. Excretion of viral RNA in stool can extend for a prolonged period. Culture‐positive stool samples have been found to exceed a fourteen day period after onset of infection for some coronaviruses. Virus can also sometimes be cultured from patients' respiratory samples during the late incubation period. Relatively asymptomatic patients may excrete virus. Both viable and nonviable virus can be found in the immediate environment of the patient, the health care worker, and less often the public. These lessons from the past study of animal and human coronaviruses can be extended to presumptions for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Already, the early reports from the coronavirus disease‐2019 pandemic are confirming some concerns. These data have the cumulative potential to cause us to rethink some current and common public health and infection control strategies.
Structure and vibrational spectra of ReSe2 nanoplates
Authors: Yukhymchuk Volodymyr O. , Kulikov Leonid M. , Valakh Mykhailo Y. , Litvinchuk Alexander P. , Skoryk Mykola A. , Mazur Nazar V. , Yefanov Volodymyr S. , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Dzhagan Volodymyr M. , Zahn Dietrich R.T.
Published: May 2020

Theoretical and experimental vibrational spectra of ReSe2 nanocrystals, synthesized by self‐limited chemical vapor deposition (CVD), are reported. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the nanocrystals have the shape of polygon nanoplates (NPs), 20 nm thick and about 100–300 nm wide. X‐ray diffraction studies determined their triclinic structure (space group, P‐1 [no. 2]). The wavenumbers of the Raman‐ and infrared (IR)‐active phonon modes were calculated using the density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), along with the dispersion curves and phonon density of states. The set of theoretical phonon wavenumbers is found to correlate well with the experimental Raman and IR spectra. We established that, unlike ReS2, ReSe2 does not exhibit a “phonon gap.” Several “extra” bands in the experimental Raman spectrum of ReSe2 are argued to be defect‐induced contributions of phonons from F and Q critical points of the Brillouin zone. In addition, the effect of Fermi resonance is observed in the Raman spectrum of the ReSe2 NPs, which manifests itself in an increase of the intensity of second‐order bands due to their interaction with first‐order phonons.
An empirical analysis of sustainability of public debt among BRICS nations
Authors: Joy Justin , Panda Prasant Kumar
Published: May 2020

The main objective of this paper is to verify the sustainability of public debt among Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) in a political economy framework. Annual panel data have been used for BRICS countries from World Development Indicators of World Bank for the period 1980–2017 for the analysis. Bohn's sustainability framework is used to examine the sustainability of public debt in BRICS nations and verify the influence of political economic variables such as election year, coalition dummy, ideology of the government and unemployment on public debt sustainability. The results suggest that public debt sustainability is weak for BRICS as a whole. China and India have a better public debt sustainability coefficients compared to the same for Brazil, Russia and South Africa. Structural change dummy included in the model suggests that debt sustainability is severely affected after the 2008 crisis period. Political factors have influence on debt sustainability in BRICS. Electoral cycle year and coalition dummy variables adversely affect public debt sustainability in BRICS. While centrist political ideology is found to be significant and negative, left and right ideologies are not significant for debt sustainability. Since debt sustainability is found to be weak in BRICS, countries in the region need to adopt necessary measures to improve their primary balance through appropriate fiscal and debt management. Besides, it is important for the governments to prioritize fiscal prudence irrespective of their ideologies and political compulsions.
Fast Beam Oscillations Improve Laser Cutting of Thick Materials
Authors: Wetzig Andreas , Herwig Patrick , Borkmann Madlen , Goppold Cindy , Mahrle Achim , Leyens Christoph
Published: May 2020

We provide here an overview of the capabilities of oscillating beams to improve solid‐state laser fusion cutting of thick‐sheet AISI 304 stainless steel and present results of the so‐called dynamic beam shaping (DBS) technique, which relies on fast and commonly harmonic oscillations of the laser focus at frequencies in the kHz range.
Effect of Complex Metal Hydrides on the Elimination of Hydrochloric Acid Exhaust Products from High‐Performance Composite Solid Propellants: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Chalghoum Fateh , Trache Djalal , Maggi Filippo , Benziane Mokhtar
Published: May 2020

Ammonium perchlorate (AP)‐based solid rocket propellants generate hydrochloric acid (HCl) as an exhaust product during combustion. This latter displays numerous environmental problems such as the depletion of the ozone layer and the increase of the concentration of acid rains. This paper offers a theoretical analysis concerning the employment of metal hydrides as efficient additives to mitigate some of the negative effects of HCl on the environment during the combustion of AP‐based composite propellants. Nine complex metal hydrides, expected to generate desirable performance gains, are selected to assess their scavenging effect on the HCl during propellant combustion. Based on NASA Lewis Code, Chemical Equilibrium with Application (CEA), comparative analysis of the theoretical performance of specific impulse, adiabatic flame temperatures, condensed combustion products as well as the exhaust gaseous species has been carried out. This study reveals that complex metal hydrides‐based propellants exhibited better performance than those containing simple metal hydrides, showing a synergetic effect of high specific impulse and low environmental impact. It is consequently anticipated that a good choice of metal hydride can provide clean/green propellant formulations that can satisfy the current environmental requirements with better performance than current aluminum propellants.
Progress and Challenges on Battery Waste Management :A Critical Review
Authors: Rarotra Saptak , Sahu Satyabrata , Kumar Pawan , Kim Ki‐Hyun , Tsang Yiu Fai , Kumar Vikas , Kumar Parveen , Srinivasan Madhavi , Veksha Andrei , Lisak Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

The use of batteries in the electronics, automobile, and chemical industries is growing rapidly worldwide. The portability, high energy density, and low maintenance needs of batteries eliminates the need for transportation or reticulation of power. However, battery technologies suffer from a limited life span, which results in a need for frequent replacement. The generation of large quantities of battery waste has created a need for an effective management strategy to safely treat and recover valuable resources used in battery manufacturing. This review covers current issues in battery waste management, including a description of the advantages, limitations, challenges, and economical feasibility of various treatment technologies. Future perspectives are also discussed to encourage research on imminent environmental issues associated with batteries.
Short‐term building load forecast based on a data‐mining feature selection and LSTM‐RNN method
Authors: Sun Gaiping , Jiang Chuanwen , Wang Xu , Yang Xiu
Published: May 2020

Short‐term load forecast for individual electric customers is becoming increasingly important in the grid operation, since the power system is becoming a more interactive and intelligent system. Accurate short‐term load forecast for industrial or commercial electric buildings is more challenging due to the complicated load characteristics and numerous influence variables. In this paper, we consider maximizing the relevancy and minimizing the redundancy criterion to select effectively feature variables, which influence the building load consumption, and then a deep learning technique—long‐short memory recurrent neural network is proposed to predict the load consumption. This novel strategy captures distinct load characteristics, choosing accurate input variables, and shows a great forecasting performance as demonstrated by three different types of city building load in China. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Low dose γ radiation enhances antidepressant effect of resveratrol: Behavioral and neurochemical studies
Authors: Karam Heba M. , Radwan Rasha R.
Published: May 2020

The low dose of radiation (LDR) has received growing attention for its beneficial neuroprotective effect. This study was designed to investigate the enhancing effect of LDR on the antidepressant potential of resveratrol against diazepam‐induced depression in mice. Female mice divided into five groups; control, diazepam (2 mg/kg), LDR (0.5Gy) + diazepam, resveratrol (20 mg/kg) + diazepam, LDR + resveratrol+diazepam. Mice received diazepam showed depressive symptoms as evidenced by decreased locomotor activity in the open field and increased immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests integrated with a marked decline in biogenic amines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in brain tissues. These effects were ameliorated by LDR or resveratrol administration demonstrating an antidepressant activity. Interestingly, LDR triggered the antidepressant effect of resveratrol as it restored the changes in behavioral tests, neurotransmitters, and neuro‐histoarchitecture. In conclusion, these findings suggested that LDR could be considered as a novel adjuvant that augmented the resveratrol antidepressant effect and might serve as a potential therapeutic approach for depression.
Prevention of age-associated neuronal hyperexcitability with improved learning and attention upon knockout or antagonism of LPAR2
Authors: Fischer Caroline , Endle Heiko , Schumann Lana , Wilken-Schmitz Annett , Kaiser Julia , Gerber Susanne , Vogelaar Christina F. , Schmidt Mirko H. H. , Nitsch Robert , Snodgrass Isabel , Thomas Dominique , Vogt Johannes , Tegeder Irmgard
Published: May 2020

Recent studies suggest that synaptic lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) augment glutamate-dependent cortical excitability and sensory information processing in mice and humans via presynaptic LPAR2 activation. Here, we studied the consequences of LPAR2 deletion or antagonism on various aspects of cognition using a set of behavioral and electrophysiological analyses. Hippocampal neuronal network activity was decreased in middle-aged LPAR2−/− mice, whereas hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was increased suggesting cognitive advantages of LPAR2−/− mice. In line with the lower excitability, RNAseq studies revealed reduced transcription of neuronal activity markers in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in naïve LPAR2−/− mice, including ARC, FOS, FOSB, NR4A, NPAS4 and EGR2. LPAR2−/− mice behaved similarly to wild-type controls in maze tests of spatial or social learning and memory but showed faster and accurate responses in a 5-choice serial reaction touchscreen task requiring high attention and fast spatial discrimination. In IntelliCage learning experiments, LPAR2−/− were less active during daytime but normally active at night, and showed higher accuracy and attention to LED cues during active times. Overall, they maintained equal or superior licking success with fewer trials. Pharmacological block of the LPAR2 receptor recapitulated the LPAR2−/− phenotype, which was characterized by economic corner usage, stronger daytime resting behavior and higher proportions of correct trials. We conclude that LPAR2 stabilizes neuronal network excitability upon aging and allows for more efficient use of resting periods, better memory consolidation and better  performance in tasks requiring high selective attention. Therapeutic LPAR2 antagonism may alleviate aging-associated cognitive dysfunctions.
Topology optimization for designing periodic microstructures based on finite strain viscoplasticity
Authors: Ivarsson Niklas , Wallin Mathias , Tortorelli Daniel A.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a topology optimization framework for designing periodic viscoplastic microstructures under finite deformation. To demonstrate the framework, microstructures with tailored macroscopic mechanical properties, e.g., maximum viscoplastic energy absorption and prescribed zero contraction, are designed. The simulated macroscopic properties are obtained via homogenization wherein the unit cell constitutive model is based on finite strain isotropic hardening viscoplasticity. To solve the coupled equilibrium and constitutive equations, a nested Newton method is used together with an adaptive time-stepping scheme. A well-posed topology optimization problem is formulated by restriction using filtration which is implemented via a periodic version of the Helmholtz partial differential equation filter. The optimization problem is iteratively solved with the method of moving asymptotes, where the path-dependent sensitivities are derived using the adjoint method. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated by optimizing several two-dimensional continuum composites exposed to a wide range of macroscopic strains.
Imaging of complications following Fontan circulation in children — diagnosis and surveillance
Authors: de Lange Charlotte
Published: May 2020

The Fontan operation is performed for various cardiac lesions with single-ventricle physiology. The survival rate of Fontan patients is increasing for adolescents and young adults, with an expected 30-year survival of >80%. Medical health care providers including specialists in organ systems and pediatric radiologists need to improve their knowledge about the Fontan circulation and the various organ complications to monitor care. In this review the author explains the basic anatomical and functional features of Fontan palliation and gives an overview of the multiple long-term organ complications that might present in the pediatric population. These include decreased physical capacity, ventricular dysfunction, atrioventricular valve regurgitation and arrhythmia, as well as protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, growth/bone composition disturbances, renal dysfunction, and the recently recognized and important liver fibrosis (Fontan-associated liver disease). Neuropsychological and behavioral deficits occur frequently. This review focuses on the key role of radiology in making the diagnosis of these complications, monitoring therapy and predicting outcomes in the pediatric age group. The author discusses how and when radiology is important in Fontan patients, as well as how new techniques enabling quantitative measures in imaging with US, MRI and CT are adapted for pediatric use, and how they contribute to urgently needed surveillance strategies.
A Retrospective Comparison Between Hybrid Treatment and Prosthetic Above‐the‐Knee Femoro‐Popliteal Bypass in the Management of the Obstructive Disease of the Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: Dorigo Walter , Piffaretti Gabriele , Fargion Aaron , Rivolta Nicola , Bush Ruth L. , Giacomelli Elena , Guttadauro Chiara , Castelli Patrizio , Pratesi Carlo
Published: May 2020

Objective

We assessed early and late outcomes following hybrid intervention (common femoral artery endarterectomy and superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting) versus above‐the‐knee (AK) femoro‐popliteal bypass performed for peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) in a double‐center retrospective comparative cohort study.

Materials and methods

From January 2006 to December 2017, 82 hybrid revascularizations with femoral endarterectomy and SFA stenting (HY Group) and 98 AK femoro‐popliteal bypasses with femoral endarterectomy (BP Group) were performed at two academic vascular centers. The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative and intraoperative details and of perioperative (<30 days) outcomes with χ2 test. Long‐term results were compared using Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank test.

Results

No differences were found in demographics variables, risk factors, comorbidities and clinical presentation between the two groups. Also perioperative outcomes were similar between the two groups. Median duration of follow‐up was 38 months. At five years, the estimated survival rate was 60% in HY Group and 77.5% in BP Group (p = 0.002) Five‐year primary patency rates were 46% in HY Group and 64% in BP Group (p = 0.005). Overall, 13 patients in HY Group required conversion to open surgery and 6 patients in BP Group underwent below‐knee (n = 4) or distal (n = 2) bypass. The 5‐year rate of limb maintenance was 85% in HY Group and 94% in BP Group (p = 0.1) and was not significantly different regardless of presentation, claudication or critical limb ischemia.

Conclusions

In patients with PAOD due to complex long lesions of the infrainguinal arteries, open‐surgical treatment with AK bypass provided better long‐term survival and patency rates compared to a hybrid approach.
The mechanism and effects of subgrade fluidisation under ballasted railway tracks
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima , Singh Mandeep , Nguyen Thanh Trung
Published: May 2020

The rapid growth in railway infrastructure and the construction of high-speed heavy-haul rail network, especially on ground that is basically unsuitable, poses challenges for geotechnical engineers because a large part of the money invested in the development of railway lines is often spent on track maintenance. In fact around the world, the mud pumping of subgrade fines is one of the common reasons why track performance deteriorates and track stability is hindered. This article presents a series of laboratory tests to examine following aspects of mud pumping: (1) the mechanisms of subgrade fluidisation under undrained condition, (2) the effects of mud pumping on the engineering characteristics of ballast, and (3) the use of vertical drains to stabilize subgrade under cyclic loads. The undrained cyclic triaxial testing on vulnerable soft subgrade was performed by varying the cyclic stress ratio (CSR) from 0.2 to 1.0 and the loading frequency f from 1.0 to 5.0 Hz. It is seen from the test results that for a specimen compacted at an initial dry density of 1790 kg/m3, the top portion of the specimen fluidises at CSR = 0.5, irrespective of the applied loading frequency. Under cyclic railway loading, the internal redistribution of water at the top of the subgrade layer softens the soil and also reduces its stiffness. In response to these problems, this paper explains how the inclusion of vertical drains in soft subgrade will help to prevent mud pumping by alleviating the build-up of excess pore pressures under moving train loads.
William James on Risk, Efficacy, and Evidentialism
Authors: Magnus P.D.
Published: May 2020

William James’ argument against William Clifford in The Will to Believe is often understood in terms of doxastic efficacy, the power of belief to influence an outcome. Although that is one strand of James’ argument, there is another which is driven by ampliative risk. The second strand of James’ argument, when applied to scientific cases, is tantamount to what is now called the Argument from Inductive Risk. Either strand of James’ argument is sufficient to rebut Clifford's strong evidentialism and show that it is sometimes permissible to believe in the absence of compelling evidence. However, the two considerations have different scope and force. Doxastic efficacy applies in only some cases but allows any values to play a role in determining belief; risk applies in all cases but only allows particular conditional values to play a role.
A Prolonged Abrogation? The Capitulations, the 1917 Law of Family Rights, and the Ottoman Quest for Sovereignty during World War 1
Authors: Dannies Kate , Hock Stefan
Published: May 2020

The 1917 promulgation of a new Ottoman family law is recognized as a landmark moment in the history of Islamic law by scholars of women and gender in the Middle East. Yet the significance of the 1917 law in the struggle over religious jurisdiction, political power, and Ottoman sovereignty has been overlooked in the scholarship on both Ottoman legal reform and World War 1. Drawing on Ottoman Turkish, German, French, and English sources linking internal interpretations of the law and external reactions to its passage, we reinterpret adoption of the family law as a key moment in the geopolitics of World War 1. We demonstrate that passage of the law was a critical turning point in the wartime process of abrogating the capitulations and eliminating the last vestiges of legal extraterritoriality in the Ottoman Empire. The law is situated in its wartime political context and the geopolitical milieu of larger Europe to demonstrate that, although short-lived, the 1917 family law was a centerpiece of the wartime struggle to define extraterritorial rights of the Ottoman Empire, the Great Powers, and their protégés within the empire.
A unified account of culture should accommodate animal cultures
Authors: Whiten Andrew
Published: May 2020

Discoveries about social learning and culture in non-human animals have burgeoned this century, yet despite aspiring to offer a unified account of culture, the target article neglects these discoveries almost totally. I offer an overview of principal findings in this field including phylogenetic reach, intraspecies pervasiveness, stability, fidelity, and attentional funnelling in social learning. Can the authors’ approach accommodate these?
The roles of language use and vocabulary size in the emergence of word-combining in children with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities
Authors: FOSTER-COHEN Susan , van BYSTERVELDT Anne , PAPP Viktoria
Published: May 2020

Parent report data on 82 preschool children with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities including Down syndrome, dyspraxia, autism, and global developmental delay suggests communicative language use must reach a threshold level before vocabulary size becomes the best predictor of word combining. Using the Language Use Inventory and the MacArthur-Bates CDI (with sign vocabulary option), statistical modelling using regression trees and random forests suggests that, despite high linear correlations between variables, (1) pragmatic ability, particularly children's emerging ability to talk about things, themselves and others is a significantly better predictor of the earliest word combining than vocabulary size; and (2) vocabulary size becomes a better predictor of later word combining, once this pragmatic base has been established.
Three‐Dimensional Radiative Effects By Shallow Cumulus Clouds on Dynamic Heterogeneities Over a Vegetated Surface
Authors: Veerman M. A. , Pedruzo‐Bagazgoitia X. , Jakub F. , Vilà‐Guerau de Arellano J. , van Heerwaarden C. C.
Published: May 2020

One‐dimensional radiative transfer solvers are computationally much more efficient than full three‐dimensional radiative transfer solvers but do not account for the horizontal propagation of radiation and thus produce unrealistic surface irradiance fields in models that resolve clouds. Here, we study the impact of using a 3‐D radiative transfer solver on the direct and diffuse solar irradiance beneath clouds and the subsequent effect on the surface fluxes. We couple a relatively fast 3‐D radiative transfer approximation (TenStream solver) to the Dutch Atmosphere Large‐Eddy Simulation (DALES) model and perform simulations of a convective boundary layer over grassland with either 1‐D or 3‐D radiative transfer. Based on a single case study, simulations with 3‐D radiative transfer develop larger and thicker clouds, which we attribute mainly to the displaced clouds shadows. With increasing cloud thickness, the surface fluxes decrease in cloud shadows with both radiation schemes but increase beneath clouds with 3‐D radiative transfer. We find that with 3‐D radiative transfer, the horizontal length scales dominating the spatial variability of the surface fluxes are over twice as large as with 1‐D radiative transfer. The liquid water path and vertical wind velocity in the boundary layer are also dominated by larger length scales, suggesting that 3‐D radiative transfer may lead to larger convective thermals. Our case study demonstrates that 3‐D radiative effects can significantly impact dynamic heterogeneities induced by cloud shading. This may change our view on the coupling between boundary‐layer clouds and the surface and should be further tested for generalizability in future studies.
Optimization of paper-based nanoparticle immunoassays for direct detection of the bacterial pathogenV. parahaemolyticusin oyster hemolymph
Authors: Rodriguez-Quijada Cristina , Lyons Casandra , Santamaria Charles , Quinn Sara , Tlusty Michael F. , Shiaris Michael , Hamad-Schifferli Kimberly
Published: May 2020

The detection of foodborne pathogens is critical for disease control and infection prevention, especially in seafood consumed raw or undercooked.
Difference frequency generation in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Wang Yadong , Ghotbi Masood , Das Susobhan , Dai Yunyun , Li Shisheng , Hu Xuerong , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin , Sun Zhipei
Published: May 2020

We have demonstrated broadband difference frequency generation with monolayer MoS2, showing possibility of using two-dimensional layered materials for optical parametric generation, amplification and oscillation.
A highly sensitive piezoresistive sensor based on MXenes and polyvinyl butyral with a wide detection limit and low power consumption
Authors: Qin Ruzhan , Hu Mingjun , Li Xin , Yan Li , Wu Chuanguang , Liu Jinzhang , Gao Haibin , Shan Guangcun , Huang Wei
Published: May 2020

A highly flexible and highly sensitive piezoresistive sensor was fabricated by using MXenes and polyvinyl butyral.