bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Yang Yu-Cih , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: June 2020

Few studies investigated the respiratory outcomes of metformin use in patients with coexistent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We want to compare the long-term respiratory endpoints of metformin use and nonuse in patients with T2DM and COPD. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with T2DM and COPD from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Program between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. Main outcomes were hospitalized bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and lung cancer. In total, 20,644 propensity score-matched metformin users and nonusers were assessed. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of metformin use relative to nonuse for bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, NIPPV, IMV, and lung cancer were 1.17 (1.11–1.23), 1.34 (1.26–1.43), 0.99 (0.89–1.10), 1.10 (1.03–1.17), and 1.12 (0.96–1.30). Metformin use also exhibited significant dose–response relationship with respect to the risks of bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD and IMV. Consistent results were found in the sensitivity test. This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that in patients with T2DM and COPD, metformin use was associated with higher risks of pneumonia, hospitalization for COPD, and IMV. If patients with COPD use metformin, vigilance with regard to their pulmonary condition may be required.
Synthesis of hydrotalcite-type mixed oxide catalysts from waste steel slag for transesterification of glycerol and dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Liu Guanhao , Yang Jingyi , Xu Xinru
Published: June 2020

The mixed metal oxides S-CaMgAl MO prepared by acidolysis, coprecipitation and calcination under different temperatures from S95 steel slag of Shanghai Baosteel Co., Ltd. were used to catalyze the transesterification of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and glycerol for synthesizing glycerol carbonate (GC). The catalysts were characterized by EDS, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, CO2-TPD and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. S-CaMgAl MO calcined at 600 °C had excellent catalytic performance due to the large pore size and proper alkalinity. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time and the amount of catalyst on transesterification were investigated to obtain the optimal reaction conditions. The glycerol carbonate yield reached 96.2% and the glycerol conversion was 98.3% under the condition of 3 wt% catalyst, 1:3 molar ratio of glycerol and DMC, 75 °C reaction temperature and 90 min reaction time. In addition, the GC yield and glycerol conversion still achieved above 90% after five cycles of S-CaMgAl MO.
Clinical characteristics of branch retinal vein occlusion with increased retinal haemorrhage during treatment for macular oedema
Authors: Lee You Hyun , Kim Yu Cheol
Published: June 2020

This study was performed to evaluate clinical characteristics of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients with increased retinal haemorrhage during macular oedema (MO) treatment. Patients were divided into increased and non-increased retinal haemorrhage groups. The former group was sub-divided based on the degree of increase: < 50% or ≥ 50%. Baseline characteristics, clinical data, and best vision achieved before and after increased retinal haemorrhage were assessed. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients were included. Forty-six eyes were non-increased, 11 eyes experienced < 50% increase in retinal haemorrhage, and 11 eyes had ≥ 50% increase. Ischaemic BRVO was related to increased haemorrhage based on the multivariate analysis. The ≥ 50% increase group exhibited higher baseline central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), poorer baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and longer mean periods between the final intravitreal injections and the time increased retinal haemorrhages were observed, compared to the < 50% group. The best vision achieved before and after increased haemorrhage was significantly worse in the ≥ 50% group. In conclusion, the ischaemic type of BRVO is related to increased retinal haemorrhage during MO treatment, and a ≥ 50% increase in haemorrhages is associated with higher CSMT and poorer BCVA at baseline, with poor visual gain.
An investigation of hibernating members from the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera, Culicidae) in subterranean habitats of central Germany
Authors: Dörge Dorian D. , Cunze Sarah , Schleifenbaum Henrik , Zaenker Stefan , Klimpel Sven
Published: June 2020

TheCulex pipienscomplex encompasses five species and subspecies of the genusCulex. Over time, a multitude of morphologically indistinguishable species has been assigned to this complex with several species being classified as important vectors for different diseases. Some species of this complex hibernate in subterranean habitats, and it has been proven that viruses can survive this phase of hibernation. However, studies focusing on the environmental requirements, ecology and spatial and temporal distribution patterns of mosquitos in underground habitats are sparse. Here, we investigate the main environmental factors and dependencies ofCulex, considering the number of individuals and survival probabilities in underground habitats during the winter months. Methods. Since the State of Hesse, Germany harbors about 3500 to 4000 subterranean shelters ample availability of subterranean habitats there provides a good opportunity to conduct detailed investigations of theCulex pipienscomplex. In this study, we identified a sample of 727 specimens of overwintering females within theCulex pipienscomplex from 52 different underground sites collected over a period of 23 years using qPCR. A complete data set of samplings of hibernating mosquitos from 698 subterranean habitats in Central Germany over the same period was available to study the spatial and temporal patterns and the effect of temperature and precipitation conditions on these hibernating populations using a generalized linear model (GLM). Results. Our qPCR-results show, similar to aboveground studies of mosquitos, thatCulex pipiens pipiensandCulex torrentiumoccur sympatrically. On the other hand,Culex pipiens molestusoccurred very rarely. The GLM revealed no shifts in species composition over time, but different preferences for subterranean hibernacula, chemical effects on overwintering populations as well as effects of annual and seasonal mean temperature and precipitation during the active phase from March to November.Cx. p. pipiensandCx. torrentiumare the most common species within Hessian caves and other underground habitats during winter. They co-occur with different frequency without any patterns in species composition. Weather conditions influence the number of overwintering mosquitos during the activity phase. Depending on cave parameters, the number of mosquitos decreases during the winter months.
Vector competence of Aedes albopictus populations for chikungunya virus is shaped by their demographic history
Authors: Vega-Rúa Anubis , Marconcini Michele , Madec Yoann , Manni Mosè , Carraretto Davide , Gomulski Ludvik Marcus , Gasperi Giuliano , Failloux Anna-Bella , Malacrida Anna Rodolfa
Published: June 2020

The mosquitoAedes albopictusis one of the most dangerous invasive species. Its worldwide spread has created health concerns as it is a major vector of arboviruses of public health significance such as chikungunya (CHIKV). Dynamics of different genetic backgrounds and admixture events may have impacted competence for CHIKV in adventive populations. Using microsatellites, we infer the genetic structure of populations across the expansion areas that we then associate with their competence for different CHIKV genotypes. Here we show that the demographic history ofAe. albopictuspopulations is a consequence of rapid complex patterns of historical lineage diversification and divergence that influenced their competence for CHIKV. The history of adventive populations is associated with CHIKV genotypes in a genotype-by-genotype interaction that impacts their vector competence. Thus, knowledge of the demographic history and vector competence of invasive mosquitoes is pivotal for assessing the risk of arbovirus outbreaks in newly colonized areas.
In vitro toxicity assessment and enhanced drug solubility profile of green deep eutectic solvent derivatives (DESDs) combined with theoretical validation
Authors: Jangir Anil Kumar , Lad Bhoomi , Dani Unnati , Shah Nehal , Kuperkar Ketan
Published: June 2020

Scheme illustrating the sustainable preparation of deep eutectic solvent derivatives (DESDs), their biological response and water-insoluble hydrophobic drug dissolution trend.
Novel pyrene–pyridine oligomer nanorods for super-sensitive fluorescent detection of Pd2+
Authors: Zhang Yanran , Zhao Yaqian , Shi Lihan , Zhang Li , Du Huifeng , Huang Hongmei , Xiao Yi , Zhang Youyu , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Kemin
Published: June 2020

Novel oligomer nanorods containing pyrene–pyridyl moieties are readily constructed for highly sensitive fluorescent sensing and cellular imaging of Pd2+.
Sequence-directed dynamic covalent assembly of base-4-encoded oligomers
Authors: Leguizamon S. C. , Dunn M. F. , Scott T. F.
Published: June 2020

Molecular ladders and molecular grids were self-assembled employing two orthogonal dynamic covalent reactant pairs in an aqueous environment.
Synthesis of difluoromethylselenoesters from aldehydes via a radical process
Authors: Guo Rui-Li , Zhu Xue-Qing , Zhang Xing-Long , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: June 2020

Difluoromethylselenoester compounds are reported for the first time. They can be efficiently synthesized from aldehydes and BnSeCF2H under mild conditions.
Self-assembly of polyelectrolyte diblock copolymers within mixtures of monovalent and multivalent counterions
Authors: Liu Li-Yan , Yu Zhong-Xun , Liu Li-Xiang , Yang Jing-Qi , Hao Qing-Hai , Wei Tong , Tan Hong-Ge
Published: June 2020

Autocorrelation functions of radius of gyration of the PE chains in the mixtures of monovalent and trivalent, and monovalent and divalent ions are plotted in (a) and (b), respectively.
Solvation and the secondary structure of a proline-containing dipeptide: insights from VCD spectroscopy
Authors: Vermeyen Tom , Merten Christian
Published: June 2020

In this study we investigate the IR and VCD spectra of the diastereomeric dipeptide Boc-Pro-Phe-(n-propyl) 1 in chloroform-d1 (CDCl3) and the strongly hydrogen bonding solvent dimethylsulfoxide-d6 (DMSO-d6).
Interactions of water confined in a metal–organic framework as studied by a combined approach of Raman, FTIR, and IR electroabsorption spectroscopies and multivariate curve resolution analysis
Authors: Hiraoka Takayuki , Shigeto Shinsuke
Published: June 2020

Distinct interactions of water in heterogeneous confinement of a pillared-layer type MOF elucidated by a joint vibrational spectroscopy-multivariate analysis investigation.
Creation of CuOx/ZSM-5 zeolite complex: healing defect sites and boosting acidic stability and catalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Luoming , Gong Yanjun , Zhai Yanliang , Ma Tong , Xu Chunfang , Zuo Shouwei , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jing , Ping Liu
Published: June 2020

CuOx/ZSM-5 was achieved by hydrothermally disintegrating CuO nanoparticle into zeolite. Further studies proved that stable clusters formed and connected with internal silanol, which leads to optimal acidity and high stability in hexane cracking.
Cytotoxicity of photoactivatable bromo tricarbonyl manganese(i) compounds against human liver carcinoma cells
Authors: Khaled Rabaa M. , Friedrich Alexandra , Ragheb Mohamed A. , Abdel-Ghani Nour T. , Mansour Ahmed M.
Published: June 2020

Photoinduced tricarbonyl manganese(i) compounds were prepared and cytotoxicity was observed upon illumination at 525 nm. While photolysis profiles of the compounds bearing OH and OCH3 were similar, they had different effects on cell viability.
Effects of soil particle size on the adsorption, distribution, and migration behaviors of heavy metal(loid)s in soil: a review
Authors: Huang Bin , Yuan Zaijian , Li Dingqiang , Zheng Mingguo , Nie Xiaodong , Liao Yishan
Published: June 2020

The adsorption, distribution, and migration behaviors of heavy metals in soil particles are critically reviewed from the perspectives of research method, soil type, and comparison of results.
Sewer biofilm microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes as function of pipe material, source of microbes, and disinfection: field and laboratory studies
Authors: Morales Medina William R. , Eramo Alessia , Tu Melissa , Fahrenfeld N. L.
Published: June 2020

Wastewater systems are recognized pathways for the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, but relatively little is known about the microbial ecology of the sewer environment.
Characterization of a commercially-available, low-pressure UV lamp as a disinfection system for decontamination of common nosocomial pathogens on N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) material
Authors: Ontiveros C. Carolina , Sweeney Crystal L. , Smith Chris , MacIsaac Sean , Munoz Sebastian , Davidson Ross , McCormick Craig , Thomas Nikhil , Davis Ian , Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: June 2020

A commercially-available UV disinfection system used for hospital room disinfection was characterized and used for N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) material disinfection.
A Brønsted acidic, ionic liquid containing, heteropolyacid functionalized polysiloxane network as a highly selective catalyst for the esterification of dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Rajabi Fatemeh , Wilhelm Christian , Thiel Werner R.
Published: June 2020

A novel acidic solid catalyst allows the monoesterification of a series of dicarboxylic acids with high selectivities.
Lithographically patterned well-type graphene liquid cells with rational designs
Authors: Noh Namgyu , Park Jungjae , Park Ji Su , Koo Kunmo , Park Jae Yeol , Yuk Jong Min
Published: June 2020

The micro-holey pattered graphene liquid cells provide micro-sized viewing areas and controllable liquid thickness, thus enable remarkable imaging performance.
Recyclable, sustainable, and stronger than portland cement: a composite from unseparated biomass and fossil fuel waste
Authors: Lauer Moira K. , Karunarathna Menisha S. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: June 2020

A composite was prepared from biomass and waste sulfur from fossil fuel refining.
Feasibility of TEMPO-functionalized imidazolium, ammonium and pyridinium salts as redox-active carriers in ethaline deep eutectic solvent for energy storage
Authors: Chen Brian , Mitchell Sarah , Sinclair Nicholas , Wainright Jesse , Pentzer Emily , Gurkan Burcu
Published: June 2020

Design and considerations for all organic, redox-active, deep eutectic solvents for energy storage.
Correction: An intrinsically stretchable humidity sensor based on anti-drying, self-healing and transparent organohydrogels
Authors: Wu Jin , Wu Zixuan , Xu Huihua , Wu Qian , Liu Chuan , Yang Bo-Ru , Gui Xuchun , Xie Xi , Tao Kai , Shen Yi , Miao Jianmin , Norford Leslie K.
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘An intrinsically stretchable humidity sensor based on anti-drying, self-healing and transparent organohydrogels’ by Jin Wu et al., Mater. Horiz., 2019, 6, 595–603, DOI: 10.1039/C8MH01160E.
Suppression of superconductivity at the nanoscale in chemical solution derived YBa2Cu3O7−δthin films with defective Y2Ba4Cu8O16intergrowths
Authors: Li Ziliang , Coll Mariona , Mundet Bernat , Palau Anna , Puig Teresa , Obradors Xavier
Published: June 2020

The analysis of the microstructure and superconducting behavior of chemical solution deposited epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δfilms, with thickness down to 5 nm, has been carried out to disclose the behavior of the most common intergrowth Y2Ba4Cu8O16.
Novel copper(ii) complexes with fenamates and isonicotinamide: structure and properties, and interactions with DNA and serum albumin
Authors: Jozefíková Flóra , Perontsis Spyros , Šimunková Miriama , Barbieriková Zuzana , Švorc L’ubomír , Valko Marian , Psomas George , Moncol’ Ján
Published: June 2020

Reactions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs tolfenamic, meclofenamic, mefenamic, clonixic and niflumic acids with isonicotinamide and copper(ii) acetate resulted in the formation of five novel mixed-ligand Cu(ii) coordination compounds.
The synthesis of biphenyl through C–H bond activation in benzene over a Pd catalyst supported on graphene oxide
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Bulusheva Lyubov G. , Bulushev Dmitri A. , Gupta Neeraj
Published: June 2020

This is the first report on carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bond activation in benzene over a palladium catalyst supported on graphene oxide (GO) leading to the sole formation of biphenyl with a yield of 78%.
An amide hydrogen bond templated [1]rotaxane displaying a peptide motif – demonstrating an expedient route to synthetic mimics of lasso peptides
Authors: Young Matthew J. , Akien Geoffrey R. , Evans Nicholas H.
Published: June 2020

The rapid synthesis and characterization of an amide hydrogen bond templated [1]rotaxane – demonstrating a potential pathway to synthetic analogues of lasso peptides.
Synthesis of aziridines with multiple chiral substitutions by copper-catalyzed diastereoselective radical aminotrifluoromethylation of alkenes
Authors: Qin Shuanglin , Yao Linbin , Luo Yunhao , Liu Tongtong , Xu Jiayuan , Sun Yue , Wang Ning , Yan Jun , Tang Bencan , Yang Guang , Yang Cheng
Published: June 2020

A one-step catalytic and diastereoselective method for the synthesis of aziridines possessing multiple chiral substitutions by radical aminotrifluoromethylation of alkenes has been developed for the first time.
Antifouling and antimicrobial polyethersulfone/hyperbranched polyester-amide/Ag composite
Authors: El-Gendi Ayman , Ghanem Ahmed F. , Yassin Mohamed A. , Abdel Rehim Mona H.
Published: June 2020

This study provided a facile approach for the development of antifouling and antibacterial polyethersulfone (PES) composite film.
Nanoparticle enhanced paraffin and tailing ceramic composite phase change material for thermal energy storage
Authors: Li Runfeng , Zhou Yang , Duan Xili
Published: June 2020

A nanoparticle-paraffin-tailing ceramic composite phase change material is developed with good chemical and physical stability and enhanced heat transfer properties.
Slip and momentum transfer mechanisms mediated by Janus rods at polymer interfaces
Authors: Paiva Felipe L. , Secchi Argimiro R. , Calado Verônica , Maia João , Khani Shaghayegh
Published: June 2020

Janus rods interfacially grafted with longer polymers penetrate homopolymer phases and yield less effective momentum transfer across the interface.
Correction: Bandgap-adjustment and enhanced surface photovoltage in Y-substituted LaTaIVO2N
Authors: Bubeck Cora , Widenmeyer Marc , De Denko Alexandra T. , Richter Gunther , Coduri Mauro , Salas Colera Eduardo , Goering Eberhard , Zhang Hongbin , Yoon Songhak , Osterloh Frank E. , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Bandgap-adjustment and enhanced surface photovoltage in Y-substituted LaTaIVO2N’ by Cora Bubeck et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8, 11837–11848, DOI: 10.1039/D0TA02136A.
The coronary artery calcium score is linked to plasma cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers: Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health
Authors: Nunes Valéria Sutti , Bensenor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Passarelli Marisa , Nakandakare Edna Regina , Quintão Eder Carlos Rocha
Published: June 2020

It is controversial whether atherosclerosis is linked to increased intestinal cholesterol absorption or synthesis in humans. The aim of the present study was to relate atherosclerosis to the measurements of plasma markers of cholesterol synthesis (desmosterol, lathosterol) and absorption (campesterol, sitosterol). In healthy male (n=344), non-obese, non-diabetics, belonging to the city of São Paulo branch of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), we measured in plasma these non-cholesterol sterol markers, together with their anthropometric, dietary parameters, traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, and blood chemistry, coronary arterial calcium score (CAC), and ultrasonographically measured common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT). Cases with CAC>zero had the following parameters higher than cases with CAC = zero: age, waist circumference (WC), plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non HDL-C). Plasma desmosterol and campesterol, duly corrected for TC, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hypertension, smoking, and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) correlated with CAC, but not with CCA-IMT. The latter related to increased age, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Plasma HDL-C concentrations did not define CAC or CCA-IMT degrees, although in relation to the lower tertile of HDL-C in plasma the higher tertile of HDL-C had lower HOMA-IR and concentration of a cholesterol synthesis marker (desmosterol). Present work indicated that increased cholesterol synthesis and absorption represent primary causes of CAD, but not of the common carotid artery atherosclerosis.
Behavioral Mimicry as a Strategy to Increase Drinking Behaviors in Older Adults
Authors: Nam Susie , Shune Samantha E.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Individuals with dysphagia, particularly in the presence of dementia, are at high risk for decreased nutrition and hydration. Unfortunately, current treatment options are not without limitations and often ignore the crucial social aspects of mealtimes. The aim of this exploratory, proof-of-concept study was to examine whether the social phenomenon of nonconscious behavioral mimicry can increase drinking behaviors in healthy older adults.

Method

Forty-two older adults (
M
age
= 68.26 years,
SD
= 6.49) participated. Participants and a member of the research team posing as another participant (a confederate) took turns describing two series of pictures, while, unbeknownst to the participants, the confederate either frequently drank from a cup of water or touched the cup. The primary outcome measures (number of drinks per minute, number of cup touches per minute, percentage of time spent drinking, and percentage of time spent touching the cup) were coded and analyzed across both the confederate drinking and cup-touching conditions.

Results

Participants drank more frequently and spent more task time drinking during the confederate drinking condition as compared to the cup-touching condition. There was significant variability in drinking patterns across participants, with some only drinking when they were not engaged in the picture description task.

Conclusions

Behavioral mimicry may increase drinking behaviors in healthy older adults, although the effect may not be as robust among certain subsets of individuals. Clinically, mimicry may hold potential as a powerful, noninvasive supplemental mealtime strategy for increasing intake in those who are most at risk for malnutrition.
Economic and financial benefits for wind turbines providing frequency response exploiting the kinetic energy or operating part‐loaded
Authors: Trovato Vincenzo , Conenna Domenica , Dicorato Maria , Forte Giuseppe , Trovato Michele
Published: June 2020

This work assesses the financial viability of a wind farm where turbines are equipped to provide frequency services. Two control strategies are compared: the former enables the frequency response provision by operating the turbines part loaded, the latter employs the kinetic energy stored in the turbines' rotating masses. The analysis accounts for typical factors affecting the wind farm operation, the wake effect and the forecast errors on wind availability. A two‐stage optimisation model determines the day‐ahead and (close to) real‐time operation of the turbines, which profit from selling energy at the wholesale market (including subsidies), receiving availability payments for frequency services, while facing imbalance costs due to mismatches between forecasted and available wind. The two control strategies are applied to the Teesside Offshore Farm and the economic and financial performance are evaluated against a base case where the turbines do not provide frequency response service. Under current settings, the added value from frequency response capability is marginal. Changes to the market value of frequency services would favour the strategy based on part‐load operation of the turbines. The scheme based on the deployment of kinetic energy becomes profitable when the duration of time window for frequency response reduces.
Stochastic management of automated grids in a social–economic–technical framework considering switching scheme and renewable sources
Authors: Mostowfi Zahra , Rashidinejad Masoud , Abdollahi Amir
Published: June 2020

This study aims to address this issue by improving the social, economic and technical objective functions in an automated distribution system. Optimal switching is regarded as a strategic approach for satisfying these goals. Due to the growing popularity of the renewable energy sources of wind type, several wind turbines are considered in the grid. Such a grid structure requires a powerful and reliable framework which can consider the correlation effects between wind turbines and run optimal switching to reconfigure the grid, simultaneously. Therefore, a novel stochastic framework based on scenario reduction is deployed which can model the uncertainties of the wind turbines, market price and load demands in the operation time horizon. The objective functions to be optimised are the total automated grid costs as the economic function, and the total grid emission and the system average interruption duration index as the social functions. This is a complex non‐linear and mixed integer problem which needs a global optimiser to get solved. Therefore, an efficient and accurate heuristic optimisation algorithm‐based crow search is proposed to solve the problem. A two‐stage modification method is also proposed which improves the crow search algorithm performance using an IEEE test system.
Accurate prediction of photovoltaic power output based on long short‐term memory network
Authors: Zhou Nan‐Run , Zhou Yi , Gong Li‐Hua , Jiang Min‐Lin
Published: June 2020

An accurate power output prediction of the photovoltaic system is pivotal to eliminate the extra cost and the negative impact in the utility grid integrated with photovoltaic power sources. The power output of a photovoltaic system is predicted by introducing a long short‐term memory method. Moreover, the influence of noise data on prediction results is eliminated with the empirical mode decomposition. To further improve the accuracy and stability of the prediction method, the parameters of long short‐term memory neural networks are determined with a sine cosine algorithm. The performances of the long short‐term memory method in terms of root mean square error, mean absolute error, and coefficient of determination in January and August are analysed, respectively. Compared with other prediction schemes, the long short‐term memory method provides superior accuracy for photovoltaic power output prediction.
Smart solution for reducing the COVID‐19 risk using smart city technology
Authors: Jaiswal Rahul , Agarwal Anshul , Negi Richa
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 is not mitigating without a vaccine, but its effect can reduce using some advance technology. Smart cities are one of the essential needs for reducing this pandemic. This study presents the role and implementation of smart city technology to minimise the COVID‐19 risk. The smart city technology is used to maintain social distancing, which avoids the face‐to‐face interaction and physical contact. It has been observed that the position technology is used to trace the infected people. Drones and robot technology are used to work as medical staff and helpful for other essential services. It can be seen that smart healthcare is one of the advance smart city technologies, which is used to take care and treat infected people without any contact. It has also been observed that the smart delivery system is one of the contact‐free technologies. It is used to deliver essential items, including groceries, food, and medicine, without any physical contact. The uses of all the above smart city technologies have been discussed widely to mitigate the COVID‐19 risk.
Affective computing study of attention recognition for the 3D guide system
Authors: Juang Li‐Hong , Wu Ming‐Ni , Lin Cian‐Huei
Published: June 2020

The eye‐tracking has been widely used in multiple discipline studies in recent years. However, most of the studies focused on the analysis for static images or text but less for highly interactive operation application. In addition, the affective computing rose and development in recent years have changed completely the design of thinking pattern for the human–computer interaction. Therefore, this study hopes to integrate the affective computing into the 3D guide system which was developed for the real campus through the eye‐tracking technology. The analysing user's gaze position and recognising attention emotion are according to the interest region which is stetted into the environment, and shows the feedback content corresponds to the area and the emotion. Through the most intuitive gaze analysis, the operation burden can be reduced and the user's interactive experience can be improved to achieve intuitive and user‐friendly experience. The results can also apply for medical therapy on human attention training.
Exploring open cluster properties with Gaia and LAMOST
Authors: Zhong Jing , Chen Li , Wu Di , Li Lu , Bai Leya , Hou Jinliang
Published: June 2020

Context. In Gaia DR2, an unprecedented high level of precision has been reached at sub-milliarcsecond for astrometry and millimagnitudes for photometry. Using cluster members identified with the astrometry and photometry in Gaia DR2, we can obtain a reliable determination of cluster properties. However, because of the shortcomings of Gaia spectroscopic observations in dealing with densely crowded cluster regions, the RVs and metallicity values for cluster member stars from Gaia DR2 are still lacking. It is necessary to combine the Gaia data with the data from large spectroscopic surveys, such as LAMOST, APOGEE, GALAH, and Gaia-ESO.

Aims. In this study our aim is to improve the cluster properties by combining the LAMOST spectra. In particular, we provide the list of cluster members with spectroscopic parameters as an add-value catalog in LAMOST DR5, which can be used to perform a detailed study for a better understanding of the stellar properties, by using their spectra and fundamental properties from the host cluster.

Methods. We cross-matched the spectroscopic catalog in LAMOST DR5 with the identified cluster members in Cantat-Gaudin et al. (2018, A&A, 618, A93). We then used members with spectroscopic parameters to derive statistical properties of open clusters.

Results. We obtained a list of 8811 members with spectroscopic parameters and a catalog of 295 cluster properties. The provided cluster properties include astrometric parameters, spectroscopic parameters, derived kinematic and orbital parameters, and isochrone fitting results. In addition, we study the radial and vertical metallicity gradient and age-metallicity relation with the compiled open clusters as tracers, finding slopes of −0.053 ± 0.004 dex kpc−1, −0.252 ± 0.039 dex kpc−1, and 0.022 ± 0.008 dex Gyr−1, respectively. The slopes of the metallicity distribution relation for young clusters (0.1 Gyr < Age < 2 Gyr) and the age-metallicity relation for clusters within 6 Gyr are both consistent with the literature results. In order to fully study the chemical evolution history in the disk, more spectroscopic observations for old and distant open clusters are needed for further investigation.
The continuum limit of interacting dislocations on multiple slip systems
Authors: van Meurs Patrick
Published: June 2020

In this paper we derive the continuum limit of a multiple-species, interacting particle system by proving a Γ-convergence result on the interaction energy as the number of particles tends to infinity. As the leading application, we considernedge dislocations in multiple slip systems. Since the interaction potential of dislocations has a logarithmic singularity at zero with a sign that depends on the orientation of the slip systems, the interaction energy is unbounded from below. To make the minimization problem of this energy meaningful, we follow the common approach to regularise the interaction potential over a length-scaleδ> 0. The novelty of our result is that we leave thetypeof regularisation general, and that we consider the joint limitn→∞andδ→ 0. Our result shows that the limit behaviour of the interaction energy is not affected by the type of the regularisation used, but that it may depend on how fast thesize(i.e.,δ) decays asn→∞.
Quelle est la couleur de l’or ?
Authors: Bouhelier Alexandre
Published: June 2020

A priori, la question peut surprendre ; son reflet doré est si caractéristique. Pourtant, ce métal précieux peut diffuser une réponse chromatique variée si on l’observe sous une forme nano-structurée. Mieux, si on l’éclaire avec une impulsion lumineuse ultra-brève, l’or génère une variété de phénomènes non-linéaires qui enrichissent spectralement la palette de longueurs d’onde émise par le métal.
Évaluation objective structurée des habiletés techniques des internes de chirurgie en phase socle. Expérience monocentrique portant sur trois cohortes au Medical Training Center de Rouen
Authors: Bottet Benjamin , Selim Jean , Peillon Christophe , Baste Jean-Marc , Schwarz Lilian , Renaux-Petel Mariette , Grise Philippe , Sibert Louis
Published: June 2020

Contexte : La simulation en santé est un outil pédagogique incontournable en formation initiale. But : Rapporter notre expérience d’implantation d’un dispositif de type Objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) pour mesurer les habiletés techniques des internes de chirurgie en phase socle de notre faculté, en évaluer les qualités psychométriques préliminaires et recueillir les opinions des internes sur ce dispositif. Méthodes : Un OSATS composé de quatre puis cinq et six stations de 10 minutes chacune a été administré successivement à trois cohortes d’internes. Chaque station avait pour objectif la réalisation d’une habileté technique de base. La performance des candidats était évaluée par un observateur à l’aide d’une grille préétablie. Les moyennes des scores obtenus aux stations et la cohérence interne des scores (coefficient alpha) ont été analysées. Les besoins ressentis des internes, la validité apparente et de contenu de l’examen ont été évalués par questionnaire. Résultats : Soixante-dix neufs internes ont été évalués sur trois ans. Les performances n’étaient pas corrélées au rang aux épreuves classantes nationales [0.13 (IC95% :−0,11 ; +0,36)]. Les indices de cohérence interne se situaient entre 0,61 et 0,87. Les habiletés pour le sondage urinaire masculin et la suture cutanée étaient acquises très tôt. Les internes ont estimé que les gestes proposés à chaque station étaient réalistes. Pour 93% d’entre eux, l’enseignement par la simulation est indispensable à leur formation. Conclusion : L’implantation d’un OSATS est faisable et fournit d’importants renseignements sur les habiletés techniques des internes en chirurgie. Le développement de ce type d’outil renforcerait la place de la simulation dans la formation chirurgicale.
Angular limit for coronal joint deformity correction using intramedullary guidance in total knee arthroplasty. A pilot study
Authors: Assi Chahine , Mansour Jad , Samaha Camille , Kouyoumdjian Pascal , Yammine Kaissar
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Post-operative misalignment of the lower limb mechanical axis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is thought to be associated with clinical failure. In a balanced knee, a neutral global mechanical axis following the use of intra-medullary (IM) guidance does not necessarily imply a horizontal TKA joint line. Using femoral and tibial axes separately would be more accurate in evaluating TKA alignment. Thus, the aim of the study is to define a pre-operative mechanical tibial and/or femoral angle threshold value for post-operative optimal alignment correction using IM guides.Methods: This single-center prospective continuous pilot study included 50 patients treated with a TKA for primitive osteoarthritis. Femoral and tibial cuts were performed using intramedullary (IM) guide. Three angles were calculated and analyzed pre and post-operatively on standing antero-posterior views using long-leg radiographs: femorotibial angle (FTA), mechanical femoral angle (MFA), and mechanical tibial angle (MTA). Statistical analysis was performed for the whole sample and for the three following FTA subgroups; normo-axial, varus and valgus.Results: The pre-operative MTA is the only parameter for which a threshold value was observed; when pre-operative MTA exceeded the value of 94°, an optimal correction might not be obtained post-operatively.Discussion: Our results suggest that the bony correction obtained via IM guiding depends exclusively on the primary deformation of the tibia. In cases of a varus of more than 94°, the IM guide was found to yield sub-optimal corrections. Thus, other solutions need to be investigated.
Management of unstable pertrochanteric fractures, evaluation of forgotten treatment options
Authors: Selim Amr Ahmed Hosny Abdo , Beder Fady Kamal , Algeaidy Ibrahim Taha , Farhat Ahmed Samir , Diab Nader M. , Barakat Ahmed Samir
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Unstable trochanteric fractures are challenging with a high rate of implant failure and re-operation. Cephalomedullary nails proved to be a rational management choice for these injuries, yet other management options have not been well assessed. The aim of this study was to compare the use of DHS with trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) and proximal femoral locked plate (PFLP) in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 40 patients (22 males, 18 females) with unstable pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31A2.2/A2.3). The patients were randomized into group 1 managed by DHS with TSP while group 2 was managed by PFLP. All patients were followed up for 1 year. Patients were assessed radiographically and clinically using Harris hip score (HHS) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Operative time, estimated blood loss and time to union were also compared. Results: The difference of intra-operative variables, including operative time and intra-operative blood loss, between both groups was statistically insignificant. Time to bony union was faster in the first group with a statistically significant P value (p = 0.04). Functional outcome per HHS was significantly better in group 1 (p < 0.01) and implant failure in group 1 occurred statistically lesser (p < 0.01). Discussion: DHS with TSP appears to be a good option of management for unstable pertrochanteric fractures. In contrast, the use of PFLP in unstable pertrochanteric fractures in the elderly does not appear to be a good alternative.
Error estimations of the heat flux reconstruction for ITER divertor infrared thermography
Authors: Ushiki Tomohiko , Imazawa Ryota , Hatae Takaki , Sugie Tatsuo , Murakami Hidetoshi
Published: June 2020

This study developed a new heat flux reconstruction code based on the dual reciprocity boundary element method for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) divertor infrared (IR) thermography system. To use divertor heat flux reconstruction in ITER, we modeled the boundary condition between the coolant pipe inner wall and the coolant based on the temperature-dependent heat transfer coefficient and also considered the temperature dependence of tungsten thermal properties. Using this reconstruction code, we evaluated the sensitivity of the input data errors, divertor coolant temperature, and surface temperature errors on the accuracy of heat flux reconstruction by using simplified heat flux profiles, which are spatially uniform on the top surface of the monoblocks. This heat flux reconstruction method demonstrated that highly accurate heat flux reconstruction can be achieved for high heat flux cases in ITER; however, further studies are needed for low heat flux reconstruction.
Topologically switchable behavior induced by an elastic instability in a phononic waveguide
Authors: Nguyen B. H. , Zhuang X. , Park H. S. , Rabczuk T.
Published: June 2020

While topological insulators have been widely studied, they typically appear in configurations and properties that are set once a structure is fabricated. As such, there is significant interest in developing topologically tunable or switchable concepts. In this work, we demonstrate that geometric nonlinearity in the form of an elastic snap-through instability can be exploited to switch the topological properties of a Timoshenko arch beam unit cell. We first demonstrate that the phonon band structure can be tuned using geometric nonlinearity and large displacement to reveal the existence of a topological phase transition point. To make this concept fully stable under the removal of the applied force, we then demonstrate the emergence of a bistable unit cell by varying the parameters of the unit cell. In doing so, we show that the bistability of the arch beam unit cell can be harnessed to design a switch that controls the topological nature of an interface between two different 1D phononic crystals.
Ultrabroadband and independent polarization of optical amplification with InGaAs-based indium-rich cluster quantum-confined structure
Authors: Zheng Ming , Yu Qingnan , Li Xue , Tai Hanxu , Zhang Xing , Zhang Jianwei , Ning Yongqiang , Wu Jian
Published: June 2020

This Letter reports polarization-independent optical amplification over an ultrabroad spectral range by semiconductor optical amplifiers. The technique uses an InGaAs-based indium-rich cluster (IRC) quantum-confined structure as the active medium and obtains comparable optical gain for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarization modes in the spectral ranges of 905–1005 and 905–970 nm, respectively. The device thus provides independent optical amplification for TE and TM polarizations over a common bandwidth of 65 nm. The difference between the amplified intensities of TE and TM modes is <0.5 dB. These results are attributed to the special emission mechanism of the IRC quantum-confined structure, which differs from that of conventional quantum wells or quantum dots. A preliminary analysis of this mechanism is provided.
Structural investigation of ferroelectric BiFeO3–BaTiO3 solid solutions near the rhombohedral–pseudocubic phase boundary
Authors: Yabuta Hisato , Watanabe Masatoshi , Watanabe Takayuki , Kubota Makoto , Shimada Mikio , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Hirosawa Ichiro , Kumada Nobuhiro , Wada Satoshi
Published: June 2020

The structural properties of single crystals of BiFeO3–BaTiO3 (BF–BT) ferroelectric oxide solid solution with a slightly BF-rich composition (72BF–28BT; toward the rhombohedral-phase side) from the rhombohedral–pseudocubic phase boundary were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and reciprocal space mapping (RSM), including three-dimensional (3D) RSM. According to the TEM results, the 72BF–28BT specimen had a domain structure similar to that of a rhombohedral crystal and the polarization direction appeared to be approximately ⟨111⟩, corresponding to a ferroelectric crystal with rhombohedral symmetry, although some distorted behavior suggested that the crystal symmetry may not have been strictly rhombohedral. Fine and complex domain structures were also observed inside the rectangular domains. The RSM results also indicated that the crystal had rhombohedral-like symmetry, although several discrepancies were observed, such as unexpectedly split diffraction peaks and distortion-related diffraction distribution in the reciprocal space. The structural behavior observed in the TEM images and 2D and 3D RSM images suggested that the symmetry of the 72BF–28BT specimen was lower than rhombohedral and may have been monoclinic. Structural disorder was detected along the distorted direction from rhombohedral symmetry, which could interfere with obtaining structural information via powder diffraction experiments and lead to inaccurate identification of the crystal structure as a higher-symmetry one.
Long memory effects in excitonic systems dynamics: Spectral relations and excitation transport
Authors: Korsakas S. , Bučinskas J. , Abramavicius D.
Published: June 2020

The main quantity that controls excitation relaxation and transport in molecular systems is the environment-induced fluctuation correlation function. Commonly used models assume the exponentially decaying correlation function, characterized by a given characteristic time, which allows us to define the Markovian conditions and, hence, allows us to use rate equations for excitation dynamics. A long memory fractional correlation function is studied in this paper as an alternative model. Such a function has an infinite characteristic decay time, and thus, system decay to equilibrium becomes poorly defined. Consequently, it becomes impossible to define the Markovian regime. By assuming the weak system–bath coupling regime, we apply the non-Markovian equations of motion to describe the equilibration process in an excitonic molecular aggregate. The long memory model causes a weaker decay of coherent components in excitonic system relaxation dynamics. Nevertheless, the short time dynamics, which is important in optical spectroscopy, depends on the short time interval of the fluctuation correlation function. Excitation relaxation in this window appears to be well described by non-Markovian approaches.
Similarities in the free-surface elevations and horizontal velocities of undular bores propagating over a horizontal bed
Authors: Lin Chang , Kao Ming-Jer , Yuan Juan-Ming , Raikar Rajkumar Venkatesh , Hsieh Shih-Chun , Chuang Po-Yu , Syu Jie-Ming , Pan Wei-Chih
Published: June 2020

This paper presents experimental results regarding the existence of similarities and/or Froude number similitudes in the time series of the free-surface elevation (FSE) and horizontal velocity of undular bores (UBs) propagating over a horizontal bed. Two wave gauges and high-speed particle image velocimetry are employed to measure the FSEs and velocity fields. A complete evolution of the FSE (or horizontal velocity) of UBs is divided into four temporal stages, named stages I–IV. The surge-wave amplitudes, constant characteristic horizontal velocities, and specified time differences are then identified as the characteristic length scale, velocity scale, and timescale of UBs. Data for the dimensionless FSE and free-stream velocity vs the dimensionless shifted time are found to collapse onto two unique similarity trends. This demonstrates the existence of Froude number similitudes for the entire evolution of UBs with geometric similarity. Under the same water-depth ratio and length ratio, but distinct values of the relative basin and travel length for different UBs, larger values of the relative basin length produce greater end times for the final occurrence of the constant FSE and characteristic horizontal velocity. This demonstrates that the end time is not influenced by the relative travel length. Under identical values of the water-depth ratio and relative basin length, a smaller relative travel length results in a greater rate of decrease in the unit discharge during stage IV. Correspondingly, this results in earlier bifurcation of the time series of FSE (or free-stream velocity), which has a smaller (or larger) rate of decrease, from their counterparts with larger relative travel lengths.