bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Musical Roots of Western Mathematics
Authors: Grandy David ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

Alfred North Whtiehead stated that mathematics and music compete with each other for the honor of being the most novel achievement of the human imagination. Actually, there is no rivalry or competition, for the two enterprises interpenetrate once the investigation is pursued far enough. Though on opposite ends of the science-humanities spectrum, each discipline points toward the other and elicits the same sort of reverential puzzlement. This essay considers the seminal interconnection between music and mathematics and concludes that this unexpected conjunction of opposites bespeaks a higher, unseen reality. Music cum mathematics is an optics that allows us to discover, celebrate, and participate in God's ongoing Creation.
The Bridge to Eternity
Authors: Gruenwald Oskar ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

This essay considers Medjugorje, a small mountain village in Bosma-Hercegovina, as an icon or a bridge between God and man. The contemporary quest for national roots in the Balkans has led to cultural policies in the Yugoslav successor states which deny all common bonds among the South Slavs, resulting in a Kafkaesque civil war. Drawing on the crisis of liberal democracy and community in the West, the essay explores the prospects for peace in the former Yugoslavia, as reflected in Our Lady of Medjugorje's call for moral and spiritual renewal. It concludes that the quintessential, universal. Christian, and ecumenical Medjugorje message of peace represents a bridge to eternity, just as the historic Old Bridge in Mostar and the Višegrad Bridge over the Drina River are symbolic of a common South Slav history and destiny.
Research possibilities of extreme hydrological phenomena in Serbia in the function of climate change adaptation
Authors: Anđelković Goran , Samardžić Ivan , Đukić Duško
Published: January 2021

Many natural disasters are nowadays interpreted as consequences of climate changes. They represent a form of extreme occurrences, i.e. deviation of normal conditions. They are recognized as deviation in the intensity, frequency or spatial distribution of a phenomenon from normal conditions. Thus, they represent a threat to ecosystems, economic stability and can lead to social and political problems. So far, there is no generally accepted classification of the disasters. This paper starts from the fact that a special grouping represents disasters that are happening as result of interaction of atmosphere and hydrosphere, due to the mutual interconnections. It is considered that the genetic grouping of climatehydrological extremes represents the majority of natural disasters. In the near past, the Southeast Europe countries were exposed to hydrological extremes whose causes were atmospheric occurrences. Due to the region's compactness and similar geographical conditions, these countries were sensitive to similar phenomena. The paper discusses about the hydrological extremes in Serbia that represents the result of extreme climatic conditions in relation to the consequences they have in the geographical surrounding. A total of 19 extreme hydrological phenomena have been outlined in this paper. Based on the level of destructiveness, they are classified into five categories: exceptional, significant, dangerous, strong and catastrophic. Each of them can be identified using statistical thresholds as physical parameters. The type of distribution basically determines the way in which thresholds are calculated. Four methods for their detection are outlined: the normal distribution method, the peaks method, the deciles method and the recurrence interval method. Defining each unfavorable phenomenon, their classification and determination of methods for detection are conditions for recognition and announcement. This allows an adequate reaction from the social community and the risks of disasters are reduced.
La solitude contractuelle de l’assurance
Authors: Caron Vincent
Published: January 2021

La théorie générale du contrat repose sur l’idée romantique de la rencontre de deux volontés venant à fusionner. L’étude du contrat d’assurance démontre toutefois un changement de paradigme allant de la fusion contractuelle à celui de la solitude contractuelle où la rencontre des volontés des contractants ne se produit jamais réellement. Cette solitude s’illustre de différentes manières lorsque la Proposition a préséance sur la Police ou inversement lorsque la seconde surlasse la première. De même, plusieurs solutions dégagées par les tribunaux ne trouvent pas de fondement dans la Proposition ni dans la Police, ce qui laisse ainsi croire que le « contrat » d’assurance réside dans un ailleurs qui n’est pas celui de l’intention commune des contractants. Ultimement, le tiraillement entre la Proposition et la Police pose la question de la véritable nature de l’assurance : est-ce encore un contrat ?
Estudio del tratamiento y transferencia de datos de mensajería financiera entre la Unión Europea y los Estados Unidos a los efectos de la lucha contra la financiación del terrorismo
Authors: Mallada Fernández Covadonga
Published: January 2021

En este artículo se va a analizar el intercambio de información entre la Unión Europea y los Estados Unidos para luchar contra la financiación del terrorismo dentro del acuerdo TFTP: “Acuerdo entre la Unión Europea y los Estados Unidos de América relativo al tratamiento y la transferencia de datos de mensajería financiera de la Unión Europea a los Estados Unidos a efectos del Programa de seguimiento de la financiación del terrorismo”. Así pues, en primer lugar, se hará una pequeña introducción de la situación actual de la lucha contra la financiación del terrorismo en Europa. En segundo lugar, analizaremos los acuerdos de intercambio de información entre Europa y Estados Unidos. En tercer lugar, nos detendremos en el proyecto en ciernes del sistema europeo de seguimiento de la financiación del terrorismo (TFTS), y, ya, por último, en las conclusiones intentaremos realizar un análisis crítico de la situación actual y cómo creemos que se desarrollará este intercambio de información dentro del marco del TFTP y del TFTS en un futuro próximo.
Style perswazji w Europie na przykładzie komentarzy w prasie codziennej. Hartmut E.H. Lenk, Hans W. Giessen (red.) (2020): Persuasionsstile in Europa. Strategien und Mittel des Überzeugens in Zeitungskommentaren aus kontrastiver Sicht. Berlin: Frank & Timme. Verlag für wissenschaftliche Literatur, 232 S.
Authors: Smykała Marta
Published: January 2021

The goal of this contribution is to review and to discuss the content of the publication by Hartmut E.H. Lenk, Hans W. Giessen (red.) (2020): Persuasionsstile in Europa. Strategien und Mittel des Überzeugens in Zeitungskommentaren aus kontrastiver Sicht. Berlin: Frank & Timme. Verlag für wissenschaftliche Literatur, 232 S.
Determinants of commitment and opportunism of institutional investors’ behaviour: an empirical investigation on Robo-voting Phenomenon
Authors: CUCARI NICOLA , ESPOSITO DE FALCO SALVATORE , CARBONARA SERGIO , SERGAKIS KONSTANTINOS , SARDANELLI DOMENICO
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the paper: Recent research identifies a troubling number of institutional investors that automatically follow the advice of their proxy advisors so that they can prove to have complied with their fiduciary duties in a practice known as robo-voting. Therefore, our central research questions are: How could the characteristics of institutional investors affect robo-voting phenomenon? How could robo-voting phenomenon favour the creation of new opportunistic behaviour, changing the scope of shareholder engagement? Methodology: Our paper directly addresses these questions by using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) to test the effect of characteristics of institutional investors on the dependent variable under study. We use a manually constructed sample of coverage information from 123 Annual General Meetings held by large Italian companies in the 4-year period 2015 to 2018 and the voting reports of three proxy advisors. Findings: We show that such voting based on robo-voting phenomenon is restricted to specific types of institutional investors and it may be highlighted as a negative aspect of a duty to ‘demonstrate’ engagement on the part of institutional investors. Specifically, this duty could depend on location, strategy and category of institutional investors. Research limits: We refer only to the Italian market and it may be considered as a peripheral market by investors. Practical implications: We argue that legal enforcement of the conceptual and operational spectrum of engagement duties currently sits uncomfortably upon institutional investors and proxy advisors. Originality of the paper: We think it is important to consider how to promote shareholder engagement in general in a European context and at the same time curb negative activism by some shareholders.
Optical preamplifier based simultaneous quantum key distribution and classical communication scheme
Authors: Zhong Hai , Ye Wei , Wu Xiao-Dong , Guo Ying ,   School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China,   School of Automation, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Published: January 2021

That the simultaneous quantum key distribution and classical communication (SQCC) scheme are combined with the continuous variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) and the classical communication together, will provide an effective method to implement the simultaneous CVQKD and the classical communication in the existing optical networks in the future. However, superimposing a classical signal on the quantum signal will introduce excess noise into the CVQKD system, thus greatly reducing the performance of the system. In this paper, a novel scheme of SQCC based on optical preamplifier (OPA) is proposed, that is, the OPA is inserted into the receiver to improve the performance of the system. On the one hand, under the condition of the same bit error rate, the amplification of the signal by the OPA can reduce the requirement for the modulation amplitude of the classical signal at the sending end, thereby reducing the noise effect of the classical signal on the quantum signal. On the other hand, the OPA can compensate for the imperfection of the receiver detector. Moreover, in the case of locally generated local oscillator, the amplifier can also amplify the weak phase reference pulse, and thus reducing the phase excess noise caused by the shot noise of the weak phase reference pulse. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed scheme has better performance than the original scheme in the sense of security key rate and transmission distance. These results show that this scheme provides an effective and practical method for the further development and practical application of the SQCC scheme.
Evolutionary conflicts and adverse effects of antiviral factors
Authors: Sauter Daniel , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: January 2021

Human cells are equipped with a plethora of antiviral proteins protecting them against invading viral pathogens. In contrast to apoptotic or pyroptotic cell death, which serves as ultima ratio to combat viral infections, these cell-intrinsic restriction factors may prevent or at least slow down viral spread while allowing the host cell to survive. Nevertheless, their antiviral activity may also have detrimental effects on the host. While the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiviral activity of restriction factors are frequently well investigated, potential undesired effects of their antiviral functions on the host cell are hardly explored. With a focus on antiretroviral proteins, we summarize in this review how individual restriction factors may exert adverse effects as trade-off for efficient defense against attacking pathogens.
Literature Review on Development and Validation of Quality of Life Tool among Chemotherapy Patients
Authors: Jain Virendra Kumar , Sharma Anil
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cancer is the second commonest explanation for death subsequent to heart diseases and it represented 8.8 million deaths worldwide during 2015. Quality of Life (QOL) is all about personal satisfaction, degree or the standard to which an individual, gathering of individuals or community people can appreciates the significant inclination and experience of life like physically, mentally, socially, etc. Aim: To identify the existing tools or instrument for QOL among chemotherapy patients. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of literature for QOL tool among chemotherapy patients was conducted. Electronic databases were looked: Pubmed, proquest, PsycINFC Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL). Results: Researcher found 673 research papers from electronic data base: from that 353 articles were excluded bases on exclusion criteria. So total retrieved articles were 320 among all 51 duplicate articles, 88 No full text available, 58 not relevant and 47 abstracts were excluded. Final retrieved articles were 76; among them 38 full articles were excluded based on inclusion criteria. Finally, according to 38 studies, out of 14 investigations utilised European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QOL-C 30) survey, four studies used the Health Related Quality Of Life (HRQOL) tool, four studies used World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) is a self-report questionnaire which assesses 4 domains of quality of life (QOL): physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment, Twelve studies used self administered questionnaire, four studies used other method like face to face validity, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) etc. The most-normally utilised instrument was a QOL tool for use in universal clinical preliminaries in oncology having a place with EORTC QOL C-30 survey, HRQOL tool and WHO BREF tool. Conclusion: In this review study variety of instruments has been used by the researcher that explores the QOL of chemotherapy patients. The significance of psychometric properties of the instruments and its effect on discoveries rising up out of various examinations, it appears to be fundamental that more thought be paid to the validity and reliability of tool before conducting the research studies. Literature suggested that the analysts contribute enough consideration regarding the choice of standard instruments and organise the instruments' validity and reliability of their outlook explores. Finding of study suggested that tools along with ideal psychometrics properties which were good with the socio-cultural setting of particular country.
NRG/ErbB signaling regulates neonatal muscle growth but not neuromuscular contractures in neonatal brachial plexus injury
Authors: Ho Brendan L. , Goh Qingnian , Nikolaou Sia , Hu Liangjun , Shay‐Winkler Kritton , Cornwall Roger
Published: January 2021

Neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI) causes disabling and incurable muscle contractures that are driven by impaired growth of denervated muscles. A rare form of NBPI, which maintains afferent muscle innervation despite motor denervation, does not cause contractures. As afferent innervation regulates various aspects of skeletal muscle homeostasis through NRG/ErbB signaling, our current study investigated the role of this pathway in modulating contracture development. Through pharmacologic modification with an ErbB antagonist and NRG1 isoforms, we discovered that NRG/ErbB signaling does not modulate the development of contractures in neonatal mice. Instead, ErbB inhibition impeded growth in nondenervated skeletal muscles, whereas increased ErbB activation exacerbated denervation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy. This potential regulatory effect of NRG/ErbB signaling on neonatal muscle growth warrants deeper investigation.
Investigating the feasibility of generating dual‐energy CT from one 120‐kVp CT scan: a phantom study
Authors: Huang Wen‐Hui , Jhan Kai‐Jie , Yang Ching‐Ching
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of generating pseudo dual‐energy CT (DECT) from one 120‐kVp CT by using convolutional neural network (CNN) to derive additional information for quantitative image analysis through phantom study.

Methods

Dual‐energy scans (80/140 kVp) and single‐energy scans (120 kVp) were performed for five calibration phantoms and two evaluation phantoms on a dual‐source DECT scanner. The calibration phantoms were used to generate training dataset for CNN optimization, while the evaluation phantoms were used to generate testing dataset. A CNN model which takes 120‐kVp images as input and creates 80/140‐kVp images as output was built, trained, and tested by using Caffe CNN platform. An in‐house software to quantify contrast enhancement and synthesize virtual monochromatic CT (VMCT) for CNN‐generated pseudo DECT was implemented and evaluated.

Results

The CT numbers in 80‐kVp pseudo images generated by CNN are differed from the truth by 11.57, 16.67, 13.92, 12.23, 10.69 HU for syringes filled with iodine concentration of 2.19, 4.38, 8.75, 17.5, 35 mg/ml, respectively. The corresponding results for 140‐kVp CT are 3.09, 9.10, 7.08, 9.81, 7.59 HU. The estimates of iodine concentration calculated based on the proposed method are differed from the truth by 0.104, 0.603, 0.478, 0.698, 0.795 mg/ml for syringes filled with iodine concentration of 2.19, 4.38, 8.75, 17.5, 35 mg/ml, respectively. With regards to image quality enhancement, VMCT synthesized by using pseudo DECT shows the best contrast‐to‐noise ratio at 40 keV.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed method should be a practicable strategy for iodine quantification in contrast enhanced 120‐kVp CT without using specific scanner or scanning procedure.
Reduction of superficial radiation dose with bolus in passive scattering proton beam therapy
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Joo , Kim Chankyu , Lee Se Byeong , Kim Jae‐Sung
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In passive scattering proton beam therapy, scattered protons from the snout and aperture increase the superficial dose, however, treatment planning systems (TPSs) based on analytic algorithms (such as proton convolution superposition) are often inaccurate in this aspect. This additional dose can cause permanent alopecia or severe radiation dermatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bolus on the superficial radiation dose in passive scattering proton beam therapy.

Methods

We drew a clinical target volume (CTV) and a scalp‐p (phantom), and created plans using a TPS for a solid water phantom with and without bolus. We calculated the dose distribution in the established plans independently with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and measured the actual dose distribution with an array of ion chambers and radiochromic films. To assess the clinical impact of bolus on scalp dose, we conducted independent dose verification using MC simulation in a clinical case.

Results

In the solid water phantom without bolus, the calculated scalp‐p volume receiving 190 cGy was 20% with TPS but 80% with MC simulation when the CTV received 200 cGy. With 2 cm bolus, this decreased from 80% to 10% in MC simulation. With the measurements, average superficial dose to the scalp‐p was reduced by 5.2% when 2 cm bolus was applied. In the clinical case, the scalp‐c (clinical) volume receiving 3000 cGy decreased from 74% to 63% when 2 cm bolus was applied.

Conclusion

This study revealed that bolus can reduce radiation dose at the superficial body area and alleviate toxicity in passive scattering proton beam therapy.
Screening Arrays of Laminin Peptides on Modified Cellulose for Promotion of Adhesion of Primary Endothelial and Neural Precursor Cells
Authors: Wetzel Richard , Hauser Sandra , Lin Weilin , Berg Peggy , Werner Carsten , Pietzsch Jens , Kempermann Gerd , Zhang Yixin
Published: January 2021

Neural precursor cells (NPC) are primary cells intensively used in the context of research on adult neurogenesis and modeling of neuronal development in health and diseased states. Substrates that can facilitate NPC adhesion will be very useful for culturing these cells. Due to the presence of laminin in basal lamina as well as their involvement in differentiation, migration, and adhesion of many types of cells, surfaces modified with laminin‐derived peptides are focused upon and compared with the widely used fibronectin‐derived Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptides. An array of 46 peptides is synthesized on cellulose paper (SPOT) to identify laminin‐derived peptides that promote short‐term adhesion of murine NPC and human primary endothelial cells. Various previously reported peptide sequences are re‐evaluated in this work. Initial adhesion experiments show NPC preferred several laminin‐derived peptides by up to 5‐time higher cell numbers, compared to the well‐known promiscuous integrin binding RGD peptide. Importantly, screening of cell adhesion has revealed a synergetic effect of filamentous matrix, peptide sequence, surface property, ligand density, and the dynamic process of NPC adhesion.
Temperature Effect on Strain Hardening Behaviors of As‐Extruded Binary Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Zhao Chaoyue , Chen Xianhua , Tu Teng , Wang Ziyi , Yuan Yuan , Pan Fusheng
Published: January 2021

Herein, the effect of temperature on strain‐hardening behaviors of binary Mg‐3X (X = Al, Zn, Sn, Y, and Gd) alloys were investigated. Uniaxial tensile tests are carried out at room temperature (RT), 150 and 250 °C. These samples are composed of α‐Mg phase and second‐phase precipitates which exist only in Mg‐3Sn and Mg‐3Gd. In the temperature range of this work, dislocation movement dominates the plastic deformation process and strain‐hardening ability decreases with rising temperature due to stronger dynamic recovery. The amount of forest dislocations decreases at elevated temperature under the influence of dynamic recovery and grain boundary sliding (GBS), thus strain‐hardening ability is seriously weakened. However, a periodic serrated hardening curve appears in Mg‐3Y and Mg‐3Gd alloys at elevated temperature, which results from dynamic strain aging (DSA) effect. Moreover, with increasing deformation temperature, the decline scope of strain‐hardening ability of Mg‐3Y and Mg‐3Gd is significantly lesser than non‐RE binary alloys. The differences in strain‐hardening behavior of these alloys at various temperatures are mainly related to diffusion coefficients of alloying elements in α‐Mg matrix.
Improvement of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Near‐Eutectic Al–Mg2Si Alloys by Eu Addition
Authors: Jin Yinling , Fang Hongze , Wang Shu , Chen Ruirun , Su Yanqing , Guo Jingjie
Published: January 2021

To modify the microstructure and improve the tensile properties of Al–Mg2Si alloys, different contents of Eu are added into near‐eutectic Al–Mg2Si alloys by melting. Results show that the near‐eutectic Al–Mg2Si alloys consist of primary α‐Al, the first eutectic and second eutectic (Al + Mg2Si) phases, and a few Fe‐containing phase. When the addition of Eu reaches 0.05%, the first eutectic structure is refined, and the first eutectic Mg2Si phase transforms from platelet into fiber. Meanwhile, the second eutectic phase increases, even that the alloy is almost the second eutectic phase when the Eu content is 0.3%. These changes are induced by the modification of Eu. Tensile testing shows that the ductility and the strength are improved to 8.6% and 178 MPa from 1% and 145 MPa when the Eu content is 0.05%, and fracture mode is also changed. This improvement is caused by the modification of the eutectic structure. The tensile properties are decreased or even deteriorated with further increasing the Eu content, which is induced by over‐modification of Eu addition. It is concluded that the modification of eutectic Mg2Si phase by Eu addition contributes to the enhancement of mechanical properties of the near‐eutectic Al–Mg2Si alloys.
Design and Operation of Hybrid Microfluidic Iontronic Probes for Regulated Drug Delivery
Authors: Arbring Sjöström Theresia , Ivanov Anton I. , Bernard Christophe , Tybrandt Klas , Poxson David J. , Simon Daniel T. , Berggren Magnus
Published: January 2021

Highly controlled drug delivery devices play an increasingly important role in the development of new neuroengineering tools. Stringent—and sometimes contradicting—demands are placed on such devices, ranging from robustness in freestanding devices, to overall device miniaturization, while maintaining precise spatiotemporal control of delivery with high chemical specificity and high on/off ratio. Here, design principles of a hybrid microfluidic iontronic probe that uses flow for long‐range pressure‐driven transport in combination with an iontronic tip that provides electronically fine‐tuned pressure‐free delivery are explored. Employing a computational model, the effects of decoupling the drug reservoir by exchanging a large passive reservoir with a smaller microfluidic system are reported. The transition at the microfluidic‐iontronic interface is found to require an expanded ion exchange membrane inlet in combination with a constant fluidic flow, to allow a broad range of device operation, including low source concentrations and high delivery currents. Complementary to these findings, the free‐standing hybrid probe monitored in real time by an external sensor is demonstrated. From these computational and experimental results, key design principles for iontronic devices are outlined that seek to use the efficient transport enabled by microfluidics, and further, key observations of hybrid microfluidic iontronic probes are explained.
Regioselective Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydrobenzo[f]isoindolones via Ag‐Catalyzed Sequential Ugi 4CR/Cascade Radical Cyclization Reaction
Authors: He Ying‐Chun , Yan Yan‐Mei , Ren Zhen‐Xing , Wang Yong‐Zhao , Yu Qiang , Xiong Jun , Wang Meng‐Liang
Published: January 2021

An approach to 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[f]isoindolones by a Ag‐catalyzed Ugi 4CR/cascade radical cyclization sequence under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction of (E)‐2‐benzylidene‐4‐arylbut‐3‐ynoic acids, aldehydes, amines, and isocyanides produced 2,3‐dihydro‐benzo[f]isoindolones regioselectively in 60–85% yields via sequential Ugi 4CR/cascade radical cyclization reaction in the presence of Cs2CO3 and AgOTf. The method achieved the formation of two C−C bonds under air atmosphere in one‐pot fashion.

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1,2‐Benzothiazine Derivatives from Sulfonimidamides by Metal‐Catalyzed Annulation Reactions in Solution and under Solvent‐Free Mechanochemical Conditions
Authors: Schöbel Jan‐Hendrik , Elbers Philipp , Truong Khai‐Nghi , Rissanen Kari , Bolm Carsten
Published: January 2021

Three‐dimensional aza‐analogues of 1,2‐benzothiazine 1,1‐dioxides have been prepared from sulfonimidamides. Two different protocols are presented. The first is a rhodium‐catalyzed annulation reaction with α‐sulfonyloxyketones leading to 4‐unsubstituted benzothiazine derivatives. By selective bromination with NBS the heterocyclic ring can further be functionalized. In the second approach, an iridium catalyst is applied under solvent‐free mechanochemical conditions providing products with 3,4‐disubstituted thiazine rings from diazoketo esters and diazoketo sulfones.

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Broadband Meta‐Absorber with Au/Ni Core–Shell Nanowires for Solar Vapor Generator
Authors: Son Soomin , Park Jaemin , Ju Sucheol , Huh Daihong , Jun Junho , Kim Kwan , Jung Pil‐Hoon , Lee Heon
Published: January 2021

Solar energy has the advantages of being eco‐friendly, practically infinite, and nonreliant on chemical fuels. A solar vapor generator uses sunlight to transform a liquid stream into a vapor stream to operate a turbine for generating electricity. For efficient vapor generation, it should absorb the sunlight in broad spectrum with high absorption, and also have high photothermal conversion efficiency. In this work, Ni nanowires and Au/Ni core–shell nanowire absorbers which meet the relevant conditions are fabricated using a cost‐effective process for efficient solar vapor generation. The light is scattered and trapped in the nanowires and the electrical field is enhanced between the nanowires by the surface plasmonic gap resonance, resulting in high absorption. Also, the adiabatic nanofocusing structure generates heat at hot spots, resulting in efficient photothermal conversion. As a result, the Ni and Au/Ni core–shell nanowire absorbers respectively, absorb over 98% and 91% of the incident light in the solar spectrum. Further, the efficiency of photothermal conversion of the Au–Ni absorber under 1 Sun is found to be ≈33%. These absorbers have the potential to be applied to diverse fields, such as desalination, solar thermophotovoltaics, and metamaterials.
Strain‐Induced Interlayer Parallel‐to‐Antiparallel Magnetic Transitions of Twisted Bilayers
Authors: Wang Jian‐Jun , Yang Tian‐Nan , Wang Bo , Rzchowski Mark S. , Eom Chang‐Beom , Chen Long‐Qing
Published: January 2021

The discovery of superconductivity in twisted graphene bilayers with a magic twisting angle ≈1.1° has opened up a wide range of potential twistronic device possibilities. In this work, the twisting effects in spintronic devices are explored. In particular, a material prototype integrating spintronics, straintronics, and twistronics is developed by stacking a twisted CoFe2O4 (CFO) bilayer membrane on a Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) membrane. Phase‐field simulations are performed to study the magnetic domain configurations and switching in CFO bilayers under piezostrains. An emerging interlayer parallel‐to‐antiparallel magnetic transition of the twisted CFO bilayer induced by appropriate piezostrain pulses generated from the PMN‐PT membrane is discovered. Such a strain‐induced parallel‐to‐antiparallel magnetic transition is non‐volatile and reversible, arising from the synergistic interaction among spin, strain, and twisting order parameters. The present work provides a paradigm for designing novel spinotropic devices by taking advantage of the emerging phenomena generated by twisting.
Last‐Passage Algorithm for Charge Distribution Over a Finite Region
Authors: Jang Hoseung , Given James , Yu Unjong , Hwang Chi‐Ok
Published: January 2021

First‐passage and last‐passage Monte Carlo algorithms have been used for computing charge distribution on a conducting object. First‐passage algorithms are used for an overall charge distribution on a conducting object and Given–Hwang's last‐passage algorithms are used for a charge density at a specific point on a flat or spherical surface of a conductor. In this paper, a last‐passage algorithm for computing charge distribution over a finite region of a conducting object is presented.
Profuse Surface Activation of Ir‐Dispersed Titanium Nitride Bifunctional Electrocatalysts
Authors: Anandhababu Ganesan , Babu Dickson D. , Manimuthu Veerappan , Baskaran Sambath
Published: January 2021

Dispersing small amounts of rare‐earth metal on the surface of metallic nitrides displays great prospects for systematic tweaking of electrocatalytic activity. Iridium (Ir)‐integrated titanium nitride nanowires (Ir‐TiN NWs) for bifunctional catalytic activities are demonstrated. To expose real electrocatalytic activity, the Ir‐TiN catalysts are characterized in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) computations by a wide range of spectroscopic and electrochemical systems. Impressively, Ir‐TiN NWs electrocatalysts grown from titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are capable of delivering quick hydrogen (H2) evaluation with least over‐potentials of 93 mV for 10 mA cm−2 in neutral medium. In addition, this efficient Ir‐TiN NWs delivers outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction with smaller over‐potential of 49 mV for 10 mA cm−2 in acid medium. Overall, the study highlights a novel, extremely energetic bifunctional catalyst; it proposes novel imperative perceptions into the structure and performance of bimetallic nitride electrocatalysts in wide range pH environments.
Impact of Solvent Treatment of the Superionic Argyrodite Li6PS5Cl on Solid‐State Battery Performance
Authors: Ruhl Justine , Riegger Luise M. , Ghidiu Michael , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: January 2021

With growing interest in solution‐based processing of electrolytes for all‐solid‐state batteries comes the need to more deeply understand potential detrimental effects of the solvent on electrolyte materials, as well as effects on the cell performance that may not have been evident by structural characterization alone. Herein, the superionic solid electrolyte Li6PS5Cl is treated with five organic solvents selected for a range of different physical and chemical properties. The electrolytes treated with solvents that do not lead to obvious degradation are used in cathode composites of solid‐state batteries In/LiIn│Li6PS5Cl│NCM‐622:Li6PS5Cl. After treatment in some solvents, the solid electrolyte remains seemingly unaffected, but a strong influence on the solid‐state battery performance is observed, revealing underlying effects that warrant deeper study.
Are polycultures for silage pragmatic medleys or gallimaufries?
Authors: Burton Amanda B. , Baniszewski Julie , Roth Greg W. , Tooker John F. , Kemanian Armen R.
Published: January 2021

Polycultures, mixtures of different crop species in the same field, may provide both production and ecological benefits. Silage production in annual cropping systems may incorporate polycultures and take advantage of species’ niche partitioning, potentially stabilizing yield variation due to abiotic stress. Using maize (Zea mays L.) silage as the basis of our 3‐yr study, we tested the impact on crop and soil attributes of replacing a fraction of maize with soy [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor × bicolor and var. sudanense [unnamed hybrid]), or a medley of soy, sorghum, and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Compared to maize monocultures and on average for the 3 yr, a replacement mixture of maize + soy lowered yields (1.57 vs. 1.87 kg m–2), but increased the N, P, and K concentration in the silage by 1.2x, 1.09x, and 1.03x, respectively. Maize + sorghum polycultures matched the biomass yields of maize monocultures (1.77 vs. 1.87 kg m–2) and increased K concentration (10.2 vs. 8.2 g kg–1). While random forest analysis revealed no change in post‐harvest soil mineral N with depth among treatments, there was a tendency for higher total mineral N left in the soil for soy‐containing vs. sorghum‐containing treatments (12.4 vs. 10.9 g m–2). Silage polycultures are a feasible alternative to maize silage monocultures and can improve silage nutrient concentration with no yield penalty if maize or sorghum dominate plant stands.
Cooperative optimal power flow with flexible chemical process loads
Authors: Otashu Joannah I. , Seo Kyeongjun , Baldea Michael
Published: January 2021

Power systems operations involve dispatching generation capacity and ancillary services as required to sustain reliable functioning of the electric grid. The dispatch schedules are determined by solving power flow calculations that incorporate models of the network components in real time as the power grid conditions change. Electricity intensive chemical processes can potentially provide grid support services and a closer coordination between process and grid operations can be beneficial. This cooperation is hindered by the lack of suitable process models, which appropriately protect process information. We propose a means to model the grid‐relevant dynamics of chemical processes, and a framework for embedding such models in optimal power flow calculations. We present an extensive case study concerning cooperative demand‐response operation for an electricity‐intensive chemical process, chlor‐alkali production. The results indicate significant flexibility and economic benefits both at the utility and at the end‐user levels.
Cardiac Muscle Cell‐Based Coupled Oscillator Network for Collective Computing
Authors: Ren Xiang , Gomez Jorge , Bashar Mohammad Khairul , Ji Jiaying , Can Uryan Isik , Chang Hsueh-Chia , Shukla Nikhil , Datta Suman , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: January 2021

Current rate of data generation and the need for real‐time data analytics can benefit from new computational approaches where computation proceeds in a massively parallel way while being scalable and energy efficient. Biological systems arising from interaction of living cells can provide such pathways for sustainable computing. Current designs for biocomputing leveraging the information processing units of the cells, such as DNA, gene, or protein circuitries, are inherently slow (hours to days speed) and, therefore, are primarily being considered for archival storage of information. On the contrary, electrically active cells that can synchronize in milliseconds and can be connected as networks to perform massively parallel tasks can transform biocomputing and lead to novel ways of high throughput information processing. Herein, coupled oscillator networks made of living cardiac muscle cells, or bio‐oscillators, is explored as collective computing components for solving computationally hard problems. An empirically validated circuit compatible macromodel is developed for the bio‐oscillators and the fibroblast cells acting as coupling elements, to faithfully reproduce the synchronization dynamics of the network and it is shown that such bio‐oscillator network can be scaled up to hundreds of nodes and be used to solve computationally hard problems faster than traditional heuristics‐based Boolean algorithms.
Lessons from a 30 year follow‐up of monozygotic twins with discordant phenotype due to a ring 13 chromosomal mosaicism in one of them
Authors: Chanes Benjamin , Arriaza Marta , Lacassie Yves
Published: January 2021

At the 43rd annual meeting of the ASHG in 1993, the senior author reported monozygotic twins with discordant phenotype due to a ring 13 chromosomal mosaic syndrome in one of them. Her major manifestations included: intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), failure to thrive (FTT), delayed developmental milestones/intellectual disability (DDM/ID), left hemihypoplasia of her body with leg length discrepancy, left profound deafness due to inner ear malformation, telecanthus, dental anomalies mainly on the left side, congenital torticollis due to Klippel‐Feil anomaly, 13 ribs, scoliosis, dislocation of the left hip, and distinctive left hand and feet. A blood karyotype at age 31/2 was normal. Silver‐Russell syndrome was initially suspected; however, at age 4, a karyotype on skin fibroblasts showed a ring 13 chromosomal mosaicism, 46,XX,15s+/46,XX,‐13,+r(13),15s+, with a higher frequency on the left side of the body. Since then, we have been involved in the management of this patient for 30 years. This has ultimately allowed us to compare her achievements with her normal monozygotic twin. In this long term follow‐up, we want to emphasize the importance of: (a) early recognition of genetic syndromes, especially of mosaicisms, and of early intervention programs, (b) the involvement of different specialists in the management of patients with MCA, and (c) mentioning how familial and socioeconomic issues may limit or enhance the full potential of patients with some genetic disorders.
Reversible Change in Fluorescent Color of Moisture‐sensitive Binary Films of 4‐[Bis(4‐methylphenyl)amino]benzylideneaniline with Organic Acids
Authors: Tsukada Takuma , Kitamura Yuya , Nakano Hideyuki
Published: January 2021

Novel moisture‐sensitive binary films that exhibit reversible change in fluorescent color have been created using a fluorescent amorphous molecular material, 4‐[bis(4‐methylphenyl)amino]benzylideneaniline (BMBZA), with organic acids such as pentafluorobenzoic acid and benzoic acid. Orange fluorescent color of the film under ambient dry atmosphere was found to change drastically to greenish blue under wet atmosphere. Response speed of such color change was quite fast and it responded well to exhaled breath. It was suggested that such change in fluorescent color was due to switching the excited species between BMBZA and its protonated iminium cation, and that the acidity level of the organic acids was an important factor for exhibiting such reversible changes in fluorescent colors. In addition, excited‐state intermolecular proton transfer was suggested to contribute the orange fluorescence under dry atmosphere.
[5+2] Cyclization of N,N′‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines with 1,3,5‐Triazines: An Efficient Protocol for the Synthesis of Tetrazepine Derivatives
Authors: Chen Rongxiang , Liu Qingling , Wang Kai‐Kai , Qi Yonghua , Zhou Yong , Zhang An‐an , Meng Tuanjie , Liu Lantao
Published: January 2021

An unprecedented formal [5+2] cyclization of N,N′‐cyclic azomethine imines with triazines has been realized, which provides a facile access to biologically important 1,2,4,6‐tetrazepine frameworks with overall high yields (up to 98% yield). This methodology is distinguished by not involving a metal catalyst, readily available starting materials, and operational simplicity, which involves the reassembly of two C−N bonds.
Worm Sign: A possible first‐trimester sonographic marker for intracranial haemorrhage resulting in significant cortical disruption
Authors: Elsamadicy Emad , Kundishora Adam , Turan Sifa
Published: January 2021

Fetal intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is a pathophysiological process involving haemorrhagic and hypoxic–ischaemic insults resulting in antenatal brain damage. Insults to the central nervous system are usually not detected until the second or third trimester. In this case presentation, we present a possible prenatal ultrasound marker, ‘worm sign’, representing cortical disruption secondary to suspected ICH at 13 weeks’ gestation. According to current literature review, this is one of the first cases of ICH, diagnosed in the first‐trimester and highlights the importance of early neurovascular and structural evaluation of the fetal brain at the time of first‐trimester ultrasound screening.
Reproducibility in Electroorganic Synthesis—Myths and Misunderstandings
Authors: Beil Sebastian B. , Pollok Dennis , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2021

The use of electric current as a traceless activator and reagent is experiencing a renaissance. This sustainable synthetic method is evolving into a hot topic in contemporary organic chemistry. Since researchers with various scientific backgrounds are entering this interdisciplinary field, different parameters and methods are reported to describe the experiments. The variation in the reported parameters can lead to problems with the reproducibility of the reported electroorganic syntheses. As an example, parameters such as current density or electrode distance are in some cases more significant than often anticipated. This Minireview provides guidelines on reporting electrosynthetic data and dispels myths about this technique, thereby streamlining the experimental parameters to facilitate reproducibility.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Aryl C‐Glycosides from Glycosyl Esters via C−O Bond Homolysis
Authors: Wei Yongliang , Ben‐zvi Benjamin , Diao Tianning
Published: January 2021

C‐aryl glycosyl compounds offer better in vivo stability relative to O‐ and N‐glycoside analogues. C‐aryl glycosides are extensively investigated as drug candidates and applied to chemical biology studies. Previously, C‐aryl glycosides were derived from lactones, glycals, glycosyl stannanes, and halides, via methods displaying various limitations with respect to the scope, functional‐group compatibility, and practicality. Challenges remain in the synthesis of C‐aryl nucleosides and 2‐deoxysugars from easily accessible carbohydrate precursors. Herein, we report a cross‐coupling method to prepare C‐aryl and heteroaryl glycosides, including nucleosides and 2‐deoxysugars, from glycosyl esters and bromoarenes. Activation of the carbohydrate substrates leverages dihydropyridine (DHP) as an activating group followed by decarboxylation to generate a glycosyl radical via C−O bond homolysis. This strategy represents a new means to activate alcohols as a cross‐coupling partner. The convenient preparation of glycosyl esters and their stability exemplifies the potential of this method in medicinal chemistry.
Melanin‐Inspired Chromophoric Microparticles Composed of Polymeric Peptide Pigments
Authors: Lampel Ayala , McPhee Scott A. , Kassem Salma , Sementa Deborah , Massarano Tlalit , Aramini James M. , He Ye , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: January 2021

Melanin and related polyphenolic pigments are versatile functional polymers that serve diverse aesthetic and protective roles across the living world. These polymeric pigments continue to inspire the development of adhesive, photonic, electronic and radiation‐protective materials and coatings. The properties of these structures are dictated by covalent and non‐covalent interactions in ways that, despite progress, are not fully understood. It remains a major challenge to direct oxidative polymerization of their precursors (amino acids, (poly‐)phenols, thiols) toward specific structures. By taking advantage of supramolecular pre‐organization of tyrosine‐tripeptides and reactive sequestering of selected amino acids during enzymatic oxidation, we demonstrate the spontaneous formation of distinct new chromophores with optical properties that are far beyond the range of those found in biological melanins, in terms of color, UV absorbance and fluorescent emission.
Rational Fabrication of Low‐Coordinate Single‐Atom Ni Electrocatalysts by MOFs for Highly Selective CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiao Long , Yang Weijie , Xie Chenfan , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: January 2021

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted tremendous interests due to their ultrahigh activity and selectivity. However, the rational control over coordination microenvironment of SACs remains a grand challenge. Herein, a post‐synthetic metal substitution (PSMS) strategy has been developed to fabricate single‐atom Ni catalysts with different N coordination numbers (denoted Ni‐Nx‐C) on pre‐designed N‐doped carbon derived from metal‐organic frameworks. When served for CO2 electroreduction, the obtained Ni‐N3‐C catalyst achieves CO Faradaic efficiency (FE) up to 95.6 %, much superior to that of Ni‐N4‐C. Theoretical calculations reveal that the lower Ni coordination number in Ni‐N3‐C can significantly enhance COOH* formation, thereby accelerating CO2 reduction. In addition, Ni‐N3‐C shows excellent performance in Zn–CO2 battery with ultrahigh CO FE and excellent stability. This work opens up a new and general avenue to coordination microenvironment modulation (MEM) of SACs for CO2 utilization.
Experimental study on kinetic characteristics of oil sludge gasification
Authors: Chu Zhiwei , Gong Zhiqiang , Wang Zhenbo , Zhang Haoteng , Wu Jinhui , Wang Ziyi , Guo Yizhi , Zhang Jianqiang , Li Guoen , Zhang Lei , Wang Hongpeng
Published: January 2021

Oil sludge (OS) is a typical dangerous waste in petroleum industry, which also contains abundant energy. The purpose of this study was to recover resources from OS gasification. To figure out the gasification process, a thermal analyzer was used to carry out OS gasification experiments under steam/nitrogen atmosphere with different heating rates. Results showed that the OS gasification reaction could be divided into five stages: free water volatilization, the escape of light components, the cracking of heavy components and steam reforming, the charring process and water gas shift (WGS) reactions, and inorganic mineral decomposition. The activation energy (E), pre‐exponential factor (A), enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS) of three main reaction stages (Stages 2–4) were analyzed through kinetic and thermodynamic analysis. From Stage 2 to Stage 4, E, ΔH, and ΔS decreased from 118.80 kJ·mol−1, 113.92 kJ·mol−1, and −4.09 J·(K mol)−1 to 13.19 kJ·mol−1, 5.92 kJ·mol−1, and −234.06 J·(K mol)−1, respectively. Nevertheless, ΔG increased from 116.01 to 210.04 kJ·mol−1. From these parameters, it could be found that the decrease of E was beneficial to the reaction. However, the values of ΔG were always positive and the reaction could not happen spontaneously.