bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic template-assisted green synthesis of CoMoO4 nanomaterials for the investigation of energy storage properties
Authors: Shaheen Irum , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Zequine Camila , Gupta Ram K. , Thomas Andrew , Malik Mohammad Azad
Published: February 2020

Transitional metal oxide nanomaterials are considered to be potential electrode materials for supercapacitors.
A thermal energy storage composite by incorporating microencapsulated phase change material into wood
Authors: Wang Wenbin , Cao Huimin , Liu Jingyi , Jia Shifang , Ma Lin , Guo Xi , Sun Weisheng
Published: February 2020

Phase change energy storage wood (PCESW) was prepared by using microencapsulated phase change materials (MicroPCM) as thermal energy storage (TES) materials and wood as the matrix.
Intrinsically stretchable all-carbon-nanotube transistors with styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene as gate dielectrics integrated by photolithography-based process
Authors: Jiao Haoxuan , Zhang Min , Du Chunhui , Zhang Ziwei , Huang Weihong , Huang Qiuyue
Published: February 2020

In recent years, stretchable electronics have attracted great attention because of their broad application prospects such as in the field of wearable electronics, skin-like electronics, medical transplantation and human–machine interaction.
Development of a measurement instrument to assess students' proficiency levels regarding galvanic cells
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Jiang Yanxia , Bi Hualin
Published: February 2020

The galvanic cell is a basic concept in electrochemistry. To assess mainland Chinese students’ proficiency levels in galvanic cells, the Galvanic Cell Proficiency Level Assessment (GCPA) was developed based on the Rasch model. The GCPA was developed through a pilot test and consists of seven multiple-choice questions and four open questions. The assessment instrument was administered to 621 high school students in the 11th grade, and the test results showed good reliability and validity. The interview results supported the validity of the data generated by the instrument.
Combination of chemotherapy and oxidative stress to enhance cancer cell apoptosis
Authors: Li Xinming , Hou Yanan , Zhao Jintao , Li Jin , Wang Song , Fang Jianguo
Published: February 2020

The 1,2-diselenolane unit is a general scaffold to construct glutathione-dependent prodrugs that show increased potency to cancer cells, and workviaa combination of chemotherapy and oxidative stress.
Engineering the structural formula of N-doped molybdenum carbide nanowires for the deoxygenation of palmitic acid
Authors: Chen Xiaozhen , Chen Xiao , Li Chuang , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2020

The cleavage of C–O in palmitic acid is controlled by the self-assemblied MoxCNy nanowires with alterable structural formula.
Construction of photonic crystals with thermally adjustable pseudo-gaps
Authors: Li Chunfang , Xue Qihao , Ji Zhaoyang , Li Yaxia , Zhang Hongyan , Li Dongxiang
Published: February 2020

Photonic crystals prepared by perfusing PNIPAM hydrogel into silica photonic crystals exhibit thermo-responsive pseudo-gaps between 24 °C and 34 °C.
Distinct dynamics of structural relaxation in the amorphous phase of poly(l-lactic acid) revealed by quiescent crystallization
Authors: Monnier Xavier , Delpouve Nicolas , Saiter-Fourcin Allisson
Published: February 2020

Two structural relaxation regimes are identified by confronting aging kinetics in mobile and rigid amorphous fractions.
Machine learning-based high throughput screening for nitrogen fixation on boron-doped single atom catalysts
Authors: Zafari Mohammad , Kumar Deepak , Umer Muhammad , Kim Kwang S.
Published: February 2020

Machine learning (ML) methods would significantly reduce the computational burden of catalysts screening for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR).
A sol–gel biotemplating route with cellulose nanocrystals to design a photocatalyst for improving hydrogen generation
Authors: Wang Cong , Li Jian , Paineau Erwan , Laachachi Abdelghani , Colbeau-Justin Christophe , Remita Hynd , Ghazzal Mohamed Nawfal
Published: February 2020

Light harvesting capability and charge carrier lifetime play critical roles in determining the photoefficiency of a photocatalyst.
Semiconducting polymer dots as broadband saturable absorbers for Q-switched fiber lasers
Authors: Chen Haobin , Wang Fang , Qian Mengdan , Zhou Xue , Li Zhenrui , Cheng Tonglei , Qin Guanshi
Published: February 2020

A benzobisthiadiazole-based Pdot was successfully developed as a broadband SA for Q-switched fiber lasers at 1, 1.5, and 2 μm.
Sequential Ag+/biothiol and synchronous Ag+/Hg2+biosensing with zwitterionic Cu2+-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Huang Nai-Han , Liu Yan , Li Rong-Tian , Chen Jing , Hu Pei-Pei , Young David J. , Chen Jin-Xiang , Zhang Wen-Hua
Published: February 2020

Two 1D zwitterionic Cu-based MOFs have been constructed and be used for the sequential sensing of Ag+and biothiols for1and the synchronous sensing of Ag+and Hg2+for2.
Red blood cell membrane-coated upconversion nanoparticles for pretargeted multimodality imaging of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Mengting , Fang Hanyi , Liu Qingyao , Gai Yongkang , Yuan Lujie , Wang Sheng , Li Huiling , Hou Yi , Gao Mingyuan , Lan Xiaoli
Published: February 2020

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been widely employed for tumor imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging.
Chirality sensing of terpenes, steroids, amino acids, peptides and drugs with acyclic cucurbit[n]urils and molecular tweezers
Authors: Prabodh Amrutha , Bauer Daniel , Kubik Stefan , Rebmann Philipp , Klärner Frank Gerritt , Schrader Thomas , Delarue Bizzini Lorenzo , Mayor Marcel , Biedermann Frank
Published: February 2020

Achiral chromophoric tweezer-shaped molecular hosts were found to respond with characteristic Circular Dichroism spectra to the presence of micromolar concentrations of chiral hydrocarbons, terpenes, steroids, amino acids and drugs in water.
Comparative evaluation of the structural and other features governing photo-electrochemical oxygen evolution by Ca/Mn oxides
Authors: Gagrani Ankita , Alsultan Mohammed , Swiegers Gerhard F. , Tsuzuki Takuya
Published: February 2020

Bio-inspired calcium manganate ceramics induce higher photocurrents than MnO2 in photo-electrochemical water splitting.
Slow magnetic dynamics in centrosymmetric didysprosium and equilateral triangular tridysprosium molecules
Authors: Wu Si-Guo , Zhan Chang-Ye , Huang Guo-Zhang , Ruan Ze-Yu , Liu Jun-Liang , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: February 2020

Slow magnetic dynamics were investigated in centrosymmetric didysprosium and equilateral triangular tridysprosium molecules.
Acetotrophic methanogens are sensitive to long-term nickel contamination in paddy soil
Authors: Xueping Chen , Juan Yu , Zheng Chen , Hongmei Zhang , Wangda Cheng , Fayan Bai , Yu Zheng , Imran Ahamed Khan , Chiquan He , Xiaoyan Liu
Published: February 2020

Paddy soil accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world's cultivated area and faces a serious threat from nickel (Ni).
Multicomponent synthesis of diphenyl-1,3-thiazole-barbituric acid hybrids and their fluorescence property studies
Authors: Mahata Alok , Bhaumick Prabhas , Panday Anoop Kumar , Yadav Rahul , Parvin Tasneem , Choudhury Lokman H.
Published: February 2020

A series of novel diphenyl-1,3-thiazole linked barbituric acid hybrids (4) were prepared by two catalyst-free methods from readily available starting materials.
Photoluminescence signatures of thermal expansion, electron–phonon coupling and phase transitions in cesium lead bromide perovskite nanosheets
Authors: Lao Xiangzhou , Zhou Wei , Bao Yitian , Wang Xiaorui , Yang Zhi , Wang Minqiang , Xu Shijie
Published: February 2020

Variable-temperature PL spectra of CsPbBr3nanosheets are investigated in a broad temperature range of 5–500 K.
Establishing linear-free-energy relationships for the quadricyclane-to-norbornadiene reaction
Authors: Mansø Mads , Petersen Anne Ugleholdt , Moth-Poulsen Kasper , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: February 2020

The kinetics of the thermal quadricyclane-to-norbornadiene (QC-to-NBD) isomerization follows a linear-free-energy relationship when using Creary radical values for a selection of aryl/cyano disubstituted derivatives.
Photoregulated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization
Authors: Li Shenzhen , Han Guang , Zhang Wangqing
Published: February 2020

Different strategies on photoregulated RAFT polymerization are developed. This minireview summarizes recent advances in photoregulated RAFT polymerization and its applications.
Biocorrosion of pure and SLA titanium surfaces in the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its effects on osteoblast behavior
Authors: Xu Li-na , Yu Xiao-yu , Chen Wan-qing , Zhang Song-mei , Qiu Jing
Published: February 2020

The study demonstrated that P. gingivalis could colonize on pure and SLA titanium surfaces and weaken their surface properties, especially the protective TiO2 film, which induced the biocorrosion and further negatively affected osteoblast behavior.
Boosting CO2 adsorption and selectivity in metal–organic frameworks of MIL-96(Al) via second metal Ca coordination
Authors: Abid Hussein Rasool , Rada Zana Hassan , Li Yuan , Mohammed Hussein A. , Wang Yuan , Wang Shaobin , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Tan Xiaoyao , Liu Shaomin
Published: February 2020

MIL-96(Al)–Ca1 shows the highest CO2 adsorption capacity; while MIL-96(Al)–Ca4 displays a distinguished morphology with the highest selectivity of CO2/N2.
Effect of Fe, Co and Ni promoters on MoS2 based catalysts for chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Han Wenpeng , Wang Shanmin , Li Xuekuan , Ma Ben , Du Mingxian , Zhou Ligong , Yang Ying , Zhang Ye , Ge Hui
Published: February 2020

The addition of promoters remarkably improved the activity for hydrogenation of nitroarenes in a sequence of Ni > Co > Fe > Mo and the amount of CUS active center was supposed to be the main reason to influence the reaction activity.
Synthesis of dendritic fibrous nanosilica over a cubic core (cSiO2@DFNS) with catalytically efficient silver nanoparticles for reduction of nitroarenes and degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Shabir Javaid , Rani Swati , Sharma Manisha , Garkoti Charu , Surabhi  , Mozumdar Subho
Published: February 2020

Graphical abstract showing the reduction of nitroarenes and degradation of organic dyes using cSiO2@DFNS@Ag.
Imparting CO2 reduction selectivity to ZnGa2O4 photocatalysts by crystallization from hetero nano assembly of amorphous-like metal hydroxides
Authors: Takemoto Masanori , Tokudome Yasuaki , Kikkawa Soichi , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro , Okada Kenji , Murata Hidenobu , Nakahira Atsushi , Takahashi Masahide
Published: February 2020

The hetero-nanocomposite of Zn(OH)2 and Ga(OH)3 NPs is crystallized to ZnGa2O4 with CO2 affinity, showing highly-selective reaction toward CO2 photo-reduction.
Spiked gold nanotriangles: formation, characterization and applications in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and plasmon-enhanced catalysis
Authors: Liebig Ferenc , Sarhan Radwan M. , Bargheer Matias , Schmitt Clemens N. Z. , Poghosyan Armen H. , Shahinyan Aram A. , Koetz Joachim
Published: February 2020

We show the formation of metallic spikes on the surface of gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) by using the same reduction process which has been used for the synthesis of gold nanostars leading to a higher SERS enhancement by a factor of 75.
Recent progress in the science of complex coacervation
Authors: Sing Charles E. , Perry Sarah L.
Published: February 2020

We review recent progress in the science of polymeric complex coacervation.
A metal–phenolic network-based multifunctional nanocomposite with pH-responsive ROS generation and drug release for synergistic chemodynamic/photothermal/chemo-therapy
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Chen Lizhu , Lv Rongmu , Liu Mei , He Nongyue , Wang Zhifei
Published: February 2020

Developing multifunctional nanomaterials with chemodynamic therapy (CDT)-based combination therapy has increasingly become a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Side chain engineering of polymer acceptors for all-polymer solar cells with enhanced efficiency
Authors: Sun Huiliang , Liu Bin , Wang Zaiyu , Ling Shaohua , Zhang Yujie , Zhang Guangye , Wang Yang , Zhang Ming , Li Bolin , Yang Wanli , Wang Junwei , Guo Han , Liu Feng , Guo Xugang
Published: February 2020

Side chain engineering of fused bithiophene imide oligomers yields a new series of random copolymers with tunable polymer chain packing and film morphology. When applied in all-polymer solar cells, an 8.32% efficiency is obtained.
First-principles calculations on CuInSe2/AlP heterostructures
Authors: Jiang Pingping , Record Marie-Christine , Boulet Pascal
Published: February 2020

Heterostructures based on a CuInSe2absorber with an AlP buffer have a 12 meV conduction band offset and achieved 27.39% of conversion efficiency.
The influence of the terminal acceptor and oligomer length on the photovoltaic properties of A–D–A small molecule donors
Authors: Guijarro Fernando G. , Malhotra Prateek , Gupta Gaurav , Caballero Ruben , de la Cruz Pilar , Singhal Rahul , Sharma Ganesh D. , Langa Fernando
Published: February 2020

The influence of CPDTV-oligomer length and terminal acceptor units in the efficiency of OSCs with PC71BM is studied.
The role of self-assembled monolayers in electronic devices
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Kaur Navpreet , Comini Elisabetta
Published: February 2020

Today, the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) approach for surface functionalization is regarded as highly versatile and compelling, especially in the immobilization of biomolecules and fabrication of novel supramolecular architectures.
NSGA‐III for solving dynamic flexible job shop scheduling problem considering deterioration effect
Authors: Wu Xiuli , Li Jing , Shen Xianli , Zhao Ning
Published: February 2020

The production process of manufacturing systems is usually not static and always interrupted by stochastic events, such as the deterioration effect of cutting tools. This study focuses on the dynamic flexible job shop‐scheduling problem considering the deterioration effect (DFJSP‐DE). Two types of disturbances are considered, i.e. the implicit disturbance caused by the deterioration effect and the explicit disturbance caused by the reprocessing of unqualified jobs. Firstly, a step‐deterioration effect model is proposed, with which the actual processing time of each operation can be predicted more accurately. A multi‐objective optimisation model is formulated for the DFJSP‐DE. The makespan, energy consumption, and stability of rescheduling solutions are three objectives to be optimised simultaneously. For this non‐deterministic polynominal (NP)‐hard problem, the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm III is employed to search the Pareto solutions for the DFJSP‐DE. Finally, the results of three numerical experiments show that the proposed approach can solve DFJSP‐DE effectively and efficiently.
Real‐time running detection system for UAV imagery based on optical flow and deep convolutional networks
Authors: Wu Qingtian , Zhou Yimin , Wu Xinyu , Liang Guoyuan , Ou Yongsheng , Sun Tianfu
Published: February 2020

A fast‐running human detection system for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on optical flow and deep convolution networks is proposed in this study. In the system, running humans can be detected in real‐time at the speed of 15 frames per second (fps) with an 81.1% detection accuracy. To fast locate the candidate targets, optical flow representing the motion information is calculated with every two successive frames. A series of prior‐processing operations, including spatial average filtering, morphological expansion and outer contour extraction, are performed to extract the regions of interest. A classification model based on small‐kernel convolution networks is proposed to achieve the accurate recognition of the running people in various backgrounds. In the model, small convolutional filters are adopted to accelerate the speed of the data representation. Moreover, a total of 60,000 samples are collected to enhance the robustness of the model to adapt to the complex outdoor UAV scenes. The proposed method is compared with other deep learning frameworks for object detection. Field experiments on UAV videos are performed to verify that the proposed system can effectively detect the running people targets in real‐time.
Optimal tracking control for asymmetrical fault ride through in the back‐to‐back converters
Authors: Ghadimi Mohammad , Nazarzadeh Jalal
Published: February 2020

Asymmetrical faults in the grid cause oscillations in dc‐link capacitor voltage or overcurrent in the converters. In this study, an optimal controller with a fixed structure is introduced based on the command generator tracker (CGT) to restrict the fault currents and increase stability performance under asymmetrical grid faults. For this purpose, first, the integrated dynamical model including grid‐connected converters and dc‐link voltage are introduced. Then, using the optimal control techniques, a CGT is designed to enhance the fault ride through performances. Next, the proposed controller is applied to the system including converter and dc‐link at the source side and the dynamic performances of the closed‐loop system under different fault conditions are determined. Finally, the simulation results are compared with the other conventional controllers and the dynamic performances of the proposed controller are evaluated. The results indicate that the proposed controller provides stability for the system and satisfies allowable constraints of converter current for different grid fault types such as voltage sags, asymmetrical and symmetrical faults.
Critical Review on PV MPPT Techniques: Classical, Intelligent and Optimisation
Authors: Bollipo Ratnakar Babu , Mikkili Suresh , Bonthagorla Praveen Kumar
Published: February 2020

Maximum power extraction from the photovoltaic (PV) system plays a critical role in increasing efficiency during partial shading conditions (PSC's). The higher cost and low conversion efficiency of the PV panel necessitate the extraction of the maximum power point (MPP). So, a suitable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to track the MPP is of high need, even under PSC's. This study gives an extensive review of 23 MPPT techniques present in literature along with recent publications on various hardware design methodologies. MPPT classification is done into three categories, i.e. Classical, Intelligent and Optimisation depending on the tracking algorithm utilised. During uniform insolation, classical methods are highly preferred as there is only one peak in the P–V curve. However, under PSC's, the P–V curve exhibits multiple peaks, one global MPP (GMPP) and the remaining are local MPPs. Hence, Intelligent and Optimisation techniques came into limelight to differentiate the GMPP out of all LMPPs. Every MPPT technique has its advantages and limits, but a streamlined MPPT is drafted in numerous parameters like sensors required, hardware implementation, tracking in PSC's, cost, tracking speed and tracking efficiency. This present study aimed to address the advancement in this area for further research.
Cassiopeia A, Cygnus A, Taurus A, and Virgo A at ultra-low radio frequencies
Authors: de Gasperin F. , Vink J. , McKean J. P. , Asgekar A. , Avruch I. , Bentum M. J. , Blaauw R. , Bonafede A. , Broderick J. W. , Brüggen M. , Breitling F. , Brouw W. N. , Butcher H. R. , Ciardi B. , Cuciti V. , de Vos M. , Duscha S. , Eislöffel J. , Engels D. , Fallows R. A. , Franzen T. M. O. , Garrett M. A. , Gunst A. W. , Hörandel J. , Heald G. , Hoeft M. , Iacobelli M. , Koopmans L. V. E. , Krankowski A. , Maat P. , Mann G. , Mevius M. , Miley G. , Morganti R. , Nelles A. , Norden M. J. , Offringa A. R. , Orrú E. , Paas H. , Pandey V. N. , Pandey-Pommier M. , Pekal R. , Pizzo R. , Reich W. , Rowlinson A. , Rottgering H. J. A. , Schwarz D. J. , Shulevski A. , Smirnov O. , Sobey C. , Soida M. , Steinmetz M. , Tagger M. , Toribio M. C. , van Ardenne A. , van der Horst A. J. , van Haarlem M. P. , van Weeren R. J. , Vocks C. , Wucknitz O. , Zarka P. , Zucca P.
Published: February 2020

Context. The four persistent radio sources in the northern sky with the highest flux density at metre wavelengths are Cassiopeia A, Cygnus A, Taurus A, and Virgo A; collectively they are called the A-team. Their flux densities at ultra-low frequencies (< 100 MHz) can reach several thousands of janskys, and they often contaminate observations of the low-frequency sky by interfering with image processing. Furthermore, these sources are foreground objects for all-sky observations hampering the study of faint signals, such as the cosmological 21 cm line from the epoch of reionisation.

Aims. We aim to produce robust models for the surface brightness emission as a function of frequency for the A-team sources at ultra-low frequencies. These models are needed for the calibration and imaging of wide-area surveys of the sky with low-frequency interferometers. This requires obtaining images at an angular resolution better than 15″ with a high dynamic range and good image fidelity.

Methods. We observed the A-team with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) at frequencies between 30 MHz and 77 MHz using the Low Band Antenna system. We reduced the datasets and obtained an image for each A-team source.

Results. The paper presents the best models to date for the sources Cassiopeia A, Cygnus A, Taurus A, and Virgo A between 30 MHz and 77 MHz. We were able to obtain the aimed resolution and dynamic range in all cases. Owing to its compactness and complexity, observations with the long baselines of the International LOFAR Telescope will be required to improve the source model for Cygnus A further.
Loss of toroidal magnetic flux by emergence of bipolar magnetic regions
Authors: Cameron R. H. , Schüssler M.
Published: February 2020

The polarity of the toroidal magnetic field in the solar convection zone periodically reverses in the course of the 11/22-year solar cycle. Among the various processes that contribute to the removal of “old-polarity” toroidal magnetic flux is the emergence of flux loops forming bipolar regions at the solar surface. We quantify the loss of subsurface net toroidal flux by this process. To this end, we determine the contribution of an individual emerging bipolar loop and show that it is unaffected by surface flux transport after emergence. Together with the linearity of the diffusion process this means that the total flux loss can be obtained by adding the contributions of all emerging bipolar magnetic regions. The resulting total loss rate of net toroidal flux amounts to 1.3 × 1015 Mx s−1 during activity maxima and 6.1 × 1014 Mx s−1 during activity minima, to which ephemeral regions contribute about 90 and 97%, respectively. This rate is consistent with the observationally inferred loss rate of toroidal flux into interplanetary space and corresponds to a decay time of the subsurface toroidal flux of about 12 years, also consistent with a simple estimate based on turbulent diffusivity. Consequently, toroidal flux loss by flux emergence is a relevant contribution to the budget of net toroidal flux in the solar convection zone. The consistency between the toroidal flux loss rate due to flux emergence and what is expected from turbulent diffusion, and the similarity between the corresponding decay time and the length of the solar cycle are important constraints for understanding the solar cycle and the Sun’s internal dynamics.
Prediction of the optimal speed of an aerospace vehicle by aerothermochemical analysis of hypersonic flow during atmospheric re-entry
Authors: Allouche Rachid , Renane Rachid , Haoui Rabah
Published: February 2020

The objective of this work is to predict the optimal speed of an aerospace vehicle by aerothermochemical analysis of the hypersonic flow during atmospheric re-entry, out of equilibrium vibrational and chemical behind a detached strong shock. This study focuses on the influence of the ionization process that plays a significant role in the absorption of heat, because the characteristics of hypersonic flows are that molecules behind a strong shock wave become vibrationally excited, partially or completely dissociated and ionized depending on their bond energy, and the velocity of flow. On the other hand, we present the mathematical model that governs the flow of reactive gas mixture out of vibrational and chemical equilibrium that is composed of 79% nitrogen N2 and 21% oxygen O2. Conservation and relaxation equations (chemistry-vibration) are presented with particular importance to the expression of source terms. The numerical resolution method used is based on physical modeling, governed by the Euler equations, supplemented by the equations of chemical kinetics using the finite difference method. The results obtained are in good agreement with the specialized literature.
Approche psycho-sociologique du sénior et son rapport à l’esthétique
Authors: Thery-Hugly Marie-Claire , Azoulay Esther
Published: February 2020

Vieillir : entre âge civil et ressenti, il y a un monde. Cet article cherche à comprendre ce que signifie « être vieux » aujourd’hui : c’est devenu une décision. Les séniors se sentent jeunes et font tout pour le rester, leur demande esthétique a évolué, connaître leurs attentes nous permet d’y répondre de manière satisfaisante. La vieillesse se modernise !
Lower and upper bounds for the continuous single facility location problem in the presence of a forbidden region and travel barrier
Authors: Al-Mudahka Intesar M. , Al-Jeraiwi Marwa S. , M’Hallah Rym
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate FRB, which is the single facility Euclidean location problem in the presence of a (non-)convex polygonal forbidden region where travel and location are not permitted. We search for a new facility’s location that minimizes the weighted Euclidean distances to existing ones. To overcome the non-convexity and non-differentiability of the problem’s objective function, we propose an equivalent reformulation (RFRB) whose objective is linear. Using RFRB, we limit the search space to regions of a set of non-overlapping candidate domains that may contain the optimum; thus we reduce RFRB to a finite series of tight mixed integer convex programming sub-problems. Each sub-problem has a linear objective function and both linear and quadratic constraints that are defined on a candidate domain. Based on these sub-problems, we propose an efficient bounding-based algorithm (BA) that converges to a (near-)optimum. Within BA, we use two lower and four upper bounds for the solution value of FRB. The two lower and two upper bounds are solution values of relaxations of the restricted problem. The third upper bound is the near-optimum of a nested partitioning heuristic. The fourth upper bound is the outcome of a divide and conquer technique that solves a smooth sub-problem for each sub-region. We reveal via our computational investigation that BA matches an existing upper bound and improves two more.
The Inflammasome and Type-2 Immunity in Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Donlan Alexandra , Petri William A.
Published: February 2020

Clostridium difficile (reclassified as “Clostridioides”) is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections in the United States, and is associated with high-patient mortality and high rates of recurrence. Inflammasome priming and activation by the bacterial toxins, TcdA, TcdB, and C. difficile transferase (CDT), initiates a potent immune response that is characterized by interleukin- (IL) 8, IL-1β, and neutrophil recruitment, and is required for pathogen killing. However, it is becoming clearer that a strong inflammatory response during C. difficile infection can result in host tissue damage, and is associated with worse patient outcome. Recent work has begun to show that a type-2 immune response, most often associated with helminth infections, allergy, and asthma, may be protective during C. difficile infection. While the mechanisms through how this response protect are still unclear, there is evidence that it is mediated through eosinophil activity. This chapter will review the immune response to C. difficile, how the inflammasome signaling during infection can deleterious to the host, as well as the current understanding of a protective type-2 immunity. Understanding the host immune response may help to provide insight into novel approaches to prognosis markers, as well as how treat patient C. difficile infection without, or in addition to, antibiotics.
Role of Surgery in Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Vely Aela , Ferrada Paula
Published: February 2020

Clostridium (reclassified as “Clostridioides”) difficile infection (CDI) occurs as a chronic or an acute illness with intensity varying from mild to severe. Although most cases of CDI can be managed with antibiotics and supportive care, when the patient presents with fulminant disease, the early decision to perform surgery is imperative for survival. The current standard of care is the subtotal colectomy. However, loop ileostomy with vancomycin enemas delivered into the colonic mucosa has been described as a viable option on selected patients.
Surgical Techniques to Improve the Soft Tissue Triangle in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cohn Jason E. , Shokri Tom , Othman Sammy , Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Ducic Yadranko
Published: February 2020

In this systematic review we aim to (1) describe the anatomy and function of the soft tissue triangle, (2) identify the existing rhinoplasty literature that discusses the role of the soft tissue triangle, (3) provide a summary of the outcome measures for soft tissue triangle techniques in rhinoplasty, and (4) demonstrate the need for further research reviewing soft tissue triangle techniques in rhinoplasty. A systematic literature review was conducted from 2002 to 2019 utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases with the keywords, “rhinoplasty” and “soft tissue triangle” or “facet” to identify articles that describe the anatomical significance, clinical applicability, and rhinoplasty outcomes involving the soft tissue triangle. A total of 26 studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion. The vast majority describe the relationship of structure and function of the soft tissue triangle with particular focus on notching and retraction. The soft tissue triangle is an important area of the nose often neglected in rhinoplasty. This area is a common source of patient dissatisfaction and the need for revision rhinoplasty. Due to this fact, a formal evaluation of the role of the soft tissue triangle in nasal airway patency is needed. Specific validated outcome measures such as the NOSE (Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness) score or the SCHNOS (Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey) should be employed in the evaluation of surgical intervention to the soft tissue triangle.
Writing impact case studies: a comparative study of high-scoring and low-scoring case studies from REF2014
Authors: Reichard Bella , Reed Mark S , Chubb Jenn , Hall Ged , Jowett Lucy , Peart Alisha , Whittle Andrea
Published: February 2020

This paper reports on two studies that used qualitative thematic and quantitative linguistic analysis, respectively, to assess the content and language of the largest ever sample of graded research impact case studies, from the UK Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF). The paper provides the first empirical evidence across disciplinary main panels of statistically significant linguistic differences between high- versus low-scoring case studies, suggesting that implicit rules linked to written style may have contributed to scores alongside the published criteria on the significance, reach and attribution of impact. High-scoring case studies were more likely to provide specific and high-magnitude articulations of significance and reach than low-scoring cases. High-scoring case studies contained attributional phrases which were more likely to attribute research and/or pathways to impact, and they were written more coherently (containing more explicit causal connections between ideas and more logical connectives) than low-scoring cases. High-scoring case studies appear to have conformed to a distinctive new genre of writing, which was clear and direct, and often simplified in its representation of causality between research and impact, and less likely to contain expressions of uncertainty than typically associated with academic writing. High-scoring case studies in two Main Panels were significantly easier to read than low-scoring cases on the Flesch Reading Ease measure, although both high-scoring and low-scoring cases tended to be of “graduate” reading difficulty. The findings of our work enable impact case study authors to better understand the genre and make content and language choices that communicate their impact as effectively as possible. While directly relevant to the assessment of impact in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework, the work also provides insights of relevance to institutions internationally who are designing evaluation frameworks for research impact.
A comparative study of the major antimicrobial agents against the yeast cells on the tissue model by helium and air surface micro-discharge plasma
Authors: Du Mengru , Xu Hangbo , Zhu Yupan , Ma Ruonan , Jiao Zhen
Published: February 2020

Surface micro-discharge (SMD) plasma with a large-area and homogeneous discharge has attracted much attention in the skin disinfection due to its high antimicrobial efficiency and less side effects on tissues. Although SMD plasma sterilization is undisputedly attributed to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), the exact RONS speciation on the tissues and their individual contribution to the plasma inactivation are still not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the generation and distribution of hydroxyl radical (·OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone (O3), nitrite (NO2−), and peroxynitrite/peroxynitrous acid (OONO−/ONOOH) on the agarose tissue model and their contribution to yeast inactivation by helium (He) or air SMD plasma at different irradiation distances. The results show that He and air SMD plasma exhibited different RONS speciation and antimicrobial activity. The He SMD plasma mostly generated ·OH and H2O2 on the tissue model, which were concentrated in every hexagon micro-discharge unit and decreased with the irradiation distance, while the air SMD plasma mainly produced O3, NO2−, and OONO−/ONOOH, which were uniformly distributed on the whole tissue model. More importantly, the ·OH generation on the tissue model by the He SMD plasma was derived from the plasma delivery, while UV photolysis led to the in situ ·OH generation by the air SMD plasma. Additionally, the air SMD plasma has a higher inactivation efficiency than the He SMD plasma and the major antimicrobial agent for He and the air SMD plasma is, respectively, ·OH and O3 in this plasma–tissue interaction system.
Cavity-induced coherence phenomena in a Josephson parametric amplifier
Authors: Lu Ya-peng , Pan Jia-zheng , Wei Xing-yu , Jiang Jun-liang , Lu Sheng , Li Zi-shuo , Tu Xue-cou , Kang Lin , Cao Chun-hai , Wang Hua-bing , Chen Jian , Xu Wei-wei , Sun Guo-zhu , Wu Pei-heng
Published: February 2020

By adjusting the frequency of the cavity, we perform a microwave reflection measurement and directly probe the coherence and interference effects in a phase-sensitive Josephson parametric amplifier. We demonstrate the shift in the peak and the dip in the reflection spectra of the amplifier, which operates in the phase-sensitive mode. The behavior of the shift can be precisely controlled by tuning the pump power, the frequency of the cavity, and the relative phase between the incident signal and pump field. Theoretical simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results. These results provide an alternative way of controlling the parametric process by adjusting the frequency of the cavity.
Performance of a ferroelectric glass electrolyte in a self-charging electrochemical cell with negative capacitance and resistance
Authors: Braga M. H. , Oliveira J. E. , Murchison A. J. , Goodenough J. B.
Published: February 2020

The ability for electrochemical cells to self-charge for extended periods of time is desirable for energy storage applications. While self-oscillation is a phenomenon found in human-made dynamic systems and in nature, its appearance in electrochemical cells has not been reported or anticipated. Here, we chose an electrochemical cell containing two electrodes separated by a self-organizing glass electrolyte containing alkali cations. The ferroelectric character of the electrolyte, with an impressively high dielectric constant of 106–107, supported self-charge and self-oscillation. After fabrication, the cells were characterized to determine the electrical impedance, dielectric spectroscopy, and electrochemical discharge. The electrochemical cells also displayed negative resistance and negative capacitance. Negative capacitance is due to the formation of an inverted capacitor between the double-layer capacitor formed at the negative electrode/electrolyte interface and the dipoles of the ferroelectric-electrolyte. Negative resistance is triggered by the formation of an interface phase, which leads to a step-change of the chemical potential of the electrode. The electrochemical cell demonstrates an entanglement between negative resistance, negative capacitance, self-charge, self-cycling, and the activation energy vs thermal energy or external work. The phenomenon of self-cycling is enhanced at low temperatures where the activation energy is higher than the thermal energy. This demonstration extends the Landau-Khalatnikov model for a ferroelectric to a bistable device in which the bistability resides in an electrode. The results reported here reveal the first report of negative capacitance and negative resistance existing in the same process, which can lead to valuable advancements in energy storage devices and in low-frequency applications.
Microcanonical coarse-graining of the kinetic Ising model
Authors: Sigg Daniel , Voelz Vincent A. , Carnevale Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

We propose a scheme for coarse-graining the dynamics of the 2-D kinetic Ising model onto the microcanonical ensemble. At subcritical temperatures, 2-D and higher-dimensional Ising lattices possess two basins of attraction separated by a free energy barrier. Projecting onto the microcanonical ensemble has the advantage that the dependence of the crossing rate constant on environmental conditions can be obtained from a single Monte Carlo trajectory. Using various numerical methods, we computed the forward rate constants of coarse-grained representations of the Ising model and compared them with the true value obtained from brute force simulation. While coarse-graining preserves detailed balance, the computed rate constants for barrier heights between 5 kT and 9 kT were consistently 50% larger than the true value. Markovianity testing revealed loss of dynamical memory, which we propose accounts for coarse-graining error. Committor analysis did not support the alternative hypothesis that microcanonical projection is incompatible with an optimal reaction coordinate. The correct crossing rate constant was obtained by spectrally decomposing the diffusion coefficient near the free energy barrier and selecting the slowest (reactive) component. The spectral method also yielded the correct rate constant in the 3-D Ising lattice, where coarse-graining error was 6% and memory effects were diminished. We conclude that microcanonical coarse-graining supplemented by spectral analysis of short-term barrier fluctuations provides a comprehensive kinetic description of barrier crossing in a non-inertial continuous-time jump process.
Associative routing through neuromorphic nanowire networks
Authors: Diaz-Alvarez A. , Higuchi R. , Li Q. , Shingaya Y. , Nakayama T.
Published: February 2020

Resistance in neuromorphic nanowire networks can be decreased when activated by voltage as multiple pathways of low resistance interconnected nanowires form, increasing nanowire to nanowire connectivity. We show that high connectivity regions are retained for a few minutes after the energy source is switched off. We have used this property to devise an associative device. With a multielectrode array, we send current through the network to connect together areas that are spatially associated with a given electrode combination forming a pattern. We correctly retrieve the stored patterns by passing a small current through the network at a later time even when we input a faulty or incomplete pattern as the network groups stored patterns into cluster of high associativity, in analogy with semantic memory association in the human brain.
Quantifying snowfall from orographic cloud seeding
Authors: Friedrich Katja , Ikeda Kyoko , Tessendorf Sarah A. , French Jeffrey R. , Rauber Robert M. , Geerts Bart , Xue Lulin , Rasmussen Roy M. , Blestrud Derek R. , Kunkel Melvin L. , Dawson Nicholas , Parkinson Shaun
Published: February 2020

Significance

Cloud seeding to increase winter snowpack in mountains has traditionally been evaluated using precipitation gauges and target/control statistics leading mostly to inconclusive results. Here, an approach employing radar and gauges is used to quantify snowfall by first isolating radar returns that are unambiguously the result of cloud seeding in regions with light or no natural precipitation and then quantifying the seeding-induced precipitation at the ground. The spatiotemporal evolution of snowfall from cloud seeding is quantified. Although this study focuses only on three cases, the results are a fundamental step toward understanding cloud seeding efficacy that, for over half a century, has been an unanswered question for water managers wishing to utilize the technology for water resource management.
Chloride intracellular channel 1 cooperates with potassium channel EAG2 to promote medulloblastoma growth
Authors: Francisco Michelle A. , Wanggou Siyi , Fan Jerry J. , Dong Weifan , Chen Xin , Momin Ali , Abeysundara Namal , Min Hyun-Kee , Chan Jade , McAdam Rochelle , Sia Marian , Pusong Ronwell J. , Liu Shixuan , Patel Nish , Ramaswamy Vijay , Kijima Noriyuki , Wang Lu-Yang , Song Yuanquan , Kafri Ran , Taylor Michael D. , Li Xuejun , Huang Xi
Published: February 2020

Ion channels represent a large class of drug targets, but their role in brain cancer is underexplored. Here, we identify that chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is overexpressed in human central nervous system malignancies, including medulloblastoma, a common pediatric brain cancer. While global knockout does not overtly affect mouse development, genetic deletion of CLIC1 suppresses medulloblastoma growth in xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models. Mechanistically, CLIC1 enriches to the plasma membrane during mitosis and cooperates with potassium channel EAG2 at lipid rafts to regulate cell volume homeostasis. CLIC1 deficiency is associated with elevation of cell/nuclear volume ratio, uncoupling between RNA biosynthesis and cell size increase, and activation of the p38 MAPK pathway that suppresses proliferation. Concurrent knockdown of CLIC1/EAG2 and their evolutionarily conserved channels synergistically suppressed the growth of human medulloblastoma cells and Drosophila melanogaster brain tumors, respectively. These findings establish CLIC1 as a molecular dependency in rapidly dividing medulloblastoma cells, provide insights into the mechanism by which CLIC1 regulates tumorigenesis, and reveal that targeting CLIC1 and its functionally cooperative potassium channel is a disease-intervention strategy.
Absolute measurement of the density of silicon spheres to improve the primary density standard of NMIJ
Authors: Kuramoto Naoki , Zhang Lulu , Mizushima Shigeki , Waseda Atsushi , Okubo Sho , Inaba Hajime , Kurokawa Akira , Fujii Kenichi
Published: February 2020

To improve the primary density standard of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), the absolute densities of two 1 kg silicon spheres, NMIJ-S4 and NMIJ-S5, were determined by measuring their masses and volumes. The volumes of the two spheres were measured by optical interferometry based on the primary length standard of NMIJ. For the accurate volume determination, the thicknesses of the surface layers on the spheres were determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By combining the results of optical interferometry and XPS, the volumes of the two spheres at 20.000 °C and 0 Pa were determined with relative standard uncertainties of 3.0  ×  10−8 and 2.9  ×  10−8 for NMIJ-S4 and NMIJ-S5, respectively. From these results, the sphere volumes at 20.000 °C and 101.325 kPa were determined using the isothermal compressibility of silicon. The masses of the spheres in air were determined based on the national prototype of the kilogram of Japan. From the results of the volume and mass measurements, the densities of the two spheres at 20.000 °C and 101.325 kPa were determined with a relative standard uncertainty of 3.2  ×  10−8. The density difference between the two spheres was estimated taking into account the correlation between the densities of the two spheres. The pressure-of-floatation method was also used to determine the density difference between the two spheres. The density differences determined by the two different methods agree with each other within their uncertainties.
Dynamical Model for Calculation Transverse Forces between Overhead Bridge Crane and Crane Runway
Authors: Musilek Josef
Published: February 2020

Horizontal forces between the crane and the crane runway girder occur during a motion of an overhead travelling crane on the crane runway. There are several methods for calculation of these forces. The most significant load caused by motion of crane is the skewing and the acceleration of the crane and of the crab. This paper deals with the acceleration of the crane and with the skewing of the crane. In present the skewing of crane is defined as the motion of the overhead bridge crane with the constant velocity but with the angle relative to the crane runway. The transverse forces caused by acceleration of the crane are calculated separately. But the skewing of the crane can occur also during the accelerating of the crane. Present standards don’t take this situation into account. A dynamical model presented in this paper describes motion of the overhead double bridge crane during its acceleration. The basic assumption of this model is that there the contact between the rim of the firs crane wheel and the rail of the crane runway.
Survey of the Designs of Wooden Architectural Monuments
Authors: Pokrovskaya E N
Published: February 2020

The article describes a method for examining the material of monument structures using physico-chemical studies. The surface of samples of wooden structures was investigated by electron microscopy. The study of the capillary structure of wood was determined by kinetic changes in water adsorption. The possibility of destruction of wood structures in time was determined by the mycological method. Wood samples were taken for examination from the following monuments of wooden architecture: The Kremlin of Rostov the Great; Kizhe Reserve Museum; St. Nicholas Church in the village of Llava; piles of the Assumption Cathedral STSL; Seraphim-Diveevo monastery.