bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of strength platform in cast Al–Si–Mg–Cu alloys
Authors: Dong Xixi , Amirkhanlou Sajjad , Ji Shouxun
Published: July 2019

Over the past several decades, it was generally believed that the strength of the industrially widely used cast Al–Si–Mg–Cu alloys enhanced monotonously with increasing Cu content. However, in this study using cast Al9Si0.5MgxCu (x = 0,0.2,0.4,0.6,0.85,1.0,1.25, in wt.%) alloys under T6 heat-treated condition, it was found that the hardness and yield strength of the heat-treated alloys showed a platform in the composition range from 0.4 wt.% to 0.85 wt.% Cu, while still increased with increasing Cu content before and after the platform. With increasing Cu content, the β-Mg2Si intermetallic phase decreased and disappeared at 0.85 wt.% Cu, while the Q–Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 and θ–Al2Cu intermetallic phases increased in the as-cast alloys. After heat treatment, the micron-scale intermetallic phases were dissolved into the Al matrix and precipitated as the nanoscale β″, Q′ and θ′ strengthening phases. With increasing Cu content, the β″ precipitate decreased and vanished at 0.85 wt.% Cu, while the Q′ and θ′ precipitates increased in the heat-treated alloys. The trade-off of the phases induces the platform in the strength of the heat-treated alloys, and further increase of the Cu content in this undetected trapped platform range is not favorited industrially as it only decreases ductility.
Subcutaneous and transcutaneous monitoring of murine hindlimb ischemia byin vivoRaman spectroscopy
Authors: Al-Rifai Rida , Tournois Claire , Kheirallah Samar , Bouland Nicole , Poitevin Gaël , Nguyen Philippe , Beljebbar Abdelilah
Published: July 2019

We have investigated the development of murine hindlimb ischemia from day 1 to day 55 after femoral artery ligation (FAL) using blood flow analysis, functional tests, histopathological staining, andin vivoRaman spectroscopy.
Postsynthetic functionalization of water stable zirconium metal organic frameworks for high performance copper removal
Authors: Xie Yao , Ye Guiqin , Peng Suping , Jiang Shiyuan , Wang Yang , Hu Xiaoya
Published: July 2019

Thiol functionalized water stable zirconium MOFs were synthesized and used for copper adsorption with enhanced adsorption capacity and stability.
One step synthesis of boron-doped carbon nitride derived from 4-pyridylboronic acid as biosensing platforms for assessment of food safety
Authors: Li Xiaxia , Zhu Peiyao , Liu Chunsen , Pang Huan
Published: July 2019

Boron-doped carbon nitride nanosheets derived from a 4-pyridylboronic acid precursor are synthesized as biosensing platforms for assessment of food safety. The BCN-800-based electrochemical biosensor exhibits high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.32 pg mL−1.
Sulfur-anchored azulene as a cathode material for Li–S batteries
Authors: Chen Zhenying , Droste Jörn , Zhai Guangqun , Zhu Jinhui , Yang Jun , Hansen Michael Ryan , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: July 2019

A benzene-free and vinyl-free molecule, azulene, is used to polymerize with sulfur for new cathode material based Li–S batteries.
Singlet fission molecules among known compounds: finding a few needles in a haystack
Authors: Padula Daniele , Omar Ömer H. , Nematiaram Tahereh , Troisi Alessandro
Published: July 2019

A large set of candidates for singlet fission, one of the most promising processes able to improve the efficiency of solar cells, are identified by screening a database of known molecular materials.
Differences in endosperm cell wall integrity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) milling fractions impact on the way starch responds to gelatinization and pasting treatments and its subsequent enzymatic in vitro digestibility
Authors: Korompokis Konstantinos , De Brier Niels , Delcour Jan A.
Published: July 2019

Intact wheat endosperm cell walls reduce intracellular starch swelling and retard its in vitro digestion by acting as physical barriers to amylolytic enzymes.
Facile fabrication of a homogeneous cellulose/polylactic acid composite film with improved biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties
Authors: Xu Airong , Wang Yongxin , Gao Jiayu , Wang Jianji
Published: July 2019

A homogeneous cellulose/polylactic acid composite film was readily fabricated and found to have improved biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties.
Inkjet-printed co-continuous mesoporous oxides for high-current power transistors
Authors: Devabharathi Nehru , Mondal Sandeep Kumar , Dasgupta Subho
Published: July 2019

Inkjet-printed co-continuous mesoporous structures have been demonstrated for a large set of functional oxides. Channel-length-independent electronic transport was achieved when the mesoporous oxides were used to obtain printed, vertical edge FETs.
Waste brewed tea leaf derived cellulose nanofiber reinforced fully bio-based waterborne polyester nanocomposite as an environmentally benign material
Authors: Dutta Geeti Kaberi , Karak Niranjan
Published: July 2019

A fully bio-based waterborne polyester/cellulose nanofiber nanocomposite was fabricated by an environmentally benign route as a safe and biodegradable material.
Highly efficient red-emitting Ca2YSbO6:Eu3+ double perovskite phosphors for warm WLEDs
Authors: Liu Meijiao , Shen Biao , Wang Keyuan , Zhong Jiasong , Chen Daqin
Published: July 2019

A double perovskite Ca2YSbO6:Eu3+ red-emitting phosphor with high concentration quenching and excellent quantum efficiency was developed to find a potential application in warm WLEDs.
Impact of some pyrrolidinium ionic liquids on copper dissolution behavior in acidic environment: experimental, morphological and theoretical insights
Authors: El-Katori Emad E. , Abousalem Ashraf S.
Published: July 2019

The inhibitive and adsorption activity of some pyrrolidinium ionic liquids (ILs) for the dissolution of copper in 1 M HNO3 solution was tested using chemical methods such as weight loss and electrochemical techniques.
Down-regulated microRNA-30b-3p inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells via inactivation of the AKT signaling pathway by up-regulating RECK
Authors: Jian Yan , Xu Chun-Hua , Li You-Ping , Tang Bin , Xie She-Hao , Zeng Er-Ming
Published: July 2019

microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to affect various cancers, and expression of numerous miRNAs is revealed in glioma. However, the role of microRNA-30b-3p (miR-30b-3p) in glioma remains elusive. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the specific mechanism by which miR-30b-3p influence the development of glioma in relation to the AKT signaling pathway. First, glioma cell lines were collected with miR-30b-3p and reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK) expression measured. The functional role of miR-30b-3p and RECK in glioma was determined via gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Subsequently, the expression of invasion- and migration-related factors (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and the AKT signaling pathway-related factors (AKT, p-AKT and PI3K-p85) was detected. Moreover, in vivo experiments were also conducted to investigate how miR-30b-3p influences in vivo tumorigenesis. The results showed that miR-30b-3p was up-regulated and RECK was down-regulated in glioma. RECK was a target gene of miR-30b-3p. Decreased miR-30b-3p and overexpressed RECK led to decreased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-AKT. Overexpressed RECK and LY294002 could decrease p-AKT and PI3K-p85 expression accompanied with unchanged expression of total protein of AKT. Additionally, proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells and tumor formation in nude mice were repressed owing to reduced expression of miR-30b-3p or elevated expression of RECK. In summary, miR-30b-3p inhibition suppresses metastasis of glioma cells by inactivating the AKT signaling pathway via RECK up-regulation, providing a new target for glioma treatment.
Approach for miniaturisation of planar antenna based on CRLH structure
Authors: Saad A.A.R.
Published: July 2019

The need to miniaturise antenna size comes from that most mobile platforms having limited space for all the antennas required in the constantly growing wireless systems. Metamaterial‐based transmission line, commonly referred to, composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) transmission line has a unique feature of supporting an infinite‐wavelength wave at a finite and non‐zero frequency. As a result, zero‐ and negative‐order resonance can be achieved. This Letter investigates the application of this concept for miniaturisation of planar antenna based on CRLH structure implemented with the microstrip line technology by using zero and high negative value of the phase constant (β). The concept is realised by applying microstrip‐bends approach in the design of the CRLH unit cell in which high reactance can be provided by the constitutive parameters of the unit cell. Analytical results have validated the design concept and the modified CRLH unit cell based microstrip‐fed monopole antenna, showing a high level of miniaturisation up to 85% from the conventional half‐wavelength antenna. These results were obtained by CST Microwave Studio and verified by experimental data.
Distributed model predictive based secondary control for economic production and frequency regulation of MG
Authors: Mehmood Faisal , Khan Bilal , Ali Sahibzada M. , Rossiter John Anthony
Published: July 2019

This work focuses on Distributed Secondary Control (DSC) technique, for frequency regulation and Economic Load Dispatch of Microgrid (MG). The fluctuating nature and large quantity of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in an autonomous MG result in complex control requirements, demanding fast and robust response. The contemporary DSC schemes are mostly based on Distributed Averaging Integration techniques, with slow response. This paper proposes Distributed Model Predictive based Secondary Control (DMPSC) which effectively complies with the control requirements of MG. DMPSC requires each DER‐node to solve a local optimization problem with the cost function penalizing the deviation of states from their desired values and the differences between the assumed and predicted values. The desired‐states are based on local intermediate‐optimum values, computed using local and neighbouring information. Equality based terminal constraints are introduced to ensure the stability, where each node is forced to reach the desired‐state value at the end of prediction horizon. The terminal‐consensus of the network affirms convergence of the desired‐states to a global optimal point of the network. The asymptotic stability of the proposed control is proved by using the sum of local cost‐functions as a candidate Lyapunov function. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Valid angle criterion and radiation pattern estimation via singular value decomposition for planar scanning
Authors: Maisto Maria Antonia , Solimene Raffaele , Pierri Rocco
Published: July 2019

Planar near‐field antenna measurement techniques are addressed with particular reference to the error in the radiation pattern estimation due to the finiteness of the observation aperture. The valid angle (VA) concept is a commonly used rule‐of‐thumb for predicting the region of validity of the calculated far‐field pattern according to observation domain, the aperture antenna size and the distance between the two. However, it is based on simple asymptotic arguments which often lead to erroneous estimations. In this contribution, a new VA criterion and related radiation pattern representation are derived by exploiting the singular value decomposition of the radiation operator. Numerical examples show the goodness of the new VA criterion and the greatest stability of the proposed radiation pattern estimation compared to the classical Fourier transform.
Dual input–dual output DC–DC converter for solar PV/battery/ultra‐capacitor powered electric vehicle application
Authors: Kumaravel Sundaramoorthy , Achathuparambil Narayanankutty Ravishankar , Rao Vemparala Seshagiri , Sankar Ashok
Published: July 2019

Utilisation of more than one energy source in the electric vehicle (EV) ensures the reliable riding of the vehicle without range anxieties. Solar PV, battery and ultra‐capacitor are viable sources to power the EV. A novel dual input–dual output dc–dc converter is proposed for the integration of the above sources for the EV application. The converter can be used to transfer power between the input sources and loads/utility grid/other EVs. The proposed converter can be operated in ten different modes using the same structure by controlling the appropriate switches. The equivalent circuits with the analytical waveforms of significant modes of operation of the converter are discussed in this study. The output equations of all ten modes are derived. The theoretical analysis of the converter is verified experimentally using a 1kW laboratory prototype and the observed experimental results are shown in the study. A strategy for selecting a mode according to the status of the vehicle, grid, battery etc. is developed. The loss breakdown analysis and efficiency profile of the converter are presented. Finally, the performance comparisons of the proposed converter with the reported converters are carried out in terms of component counts, a number of operating modes etc.
Composite model for the microwave Doppler spectrum of the sea surface
Authors: David Hill Robert , Pedlar David N. , Ward Keith D.
Published: July 2019

This article describes a numerically inexpensive composite model for the microwave Doppler spectrum of sea clutter. The model is based on the small perturbation method, includes the contribution of specular reflections and uses a linear description of the sea surface to provide an analytically tractable description of the Doppler spectrum. The analytical model is tested by comparison with direct simulation. The model results are found to be in reasonable agreement with measured data and with recently published results produced using the considerably more complex and numerically challenging second‐order small‐slope approximation.
Impact of EV charging/discharging strategies on the optimal operation of islanded microgrid
Authors: Rawat Tanuj , Niazi Khaleequr Rehman
Published: July 2019

This work aims to investigate the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) charging/discharging strategies on the optimal operation of islanded microgrid (MG). For this purpose, firstly, load model of EVs under four different charging/discharging strategies, namely, uncoordinated charging mode, maximum renewable mode, valley filling mode and charging discharging mode is established. Thereafter, impact of these strategies on the optimal operation of MG is investigated. A 2m point estimate method is used to study the impact of forecast errors associated with load demand and renewable energy sources on the MG total cost under different EV charging/discharging strategies. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of variations of battery parameters on the MG total cost is also presented.
Security margin analysis of wind power participating in black start
Authors: Ye Mao , Liu Yan , Gu Xueping , Long Qinfei
Published: June 2019

The increasing wind power penetration makes it necessary for wind power to participate in system restoration, while the maturing wind power control technology makes it possible. To characterise the security level of the system accommodating a certain amount of wind power during black start, the security margin evaluation indexes of wind power particpating in black start were put forward, based on the influence of wind power on the system recovery. Then, the law of wind speed prediction error was analysed, the representative sample set of future wind conditions was generated by historical simulation method, the worst future wind conditions were obtained at a certain level of confidence, and the solution method of the security margin based on time‐domain simulation was given. Additionally, with a specific black‐start scheme, general steps to solve the security margin were demonstrated, the ‘wind power integration capacity – security margin’ curves were obtained, and the influence of wind power on system restoration security was analysed from multi‐views. At last, the impact of wind speed prediction accuracy on system security margin was explored, and other applications of the presented method were given.
Activity and rotation of the X-ray emittingKeplerstars
Authors: Pizzocaro D. , Stelzer B. , Poretti E. , Raetz S. , Micela G. , Belfiore A. , Marelli M. , Salvetti D. , De Luca A.
Published: July 2019

The relation between magnetic activity and rotation in late-type stars provides fundamental information on stellar dynamos and angular momentum evolution. Rotation-activity studies found in the literature suffer from inhomogeneity in the measurement of activity indexes and rotation periods. We overcome this limitation with a study of the X-ray emitting, late-type main-sequence stars observed byXMM-NewtonandKepler. We measured rotation periods from photometric variability inKeplerlight curves. As activity indicators, we adopted the X-ray luminosity, the number frequency of white-light flares, the amplitude of the rotational photometric modulation, and the standard deviation in theKeplerlight curves. The search for X-ray flares in the light curves provided by the EXTraS (Exploring the X-ray Transient and variable Sky) FP-7 project allows us to identify simultaneous X-ray and white-light flares. A careful selection of the X-ray sources in theKeplerfield yields 102 main-sequence stars with spectral types from A to M. We find rotation periods for 74 X-ray emitting main-sequence stars, 20 of which do not have period reported in the previous literature. In the X-ray activity-rotation relation, we see evidence for the traditional distinction of a saturated and a correlated part, the latter presenting a continuous decrease in activity towards slower rotators. For the optical activity indicators the transition is abrupt and located at a period of ~10 d but it can be probed only marginally with this sample, which is biased towards fast rotators due to the X-ray selection. We observe seven bona-fide X-ray flares with evidence for a white-light counterpart in simultaneousKeplerdata. We derive an X-ray flare frequency of ~0.15 d−1, consistent with the optical flare frequency obtained from the much longerKeplertime-series.
Contemporary inside painting glass sculptures
Authors: Guo Jianyong
Published: July 2019

This author applied personal practice in order to develop and subsequently demonstrate the feasibility of applying the techniques of inside painting of traditional Chinese snuff bottles, so as to create a body of works demonstrating totally different effects and styles. The techniques focus on free-hand blowing in this section. This new form of inside painting shown could be applied to contemporary glass sculpture making and therefore reduce, or even solve, the monopoly of traditional style.
Phase stability investigation of light-weight alloys based on the FeMnAlC system
Authors: de Diego-Calderón Irene , Issaoui Amal , Hell Jean-Christophe , Zuazo Ian
Published: July 2019

Due the necessity of further reducing vehicles weight in the automotive industry, the concept of lightweight steels based on the FeMnAlC system has recently gained a great deal of attention, since it offers a combination of outstanding mechanical properties and specific weight reduction. Such lightweight steels are complex materials with multiphase microstructure. The mechanical properties of the final product are greatly influenced by both the chemistry of the material and the thermo-mechanical processing route applied. Despite the existing body of research on literature, there are many challenges related with their processing and characterization preventing their commercialization. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to deepen into the microstructural development and phase stability at high temperatures of alloys based on the FeMnAlC system as the first step to help define proper hot rolling and annealing parameters and eventually facilitate production processes in such steel grades. A comparison of thermodynamic predictions, data from literature and experimental measurements is finally performed.
La sonde atomique tomographique
Authors: Rigutti Lorenzo , Vurpillot François , Lefebvre Williams , Vella Angela
Published: July 2019

Au cours de la dernière décennie, la sonde atomique tomographique a élargi son domaine d’application, en partie grâce à de nouvelles approches qui l’associent à plusieurs techniques pour l’étude d’un même échantillon, permettant de lier propriétés structurales et fonctionnelles d’une variété croissante de systèmes.

Mais, au-delà de ses capacités d’imagerie et d’analyse, des développements récents montrent qu’elle peut également être considérée comme un laboratoire pour l’étude du comportement de la matière sous champ intense et de l’interaction rayonnementmatière aux échelles nanométrique et atomique.
La nuit de l’antimatière
Authors: Wormser Guy
Published: July 2019

Le 1er avril 2019 a eu lieu la nuit de l’antimatière, une manifestation organisée conjointement par la Société Française de Physique, le CNRS et le CEA, en partenariat avec le magazine Sciences et Avenir. Cette soirée festive, qui s’est tenue dans treize villes de France, avait pour but d’informer le grand public et le public scolaire sur tous les aspects de l’antimatière, objet de nombreuses recherches et source de beaucoup d’applications. Cette opération s’est inscrite dans le cadre des 80 ans du CNRS et dans l’Année Internationale de la Chimie.
Peut-on faire mieux que le peer review ?
Authors: Knoop Martina , Henri Agnès , Daillant Jean , van Tiggelen Bart
Published: July 2019

Les publications scientifiques sont la carte de visite des chercheurs, elles traduisent leurs découvertes et avancées, font connaitre leurs travaux et sont un moyen important de communiquer les progrès de leur recherche. Par ailleurs, elles sont aujourd’hui la base du processus d’évaluation, celle d’une personne, d’un projet ou d’une unité de recherche.
Surveying Iron–Organic Framework TAL-1-Derived Materials in Ligandless Heterogeneous Oxidative Catalytic Transformations of Alkylarenes
Authors: Ping Kefeng , Alam Mahboob , Käärik Maike , Leis Jaan , Kongi Nadežda , Järving Ivar , Starkov Pavel
Published: July 2019

The use of carbonized materials derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in catalytic organic transformations is less well explored than is the use of MOFs. Here, we survey the oxidative performance of heterogeneous catalyst materials derived from the polycrystalline iron–organic framework TAL-1.
Avaliação clínica e radiológica dos pacientes submetidos a osteossíntese de rádio distal com placas bloqueadas – estudo retrospectivo
Authors: Câmara Filho Jurandyr de Abreu , Almeida Saulo Fontes
Published: July 2019

Objetivo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um estudo retrospectivo, com base no arquivo médico dos prontuários e das radiografias dos pacientes, avaliando seus dados socioeconômicos, assim como clinicamente e radiograficamente, os pacientes submetidos a osteossíntese de rádio distal com placas bloqueadas.

Métodos Avaliou-se clinicamente e radiologicamente o pós-operatório, no Serviço da clínica de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do nosso hospital, entre os anos de 2016 e 2017.

Resultados Na avaliação radiográfica, foram encontrados 22 (75,86%) resultados excelentes, 6 (20,69%) bons e 1 (3,45%) regular. Na avaliação clínica, o desvio ulnar obteve média de 28,40, desvio padrão (DP) de 3,0 e coeficiente de variação de 10,56%. O desvio radial obteve média de 22,93, DP de 2,2 e coeficiente de variação de 9,59%. A amplitude de movimento em flexão obteve média de 59,43, DP de 9,86 e coeficiente de variação de 16,59%. Já a extensão obteve média de 53,83, DP de 5,09 e coeficiente de variação de 9,46%.

Conclusão Concluímos que há correlação estatística entre os dados clínicos e radiográficos, e que a placa bloqueada é um método de tratamento com alto índice de sucesso no procedimento cirúrgico das fraturas de rádio distal.
Femoral Component Malrotation Produces Quadriceps Weakness and Impaired Ambulatory Function following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Results of a Forward-Dynamic Computer Model
Authors: Nettrour John F. , Razu Swithin S. , Keeney James A. , Guess Trent M.
Published: July 2019

Proper placement of the prosthetic components is believed to be an important factor in successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Implant positioning errors have been associated with postoperative pain, suboptimal function, and inferior patient-reported outcome measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of femoral component malrotation on quadriceps function and normal ambulation. For the investigation, publicly available data were used to create a validated forward-dynamic, patient-specific computer model. The incorporated data included medical imaging, gait laboratory measurements, knee loading information, electromyographic data, strength testing, and information from the surgical procedure. The ideal femoral component rotation was set to the surgical transepicondylar axis and walking simulations were subsequently performed with increasing degrees of internal and external rotation of the femoral component. The muscle force outputs were then recorded for the quadriceps musculature as a whole, as well as for the individual constituent muscles. The quadriceps work requirements during walking were then calculated for the different rotational simulations. The highest forces generated by the quadriceps were seen during single-limb stance phase as increasing degrees of femoral internal rotation produced proportional increases in quadriceps force requirements. The individual muscles of the quadriceps displayed different sensitivities to the rotational variations introduced into the simulations with the vastus lateralis showing the greatest changes with rotational positioning. Increasing degrees of internal rotation of femoral component were also seen to demand increasing quadriceps work to support normal ambulation. In conclusion, internal malrotation of the femoral component during TKA produces a mechanically disadvantaged state which is characterized by greater required quadriceps forces (especially the vastus lateralis) and greater quadriceps work to support normal ambulation.
Planning on CT-Based 3D Virtual Models Can Accurately Predict the Component Size for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: León-Muñoz Vicente J. , Lisón-Almagro Alonso J. , López-López Mirian
Published: July 2019

The ability to predict accurate sizing of the implant components for total knee arthroplasty surgery can have several benefits in the operating room, in terms of simplifying the workflow and reducing the number of required instrument trays. Planning on a three-dimensional (3D) virtual model can be used to predict size. The aim of this study was to quantify the accuracy of the surgeon-validated plan prediction on a computed tomography (CT)-based system. The clinical records of 336 cases (267 patients), operated using a CT-based patient-specific instrumentation, have been reviewed for the size of implanted components. Preoperative default planning (according to the preferences of the surgeon) and approved planning have been compared with the size of implanted components for both the femur and tibia. The prosthesis size, preplanned by the manufacturers, was modified by the surgeon during the validation process in 0.9% of cases for the femoral component and in 2.7% of cases for the tibial component. The prosthesis size, preplanned by the surgeon after the validation process, was used in 95.8% for the femur and 92.6% for the tibia. Concordance on the size of the surgeon-validated plan and the finally implanted size was perfect for both, the femoral (κ  =  0.951; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–0.98) and the tibial component (κ  =  0.902; 95% CI: 0.86–0.94). The most frequent change of size (51%) was an increase by one size of the planned tibial component. Planning of knee arthroplasty surgery on a 3D virtual, CT-based model is useful to surgeons to help predict the size of the implants to be used in surgery. The system we have used can accurately predict the component size for both the femur and tibia. This study reflects a study of level III evidence.
A phase difference measurement method based on strong tracking filter for Coriolis mass flowmeter
Authors: Chen Nan , Fan Shangchun , Zheng Dezhi
Published: July 2019

In order to improve the measurement accuracy of Coriolis mass flowmeters, this paper investigates the possible application of a strong tracking filter during signal processing. Specifically, a novel phase difference measurement method, based on a strong tracking filter for Coriolis mass flowmeters, is proposed in order to overcome the problems associated with the extended Kalman filters, which cannot accurately track time-varying phase differences. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method can continuously track phase difference variation with high precision. The proposed method is a parallel algorithm that does not need to predict signal frequency in advance; this can effectively eliminate the quadratic error associated with frequency estimation. The results of simulation and experiments verify the proposed method that has better estimation performance and enhances the anti-interference performance of phase difference estimation, which contributes to improving the measurement accuracy of Coriolis mass flowmeters.
Signal extraction using complementary ensemble empirical mode in pipeline magnetic flux leakage nondestructive evaluation
Authors: Shi Mingjiang , Zhao Honghui , Huang Zhiqiang , Liu Qin
Published: July 2019

The magnetic flux leakage (MFL) evaluation is often used for the overhauling of oil extracting operation in the oil field to realize the real-time damage assessment of the pipeline. Since the MFL signal is affected by various noise sources in the field, this paper introduces the complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). On the basis of this, a particle swarm optimization wavelet threshold (PSO-WT) method is proposed, and the signal reconstruction option is improved to extract the leakage magnetic flux signal of tubing defects. First, CEEMDAN is used to add pairs of positive and negative white noise to the MFL signal, and then the signal is decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Second, the correlation coefficient selection limit is defined. Taking into account the characteristics of the decomposed signal, the useless IMFs and useful IMFs are selected from the IMF components, where some of the useful IMF components contain less noise. Third, the PSO-WT algorithm is combined to further filter the noisy and useful IMF components. Finally, the filtered IMF components and the pure useful IMF components are selected to reconstruct the signal. In the experiment, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and CEEMDAN are used to decompose the noisy MFL signals ensemble in the field. The MFL signal is reconstructed under the correlation coefficient selection. It can be seen from the comparison of EEMD that the MFL signal is reconstructed under the same conditions after CEEMDAN decomposition, and its signal-to-noise ratio is increased by 8%. At the same time, after CEEMDAN decomposition, the selected noisy useful IMFs are further filtered by the wavelet threshold (WT) method and the PSO-WT method. Also, it indicates that the reconstructed signal processed by PSO-WT is 17% higher than the reconstructed signal after WT processing.
Achieving giant spin-orbit splitting in conduction band of monolayer WS2 via n-p co-doping
Authors: Guo Shaoqiang , Zheng Huibin , Wang Yuyan , Zhang Junying
Published: July 2019

Large spin-orbit splitting in the conduction band minimum (CBM) of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is in great demand for suppressing the intervalley scattering. Here we propose a new scheme to significantly enhance the spin-orbit splitting at the K point in the CBM of WS2 monolayer, via the n-p co-doping of fluorine and group VA elements (N, P, As and Sb). Based on the first-principles calculations, a giant spin-orbit splitting of 101.86 meV is theorized in the F-Sb co-doped system. This is evidenced to originate from the enhanced spin-orbit interaction, intimately related to the strengthened trigonal prismatic ligand field and the increased asymmetric surface charge. The giant spin-orbit splitting in the CBM can strongly suppress the intervalley scattering, which will enhance the spin-valley coupling and is beneficial for longer spin and valley lifetimes. This theoretical work provides a key to designing the high-performance monolayer TMD-based spintronic devices.
A thermal orbital-free density functional approach
Authors: Nagy Á.
Published: July 2019

A generating function σ is defined for spherically symmetric systems. Compared to the density, the generating functional has two extra variables and reduces to the density if these variables are equal to zero. It is proved that σ satisfies a differential equation that contains only the derivatives of σ and the Kohn-Sham potential. A Schrödinger-like equation for the square root of σ is also derived. The effective potential of this equation is the sum of the Kohn-Sham potential and a term that is expressed with an integral containing the derivatives of σ. The noninteracting kinetic energy can be calculated in the knowledge of σ. The theory is valid in case of zero and nonzero temperatures as well. For nonspherically symmetric systems, the muffin-tin approximation can be applied.
Investigation of chemical reaction during sodium alginate drop impact on calcium chloride film
Authors: Haldar Krishnayan , Chakraborty Sudipto
Published: July 2019

The objective of this work is to study the chemical reaction between sodium alginate drop and calcium chloride film and instantaneous formation of calcium alginate gel. The complexity of this work is the simultaneous effect of both liquid and solid surface on drop impact gelation process. The sodium alginate concentration in the drop fluid, liquid film thickness, and drop impingement height are varied and the observations are captured using a high speed camera. Several interesting phenomena like splashing and jet break up occur depending on the drop impingement velocity, drop concentration, and film thickness. Crosslinking reaction and mixing mechanisms are schematically explained accounting the role of capillary wave propagation within the liquid film. A mathematical model on drop spreading on the solid surface after penetrating the liquid film is developed to predict the theoretical gel length for ultrathin and thin film regimes. Maximum spreading diameter of the drop postimpact on the liquid film is predicted from the model. However, the experimentally measured solidified gel length deviates from the theoretical values and these deviations are utilized to measure the rate of crosslinking gelation and instantaneous solidification. Different hydrodynamic parameters such as the crater depth, crater contact time, and crater dissipation energy are evaluated for the dynamics of gelation. Finally, the kinetics of gelation with the variation of liquid film thickness are determined for alginate drop concentrations and drop impingement heights.
Mechanical behavior of (Ni, Fe)Cr2O4 spinel grain boundaries studied by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Van Brutzel Laurent , Chartier Alain , Sicaud Bertrand , Sauzay Maxime
Published: July 2019

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the fracture initiation of grain boundaries in NiCr2O4 and FeCr2O4 of spinel structure. These compounds are representative of corrosion layers of nickel-chromium-iron austenitic stainless alloys. Uniaxial deformation is applied to several symmetric tilt-, twist-, and random-grain boundaries until complete decohesion is reached, in order to measure the critical cleavage stresses. We find that this mechanical quantity depends on the chemical composition and the structure of the grain boundaries. A correlation between the critical stress and the misorientation angle of the grain boundaries can be established. It is also found than the twist- and the random-grain boundaries exhibit the weakest resistance. Furthermore, these simulations show a localization of the elastic response in the vicinity of the grain boundary plane. Therefore, we were able to compare our simulation results with those provided by the theoretical model based on the universal binding energy relation that relates the critical stress to the cleavage grain boundary energy. It shows that this model provides similar critical stresses than the molecular dynamics simulations if the localization distance parameter is defined as the distance related to the deformation of the grain boundary thickness during the deformation.
A di-iron protein recruited as an Fe[II] and oxygen sensor for bacterial chemotaxis functions by stabilizing an iron-peroxy species
Authors: Muok Alise R. , Deng Yijie , Gumerov Vadim M. , Chong Jenna E. , DeRosa Jennifer R. , Kurniyati Kurni , Coleman Rachael E. , Lancaster Kyle M. , Li Chunhao , Zhulin Igor B. , Crane Brian R.
Published: July 2019

Many bacteria contain cytoplasmic chemoreceptors that lack sensor domains. Here, we demonstrate that such cytoplasmic receptors found in 8 different bacterial and archaeal phyla genetically couple to metalloproteins related to β-lactamases and nitric oxide reductases. We show that this oxygen-binding di-iron protein (ODP) acts as a sensor for chemotactic responses to both iron and oxygen in the human pathogen
Treponema denticola
(
Td
). The ODP di-iron site binds oxygen at high affinity to reversibly form an unusually stable μ-peroxo adduct. Crystal structures of ODP from
Td
and the thermophile
Thermotoga maritima
(
Tm
) in the Fe[III]
2
-O
2
2−
, Zn[II], and apo states display differences in subunit association, conformation, and metal coordination that indicate potential mechanisms for sensing. In reconstituted systems, iron-peroxo ODP destabilizes the phosphorylated form of the receptor-coupled histidine kinase CheA, thereby providing a biochemical link between oxygen sensing and chemotaxis in diverse prokaryotes, including anaerobes of ancient origin.
Ternary nitride semiconductors in the rocksalt crystal structure
Authors: Bauers Sage R. , Holder Aaron , Sun Wenhao , Melamed Celeste L. , Woods-Robinson Rachel , Mangum John , Perkins John , Tumas William , Gorman Brian , Tamboli Adele , Ceder Gerbrand , Lany Stephan , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: July 2019

Inorganic nitrides with wurtzite crystal structures are well-known semiconductors used in optical and electronic devices. In contrast, rocksalt-structured nitrides are known for their superconducting and refractory properties. Breaking this dichotomy, here we report ternary nitride semiconductors with rocksalt crystal structures, remarkable electronic properties, and the general chemical formula Mg
x
TM
1−x
N (
TM
= Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb). Our experiments show that these materials form over a broad metal composition range, and that Mg-rich compositions are nondegenerate semiconductors with visible-range optical absorption onsets (1.8 to 2.1 eV) and up to 100 cm
2
V
−1
⋅s
−1
electron mobility for MgZrN
2
grown on MgO substrates. Complementary ab initio calculations reveal that these materials have disorder-tunable optical absorption, large dielectric constants, and electronic bandgaps that are relatively insensitive to disorder. These ternary Mg
x
TM
1−x
N semiconductors are also structurally compatible both with binary
TM
N superconductors and main-group nitride semiconductors along certain crystallographic orientations. Overall, these results highlight Mg
x
TM
1−x
N as a class of materials combining the semiconducting properties of main-group wurtzite nitrides and rocksalt structure of superconducting transition-metal nitrides.
Variation motivated by analogy with fixed chunks
Authors: Szczesniak Konrad
Published: July 2019

This study looks at the variable use of two related forms, namely the reflexive construction (The defendant talked himself into trouble) and thewayconstruction (The actress danced her way to stardom). Despite their differences, the two constructions are often used in ways that can be described as one taking over the other’s expressive functions. FollowingMondorf (2011), I assume that the variation results in part from the historical competition between the two, and from the fact that the process of specialization is not yet complete. I present another factor responsible for the overlap, which may keep the specialization from ever being concluded. It involves specific uses of a construction chunked into formulaic phrases (liketalk oneself into trouble) which are used reversively (talk oneself out of trouble) against the specifications of the construction they are based on. That is, the kind of variation discussed here is set in motion by the same mechanism observed in novelty motivated through local analogies with specific expressions and low-level instances of a construction.
Operation Countenance: The 1941 Invasion of Iran and the Clash of Propaganda Narratives
Authors: Roberts Mervyn
Published: July 2019

The June 1941 German invasion of the Soviet Union unleashed a series of events that culminated in the Allied invasion of Iran two months later. In their propaganda, Britain and the Soviet Union publicly justified that invasion as a means of preventing Iran from falling into the German orbit. However, a review of radio broadcasts of the time shows the theme of a German menace was not widely believed in the region. Using BBC Summary of World Broadcasts transcripts from the period, this paper argues that the decision to base their propaganda on a lie also negatively affected relations in the postwar world. In that sense the decision to justify the invasion on the basis of German presence was a propaganda failure for the allies.
Computational methods in the study of self-entangled proteins: a critical appraisal
Authors: Perego Claudio , Potestio Raffaello
Published: July 2019

The existence of self-entangled proteins, the native structure of which features a complex topology, unveils puzzling, and thus fascinating, aspects of protein biology and evolution. The discovery that a polypeptide chain can encode the capability to self-entangle in an efficient and reproducible way during folding, has raised many questions, regarding the possible function of these knots, their conservation along evolution, and their role in the folding paradigm. Understanding the function and origin of these entanglements would lead to deep implications in protein science, and this has stimulated the scientific community to investigate self-entangled proteins for decades by now. In this endeavour, advanced experimental techniques are more and more supported by computational approaches, that can provide theoretical guidelines for the interpretation of experimental results, and for the effective design of new experiments. In this review we provide an introduction to the computational study of self-entangled proteins, focusing in particular on the methodological developments related to this research field. A comprehensive collection of techniques is gathered, ranging from knot theory algorithms, that allow detection and classification of protein topology, to Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics strategies, that constitute crucial instruments for investigating thermodynamics and kinetics of this class of proteins.
Scaling behaviour of non-equilibrium planar N-atic spin systems under weak fluctuations
Authors: Sartori Pablo , Lee Chiu Fan
Published: July 2019

Starting from symmetry considerations, we derive the generic hydrodynamic equation of non-equilibrium XY spin systems with N-atic symmetry under weak fluctuations. Through a systematic treatment we demonstrate that, in two dimensions, these systems exhibit two types of scaling behaviours. For N = 1, they have long-range order and are described by the flocking phase of dry polar active fluids. For all other values of N, the systems exhibit quasi long-range order, as in the equilibrium XY model at low temperature.
Optimizing performance of Li4Ti5O12 nanorod doped C@ZnO by hydrothermal synthesis as half-cell lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Priyono B , Nugraha M R , Syahrial A Z , Faizah  , Subhan A
Published: July 2019

Lithium titanate, Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a promising candidate as lithium ion battery anode material. In this investigation, LTO/C@ZnO was synthesized with LTO nanorod by hydrothermal method using TiO2 xerogel that prepared by the sol-gel method, lithium hydroxide (LiOH), Activated carbon, and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorod. Three variations of ZnO content addition in weight %, i.e., 4, 7 and 10%, labelled as sample LTO/C@ZnO-4, LTO/C@ZnO-7 and LTO/C@ZnO-10, respectively. The characterizations were made using XRD, FE-SEM, and BET testing. These were performed to observe the effect of ZnO addition on structure, morphology, and surface area of the resulting samples. Result showed that the optimum discharge capacity from each samples was 32.84 mAh/g in LTO/C@ZnO-4 with the crystallite size of 11.86 nm and the surface area of 348.736 m2/g. In cyclic voltammetry testing, it shows a shift in reaction voltage and reduction in capacity that caused by the addition of C@ZnO and the lack of Li4Ti5O12 that are formed.
Synthesis and characterization of nano rosette TiO2 and CH3NH3PbCl2I for potential use in perovskite solar cell
Authors: Sofyan N , Ridhova A , Salman  , Yuwono A H , Udhiarto A
Published: July 2019

The characteristics of nano rosette TiO2 hydrothermally grown on a glass substrate with potential application in perovskite solar cell has been examined. Nano rosette TiO2 was synthesized through deposition on top of a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate via hydrothermal reaction at 170°C for 6 hours. Formation and growth mechanism were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), whereas the morphology was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results showed that the formation of nano rosette TiO2 has been completed after 6 hours. Structural study from X-ray diffraction also showed that the crystal structure formation has been completed after 6 hours. This nano rosette TiO2 was tested for its performance as an electron transport layer (ETL) in the perovskite solar cell device. For this purpose, the perovskite CH3NH3PbCl2I 0.8 M was deposited on top of the ETL layer and the performance was tested using a semiconductor parameter analyser (SPA). The result showed an efficiency of about 3.4%, which is promising for the next development.