bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between physical-activity trajectories and cognitive decline in adults 50 years of age or older
Authors: Cheval Boris , Csajbók Zsófia , Formánek Tomáš , Sieber Stefan , Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Cullati Stéphane , Cermakova Pavla
Published: December 2021

Aims

To investigate the associations of physical-activity trajectories with the level of cognitive performance (CP) and its decline in adults 50 years of age or older.

Methods

We studied 38 729 individuals (63 ± 9 years; 57% women) enrolled in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Physical activity was self-reported and CP was assessed based on immediate recall, verbal fluency and delayed recall. Physical-activity trajectories were estimated using growth mixture modelling and linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the associations between the trajectories and CP.

Results

The models identified two trajectories of physical activity: constantly high physical activity (N = 27 634: 71%) and decreasing physical activity (N = 11 095; 29%). Results showed that participants in the decreasing physical-activity group exhibited a lower level of CP compared to the high physical-activity group (immediate recall: ß = 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92–0.95; verbal fluency: ß = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97–0.98; delayed recall: ß = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.94–0.97). Moreover, compared with participants in the constantly high physical-activity group, participants in the decreasing physical-activity group showed a steeper decline in all cognitive measures (immediate recall: ß = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.05 to −0.04; verbal fluency: ß = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.24 to −0.21; delayed recall: ß = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.05 to −0.04).

Conclusions

Physical-activity trajectories are associated with the level and evolution of CP in adults over 50 years. Specifically, our findings suggest that a decline in physical activity over multiple years is associated with a lower level and a steeper decline in CP.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from World War I Veterans
Authors: Schmick Ethan
Published: December 2021

This article uses a linked sample of World War I Army veterans from the state of Missouri to study the impact of vocational rehabilitation on labor market outcomes for men wounded and disabled during the war. Veterans’ military service abstracts are linked to the 1940 US Census and a subset are linked to rehabilitation records. This creates a new dataset that contains information on military service, rehabilitation, and labor market outcomes. I find that 70 percent of veterans that were both wounded in action and disabled when discharged from the army participated in the rehabilitation program. These same veterans had significantly better labor market outcomes, which can be attributed to the rehabilitation program under certain assumptions.
Fertility Outcomes, Heritability and Genomic Associations of In-Group Preference and In-Group Marriage
Authors: Fieder Martin , Huber Susanne
Published: December 2021

Using data from the Midlife Development in the USA (MIDUS) sample (3070 men and 3182 women) and the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS; 2240 men and 2346 women), we aimed to investigate whether religious, ethnic and racial in-group preferences as well as religious homogamy are associated with reproductive outcome in terms of number of children. Using data from the MIDUS twin sample, we further estimated the inherited genetic component of in-group attitudes. Additionally, we analyzed the association of ∼50 polygenic scores (PGSs) recently published for the WLS study and in-group attitudes as an indicator of potential pleiotropic effects. We found in both samples that, with one exception, religious though not other in-group attitudes are associated with a higher reproductive outcome. Also, religious homogamy is associated with higher average number of children. The inherited component of all in-group attitudes ranges from ∼21% to 45% (MIDUS twin sample). PGSs associated with religious behavior are significantly positively associated with religious in-group attitudes as well as family attitudes. Further associations are found with PGS on life satisfaction (work) and, negatively, with PGS for any sort of addiction (smoking, alcohol and cannabis use), indicating pleiotropy. We conclude that the positive association between religious in-group attitudes as well as religious homogamy and reproductive outcome may indicate selective forces on religious in-group behavior. As all investigated in-group attitudes, however, have a substantial inherited component, we further speculate that potential previous reproductive benefits of racial and ethnic in-group preferences, if they ever existed, might have been substituted by religious in-group preferences.
Lagrangian Observations and Modeling of Turbulence Along a Tidally Influenced River
Authors: Déjeans Bérengère S. , Mullarney Julia C. , MacDonald Iain T.
Published: December 2021

We examine and model the patterns of velocities and turbulence from flow‐following measurements along a tidally influenced river, collected from the heavily sediment‐laden Kaipara River, New Zealand, using Lagrangian ‘Floc Drifter’ platforms released at different locations and times. Numerical modeling was undertaken in Delft3D with the k−ϵ turbulence closure scheme. While model calibration using Eulerian measurements was classified as excellent, results explored in a Lagrangian framework revealed deficiencies in model performance. Generally, the model reproduced flow speeds and patterns of dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy ϵ of the right order of magnitude, but did not always correctly reproduce the observed ϵ, particularly around abrupt meander bends. These discrepancies were attributed partly to errors in velocity predictions, but also indicated that other processes (omitted or not accurately represented in our model) such as wind‐driven mixing and secondary flow strongly influenced turbulence dynamics. Predicted ϵ were relatively consistent across different tidal phases and days, suggesting the bathymetry and geometry of the river were the greatest control on the along‐river structure of turbulence. The vertical and cross‐sectional distributions of turbulent quantities (ϵ, k and ν) displayed larger variations vertically than longitudinally and agree with previous studies. Results show that flow‐following measurements offer a stringent validation for numerical modeling of hydrodynamics over large (riverine) spatial scales at a temporal and spatial resolution not possible with traditional Eulerian measurements. Ultimately, robust numerical predictions of velocities and turbulence are critical to accurately model and predict the dispersal and fate of fine‐sediments in aquatic environments.
Evidence for Deposition of Chloride on Mars From Small‐Volume Surface Water Events Into the Late Hesperian‐Early Amazonian
Authors: Leask Ellen K. , Ehlmann Bethany L.
Published: December 2021

We determine the environmental setting and timing of enigmatic large‐scale chloride deposits on Mars, examining all available high‐resolution imagery globally, building digital elevation models, surveying targeted infrared images intersecting chloride deposits for accessory minerals (e.g., clay, carbonate, and sulfate), and performing crater counting for age‐dating when possible. We find that chloride deposits are commonly draped atop underlying topography, often associated with channels, sometimes perched above deep craters in local topographic lows, and span a wide range of elevations. Where measurable, chloride deposit thicknesses are typically <3 m. The deposits range in elevation over tens of meters, inconsistent with previous hypotheses of playa‐like environments, which are very flat. Chloride deposit elevations within larger basins are typically asymmetric with chloride deposits much higher on the inlet channel side, indicating that (a) surface water runoff was the most likely water source and (b) the basins were likely not filled completely with water in a deep lake setting but rather chlorides formed within a series of shallow ponds. Mass balance allows local sourcing from mobilization of cations and chlorine from dust/soil. Though prior global‐scale studies report chloride deposits superimposed on Noachian terrains, crater‐counting of local, stratigraphically‐associated datable surfaces shows chlorides superimposed on 3.4–2.3 Ga volcanic terrain. This indicates that surface waters forming chloride deposits continued through the Hesperian and into the Amazonian, making them among the latest‐formed, large‐scale deposits of water‐related minerals on Mars. Collectively, data suggest formation from meltwater from episodic ice/snow deposits continuing until 2.0–2.5 Ga.
Contrasting Responses of Soil Inorganic Carbon to Afforestation in Acidic Versus Alkaline Soils
Authors: Hong Songbai , Chen Anping
Published: December 2021

Afforestation is recommended as an effective approach for carbon sequestration and environmental benefits. However, it remains less clear, and sometimes controversial, regarding how afforestation may impact soil inorganic carbon (SIC), a crucial component of the ecosystem carbon pool. Using field data from 619 afforested plots and 163 control plots across northern China, we here investigated the relative and absolute differences in SIC between afforested and corresponding control plots. Our results suggested that afforestation increased SIC in acidic soils, while decreased SIC in alkaline soils. Fitting a linear mixed model and further a structure equation model, we found that afforestation‐induced soil pH change was the most significant factor regulating SIC responses. In particular, SIC was more sensitive to pH change in more arid areas, where both soil pH and SIC stocks were high. Other factors could indirectly affect SIC responses to afforestation through modulating soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. Moreover, afforestation‐induced SIC changes also varied considerably among different species of tree plantations and across different soil depths. Importantly, in plantations of Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica, Pinus tabuliformis, and Populus spp., changes in SIC caused by afforestation were even comparable to that in SOC. Overall, our findings provide a data‐based understanding on the comprehensive soil carbon dynamics following afforestation and its underlying mechanisms. With the increased use of afforestation and reforestation as nature‐based solutions to climate change, their associated impacts on SIC need to be taken into account, especially in SIC‐rich areas.
Identification of an mRNA isoform switch for HNRNPA1 in breast cancers
Authors: Erdem Murat , Ozgul İbrahim , Dioken Didem Naz , Gurcuoglu Irmak , Guntekin Ergun Sezen , Cetin-Atalay Rengul , Can Tolga , Erson-Bensan Ayse Elif
Published: December 2021

Roles of HNRNPA1 are beginning to emerge in cancers; however, mechanisms causing deregulation of HNRNPA1 function remain elusive. Here, we describe an isoform switch between the 3′-UTR isoforms of HNRNPA1 in breast cancers. We show that the dominantly expressed isoform in mammary tissue has a short half-life. In breast cancers, this isoform is downregulated in favor of a stable isoform. The stable isoform is expressed more in breast cancers, and more HNRNPA1 protein is synthesized from this isoform. High HNRNPA1 protein levels correlate with poor survival in patients. In support of this, silencing of HNRNPA1 causes a reversal in neoplastic phenotypes, including proliferation, clonogenic potential, migration, and invasion. In addition, silencing of HNRNPA1 results in the downregulation of microRNAs that map to intragenic regions. Among these miRNAs, miR-21 is known for its transcriptional upregulation in breast and numerous other cancers. Altogether, the cancer-specific isoform switch we describe here for HNRNPA1 emphasizes the need to study gene expression at the isoform level in cancers to identify novel cases of oncogene activation.
Vibrational disorder and densification-induced homogenization of local elasticity in silicate glasses
Authors: Benzine Omar , Pan Zhiwen , Calahoo Courtney , Bockowski Michal , Smedskjaer Morten M. , Schirmacher Walter , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: December 2021

We report the effect of structural compaction on the statistics of elastic disorder in a silicate glass, using heterogeneous elasticity theory with the coherent potential approximation (HET-CPA) and a log-normal distribution of the spatial fluctuations of the shear modulus. The object of our study, a soda lime magnesia silicate glass, is compacted by hot-compression up to 2 GPa (corresponding to a permanent densification of ~ 5%). Using THz vibrational spectroscopic data and bulk mechanical properties as inputs, HET-CPA evaluates the degree of disorder in terms of the length-scale of elastic fluctuations and the non-affine part of the shear modulus. Permanent densification decreases the extent of non-affine elasticity, resulting in a more homogeneous distribution of strain energy, while also decreasing the correlation length of elastic heterogeneity. Complementary 29Si magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopic data provide a short-range rationale for the effect of compression on glass structure in terms of a narrowing of the Si–O–Si bond-angle and the Si–Si distance.
Investigating protein diffusivities in diluted hyaluronic acid solutions using dynamic light scattering
Authors: Lou Hao , Hageman Michael J.
Published: December 2021

A method based on analyzing the autocorrelation function of the dynamic light scattering is developed to investigate protein diffusivities in diluted protein/solvent binary systems and diluted protein/hyaluronic acid/solvent ternary systems.
A porous organic polymer supported Pd/Cu bimetallic catalyst for heterogeneous oxidation of alkynes to 1,2-diketones
Authors: Song Jiaxin , Zhang Kai , Huang Zhongye , Zhao Jinyu , Yang Zhengyi , Zong Lingbo , Chen Jianbin , Xie Congxia , Jia Xiaofei
Published: December 2021

A reusable Pd/Cu bimetal-loaded porous organic polymer (Pd/Cu@POP–POPh3) has been developed for heterogeneous oxidation of various alkynes to afford the corresponding 1,2-diketones in high to excellent yields.
In situ analysis of growth rate evolution during molecular layer deposition of ultra-thin polyurea films using aliphatic and aromatic precursors
Authors: Nye Rachel A. , Wang Siyao , Uhlenbrock Stefan , Smythe John A. , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: December 2021

MLD growth evolution depends on the deposition surface and monomer structure of the deposited film.
Thin films composed of Zr-doped In2O3 grains rich in fracture surfaces and cracks for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Yang Shu , Chen Changlong , Wei Yuling , Wang Leshuang , Liu Qiang , Jiang Liya , Li Guobao
Published: December 2021

Zr-doped In2O3 thin films composed of grains with abundant fracture surfaces and cracks prepared by a two-step method show significantly improved PEC water oxidation performance in comparison with the undoped In2O3 thin films.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of defective Ca1−xAgxTi1−yCoyO3 with high photoelectrocatalytic activity for organic pollutant removal from water
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Jiamei , Guo Dong , Duan Keyu , Wang Yongqiang , Lun Xiaowen , Zhang Conglu
Published: December 2021

Ag/Co co-doped CaTiO3 has more bulk defects, higher crystallinity and wider light-absorption range than pure CaTiO3 and shows high light photoelectrocatalytic degradation activity and strong stability.
Fluorinated tris(pyridyl)borate ligand support on coinage metals
Authors: Vanga Mukundam , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: December 2021

Chemically robust, tris(pyridyl)borate with a fluorine-lined coordination pocket allows the stabilization and detailed investigation of organometallic complexes of group 11 metal ions involving a small gaseous molecule, ethylene.
Water as a hole-predatory instrument to create metal nanoparticles on triple-conducting oxides
Authors: Kim Jun Hyuk , Hong Jaewoon , Lim Dae-Kwang , Ahn Sejong , Kim Jinwook , Kim Jun Kyu , Oh DongHwan , Jeon SungHyun , Song Sun-Ju , Jung WooChul
Published: December 2021

Schematics of water-mediated ex-solution and accordingly nano-engineered protonic ceramic fuel cell furnished with the water-mediated ex-solution on a cathode and H2 ex-solution on an anode.
The fabrication, characterization, and application of chitosan–NaOH modified casein nanoparticles and their stabilized long-term stable high internal phase Pickering emulsions
Authors: Liu Jingbo , Guo Jian , Zhang Hui , Liao Yinan , Liu Shuaiyan , Cheng Dahao , Zhang Ting , Xiao Hang , Du Zhiyang
Published: December 2021

Schematic illustration of the chitosan–NaOH modified casein nanoparticles under different pH values and the applications of their stabilized long-term stable high internal phase Pickering emulsions.
Regulating crystallization dynamics and crystal orientation of methylammonium tin iodide enables high-efficiency lead-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ji Long , Zhang Ting , Wang Yafei , Liu Detao , Chen Hao , Zheng Hualin , Peng Xuefeng , Yuan Shihao , Chen Zhi David , Li Shibin
Published: December 2021

We report a regulating crystallization dynamics and crystal orientation of MASnI3 by introducing EABr additives, and an efficiency of 9.59% was achieved.
A dual-responsive nanoplatform with feedback amplification improves antitumor efficacy of photodynamic therapy
Authors: Xue Yuan , Bai Shuting , Wang Leilei , Luo Shi , Zhang Zhirong , Gong Tao , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2021

According to the ACURE principle, the dual-responsive photosensitizer nanocarrier potentiated the antitumor efficacy of photodynamic therapy.
Master key to coinage metal nanoclusters treasure chest: 38-metal clusters
Authors: Yuan Jia-Wang , Zhang Miao-Miao , Dong Xi-Yan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: December 2021

Structure, syntheses, properties, and applications of the 38-atom coinage metal nanoclusters.
Room-temperature Barbier single-atom polymerization induced emission as a versatile approach for the utilization of monofunctional carboxylic acid resources
Authors: Shi Quan-Xi , Li Qian , Xiao Hang , Sun Xiao-Li , Bao Hongli , Wan Wen-Ming
Published: December 2021

Barbier polymerization is realized at room-temperature with single-atom polymerization and polymerization-induced emission characteristics, which exhibits capability on sensitive explosive detection and artificial light-harvesting system fabrication.
Lipase-catalyzed esterification in water enabled by nanomicelles. Applications to 1-pot multi-step sequences
Authors: Singhania Vani , Cortes-Clerget Margery , Dussart-Gautheret Jade , Akkachairin Bhornrawin , Yu Julie , Akporji Nnamdi , Gallou Fabrice , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: December 2021

Esterification in an aqueous micellar medium is catalyzed by a commercially available lipase in the absence of any co-factors.
α-Diimine synthesis via titanium-mediated multicomponent diimination of alkynes with C-nitrosos
Authors: Frye Connor W. , Egger Dominic T. , Kounalis Errikos , Pearce Adam J. , Cheng Yukun , Tonks Ian A.
Published: December 2021

Alkyne diimination to unsymmetric α-diimines can be achieved via multicomponent reaction of Ti imidos and C-nitrosos. C-nitroso [4 + 2] cycloaddition across a diazatitanacyclohexadiene initiates cascading retrocycloadditions, liberating the α-diimine.
Ortho-selective C–H arylation of phenols with N-carboxyindoles under Brønsted acid- or Cu(i)-catalysis
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen H. , Oh Soo Min , Park Cheol-Min , Shin Seunghoon
Published: December 2021

Control over chemo- and regioselectivity is a critical issue in the heterobiaryl synthesis via C–H oxidative coupling. To address this challenge, a strategy to invert the normal polarity of indoles was developed.
Thermodynamic analysis of the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in solid-state proton-conducting electrochemical reactors considering interfacial potential steps
Authors: Lian Wenchao , Mo Yingyu , Lei Libin , Zhang Jihao , Ou Yongzhen , Qiu Ruiming , Tian Zhipeng , Liu Jianping , Liu Jiang
Published: December 2021

Ammonia (NH3) as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier shows great potential as fuel and its production under mild conditions is desired.
Colloidal membranes of chiral rod-like particles
Authors: Kuhnhold Anja , Göth Nils , Helmer Nadja
Published: December 2021

We use particle-based simulations to study the shape and structure of colloidal membranes. The simulation results are mapped to theoretical predictions, which allows to estimate system properties like elastic constants or the twist penetration depth.
Applying Implementation Science to Support Active Collaboration in Noninvasive Brain–Computer Interface Development and Translation for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Pitt Kevin M. , Dietz Aimee
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to consider how, alongside engineering advancements, noninvasive brain–computer interface (BCI) for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC; BCI-AAC) developments can leverage implementation science to increase the clinical impact of this technology. We offer the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a structure to help guide future BCI-AAC research. Specifically, we discuss CFIR primary domains that include intervention characteristics, the outer and inner settings, the individuals involved in the intervention, and the process of implementation, alongside pertinent subdomains including adaptability, cost, patient needs and recourses, implementation climate, other personal attributes, and the process of engaging. The authors support their view with current citations from both the AAC and BCI-AAC fields.

Conclusions:

The article aimed to provide thoughtful considerations for how future research may leverage the CFIR to support meaningful BCI-AAC translation for those with severe physical impairments. We believe that, although significant barriers to BCI-AAC development still exist, incorporating implementation research may be timely for the field of BCI-AAC and help account for diversity in end users, navigate implementation obstacles, and support a smooth and efficient translation of BCI-AAC technology. Moreover, the sooner clinicians, individuals who use AAC, their support networks, and engineers collectively improve BCI-AAC outcomes and the efficiency of translation, the sooner BCI-AAC may become an everyday tool in the AAC arsenal.
X‐band 8 × 8 phased‐array 4‐channel FMCW receiver in 65 nm CMOS technology
Authors: Han Seon‐Ho , Kim Ki‐Su , Koo Bon‐Tae
Published: December 2021

Optimized two radar RFICs for an X‐band 8 × 8 phased‐array 4‐channel frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave receiver is proposed using 65‐nm CMOS technology and the beam steering operation of the receiver module is demonstrated. The 8 × 8 phased‐array receiver module is constructed using 16 2 × 2 phased‐array receivers and a 4‐channel receiver for implementation of monopulse radar. The array size is scalable with the proposed two chips solution. The 2 × 2 phased‐array receiver has novel vector‐sum phase‐shifter with 7‐bit resolution in low supply voltage. The measured result of the phase shifter shows 7‐bit phase states with a 0.37° RMS phase error and a 2.17 dB gain error over 360° sweep.
Hierarchical energy management for community microgrids with integration of second‐life battery energy storage systems and photovoltaic solar energy
Authors: Deng Youjun , Zhang Yongxi , Luo Fengji , Mu Yunfei
Published: December 2021

It is recognized by academia and industry that second‐life batteries retired from electric vehicles still have use values and can be effectively used for supporting less demanding applications. At present, there lacks investigation on the applications of re‐using retired batteries on serving residential sector's energy management. Motivated by this, this paper studies the scenario of assembling retired batteries to be second‐life battery energy storage systems (SL‐BESSs) and using them to serve the energy demand of residential communities in an affordable manner. Based on an established SL‐BESS model, a two‐level community energy management framework is proposed, which optimizes the schedules of a SL‐BESS and other energy resources in a community subjected to a variety of short‐term operational objectives. In the upper level, a many‐objective optimization model is formulated, which comprehensively integrates four objectives covering the community's multi‐scale operational considerations. A NSGA‐III‐based solving approach is developed to find the non‐dominated solutions of the model. In the lower level, the optimal community scale load reshaping decisions and energy costs obtained from the upper level are allocated to individual houses. Extensive numerical case studies are conducted, and the results show that the proposed system can realize better trade‐off among the different operational considerations with less computational cost.
Observability and detectability analyses for dynamic state estimation of the marginally observable model of a synchronous machine
Authors: Zhou Ning , Wang Shaobu , Zhao Junbo , Huang Zhenyu , Huang Renke
Published: December 2021

Observability and detectability analyses are often used to guide the measurement setup and select the estimation models used in dynamic state estimation (DSE). Yet, marginally observable states of a synchronous machine prevent the direct application of conventional observability and detectability analyses in determining the existence of a DSE observer. To address this issue, the authors propose to identify the marginally observable states and their associate eigenvalues by finding the smallest perturbation matrices that make the system unobservable. The proposed method extends the observability and detectability analyses to marginally observable estimation models, often encountered in the DSE of a synchronous machine. The effectiveness and application of the proposed method are illustrated on the IEEE 10‐machine 39‐bus system, verified using the unscented Kalman filter and the extended Kalman filter, and compared with conventional methods. The proposed analysis method can be applied to guide the selection of estimation models and measurements to determine the existence of a DSE observer in power‐system planning.
Investigation on micro‐mechanism of palm oil as natural ester insulating oil for overheating thermal fault analysis of transformers
Authors: Zheng Hanbo , Li Xufan , Feng Yongji , Yang Hang , Lv Weijie
Published: December 2021

In order to explore the pyrolysis mechanism of palm oil as the natural ester insulating liquid from the molecular aspect, the ReaxFF reactive force field was used to simulate the pyrolysis process of palm oil. Firstly, the molecular models of the four main molecules of palm oil—tripalmitin, trilinolein, triolein, and tristearin—are constructed via density functional theory (DFT). Secondly, the vibrational frequencies of the four molecules are calculated, so as to calculate the infrared (IR) spectra. Thirdly, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations employing the ReaxFF method are performed to simulate the pyrolysis reaction of the palm oil system under different temperatures, so as to observe the generation pathways of major products used in the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in the transformer thermal fault analysis. Finally, hydrogen bonds in the pyrolysis process are counted. It is found that the number of hydrogen bonds gradually increased with the increase of pyrolysis time and pyrolysis temperature. It reveals why the life of the insulating paper immersed with natural esters is prolonged, and why the breakdown voltage is reduced slowly in the actual experiment from another perspective. This study can provide theoretical guidance and effective reference for the thermal fault analysis of an insulating liquid using palm oil as raw material.
Robust nonlinear control of a quasi‐resonant DC‐DC converter with turn‐on and turn‐off zero current switching
Authors: Esmaeili Ali , Gholizade‐Narm Hossein
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a new robust control strategy is proposed to regulate the output voltage of a quasi‐resonant converter. The proposed approach completely eliminates the switching losses and the electromagnetic interferences due to high current changing rates. The circuit structure is simple and affordable and does not have many auxiliary switches. The regulated output voltage of a buck converter must be robust to input voltage variations. Moreover, the controller must be robust to the circuit parameter uncertainties. In this paper, a new control strategy with nonlinear structure is used with the advantage of robustness, and turn‐on and turn‐off zero current switching. The robustness of the converter to the input voltage variations and the parameter uncertainties is investigated. The new proposed control strategy can be implemented using different controller types. Therefore, a comparison between the proposed nonlinear controller and a conventional PI controller, which is most widely used in practice, is performed. The simulation results show the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method. Finally, the simulation results are verified by the experimental tests.
Deep machine learning with grey wolf algorithm and central deference Kalman filter based broken rotor bars detection in induction motor
Authors: Zaniani Ali Amiri , Nafar Mehdi , Simab Mohsen
Published: December 2021

The present study tries to propose a new method which is using Central deference Kalman Filter (CDKF) as input index of deep machine learning (DML), for simulating state estimation and broken rotor bars (BRBs) diagnosis in induction motors (IMs). In addition, an advanced selective ensemble (DML) method applying the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm to diagnose the BRBs in IMs is proposed in the following study. Here, in the initial step, in order to take sufficient datum within the usual efficiency, it is needed to train the DML network. The outcomes indicate that the offered scheme can more accurately and powerfully detect diverse forms of BRBs with an accuracy of more than 98%. And also, Filter precision is enhanced via changing the sigma points of the filter, however, the stability of the filter enhances more because of its utilization, and the CDKF is further stable and precise in comparison to the Unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The CDKF performance is assessed to estimate the speed and is used as input index of DML to diagnose the broken rotor bar in IMs. The obtained outcomes prove the performance of this combined scheme.
Non-invasive Resolution of Pathological Ovarian Masses with Homeopathic Treatment—A Case Series
Authors: Ramanan Vinitha Edavattath , Radhakrishnan Reshma
Published: December 2021

Background Ovarian masses may be either physiological or pathological. Physiological ovarian masses are non-neoplastic. Pathological masses grow more than 7 cm and persist beyond 3 months; they do not resolve spontaneously, and invasive surgery with removal of reproductive organs is the conventional treatment. It usually results in further co-morbidities and hampers the quality of life of the patient.

Objectives This case series of pathological left ovarian masses demonstrates the role of homeopathic treatment in each of two multiparous women where the right ovary was surgically removed previously for similar pathology and in an adolescent girl with increased tumor marker CA-125.

Methods Three cases of women with pathological ovarian masses in the left ovary, and advised invasive surgery by attending gynecologists, were treated with homeopathic medicines at the outpatient department of the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, Kerala, from 2017 to 2020. Each case was followed up with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence and reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines.

Result Complete resolution of the ovarian masses was observed in all three cases, evidenced by ultrasonography, with normalizing CA-125 values also observed in the case of endometrial cyst. The patients improved within 4 to 15 months of treatment using Thuja and other individualized homeopathic medicines. The MONARCH score was calculated as +7/13, +9/13, and +9/13 for the three cases, respectively, indicating a positive causal attribution of homeopathy in the resolution of these pathological ovarian masses.

Conclusion This case series suggests that individualized homeopathy, and notably Thuja, can be useful in the treatment of pathological ovarian masses.
Normal Values of Distal Radioulnar Joint Kinematics during a Dynamic Press Test
Authors: Thillemann Janni Kjærgaard , De Raedt Sepp , Petersen Emil Toft , Puhakka Katriina Bøcker , Hansen Torben Bæk , Stilling Maiken
Published: December 2021

Background Measurement of in vivo distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) pathomechanics during simple activities can represent the disability experienced by patients and may be useful in diagnostics of DRUJ instability. A first step is to describe the physiological normal limits for DRUJ kinematics in a reproducible and precise test setup, which was the aim of this study.

Methods DRUJ kinematics were evaluated in 33 participants with dynamic radiostereometry (RSA) while performing a standardized press test examination. AutoRSA software was used for image analyses. Computed tomography (CT) forearm bone models were generated, and standardized anatomical axes were applied to estimate kinematic outcomes including, DRUJ translation, DRUJ position ratio, and changes in ulnar variance. Repeatability of dynamic RSA press test double examinations was evaluated to estimate the precision and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test–retest agreement.

Results The maximum force during the press test was 6.0 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1–6.9), which resulted in 4.7 mm (95% CI: 4.2–5.1) DRUJ translation, DRUJ position ratio of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.33–0.44), and increase in ulnar variance of 1.1 mm (95% CI: 1.0–1.2). The mean maximum DRUJ translation leveled off after a 5 kg force application. The DRUJ translation ICC coefficient was 0.93 within a prediction interval of ± 0.53mm.

Conclusions This clinical study demonstrates the normal values of DRUJ kinematics and reports excellent agreement and high precision of the press tests examination using an automated noninvasive dynamic RSA imaging method based on patient-specific CT bone models. The next step is the application of the method in patients with arthroscopic verified triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.
Numerical investigation of spallation neutrons generated from petawatt-scale laser-driven proton beams
Authors: Martinez B. , Chen S. N. , Bolaños S. , Blanchot N. , Boutoux G. , Cayzac W. , Courtois C. , Davoine X. , Duval A. , Horny V. , Lantuejoul I. , Le Deroff L. , Masson-Laborde P. E. , Sary G. , Vauzour B. , Smets R. , Gremillet L. , Fuchs J.
Published: December 2021

Laser-driven neutron sources could offer a promising alternative to those based on conventional accelerator technologies in delivering compact beams of high brightness and short duration. We examine this through particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations that model, respectively, the laser acceleration of protons from thin-foil targets and their subsequent conversion into neutrons in secondary lead targets. Laser parameters relevant to the 0.5 PW LMJ-PETAL and 0.6–6 PW Apollon systems are considered. Owing to its high intensity, the 20-fs-duration 0.6 PW Apollon laser is expected to accelerate protons up to above 100 MeV, thereby unlocking efficient neutron generation via spallation reactions. As a result, despite a 30-fold lower pulse energy than the LMJ-PETAL laser, the 0.6 PW Apollon laser should perform comparably well both in terms of neutron yield and flux. Notably, we predict that very compact neutron pulses, of ∼10 ps duration and ∼100 μm spot size, can be released provided the lead convertor target is thin enough (∼100 μm). These sources are characterized by extreme fluxes, of the order of 1023 n cm−2 s−1, and even ten times higher when using the 6 PW Apollon laser. Such values surpass those currently achievable at large-scale accelerator-based neutron sources (∼1016 n cm−2 s−1), or reported from previous laser experiments using low-Z converters (∼1018 n cm−2 s−1). By showing that such laser systems can produce neutron pulses significantly brighter than existing sources, our findings open a path toward attractive novel applications, such as flash neutron radiography and laboratory studies of heavy-ion nucleosynthesis.
InN: Breaking the limits of solid-state electronics
Authors: Kuzmík J. , Adikimenakis A. , Ťapajna M. , Gregušová D. , Haščík Š. , Dobročka E. , Tsagaraki K. , Stoklas R. , Georgakilas A.
Published: December 2021

Further progress of information technologies is hampered by the limited operational speed and frequency of contemporary electronic devices. Consequently, there is an intense quest for materials with the highest electron velocity. Over a decade, InN has been predicted to be among the top candidates. However, due to technological constrains of InN growth, this theoretical prediction has not been validated yet. In the present paper, we demonstrate state-of-the-art InN materials with an electron drift velocity of about 1 × 108 cm s−1 at an electric field of 48 kV cm−1. This is the highest steady-state electron velocity ever measured in any solid-state device. Moreover, our experimental value outperforms theoretical predictions by a factor of two, suggesting a need for revised understanding of InN fundamental properties. Moreover, the extracted InN electron velocity is about two times higher compared to the main competitors, such as InAs or graphene, introducing InN as the best far-reaching candidate for the next-generation ultra-fast electronics. We propose that implementation of InN-channel transistors may provide switching speeds deeply in the THz frequency range. If this technology is fully developed, it will help to erase the current THz frequency gap between the electronic and optical devices.
Low energy Xe+ sputter yields for alumina, Hiperco 50, and boron nitride
Authors: Crofton Mark W. , Young Jason A.
Published: December 2021

Electric thruster materials are often subject to erosion during normal device operation. As a result of the ion sputtering process, surface properties can be affected or the underlying material may be exposed, possibly compromising performance and/or lifetime. It is therefore important to know both the energy and angle dependence of total sputter yield for relevant materials so that these effects can be predicted. In this study, we have obtained limited datasets on three materials with applications in electric propulsion development, thruster-spacecraft integration, and other technological areas—alumina, Hiperco 50, and HP boron nitride—in order to augment the material properties database. For each case, angular profiles were obtained at a single ion incidence energy, and energy dependence was explored at normal incidence. The datasets have been least squares fitted, and the results were interpreted.
Preparation of mesoporous Cu/Zn/Ce/Zr/Al catalysts and activity in steam reforming of methanol
Authors: Yu Wei , Yan Jiali , Cui Zhengwei , Yang Na
Published: December 2021

Ammonium carbonate-assisted mechanochemical preparation of Cu-based catalysts has been developed for steam reforming of methanol (SRM). The characteristics of the catalysts were studied by N2 adsorption–desorption, N2O titration, TEM, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, and TG analysis. Optimized-prepared samples showed a porous structure with high surface areas due to the ammonium carbonate decomposing during the calcination. Because of the positive correlation between surface area and catalytic activity, the porous catalysts exhibited superior SRM activity, e.g., Cu1Zn1Zr1Al7 with a high surface area of 147.1 m2 g−1 reached a maximum methanol conversion of 85.2%. Furthermore, more Cu–Al spinels were introduced on Cu1Zn1Al8 by the milling process compared to wet-impregnated IM-Cu1Zn1Al8. Ascribed to the interaction of dispersed copper components with the surface oxygen vacancies of the CeO2/ZrO2, the promoted reducibility was observed with reduction peaks observed at low temperatures of 170 and 152 °C. With CexZr1−xO2 solid solution in Cu1Zn1Ce1Zr1Al6, a high surface-oxygen population was clearly formed on the surface, which suppressed CO production (0.8%) in the reaction. The ball-milled catalysts were found to have a much better catalytic time-on-stream stability, while the degradation of IM-Cu1Zn1Al8 was mainly ascribed to Cu sintering in the reaction, not the carbon deposits.
Electrochemical studies on doped SnO2 nanocomposite for selective detection of lung cancer biomarkers
Authors: Choudhari Upasana , Jagtap Shweta
Published: December 2021

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the major disease causes for cancer-related mortality. The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as lung cancer biomarkers will be useful for early stage detection. Hence, the development of electrochemical sensors to detect acetone and toluene as biomarkers below the allowed permissible limit in a sensitive and selective manner is essential. In this study, transition metal ion doped SnO2 nanocomposites have been developed by the hydrothermal method and used for the selective detection of LC biomarkers. The morphologies, structures, and chemical compositions of synthesized materials were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), x-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The UV–visible study revealed that the doping of metal ions reduces the bandgap, and FESEM analysis showed a spherical like morphology that improves the adsorption sites on materials. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the doping of transition metal ions improves the charge transfer ability and electrochemical activity of nanocomposites. The selective chemisorption of lung cancer biomarkers on metal-doped SnO2 nanocomposites helps in achieving a superior response with a broad linear detection range (20–100 ppb for toluene and 1–1000 ppb for acetone). In addition, the limit of detection achieved for toluene (1 ppb) and acetone (0.1 ppb) is well below the permissible limit for lung cancer patients. The fabricated nanocomposite is found to be highly selective toward acetone and toluene with a selectivity factor ranging from 1.8 to 12 and 6.6 to 10, respectively, as compared with other VOCs.
Vortex structures evolution in supersonic mixing layers with different inlet Reynolds numbers based on the Lagrangian method
Authors: Xing Boyang , Li Dongdong , Zhang Bin , Xu Hui , Liu Hong
Published: December 2021

The supersonic mixing layer is a typical flow structure in an aircraft’s optical seeker. The free incoming flow and cooling jet form a mixing layer through shearing. In most cases, the flow has become a fully developed turbulent due to complex factors during flight. This paper mainly focuses on the influence of the inlet Reynolds number on the development of the supersonic mixing layer. The rescaling/recycle method is used to generate turbulence at the inlet of the mixing layer. The results show that when the turbulence of the high-speed flow is strong, the transition position of the mixing layer will be advanced and the mixedness will be enhanced. The mixing efficiency is high at the position corresponding to the vortex in the mixing layer. Finally, the Lagrangian coherent structure and particle tracking methods are used to analyze different mixing processes, and the entrainment characteristics of the vortex are studied.
Observation of the crystalline orientation dependence of the semiconductor–metal transition for thermal oxidation induced VO2 films over amorphous quartz glasses
Authors: Gong Mengtao , Huang Fei , Tian Shouqin , Zhao Xiujian , Liu Baoshun
Published: December 2021

Polycrystalline VO2 films were obtained through a vacuum annealing of sputtered V-rich films over quartz substrates and were characterized with x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The semiconductor–metal transition (SMT) was studied with the temperature-variable electric resistances. It was seen that the VO2 film crystalline orientation changes with the O2 partial pressure during the vacuum annealing. We observed a relation between the thermal hysteresis of the SMT and the crystalline orientation of the monoclinic VO2 films. The (011) oriented monoclinic film presents a narrower thermal hysteresis and a larger transition amplitude as compared to the (200) orientated films. In addition, a transition shoulder appears in the thermal hysteresis of the SMT for the (200) oriented VO2 films during the cooling process and becomes absent for the (011) orientated VO2 films.
A machine learning approach to the prediction of the dispersion property of oxide glass
Authors: Tokuda Yomei , Fujisawa Misa , Ogawa Jinto , Ueda Yoshikatsu
Published: December 2021

In this study, we built a model for predicting the optical dispersion property of oxide glasses via machine-learning techniques such as kernel ridge regression, neural networks, and random forests. The models precisely predicted the optical property. Based on the predictions for glasses with doped oxides, we prepared new glasses in our laboratory. The experiments agreed well with the predictions made using kernel ridge regression and neural networks but not with those made using random forests. The results of this study demonstrate that the data-driven approach is a promising route for new material design.
Modified hemp fiber combined with melamine cyanurate for enhancing fire safety and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resins for automobile parts
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Han , Wang Xuanyao , Zhang Min
Published: December 2021

The application of flame retardants in automobiles is extensive, and the existing flame retardants will cause some pollution to the environment. Therefore, environmentally friendly flame retardants need wide exploration. Natural fibers have been used in various fields for their environmentally friendly features. Thus, in this paper, hemp fiber (HF) was modified with phytic acid and then combined with melamine cyanurate to improve the fire safety of unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs). The fire behavior and thermal stability of UPR composites were evaluated using the limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test, and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). With 3 wt. % modified HF (HF-P) incorporation, the LOI value of UPR/HF-P-3 composites increased from 18.9% of pure UPR to 22.1%, and the average heat release rate (AHRR) and total heat release were reduced to 401.9 kW/m2 and 150.6 MJ/m2, respectively. TGA revealed that UPR/HF-P-3 composites led to the increased amount of residual char and better thermal stability compared to UPR/HF composites. In addition, HF-P endowed a better enhancement on the flexural strength of UPR composites.
Acoustic signal characteristics of underwater spark discharge with different electrode configurations
Authors: Qiao Liang , Zhang Xiaobing , Ding Kai , Han Zhen , Yan Bing , Yang Chao , Liu Yang
Published: December 2021

Acoustic signals generated by underwater spark discharge (UWSD) can be used in a wide range of applications. The characteristics with different electrode configurations need further study for more practical application. The generation mechanism and the main characteristic indices of UWSD acoustic signals were analyzed. The acoustic signal time-frequency characteristics with different electrode gap distances and materials were calculated and compared. The results show that there is an electrode gap distance that maximizes the energy of the acoustic signal, and this gap distance is related to the impedance matching between the discharge channel and the external circuit. The proportion of low-frequency components in the acoustic signal decreases with the increase in the electrode gap distance.