bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of core–satellite polydopamine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles–hollow porous molecularly imprinted polymer combined with HPLC-MS/MS for the quantification of macrolide antibiotics
Authors: Fan Wenjia , Yang Dan , Ding Nan , Chen Puyu , Wang Lei , Tao Guanwei , Zheng Feng , Ji Shunli
Published: February 2021

Core–satellite-structured magnetic nanosorbents (MNs) used for the selective extraction of macrolide antibiotics (MACs) were prepared in this study.
Towards Cs-ion supercapacitors: Cs intercalation in polymorph MoS2 as a model 2D electrode material
Authors: Ali Basant A. , Biby Ahmed H. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: February 2021

Intercalation of Cs cation has proved to be an effective approach for the enhancement of the energy storage performance in layered-2D materials.
Stereoselective benzilic acid rearrangements: new advances on an old story
Authors: Burke Anthony J. , Moutayakine Amina
Published: February 2021

The benzilic acid rearrangement (BAR) is a powerful method introducing key structural elements in many targets. In this article we discuss important recent stereoselective BARs that include the first enantioselective catalytic example.
Isomer of linker for NU-1000 yields a new she-type, catalytic, and hierarchically porous, Zr-based metal–organic framework
Authors: Lu Zhiyong , Wang Rui , Liao Yijun , Farha Omar K. , Bi Wentuan , Sheridan Thomas R. , Zhang Kun , Duan Jiaxin , Liu Jian , Hupp Joseph T.
Published: February 2021

Introducing steric hindrance by linker isomerization leading to a new she-type Zr-MOF with hierarchical porosity showing high catalytic activity.
Redox switching of an artificial transmembrane signal transduction system
Authors: Trevisan Lucia , Kocsis Istvan , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: February 2021

An external redox signal delivered by ascorbic acid was used to trigger membrane translocation in a synthetic transduction system.
Optimized atomic layer deposition of homogeneous, conductive Al2O3 coatings for high-nickel NCM containing ready-to-use electrodes
Authors: Negi Rajendra S. , Culver Sean P. , Wiche Miguel , Ahmed Shamail , Volz Kerstin , Elm Matthias T.
Published: February 2021

The conductive atomic force microscopy study reveals that ultrathin, ALD-derived Al2O3 coatings preserve the electronic surface conductivity of ready-to-use Ni-rich NCM cathodes during cycling, which is beneficial for their long term cycling stability.
The chemistry and applications of hafnium and cerium(iv) metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Wang Yuxiang , Zhao Dan
Published: February 2021

This review offers a holistic perspective on Hf and Ce(iv) based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with a focus on Hf/Ce(iv)-clusters, topologies, ligand structures, synthetic strategies, and practical applications of these promising MOFs.
In situ Fe isotopic analyses of fourteen reference materials using a synthetic Cr standard for mass bias and isobaric interference corrections by femtosecond LA-MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Wen , Luo Tao , Yang Jin-Hui , Hu Zhaochu
Published: February 2021

A new method for the direct determination of Fe isotopic compositions in silicate rock samples by fs LA-MC-ICP-MS.
Thermoplastic nanofluidic devices for identifying abasic sites in single DNA molecules
Authors: Vaidyanathan Swarnagowri , Weerakoon-Ratnayake Kumuditha M. , Uba Franklin I. , Hu Bo , Kaufman David , Choi Junseo , Park Sunggook , Soper Steven A.
Published: February 2021

Nanofluidic circuit for detecting damage (abasic sites) in single DNA molecules.
Point-of-care testing detection methods for COVID-19
Authors: Song Qi , Sun Xindi , Dai Ziyi , Gao Yibo , Gong Xiuqing , Zhou Bingpu , Wu Jinbo , Wen Weijia
Published: February 2021

This paper summarises the latest research advances and commercial products in POCT-based SARS-CoV-2 detection methods.
A reusable single-cell patterning strategy based on an ultrathin metal microstencil
Authors: Song Yuhan , Tian Qingqing , Liu Jianhong , Guo Wenting , Sun Yingnan , Zhang Shusheng
Published: February 2021

We presented a reusable and simple method for the rapid preparation of high-throughput single-cell patterns using an ultrathin stainless steel microstencil with 5 μm thickness and common tools available in most laboratories.
Investigations on T cell transmigration in a human skin-on-chip (SoC) model
Authors: Ren Xiaoou , Getschman Anthony E. , Hwang Samuel , Volkman Brian F. , Klonisch Thomas , Levin David , Zhao Min , Santos Susy , Liu Song , Cheng Jasmine , Lin Francis
Published: February 2021

Our skin-on-chip (SoC) model uniquely enabled quantitative studies of transendothelial and transepithelial migration of human T lymphocytes under mimicked inflammatory skin conditions and was used to test new drug candidates.
Cryopreservable arrays of paper-based 3D tumor models for high throughput drug screening
Authors: Samara Bisan , Deliorman Muhammedin , Sukumar Pavithra , Qasaimeh Mohammad A.
Published: February 2021

Schematic representation of the methodology developed for creating cryopreservable high throughput paper-based arrays of 3D tumor models for drug screening applications.
Pt–BiVO4/TiO2 composites as Z-scheme photocatalysts for hydrogen production from ethanol: the effect of BiVO4 and Pt on the photocatalytic efficiency
Authors: Mansour Sahar , Akkari Rym , Soto Erika , Ben Chaabene Semy , Mota Noelia , Navarro Yerga Rufino M. , Fierro José L. García , Zina M. Saïd
Published: February 2021

The photodeposition of platinum particles on the BiVO4/TiO2 composite surface promotes the H2 production by reducing H+ species.
Ultrasound accelerated near-edge functionalized heterogeneous graphene oxide sonocatalyst for surface optical bandwidth efficacy and in situ sonothermocatalysis
Authors: Avashthi Gopal , Singh Man
Published: February 2021

Ultrasound-accelerated optically active heterogeneous catalyst and sonochemical time driven thermodynamic dye catalysis.
Impact of dynamic sub-populations within grafted chains on the protein binding and colloidal stability of PEGylated nanoparticles
Authors: Hristov Delyan R. , Lopez Hender , Ortin Yannick , O'Sullivan Kate , Dawson Kenneth A. , Brougham Dermot F.
Published: February 2021

NMR reveals three types of dynamic ethylene glycol units on PEG-grafted SiO2 nanoparticles, the distribution of which depends on chain length and coverage and affects colloidal stability and protein uptake.
Effects of pH and metal composition on selective extraction of calcium from steel slag for Ca(OH)2 production
Authors: Lee Ye Hwan , Eom Hanki , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Sung Su
Published: February 2021

This research article explains the effects of pH and metal composition on the selective calcium extraction from steel slag.
Coordination versus hydrogen bonds in the structures of different tris(pyridin-2-yl)phosphoric triamide derivatives
Authors: Sebghati Marjan , Tarahhomi Atekeh , Bozorgvar Marjan Sadat , Dumitrescu Dan G. , van der Lee Arie
Published: February 2021

Tris(pyridin-2-yl)phosphoric triamide, as a metal complex and purely organic pseudopolymorphs, and the role of solvent/hydrate and substituent in the formation of the crystal packing features, along with an improved model of the MOF structure of Cu(ii)O6 are investigated.
Ultrasensitive fluorometric biosensor based on Ti3C2 MXenes with Hg2+-triggered exonuclease III-assisted recycling amplification
Authors: Lu Liling , Han Xiao , Lin Jingwen , Zhang Yingxin , Qiu Minghao , Chen Ying , Li Meijin , Tang Dianping
Published: February 2021

Herein a fluorometric bioanalysis platform for mercury(ii) (Hg2+) detection was developed using two-dimensional MXenes (Ti3C2) as fluorescence quencher and Hg2+-induced exonuclease III-assisted target recycling strategy for efficient signal amplification.
Programming folding cooperativity of the dimeric i-motif with DNA frameworks for sensing small pH variations
Authors: He Shiliang , Liu Mengmeng , Yin Fangfei , Liu Jiangbo , Ge Zhilei , Li Fan , Li Min , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Mao Xiuhai , Zuo Xiaolei , Li Qian
Published: February 2021

The folding cooperativity of dimeric DNA i-motifs was enhanced by preorganization of the DNA framework, producing robust intracellular pH sensors with maximized response sensitivity.
Growth kinetic control over MgFe2O4 to tune Fe occupancy and metal–support interactions for optimum catalytic performance
Authors: Yang Min , Li Guangshe , Li Huixia , Ding Junfang , Wang Yan , Li Liping
Published: February 2021

For the first time, the growth behavior with size-dependent Fe occupancies at different sites of MgFe2O4 was examined. Hybrid catalysts of Pt/MgFe2O4 with a support size of 20.6 nm exhibited an optimal performance of CO oxidation.
Heterolytic alkene oxidation with H2O2 catalyzed by Nb-substituted Lindqvist tungstates immobilized on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Evtushok Vasiliy Yu. , Ivanchikova Irina D. , Lopatkin Vladimir A. , Maksimchuk Nataliya V. , Podyacheva Olga Yu. , Suboch Arina N. , Stonkus Olga A. , Kholdeeva Oxana A.
Published: February 2021

Immobilization of Nb-substituted Lindqvist tungstates on carbon nanotubes stabilizes a monomeric form, Nb(OH)W5, and leads to efficient and recyclable catalysts for heterolytic alkene oxidation with H2O2.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of clinical and biological materials, foods and beverages
Authors: Patriarca Marina , Barlow Nicola , Cross Alan , Hill Sarah , Robson Anna , Taylor Andrew , Tyson Julian
Published: February 2021

This review discusses developments in elemental mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, emission and fluorescence, XRF and LIBS, as applied to the analysis of specimens of clinical interest, foods and beverages. Sample preparation procedures and quality assurance are also included.
A highly electropositive ReS2 based ultra-sensitive flexible humidity sensor for multifunctional applications
Authors: Adepu Vivek , Bokka Naveen , Mattela Venkat , Sahatiya Parikshit
Published: February 2021

Flexible 2D ReS2 based humidity sensor for multifunctional applications.
Advances of enantioselective solid membranes
Authors: Han Hongda , Liu Wei , Xiao Yin , Ma Xiaofei , Wang Yong
Published: February 2021

Rosy prospects of chiral membranes are proposed with novel and robust materials.
Effect of solvent in the hydrogenation of acetophenone catalyzed by Pd/S-DVB
Authors: Bereta Tomasz , Mieczyńska Ewa , Ronka Sylwia , Tylus Włodzimierz , Trzeciak Anna M.
Published: February 2021

A solvent effect was found in the hydrogenation of acetophenone catalyzed by a new Pd/S-DVB catalyst, immobilized on a styrene (S)/divinylbenzene (DVB) copolymer containing phosphinic groups.
Ultrafine Fe nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotubes derived from highly dispersed g-C3N4 nanofibers for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Ran Yue , Quan Li , Cui Jiayi , Liu Jianqiao , Lin Wei , Yu Xuelian , Wang Lin , Zhang Yihe
Published: February 2021

The improved performance was attributed to the synergetic interaction between Fe, h-CN and CNTs.
Synthesis, characterization and use of a POSS-arylamine based push–pull octamer
Authors: Marqués Pablo Simón , Andrés Castán José María , Habibi Amir Hossein , Dabos-Seignon Sylvie , Richeter Sébastien , Mehdi Ahmad , Clément Sébastien , Blanchard Philippe , Cabanetos Clément
Published: February 2021

This article reports on the synthesis and first use of a POSS-arylamine based push–pull octamer as molecular donor in organic solar cells.
Recent progress in electrochemical performance of binder-free anodes for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Fei , Zhang Wenxin , Zhang Di , Wang Qiujun , Li Zhaojin , Li Wen , Sun Huilan , Wu Yusheng , Wang Bo
Published: February 2021

In this review, we discussed the electrochemical performance of various binder-free anodes starting from preparation methods. Also, some challenges and perspectives in binder-free electrodes for PIBs are analyzed.
Correction: Strong coupling of emitters to single plasmonic nanoparticles: exciton-induced transparency and Rabi splitting
Authors: Pelton Matthew , Storm S. David , Leng Haixu
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Strong coupling of emitters to single plasmonic nanoparticles: exciton-induced transparency and Rabi splitting’ by Matthew Pelton et al., Nanoscale, 2019, 11, 14540–14552, DOI: 10.1039/C9NR05044B.
Structure and photoluminescence of Eu3+ doped Sr2InTaO6 red phosphor with high color purity
Authors: Zhao Jingfen , Gao Hui , Xu Hui , Zhao Zhiwei , Bu Hongxia , Cao Xuefei , He Lining , Yang Zaifa , Sun Jiayue
Published: February 2021

Novel red emitting double perovskite Sr2InTaO6 phosphors with high color purity were prepared and developed for white light-emitting diodes.
Facile one-pot solvothermal preparation of two-dimensional Ni-based metal–organic framework microsheets as a high-performance supercapacitor material
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Sun Yuan , Hu Rui , Ye Shuai , Song Jun , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle
Published: February 2021

Two-dimensional Ni-based metal–organic framework microsheets (Ni-MOFms) were synthesized via a facial one-pot solvothermal approach and exhibited good specific capacities and excellent long-term stability when used for a supercapacitor electrode.
Doped thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-based copolymers for p-type organic thermoelectric materials
Authors: Wu Sicheng , Xing Weilong , Zhu Mengsu , Zou Ye , Sun Yimeng , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: February 2021

Two polymers were synthesized and exhibited good performance with PF over 35 μW m−1K−2. Although PTbTTVT-F showed much worse μe, it could gain a similar PF. The results implied disordered polymers could have more tolerance for dopants.
Tracking biochemical changes induced by iron loading in AML12 cells with synchrotron live cell, time-lapse infrared microscopy
Authors: Kidman Clinton J. , Mamotte Cyril D.S. , Eynaud M. Adrien , Reinhardt Juliane , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Tobin Mark J. , Hackett Mark J. , Graham Ross M.
Published: February 2021

Hepatocytes are essential for maintaining the homeostasis of iron and lipid metabolism in mammals. Dysregulation of either iron or lipids has been linked with serious health consequences, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, NAFLD is characterised by dysregulated lipid metabolism leading to a lipid storage phenotype. Mild to moderate increases in hepatic iron have been observed in ∼30% of individuals with NAFLD; however, direct observation of the mechanism behind this increase has remained elusive. To address this issue, we sought to determine the metabolic consequences of iron loading on cellular metabolism using live cell, time-lapse Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy utilising a synchrotron radiation source to track biochemical changes. The use of synchrotron FTIR is non-destructive and label-free, and allowed observation of spatially resolved, sub-cellular biochemical changes over a period of 8 h. Using this approach, we have demonstrated that iron loading in AML12 cells induced perturbation of lipid metabolism congruent with steatosis development. Iron-loaded cells had approximately three times higher relative ester carbonyl concentration compared with controls, indicating an accumulation of triglycerides. The methylene/methyl ratio qualitatively suggests the acyl chain length of fatty acids in iron-loaded cells increased over the 8 h period of monitoring compared with a reduction observed in the control cells. Our findings provide direct evidence that mild to moderate iron loading in hepatocytes drives de novo lipid synthesis, consistent with a role for iron in the initial hepatic lipid accumulation that leads to the development of hepatic steatosis.
Five candidate biomarkers associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Han Hong-Yan , Mou Jiang-Tao , Jiang Wen-Ping , Zhai Xiu-Ming , Deng Kun
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most general gynecological malignancies and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to select candidate genes related to the diagnosis and prognosis of CC.

Methods: The mRNA expression profile datasets were downloaded. We also downloaded RNA-sequencing gene expression data and related clinical materials from TCGA, which included 307 CC samples and 3 normal samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by R software. GO function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed in the DAVID dataset. Using machine learning, the optimal diagnostic mRNA biomarkers for CC were identified. We used qRT-PCR and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database to exhibit the differences in gene and protein levels of candidate genes.

Results: A total of 313 DEGs were screened from the microarray expression profile datasets. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), Chromatin Assembly Factor 1, subunit B (CHAF1B), Chromatin Assembly Factor 1, subunit A (CHAF1A), MCM2, CDKN2A were identified as optimal diagnostic mRNA biomarkers for CC. Additionally, the GEPIA database showed that the DNMT1, CHAF1B, CHAF1A, MCM2 and CDKN2A were associated with the poor survival of CC patients. HPA database and qRT-PCR confirmed that these genes were highly expressed in CC tissues.

Conclusion: The present study identified five DEmRNAs, including DNMT1, CHAF1B, CHAF1A, MCM2 and Kinetochore-related protein 1 (KNTC1), as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of CC.
Using computational modelling to reveal mechanisms of epigenetic Polycomb control
Authors: Lövkvist Cecilia , Howard Martin
Published: February 2021

The Polycomb system is essential for stable gene silencing in many organisms. This regulation is achieved in part through addition of the histone modifications H3K27me2/me3 by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). These modifications are believed to be the causative epigenetic memory elements of PRC2-mediated silencing. As these marks are stored locally in the chromatin, PRC2-based memory is a cis-acting system. A key feature of stable epigenetic memory in cis is PRC2-mediated, self-reinforcing feedback from K27-methylated histones onto nearby histones in a read-write paradigm. However, it was not clear under what conditions such feedback can lead to stable memory, able, for example, to survive the perturbation of histone dilution at DNA replication. In this context, computational modelling has allowed a rigorous exploration of possible underlying memory mechanisms and has also greatly accelerated our understanding of switching between active and silenced states. Specifically, modelling has predicted that switching and memory at Polycomb loci is digital, with a locus being either active or inactive, rather than possessing intermediate, smoothly varying levels of activation. Here, we review recent advances in models of Polycomb control, focusing on models of epigenetic switching through nucleation and spreading of H3K27me2/me3. We also examine models that incorporate transcriptional feedback antagonism and those including bivalent chromatin states. With more quantitative experimental data on histone modification kinetics, as well as single-cell resolution data on transcription and protein levels for PRC2 targets, we anticipate an expanded need for modelling to help dissect increasingly interconnected and complex memory mechanisms.
Diverse roles of microRNA-145 in regulating smooth muscle (dys)function in health and disease
Authors: Riches-Suman Kirsten
Published: February 2021

MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that target messenger RNAs for degradation. miR-145 is a vascular-enriched microRNA that is important for smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Under healthy circumstances, SMC exist in a contractile, differentiated phenotype promoted by miR-145. In cases of disease or injury, SMC can undergo reversible dedifferentiation into a synthetic phenotype, accompanied by inhibition of miR-145 expression. Vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia are characterised by aberrant phenotypic switching in SMC. This review will summarise the physiological roles of miR-145 in vascular SMC, including the molecular regulation of differentiation, proliferation and migration. Furthermore, it will discuss the different ways in which miR-145 can be dysregulated and the downstream impact this has on the progression of vascular pathologies. Finally, it will discuss whether miR-145 may be suitable for use as a biomarker of vascular disease.
Defining Maritime 4.0: Reconciling principles, elements and characteristics to support maritime vessel digitalisation
Authors: Sullivan Brendan P. , Arias Nava Elias , Desai Shantanoo , Sole Jordi , Rossi Monica , Ramundo Lucia , Terzi Sergio
Published: February 2021

As complex systems, maritime vessels generate and require the utilization of large amounts of data for maximum efficiency. Designing, developing, and deploying these systems in a digital world requires rethinking how people interact and utilize technology throughout all areas of the industry. With growing interests in Industry 4.0, there are broad opportunities for the incorporation and development of new digital solutions that will support the improvement and optimization of next generation systems. However, while different technologies have been deployed with various levels of success the current challenge is not generating data but being able to harmoniously integrate different data streams into the decision‐making process. To support the development of next generation vessels, a comprehensive understanding of Maritime 4.0 is necessary. Current conceptions of 4.0 within the industry remain ambiguous and based on our research, have demonstrated a divergence in the levels of technological maturity and digital solutions in different industry sectors. This study leverages current state‐of‐the‐art literature and a series of interviews to formulate a descriptive definition of Maritime 4.0 that incorporates technologies that can be integrated to support decision‐making. Through a rigorous, empirically grounded, and contextually relevant approach, the contribution of this study is the establishment of an organized set of technologies and characteristics related to 4.0 and establishment of a practical definition.
An interdisciplinary framework to define strategies for digitalization and sustainability: Proposal of a ‘digicircular’ model
Authors: De Felice Fabio , Petrillo Antonella
Published: February 2021

The criteria of economic, social, and environmental sustainability defined by the United Nations and consolidated in Agenda 2030 must become a ‘lighthouse’ to promote the use of digital technologies as an essential tool for sustainable development. Thus, the role of decision makers must therefore be oriented to promote technological development towards a sustainable world. However, any technological innovation, even the best, can give negative effects if not applied with a perspective on sustainability. This is increasingly evident with the growth of globalization. Thus, the aim of the present research is to identify challenges to achieve Circular Economy and Bioeconomy in a digital era and to define a blueprint for a ‘digicircular’ transformation. An integrated and interdisciplinary framework is proposed to prioritize digital capabilities which are hindering the digicircular economy implementation. An interdisciplinary and multicriteria tool to enable a digicircular model is developed. Bloomberg's environmental and Corporate Knights Global Sustainability Score which use private and public information from companies served for define the research model.
A semi‐numerical method to assess start and synchronization performance of a line‐start permanent magnet synchronous motor equipped with hybrid rotor
Authors: Yan Bo , Yang Yubo , Wang Xiuhe
Published: February 2021

The torque‐slip characteristic curve (TSCC) applicable to quantitative assessment on the starting and synchronizing performance of a line‐start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) equipped with a hybrid rotor is determined herein. The TSCC determination starts with separating the hybrid‐rotor LSPMSM into an induction motor and a permanent magnet (PM) motor in which the former dominates part of the TSCC and the latter governs the rest. Then, the electromagnetic torques of the two subsidiary motors are calculated by means of a two‐dimensional (2‐D) semi‐numerical technique combining the subdomain method and the finite difference method (FDM). Finally, the TSCC of the hybrid‐rotor LSPMSM is acquired through adding the average components of the calculated electromagnetic torques of the subsidiary motors. Accuracy of the obtained TSCC is validated by results from the finite‐element analysis (FEA) and prototype test.
Operation of Hebbian least mean square controlled distributed static compensator
Authors: Mangaraj Mrutyunjaya
Published: February 2021

The motivation of this paper is to introduce a new Hebbian least mean square control algorithm for two level self‐supported voltage source converter based distributed static compensator. The Hebbian least mean square controller is employed on the various aspects such as, weight updating, direct and quadrature unit voltage template, active and reactive part of reference supply currents and switching signal generation. Firstly, a set up equations using Hebbian least mean square are premeditated to compute both active and reactive weight updating. Secondly, DC and AC proportional integral controller outputs are involved with the updating weight to generate the reference supply current. The error signal obtained from both reference and actual source current is processed through the hysteresis current controller for the gate signal firing. The MATLAB/Simulink results as well as experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm is competent to afford the better voltage regulation, voltage balancing, source current harmonic reduction and power factor correction. Finally, performance obtained from the proposed controller reveals the applicability for various loading condition in the distribution grid.
A dual polarised universal reader for frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors
Authors: Islam Md Aminul , Karmakar Nemai C.
Published: February 2021

A dual‐polarised (DP) universal reader architecture is presented herein for detecting all types of frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors. The proposed reader reads the frequency domain‐based tag and sensor data in both horizontal and vertical polarisations. At first, a commercially suitable low‐profile, low‐cost, wideband 2×2 DP aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna (ACMPA) array with high port‐to‐port isolation is developed and verified for tag measurement. Then, effects of different parameters on DP ACMPA are studied, which are used next for developing a novel step‐by‐step design guideline for DP ACMPA with new set of specifications. After that, a universal DP reader is proposed using the developed DP ACMPA, which is followed by a detail implementation procedure. This reader design using a single VCO is not only very low‐cost, but also needless to use any calibration tag. It is fully capable of reading tags and sensors which require measurement in both polarisations. This DP reader is also capable of reading linearly polarised, orientation insensitive and cross‐polarised frequency domain‐based tags and sensors. Therefore, the proposed universal DP reader can be used commercially for reading all types of frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors.
Correlation of traps inside XLPE and polypropylene with space charge dynamics under polarity reversal condition
Authors: Paramane Ashish , Chen Xiangrong , Dai Chao , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Polypropylene (PP) is being considered as a suitable alternative to the cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation as the latter is prone to the space charge accumulation when subjected to the voltage polarity reversals in line‐commutated converter high voltage direct current transmission. This novel contribution correlates the space charge accumulation with the trap distribution inside XLPE and PP under the polarity reversal condition. The pulse electro‐acoustic and surface potential decay methods are used to measure the space charge and trap distributions, respectively. These measurements are carried at different poling durations (1 and 6 h at each polarity) and cycles of voltage polarity reversal (one and three cycles) at the electric field of 60 kV/mm. The XLPE shows more homo and hetero charge accumulation than PP. Dominant shallow traps in the XLPE are responsible for the space charge accumulation, whereas deep traps with higher trap density inhibit space charge accumulation within the PP. Furthermore, the positive and negative threshold fields for the space charge accumulation are measured. It is observed that the space charge can be easily accumulated under the negative electric field. Interestingly, the space charge decays rapidly inside the XLPE with the increased number of polarity reversal cycle. A valid theoretical model is developed to explain the space charge accumulation inside the XLPE and PP. The field‐assisted ionization plays a key role in the space charge accumulation inside the XLPE.
Lifting scheme‐based matched wavelet design for effective characterisation of different types of voltage sag
Authors: Aggarwal Akanksha , Saini Manish Kumar
Published: February 2021

This study presents a novel scheme for designing biorthogonal wavelets matched to the voltage sag (VS) signals. Instead of using standard wavelets, matched wavelets designed in this study can extract more distinguishing features for better characterisation of sag signals, although this study proposes only the designing process of matched wavelets. The key method used for designing matched wavelets is the lifting scheme, which has never been reported in the literature for constructing matched wavelets for PQ signals. Besides using the lifting scheme, the proposed work preprocesses sag signals to make input signal of lifting scheme rich of sag‐related information. During pre‐processing, 1‐D sag signal is first converted to 2‐D form for capturing information of every small transition (which may be overlooked in 1‐D form) and then made 1‐D by ring projection to implement 1‐D lifting scheme. In this way, biorthogonal wavelets have been well matched to every type of VS signal collected through the experimental setup simulating different line faults, induction motor starting, transformer energisation and heavy load starting. Also, the characteristics of designed wavelets are evaluated in a MATLAB environment using frequency response and pole‐zero mapping in z‐plane. Higher PSNR values during signal reconstruction proved outperformance of newly designed matched wavelets.
Assessment of energy storage systems as a reserve provider in stochastic network constrained unit commitment
Authors: Habibi M. , Vahidinasab V. , Aghaei J. , Mohammadi‐Ivatloo B.
Published: February 2021

Recently, the provision of the reserve from energy storage systems (ESSs) is introduced as a source for ancillary services to address the uncertainties of renewable power generations. The performance of ESSs is analysed while they are applied as a provider of regulation reserves. It has been revealed that previous stochastic models neglect the impact of corrective dispatches, related to the provision of regulation reserves, on the energy level stored in the ESSs, which can lead to large deviations. This study coordinates the stored energy of ESSs to be feasible regarding the dispatches in the base schedule and rescheduling within scenarios. Also, the wind speed fluctuations are considered as the source of uncertainty, and scenarios of wind energy are generated using the Weibull distribution function. The IEEE 24‐Bus standard test system is applied for the examination of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model can manage the performance of ESSs in rescheduling within scenarios, while the coordinated reserve provision of ESSs can remove the concerns about insufficient stored energy of ESSs.
DESIGN OF A TRISO PARTICLE FUEL BASED INTEGRATED GAS-COOLED SPACE NUCLEAR REACTOR
Authors: Zeguang Li , Jun Sun , Minggang Lang , Malin Liu , Xiaoyong Yang , Lei Shi
Published: February 2021

According to versatile and long-lasting requirements of deep space missions, space nuclear reactor (SNR) power system is becoming a more suitable choice compared to traditional solar and chemical power systems in large-scale and long-life applications. From NASA’s previous research, the gas-cooled reactor along with closed Brayton cycle (CBC) could achieve optimized weight-power ratio and be more applicable for large power system (100 kWe or MWe level). In this paper, a concept of integrated gas-cooled space nuclear reactor named IGCR-200 is introduced, which is designed based on the TRISO particle fuel and could achieve 200 kWe output combined with highly efficient He/Xe CBC generator. The design requirements include an operation lifetime of at least 10 years in full power mode, maximum fuel temperature < 1600K, negative temperature reactivity feedback, passive decay heat removal, redundancy in reactor control, and sub-criticality during water flooding accidents. It has an outer diameter of 70.0 cm, a height of 66.0 cm (reactor part), a total mass around 1000 kg, total Uranium inventory of 226.8 kg (235U enrichment as 93%), and 1 MW thermal power output. The reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and other required analysis are taken out to show the feasibility and performances of the design.
ESFR SMART PROJECT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF IN-VESSEL CORE CATCHER
Authors: Guidez Joel , Gerschenfeld Antoine , Bodi Janos , Mikityuk Konstantin , Alvarez-Velarde Francisco , Romojaro Pablo , Diaz-Chiron U.
Published: February 2021

Even before Fukushima accident occurred, the safety authorities have required that new power plant designs must take into account beyond design-basis accidents including possible core meltdown. Among the mitigation strategies, the corium retention must be ensured, so a core catcher is implemented in the design of the Generation IV Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor. An internal core catcher within the vessel (in-vessel retention) is the option chosen for the European Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor investigated in the H2020 ESFR-SMART project.

The new core investigated in ESFR SMART with lower void effect has a better behavior in case of severe accident. The use of passive control rods is also an improvement for prevention of severe accident. Moreover, we have in the ESFR SMART core dedicated tubes for corium discharge that should allow discharging quickly the melted materials and should help to prevent large criticality. Calculations show that after several seconds, these discharge tubes begin to open, and the corium arrives by this preferential way on the core catcher, quicker and in limited quantities at the beginning of the accident.

However, the core catcher is designed to be able to retain the whole core meltdown. Its design allows good possibilities of cooling by natural convection of sodium. Some thermal calculations were provided with a multi-layer concept but the global mechanical conception seems difficult. So a one layer core catcher in molybdenum, material compatible with sodium and used on the core catcher of the last SFR, started in 2016: BN 800, is investigated. Explanations are given on the choice of this material proposed for the catcher and used for thermal calculations.

With the proposed design, the corium is spread on the core catcher and the residual power of the corium can be dispelled by natural convection by the sodium circulating around and above the core catcher without boiling of sodium if the melted core is less than about 25% of whole core. In case of bigger quantities of melted core, boiling of sodium could appear under the core catcher. Further less conservative calculations would be necessary to better know the limit.
EVALUATION OF THE ESFR END OF CYCLE STATE AND DETAILED ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF REACTIVITY COEFFICIENTS
Authors: Davies Una , Margulis Marat , Shwageraus Eugene , Fridman Emil , Garcia-Herranz Nuria , Antonio Jimenez-Carrascosa , Oscar Cabellos , Robbie Gregg , Jiri Krepel
Published: February 2021

The ESFR-SMART project is the latest iteration of research into the behaviour of a commercial-size SFR core throughout its lifetime. As part of this project the ESFR core has been modelled by a range of different reactor physics simulation codes at its end of cycle state, and the important safety relevant parameters evaluated. These parameters are found to agree well between the different codes, giving good confidence in the results.

A detailed mapping of the local sodium void worth is also performed due to the problems associated with the positive void coefficient seen in large SFR designs. The local void worth maps show that the use of zone-wise coefficients replicates the important reactivity feedbacks to a high degree, indicating their suitability for use in SFR simulations.
QUALIFICATION OF ANC9 GENERIC INSERT METHODOLOGY (GIM)
Authors: Zhang Baocheng , Ivanov Boyan D. , Hoskins Kevin , Huria Harish , Rebello Andre Luiz Pereira
Published: February 2021

Discrete burnable poisons like the Wet Annular Burnable Absorber and Pyrex have been used in PWR core to improve core power distribution and provide more negative moderator temperature coefficient. The burnable absorber in the burnable poison rods burns fast and is completely gone after one cycle exposure in the core. Traditionally, the burnable poison rods are designed to be part of the fuel assembly. They are burned together with the fuel in the first loading cycle and discharged after one cycle. In recent years, different insertion scenarios of the burnable poison rods have been introduced in the PWR plants operation to improve the fuel performance, for instance, fresh burnable poison rods are inserted into a burned assembly; burned burnable poison rods stay in the original assembly or are replaced in a different assembly.

A Generic Insert Methodology [1] was developed in Westinghouse and implemented in NEXUS/ANC9 code system. With this new methodology, ANC9 is able to follow the assembly history and model all types of absorber insert components for all kinds of insertion scenarios.

An extensive methods validation and qualification effort has been completed by modeling different insertion cases. This paper provides details of the qualification cases along with the analysis of the results.
MACROSCOPIC CROSS SECTIONS GENERATION BY MONTE CARLO CODE MCS FOR FAST REACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Nguyen Tung Dong Cao , Lee Hyunsuk , Du Xianan , Dos Vutheam , Tran Tuan Quoc , Lee Deokjung
Published: February 2021

Recent researches have become more interested in the feasibility of using Monte Carlo (MC) code to generate multi-group (MG) cross sections (XSs) for fast reactor analysis using nodal diffusion codes. The current study, therefore, presents a brief methodology for MG XSs generation by the in-house UNIST MC code MCS, which can be compatibly utilized in nodal diffusion codes, PARCS and RAST-K. The applicability of the methodology is quantified on the sodium fast reactor (SFR) ABR-1000 design with a metallic fuel from the OECD/NEA SRF benchmark. The few-group XSs generated by MCS with a two-dimensional (2D) fuel assembly geometry are well consistent with those of SERPENT 2. Furthermore, the simulation of beginning-of-cycle (BOC) steady-state three-dimensional (3D) whole-core problem with PARCS and RAST-K is conducted using the generated 24-group XSs by MCS. The nodal diffusion solutions, including the core keff, power profiles and various of reactivity parameters, are compared to reference whole-core results obtained by MC code MCS. Overall, the code-to-code comparison indicates a reasonable agreement between deterministic and stochastic codes, with the difference in keff less than 100 pcm and the root-mean-square (RMS) error in assembly power less than 1.15%. Therefore, it is successfully demonstrated that the employment of the MG XSs generation by MCS for nodal diffusion codes is feasible to accurately perform analyses for fast reactors.
IMPROVEMENT OF SCALE-XSProc MULTIGROUP CROSS SECTION PROCESSING BASED ON THE CENTRM POINTWISE SLOWING DOWN CALCULATION
Authors: Kim Kang Seog , Holcomb Andrew M. , Bostelmann Friederike , Wiarda Dorothea , Wieselquist William
Published: February 2021

The SCALE-XSProc multigroup (MG) cross section processing procedure based on the CENTRM pointwise slowing down calculation is the primary procedure to process problem-dependent self-shielded MG cross sections and scattering matrices for neutron transport calculations. This procedure supports various cell-based geometries including slab, 1-D cylindrical, 1-D spherical and 2-D rectangular configurations and doubly heterogeneous particulate fuels. Recently, this procedure has been significantly improved to be applied to any advanced reactor analysis covering thermal and fast reactor systems, and to be comparable to continuous energy (CE) Monte Carlo calculations. Some reactivity bias and reaction rate differences have been observed compared with CE Monte Carlo calculations, and several areas for improvement have been identified in the SCALE-XSProc MG cross section processing: (1) resonance self-shielding calculations within the unresolved resonance range, (2) 10 eV thermal cut-off energy for the free gas model, (3) on-the-fly adjustments to the thermal scattering matrix, (4) normalization of the pointwise neutron flux, and (5) fine MG energy structure. This procedure ensures very accurate MG cross section processing for high-fidelity deterministic reactor physics analysis for various advanced reactor systems.
GENERATION OF NODAL CORE SIMULATOR UTILIZING VERA
Authors: Turinsky Paul , Graham Aaron , Sarsour Hisham , Collins Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Nuclear core simulators based upon few-group nodal diffusion method currently are widely used to predict light water reactor core behavior. Nodal parameters’ input, e.g. cross-sections, discontinuity factors, and pin form factors, are typically generated utilizing lattice physics codes. In doing so, a number of approximations are introduced related to using zero current boundary conditions, 2-D radial geometry, and uniform thermal conditions in coolant and fuel. Usage of full core models with prediction fidelity typical of lattice physics to predict nodal parameters would eliminate these approximations. The VERA code can serve as such a full core model and was so utilized in this work. Via subsequent processing of VERA predictions, for a range of state points, nodal parameters and their functionalization in terms of coolant density, fuel temperature, and soluble poison concentration, were obtained and input to the NESTLE nodal code. By processing VERA predictions using consistent nodal methodologies as used in NESTLE, when using nodal parameters after functionalization based upon All-Rods-Out (ARO) VERA state points, the maximum reactivity and pin power differences between VERA and NESTLE were 2 pcm and 0.003 for ARO core simulations. For rodded core simulations, these maximum differences grew to 58 pcm and 0.04. Increases in differences were determined to be attributed to usage of unrodded nodal parameters generated using the VERA ARO state points whether the core is partially rodded or not, consistent with lattice physics practice. Obtaining unrodded nodal parameters using the VERA rodded state points reduced maximum differences to 2 pcm and 0.003 in pin powers.
AUTOMATED FUEL DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR HIGH FLUX ISOTOPE REACTOR LOW ENRICHED URANIUM CORE DESIGN
Authors: Bae J. W. , Betzler B. R. , Chandler D. , Ilas G.
Published: February 2021

The low enriched uranium (LEU) conversion project for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) requires that the converted core design perform as well as or better than the current high enriched uranium core design with respect to key performance metrics, such as isotope production, while maintaining sufficient safety margins. Various designs and fuel shapes have been explored in previous optimization studies. A suite of scripts has been developed for HFIR LEU design and analysis to simplify the reactor physics and thermal hydraulics (TH) analyses. The scripts include generating a high-fidelity 3D HFIR model to perform core depletion simulations with the SHIFT Monte Carlo code, performing an essential rod criticality search during depletion, parsing SHIFT output to determine HFIR key metrics, and performing TH analysis with the HFIR Steady-State Heat Transfer Code. Previously, these scripts were separated and required human interaction between simulation stages. These scripts have been modernized and integrated into a single Python package (the Python HFIR Analysis and Measurement Engine or PHAME) to streamline execution and avoid potential human error. After modernizing the suite of scripts into a single, automated workflow, the tool set was wrapped into an in-house metaheuristic optimization driver that enables different optimization methods, such as simulated annealing and particle swarm. The optimization driver samples a fuel shape, runs PHAME, calculates the cost function with the metrics returned from PHAME, and repeats those steps until it finds an optimal fuel shape. This work demonstrates the workflow of a comprehensive, automated reactor design study and how metaheuristic optimization methods can be leveraged to fine-tune a design parameter like fuel shape. This workflow of wrapping an optimization driver on a full-scale reactor analysis suite increases design and analysis efficiency.
DEVELOPMENT OF 3D PIN-BY-PIN CORE SOLVER TORTIN AND COUPLING WITH THERMAL-HYDRAULICS
Authors: Mala P. , Pautz A. , Ferroukhi H. , Vasiliev A.
Published: February 2021

Currently, safety analyses mostly rely on codes which solve both the neutronics and the thermal-hydraulics with assembly-wise nodes resolution as multiphysics heterogeneous transport solvers are still too time and memory expensive. The pin-by-pin homogenized codes can be seen as a bridge between the heterogeneous codes and the traditional nodal assembly-wise calculations. In this work, the pin-by-pin simplified transport solver Tortin has been coupled with a sub-channel code COBRA-TF. The verification of the 3D solver of Tortin is presented at first, showing very good agreement in terms of axial and radial power profile with the Monte Carlo code SERPENT for a small minicore and with the state-of-the-art nodal code SIMULATE5 for a quarter core without feedback. Then the results of Tortin+COBRA-TF are compared with SIMULATE5 for one assembly problem with feedback. The axial profiles of power and moderator temperature show good agreement, while the fuel temperature differ by up to 40 K. This is caused mainly by different gap and fuel conductance parameters used in COBRA-TF and in SIMULATE5.
THE SLICE BALANCE APPROACH USING AN ADAPTIVE-WEIGHTED CLOSURE
Authors: Hackemack Michael W.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we present a formulation of the slice balance approach using a nonlinear closure relation derived analogously from the adaptive-weighted diamond-difference form of the weighted diamond-difference method for Cartesian grids. The method yields strictly positive solutions that reduce to a standard diamond closure with fine-enough mesh granularity. It can be efficiently solved using Newton-like nonlinear iterative methods with diffusion preconditioning.