bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved photovoltaic performance of phosphonic acid‐based sensitized solar cells via an electron‐withdrawing moiety: A density of functional theory study
Authors: Fadili Driss , Fahim Zakaria Mohyi Eddine , Bouzzine Si Mohamed , Hamidi Mohamed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, the photovoltaic properties and the effects of modifying phosphonic acid‐based dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) via an electron‐withdrawing moiety were theoretically investigated using density functional theory methodology. According to the results, the inclusion of the CC and the electron‐withdrawing CN moieties exhibits a decrease in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap and a redshift in the absorption spectra. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) for the T4BTD‐A dye was estimated to be about 6.57% under the standard AM 1.5G solar radiation, which is in excellent agreement with its measured value of 6.40%, suggesting that the calculation scheme is consistent. In addition, the predicted PCE value after elongation of T4BTD‐A by CC and cyanure (CN) has increased to 7.11% and (7.82%, 8.09%), respectively. The addition of CN electron‐withdrawing moiety also enhances the PCE of the studied dyes, while the position of CN moiety has a slight effect on the PCE of the studied dyes. Finally, the calculation suggests that the CCCN1 and CCCN2 are good candidates as efficient sensitizers for DSSC applications.
Topological Sound Pumping of Zero‐Dimensional Bound States
Authors: Gao Penglin , Christensen Johan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTopological phases have spurred unprecedented abilities for sound, light, and matter engineering and recent progress has shown how waves not only confine at the interfaces between topologically distinct insulators, but in the form of zero‐dimensional non‐propagating states bound to defects or corners. Majorana‐like bound states have recently been observed in man‐made Kekulé textured lattices. It is shown here how the acoustic version of the associated Jackiw–Rossi vortex embodies a topological pumping process, in which the spectral flow of corner states adiabatically merge with the said Majorana‐like state. Moreover, it is argued how the chirality of the Kekulé vortex additionally maps into a 2D quantum‐Hall system comprising spatially separated sonic hotspots. It is foreseen that the findings should provide novel exotic tools to enable contemporary control over sound.
Benchmark for Synthesized Diamond Sensors Based on Isotopically Engineered Nitrogen‐Vacancy Spin Ensembles for Magnetometry Applications
Authors: Osterkamp Christian , Balasubramanian Priyadharshini , Wolff Gerhard , Teraji Tokuyuki , Nesladek Milos , Jelezko Fedor 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNitrogen‐vacancy (NV) center ensemble in synthetic diamond is a promising and emerging platform for quantum sensing technologies. Realization of such a solid‐state based quantum sensor is widely studied and requires reproducible manufacturing of NV centers with controlled spin properties, including the spin bath environment within the diamond crystal. Here, a non‐invasive method is reported to benchmark NV ensembles regarding their suitability as ultra‐sensitive magnetic field sensors. Imaging and electron spin resonance techniques are presented to determine operating figures and precisely define the optimal material for NV‐driven diamond engineering. The functionality of the methods is manifested on examples of chemical vapor deposition synthesized diamond layers containing preferentially aligned, isotopically controlled 15NV center ensembles. Quantification of the limiting 15N P1 spin bath, in an otherwise 12C enriched environment, and the reduction of its influence by applying dynamical decoupling protocols, complete the suggested set of criteria for the analysis of NV ensemble with potential use as magnetometers.
Aom2S: A new web‐based application for DNA/RNA tandem mass spectrometry data interpretation
Authors: Ortiz Daniel , Gasilova Natalia , Sepulveda Francisco , Patiny Luc , Dyson Paul J. , Menin Laure 
Published: August 2020

RationaleThe Analysis of Oligonucleotide Modifications from Mass Spectra (Aom2S) was created to support the analysis of oligonucleotide mass spectra. This application complements the existing software tools by providing a comprehensive analysis of oligonucleotide fragments from high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR‐MS/MS) data in a flexible and user‐friendly manner, directly accessible through a web browser without any need for installation.MethodsMS measurements of aminoC6‐DNA and inosine‐RNA were performed using an LTQ Orbitrap FT‐MS instrument. The obtained data were analyzed by our newly developed open‐source package Aom2S accessible from thems.epfl.chweb page or directly athttps://mstools.epfl.ch/am2s/to demonstrate the various functionalities of this tool, notably the possibility to identify different product ions from a nucleotide sequence with any fixed/variable modification by matching theoretical isotopic patterns to any experimental mass spectra with similarity scores ranking.ResultsA detailed description of the Aom2S tool with its user‐friendly interface is exemplified using HR‐MS/MS data of modified DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Explanations of analysis parameters and tool workflow, as well as multiple options for viewing and exporting the results, are provided. Product ion assignment and modification localization can be achieved in seconds, and results can be exported as tables, matched mass spectra, and fragmentation maps.ConclusionsA new open source tool (Aom2S) for the analysis of HR‐MS/MS data for modified DNA and RNA oligonucleotides is described. Aom2S is fast, highly flexible, and versatile, allowing automatic precursor and product ion assignment in a comprehensive manner, including internal fragments and variable modification localization, with clear graphical representation of the results.
Learning curve analysis of robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Aghayeva Afag , Aytac Erman , Dinc Taha , Mutlu Arda Ulas , Sahin Inci , Bilgin Ismail Ahmet , Hamzaoglu Ismail , Baca Bilgi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the learning curve (LC) for inguinal hernia repair with robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R‐TAPP) approach.MethodsBetween April 2016 and October 2019, patients who underwent R‐TAPP were retrieved. Patient demographics, operative variables and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The moving average method and cumulative sum of operation times (OT) were used to evaluate the LC. The surgeon (BB) in this study had completed his laparoscopic (Lap) TAPP experience.ResultsThere were 50 (two females) consecutive patients (mean age was 51.7 ± 16.9 years). The first phase (learning phase) included initial 35 operations. The second phase included the next 15 operations. It was observed that, with increasing experience, a statistically significant shortening in the average OT by about 25 min was achieved (p = 0.041).ConclusionThe LC phase for R‐TAPP, for surgeon with previous experience in Lap TAPP, seems to be very quick without compromising the operative morbidity.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic tubal anastomosis: Single institution analysis
Authors: Ghomi Ali , Nolan William , Rodgers Bruce 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundTubal anastomosis has similar pregnancy rates regardless of approach. Historically, robotic anastomosis has been associated with increased cost and operative time. We sought to perform a contemporary study of these metrics.MethodsOne hundred and nine patients were identified who underwent robotic‐assisted laparoscopic tubal anastomosis. Retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. Phone survey was conducted.ResultsThe mean operative time decreased from 140.7 ± 27.0 min in 2013 to 60.0 ± 9.1 min in 2018, with significant downward trend (p < 0.001). The mean cost was $7153.46 ± $1484.41. The pregnancy rate was 59% (35/59), and tubal patency rate was 81% (42/52). Seventy‐two percent of patients under 37 years became pregnant.ConclusionsThere is significant improvement in operative time of robotic‐assisted tubal anastomosis with surgical experience. Robotic tubal anastomosis outperformed historical metrics of laparoscopy and laparotomy with regard to operative time and cost in this series.
Design of event‐triggered networked control systems via specific triggering quantizer
Authors: Chen Ziran , Zhang Baoyong , Li Yongmin , Ma Qian , Zhang Yijun 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBased on a new triggering quantizer, this article studies the design of networked control systems with limited bandwidth. The design algorithm is described by the program flow diagram, which implements the functions of sampling, quantization and triggering strategy. By using a specific random variable, the effects of networked issues are captured, so as to process the design procedure. Because of the nonlinearities induced by networked issues, new methods are developed to analyze the system stability. Specifically, two design methods are proposed in order to simplify the analysis and improve the performance. Finally, simulation examples are presented to verify the proposed methods.
Target recognition for satellite communication by employing higher‐order statistics
Authors: Wu Xiaopo , Fang Nian , Shi Yangming , Fu Yifeng , Xie Kai 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe target recognition for satellite communication (satcom) is generally regarded as the cutting edge of electronic countermeasure research. This work is dedicated to the investigation on the theory and experiment of satellite communication target recognition on the basis of systematical analysis of satcom signal emission, propagation, and reception. The authors elaborate on the fingerprint analysis, feature extraction, and identification of satcom emitters by utilizing the nonlinearities of high‐power microwave vacuum amplifier (HPA). The mechanism of the external subtle features of satcom signal will be also discussed in detail. To acquire the qualified features that precisely represent the individual emitter, higher‐order statistics technique is introduced to implement the feature extraction, and the supervised probabilistic neural network classifier is established to execute the recognition of testing satcom samples. In testing phase, there are a total of 4000 sampling signals with BPSK modulation and variable carrier to noise ratio (CNR) originated by eight types of satcom transmitters setting for the experiment to verify the authors' viewpoints. Thanks to the fine training data set and subsequent well‐extracted features, the PNN classifier had not fail us and finally achieved satisfactory accuracy of more than 94% at CNR level of 10 dB. Those expected results will help to enhance the ability of battlefield surveillance and situational awareness that is of paramount importance in academic research and military application.
The Lake Urmia vignette: a tool to assess understanding of complexity in socio‐environmental systems
Authors: Davis Kirsten , Ghaffarzadegan Navid , Grohs Jacob , Grote Dustin , Hosseinichimeh Niyousha , Knight David , Mahmoudi Hesam , Triantis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe introduce the Lake Urmia Vignette (LUV) as a tool to assess individuals' understanding of complexity in socio‐environmental systems. LUV is based on a real‐world case and includes a short vignette describing an environmental catastrophe involving a lake. Over a few decades, significant issues have manifested themselves at the lake because of various social, political, economic, and environmental factors. We design a rubric for assessing responses to a prompt. A pilot test with a sample of 30 engineering graduate students is conducted. We compare responses to LUV with other measures. Our findings suggest that students' understanding of complexity is positively associated with their understanding of systems concepts such as feedback loops but not with other possible variables such as self‐reported systems thinking skills or systems‐related coursework. Based on the provided instructions, researchers can use LUV as a novel assessment tool to examine understanding of complexity in socio‐environmental systems.© 2020 System Dynamics Society
High Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Layered 2H‐MoTe2 as Anode
Authors: Panda Manas Ranjan , Gangwar Rashmi , Muthuraj Divyamahalakshmi , Sau Supriya , Pandey Dhanshree , Banerjee Arup , Chakrabarti Aparna , Sagdeo Archna , Weyland Matthew , Majumder Mainak , Bao Qiaoliang , Mitra Sagar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe major challenges faced by candidate electrode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) include their low electronic and ionic conductivities. 2D van der Waals materials with good electronic conductivity and weak interlayer interaction have been intensively studied in the electrochemical processes involving ion migrations. In particular, molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) has emerged as a new material for energy storage applications. Though 2H‐MoTe2 with hexagonal semiconducting phase is expected to facilitate more efficient ion insertion/deinsertion than the monoclinic semi‐metallic phase, its application as an anode in LIB has been elusive. Here, 2H‐MoTe2, prepared by a solid‐state synthesis route, has been employed as an efficient anode with remarkable Li+ storage capacity. The as‐prepared 2H‐MoTe2 electrodes exhibit an initial specific capacity of 432 mAh g−1 and retain a high reversible specific capacity of 291 mAh g−1 after 260 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. Further, a full‐cell prototype is demonstrated by using 2H‐MoTe2 anode with lithium cobalt oxide cathode, showing a high energy density of 454 Wh kg−1 (based on the MoTe2 mass) and capacity retention of 80% over 100 cycles. Synchrotron‐based in situ X‐ray absorption near‐edge structures have revealed the unique lithium reaction pathway and storage mechanism, which is supported by density functional theory based calculations.
The earliest baleen whale from the Mediterranean: large‐scale implications of an early Miocene thalassotherian mysticete from Piedmont, Italy
Authors: Bisconti Michelangelo , Damarco Piero , Mao Selina , Pavia Marco , Carnevale Giorgio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe discovery of an early Miocene chaeomysticete from the Pietra da Cantoni Group in Piedmont (north‐western Italy) allowed for the establishment of Atlanticetus lavei gen. et sp. nov. The new species is represented by a partial skeleton including the periotic and tympanic bullae and has an anatomical resemblance to Atlanticetus patulus (comb. nov.) from the western North Atlantic. The early Miocene age of the new specimen supports the view that it represents the oldest record of Chaeomysticeti from the Mediterranean. A new phylogenetic analysis showed that both A. patulus and A. lavei belong to a radiation of basal thalassotherian taxa. The basal thalassotherians are monophyletic to the exclusion of Cetotheriidae and Balaenopteroidea. The reconstruction of ancestral characters at selected nodes indicates that the group including Atlanticetus and living balaenopterid taxa independently evolved rostra wide at the base, an anterolateral expansion in the tympanic bulla, and a peculiar arrangement of the endocranial foramina of the periotic, exhibiting a noteworthy phenomenon of convergent evolution in feeding and hearing functions with Balaenopteridae. Palaeobiogeographical analysis shows that the North Pacific was the centre of origin of Balaenomorpha (crown mysticetes), Thalassotherii and Balaenoidea. The recurrent invasion of the Mediterranean by balaenomorph mysticetes occurred from both the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Rapid determination of sulfonamide residues in honey samples using non‐targeted liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Kırkan Ertuğ , Tahir Alaa Omar , Bengü Aydın Şükrü , Aslan Hakiye , Çiftçi Mehmet , Aydoğan Cemil 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHoney is one of the most widespread natural harvest consumed as food and medicine. Many antibacterial groups can be used to protect bees from some bacterial diseases and infections. Among them, sulfonamides are one of the most effective antibacterial drugs used for a long time. While sulfonamides are used by beekeepers, the residues of them may appear in honey with the different levels of residues. These residues in honey at the high level of concentration can be a potential risk to the human body. In this study, a non‐targeted liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry method was designed to discover known and unknown sulfonamide residues in 13 honey samples. This study includes both sample preparation with a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction and liquid chromatography analysis. The influences of the chromatographic separation parameters such as flow rate were studied. The detection of sulfonamides was carried out by a reversed‐phase chromatographic separation column (a Hypersil Gold C18, 100 mm × 2.1 mm I.D., 1.9 µm), with gradient elution mode of mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Full MS/all‐ion fragmentation was used for mass spectrometry acquisition mode. The limit of detection of sulfonamides ranged from 0.02 to 0.12 µg/kg while the limit of quantification values was between 0.08 and 0.72 µg/kg. The developed non‐targeted analysis was successfully applied for sulfonamide residue determination in honey samples. This study also shows the analysis of the arylamine groups originated from sulfonamides that is a very relevant issue for the toxic side effect of these compounds.
Vickia, a new genus of tribe Gochnatieae (Compositae)
Authors: Roque Nádia , Sancho Gisela 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe tribe Gochnatieae is restricted to America. A recent molecular study including over 60% of the species of the tribe was carried out to untangle evolutionary relationships among the taxa. Eight supported clades were recovered as monophyletic genera, while Gochnatia s.l. was revealed as paraphyletic and currently restricted to the Central Andes. Gochnatia rotundifolia was not included in this phylogeny since extracted DNA from few and old collections from Brazil was unusuable. Since Cabrera's treatment of Gochnatia s.l., this species has received special attention due to its distinct morphological characters when compared with the other monophyletic genera of Gochnatieae. Therefore, this paper aims to provide new evidence that supports Gochnatia rotundifolia to be described as a separate monospecific genus based on a morphological study and a maximum parsimony (MP) analysis. A total of 21 species were studied. The leaf venation was analysed using digital X‐ray capture (VIVA–Varian Image viewing & Aquisition). Seventeen morphological characters obtained from vegetative and floral parts of the plants were included in the data matrix. Our results reinforce the placement of Gochnatia rotundifolia within the tribe Gochnatieae. Gochnatia rotundifolia is consistently recovered in a clade as sister to the Cnicothamnus‐Richterago group. The species differs from the other genera of the tribe by an actinodromous basal leaf venation with three primary veins, and pappus elements composed by (50–)60–75 bristles, sometimes almost flat setae, arranged in 2 or 3 series, unequal in length. Our results support Gochnatia rotundifolia as the sole species Vickia rotundifolia comb. nov. in a new genus of Gochnatieae, Vickia gen. nov. The new genus is described, illustrated, and a generic identification key for the tribe Gochnatieae is provided.
Non‐invasive Measurement of Blood Glucose by Breath Analysis
Authors: Mansouri Sofiene , Boulares Souhaila , Alhadidi Tareq 
Published: August 2020

The determination of blood glucose is usually performed in the laboratory or using invasive glucose meters. Unusual, fruity, or bad breath odor can be a sign of metabolic disease. The objective is the estimation of the blood glucose by breath analysis. To do that, we designed a three‐gas prediction model (alcohol, acetone, and propane). We exhaled in front of the three gas sensors and then recorded the concentrations of the three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a database. This database included the measurements of 200 volunteer people. We then systematically studied the correlation between the glucose level obtained by blood analysis and each of these three gases. We also studied the different possible combinations of two and three gases. The best correlation was obtained for the non‐diabetic subjects with a correlation coefficient (r = 0.97), for the diabetic subjects (r = 0.35). We implemented these two linear regressions and we used the validation set to estimate the accuracy of the prototype. For the non‐diabetic subjects, the relative error of the measurement of the glycemia was equal to 3.93%. For the diabetic subjects, the error = 13.42%. The results have shown that the determination of glycemia by breath analysis can become a serious alternative. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Kolaviron ameliorates hepatic and renal dysfunction associated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes in rats
Authors: Awogbindin Ifeoluwa O. , Maduako Ikenna C. , Adedara Isaac A. , Owumi Solomon E. , Ajeleti Akinola O. , Owoeye Olatunde , Patlolla Anita K. , Tchounwou Paul B. , Farombi Ebenezer O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe increase in the exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their incorporation into industrial, electronic, and biomedical products have required several scientific investigations into the toxicity associated with CNTs. Studies have shown that the metabolism and clearance of multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) from the body involve biotransformation in the liver and its excretion via the kidney. Since oxidative stress and inflammation underlines the toxicity of MWCNT, we investigated the ameliorative effect of kolaviron (KV), a natural antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent, on hepatorenal damage in rats. Exposure to MWCNTs for 15 days significantly increased serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase thereby suggesting hepatic dysfunction. Kidney function, which was monitored by urea and creatinine levels, was also impaired by MWCNTs. Additionally, MWCNTs markedly increased myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide level, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and tumor necrosis factor level in both tissues. However, KV in a dose‐dependent manner markedly attenuated MWCNT‐induced markers of hepatorenal function in the serum and MWCNT‐associated inflammation in the liver and kidney. Also, MWCNTs elicited significant inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities. There was a significant diminution in glutathione level (GSH) and enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in MWCNTs‐exposed rats. KV treatment was able to significantly increase the antioxidant enzymes and enhance the GSH level with a subsequent reduction in the MDA level. Taken together, KV elicited ameliorative effects against hepatorenal damage via its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, KV could be an important intervention strategy for the hepatorenal damage associated with MWCNTs exposure.