bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature Synthesis, Structural and Optical Characterizations of The Novel Bisbs3 Thin Films as Anew Absorber Layer for Solar Cells
Authors: radaf I M El , Al-Zahrani H.Y.S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this research work, thin films of BiSbS3 have been successfully synthesized onto well cleaned soda-lima glass substrates via the chemical bath deposition procedure at different thicknesses (t= 159, 243, 296 and 362 nm). The X-ray diffraction patterns of the chemically deposited BiSbS3 films depicted that the synthesized films exposed polycrystalline nature and have an orthorhombic structure. The structural parameters of the chemically deposited BiSbS3 films were evaluated by Debye-Scherer’s formulas. The surface morphologies of the BiSbS3 films were fixed via the field-emission-scanning-electron microscope. The analyses of the linear optical parameters of the chemically deposited BiSbS3 thin films refer to improving the values of the absorption coefficient, α and the linear refractive index, n via the increase in the film thickness. In addition, there is an observed reduction in the energy gap, Eg values from 1.38 to 1.22 eV occurred by raising the film thickness. Furthermore, there is an enhancement in the nonlinear optical constants and the optoelectrical parameters occurred by raising the film thickness where the nonlinear refractive index, \({n}_{2},\)the optical free carrier concentration, \({N}_{opt}\) and the optical conductivity σopt were enlarged with increasing the values of film thickness. Moreover, the hot probe procedure was applied to the BiSbS3 thin films and this method demonstrated that the chemically deposited BiSbS3 films are p-type semiconductors.
A Redox-Responsive Dihydroartemisinin Dimeric Nanoprodrug For Enhanced Antitumor Activity
Authors: Li Yawei , Pei Qing , Cui Baiji , Zhang Hongmei , Han Liu , Li Wenqing , Zhu Wenhe , Feng Xianmin , Xie Zhigang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Redox-responsive drug delivery system emerges as a hopeful platform for tumor treatment. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been investigated as an innovative tumor therapeutic agent. Herein, a DHA dimeric prodrug bridged with disulfide bond as linker (DHA2-SS) has been designed and synthesized. The prepared prodrugs could self-assemble into nanoparticles (SS NPs) with high DHA content (>90%) and robust stability. These SS NPs display sensitive redox responsive capability and can release DHA under the tumor heterogeneity microenvironment. SS NPs possess preferable antitumor therapeutic activity in contrast with free DHA. Moreover, the possible anti-cancer mechanism of these nanoparticles was investigated through RNA-seq analysis, bioinformatics and molecular biological method. SS NPs could induce apoptosis via mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, as well as glycolysis inhibition associate with the regulation of PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signal path, which may offer an underlying therapeutic target for liver cancer. Our study highlights the potential of using redox responsive prodrug nanoparticles to treat cancer, meanwhile provides insights into the anti-cancer mechanism of DHA prodrug.
Bi Incorporation and Segregation in the MBE-Grown GaAs-(Ga,Al)As-Ga(As,Bi) Core-Shell Nanowires
Authors: Sadowski Janusz , Kaleta Anna , Kryvyi Serhii , Janaszko Dorota , Kurowska Bogusława , Bilska Marta , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Domagala Jarosław Z. , Sanchez Ana M. , Kret Sławomir 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Incorporation of Bi into GaAs-(Ga,Al)As-Ga(As,Bi) core-shell nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy is studied with transmission electron microscopy. Nanowires are grown on GaAs(100) substrates with Au-droplet assisted mode. Bi-doped shells are grown at low temperature (300 °C) with a close to stoichiometric Ga/As flux ratio. At low Bi fluxes, the Ga(As,Bi) shells are smooth, with Bi completely incorporated into the shells. Higher Bi fluxes (Bi/As flux ratio ~ 4%) led to partial segregation of Bi as droplets on the nanowires sidewalls, preferentially located at the nanowire segments with wurtzite structure. We demonstrate that such Bi droplets on the sidewalls act as catalysts for the growth of branches perpendicular to the GaAs trunks. Due to the tunability between zinc-blende and wurtzite polytypes by changing the nanowire growth conditions, this effect enables fabrication of branched nanowire architectures with branches generated from selected (wurtzite) nanowire segments.
Construction of a Quadruple Gene-deleted Vaccine Confers Complete Protective Immunity Against Emerging PRV Variant Challenge in Piglets
Authors: Sun Leqiang , Tang Yajie , Yan Keji , Zhang Huawei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) causes Aujeszky’s disease or pseudorabies (PR) in pigs worldwide, which leads to heavy economic losses to the swine industry. Pigs are the natural host, meanwhile, animals such as dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, cattle and sheep are susceptible to infection. In 2011, the emerging PRV variant led to the outbreak of PR in Bar-tha-K61-vaccinated pigs. The PR outbreaks demonstrated that the Bartha-K61 vaccine did not provide full protection against the emerging PRV variant. It is widely believed that PRV live-attenuated vaccines could control PRV infection. Methods: In this study, we developed a novel PRV live-attenuated vaccine by deleting its gI, gE, US9, and US2 genes through CRISPR/Cas9, which was named PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2.Results: Safety experiments confirmed that PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 was safe for 5 to 7-day-old suckling piglets. Piglets immunized with the PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 vaccine did not produce PRV gE-specific antibodies but could generate PRV gB-specific antibodies and high neutralizing titers against the PRV GDFS strain (variant PRV strain) or PRV Ea strain (older PRV strain). After challenge with the emerging PRV GDFS variant, none of the piglets immunized with the PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 vaccine showed any clinical signs, and their rectal temperatures were normal. Moreover, the autopsy and histopathological analyses revealed that the piglets in the PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 vaccine group did not show apparent gross or pathological lesions. Furthermore, the piglets in the PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 vaccine groups did not present weight loss. According to the criteria of the OIE terrestrial manual, the results of the experiment confirmed that the PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 vaccine could provide full protection against the emerging PRV variant strain in piglets. Conclusions: The PRV GDFS-delgI/gE/US9/US2 strain is a potential new live-attenuated vaccine against emerging PRV variant strain infections in China.
Revealing Salient Aquatic Ecosystem Services Bundles: A Q-Methodology Application in South Africa
Authors: Jourdain Damien , Namakando Namakando , Mungatana Eric Dada , Mirzabaev Alisher , Njiraini Georgina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Preserving water quality, which has at least four of the ten characteristics of a “wicked problem”, is fundamental for economic development, ecosystems function, and human wellbeing. Consequently, identifying suitable public policies or technological solutions that can maintain or restore affected ecosystems, especially in river catchments, is a huge challenge. Understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives on important water related ecosystem services is critical to improving water governance and quality. This study uses the Q-methodology to identify and analyze perspectives about water-related ecosystem services in the Olifants river catchment, one of the most important and polluted in South Africa, across six diverse stakeholder groups competing for its limited water resources. The Q is a semi-qualitative methodology that can systematically recover detailed views of the subjective perceptions diverse stakeholder groups hold on a given topic. Our results suggest existence of three significant and conflicting perspectives. The “conservationists” privilege regulation and supporting services, the “water users” give highest priority to water for domestic and other private uses, while the “planners” rank mastering the environment for societal benefits highest. Equally importantly, our results also suggest solutions like ecological infrastructure investments, which deliver important services for some stakeholders without compromising the welfare of those who hold neutral perspectives towards them.
Improvement in The Working Life of A Micro Journal Bearings With An Electroless Ni-P Coating
Authors: Kao Jin-Yih 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Wear is considered the main criterion to evaluate the mechanical performance of electroless Ni-P coating in a radial micro journal bearing (copper alloy, inner diameter 3 mm × outer diameter 5 mm × length 7 mm). The study was carried out using different coating parameter combinations, namely, solution pH values of (6, 7 and 8), deposition time (10, 20 and 30 min) and bath temperature (60, 80 and 95oC). The structure, surface morphology, hardness and wear resistance of the electroless Ni-P coatings were measured and analyzed. The optimum combination of coating parameters for minimum wear is a pH value of 8, deposition time of 30 min and bath temperature of 95oC. Further, the structural changes of the coatings before and after annealing treatment (100 ~ 700oC) in a vacuum ambient were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, while their elemental composition and surface morphology were analyzed using an energy dispersive spectrometer and a scanning electron microscope. The Ni-P films were subjected to annealing temperature at 400oC for 1 hour, leading to recrystallization of the Ni matrix and the precipitation of Ni3P. The hardness increases with increasing annealing temperature to a peak of 960 HV at 400oC and then decreases monotonously.
Cathode Structure Optimization and Process Experiment in Electrochemical Machining of Multi-stage Internal Cone Hole
Authors: Tang Lin , Yang Wenli , Shi Chengjin , Zhang Lifeng , Zhai Kaige 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In order to solve the problems of uneven gap distribution and flow pattern in complex parts with multi-stage internal cone holes in electrochemical machining, a method of computer simulation assisted cathode design was proposed. The electric field and flow field models of machining gaps were established respectively, and the simulation of different cathode profiles was carried out. When the cathode cone angle is 2°, the electric field distribution between the cathode and the workpiece is reasonable, and the electrolyte distribution in the machining gap is uniform. With the conditions of processing voltage 10 V, electrolyte inlet pressure 1.5 MPa, electrolyte temperature 28 ℃ and cathode feed speed 5mm/min, the ECM processing of multi-stage internal cone hole was carried out by using the optimized cathode. The results show that the surface of the workpiece has no flow pattern, the dimensional forming accuracy is better than 0.1mm, and the surface roughness reaches Ra0.697µm. Research shows that the optimization of cathode structure with computer simulation can shorten the cathode development cycle and reduce the cost of cathode design effectively in ECM, which provides an efficient and feasible method for the optimization of complex cathode structure.
Effects of Nonlinearity of Restoring Springs on Propulsion Performance of Wave Glider
Authors: Feng Zhanxia , Chang Zongyu , Deng Chao , Zhao Lin , Chen Jia , Zhang Jiakun , Zheng Zhongqiang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Wave glider is an unmanned surface vehicle which can directly convert wave energy into forward propulsion and fulfill long-term marine monitoring. Previous study suggested that the wave motion and stiffness of restoring springs mounted on the hydrofoil are main factors affecting the propulsion performance of wave glider. In this paper, the dynamic responses and nonlinear characteristics of underwater propulsion mechanism considering the nonlinear stiffness of restoring springs are investigated based on a fluid-rigid body coupled model. Firstly, the models of propulsion mechanism with different kind of restoring spring are proposed, and the linear and nonlinear characteristics of restoring spring are considered. Then, a fluid-rigid body coupled model of wave glider is developed by coupling the rigid body dynamics model and hydrodynamic model. Dynamic responses are simulated by numerical analysis method and the nonlinear characteristics with different restoring springs are illustrated by time/frequency domain motion response and phase diagram analysis. The effects of wave excitation frequency and wave heights on the propulsion performance of wave glider are analyzed. The results show that, multi-frequency responses occurred in propulsion system. And the study suggests that the nonlinear restoring spring on the hydrofoil can be suitable for different sea condition and better propulsion performance can obtained than linear stiffness spring, which provides a reference for developing propulsion mechanism with high performance in complex marine environment.
Pose Measurement and Assembly of Spacecraft Components based on Assembly Features and a Consistent Coordinate System
Authors: Chen Shuqing , Li Tiemin , Jiang Yao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To assemble spacecraft automatically and precisely, it is vital to measure the relative spatial pose (position and orientation) of the assembly features of the spacecraft components before assembly. For large-scale spacecraft components, the global measurement method is mainly utilized to guide assembly control, and its accuracy and efficiency have ultimately failed to meet requirements. To address this issue, a novel measurement method is proposed. Since the goal is to measure the relative spatial pose of the assembly features of the spacecraft components, the proposed method measures it directly to ensure the consistency of the measurement and assembly coordinate system. This method has the advantage of high precision because it can reduce the influence of structural parameter errors and is not limited by the scale of the spacecraft components. In addition, it requires only one offline calibration, which significantly improves the efficiency of online measurement and assembly. Taking the control moment gyroscope (CMG) assembly task as an example, a measurement system and its corresponding calibration device are designed and developed. After calibration by the calibration device, the measurement system is mounted on the assembly features of the CMG to measure the relative spatial pose between the assembly features of the CMG and the assembly features of the mounted base (MB). Finally, six assembly experiments are completed according to the measurement results. The experimental results show that this method has high accuracy and can guide the robot to achieve high assembly accuracy, satisfying the assembly requirements of typical spacecraft components.
A combined water hammer protective method for optimizing the volume of the air vessel in water supply systems
Authors: Lyu Jiawen , Zhang Jian , Wang Xingtao , Xu Tingyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
An air vessel, as an effective and reliable water hammer protective device, is widely used in long-distance water supply systems. However, the volume of the air vessel must be extra-large to guarantee security of the system, especially in a system with a high head and large flow. In this paper, to reduce the volume of the air vessel, a novel protective method combining an air vessel and over pressure relief valve was proposed and verified using a numerical simulation based on a practical project. In addition, the protection performance under the combined protective method was compared with the traditional method. The results show that the combined protective method can significantly reduce the volume of air vessel and exhibit a better protection performance. Furthermore, after analysis and optimization of the rule of opening and closing over the pressure relief valve, the valve should be opened in a short time to produce fast discharge so as to eliminate the large pressure rise rapidly. The duration of opening the over pressure relief valve has little effect on the maximum pressure. The closing time of the over pressure valve should be slow, as much as possible, to avoid producing large pressure wave.
Adsorption of Pb(II) cation from aqueous solutions by acid modified low-rank coal: An experimental study and simulation
Authors: Wang Penghui , Liu Wenli , Xu Hongxiang , Liu Guowei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
An acid modified approach to enhance the adsorption capacity of low-rank coal (lignite) is proposed to reduce the risk of heavy metal ions within the wastewater. Adsorption kinetics, adsorption thermodynamics, adsorption coefficient and density functional theory DFT calculations were studied in this paper, respectively. The results indicate that the adsorption capacity of lignite was enlarged after HNO3 modification, and pseudo-second order kinetics model and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model can be used to describe the adsorption process. The surface chemical properties of lignite play a dominant role rather than the specific surface area and total pore volume in the Pb(II) cation adsorption process, and it is suggested that the adsorption of Pb(II) cation by raw lignite (RL) and modified lignite (ML) is mainly completed by chemical adsorption. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization showed that the surface oxygen functional groups of lignite increased after modification. The results of interaction energies between the model molecule and Pb(II) cation show that Pb(II) cation and -C-O-C are most easily combined, followed by -COOH, and -C = O is the weakest.
Assessment of Changes in Toll Fares in Conditions of Increased Traffic Load
Authors: Talavirya A. U. , Laskin M. B. 
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the studyis to assess changes of toll fares usedon toll collection points. When toll road is operating in an urban environment, the operator is inevitably faced with the need to adaptintelligent transport system to the conditions of an ever-increasingvolume and changing composition of the traffic. Such changes havea direct impact on the capacity of the toll road, in particular at tollcollection points. The conducted research is aimed at analyzing the method of reducing the traffic load at the toll collection points duringpeak hours by making changes to the toll fares aimed at uniform distribution of traffic flow throughout the day. As an example, a tollcollectionpointonthe main roaddirectionof the Western High-SpeedDiameter toll road was chosen.Materialsandmethods.A discrete-event simulation model developedin the AnyLogic software was used to assess the quality of operationandthroughputofthetollcollectionpoint.Thesoftwarehasa sufficientlevel of detail to reproduce the operation of the toll collection system,and allows managing all the necessary parameters of the system andtraffic flow. Analysis of the data obtained from the simulated model experiments was carried out using the statistical package R.Results.As part of the study, the operational characteristics ofthe toll collection point, in particular its threshold capacity, were determined, and, if it was exceeded, the length of the emerging queue was determined. Taking into account the operator’s risks arising fromthe formation of a traffic congestion, an approach was proposed tochange the toll fare policy of the toll road by using a more flexiblefares based on dividing the day time fare into several time intervalsand using increasing coefficients for toll fare when paying for travelduring peak hours. Using the example of toll booth of the WesternHigh-SpeedDiameter,theincreasingcoefficientsofthecostoftravelata rush hour were considered, and the risks of reducing the operator’sincome from toll collection were assessed.Conclusion.Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the effectiveness of the application of measures to change the existing tollfare policy, aimed at optimizing the traffic flow of a toll road, canbe carried out. In addition, such an analysis can be used to assessthe investment attractiveness of a project, develop a toll fare policy, increase income and other similar tasks. Further research can be aimed at increasing the economic indicators of toll road projects, and developing additional mathematical tools used in the formation of toll fare policy.
A Novel Probiotic Formula, BIOCG, Protects Against Alzheimer’s-Related Cognitive Deficits via Regulation of Dendritic Spine Dynamics
Authors: Sun Miao , Bao Wenchenyang , Huang Chengyu , Xia Ziyue , Zhang Changliang , Wang Guangxian , Wang Runxin , Li Jiangyu , Roux Shaun , Li Qian , Zou Dongmei , Ma Kai , Bao Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2021

Background:
The brain-gut-microbiome axis has emerged as an important pathway
through which perturbations in the gut and/or microbial microenvironment can impact neurological
function. Such alterations have been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including
depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and the use of probiotics as therapy for these
diseases remains promising. However, the mechanisms underlying the gut microenvironment’s
influence on disease pathogenesis and therapy remain unclear.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel probiotic formula,
BIOCG, on cognitive function and pathobiological mechanisms, including amyloid processing and
dendritic spine dynamics, in a mouse model of AD.

Methods:
BIOCG was administered for 3 months to 3xTg or 3xTg; Thy1-YFP AD mice and functional
outcomes were assessed via behavioral testing and electrophysiology. Mechanisms relevant
to AD pathogenesis including dendritic spine morphology and turnover, Amyloid Precursor Protein
(APP) processing and microglial phenotype were also evaluated. Finally, we sequenced fecal
samples following probiotic treatment to assess the impact on gut microbial composition and correlate
the changes with the above described measures.

Results:
Mice treated with BIOCG demonstrated preserved cognitive abilities and stronger Long-
Term Potentiation (LTP), spontaneous Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents (sEPSC), and glutamate-induced
LTPs, indicative of functional and electrophysiological effects. Moreover, we observed attenuated
AD pathogenesis, including reduced Amyloid Beta (Aβ) burden, as well as more mature dendritic
spines in the BIOCG-treated. Our finding of changes in microglial number and phenotype in
the treatment group suggests that this formulation may mediate its effects via attenuation of neuroinflammation.
Sequencing data confirmed that the gut microbiome in treated mice was more
varied and harbored a greater proportion of “beneficial” bacteria.

Conclusion:
Overall, our results indicate that treatment with BIOCG enhances microbial diversity
and, through gut-brain axis interactions, attenuates neuroinflammation to produce histologic and
functional improvement in AD pathogenesis.