Databases of 2D material-substrate interfaces and 2D charged building blocks

Discovery of materials using“bottom-up”or“top-down”approach is of great interest in materials science.Layered materials consisting of two-dimensional(2D)building blocks provide a good platform to explore new materials in this respect.In van der Waals(vdW)layered materials,these building blocks are charge neutral and can be isolated from their bulk phase(top-down),but usually grow on substrate.In ionic layered materials,they are charged and usually cannot exist independently but can serve as motifs to construct new materials(bottom-up).In this paper,we introduce our recently constructed databases for 2D material-substrate interface(2DMSI),and 2D charged building blocks.For 2DMSI database,we systematically build a workflow to predict appropriate substrates and their geometries at substrates,and construct the 2DMSI database.For the 2D charged building block database,1208 entries from bulk material database are identified.Information of crystal structure,valence state,source,dimension and so on is provided for each entry with a json format.We also show its application in designing and searching for new functional layered materials.The 2DMSI database,building block database,and designed layered materials are available in Science Data Bank at https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00188.

A novel 300 kW arc plasma inverter system based on hierarchical controlled building block structure

To date, the high power arc plasma technology is widely used. A next generation high power arc plasma system based on building block structure is presented. The whole arc plasma inverter system is composed of 12 paralleled units to increase the system output capability. The hierarchical control system is adopted to improve the reliability and flexibility of the high power arc plasma inverter. To ensure the reliable turn on and off of the IGBT module in each building block unit, a special pulse drive circuit is designed by using pulse transformer. The experimental result indicates that the high power arc plasma inverter system can transfer 300 kW arc plasma energy reliably with high efficiency.

Analysis of the impact of large scale seismic retrofitting strategies through the application of a vulnerability-based approach on traditional masonry buildings

The buildings＇ capacity to maintain minimum structural safety levels during natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is recognisably one of the aspects that most influence urban resilience. Moreover, the public investment in risk mitigation strategies is fimdamental, not only to promote social and urban and resilience, but also to limit consequent material, human and environmental losses. Despite the growing awareness of this issue, there is still a vast number of traditional masonry buildings spread throughout many European old city centres that lacks of adequate seismic resistance, requiring therefore urgent retrofitting interventions in order to both reduce their seismic vulnerability and to cope with the increased seismic requirements of recent code standards. Thus, this paper aims at contributing to mitigate the social and economic impacts of earthquake damage scenarios through the development of vulnerability-based comparative analysis of some of the most popularretrofitting techniques applied after the 1998 Azores earthquake. The influence of each technique individually and globally studied resorting to a seismic vulnerability index methodology integrated into a GIS tool and damage and loss scenarios are constructed and critically discussed. Finally, the economic balance resulting from the implementation of that techniques are also examined.

Development of a DFN-based probabilistic block theory approach for bench face angle design in open pit mining

In open pit mining,uncontrolled block instabilities have serious social,economic and regulatory consequences,such as casualties,disruption of operation and increased regulation difficulties.For this reason,bench face angle,as one of the controlling parameters associated with block instabilities,should be carefully designed for sustainable mining.This study introduces a discrete fracture network(DFN)-based probabilistic block theory approach for the fast design of the bench face angle.A major advantage is the explicit incorporation of discontinuity size and spatial distribution in the procedure of key blocks testing.The proposed approach was applied to a granite mine in China.First,DFN models were generated from a multi-step modeling procedure to simulate the complex structural characteristics of pit slopes.Then,a modified key blocks searching method was applied to the slope faces modeled,and a cumulative probability of failure was obtained for each sector.Finally,a bench face angle was determined commensurate with an acceptable risk level of stability.The simulation results have shown that the number of hazardous traces exposed on the slope face can be significantly reduced when the suggested bench face angle is adopted,indicating an extremely low risk of uncontrolled block instabilities.

Personal Reflection on Cultural Building Blocks

By reflecting back on the culture in which I was raised, I identify different building blocks of culture and the ways they played out, in order to apply them in my future life and make life better.

Preparation, Structure and Properties of 3D Supramolecular Architecture, on the Basis of Hydrogen Bonds and π-π Stacking Between 2D Layers, with Windmill Building Blocks

A novel three-dimensional（3D） supramolecular architecture, {[Nd（OH-BDC）（OH-HBDC）（H2O）2]·2HaO）n（1） （OH-H2BDC=5-hydroxyisophthalic acid）, which was formed through hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking between two-dimensional（2D） layers, was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Windmill building blocks, which consist of two nine-coordinated metal centers and four OH-H2BDC groups are connected through two carboxyl groups, to lead to a one-dimensional infinite inorganic chain（… M--O--C--O--M…） along the [100] direction. An observed intense blue luminescence with an emission band peaked at 390 nm for compound 1 may results from ligand-to-metal charge transfer（LMCT）. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility of compound 1 was investigated and the value was deviated from the Curie-Weiss law.

Two Chiral Building Blocks for the Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Anti-and Syn-1,3-Diols

Two chiral building blocks 1 and 2 for anti-and syn-1, 3-diols has been achieved in 8 steps and 7 steps respectively, starting from the readily available and inexpensive D (+)-xylose 3.

Appropriate schemata and building blocks

Appropriate schemata as a novel concept to characterize building blocks are introduced, and then, the traits of appropriate schemata are presented. The effects of building blocks by search operators are analyzed. Hence, the experiments on RR-8X8 are employed to verify that appropriate schemata construct the building blocks. The validity of appropriate schemata and building blocks from the views of theory and practice is presented.

Building Sustainable Score (BSS)—A Hybrid Process Approach for Sustainable Building Assessment in China

Sustainable building in China has gained attention both domestically and abroad. Despite the fast increase in sustainable assessment tools developed locally or adopted from overseas, there are still criticisms about the current situation of weak implementation and lack of comprehensive consideration. The lack of consideration of economic and social aspects or building performance on whole building life cycle all lead to departure from the true meaning of sustainable development. And lack of participation on the part of stakeholders makes it too theoretical to be carried out. This research aims to develop a model to address this problem. This research started with review of current sustainable assessment tools applied in China. As the assessment indicators have clear regional disparities, and almost no current tool considers all three pillars of environmental, economic and social in building life cycle. An industry survey was therefore designed for generation of indicators at different building stages, and personal interviews relevant to different occupation in building industry were conducted to complement the questionnaire survey. After that, the model Building Sustainable Score (BSS) was developed based on the stakeholders’ participation. Finally, the model is verified by a case study.

6-Azido-Galactosyl Imidate as a Building Block for Preparation of 1-(4-Aminobutyl)-, Di-, Tri- and Tetra-Saccharides

6-azidogalactosyl imidate has been used as a donor to generate 1-(4-aminobutyl)-6-aminogalactose, 6-aminothiotolyl- glycosides of disaccharide, trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide that incorporates 6-azido group and 1-(4-tolyl)thio group. Trisaccharide and tetrasaccharide were obtained from lactosyl-based acceptor. The anomeric 1-(4-tolyl)thio group could be used to conjugate with sphingosine analogs to provide the alpha-Gal Sph analogs for library extension from the azido group.

Biobased Vanillic Acid and Ricinoleic Acid: Building Blocks for Fully Renewable Copolyesters

New fully biobased polyether/esters have been synthesized by a one-pot polymerization reaction of ricinoleic acid(RA),vanillic acid(VA)and ethylene carbonate(EC).In particular,EC selectively reacts with the phenolic group of VA to obtain in-situ 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoate(EV),suitable for subsequent copolymerization with RA.The procedure was carried out in a single step,without any solvent.Chemical structure and thermal properties of the new materials were studied in order to explore relationships between composition and final performances.The combination of EV,bearing a rigid aromatic structure,with RA,characterized by high flexibility and potential biocidal activity,allows the production of a novel class of fully biobased aliphatic-aromatic polymers presenting tuneable thermal properties and suitable for a range of applications,for example,in active packaging and biomedical fields.

Compliant semiconductor scaffolds: building blocks for advanced neural interfaces

Neuroscience,neuroprosthetics and neural regeneration would benefit from more adequate interfacing devices.To understand how neurons communicate,process information and control behavior,researchers need to monitor nerve cell activity with high specifity and high spatio-temporal resolution.Neural prostheses require minimally invasive-implantable devices to re- place lost function, and bypass dysfunctional pathways in the nervous system. Devices built to repair damaged nerves have to support and promote regeneration of host neurons through an injured area. Finally, as neuromodulation is being elevated from last resort to first choice treatment for an increasing number of conditions, implantable devices able to perform targeted regu- lation of neural activity are needed. Recent advances in device miniaturization, materials engineering, and nanotechnology are enabling development of an increasing number of devices that effectively interface with neural circuits. Wireless spinal cord and deep brain stimulators, retinal and cochlear implants, high density electrodes arrays for neural recording have already proven to significantly impact fundamental research in neuro- science, as well as individuals＇ quality of life.

STUDIES ON THE SYNTHESIS OF RABDOSIA DITERPENOID Ⅱ,PREPARATION OF A KEY BUILDING BLOCK,α,β-UNSATURATED LACTONE

The main half molecule(4a)of the trichorabdal B(1) was synthesized from pentadienol(6).The key step is the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of 8.

Cartilage and bone tissue engineering using adipose stromal/stem cells spheroids as building blocks

Scaffold-free techniques in the developmental tissue engineering area are designed to mimic in vivo embryonic processes with the aim of biofabricating,in vitro,tissues with more authentic properties.Cell clusters called spheroids are the basis for scaffold-free tissue engineering.In this review,we explore the use of spheroids from adult mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a model in the developmental engineering area in order to mimic the developmental stages of cartilage and bone tissues.Spheroids from adult mesenchymal stromal/stem cells lineages recapitulate crucial events in bone and cartilage formation during embryogenesis,and are capable of spontaneously fusing to other spheroids,making them ideal building blocks for bone and cartilage tissue engineering.Here,we discuss data from ours and other labs on the use of adipose stromal/stem cell spheroids in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in vitro.Overall,recent studies support the notion that spheroids are ideal"building blocks"for tissue engineering by“bottom-up”approaches,which are based on tissue assembly by advanced techniques such as three-dimensional bioprinting.Further studies on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that orchestrate spheroid fusion are now crucial to support continued development of bottom-up tissue engineering approaches such as three-dimensional bioprinting.

(Z)-ETHYL 3-BROMO-4,4,4-TRIFLUORO-2-BUTENOATE AS A NOVEL CF_3-CONTAINING BUILDING BLOCK: Its Preparation and Pd-Catalysed Reaction with Alkynes and Organozinc Reagents

A novel CF_3-containing building block, (Z)-ethyl 3-bromo-4,4,4-trifluoro-2-butenoate, was easily prepared from CF_3CBr_3, the former reacted with alkynes Or organozinc reagents in the presence of Pd complexes to afford useful CF_3-containing intermediates in good yield.

Development of a dynamic operational rating system in energy performance certificates for existing buildings： Geostatistical approach and data-mining technique

The operational rating system in building energy performance certificates(EPCs) has been used for systematically monitoring and diagnosing the energy performance in the operation and maintenance phases of existing buildings. However, there are several limitations of the conventional operational rating system,which can be subdivided into three aspects:(i) building category;(i i) region category; and(iii) space unit size. To overcome these challenges, this study conducted the problem analysis of the conventional operational rating system for existing buildings by using the statistical and geostatistical approaches. Based on the problem analysis, this study developed the dynamic operational rating(DOR) system for existing buildings by using the data-mining technique and the probability approach. The developed DOR system can be used as a tool for building energy performance diagnostics.To validate the applicability of the developed DOR system, educational facilities were selected as the representative type of existing buildings in South Korea. As a result, it was determined that the developed DOR system can solve the irrationality of the conventional operational rating system(i.e., the negative correlation between the space unit size and the CO2 emission density). Namely, the operational ratings of small buildings were adjusted upward while those of large buildings were adjusted downward. The developed DOR system can allow policymakers to establish the reasonable operational rating system for existing buildings, which can motivate the public to actively participate in energy-saving campaigns.

DESIGN OF INTERCHANGE RAMP ALIGNMENT WITH BLOCK-BUILDING METHOD

This paper presents a block-building method for the alignment design ofinterchange rampe.Giving starting coprdinates and direction, an ideal alignment isbuilt up by choosing desirable type and argunient of one of the three basic buildingbleeks:tangent,arc and spiral.In addition,with the hereafter provided calculationdiagrains and prograni package,the interchange aligrmient drawing and layout draw-ing can be acquired aseily.

Solving Job-Shop Scheduling Problems by Genetic Algorithms Based on Building Block Hypothesis

In this paper, we propose a new genetic algorithm for job-shop scheduling problems （JSP）. The proposed method uses the operation-based representation, based on schema theorem and building block hypothesis, a new crossover is proposed ： By selecting short, low order highly fit schemas to genetic operator, the crossover can exchange meaningful ordering information of parents effectively and can search the global optimization. Simulation results on MT benchmark problem coded by C ＋ ＋ show that our genetic operators are very powerful and suitable to job-shop scheduling problems and our method outperforms the previous GA-based approaches.