The equilibrium molecular geometry of 25, 26, 27. 28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene in cone cowtrmation was calculated by a CNDO/2 method based on the standard geometrical models. The results are in good agreement with tho...The equilibrium molecular geometry of 25, 26, 27. 28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene in cone cowtrmation was calculated by a CNDO/2 method based on the standard geometrical models. The results are in good agreement with those obtained from X-ray analysis.展开更多
Garnet-type Li_(7)La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO) is a promising solid-state electrolyte for Li-ion batteries,but Li-dendrite's formation greatly limits the applications.In this paper,we systematically investigate the st...Garnet-type Li_(7)La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO) is a promising solid-state electrolyte for Li-ion batteries,but Li-dendrite's formation greatly limits the applications.In this paper,we systematically investigate the stability,electronic properties,and Li-ion mobility of the LLZO surface by the ifrst-principles calculations.We consider the(110) and(001) slab structures with different terminations in the t-and c-LLZO.Our results indicate that both(110) and(001) surfaces prefer to form Li-rich termination due to their low surface energies for either t-or c-LLZO.Moreover,with the decrease of Li contents the stability of Li-rich surfaces is improved initially and degrades later.Unfortunately,the localized surface states at the Fermi level can induce the formation of metallic Li on the Li-rich surfaces.In comparison,Li/La-termination has a relatively low metallic Li formation tendency due to its rather low diffusion barrier.In fact,Li-ion can spontaneously migrate along path II(Li3→Li2) on the Li/La-T(001) surface.In contrast,it is more difficult for Li-ion diffusion on the Li-T(001) surface,which has a minimum diffusion barrier of 0.50 eV.Interestingly,the minimum diffusion barrier decreases to 0.34 eV when removing four Li-ions from the Li-T(001) surface.Thus,our study suggests that by varying Li contents,the stability and Li-ion diffusion barrier of LLZO surfaces can be altered favorably.These advantages can inhibit the formation of metallic Li on the LLZO surfaces.展开更多
A basic calculation procedure for the MOSMO method under CNDO/2 approximation is presented in this paper,and performed by using the same parameters as those used in the ordinary CNDO/2 LCAO-MO calculation.The calculat...A basic calculation procedure for the MOSMO method under CNDO/2 approximation is presented in this paper,and performed by using the same parameters as those used in the ordinary CNDO/2 LCAO-MO calculation.The calculated results on the whole are close to those obtained by use of the ordinary CNDO/2 LCAO-MO calculation,illustrating that the presented procedure is reasonable.Due to its simplicity,the presented calculation procedure may be feasible even in very large molecular s ystems.展开更多
To synthesize and study the relation between structure and characteristics of Co-Cbond of coenzym B<sub>12</sub> model compounds, it is an effective way to understand the fac-tors which can influence the s...To synthesize and study the relation between structure and characteristics of Co-Cbond of coenzym B<sub>12</sub> model compounds, it is an effective way to understand the fac-tors which can influence the stabilities of Co-C bond and the mechanism of mutasecatalyzed substrate rearrangement. Unfortunately knowledge about micro reaction mecha-nism of the model compounds is limited. W. N. Lipscomb calculated the展开更多
Developing efficient and stable cathodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs) is of great importance for the practical commercialization.Herein,we propose a series of Sm-modified Bi_(0.7-x)Sm_xSr_(0.3)...Developing efficient and stable cathodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs) is of great importance for the practical commercialization.Herein,we propose a series of Sm-modified Bi_(0.7-x)Sm_xSr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ) perovskites as highly-active catalysts for LT-SOFCs.Sm doping can significantly enhance the electrocata lytic activity and chemical stability of cathode.At 600℃,Bi_(0.675)Sm_(0.025)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSSF25) cathode has been found to be the optimum composition with a polarization resistance of 0.098 Ω cm^2,which is only around 22.8% of Bi_(0.7)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSF).A full cell utilizing BSSF25 displays an exceptional output density of 790 mW cm^(-2),which can operate continuously over100 h without obvious degradation.The remarkable electrochemical performance observed can be attributed to the improved O_(2) transport kinetics,superior surface oxygen adsorption capacity,as well as O_(2)p band centers in close proximity to the Fermi level.Moreover,larger average bonding energy(ABE) and the presence of highly acidic Bi,Sm,and Fe ions restrict the adsorption of CO_(2) on the cathode surface,resulting in excellent CO_(2) resistivity.This work provides valuable guidance for systematic design of efficient and durable catalysts for LT-SOFCs.展开更多
The title compound [2-(2,6-dioxacyclohexyl)-5-methoxylphenols]2 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-hydroxyl-3-methoxylbenzaldehyde and 1,3-propanediol in the presence of DMF-DMS adduct and characterized by IR spec...The title compound [2-(2,6-dioxacyclohexyl)-5-methoxylphenols]2 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-hydroxyl-3-methoxylbenzaldehyde and 1,3-propanediol in the presence of DMF-DMS adduct and characterized by IR spectrum, UV-Vis spectrum and X-ray crystallography. The title compound belongs to monoclinic, space group P21 with a = 9.8967(10), b = 8.2240(9), c = 13.3654(14) A^°, β= 90.016(2)°, C11H14O4, Mr = 210.22, V = 1087.8(2)A^°3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.284 Mg/m^3, F(000) = 448,μ = 0.098 mm^-1, the final R = 0.0300 and wR = 0.0761 for 2070 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ(I). The molecules are connected via intermolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds into a 2D network structure. Moreover, theoretical investigations of the title compound with HF/6-31G(d) method were performed, and its stability, frontier molecular orbital composition and Mulliken charge distribution were also discussed. The compound is a bis-molecule. The two molecules stay together and could not be separated. Two crystallographically independent molecules exist in an asymmetric unit. The bond lengths and bond angles of the two molecules are slightly different with each other.展开更多
First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the relaxation and electronic properties of sulfide minerals surfaces(MoS2, Sb2S3, Cu2 S, ZnS, PbS and FeS2) in presence of H2 O molecule. The calculated resu...First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the relaxation and electronic properties of sulfide minerals surfaces(MoS2, Sb2S3, Cu2 S, ZnS, PbS and FeS2) in presence of H2 O molecule. The calculated results show that the structure and electronic properties of sulfide minerals surfaces have been influenced in presence of H2 O molecule. The adsorption of the flotation reagent at the interface of mineral-water would be different from that of mineral surface due to the changes of surface structures and electronic properties caused by H2 O molecule. Hence, the influence of H2 O molecule on the reaction of flotation reagent with sulfide mineral surface will attract more attention.展开更多
Heterostructures(HSs)have attracted significant attention because of their interlayer van der Waals interactions.The electronic structures and optical properties of stacked GaN-MoS2 HSs under strain have been explored...Heterostructures(HSs)have attracted significant attention because of their interlayer van der Waals interactions.The electronic structures and optical properties of stacked GaN-MoS2 HSs under strain have been explored in this work using density functional theory.The results indicate that the direct band gap(1.95 e V)of the Ga N-MoS2 HS is lower than the individual band gaps of both the GaN layer(3.48 e V)and the MoS2 layer(2.03 eV)based on HSE06 hybrid functional calculations.Specifically,the GaN-MoS2 HS is a typical type-II band HS semiconductor that provides an effective approach to enhance the charge separation efficiency for improved photocatalytic degradation activity and water splitting efficiency.Under tensile or compressive strain,the direct band gap of the GaN-MoS2 HS undergoes redshifts.Additionally,the GaN-MoS2 HS maintains its direct band gap semiconductor behavior even when the tensile or compressive strain reaches 5%or-5%.Therefore,the results reported above can be used to expand the application of Ga N-MoS2 HSs to photovoltaic cells and photocatalysts.展开更多
The elastic, magnetoelastic, and phonon properties of Ni2FeGa were investigated through first-principles calculations. The obtained elastic and phonon dispersion curves for the austenite and martensite phases agree we...The elastic, magnetoelastic, and phonon properties of Ni2FeGa were investigated through first-principles calculations. The obtained elastic and phonon dispersion curves for the austenite and martensite phases agree well with available the- oretical and experimental results. The isotropic elastic moduli are also predicted along with the polycrystalline aggregate properties including the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The Pugh ratio indicates that Ni2FeGa shows ductility, especially the austenite phase, which is consistent with the experimental results. The Debye tem- peratures of the Ni2FeGa in the austenite and martensite phases are 344 K and 392 K, respectively. It is predicted that the magnetoelastic coefficient is -5.3 x 10^6 J/m3 and magnetostriction coefficient is between 135 and 55 ppm in the Ni2FeGa austenite phase.展开更多
The electronic structures of bulk Bi_2Te_3 crystals were investigated by the first-principles calculations.The transport coefficients including Seeback coefficient and power factor were then calculated by the Boltzman...The electronic structures of bulk Bi_2Te_3 crystals were investigated by the first-principles calculations.The transport coefficients including Seeback coefficient and power factor were then calculated by the Boltzmann theory,and further evaluated as a function of chemical potential assuming a rigid band picture.The results suggest that p-type doping in the Bi_2Te_3 compound may be more favorable than n-type doping.From this analysis results,doping effects on a material will exhibit high ZT.Furthermore,we can also find the right doping concentration to produce more efficient materials,and present the "advantage filling element map" in detail.展开更多
A novel copper(Ⅱ) complex with tert-butyl 2-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonylmethyl)-2-picolyamino]acetate(ampy) was synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectrum, electrospray ioniza...A novel copper(Ⅱ) complex with tert-butyl 2-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonylmethyl)-2-picolyamino]acetate(ampy) was synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectrum, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. A mononuclear copper(II) complex with ampy, [Cu(ampy)Cl2](1), was formed irrespective of the metal-to-ligand molar ratios([Cu2+]:[ampy] = 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1) as a single product. Complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca with a = 12.343(2), b = 18.928(3), c = 20.058(4) A, V = 4686.1(14) A3, Z = 8, Dc = 1.3349(4) g/cm3, F(000) = 1920, S = 1.016, R = 0.0693 and w R = 0.1721 for 3151 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ(I). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the central copper(II) ion is bound by pyridyl N, tertiary amine N and carbonyl O atoms of the quadridentate ampy as well as two Cl anions, constructing a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Complex 1 further constructs a stable 3D supramolecular architecture by intermolecular C–H…Cl hydrogen bonds. In addition, the molecular geometry was calculated by density functional theory(DFT/B3LYP) method with the basis sets(6-31+G(d,p) for H, C, N, O and Cl atoms, and LANL2 DZ for Cu atom, respectively). The calculated results show that the optimized geometrical parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data. Natural bond orbital(NBO) analysis and frontier molecular orbitals(FMOs) analysis were investigated at the same level.展开更多
The electronic and structural properties for Ti3SiC2 were studied using the first-principle calculation method. By using the calculated band structure and density of states, the high electrical conductivity of Ti3SiC2...The electronic and structural properties for Ti3SiC2 were studied using the first-principle calculation method. By using the calculated band structure and density of states, the high electrical conductivity of Ti3SiC2 are explained. The bonding character of Ti3SiC2 is analyzed in the map of charge density distribution.展开更多
In this paper the growth mechanism of a Te/Bi2Te3 novel structure is studied by ab-initio calculations. The results show that the growth of Te nanorods is determined by the adsorption energy of Te atoms on different c...In this paper the growth mechanism of a Te/Bi2Te3 novel structure is studied by ab-initio calculations. The results show that the growth of Te nanorods is determined by the adsorption energy of Te atoms on different crystalline Te surfaces. The adsorption energy of Te on the Te (001) surface is 3.29 eV, which is about 0.25 eV higher than that of Te on the Te (110). This energy difference makes the preferential growth direction along the 〈 001 〉 direction. In addition, the higher surface energy of Bi2Te3 (110) and the lattice misfit between crystalline Bi2We3 and Te along 〈 001 〉 direction are considered to explain the growth of the Bi2Te3 nanoplatelets, in which Volmer-Weber model is used. The theoretical results are in agreement with experimental observation.展开更多
文摘The equilibrium molecular geometry of 25, 26, 27. 28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene in cone cowtrmation was calculated by a CNDO/2 method based on the standard geometrical models. The results are in good agreement with those obtained from X-ray analysis.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12064015 and 12064014)。
文摘Garnet-type Li_(7)La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO) is a promising solid-state electrolyte for Li-ion batteries,but Li-dendrite's formation greatly limits the applications.In this paper,we systematically investigate the stability,electronic properties,and Li-ion mobility of the LLZO surface by the ifrst-principles calculations.We consider the(110) and(001) slab structures with different terminations in the t-and c-LLZO.Our results indicate that both(110) and(001) surfaces prefer to form Li-rich termination due to their low surface energies for either t-or c-LLZO.Moreover,with the decrease of Li contents the stability of Li-rich surfaces is improved initially and degrades later.Unfortunately,the localized surface states at the Fermi level can induce the formation of metallic Li on the Li-rich surfaces.In comparison,Li/La-termination has a relatively low metallic Li formation tendency due to its rather low diffusion barrier.In fact,Li-ion can spontaneously migrate along path II(Li3→Li2) on the Li/La-T(001) surface.In contrast,it is more difficult for Li-ion diffusion on the Li-T(001) surface,which has a minimum diffusion barrier of 0.50 eV.Interestingly,the minimum diffusion barrier decreases to 0.34 eV when removing four Li-ions from the Li-T(001) surface.Thus,our study suggests that by varying Li contents,the stability and Li-ion diffusion barrier of LLZO surfaces can be altered favorably.These advantages can inhibit the formation of metallic Li on the LLZO surfaces.
文摘A basic calculation procedure for the MOSMO method under CNDO/2 approximation is presented in this paper,and performed by using the same parameters as those used in the ordinary CNDO/2 LCAO-MO calculation.The calculated results on the whole are close to those obtained by use of the ordinary CNDO/2 LCAO-MO calculation,illustrating that the presented procedure is reasonable.Due to its simplicity,the presented calculation procedure may be feasible even in very large molecular s ystems.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘To synthesize and study the relation between structure and characteristics of Co-Cbond of coenzym B<sub>12</sub> model compounds, it is an effective way to understand the fac-tors which can influence the stabilities of Co-C bond and the mechanism of mutasecatalyzed substrate rearrangement. Unfortunately knowledge about micro reaction mecha-nism of the model compounds is limited. W. N. Lipscomb calculated the
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22279025,21773048)the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LH2021A013)+1 种基金the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021YFSY0022)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2023FRFK06005,HIT.NSRIF202204)。
文摘Developing efficient and stable cathodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs) is of great importance for the practical commercialization.Herein,we propose a series of Sm-modified Bi_(0.7-x)Sm_xSr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ) perovskites as highly-active catalysts for LT-SOFCs.Sm doping can significantly enhance the electrocata lytic activity and chemical stability of cathode.At 600℃,Bi_(0.675)Sm_(0.025)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSSF25) cathode has been found to be the optimum composition with a polarization resistance of 0.098 Ω cm^2,which is only around 22.8% of Bi_(0.7)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSF).A full cell utilizing BSSF25 displays an exceptional output density of 790 mW cm^(-2),which can operate continuously over100 h without obvious degradation.The remarkable electrochemical performance observed can be attributed to the improved O_(2) transport kinetics,superior surface oxygen adsorption capacity,as well as O_(2)p band centers in close proximity to the Fermi level.Moreover,larger average bonding energy(ABE) and the presence of highly acidic Bi,Sm,and Fe ions restrict the adsorption of CO_(2) on the cathode surface,resulting in excellent CO_(2) resistivity.This work provides valuable guidance for systematic design of efficient and durable catalysts for LT-SOFCs.
基金Supported by the Postgraduate Foundation of Taishan University (No. Y07-2-16)
文摘The title compound [2-(2,6-dioxacyclohexyl)-5-methoxylphenols]2 was synthesized by the reaction of 2-hydroxyl-3-methoxylbenzaldehyde and 1,3-propanediol in the presence of DMF-DMS adduct and characterized by IR spectrum, UV-Vis spectrum and X-ray crystallography. The title compound belongs to monoclinic, space group P21 with a = 9.8967(10), b = 8.2240(9), c = 13.3654(14) A^°, β= 90.016(2)°, C11H14O4, Mr = 210.22, V = 1087.8(2)A^°3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.284 Mg/m^3, F(000) = 448,μ = 0.098 mm^-1, the final R = 0.0300 and wR = 0.0761 for 2070 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ(I). The molecules are connected via intermolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonds into a 2D network structure. Moreover, theoretical investigations of the title compound with HF/6-31G(d) method were performed, and its stability, frontier molecular orbital composition and Mulliken charge distribution were also discussed. The compound is a bis-molecule. The two molecules stay together and could not be separated. Two crystallographically independent molecules exist in an asymmetric unit. The bond lengths and bond angles of the two molecules are slightly different with each other.
基金Project(51164001)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the relaxation and electronic properties of sulfide minerals surfaces(MoS2, Sb2S3, Cu2 S, ZnS, PbS and FeS2) in presence of H2 O molecule. The calculated results show that the structure and electronic properties of sulfide minerals surfaces have been influenced in presence of H2 O molecule. The adsorption of the flotation reagent at the interface of mineral-water would be different from that of mineral surface due to the changes of surface structures and electronic properties caused by H2 O molecule. Hence, the influence of H2 O molecule on the reaction of flotation reagent with sulfide mineral surface will attract more attention.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11864011)the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2018CFB390)the Doctoral Fund Project of Hubei Minzu University,China(Grant No.MY2017B015)
文摘Heterostructures(HSs)have attracted significant attention because of their interlayer van der Waals interactions.The electronic structures and optical properties of stacked GaN-MoS2 HSs under strain have been explored in this work using density functional theory.The results indicate that the direct band gap(1.95 e V)of the Ga N-MoS2 HS is lower than the individual band gaps of both the GaN layer(3.48 e V)and the MoS2 layer(2.03 eV)based on HSE06 hybrid functional calculations.Specifically,the GaN-MoS2 HS is a typical type-II band HS semiconductor that provides an effective approach to enhance the charge separation efficiency for improved photocatalytic degradation activity and water splitting efficiency.Under tensile or compressive strain,the direct band gap of the GaN-MoS2 HS undergoes redshifts.Additionally,the GaN-MoS2 HS maintains its direct band gap semiconductor behavior even when the tensile or compressive strain reaches 5%or-5%.Therefore,the results reported above can be used to expand the application of Ga N-MoS2 HSs to photovoltaic cells and photocatalysts.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11174030 and 11504020)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(Grant No.FRF-TP-16-064A1,06500031)
文摘The elastic, magnetoelastic, and phonon properties of Ni2FeGa were investigated through first-principles calculations. The obtained elastic and phonon dispersion curves for the austenite and martensite phases agree well with available the- oretical and experimental results. The isotropic elastic moduli are also predicted along with the polycrystalline aggregate properties including the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The Pugh ratio indicates that Ni2FeGa shows ductility, especially the austenite phase, which is consistent with the experimental results. The Debye tem- peratures of the Ni2FeGa in the austenite and martensite phases are 344 K and 392 K, respectively. It is predicted that the magnetoelastic coefficient is -5.3 x 10^6 J/m3 and magnetostriction coefficient is between 135 and 55 ppm in the Ni2FeGa austenite phase.
基金Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81371973 and 11304090)Wuhan Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission Foundation of China(No.WX15C10)
文摘The electronic structures of bulk Bi_2Te_3 crystals were investigated by the first-principles calculations.The transport coefficients including Seeback coefficient and power factor were then calculated by the Boltzmann theory,and further evaluated as a function of chemical potential assuming a rigid band picture.The results suggest that p-type doping in the Bi_2Te_3 compound may be more favorable than n-type doping.From this analysis results,doping effects on a material will exhibit high ZT.Furthermore,we can also find the right doping concentration to produce more efficient materials,and present the "advantage filling element map" in detail.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2014CB643401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51134007 and 51474256)
文摘A novel copper(Ⅱ) complex with tert-butyl 2-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonylmethyl)-2-picolyamino]acetate(ampy) was synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectrum, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. A mononuclear copper(II) complex with ampy, [Cu(ampy)Cl2](1), was formed irrespective of the metal-to-ligand molar ratios([Cu2+]:[ampy] = 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1) as a single product. Complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca with a = 12.343(2), b = 18.928(3), c = 20.058(4) A, V = 4686.1(14) A3, Z = 8, Dc = 1.3349(4) g/cm3, F(000) = 1920, S = 1.016, R = 0.0693 and w R = 0.1721 for 3151 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ(I). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the central copper(II) ion is bound by pyridyl N, tertiary amine N and carbonyl O atoms of the quadridentate ampy as well as two Cl anions, constructing a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Complex 1 further constructs a stable 3D supramolecular architecture by intermolecular C–H…Cl hydrogen bonds. In addition, the molecular geometry was calculated by density functional theory(DFT/B3LYP) method with the basis sets(6-31+G(d,p) for H, C, N, O and Cl atoms, and LANL2 DZ for Cu atom, respectively). The calculated results show that the optimized geometrical parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data. Natural bond orbital(NBO) analysis and frontier molecular orbitals(FMOs) analysis were investigated at the same level.
文摘The electronic and structural properties for Ti3SiC2 were studied using the first-principle calculation method. By using the calculated band structure and density of states, the high electrical conductivity of Ti3SiC2 are explained. The bonding character of Ti3SiC2 is analyzed in the map of charge density distribution.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No 10774176)the Nation Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos 2006CB921305 and 2006CB806202)
文摘In this paper the growth mechanism of a Te/Bi2Te3 novel structure is studied by ab-initio calculations. The results show that the growth of Te nanorods is determined by the adsorption energy of Te atoms on different crystalline Te surfaces. The adsorption energy of Te on the Te (001) surface is 3.29 eV, which is about 0.25 eV higher than that of Te on the Te (110). This energy difference makes the preferential growth direction along the 〈 001 〉 direction. In addition, the higher surface energy of Bi2Te3 (110) and the lattice misfit between crystalline Bi2We3 and Te along 〈 001 〉 direction are considered to explain the growth of the Bi2Te3 nanoplatelets, in which Volmer-Weber model is used. The theoretical results are in agreement with experimental observation.