bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival analysis of orange tree varieties in Spain
Authors: Alcon Francisco , Fernández-Zamudio M. Angeles , López-Becerra Erasmo I. , De-Miguel M. Dolores
Published: February 2019

The fundamental basis of Spanish citriculture is its varietal composition, which contributes to the existence of a marketing calendar that extends to almost the entire year. As time goes by, the supply of varieties is continuously renewed, requiring significant investments by growers. The guarantee of a quality supply to the markets, on one hand, and the optimal result of the investments made, on the other, require that, in managing the sector, the characteristics determining the survival of the varieties be taken into account. The main purpose of this study was therefore to assess the influence of the attributes affecting the longevity of orange plantations from a technical and commercial point of view. The duration analysis technique applied to the different varieties has been used. The main attributes determining the elimination of a variety were the presence of seeds in the fruit and the tendency towards a decrease in surface size. Permanence- or survival-friendly attributes included the calibre (large size of the variety, within its group) and the price received by farmers. Precocity, frost resistance, commercial quality and resistance to fruit fly did not have the expected level of significance.
An extensive survey of molecular docking tools and their applications using text mining and deep curation strategies.
Authors: Rawal Kamal , Khurana Tanishka , Sharma Himanshu , Verma Sadika , Gupta Simmi , Kubba Chahat , Strych Ulrich , Hotez Peter Jay , Bottazzi Maria Elena
Published: February 2019

The technology of docking molecules in-silico has evolved significantly in recent years and has become a crucial component of the drug discovery tool process that includes virtual screening, lead optimization, and side-effect predictions. To date over 43,000 abstracts/papers have been published on docking, thereby highlighting the importance of this computational approach in the context of drug development. Considering the large amount of genomic and proteomic consortia active in the public domain, docking can exploit this data on a correspondingly ‘large scale’ to address a variety of research questions. Over 160 robust and accurate molecular docking tools based on different algorithms have been made available to users across the world. Further, 109 scoring functions have been reported in the literature till date. Despite these advancements, there continue to be several bottlenecks during the implementation stage. These problems or issues range from choosing the right docking algorithm, selecting a binding site in target proteins, performance of the given docking tool, integration of molecular dynamics information, ligand-induced conformational changes, use of solvent molecules, choice of docking pose, and choice of databases. Further, so far, not always have experimental studies been used to validate the docking results. In this review, basic features and key concepts of docking have been highlighted, with particular emphasis on its applications such as drug repositioning and prediction of side effects. Also, the use of docking in conjunction with wet lab experimentations and epitope predictions has been summarized. Attempts have been made to systematically address the above-mentioned challenges using expert-curation and text mining strategies. Our work shows the use of machine-assisted literature mining to process and analyze huge amounts of available information in a short time frame. With this work, we also propose to build a platform that combines human expertise (deep curation) and machine learning in a collaborative way and thus helps to solve ambitious problems (i.e. building fast, efficient docking systems by combining the best tools or to perform large scale docking at human proteome level).
Prioritizing computer security controls for home users
Authors: Fanelli Justin , Waxler John
Published: February 2019

Hundreds of thousands of home users are victimized by cyber-attacks every year. Most experts agree that average home users are not doing enough to protect their computers and their information from cyber-attacks. Improperly managed home computers can lead to individuals losing data, systems performing slowly, loss of identity, and ransom payments; en masse attacks can act in concert to infect personal computers in business and government. Currently, home users receive conflicting guidance for a complicated terrain, often in the form of anecdotal 'Top 10' lists, that is not appropriate for their specific needs, and in many instances, users ignore all guidance. Often, these popular ‘Top 10’ lists appear to be based solely on opinion. Ultimately, we asked ourselves the following: how can we provide home users with better guidance for determining and applying appropriate security controls that meet their needs and can be verified by the cyber security community? In this paper, we propose a methodology for determining and prioritizing the most appropriate security controls for home computing. Using Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and subject matter expertise, we identify, analyze and prioritize security controls used by government and industry to determine which controls can substantively improve home computing security. We apply our methodology using examples to demonstrate its benefits.
Perwujudan Competitive Authoritarianism di Turki pada Perencanaan dan Proses Referendum 2017.
Authors: Karim Abdul Hafizh , Basyar M Hamdan
Published: February 2019

Artikel ini membahas competitive authoritarian regime di Turki pada kasus referendum 2017. Referendum 2017 merupakan inisiasi Erdoğan yang sejak 2011 mengatakan bahwa Turki akan semakin kuat dan stabil apabila menganut sistem presidensial. Erdoğan didukung oleh AKP (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi; Partai Keadilan dan Pembangunan) dan MHP (Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi; Partai Gerakan Nasionalis) di Parlemen, sedangkan HDP (Halkların Demokratik Partisi; Partai Demokratik Rakyat) dan CHP (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi; Partai Rakyat Republik) menolak karena poin-poin amendemen dapat menghasilkan otoritarianisme di Turki. Referendum diselenggarakan pada kondisi darurat negara setelah kudeta gagal pada 2016 oleh kelompok Gülen. Pada perencanaan dan prosesnya, ditemukan beberapa dinamika politik yang terjadi di Turki, yaitu tindak represi terhadap kelompok oposisi, ketimpangan sumber daya dan akses kampanye, serta adanya indikasi kecurangan yang terjadi dalam proses referendum. Dengan demikian, temuan-temuan tersebut memperlihatkan bahwa rezim Erdoğan mengimplementasikan nilai-nilai competitive authoritarian pada kasus referendum 2017.
Guarding Central Government Control over Forest: Forest Governance in the Post Decentralization Indonesia
Authors: Muhyidin Ali
Published: February 2019

This article examines whether reform forest governance in Indonesia started in the 1990s, which was partially aimed to promote equity, participation and sustainable forest management, has delivered its promised consequences. In the New Order era, the central government had sole authority in managing forests and granting exploitation rights. This authority has been partially transferred to local governments during a decentralization process to achieve greater efficiency and equity. However, the Indonesian case highlights that such institutional change has not yet produced the expected outcomes. The case indicates a contestation between the local and central government along with institutional resistance, which have considerably undermined decentralization processes in the forestry sector. This paper explores possible explanations for these processes.
Shifting headlines? Size trends of newsworthy fishes
Authors: Francis Fiona T. , Howard Brett R. , Berchtold Adrienne E. , Branch Trevor A. , Chaves Laís C.T. , Dunic Jillian C. , Favaro Brett , Jeffrey Kyla M. , Malpica-Cruz Luis , Maslowski Natalie , Schultz Jessica A. , Smith Nicola S. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: February 2019

The shifting baseline syndrome describes a gradual lowering of human cognitive baselines, as each generation accepts a lower standard of resource abundance or size as the new norm. There is strong empirical evidence of declining trends of abundance and body sizes of marine fish species reported from docks and markets. We asked whether these widespread trends in shrinking marine fish are detectable in popular English-language media, or whether news writers, like many marine stakeholders, are captive to shifting baselines. We collected 266 English-language news articles, printed between 1869 and 2015, which featured headlines that used a superlative adjective, such as ‘giant’, ‘huge’, or ‘monster’, to describe an individual fish caught. We combined the reported sizes of the captured fish with information on maximum species-specific recorded sizes to reconstruct trends of relative size (reported size divided by maximum size) of newsworthy fishes over time. We found some evidence of a shifting baseline syndrome in news media over the last 140 years: overall, the relative length of the largest fish worthy of a headline has declined over time. This pattern held for charismatic fish species (e.g. basking sharks, whale sharks, giant mantas), which are now reported in the media at smaller relative lengths than they were near the turn of the 20th century, and for the largest species under high risk of extinction. In contrast, there was no similar trend for pelagic gamefish and oceanic sharks, or for species under lower risk of extinction. While landing any individual of the large-bodied ‘megafish’ may be newsworthy in part because of their large size relative to other fish species, the ‘megafish’ covered in our dataset were small relative to their own species—on average only 56% of the species-specific maximum length. The continued use in the English-language media of superlatives to describe fish that are now a fraction of the maximum size they could reach, or a fraction of the size they used to be, does reflect a shifting baseline for some species. Given that media outlets are a powerful tool for shaping public perception and awareness of environmental issues, there is a real concern that such stories might be interpreted as meaning that superlatively large fish still abound.
Biodiversity and temporal patterns of macrozoobenthos in a coal mining subsidence area in North China
Authors: Zhang Guanxiong , Yuan Xingzhong , Wang Kehong
Published: February 2019

Coal resources play a strategic role in the long-term development of China. Large-scale mining has a considerable impact on the landscape, and it is a long-term heritage of industrialization unique to the Anthropocene. We investigated the macrozoobenthos and water in nine mining subsidence wetlands at different developmental stages (3–20 years) in North China. A total of 68 species were found, and the macrozoobenthos community in the newly formed wetlands showed high diversity. We believe that this high diversity is not random; rather, the high diversity was because of the special origin and development of the wetland. We used three time slices from the timeline of the development of the newly formed wetlands and compared them. It was found that the macrozoobenthos community was significantly affected by the change in the subsidence history. We emphasize that coal mining subsidence should not be merely identified as secondary man-made disasters, as they are often secondary habitats with high conservation value, and their conservation potential lies in the fact that these secondary habitats can replace rapidly decreasing natural wetlands.
Physiochemical Properties and Identification of Elite Genotypes for Improved Sorghum Breeding in Tanzania
Authors: Mwenda Emmanuel T. , Ringo Justin H. , Mbega Ernest R.
Published: February 2019

Variability in physiochemical properties in sorghum is critical in cultivar development for optimum grain quality and crop resistance against fungal and insect pests. These traits are not well studied. The objective of this study was to characterize sorghum genotypes based on kernel phenotypic and biochemical traits and identify promising genotypes for better utilization of these traits in sorghum breeding. 98 sorghum genotypes comprised by the released varieties, breeding lines, hybrids and local cultivars were studied using qualitative and quantitative parameters. 75.51% of these genotypes have thick pericarp, 33.67% have testa layer, and 7.0% showed mostly-corneous endosperm texture. Results revealed a wide variability among studied genotypes in terms of phenotypic and biochemical properties (p<0.001). A cross IES11038 X A1GD 34553 recorded the highest 100 seed weight (6.2g). Pato and IESV 92174DL were the hardest genotypes with 110.33 and 108.4N respectively. Protein content ranged from 6.52 to 12.23%, of which Naco Mtama 1 and IESV 24030SH were the promising genotypes. Genotypes ICSA 88006 x IESV92172DL, ICSA15 x R8602 and GADAM recorded the highest starch concentration (79 g/100g). The identified elite genotypes could enable selection and hybridization of useful traits.
Tannin Content of the Bark and Branch of Caatinga Species
Authors: Silva Lins Tarcila Rosa da , Braz Rafael Leite , Silva Thiago Cardoso , Araujo Emmanoella Costa Guaraná , De Medeiros Jordânia Xavier , Reis Cibelle Amaral
Published: February 2019

This research aimed to determine the concentration of tannins in the bark and in the branches of ten species of Caatinga occurrence. The Folin-Denis colorimetric method was used to determine the phenol content and the tannins are precipitated using a protein. The tannin content was obtained by the difference between the supernatant and the non-tannic phenol content. The data were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk normality’s test and after, to Analysis of Variance using a 2x10 factorial design and Turkey’s test was used to detect differences. For bark sample, the species Parapiptadenia zehntneri, Parapiptadenia rigida and Libidibia ferrea presented the three highest percentages among the studied species, being 10.84%, 10.74% and 10.27%, respectively. For branch sample, Aspidosperma pyrifolium presented the highest percentage of tannins among the ten species, with 9.15% of these substances. It is possible to suggest the use of other parts of the tree to extract the tannins, such as the branches and their bark, offering an alternative for the extraction that is usually made from the main trunk and providing sustainability to the Caatinga.
Structure and Function of Pulmonary Surfactant Proteins
Authors: García‐Álvarez Begoña , Alonso Alejandro , Pérez‐Gil Jesús
Published: February 2019

Pulmonary surfactant is a lipid/protein complex essential to keep the airspaces of mammalian lungs open. It forms surface‐active films at the respiratory air–liquid interface, reducing surface tension to a minimum and thus minimising the work of breathing. At the same time, surfactant establishes the first barrier against the entry of potential pathogens through the large surface that lungs expose to environment. Both the interfacial and the innate defence activities depend critically on the presence of highly specialised evolutionarily conserved surfactant‐associated proteins. The structure and molecular mechanisms of these proteins have been extensively characterised in the last decades, in studies that constitute the basis for current models on surfactant mechanisms at the alveolar spaces, in health and disease. This article summarises the current knowledge on the structure–function relationships defining the molecular action of pulmonary surfactant proteins and how they are being key actors to maintain operative breathing in the lungs.

Key Concepts

The presence of specific proteins is essential for pulmonary surfactant to play its crucial role in stabilising the respiratory air–liquid interface.

Collectin proteins SP‐A and SP‐D oligomerise to form trimers and supratrimeric oligomers with multivalent binding capacities to sugars and lipids and participate in innate defence mechanisms, binding to the surface of pathogens and allergens to facilitate their clearance.

Surfactant protein SP‐B is essential for life; its absence is associated with an irreversible respiratory failure at birth.

SP‐B belongs to the saposin protein family and assembles as ring‐shaped oligomers that enclose hydrophobic channels competent to transfer phospholipids between membranes and between membranes and the interface, avoiding its exposure to aqueous environments.

Some synthetic peptides designed to mimic key SP‐B motifs are being used to produce alternative surfactant preparations for therapeutic applications.

Protein SP‐C is a very hydrophobic helical protein whose expression is linked to the differentiation of lung tissue. Its oligomerisation is associated with surfactant membrane fragmentation and their interconversions at the alveolar spaces.
Reproductive Parasitism and Positive Fitness Effects of Heritable Microbes
Authors: Drew Georgia C , Frost Crystal L , Hurst Gregory DD
Published: February 2019

The classification of host–symbiont relationships is usually defined along the parasitism‐mutualism spectrum. It has long been proposed that transmission route is a key factor driving this, with vertical transmission leading to mutualism and horizontal transmission leading to parasitism. However, uniparental vertical transmission can lead to the evolution of reproductive parasitism, whereby host reproduction is skewed to increase the proportion of females within a population or else to reduce the comparative fitness of uninfected females (to the detriment of overall host fitness). Once discussed separately from beneficial effects and mutualism, we now recognise reproductive parasitism is not exclusive of other symbiont phenotypes. We outline the evolution and relationship of reproductive parasitism with respect to positive fitness effects for hosts, and how these interactions may be dynamic across the parasitism‐mutualism continuum.

Key Concepts

Exclusive maternal transmission of microbes can create strong selection for reproductive parasitism.

Heritable microbes are also selected to confer a range of positive effects on host function and physiology.

Where heritable microbes act both as reproductive parasites, and as a positive influence on host function, they are referred to as Jekyll and Hyde symbionts.

The presence of positive effects on host function can facilitate the invasion and maintenance of reproductive parasites in host populations.

Reproductive parasitism may likewise provide a context in which symbionts may evolve host‐beneficial phenotypes.

Symbionts that combine reproductive parasitism with positive effects on host function constitute a useful mechanism for modification of insect host biology in natural populations, coupling a strong gene drive system to a beneficial trait.

The presence of multiple phenotypes may aid the spread of heritable microbes through host communities, by enabling host shift events.

Lateral transfer of genetic information between microbes can provide the mutational mechanism through which Jekyll and Hyde symbionts arise.
Adaptive finite‐time actuator fault‐tolerant coordinated attitude control of multispacecraft with input saturation
Authors: Zhu Zhihao , Guo Yu , Gao Zhi
Published: February 2019

In this study, for nonrigid spacecraft formation, a distributed adaptive finite‐time actuator fault‐tolerant (FTAFT) coordinated attitude tracking control (CATC) issue is addressed. Aiming at stabilizing the spacecraft formation flying system during a limited time, two distributed adaptive FTAFT CATC strategies are presented. Initially, on basis of distributed finite‐time observer (DFTO), adaptive control, consensus approach, graph theory, and finite‐time theory, we develop a distributed adaptive FTAFT coordinated attitude tracking controller to repress the impact of the external state‐dependent and state‐independent disturbance, unknown time‐varying inertia uncertainty, and actuator fading or fault. Then, combining with the proposed controller, a distributed adaptive FTAFT control law with input saturation subjected to physical limitations of actuator is further designed. In addition, a self‐adjusting matrix (SAM) is proposed to improve the actuators' performance. With the two proposed CATC strategies, the followers can synchronize with the leader. Simulations demonstrated the validity of the designed control laws.
Freeze Casting is a Facile Method to Create Solid Solution Alloy Foams: Cu–Ni Alloy Foams via Freeze Casting
Authors: Nam Kyungju , Lee Sukyung , Hong Kicheol , Kang Jin Soo , Jo Hyungyung , Park Hyeji , Sung Yung‐Eun , Jenei Péter , Gubicza Jenő , Kwon Kyuyngjung , Nam Ho‐Seok , Choe Heeman
Published: February 2019

Porous metals have attracted great attention for their functional and structural applications; however, they often possess limited applicability in their pure form for the areas requiring decent strength and corrosion resistance. In this study, pure copper (Cu), pure nickel (Ni), and Cu–Ni alloy foams with five different compositions are successfully fabricated using freeze casting, resulting in open‐pore structures with varied porosity (from 55% to 75%). Their varied morphologies and crystal sizes are compared, and the lattice parameters and crystal sizes are calculated. The corrosion resistance of the synthesized Cu–Ni alloy foams is superior to those of the pure Cu and Ni foams. The weight loss rate of the Cu7Ni3 alloy foam is six times and five times slower than those of the pure Ni and pure Cu foams in a sulfuric corrosive environment, respectively. The yield strength of Cu7Ni3 alloy foam (53 ± 2% porosity) is 72 ± 2 MPa and its yield strength when normalized by the Gibson‐Ashby model is the largest with a value of up to 852 ± 3 MPa. The elastic modulus and hardness values are varied in the range of 73.4–152.4 GPa and 1.6–4.7 GPa, respectively, depending on the composition of the alloy foam.
Modified Micro‐Emulsion Synthesis of Highly Dispersed Al/PVDF Composites with Enhanced Combustion Properties
Authors: Huang Sidi , Pan Ming , Deng Sili , Jiang Yue , Zhao Jiheng , Levy‐Wendt Ben , Tang Sindy K.Y. , Zheng Xiaolin
Published: February 2019

Energetic composites of reactive metals and polymers have important applications ranging from pyrotechnics to solid‐propellant rockets and solid fuel ramjets. Composites of aluminum (Al) and fluoropolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)) are of particular interest due to the high energy density of Al and the high oxidizing potential of fluoropolymers. However, the agglomeration of Al particles within the fluoropolymer matrix reduces their ignition and combustion performance. Thus, improving the dispersion of Al particles within the polymer matrix is essential for achieving high‐performance energetic composites. Here, this study combines the Al particle surface functionalization and their pre‐dispersion in a micro‐emulsion prior to their incorporation into the polymer matrix to achieve well dispersed Al/PVDF composites, which refers to as the modified micro‐emulsion method. The enhanced dispersion of Al particles in Al/PVDF composites prepared by the modified micro‐emulsion method is confirmed by optical images, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Shorter ignition times and higher combustion reactivity and efficiency are achieved for the Al/PVDF composites prepared by the modified micro‐emulsion method compared to those prepared by mechanical mixing with and without surface functionalization.
Engineered Smart Gating Nanochannels for High Performance in Formaldehyde Detection and Removal
Authors: Wu Kai , Kong Xiang‐Yu , Xiao Kai , Wei Yan , Zhu Congcong , Zhou Ru , Si Mengting , Wang Jijiang , Zhang Yuqi , Wen Liping
Published: February 2019

Bioinspired nanochannels for smart mass transport control have shown great potential for various applications in nanofluids, biosensing, and separation. Here, a nanochannel‐based smart responsive platform exhibiting high formaldehyde (HCHO) sensitivity is designed and successfully fabricated by functionalizing the inner pore surface with ethylenediamine (EDA). By employing the nucleophilic addition reaction between HCHO and EDA immobilized on the nanochannels, the artificial nanochannels can switch from an open state to a closed state with the increase in HCHO. This is because the surface charge density and the wettability of the nanochannels change along with the HCHO immobilization. Meanwhile, the EDA‐functionalized platform can hold a large amount of HCHO due to the abundant nanochannels of the membrane, so it presents a significant ability to remove HCHO in complex matrices. Also, the cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells in media containing HCHO can achieve excellent vitality in the presence of the EDA‐functionalized nanochannels materials. This work paves an avenue for designing and developing bioinspired nanochannel based platform for harmful compounds detection and removal.
Understanding the Reaction Chemistry during Charging in Aprotic Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: Existing Problems and Solutions
Authors: Shu Chaozhu , Wang Jiazhao , Long Jianping , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: February 2019

The aprotic lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) battery has excited huge interest due to it having the highest theoretical energy density among the different types of rechargeable battery. The facile achievement of a practical Li–O2 battery has been proven unrealistic, however. The most significant barrier to progress is the limited understanding of the reaction processes occurring in the battery, especially during the charging process on the positive electrode. Thus, understanding the charging mechanism is of crucial importance to enhance the Li–O2 battery performance and lifetime. Here, recent progress in understanding the electrochemistry and chemistry related to charging in Li–O2 batteries is reviewed along with the strategies to address the issues that exist in the charging process at the present stage. The properties of Li2O2 and the mechanisms of Li2O2 oxidation to O2 on charge are discussed comprehensively, as are the accompanied parasitic chemistries, which are considered as the underlying issues hindering the reversibility of Li–O2 batteries. Based on the detailed discussion of the charging mechanism, innovative strategies for addressing the issues for the charging process are discussed in detail. This review has profound implications for both a better understanding of charging chemistry and the development of reliable rechargeable Li–O2 batteries in the future.
Beyond Activated Carbon: Graphite‐Cathode‐Derived Li‐Ion Pseudocapacitors with High Energy and High Power Densities
Authors: Wang Gang , Oswald Steffen , Löffler Markus , Müllen Klaus , Feng Xinliang
Published: February 2019

Supercapacitors have aroused considerable attention due to their high power capability, which enables charge storage/output in minutes or even seconds. However, to achieve a high energy density in a supercapacitor has been a long‐standing challenge. Here, graphite is reported as a high‐energy alternative to the frequently used activated carbon (AC) cathode for supercapacitor application due to its unique Faradaic pseudocapacitive anion intercalation behavior. The graphite cathode manifests both higher gravimetric and volumetric energy density (498 Wh kg−1 and 431.2 Wh l−1) than an AC cathode (234 Wh kg−1 and 83.5 Wh l−1) with peak power densities of 43.6 kW kg−1 and 37.75 kW l−1. A new type of Li‐ion pseudocapacitor (LIpC) is thus proposed and demonstrated with graphite as cathode and prelithiated graphite or Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as anode. The resultant graphite–graphite LIpCs deliver high energy densities of 167–233 Wh kg−1 at power densities of 0.22–21.0 kW kg−1 (based on active mass in both electrodes), much higher than 20–146 Wh kg−1 of AC‐derived Li‐ion capacitors and 23–67 Wh kg−1 of state‐of‐the‐art metal oxide pseudocapacitors. Excellent rate capability and cycling stability are further demonstrated for LTO‐graphite LIpCs.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Highly Planar Enaminone Derivatives: Unexpected Fluorescence Enhancement by Bromine Substitution
Authors: Li Hua , Shu Haiyang , Liu Yang , Wu Xiaofu , Tian Hongkun , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: February 2019

Unlike typical aggregation‐induced‐emission (AIE) molecules with twist/rotor structures, two AIE‐active enaminone derivatives with highly planar conformations are herein reported. Interestingly, the bromine‐substituted enaminone fluorophore (BrE) exhibits unexpected stronger emission in solid states than unsubstituted enaminone fluorophore (HE), which is seldom observed for organic fluorophores. Remarkably, the fluorescence quantum efficiency of BrE crystal is ten times as large as that of HE crystal. Based on single‐crystal analysis and theoretical calculation, the unusual fluorescence behavior is attributed to the important effect of bromide substituents which not only form intermolecular Br⋅⋅⋅Br halogen bonding to block nonradiative relaxation pathways efficiently but also promote the radiative process.
Direct Vapor Growth of 2D Vertical Heterostructures with Tunable Band Alignments and Interfacial Charge Transfer Behaviors
Authors: Zheng Weihao , Zheng Biyuan , Yan Changlin , Liu Ying , Sun Xingxia , Qi Zhaoyang , Yang Tiefeng , Jiang Ying , Huang Wei , Fan Peng , Jiang Feng , Ji Wei , Wang Xiao , Pan Anlian
Published: February 2019

2D vertical van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures with atomically sharp interfaces have attracted tremendous interest in 2D photonic and optoelectronic applications. Band alignment engineering in 2D heterostructures provides a perfect platform for tailoring interfacial charge transfer behaviors, from which desired optical and optoelectronic features can be realized. Here, by developing a two‐step chemical vapor deposition strategy, direct vapor growth of monolayer PbI2 on monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) (WS2, WSe2, or alloying WS2(1−x)Se2x), forming bilayer vertical heterostructures, is demonstrated. Based on the calculated electron band structures, the interfacial band alignments of the obtained heterostructures can be gradually tuned from type‐I (PbI2/WS2) to type‐II (PbI2/WSe2). Steady‐state photoluminescence (PL) and time‐resolved PL measurements reveal that the PL emissions from the bottom TMDC layers can be modulated from apparently enhanced (for WS2) to greatly quenched (for WSe2) compared to their monolayer counterparts, which can be attributed to the band alignment–induced distinct interfacial charge transfer behaviors. The band alignment nature of the heterostructures is further demonstrated by the PL excitation spectroscopy and interlayer exciton investigation. The realization of 2D vertical heterostructures with tunable band alignments will provide a new material platform for designing and constructing multifunctional optoelectronic devices.
Toward a Reversible Calcium‐Sulfur Battery with a Lithium‐Ion Mediation Approach
Authors: Yu Xingwen , Boyer Mathew J. , Hwang Gyeong S. , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: February 2019

Calcium represents a promising anode for the development of high‐energy‐density, low‐cost batteries. However, a lack of suitable electrolytes has restricted the development of rechargeable batteries with a Ca anode. Furthermore, to achieve a high energy density system, sulfur would be an ideal cathode to couple with the Ca anode. Unfortunately, a reversible calcium‐sulfur (Ca‐S) battery has not yet been reported. Herein, a basic study of a reversible nonaqueous room‐temperature Ca‐S battery is presented. The reversibility of the Ca‐S chemistry and high utilization of the sulfur cathode are enabled by employing a Li+‐ion‐mediated calcium‐based electrolyte. Mechanistic insights pursued by spectroscopic, electrochemical, microscopic, and theoretical simulation (density functional theory) investigations imply that the Li+‐ions in the Ca‐electrolyte stimulate the reactivation of polysulfide/sulfide species. The coordination of lithium to sulfur reduces the formation of sturdy Ca‐S ionic bonds, thus boosting the reversibility of the Ca‐S chemistry. In addition, the presence of Li+‐ions facilitates the ionic charge transfer both in the electrolyte and across the solid electrolyte interphase layer, consequently reducing the interfacial and bulk impedance of Ca‐S batteries. As a result, both the utilization of active sulfur in the cathode and the discharge voltage of Ca‐S batteries are significantly improved.
Defect Engineering of Oxygen‐Deficient Manganese Oxide to Achieve High‐Performing Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Xiong Ting , Yu Zhi Gen , Wu Haijun , Du Yonghua , Xie Qidong , Chen Jingsheng , Zhang Yong‐Wei , Pennycook Stephen John , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xue Junmin
Published: February 2019

A major limitation of MnO2 in aqueous Zn/MnO2 ion battery applications is the poor utilization of its electrochemical active surface area. Herein, it is shown that by generating oxygen vacancies (VO) in the MnO2 lattice, Gibbs free energy of Zn2+ adsorption in the vicinity of VO can be reduced to thermoneutral value (≈0.05 eV). This suggests that Zn2+ adsorption/desorption process on oxygen‐deficient MnO2 is more reversible as compared to pristine MnO2. In addition, because of the fact that fewer electrons are needed for ZnO bonding in oxygen‐deficient MnO2, more valence electrons can be contributed into the delocalized electron cloud of the material, which aids in enhancing the attainable capacity. As a result, the stable Zn/oxygen‐deficient MnO2 battery is able to deliver one of the highest capacities of 345 mAh g−1 reported for a birnessite MnO2 system. This excellent electrochemical performance suggests that generating oxygen vacancies in MnO2 may aid in the future development of advanced cathodes for aqueous Zn ion batteries.
How can we make pregnancy safe for women with Turner syndrome?
Authors: Donadille Bruno , Bernard Valérie , Christin‐Maitre Sophie
Published: February 2019

Pregnancy is a crucial issue in patients with Turner syndrome (TS). Although natural pregnancies have been reported in 4–7% of TS patients, most women will need assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with oocyte donation. The main issue is the maternal mortality rate that is higher than in the general population. It is related to cardiovascular anomalies and particularly aortic dissection. TS, per se, is not a contraindication for pregnancy, but a multidisciplinary screening is mandatory before initiating a pregnancy. It includes repeated aortic diameters evaluation, blood pressure measurement and biological testing evaluating thyroid and liver functions, as well as blood glucose level. In order to make the pregnancy safe, contraindications of pregnancy should be respected and identification of high‐risk patients for cardiovascular events should be performed. Hypertension and pre‐eclampsia prevention may benefit from beta‐blockers and aspirin, respectively. Collaborations between endocrinologists, cardiologists, and obstetricians are mandatory during pregnancy and even in the postpartum period. Counseling the patients about the risks of pregnancy, screening them and spreading the international guidelines to physicians taking care of patients with TS are the three pillars of a safe pregnancy.
Platinum/Nickel Bicarbonate Heterostructures towards Accelerated Hydrogen Evolution under Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Lao Mengmeng , Rui Kun , Zhao Guoqiang , Cui Peixin , Zheng Xusheng , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: February 2019

Heterostructured nanomaterials, generally have physicochemical properties that differ from those of the individual components, and thus have potential in a wide range of applications. New platinum (Pt)/nickel bicarbonate (Ni(HCO3)2) heterostructures are designed for an efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Notably, the specific and mass activity of Pt in Pt/Ni(HCO3)2 are substantially improved compared to the bare Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The Ni(HCO3)2 provides abundant water adsorption/dissociation sites and modulate the electronic structure of Pt, which determine the elementary reaction kinetics of alkaline HER. The Ni(HCO3)2 nanoplates offer a platform for the uniform dispersion of Pt NPs, ensuring the maximum exposure of active sites. The results demonstrate that, Ni(HCO3)2 is an effective catalyst promoter for alkaline HER.
A Multifunctional Peptide‐Conjugated AIEgen for Efficient and Sequential Targeted Gene Delivery into the Nucleus
Authors: Cheng Yong , Sun Chunli , Liu Rui , Yang Juliang , Dai Jun , Zhai Tianyou , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: February 2019

Gene therapy has immense potential as a therapeutic approach to serious diseases. However, efficient delivery and real‐time tracking of gene therapeutic agents have not been solved well for successful gene‐based therapeutics. Herein we present a versatile gene‐delivery strategy for efficient and visualized delivery of therapeutic genes into the targeted nucleus. We developed an integrin‐targeted, cell‐permeable, and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking peptide‐conjugated AIEgen named TDNCP for the efficient and sequential targeted delivery of an antisense single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotide (ASO) and tracking of the delivery process into the nucleus. As compared with TDNCP/siRNA‐NPs (siRNA functions mainly in the cytoplasm), TDNCP/ASO‐NPs (ASO functions mainly in the nucleus) exhibited a better interference effect, which further indicates that TDNCP is a nucleus‐targeting vector. Moreover, TDNCP/ASO‐NPs showed a favorable tumor‐suppressive effect in vivo.
Microencapsulated amino‐functional polydimethylsiloxane as autonomous external self‐healing agent for epoxy systems
Authors: Weihermann Wanessa R. K. , Meier Marcia M. , Pezzin Sergio H.
Published: February 2019

The self‐healing material under investigation is a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy matrix, which incorporates microcapsules filled with amine‐functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS‐a), as a new healing agent, combined with microcapsules filled with triethylenetetramine (TETA). The fracture toughness (KIC) and healing efficiency of these systems were measured using tapered double‐cantilever beam specimens. Fractographic analysis shows the rupture of microcapsules and release of the healing agent, inducing a change in the mirror‐like fracture plane morphology of neat epoxy and healing of cracks. It was also observed that PDMS‐a reduces the stiffness of the epoxy matrix, resulting in greater energy release rate (UIC) values. The values of self‐healing efficiency for systems healed for 48 h at room temperature varied from 0.82 to 1.0 (η, from KIC values) and from 1.0 to 1.4 (η’, considering UIC values). Specimens healed at 80°C containing 2.5 wt% of microcapsules filled with PDMS‐a and TETA achieved η = 1.1 and η’ = 2.0, indicating a highly efficient self‐healing process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47627.
Effects of nanoparticle size and concentration on optical, toughness, and thermal properties of polycarbonate
Authors: Nomai Jiraporn , Schlarb Alois K.
Published: February 2019

The influences of size and content of silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on the morphological, optical, toughness, and thermal properties of polycarbonate (PC) were investigated. The PC nanocomposites were prepared using a twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs displayed an adequate level of nano‐SiO2 particle distribution within the PC matrix but still revealed some agglomerated particles. Upon increasing the content of nanoparticles, slightly larger agglomerates formed. These agglomerated particles caused a reduction in material transparency due to light loss via reflection and scattering. However, the incorporation of nano‐SiO2 into the PC matrix greatly improved toughness properties and slightly increased glass‐transition temperature (Tg), in conjunction with filler content (up to 4 vol %). This was particularly in the case with the smaller sized nano‐SiO2, which not only significantly improved toughness but also enhanced optical properties of the PC nanocomposites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47634.
Assessment of local influence for the analysis of agreement
Authors: Leal Carla , Galea Manuel , Osorio Felipe
Published: February 2019

The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the probability of agreement (PA) are two frequently used measures for evaluating the degree of agreement between measurements generated by two different methods. In this paper, we consider the CCC and the PA using the bivariate normal distribution for modeling the observations obtained by two measurement methods. The main aim of this paper is to develop diagnostic tools for the detection of those observations that are influential on the maximum likelihood estimators of the CCC and the PA using the local influence methodology but not based on the likelihood displacement. Thus, we derive first‐ and second‐order measures considering the case‐weight perturbation scheme. The proposed methodology is illustrated through a Monte Carlo simulation study and using a dataset from a clinical study on transient sleep disorder. Empirical results suggest that under certain circumstances first‐order local influence measures may be more powerful than second‐order measures for the detection of influential observations.
Sustainable development and environmental policy: The engagement of stakeholders in green products in Vietnam
Authors: Le Van Quang , Viet Nguyen Thanh , Nguyen Manh Hung
Published: February 2019

Facing the challenge of environmental degradation in Vietnam, a growing number of firms have begun to integrate environmental management systems into their business strategies and develop green product diversification strategies. On the basis of the stakeholder theory, this paper attempts to explore the influences of stakeholders on the implementation of horizontal and vertical green product diversification. Empirical results show that foreign customers play a significant role in driving companies to adopt strategy of green product diversification. For foreign‐invested enterprises, the effect is limited to the adoption of horizontal green product diversification. It further reveals that institutional weakness, lack of transparency, community stakeholders, and regulatory stakeholders have no significant effect on the corporate green product strategy.
Green human resource management: Development of a valid measurement scale
Authors: Shah Muzammel
Published: February 2019

The objective of the study was to develop a valid measurement scale for green human resource management (HRM). Even though the common practices of green HRM have been presented in much of the literature, the previous studies focused only on a small number of functions in integrating environmental management with HRM. Additionally, the measurement of green HRM practices still calls for empirical validation. The two‐stage methodology of structural equation modeling in AMOS was employed for data analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed seven dimensions of the construct measured by 28 items. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the factor structure. The measuring instruments revealed convergent and discriminant validity. Several model fit indices indicated the model fitness. The study provided supplementary evidence on the underlying structure of the construct that can be valuable to researchers and practitioners in this area.
Environmental management systems and environmental product innovation: The role of stakeholder engagement
Authors: Papagiannakis Giorgos , Voudouris Irini , Lioukas Spyros , Kassinis George
Published: February 2019

Environmental product innovation (EPI) is an imperative for contemporary business as it enhances firm competitiveness and provides significant societal benefits. Arguments that the use of environmental management systems—such as ISO 14001—may enhance EPI have not been empirically supported. In this study, we argue that the environmental management systems–EPI relationship is contingent upon the level of a firm's engagement with three groups of stakeholders, namely, suppliers, customers, and the local community. Using a sample of 1,314 manufacturing firms for the period 2003 and 2014, we find empirical evidence that supports our hypothesis for all three groups of stakeholders. Further analysis reveals that for firms with prior experience with quality management systems, engagement with local communities becomes the critical condition. We discuss the implications of these results for both theory and practice.
Mass spectrometric evaluation of upstream and downstream process influences on host cell protein patterns in biopharmaceutical products
Authors: Falkenberg Heiner , Waldera‐Lupa Daniel Michael , Vanderlaan Martin , Schwab Thomas , Krapfenbauer Kurt , Studts Joey Michael , Flad Thomas , Waerner Thomas
Published: February 2019

For production of different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), biopharmaceutical companies often use related upstream and downstream manufacturing processes. Such platforms are typically characterized regarding influence of upstream and downstream process (DSP) parameters on critical quality attributes (CQAs). CQAs must be monitored strictly by an adequate control strategy. One such process‐related CQA is the content of host cell protein (HCP) which is typically analyzed by immunoassay methods (e.g., HCP‐ELISA). The capacity of the immunoassay to detect a broad range of HCPs, relevant for the individual mAb‐production process should be proven by orthogonal proteomic methods such as 2D gel electrophoresis or mass spectrometry (MS). In particular MS has become a valuable tool to identify and quantify HCP in complex mixtures. We evaluate up‐ and DSP parameters of four different biopharmaceutical products, two different process variants, and one mock fermentation on the HCP pattern by shotgun MS analysis and ELISA. We obtained a similar HCP pattern in different cell culture fluid harvests compared to the starting material from the downstream process. During the downstream purification process of the mAbs, the HCP level and the number of HCP species significantly decreased, accompanied by an increase in diversity of the residual HCP pattern. Based on this knowledge, we suggest a control strategy that combines multi product ELISA for in‐process control and release analytics, and MS testing for orthogonal HCP characterization, to attain knowledge on the HCP level, clusters and species. This combination supports a control strategy for HCPs addressing safety and efficacy of biopharmaceutical products.
Know how to handle employee protests, refusals to engage in work
Authors: Porter Michael , Burris Erin
Published: February 2019

Silent Sam is a 105‐year‐old statue of a Confederate soldier on the University of North Carolina campus. Protesters have toppled it, and UNC's leadership has had to address the campus unrest concerning the statue's placement, which is governed in part by North Carolina state law.
Understand ‘legitimate educational interest’ under FERPA
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: February 2019

April 16, 2007 — the day Seung‐Hui Cho, a troubled senior English major at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, killed 32 people and wounded 17 more with two semi‐automatic pistols. He then turned one of the pistols on himself, pulled the trigger, and died instantly.