bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME ON FOOD AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CONSUMPTION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – A MICROECONOMIC APPROACH
Authors: Dacić Lejla , Hanić Hasan
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to quantify the patterns of consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages of households in Bosnia and Herzegovina in relation to household income - with a focus on the validity of the first Engel’s Law. The problem of household consumption in the last three decades has not been the subject of an analysis of any comprehensive study, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ex-Yugoslavia, which points to the relevance of this issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Empirical research is based on the econometric modeling of Engel curves using single equation modeling.. Household Budget Surveys in Bosnia and Herzegovina, available for four years (2004, 2007, 2011, 2015), are a key source of data, which are methodologically harmonized with the methodology of the Agency for Statistics of the EU. An analysis of the impact of income on household consumption has been made on the basis of data on income and food expenditure that are given on a monthly basis. Taking into account 6 functional forms and three territorial coverage (FBiH, RS and BiH) for each year of the survey there were 18 regressions estimated. The OLS-Ordinary Least Squares method was used to estimate the parameters of the regression equations based on the sample. Of all the functional forms of the Engel curves, which are estimated in the paper, the double logarithmic form best fits to food and non-alcoholic beverages consumption and it is distinguished as representative. The results of the econometric modelling of Engel’s curves were expected to confirm the significance of income as a key determinant of consumption, but also provided a deeper insight into the explanatory power that income has in explaining the variation in household expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages. The information on the intensity of the impact of income on changes in consumption (expenditure) provides income demand elasticities, which are a key parameter in the empirical check of the validity of Engel’s laws. The estimated value of the income elasticity is smaller than the unit and in accordance with the first Engel law. Comparison of the estimated parameters of model for different years gives an insight into the time stability of consumer preferences of households. Estimated income elasticities of food and non-alcoholic drinks show volatility in the observed period, which implies a change in consumer preferences. The results of this paper can serve as a basis for future extensive econometric research of personal consumption of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A REVIEW OF RECENT TRENDS IN AIRLINE ANCILLARY REVENUES
Authors: Babić Ružica Škurla , Ban Maja Ozmec , Bajić Jasmin
Published: March 2020

Airline ancillary revenue which refers to non-ticket revenue sold directly to passengers or indirectly as part of their travel experience, has become a mandatory component for the revenue mix of all airlines as well as a key reason for the improved financial performance of the airline industry in the recent years. It is generated by a large amount of activities that include „a la carte” services such as fees for checked bags, frequent flying miles to airline partners, miscellaneous sources like advertising and commission-based products such as inflight retail, and car rentals - virtually any service added to the core transportation service. Contribution of ancillary services to the total revenue streams of airlines has been increasing substantially over the past decade. In 2007, the top ten airlines, as rated by total ancillary revenue, generated $2.1 billion, while ten years later, the top ten airline total has reached $29.7 billion. The paper explores the recent growth and trends in ancillary revenue in the airline industry, particularly within in the last ten years and identifies significant differences in ancillary sources with regard to carrier type. Low-cost carriers pioneered the practice of charging for supplementary services that were previously provided free of charge by seeking revenue from checked bags, assigned seats and extra leg room seating. Traditional airlines moved from all-inclusive booking arrangement and started to adopt add-on bundling practice when selling flight tickets taking advantage of low headline price. Their ancillary revenue mostly comes from the use of frequent flyer program, a mix of baggage fees and premium seats. Top airlines in overall ancillary revenue performance measured as total revenue, a percent of revenue, or on a per passenger basis are determined in the paper and new trends in creating ancillaries are elaborated. In order to improve profit performance, the airline revenue management and distribution systems should consider total revenue from each passenger, by linking his ticket value and his ancillary revenue potential.
A novel role for lipoxin A4 in driving a lymph node–eye axis that controls autoimmunity to the neuroretina
Authors: Wei Jessica , Mattapallil Mary J , Horai Reiko , Jittayasothorn Yingyos , Modi Arnav P , Sen H Nida , Gronert Karsten , Caspi Rachel R
Published: March 2020

The eicosanoid lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has emerging roles in lymphocyte-driven diseases. We identified reduced LXA4 levels in posterior segment uveitis patients and investigated the role of LXA4 in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Immunization for EAU with a retinal self-antigen caused selective downregulation of LXA4 in lymph nodes draining the site of immunization, while at the same time amplifying LXA4 in the inflamed target tissue. T cell effector function, migration and glycolytic responses were amplified in LXA4-deficient mice, which correlated with more severe pathology, whereas LXA4 treatment attenuated disease. In vivo deletion or supplementation of LXA4 identified modulation of CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and sphingosine 1- phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1) expression and glucose metabolism in CD4+ T cells as potential mechanisms for LXA4 regulation of T cell effector function and trafficking. Our results demonstrate the intrinsic lymph node LXA4 pathway as a significant checkpoint in the development and severity of adaptive immunity.
Using Motion Sensor Technology to Manage Risk of Injury in a Strength and Conditioning Program for Female Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Garner John C. , Parrish Lesley R. , Shaw Kimberly R. , Wilson Samuel J. , Donahue Paul T.
Published: March 2020

Background of Study: Females generally have a 6-8 times higher risk for lower extremity injury compared to male counterparts due to biomechanical differences and/or poor landing strategies. In recent years, a great deal of focus has been placed on prevention and reduction of non-contact lower extremity injuries. This has spurred the development of assessment methods to determine how athletes move and tools with which those motions are measured. Efforts have been made to measure and quantify movement strategies, which have given rise to multiple movement tests and measurement devices. One approach is the use of wearable technologies used in conjunction with a movement screening. Objective: Demonstrate a practical approach of using wearable technologies to guide training regimens in a population of female athletes that would be considered at risk for lower extremity injuries. Methods: A cohort of Division I female volleyball athletes were screened using wearable technology then assigned an intervention based on screening results. Comparisons were made between injury rates during the season when the intervention was applied compared to previous seasons. Results: All lower extremity injury rates were reduced after the intervention was applied. Conclusions: The use of wearable technology aids in quantifying movement to then assign a strategic intervention to reduce injuries in an at risk athletic population.
A simple spectrophotometric evaluation method for the hydrophobic anticancer drug paclitaxel
Authors: Sugo Ken , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2020

In this work, we demonstrate a simple spectrophotometry approach to more accurately quantify and measure paclitaxel (PTX) concentrations. PTX cannot be precisely quantified when mixed with an aqueous solvent, and carries the risk of undergoing crystal precipitation. It is likely that PTX undergoes numerous interactions with aqueous solvents and enters a supersaturated state due to its low solubility. Therefore, a quantitative method is required to measure PTX for quality control before clinical use. Although several high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been reported to date, not all medical facilities have a clinical laboratory with such HPLC devices and analysis techniques. Spectroscopy is a simple and convenient method; however, calibration standards are prepared with an organic solvent, such as methanol and acetonitrile, which, when mixed with PTX, can cause solvent effects that lead to inaccurate results. We generated a calibration curve of PTX at various concentrations (40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%) of methanol and evaluated the relative error from HPLC results. The optimum methanol concentration for quantification of PTX was 65.8%, which corresponded to the minimum relative error. The detection limit and quantification limit were 0.030 μg/mL and 0.092 μg/mL, respectively. It was possible to predict the PTX concentration even when polyoxyethylene castor oil and anhydrous ethanol were added, as in the commercially available PTX formulation, by diluting 32-fold with saline after mixing. Our findings show that PTX can be more accurately quantified using a calibration curve when prepared in a methanol/water mixture without the need for special devices or techniques.
Discrete two dimensional Fourier transform in polar coordinates part II: numerical computation and approximation of the continuous transform
Authors: Yao Xueyang , Baddour Natalie
Published: March 2020

The theory of the continuous two-dimensional (2D) Fourier Transform in polar coordinates has been recently developed but no discrete counterpart exists to date. In the first part of this two-paper series, we proposed and evaluated the theory of the 2D Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in polar coordinates. The theory of the actual manipulated quantities was shown, including the standard set of shift, modulation, multiplication, and convolution rules. In this second part of the series, we address the computational aspects of the 2D DFT in polar coordinates. Specifically, we demonstrate how the decomposition of the 2D DFT as a DFT, Discrete Hankel Transform and inverse DFT sequence can be exploited for coding. We also demonstrate how the proposed 2D DFT can be used to approximate the continuous forward and inverse Fourier transform in polar coordinates in the same manner that the 1D DFT can be used to approximate its continuous counterpart.
An evolutionary decomposition-based multi-objective feature selection for multi-label classification
Authors: Asilian Bidgoli Azam , Ebrahimpour-Komleh Hossein , Rahnamayan Shahryar
Published: March 2020

Data classification is a fundamental task in data mining. Within this field, the classification of multi-labeled data has been seriously considered in recent years. In such problems, each data entity can simultaneously belong to several categories. Multi-label classification is important because of many recent real-world applications in which each entity has more than one label. To improve the performance of multi-label classification, feature selection plays an important role. It involves identifying and removing irrelevant and redundant features that unnecessarily increase the dimensions of the search space for the classification problems. However, classification may fail with an extreme decrease in the number of relevant features. Thus, minimizing the number of features and maximizing the classification accuracy are two desirable but conflicting objectives in multi-label feature selection. In this article, we introduce a multi-objective optimization algorithm customized for selecting the features of multi-label data. The proposed algorithm is an enhanced variant of a decomposition-based multi-objective optimization approach, in which the multi-label feature selection problem is divided into single-objective subproblems that can be simultaneously solved using an evolutionary algorithm. This approach leads to accelerating the optimization process and finding more diverse feature subsets. The proposed method benefits from a local search operator to find better solutions for each subproblem. We also define a pool of genetic operators to generate new feature subsets based on old generation. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, we compare it with two other multi-objective feature selection approaches on eight real-world benchmark datasets that are commonly used for multi-label classification. The reported results of multi-objective method evaluation measures, such as hypervolume indicator and set coverage, illustrate an improvement in the results obtained by the proposed method. Moreover, the proposed method achieved better results in terms of classification accuracy with fewer features compared with state-of-the-art methods.
A simple and efficient cloning system for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in rice
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhou Xiujuan , Li Kang , Wang Dehong , Ding Yuanhao , Liu Xianqing , Luo Jie , Fang Chuanying
Published: March 2020

Rapidly growing genetics and bioinformatics studies provide us with an opportunity to obtain a global view of the genetic basis of traits, but also give a challenge to the function validation of candidate genes. CRISPR/Cas9 is an emerging and efficient tool for genome editing. To construct expression clones for the CRISPR/Cas9, most current methods depend on traditional cloning using Gateway reaction or specific type IIS restriction enzymes and DNA ligation, based on multiple steps of PCR. We developed a system for introducing sgRNA expression cassette(s) directly into plant binary vectors in one step. In this system, one sgRNA expression cassette(s) is generated by an optimized multiplex PCR, in which an overlapping PCR took place. Whilst, two sgRNA expression cassettes were amplified in a single round of PCR. Subsequently, an LR or Golden gate reaction was set up with unpurified PCR product and befitting destination vector. We are able to construct expression clones within 36 h, which greatly improves efficiency and saves cost. Furthermore, the efficiency of this system was verified by an agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in rice. The system reported here provides a much more efficient and simpler procedure to construct expression clones for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.
Filamentous cyanobacteria preserved in masses of fungal hyphae from the Triassic of Antarctica
Authors: Harper Carla J. , Taylor Edith L. , Krings Michael
Published: March 2020

Permineralized peat from the central Transantarctic Mountains of Antarctica has provided a wealth of information on plant and fungal diversity in Middle Triassic high-latitude forest paleoecosystems; however, there are no reports as yet of algae or cyanobacteria. The first record of a fossil filamentous cyanobacterium in this peat consists of wide, uniseriate trichomes composed of discoid cells up to 25 µm wide, and enveloped in a distinct sheath. Filament morphology, structurally preserved by permineralization and mineral replacement, corresponds to the fossil genus Palaeo-lyngbya, a predominantly Precambrian equivalent of the extant Lyngbya sensu lato (Oscillatoriaceae, Oscillatoriales). Specimens occur exclusively in masses of interwoven hyphae produced by the fungus Endochaetophora antarctica, suggesting that a special micro-environmental setting was required to preserve the filaments. Whether some form of symbiotic relationship existed between the fungus and cyanobacterium remains unknown.
Circadian preferences of birdwatchers in Poland: do “owls” prefer watching night birds, and “larks” prefer daytime ones?
Authors: Frątczak Martyna , Sparks Tim H. , Randler Christoph , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: March 2020

Birdwatching is a very popular and increasing leisure activity, and the study and observation of birds is more popular in the morning due to the greater activity among birds at that time of day. The aim of our study was to find out whether there was a relationship between the circadian preference of observers and their favourite bird species and whether it was influenced by such factors as professional status, age and gender. In an e-mail survey we asked a total of 433 Polish ornithologists (professionals) or birdwatchers (non-professionals) for their morningness–eveningness preferences (four categories) and favourite (open choice) bird species and received 143 responses. The temporal (circadian) preferences of respondents declined from early morning (35.7%) to evening/nighttime (11.4%). Circadian preference categories differed significantly by age, with early morning respondents significantly older. These preference categories did not differ significantly in terms of response time to the survey invitation or in the percentage of their favourite birds that were categorised as daytime birds. A total of 204 species were identified as favourite birds of which 34 species were mentioned by five or more respondents, with only two, the common crane Grus grus and the Eurasian pygmy owl Glaucidium passerinum mentioned by more than 10% of respondents. The white stork Ciconia ciconia was more popular with professionals than non-professionals and the swift Apus apus less popular. A significant gender × circadian preference interaction was detected for the percentage of favourite birds categorised as daytime birds, with fewer daytime birds among early morning female recorders. The presented results are obviously of a correlative nature, but open the door for further, more advanced study and suggest there may be a need to investigate temporal biases when analysing citizen-based data.
Screening of Groundnut Germplasm for Foliar Fungal Diseases and Population Structure Analysis Using Gene Based SSR Markers
Authors: Bhawar Punam Chand , Tiwari Sushma , Tripathi M. K. , Tomar R. S. , Sikarwar R. S.
Published: March 2020

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an excellent cash crop having multipurpose uses of each plant part i.e., direct consumption, cooking oil and a rich source of protein feed for animals. Rust and late leaf spot (LLS) are two major foliar fungal diseases of groundnut and can cause yield loss up to 70%. Use of fungicide is costly approach and it is not environment-friendly also, therefore breeding new cultivars with genetic resistance is sustainable, environment-friendly and cost effective approach. Screening and identification of resistant cultivar is one of the primary objective for groundnut improvement. Use of molecular markers, particularly gene based, are user friendly and cost effective approach to identify groundnut resistant genotypes. The present investigation aimed to screen groundnut germplasm using allele specific primers for foliar fungal diseases (LLS and rust). The study consisted 30 uncharacterized germplasm lines and 4 check varieties of Groundnut. A set of 4 gene based SSR markers were selected for screening of groundnut germplasms for foliar fungal diseases i.e., LLS and rust. A total of 14 alleles were identified with an average of 3.5 alleles per locus for polymorphic SSR markers. The gene diversity and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values varied between 0.3972-0.5778 with an average of 0.47 respectively. The genetic relationships among Groundnut genotypes are presented in SSR based UPGMA tree. Principle Co-ordinate analysis (PCA) based on origin formed 4 major population groups. The population structure of the 34 Groundnut genotypes was estimated using STRUCTURE v2.3.3 software based on SSR markers. The optimum K value was determined by using Structure Harvester, where the highest peak was observed at delta K = 2. The number of sub populations (K) was identified based on maximum likelihood and delta K (dK) values, with two core and pure groups and an admixture group. Current study identified four germplasms i.e., AH8054, CS21181, CS708, Akola White to be used as foliar disease resistant cultivar for groundnut hybridization and improvement.
Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Beers: Consumption and Public Health Concerns
Authors: Okafor V. N. , Uche U. B. , Abailim R. C.
Published: March 2020

Aim: The aim is to investigate some physicochemical properties of beers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminants in beer brewed with isomerized hop extract and in comparison with beers brewed with extracts from four Nigerian potential hop substitutes.

Study Design: Beers were brewed using isomerized hop extract and extracts from four Nigerian bitter vegetables. Analyses of physicochemical properties of the beers and for the presence of 16 specific target PAHs were carried out using their respective standard methods.

Place and Duration of Study: Analysis of physicochemical properties of the beers was done at Nigerian Breweries PLC, Enugu while analysis for PAHs was conducted at Central Laboratory, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos between July, 2018 and November, 2019.

Methodology: Physicochemical properties of the beers (alcohol content, bitterness level, pH, specific gravity, colour) were determined using their respective standard methods. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used in analyzing for PAHs [naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene]. Four isotopically labelled PAHs (acenaphthene-d10, phenanthrene-d10, chrysene-d12 and perylene-d12) were used as internal standards.

Results: Alcohol content (%v//v) in the beer samples is A(5.20); B(4.28); C(4.40); D(4.43) and E(4.54), bitterness level in International Bitterness Units (IBU) is A(0.54); B(0.80); C(1.46); D(1.46) and E(0.08), pH is A(4.36); B(3.08); C(3.88); D(3.90) and E(3.87), specific gravity is A(10.06); B(10.00); C(10.00); D(10.06) and E(10.06), and beer colour is A(5.80); B(7.70); C(6.60); D(8.00) and E(7.40). All 16 EPA PAHs were not found in all the beer samples except pyrene which was detected in sample B at a concentration of 0.00402 mg/kg.

Conclusion: It is concluded that extracts from the four Nigerian bitter vegetables could be used as substitutes for isomerized hop extract and that consumption of beer produced using extract from G. kola poses great public health concerns.
Chitosan-sodium Alginate Nanoparticle as a Promising Approach for Oral Delivery of Rosuvastatin Calcium: Formulation, Optimization and In vitro Characterization
Authors: Mujtaba Md. Ali , Alotaibi Nawaf M.
Published: March 2020

Rosuvastatin calcium is the most effective antilipidemic drug and is called "super-statin" but it exhibits low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability of about 20%. The present work aimed to develop and optimize chitosan-alginate nanoparticulate formulation of rosuvastatin which can improve its solubility, dissolution and therapeutic efficacy. Chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic pre-gelation of an alginate core followed by chitosan polyelectrolyte complexation and optimization was done in terms of two biopolymers, crosslinker concentrations. The chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques such as particle properties such as size; size distribution (polydispersity index); Zeta-potential measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectra respectively. The designed rosuvastatin loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticle had the average particle size of 349.3 nm with the zeta potential of +29.1 mV, and had high drug loading and entrapment efficiencies. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed no chemical interaction between the rosuvastatin and chitosan-alginate nanoparticle upon the encapsulation of rosuvastatin within the nanoparticles. Nanoparticles revealed a fast release during the first two hours followed by a more gradual drug release during a 24 h period. Hence, our studies demonstrated that the new chitosan-alginate nanoparticle system of rosuvastatin is a promising strategy for improving solubility and in turn, the therapeutic efficacy of rosuvastatin. Therefore, the rosuvastatin-loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles are a promising approach for the oral delivery of rosuvastatin.
Aquaporin 8 is involved in H2O2‐mediated differential regulation of metabolic signaling by α1‐ and β‐adrenoceptors in hepatocytes
Authors: Vilchis‐Landeros Magdalena , Guinzberg Raquel , Riveros‐Rosas Héctor , Villalobos‐Molina Rafael , Piña Enrique
Published: March 2020

Reactive oxygen species participate in regulating intracellular signaling pathways. Herein, we investigated the reported opposite effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on metabolic signaling mediated by activated α1‐ and β‐adrenoceptors (ARs) in hepatocytes. In isolated rat hepatocytes, stimulation of α1‐AR increases H2O2 production via NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation. We find that the H2O2 thus produced is essential for α1‐AR‐mediated activation of the classical hepatic glycogenolytic, gluconeogenic, and ureagenic responses. However, H2O2 inhibits β‐AR‐mediated activation of these metabolic responses. We show that H2O2 mediates its effects on α1‐AR and β‐AR by permeating cells through aquaporin 8 (AQP8) channels and promoting Ca2+ mobilization. Thus, our findings reveal a novel NOX2‐H2O2‐AQP8‐Ca2+ signaling cascade acting downstream of α1‐AR in hepatocytes, which, by negatively regulating β‐AR signaling, establishes negative crosstalk between the two pathways.
Characterisation of a novel cold‐adapted calcium‐activated transglutaminase: implications for medicine and food processing
Authors: Alvarez Rebeca Garcia , Karki Pralav , Langleite Ida Elise , Bakksjø Ragna‐Johanne , Eichacker Lutz Andreas , Furnes Clemens
Published: March 2020

Transglutaminases are a family of enzymes that catalyse the cross‐linking of proteins by forming covalent bonds between lysine and glutamine residues in various polypeptides. Cross‐linking reactions are involved in blood clots, skin formation, embryogenesis and apoptosis. Clinically, these enzymes appear to be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, tumours and coeliac diseases. Transglutaminases have great potential for use in the food industry because of their ability to cross‐link proteins that are not normally linked. Here, a gene coding for transglutaminase from Atlantic cod was cloned into a bacterial expression vector and used to transform protein expression in a strain of Escherichia coli. The successful expression of recombinant transglutaminase protein from Atlantic cod (AcTG‐1) as a soluble protein upon induction at low temperature was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analysis. Biochemical characterisation demonstrated that the transglutaminase was active between 0 and 65 °C, but was completely inactivated after 20‐min incubation at 70 °C. Interestingly, the enzyme displayed cold‐adapted features, such as temperature instability combined with high catalytic efficiency at low temperatures (8–16 °C). In addition, the enzyme had optimal activity at 50 °C, a new feature for a cold‐adapted enzyme. AcTG‐1 was active in the pH range from 6 to 9, with an optimum at pH 8, and required 5 mm calcium for maximum activity. Potential calcium‐binding sites in the enzyme were predictable, making the enzyme an appropriate model for studying structure–function relationships in the calcium‐dependent transglutaminase family. In vitro gel analysis revealed that transglutaminase cross‐linked casein, collagen and gelatin. The binding of fish fillets in the presence of recombinant AcTG‐1 provided further macroscopic proof for the potential application of AcTG‐1 as a biological cross‐linker in the food industry. Once binding occurred, fish fillets withstood further processing such as frying, boiling, freeze‐thawing and chilling. The low‐temperature activity and new enzymatic properties of AcTG‐1 appear to offer advantages over commercially available enzymatic glues in the food industry.
Architecture at Scale: Reimagining One‐Off Projects as Building Platforms
Authors: Curtis Craig
Published: March 2020

The building industry is fraught with delays, lack of coordination on site and budget overruns. Craig Curtis, Head of Architecture and Interior Design at off‐site construction company Katerra, describes how his firm's fully integrated, reverse‐engineered, prefabricated housing units mitigate this.
Anti‐Entrepreneurs Using Computation to Unscale Production
Authors: Louis‐Rosenberg Jesse , Rosenkrantz Jessica
Published: March 2020

Being multidisciplinary, digitally adept and small is the key to success of Jesse Louis‐Rosenberg and Jessica Rosenkrantz’s generative design studio Nervous System in upstate New York that works at the intersection of science, art and technology. Their projects are inspired by natural phenomena and at once they are biological researchers, artists and coders. This synthesis of expertise and practice creates beautiful and thoughtful objects.
Fast Reversible Phase Change Silicon for Visible Active Photonics
Authors: Wang Letian , Eliceiri Matthew , Deng Yang , Rho Yoonsoo , Shou Wan , Pan Heng , Yao Jie , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: March 2020

Both amorphous and crystalline silicon are ubiquitous materials for electronics, photonics, and microelectromechanical systems. On‐demand control of Si crystallinity is crucial for device manufacturing and to overcome the limitations of current phase‐change materials (PCM) in active photonics. Fast reversible phase transformation in silicon, however, has never been accomplished due to the notorious challenge of amorphization. It is demonstrated that nanostructured Si can function as a PCM, since it can be reversibly crystallized and amorphized under nanosecond laser irradiation with different pulse energies. Reflection probing on a single nanodisk's phase transformations confirms the distinct mechanisms for crystallization and amorphization. The experimental results show that the relaxation time of undercooled silicon at 950 K is 10 ns. The phase change provides a 20% nonvolatile reflectivity modulation within 100 ns and can be repeated over 400 times. It is shown that such transformations are free of deformation upon solidification. Based on the switchable photonic properties in the visible spectrum, proof‐of‐concept experiments of dielectric color displays and dynamic wavefront control are shown. Therefore, nanostructured silicon is proposed as a chemically stable, deformation free, and complementary metal–oxide‐semiconductor compatible (CMOS) PCM for active photonics at visible wavelengths.
Metasurface‐Enabled Generation of Circularly Polarized Single Photons
Authors: Kan Yinhui , Andersen Sebastian K. H. , Ding Fei , Kumar Shailesh , Zhao Changying , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: March 2020

Single photons carrying spin angular momentum (SAM), i.e., circularly polarized single photons generated typically by subjecting a quantum emitter (QE) to a strong magnetic field at low temperatures, are at the core of chiral quantum optics enabling nonreciprocal single‐photon configurations and deterministic spin‐photon interfaces. Here, a conceptually new approach to the room‐temperature generation of SAM‐coded single photons (SSPs) is described, which entails QE nonradiative coupling to surface plasmons being transformed, by interacting with an optical metasurface, into a collimated stream of SSPs with the designed handedness. Design, fabrication, and characterization of SSP sources, consisting of dielectric circular nanoridges with azimuthally varying widths deterministically fabricated on a dielectric‐protected silver film around a nanodiamond containing a nitrogen‐vacancy center, are reported. With properly engineered phases of QE‐originated fields scattered by nanoridges, the outcoupled photons are characterized by a well‐defined SAM (with the chirality >0.8) and high directionality (collection efficiency up to 92%).
Uniform and Large‐Area Cesium‐Based Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Hot‐Casting Method
Authors: Kim Da Bin , Lee Seungjin , Jang Chung Hyeon , Park Jong Hyun , Lee Ah‐young , Song Myoung Hoon
Published: March 2020

Metal halide perovskites have deep valence band maximums (VBMs). For example, the VBM of CsPbBr3 is 5.8–6.3 eV. Conjugated polymers can be a potential candidate for the hole transport layer because of their deep highest occupied molecular orbital levels, but their poor compatibility with a hydrophilic perovskite precursor results in the formation of a noncontinuous perovskite film. In addition, antisolvent dripping methods for fabricating perovskite films cause spatially inhomogeneous nucleation, which is undesirable for large‐scale applications. In this work, efficient and large‐area perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are developed by introducing a poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) interlayer and employing a hot‐casting method (substrate preheating). The PVK interlayer increases the depth of the VBM of NiOx (from 5.1 to 5.5 eV), resulting in efficient hole injection. The thermal energy of the preheated substrate facilitates not only the growth of a continuous and pinhole‐free perovskite film, but also the formation of a highly crystalline and preferentially oriented perovskite structure, resulting in improved luminescence properties. Therefore, PeLEDs fabricated using an optimal preheating temperature show an improved external quantum efficiency (from 3.08% to 8.44%) with spatially uniform electroluminescence. Finally, the development of uniform and large‐area PeLEDs (with an active area of 12.8 cm2) is demonstrated.
Targeting of Immune Cells with Trimannosylated Liposomes
Authors: Wagener Karolin , Bros Matthias , Krumb Matthias , Langhanki Jens , Pektor Stefanie , Worm Matthias , Schinnerer Meike , Montermann Evelyn , Miederer Matthias , Frey Holger , Opatz Till , Rösch Frank
Published: March 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a compelling target in cancer immunotherapy as they initialize strong antigen‐specific immune responses. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) such as liposomes provide the opportunity to deliver antigens and immunostimulatory molecules to DCs, which in turn initiate an antigen‐specific immune response. To address predominantly DCs, DDSs need to be equipped with targeting moieties. This study evaluates liposomes, bearing the oligosaccharide trimannose on their surface, for their ability to address DCs in vitro and in vivo. Trimannose as a saccharidic structure is known to be recognized by receptors on the surface of DCs. To obtain trimannosylated liposomes, azide‐bearing trimannose is coupled to alkyne‐functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) with a bis(hexadecyl)glycerol (BisHD) anchor in a Cu(I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC). To enable tracking of the liposomes in vivo, the trimannosylated BisHD‐hbPG lipids are radiolabeled with 18F in a CuAAC. Subsequently, liposomes are produced via the thin‐film hydration method followed by extrusion. The behavior of the trimannosylated liposomes is evaluated in in vitro cell binding assays and in vivo µPET and ex vivo biodistribution studies in healthy C57BL/6 mice and the results are compared to similar liposomes not bearing trimannose on their surface.
High Color Purity Lead‐Free Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes via Sn Stabilization
Authors: Liang Hongyan , Yuan Fanglong , Johnston Andrew , Gao Congcong , Choubisa Hitarth , Gao Yuan , Wang Ya‐Kun , Sagar Laxmi Kishore , Sun Bin , Li Peicheng , Bappi Golam , Chen Bin , Li Jun , Wang Yunkun , Dong Yitong , Ma Dongxin , Gao Yunan , Liu Yongchang , Yuan Mingjian , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Hoogland Sjoerd , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Sargent Edward H.
Published: March 2020

Perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are now approaching the upper limits of external quantum efficiency (EQE); however, their application is currently limited by reliance on lead and by inadequate color purity. The Rec. 2020 requires Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.708, 0.292) for red emitters, but present‐day perovskite devices only achieve (0.71, 0.28). Here, lead‐free PeLEDs are reported with color coordinates of (0.706, 0.294)—the highest purity reported among red PeLEDs. The variation of the emission spectrum is also evaluated as a function of temperature and applied potential, finding that emission redshifts by <3 nm under low temperature and by <0.3 nm V−1 with operating voltage. The prominent oxidation pathway of Sn is identified and this is suppressed with the aid of H3PO2. This strategy prevents the oxidation of the constituent precursors, through both its moderate reducing properties and through its forming complexes with the perovskite that increase the energetic barrier toward Sn oxidation. The H3PO2 additionally seeds crystal growth during film formation, improving film quality. PeLEDs are reported with an EQE of 0.3% and a brightness of 70 cd m−2; this is the record among reported red‐emitting, lead‐free PeLEDs.
Implementing a Two‐Photon Three‐Degrees‐of‐Freedom Hyper‐Parallel Controlled Phase Flip Gate Through Cavity‐Assisted Interactions
Authors: Wei Hai‐Rui , Liu Wen‐Qiang , Chen Ning‐Yang
Published: March 2020

Hyper‐parallel quantum information processing is a promising and beneficial research field. Herein, a method to implement a hyper‐parallel controlled‐phase‐flip (hyper‐CPF) gate for frequency‐, spatial‐, and time‐bin‐encoded qubits by coupling flying photons to trapped nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect centers is presented. The scheme, which differs from their conventional parallel counterparts, is specifically advantageous in decreasing against the dissipate noise, increasing the quantum channel capacity, and reducing the quantum resource overhead. The gate qubits with frequency, spatial, and time‐bin degrees of freedom (DOF) are immune to quantum decoherence in optical fibers, whereas the polarization photons are easily disturbed by the ambient noise.
C−H Bond Activation by an Imido Cobalt(III) and the Resulting Amido Cobalt(II) Complex
Authors: Reckziegel Alexander , Pietzonka Clemens , Kraus Florian , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: March 2020

The 3d‐metal mediated nitrene transfer is under intense scrutiny due to its potential as an atom economic and ecologically benign way for the directed amination of (un)functionalised C−H bonds. Here we present the isolation and characterisation of a rare, trigonal imido cobalt(III) complex, which bears a rather long cobalt–imido bond. It can cleanly cleave strong C−H bonds with a bond dissociation energy of up to 92 kcal mol−1 in an intermolecular fashion, unprecedented for imido cobalt complexes. This resulted in the amido cobalt(II) complex [Co(hmds)2(NHtBu)]−. Kinetic studies on this reaction revealed an H atom transfer mechanism. Remarkably, the cobalt(II) amide itself is capable of mediating H atom abstraction or stepwise proton/electron transfer depending on the substrate. A cobalt‐mediated catalytic application for substrate dehydrogenation using an organo azide is presented.
Combined Photoredox and Carbene Catalysis for the Synthesis of Ketones from Carboxylic Acids**
Authors: Bay Anna V. , Fitzpatrick Keegan P. , Betori Rick C. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: March 2020

As a key element in the construction of complex organic scaffolds, the formation of C−C bonds remains a challenge in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. Recent advancements in single‐electron chemistry have enabled new methods for the formation of various C−C bonds. Disclosed herein is the development of a novel single‐electron reduction of acyl azoliums for the formation of ketones from carboxylic acids. Facile construction of the acyl azolium in situ followed by a radical–radical coupling was made possible merging N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photoredox catalysis. The utility of this protocol in synthesis was showcased in the late‐stage functionalization of a variety of pharmaceutical compounds. Preliminary investigations using chiral NHCs demonstrate that enantioselectivity can be achieved, showcasing the advantages of this protocol over alternative methodologies.
Mitochondria‐Targeting Plasmonic Spiky Nanorods Increase the Elimination of Aging Cells in Vivo
Authors: Lu Meiru , Qu Aihua , Li Si , Sun Maozhong , Xu Liguang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: March 2020

Cellular senescence is stress‐induced, irreversible growth arrest, and is thought to impair tissue function. The clearance of senescent cells can delay the features of senescence. Herein, we report the development of plasmonic core–shell spiky nanorods (CSNRs) surface‐modified with an anti‐beta‐2‐microglobulin (aB2MG) antibody and triphenylphosphonium (TPP), to target the mitochondria in senescent cells. aB2MG‐TPP@CSNRs irradiated with near‐infrared (NIR) light selectively caused mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of senescent cells with relatively low NIR light power, and the ability of CSNRs to activate and amplify the immune response in vitro and in vivo was discovered. The photo‐induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in senescent‐cell apoptosis and immune adjuvant effect by CSNRs accelerated the clearance of senescent cells in mice. This study opens the way for the use of precisely regulated plasmonic nanostructures for immune adjuvant and photo‐induced apoptosis for age‐related senescence.
89Zr Labeled Fe3O4@TiO2 Nanoparticles: In Vitro Afffinities with Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Unak Perihan , Tekin Volkan , Guldu Ozge Kozgus , Aras Omer
Published: March 2020

In this study, Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized as a new Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) hybrid imaging agent and radiolabeled with 89Zr. In addition, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized and radiolabeled with 89Zr. Df‐Bz‐NCS was used as bifunctional ligand. The nanoconjugates were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Radiolabeling yields were 100%. Breast and prostate cancer cell affinities and cytotoxicity were determined using in vitro cell culture assays. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles are promising for PET/MR imaging. Finally, unlike Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles showed a fluorescence spectrum at an excitation wavelength of 250 nm and an emission wavelength of 314 nm. Therefore, in addition to bearing the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles display fluorescence emission. This provides them with photodynamic therapy potential. Therefore multimodal treatment was performed with the combination of PDT and RT by using human prostate cancer cell line (PC3). The development of 89Zr‐Df‐Bz‐NCS‐Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoparticles as a new multifunctional PET/MRI agent with photodynamic therapy and hyperthermia therapeutic ability would be very useful.
Accelerated Fat Bloom in Chocolate Model Systems: Replacement of Cocoa Powder with Sugar Particles and the Effects of Lecithin
Authors: Jin Jiayang , Hartel Richard W.
Published: March 2020

To investigate the effects of particulates on fat bloom in chocolate, model systems were formulated with 50% nonfat particles and 50% cocoa butter on a mass basis, where cocoa powder was gradually replaced by sugar particles (sucrose, maltitol, corn syrup solids [CSS], and polydextrose [PD]). Bloom extents were investigated in three ways: the change in whiteness index (ΔWI), white area percentage, and visual bloom level. All three bloom evaluation methods showed similar trends, although the methods were more sensitive under different conditions. Bloom extents in sucrose model systems were the highest compared to the other three sugar types, whether crystalline or amorphous. Increasing sucrose crystal levels significantly promoted bloom, whether with or without 0.5% lecithin. Adding 0.5% lecithin significantly reduced bloom extents in all model systems except for the system with CSS. The effects of sugars and lecithin might be due to the difference in the interactions between sugar particles, cocoa powder, and lecithin in the chocolate matrix, as supported by the contact angle and tensiometry results.
Effects of phenylenediamines and alkoxysilanes on gas transport properties of polyimide ‐ silica hybrid membranes
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki
Published: March 2020

Gas transport properties of polyimides (PIs) and their silica hybrids were investigated. The PIs synthesized with several methyl‐substituted phenylenediamines were hybridized with silica via a sol–gel process with different alkoxysilanes. The prepared hybrid membranes showed controlled gas permselectivity, depending on the selected phenylenediamines and alkoxysilanes. It was worth noting that the hybrids prepared with tetraethoxysilane possessed improved CO2 permselectivity with increasing silica content, which tended to exceed the upper‐bound trade‐off line. This fact suggested the additional formation of free volume holes especially favorable for the CO2/CH4 separation around the polymer/silica interfacial area.
Tracking Control for General Second‐order Multi‐agent Systems with Communication Delay and Variable Topology
Authors: Tang Wenyan , Wu Jia , Li Kun
Published: March 2020

This article studies the consensus problem for a class of general second‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) with communication delay and variable topology. We first consider the case with time delay but un‐variable topology and obtain sufficient conditions for exponential consensus. Then, based on the obtained conditions for the un‐variable topology case, the conditions of the consensus for the case with time delay and variable topology are analyzed. Finally, the effectiveness of the derived consensus conditions is illustrated by numerical examples.
Trajectory tracking control of underactuated surface vessel with full state constraints
Authors: Li Lili , Dong Kai , Guo Ge
Published: March 2020

This paper addresses the trajectory tracking control problem for an underactuated surface vessel (USV) with full state constraints. In order to solve the inconvenience caused by the USV underactuated structure to the system controller design, the system's model is transformed into two subsystems. Furthermore, the constrained problem can be solved by the Barrier Lyapunov method. In the USV's controller design process, a tan‐type Barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is constructed to ensure the stability of the transformed system and avoid the constrained states reaching the boundary value. Compared with the conventional USV controller design, constructing a tan‐type BLF to limit the states is more valuable and more in line with reality. Simulation results demonstrate the USV with full state constraints can track the desired trajectory.