bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous and Polarization‐Sensitive Photoresponse of Td‐WTe2 from Visible to Infrared Light
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Jingzhe , Gao Heng , Hu Tao , Ruan Shuangchen , Stroppa Alessandro , Ren Wei
Published: December 2018

Recently, an emergent layered material Td‐WTe2 was explored for its novel electron–hole overlapping band structure and anisotropic inplane crystal structure. Here, the photoresponse of mechanically exfoliated WTe2 flakes is investigated. A large anomalous current decrease for visible (514.5 nm), and mid‐ and far‐infrared (3.8 and 10.6 µm) laser irradiation is observed, which can be attributed to light‐induced surface bandgap opening from the first‐principles calculations. The photocurrent and responsivity can be as large as 40 µA and 250 A W−1 for a 3.8 µm laser at 77 K. Furthermore, the WTe2 anomalous photocurrent matches its in‐plane crystal structure and exhibits light polarization dependence, maximal for linear laser polarization along the W atom chain a direction and minimal for the perpendicular b direction, with the anisotropic ratio of 4.9. Consistently, first‐principles calculations confirm the angle‐dependent bandgap opening of WTe2 under polarized light irradiation. The anomalous and polarization‐sensitive photoresponses suggest that linearly polarized light can significantly tune the WTe2 surface electronic structure, providing a potential approach to detect polarized and broadband lights up to far infrared range.
Van der Waals Heteroepitaxial Growth of Monolayer Sb in a Puckered Honeycomb Structure
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Qiang , Li Huiping , Yuan Qian‐Qian , Song Ye‐Heng , Lv Yang‐Yang , Shi Wei , Jia Zhen‐Yu , Gao Libo , Chen Yan‐Bin , Zhu Wenguang , Li Shao‐Chun
Published: December 2018

Atomically thin 2D crystals have gained tremendous attention owing to their potential impact on future electronics technologies, as well as the exotic phenomena emerging in these materials. Monolayers of α‐phase Sb (α‐antimonene), which shares the same puckered structure as black phosphorous, are predicted to be stable with precious properties. However, the experimental realization still remains challenging. Here, high‐quality monolayerα‐antimonene is successfully grown, with the thickness finely controlled. The α‐antimonene exhibits great stability upon exposure to air. Combining scanning tunneling microscopy, density functional theory calculations, and transport measurements, it is found that the electron band crossing the Fermi level exhibits a linear dispersion with a fairly small effective mass, and thus a good electrical conductivity. All of these properties make the α‐antimonene promising for future electronic applications.
Cocktail Strategy Based on Spatio‐Temporally Controlled Nano Device Improves Therapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lang Tianqun , Liu Yiran , Zheng Zhong , Ran Wei , Zhai Yihui , Yin Qi , Zhang Pengcheng , Li Yaping
Published: December 2018

Metastatic breast cancer may be resistant to chemo‐immunotherapy due to the existence of cancer stem cells (CSC). Also, the control of particle size and drug release of a drug carrier for multidrug combination is a key issue influencing the therapy effect. Here, a cocktail strategy is reported, in which chemotherapy against both bulk tumor cells and CSC and immune checkpoint blockade therapy are intergraded into one drug delivery system. The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX), the anti‐CSC agent thioridazine (THZ), and the PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor HY19991 (HY) are all incorporated into an enzyme/pH dual‐sensitive nanoparticle with a micelle–liposome double‐layer structure. The particle size shrinks when the nanoparticle transfers from circulation to tumor tissues, favoring both pharmacokinetics and cellular uptake, meanwhile achieving sequential drug release where needed. This nano device, named PM@THL, increases the intratumoral drug concentrations in mice and exhibits significant anticancer efficacy, with tumor inhibiting rate of 93.45% and lung metastasis suppression rate of 97.64%. It also reduces the proportion of CSC and enhances the T cells infiltration in tumor tissues, and thus prolongs the survival of mice. The cocktail therapy based on the spatio‐temporally controlled nano device will be a promising strategy for treating breast cancer.
Surface Crystallization of Liquid Au–Si and Its Impact on Catalysis
Authors: Panciera Federico , Tersoff Jerry , Gamalski Andrew D. , Reuter Mark C. , Zakharov Dmitri , Stach Eric A. , Hofmann Stephan , Ross Frances M.
Published: December 2018

In situ transmission electron microscopy reveals that an atomically thin crystalline phase at the surface of liquid Au–Si is stable over an unexpectedly wide range of conditions. By measuring the surface structure as a function of liquid temperature and composition, a simple thermodynamic model is developed to explain the stability of the ordered phase. The presence of surface ordering plays a key role in the pathway by which the Au–Si eutectic solidifies and also dramatically affects the catalytic properties of the liquid, explaining the anomalously slow growth kinetics of Si nanowires at low temperature. A strategy to control the presence of the surface phase is discussed, using it as a tool in designing strategies for nanostructure growth.
Ion Beam Defect Engineering on ReS2/Si Photocathode with Significantly Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Wentian , Zhou Qingwei , Su Shaoqiang , Li Jing , Lu Xubin , Gao Xingsen , Wang Xin , Jin Mingliang , Zhou Guofu , Zhang Zhang , Liu Junming
Published: December 2018

Loading 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) on p‐type silicon photocathode is suitable for hydrogen production in solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Similarly, various nanostructured TMDs exposing more active sites are widely explored for improving the PEC performances of composite photoelectrodes. Here, defect engineering using a controllable argon ion beam bombardment is presented on ReS2/Si photocathode. The atomic vacancy defects are introduced on the 2D ReS2 to realize high‐density active sites, which significantly enhance the solar‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction performance of ReS2/Si photocathode. The highest photocurrent density of 18.5 mA cm−2 (at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) is achieved, under a simulated sun irradiation.
A Stretchable, Highly Sensitive, and Multimodal Mechanical Fabric Sensor Based on Electrospun Conductive Nanofiber Yarn for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Nan Nan , He Jianxin , You Xiaolu , Sun Xianqiang , Zhou Yuman , Qi Kun , Shao Weili , Liu Fan , Chu Yanyan , Ding Bin
Published: December 2018

The development of highly sensitive, stretchable, and wearable electronic skin with multimodal mechanical‐sensing performance is of great research value for applications in health monitoring, and wearable electronic devices. In this work, a fabric‐like sensor with high flexibility and weavability that could detect the mechanical forces induced by pressure, strain, and flexion is designed. The fabric‐like sensor is woven by composite yarns (GCNF@ECYs) formed by winding graphene oxide‐doped polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns with in situ polymerized conductive polypyrrole on elastic yarns. The hierarchical structure of the fabric ranged from the macroscopic yarn to the submicron‐scale fibers to the nanometer‐scale particles as well as the wrapped structure constructed by winding conductive nanofiber yarn on elastic yarn. This offers more conductive pathways, larger deformation space, and multimodal mechanical‐sensing capabilities. The GCNF@ECY sensor unit has high sensitivity (the gauge factor was ≈68), wide pressure‐sensing range, excellent cycling stability, and good repeatability (over 10 000 cycles). The sensor can detect human respiration, facial expressions, pulse monitoring, and a full range of human motion. Moreover, the fabric sensor can be easily woven into textiles to produce electronic textiles with great potential in wearable human health monitoring electronics devices.
Enantioselective Synthesis of d‐ and l‐α‐Amino Acids by Enzymatic Transamination Using Glutamine as Smart Amine Donor
Authors: Heuson Egon , Charmantray Franck , Petit Jean‐Louis , de Berardinis Véronique , Gefflaut Thierry
Published: December 2018

Enzymatic transamination is a useful method for the green and highly enantioselective synthesis of chiral amines and non‐canonical amino acids which are of major importance as intermediates in medicinal chemistry. However, transamination reactions are usually reversible and synthetic applications of transaminases often require the implementation of an equilibrium shift strategy. Herein, we report a highly effective approach using glutamine as smart amine donor. This amino acid is converted upon transamination into 2‐oxoglutaramate which undergoes a fast cyclisation displacing the transamination equilibrium. We have developed a new activity assay in order to identify transaminases from biodiversity able to convert various α‐keto acids into valuable amino acids of l‐ or d‐series in the presence of glutamine as amine donor. Discovered transaminases were then used to prepare in high yield and with high enantioselectivity three amino acids of pharmaceutical importance, homophenylalanine, homoalanine and tert‐leucine by simply using a nearly stoichiometric amount of glutamine as amine donor.

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Multimorbidity among elderly in Bangladesh
Authors: Sara Hasna Hena , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Baker , Haque Md. Aminul
Published: December 2018

Background

Multimorbidity among the elderly is a major public health problem in most of the developing countries, including Bangladesh, where the population is moving towards aging. Multimorbidity was defined as the co‐occurrence of at least two chronic diseases in a person whether as a coincidence or not. Little attention has been paid to the study of the prevalence of multimorbidity among the elderly in Bangladesh.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among hospitalized elderly.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two tertiary level hospitals with a sample of 566 adults aged 60 years or more. Data were collected from medical examination reports at the hospital and using a semi‐structured interview schedule through an in‐person interview. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence of multimorbidity.

Results

The overall prevalence of multimorbidity among the elderly was 56.4% and the prevalence was higher among females (64.18%) than males (54.17%). The most prevalent conditions were hypertension (33.0%), diabetes (27.6%), ischemic heart disease (12.0%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9%).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of multimorbidity suggests that there is an urgent need to develop geriatric health‐care services. Policymakers should pay attention to developing effective intervention strategies and programs to reduce the burden of multimorbidity.
Predictive modeling of schizophrenia from genomic data: Comparison of polygenic risk score with kernel support vector machines approach
Authors: Vivian‐Griffiths Timothy , Baker Emily , Schmidt Karl M. , Bracher‐Smith Matthew , Walters James , Artemiou Andreas , Holmans Peter , O'Donovan Michael C. , Owen Michael J. , Pocklington Andrew , Escott‐Price Valentina
Published: December 2018

A major controversy in psychiatric genetics is whether nonadditive genetic interaction effects contribute to the risk of highly polygenic disorders. We applied a support vector machines (SVMs) approach, which is capable of building linear and nonlinear models using kernel methods, to classify cases from controls in a large schizophrenia case–control sample of 11,853 subjects (5,554 cases and 6,299 controls) and compared its prediction accuracy with the polygenic risk score (PRS) approach. We also investigated whether SVMs are a suitable approach to detecting nonlinear genetic effects, that is, interactions. We found that PRS provided more accurate case/control classification than either linear or nonlinear SVMs, and give a tentative explanation why PRS outperforms both multivariate regression and linear kernel SVMs. In addition, we observe that nonlinear kernel SVMs showed higher classification accuracy than linear SVMs when a large number of SNPs are entered into the model. We conclude that SVMs are a potential tool for assessing the presence of interactions, prior to searching for them explicitly.
It's No Surprise: Empathy and Humor Can Help—Or Hurt—at the Mediation Bargaining Table
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: December 2018

The Master Mediator series focusing on how emotions work at the bargaining table, dragging positive steps from the worst to maximizing the best to encourage agreement, also included columns exploring the impact of mixed emotions—the ones that can be positive or negative, depending on the circumstances.
In‐Situ Co‐Cross‐Linking of Phospholipase D and Poly‐L‐Lysine for the Highly Efficient Synthesis of Phosphatidylglycerol
Authors: Li Saisai , Li Yan , Long Nengbing , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: December 2018

Phospholipase D (PLD) was effectively immobilized on a nanocomposite support composed of ZnO nanowires and SiO2 through in‐situ co‐cross‐linking with poly‐L‐lysine (PLL). An anionic and long‐chained bisepoxide cross‐linker was electrostatically adsorbed on the surface of ZnO nanowires prior to co‐cross‐linking. Under the optimal pH, 6.5, the loading amount of PLD reached an average of 114 mg per gsupport for PLL concentrations in the range of 0–0.6 mg mL−1. Co‐cross‐linking of PLD with PLL enhanced the activity of PLD remarkably. The highest specific activity of co‐cross‐linked PLD reached 25.8 U per mgprotein, which was 1.62 times as high as that of the cross‐linked PLD (15.9 U per mgprotein). (One unit of PLD activity [U] refers to the amount of PLD, which liberates 1 μmol of p‐nitrophenol per min via hydrolysis of phosphatidyl‐p‐nitrophenol at pH 8.0 and 30 °C). Under the optimized conditions, the yield of phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro) reached 98.6% within 80 min at 45 °C and pH 6.5. The co‐cross‐linked PLD not only exhibited good resistance to pH and heat inactivation but also improved storage stability and reusability. The yield of PtdGro remained ≥85.4% after 13 repeat uses.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Pterocarya stenoptera (Juglandaceae)
Authors: Wang Peng‐Fei , Li Yong , Qian Zhi‐Hao , Li Jia‐Xin , Ge Xue‐Jun
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Microsatellite markers of Pterocarya stenoptera (Juglandaceae) were developed for future studies on the population genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the species.

Methods and Results

Based on Illumina sequencing of the transcriptome of P. stenoptera, a total of 2452 microsatellites were identified from 83,674 assembled unigenes. One hundred microsatellites were randomly selected to design amplification primer pairs. Of these, 15 were successfully amplified and displayed polymorphism. For these markers, the number of alleles per locus and population ranged from one to six. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.718, respectively. Furthermore, all of the 15 loci were successfully cross‐amplified in another congeneric species (P. hupehensis) and were demonstrated to be polymorphic.

Conclusions

The microsatellite loci described here can be used for future population genetic and landscape genetic studies on P. stenoptera.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Observer for Nonlinear Interconnected Systems with Time Varying Parameters
Authors: Mohamed Mokhtar , Yan Xing‐Gang , Mao Zehui , Jiang Bin
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a class of nonlinear interconnected systems with uncertain time varying parameters (TVPs) is considered. Both the interconnections and the isolated subsystems are nonlinear. Sliding mode control method and adaptive techniques are employed together to design an observer to estimate the state variables of the systems in presence of unknown TVPs. The Lyapunov direct method is used to analysis the stability of the sliding motion and it is not required to solve the so‐called constrained Lyapunov problem (CLP). A set of conditions is developed under which the augmented systems formed by the error dynamical systems and the designed adaptive laws, are globally uniformly ultimately bounded. A simulation example is presented and the results show that the method proposed in this paper is effective.
Status Quo bei digitalen Werkzeugen und softwarebasierten Lösungsansätzen
Authors: Kirnats Lev , Joost Jan‐Niklas , Berg Sebastian , Frisch Jérôme , van Treeck Christoph
Published: December 2018

Im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung zu Forschungsvorhaben, die seitens des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) im Bereich „Energie in Gebäuden und Quartieren” zur korrespondierenden Forschungsinitiative ENERGIEWENDEBAUEN gefördert werden, sind mehr als 900 Projekte hinsichtlich ausgewählter Themen ausgewertet worden. Bei der wissenschaftlichen Querschnittsforschung handelt es sich um eine Methodik zur Analyse von Forschungsvorhaben auf der übergeordneten Ebene. Die resultierende Analyse liefert einen verbesserten Einblick in das nationale Forschungsgeschehen. Den Schwerpunkt der hier betrachteten Querauswertung bilden digitale Werkzeuge, und softwarebasierte Lösungsansätze im Kontext „Energie in Gebäude und Quartieren”. Neben einer eindeutigen terminologischen Abgrenzung werden die querschnittsübergreifende Relevanz von Tool‐ und Softwareentwicklungen im Rahmen von Forschungsprojekten, eine Typologie von softwarebasierten Lösungsansätzen, eine Tendenz zur Multiskalen‐Modellierung, die programmiertechnische Umsetzung, Lizenzierungsmodelle und das digitale Ökosystem der Anwendung im Rahmen dieser Querschnittsanalyse betrachtet.
Semi‐parametric analysis of overdispersed count and metric data with varying follow‐up times: Asymptotic theory and small sample approximations
Authors: Konietschke Frank , Friede Tim , Pauly Markus
Published: December 2018

Count data are common endpoints in clinical trials, for example magnetic resonance imaging lesion counts in multiple sclerosis. They often exhibit high levels of overdispersion, that is variances are larger than the means. Inference is regularly based on negative binomial regression along with maximum‐likelihood estimators. Although this approach can account for heterogeneity it postulates a common overdispersion parameter across groups. Such parametric assumptions are usually difficult to verify, especially in small trials. Therefore, novel procedures that are based on asymptotic results for newly developed rate and variance estimators are proposed in a general framework. Moreover, in case of small samples the procedures are carried out using permutation techniques. Here, the usual assumption of exchangeability under the null hypothesis is not met due to varying follow‐up times and unequal overdispersion parameters. This problem is solved by the use of studentized permutations leading to valid inference methods for situations with (i) varying follow‐up times, (ii) different overdispersion parameters, and (iii) small sample sizes.
Improving the network pinch approach for heat exchanger network retrofit with bridge analysis
Authors: Bonhivers Jean‐Christophe , Moussavi Alireza , Hackl Roman , Sorin Mikhail , Stuart Paul R.
Published: December 2018

Economic and environmental benefits result from increasing the energy efficiency of industrial systems. This article presents the application of bridge analysis concepts to improve the methodology of network pinch for heat exchanger network retrofit. In two simple examples, we compare bridge analysis with the network pinch approach, in terms of saving energy by heat exchanger network improvement. The first example is solved with both methods, while the second can only be solved by bridge analysis. In the first example, three different solutions are proposed, and the third solution leads to 3800 kW energy savings, i.e., the full savings capacity. In the second example, no heat can be saved using the network pinch approach, but two solutions are proposed using bridge analysis, which lead to 395 kW energy savings, i.e., the full savings capacity. Then, we discuss the advantages and limits of pinch analysis and the network pinch approach. Bridge analysis provides a broader perspective on pinch analysis, explains the natural presence of a pinch in a network, shows that removing cross pinch transfers is not necessary to save energy, and helps improve heuristics for creating new cooler‐heater paths in the network pinch procedure.
Control and experiment of a bidirectional chopper with an auxiliary converter
Authors: Ohnishi Haruna , Hagiwara Makoto
Published: December 2018

A conventional medium‐voltage large‐capacity bidirectional chopper used in a battery energy storage system for DC electric railways is equipped with a heavy and bulky inductor for current smoothing. This paper presents the experimental verification of a bidirectional chopper with an auxiliary converter for the purpose of reducing the size and weight of an inductor. The auxiliary converter is formed by the cascade connection of multiple single‐phase full‐bridge converter cells. Applying the so‐called “phase‐shifted PWM” to each of the cells can reduce the voltage step across an inductor and increase the ripple frequency, resulting in a significant reduction in size and weight of the inductor. This paper discusses the operating principles and control method of the bidirectional chopper, followed by experiments using a 150‐V, 2‐kW down‐scaled model.
Morphine Sensing by a Green Modified Molecularly Imprinted Poly L‐Lysine/Sodium Alginate‐activated Carbon/Glassy Carbon Electrode Based on Computational Design
Authors: Salajegheh Maryam , Kazemipour Maryam , Foroghi Mohammad Mehdi , Ansari Mehdi
Published: December 2018

A different molecularly imprinted composite film with the exploit of computational design is synthesized. The proposed composite is used for electrode modification to determine morphine. The ratio of monomer to template in optimum condition was obtained 4. The modification of the electrode was achieved by electropolymerizing L‐lysine in the presence of morphine on the surface of sodium alginate and activated carbon (SA‐AC) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The SA‐AC composite with special surface area suits for making sensitive sensors. Morphine showed an anodic peak in buffer solution of phosphate (pH=6.0) on MIP/SA‐AC/GCE. The optimization of the practical factors on the response and electrochemical behavior of template morphine on the modified electrode were precisely surveyed. The DPV outcomes exhibit high sensitivity for morphine detection within 0.1–1000.0 μM and limit of detection as 48 nM (S/N=3). The application of this disposable sensor in the case of urine samples was quite satisfactory.
High‐throughput 96‐well solid‐phase extraction for preparation of tetracycline followed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Chen Kang , Wang Jie , Li Shiyan , Wang Yang , Zhang Yiqi , Shen Qing
Published: December 2018

Tetracyclines abuse has frequently occurred in aquaculture against bacteria, rickettsiae, spirochetes, and mycoplasmas. In this study, a high‐throughput sample preparation method was developed using 96‐well plate solid‐phase extraction (p‐SPE) and the extract was analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The experimental conditions were optimized such that the pH is 4, the eluting solvent is methanol (2 mL), and the sorbent is hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB) microsphere. The whole protocol was validated, and it showed that the tetracyclines were linear with correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9990, precision and accuracy (RSD%) in 3.9–6.1%, and mean recoveries of 88.6–103.6%. To exhibit the potential of 96‐well p‐SPE as a routine tool for inspection and quarantine, fresh aquatic samples were tested, and among which positive samples were observed. This method was demonstrated to be promising for the purification and enrichment of tetracyclines with reduced time and labor, and indeed practically and particularly suitable for widespread tetracyclines analysis.
From conventional to mechanised tunnelling – A technical and operational challenge
Authors: Joham Kurt
Published: December 2018

The article provides a summarised report about the redesign of the 8,822 m long Boßler Tunnel from the originally intended shotcrete method to a mechanically driven tunnel. The twin‐bore Boßler Tunnel is the main contract on the Albaufstieg (Alb ascent) section of the new DB line from Wendlingen to Ulm as part of the major DB project Stuttgart–Ulm. In 2012, the tunnel was tendered by the DB AG for construction by conventional methods with shotcrete support, but a bid for the Boßler Tunnel was received from the consortium Porr, Hinteregger, Östu/Stettin and Swietelsky with an alternative proposal to drive a 2,900 m long section of the tunnel with a machine. The contract was awarded with the alternative proposal and during the construction of the Boßler Tunnel, a change was then made to complete mechanised tunnelling in a unique technical and operational process. The report provides an insight into the challenges of a change to the overall construction system, undertaken after the award during the construction period, for the driving of altogether 17,500 m of tunnel bores. Construction operations, logistics, design for construction, additional investigation measures and contractual parameters were reorganised and redesigned on a tight schedule. Starting with the original 5,800 m TBM drive and the start of tunnelling in April 2015, the entire Boßler Tunnel was actually constructed as a mechanically driven single‐pass tunnel by June 2018.
On the median pharyngeal valve of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Young Bruce A. , Bierman Hilary S.
Published: December 2018

The middle ear cavities of crocodilians have complex connections with the pharyngeal lumen, including lateral and median components which both open into a single chamber located on the dorsal midline of the pharynx. This chamber and the surrounding soft‐tissue is herein termed the median pharyngeal valve. In the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) this valve opens, for a duration of 0.3 s, approximately every 120 s; the patency of the median pharyngeal valve was not influenced by either auditory stimuli or by submersing the alligator underwater. The median pharyngeal valve has an outer capsule of dense connective tissue and fibrocartilage and an inner “plug” of loose connective tissue. These opposing surfaces are lined by respiratory epithelium and separated by a cavity that is continuous with the middle ear cavities and the pharyngeal lumen (through a central opening in the capsule termed the pore). The inner plug of the median pharyngeal valve is contacted by skeletal muscles positioned to serve as both elevators/retractors (which would open the valve) and elevators/protractors (which, in conjunction with gravity, would close the valve). Unlike other vertebrate valve systems, the median pharyngeal valve appears to function as a deformable ball check valve.
The energy of hydrogen bonds in aqueous suspensions of nanodiamonds with different surface functionalization
Authors: Laptinskiy K.A. , Bokarev A.N. , Dolenko S.A. , Plastun I.L. , Sarmanova O.E. , Shenderova O.A. , Dolenko T.A.
Published: December 2018

As a result of an experimental study of the Raman scattering valence bands of water in aqueous suspensions of detonation nanodiamonds with different functional surface groups, the energies of hydrogen bonds in suspensions of nanoparticles were calculated for the first time. It is shown that the degree of influence of different functional surface groups of nanodiamonds on hydrogen bonds in aqueous suspension decreases in the series H > polyfunctional surface > OH > COOH. The obtained data are confirmed by modeling of optimized nanodiamond structures in water clusters and theoretical calculations of the bond parameters in these structures by the density functional theory.
Effect of incremental levels of dietary total sulfur amino acids on performance of white leghorn laying hens fed diets containing guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) meal
Authors: Rama Rao Savaram , Paul Shyam S , Raju Mantena , Prakash Bhukiya , Srilatha Thota
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the potential of increasing dietary levels of the most limiting amino acids such as total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) with respect to mitigating the adverse effects of the inclusion of guar meal (GM) in the diet of WL layers on egg production, feed efficiency and egg weight. In total, 4928 WL (Lohmann L) hens (32 week of age) were randomly allotted to eight treatments with seven replicates of 88 birds. The dietary treatments were a set of four maize–soybean meal based diets containing four graded concentrations of TSAA (5.85, 6.18, 6.51 and 6.84 g kg−1) and another set of four diets containing 100 g kg−1 guar meal (GM) with similar concentrations of TSAA.

RESULTS

The inclusion of 100 g kg−1 GM in the diet caused a 20%, 23%, 35.5% and 6.7% reduction in egg production, daily egg mass, feed efficiency and egg weight, respectively, when the diet contained 5.85 g kg−1 TSAA. Increasing TSAA levels in GM groups reduced the adverse effects on egg production and feed efficiency 50%, with no effect on egg weight. The TSAA requirement of WL birds fed 10% GM was estimated as 6.28–7.39 g kg−1 diet at different ages.

CONCLUSION

Increasing dietary TSAA to 7.39, 6.28, 6.53 and 6.37 g kg−1 or dTSAA (digestible TSAA) to 6.53, 5.32, 5.80 and 5.63 g kg−1 during 33–36, 37–40, 41–44 and 45–48 weeks of age, respectively, may be an effective and practical strategy for reducing the adverse effects of inclusion of 100 g kg−1 GM in the diet of WL layers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Facile Synthesis of Resveratrol Nanogels with Enhanced Fluorescent Emission
Authors: Chen Xin , Yang Huailin , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: December 2018

Herein, a kind of fluorescent resveratrol nanogels via one‐pot thiol‐ene Michael addition polymerization of resveratrol triacrylate, 1,6‐hexanedithiol, and methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate is prepared. The resultant nanogels can be well‐dispersed in water with a hydrodynamic radius of around 68 nm, and the nanogels are stable in both water and organic solvents. Moreover, the resveratrol nanogels exhibit elevated fluorescence intensity compared to free resveratrol, and the quantum yield of resveratrol nanogels is estimated to be 5.8 times as that of free resveratrol dispersed in water. Fluorescence image results also demonstrate that the resveratrol nanogels can be used for cell imaging in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, the resveratrol nanogels are expected to be used as a trackable drug delivery system.
Dual functions of chloride ions on corrosion behavior of mild steel in CO2 saturated aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Hou Lifeng , Wei Yinghui , Du Huayun , Wei Huan , Liu Baosheng , Chen Xiaobo
Published: December 2018

Corrosion behavior of mild steel in CO2 saturated aqueous solutions at room temperature as a function of concentration of chloride ions was investigated through electrochemical and surface characterizations. In CO2 saturated solutions, mild steel corrodes rapidly with the chloride ions concentration until a peak value around 0.2 mol/L as a result of the adsorption and catalytic dissolution mechanism of chloride ions on Fe matrix. In contrast, the corrosion rate of mild steel is retained at a stable value with excess chloride ions, which is ascribed to the limited engagement of CO2 related species in the reaction.
Low‐phase noise 8.22 GHz GaN HEMT oscillator using a feedback multi‐path transformer
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Hou Jui Chieh , Shih Bi‐Sheng , Li Guan‐Zhang
Published: December 2018

This article designs a low‐phase noise 8.22 GHz GaN high electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) oscillator in the WIN 0.25 μm GaN HEMT process. The oscillator uses a HEMT amplifier with a transformer as the feedback network. The transformer uses a 3‐path secondary inductor and a single‐path primary inductor. The GaN oscillator consumes the power 4.328 mW and generates a signal at 8.22 GHz with an output power −11.35 dBm. At 1 MHz frequency offset from the carrier at 8.22 GHz the phase noise is −120.82 dBc/Hz, the figure of merit of the proposed oscillator is −192.76 dBc/Hz. The oscillator chip occupies an area of 2 × 1 mm2.
A broadband microstrip patch antenna with multiple open slots
Authors: Li Wei‐Wen , Li Qiu‐Hao , Meng Yang , Wang Jin‐Yu , Xu Wei‐Ming
Published: December 2018

To construct a wideband microstrip patch antenna, the air‐filled dielectric substrate is used, 3 open slots are loaded perpendicular to the radiating edge of the rectangular patch element, and an asymmetric feed point is selected. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna can achieve a relative bandwidth of >40% when the thickness of the air dielectric substrate is about 0.08 wavelengths. The analysis results indicate that the antenna resonant mechanism at lower frequencies is different from that at higher frequencies. The low frequency radiation is typical linear polarization, while the high frequency radiation has the rotating field characteristic and therefore has large cross polarization component. However, the gain in the working frequency band is above 8.5 dBi, indicating that the proposed antenna has high directivity.
Baseline imbalances and clinical outcomes of atypical antipsychotics in dementia: A meta‐epidemiological study of randomized trials
Authors: Hulshof Tessa A. , Zuidema Sytse U. , van Meer Peter J.K. , Gispen‐de Wied Christine C. , Luijendijk Hendrika J.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess baseline imbalances in placebo‐controlled trials of atypical antipsychotics in dementia, and their association with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and mortality.

Method

We searched for trials in multiple sources. Two reviewers extracted baseline characteristics and outcomes per treatment group. We calculated direction, range, pooled mean, and heterogeneity in the baseline differences, and used meta‐regression for the relationship with the outcomes.

Results

We identified 23 trials. Baseline type of dementia, cognitive impairment and NPS were poorly reported. The drug group had a higher mean age than the placebo group in nine trials and lower mean age in three trials (p = 0.073). The difference in percentage men between the drug and placebo group ranged from −9.7% to 4.4%. There were no statistically significant pooled baseline differences, but heterogeneity was present for age. Higher mean age at baseline in the drug versus placebo group was significantly associated with greater reduction in NPS, and higher percentage of non‐White persons with lower risk of EPS. Imbalances were not significantly associated with risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Randomized trials of atypical antipsychotics in dementia showed baseline imbalances that were associated with higher efficacy and lower risk of EPS for atypical antipsychotics versus placebo.
Impact of Intravenous Lipid Emulsions Containing Fish Oil on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Surgical Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Honeywell Samantha , Zelig Rena , Rigassio Radler Diane
Published: December 2018

A fish oil (FO)–containing intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE; FO ILE) has been approved for use in the United States; however, similar formulations have been used throughout Europe and China in intensive care units since the 1990s. This literature review evaluates the evidence regarding the effectiveness of FO ILE on clinical outcomes in the critically ill surgical patient population. The review of available evidence demonstrates that ILEs containing FO lower triglyceride concentrations, inflammatory markers, and liver function enzymes, and improve morbidity and mortality outcomes in critically ill surgical patients.
Effective thermal conductivity for nanocarbon/polyimide and carbon nanofiber/hexagonal boron nitride/polyimide composites
Authors: Haruki Masashi , Tanaka Keitaro , Tada Jun , Onishi Hajime , Tada Yukio
Published: December 2018

Effective thermal conductivity (TC) was experimentally measured for single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/polyimide (PI) composites with a filler content up to 8 vol% and for carbon nanofiber (CNF)/PI composites with a filler content up to 24 vol%. The measurement results indicated that the values for effective TC for SWCNT/PI and CNF/PI composites were similar up to a filler content of 8 vol%. The experimental results were then correlated via thermal conductive models proposed by Xue and by Hamilton and Crosser, and reasonable correlation results were obtained for both the SWCNT/PI and CNF/PI composite sheets. The Nielsen model capably reproduced the experimental TC values without parameter‐fitting operations. Moreover, correlations using the effective medium approach (EMA) were also performed by adjusting the interfacial resistance. Good correlation results were obtained for both the SWCNT/PI and CNF/PI composites, and the correlated interfacial resistance showed reasonable values that compared to those found in the literature. Furthermore, the effect that the coadditions of CNF and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exerted on the effective TC of PI was investigated for a wide range of ratios of CNF to hBN. A small amount of CNF significantly increased the effective TC of CNF/hBN/PI composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3032–3039, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Roll Tide
Authors: Toensmeier Pat
Published: December 2018

As industry executives tally “wish lists” for business in 2019, several points are clear based on their experiences this year. The most successful strategies in this banner year of sales and profits focus keenly on advancing innovative technologies in materials, equipment, and applications. High‐tech and specialty markets are the best targets for growth and profitability. Additionally, no company should stint on investments in capacity, manufacturing, workforce training, or other vital capabilities when demand is strong.
A Spin‐2 Conjecture on the Swampland
Authors: Klaewer Daniel , Lüst Dieter , Palti Eran
Published: December 2018

We consider effective theories with massive fields that have spins larger than or equal to two. We conjecture a universal cutoff scale on any such theory that depends on the lightest mass of such fields. This cutoff corresponds to the mass scale of an infinite tower of states, signalling the breakdown of the effective theory. The cutoff can be understood as the Weak Gravity Conjecture applied to the Stückelberg gauge field in the mass term of the high spin fields. A strong version of our conjecture applies even if the graviton itself is massive, so to massive gravity. We provide further evidence for the conjecture from string theory.
Inside Cover: Cover Image, Volume 75, Issue 1
Authors: Santos Samuel Alves dos , Tuffi‐Santos Leonardo David , Tanaka Francisco André Ossamu , Sant'Anna‐Santos Bruno Francisco , Rodrigues Fabrício de Ávila , Alfenas Acelino Couto
Published: December 2018

The inside cover image is based on the Research Article Carfentrazone‐ethyl and glyphosate drift inhibits uredinial formation of Austropuccinia psidii on Eucalyptus grandis leaves by Samuel Alves dos Santos et al., DOI: 10.1002/ps.5163.

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Optimal Bayesian maintenance policy for a gearbox subject to two dependent failure modes
Authors: Li Xin , Makis Viliam , Zhao Zhendong , Zuo Hongfu , Duan Chaoqun , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: December 2018

Most maintenance optimization models of gear systems have considered single failure mode. There have been very few papers dealing with multiple failure modes, considering mostly independent failure modes. In this paper, we present an optimal Bayesian control scheme for early fault detection of the gear system with dependent competing risks. The system failures include degradation failure and catastrophic failure. A three‐state continuous‐time–homogeneous hidden Markov model (HMM), namely the model with unobservable healthy and unhealthy states, and an observable failure state, describes the deterioration process of the gear system. The condition monitoring information as well as the age of the system are considered in the proposed optimal Bayesian maintenance policy. The objective is to maximize the long‐run expected average system availability per unit time. The maintenance optimization model is formulated and solved in a semi‐Markov decision process (SMDP) framework. The posterior probability that the system is in the warning state is used for the residual life estimation and Bayesian control chart development. The prediction results show that the mean residual lives obtained in this paper are much closer to the actual values than previously published results. A comparison with the Bayesian control chart based on the previously published HMM and the age‐based replacement policy is given to illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate that the Bayesian control scheme with two dependent failure modes can detect the gear fault earlier and improve the availability of the system.
A DFT study on the possibility of using a single Cu atom incorporated nitrogen‐doped graphene as a promising and highly active catalyst for oxidation of CO
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Mousavian Parisasadat
Published: December 2018

Using dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a single Cu adatom incorporated nitrogen‐doped graphene (CuN3‐Gr) is proposed as a new and highly active noble‐metal‐free catalyst for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation reaction. According to our results, the Cu adatom can be stably anchored onto the monovavancy site of the nitrogen‐doped graphene, and the resulting large diffusion barrier suggests that the metal clustering is avoided in CuN3‐Gr. Three possible reaction mechanisms for CO oxidation (ie, Eley–Rideal, Langmuir–Hinshelwood, and termolecular Eley–Rideal) are systematically studied. It is found that the activation energy for the rate‐determining step of the termolecular Eley–Rideal mechanism is only 0.13 eV, which is much smaller than those of others. The results of this study may provide a useful guideline for the design of highly active and promising single‐metal catalysts for the CO oxidation reaction based on graphene.
Facile Construction and In Silico Study of Quinoline‐Attached Resorcinarene Fluorescent Sensor for the Recognition of Insensitive Munition Compounds
Authors: Panchal Urvi , Modi Krunal , Liska Alan , Ludvik Jiri , Dey Shuvankar , Patel Chirag , Jain V. K.
Published: December 2018

N‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (MNA), an insensitive munition is selectively and sensitively recognized by a new resorcinarene bearing quinoline moiety, i.e, Tetra‐Methoxy Resorcinarene Tetra‐Quinoline Acetamide (TMRTQA). A simple and efficient spectrofluorimetric technique demonstrates the quenching of the fluorescence intensity of TMRTQA upon addition of MNA within concentration limits of 2 nM to 1 μM. Binding constant and quantum yield have been determined in this study. Molecular docking studies have been performed to predict the best binding affinity and the possible interactions for the formation of complex between TMRTQA and MNA supporting the 1:1 stoichiometry. Density functional theory calculation also support the excitation wavelength and geometry optimization. MNA being a hazardous environmental pollutant has been successfully detected from the water sample by standard addition method.
Selective High Binding Affinity of Azacyanines to polyd(A) polyd(T)⋅polyd(T) Triplex: The Effect of Chain Length and Branching on Stabilization, Selectivity and Affinity
Authors: Tutuncu Serra , Guloglu Sercan , Kucukakdag Ayca , Cetinkol Ozgul Persil
Published: December 2018

Triplex nucleic acid structures receive considerable attention due to their possible role in anti‐gene therapy, several diseases as Friedreich's ataxia and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) based nano‐structures. The modulation of triplex formation and its stabilization using small molecules is one way to enhance their utility in such applications. Here, we synthesized five new Azacyanines (Azaethyl (2 b), Azapropyl (2 c), Azaisopropyl (2 d), Azabutyl (2 e), Azaisobutyl (2 f)) and assessed their affinity and selectivity towards polyd(A), polyd(T), polyd(A)⋅polyd(T) and polyd(A)⋅polyd(T)⋅polyd(T) along with the previously synthesized Azamethyl (2 a). Our UV‐Vis, CD and competition dialysis results revealed that Azacyanines were selective towards polyd(A)⋅polyd(T)⋅polyd(T) triplex. They were stabilizing triplex structure to different degrees, the degree of stabilization being dependent on the alkyl chain length and branching on the benzimidazole ring. Thermal denaturation temperature of the triplex in the presence of Azacyanines was increasing in order: Azamethyl (2 a) > Azaethyl (2 b) > Azapropyl (2 c) > Azabutyl (2 e)> Azaisobutyl (2 f) > Azaisopropyl (2 d). Our results also demonstrate that, Azamethyl (2 a) was able to disproportionate polyd(A)⋅polyd(T) into intercalated polyd(A)⋅polyd(T)⋅polyd(T) complex.
The great pyramids of America: A revised history of U.S. business groups, corporate ownership, and regulation, 1926–1950
Authors: Kandel Eugene , Kosenko Konstantin , Morck Randall , Yafeh Yishay
Published: December 2018

Research Summary: Control‐magnifying (pyramidal) business groups—multiple tiers of partially‐owned listed affiliates and fully‐owned private affiliates, a dominant organizational form around the world—are virtually absent in America today. Using newly‐assembled historical data, we show that such groups were ubiquitous in the U.S. economy in the 1930s. They came under attack because of their economic and political sway: Some New Deal reforms—proscriptions against public utilities pyramids, intercorporate dividend taxes, and rules governing investment companies—were explicitly aimed at deterring existing groups and preventing new ones from forming. Others, for example, estate taxes and securities law reforms, may have also worked against them. No single reform triggered the immediate dissolution of groups; they broke up under an ongoing anti‐big business sentiment. These events offer lessons for policymakers today.

Managerial Summary: Most listed U.S. firms are “standalone”—they do not control, and are not controlled by, other listed firms. Control‐magnifying (pyramidal) business groups—multiple tiers of partially‐owned listed affiliates and fully‐owned private affiliates (e.g., Samsung or Tata)—are ubiquitous around the world but virtually absent in United States. In such groups, the combination of multiple tiers and partial ownership enables control over vast corporate empires. Using newly‐assembled historical data, we show that the U.S. corporate ownership as we know it today is a recent phenomenon: pyramidal groups were common in United States of the 1930s. President Roosevelt, who regarded their economic and political power as excessive, initiated a sequence of reforms which appears to have worn these groups down and probably also kept new ones from forming. JEL CLASSIFICATION: G3, G34, G38, N22.