bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Liquid‐Crystalline Networks with Hydrogel‐Like Actuation and Reconfigurable Function
Authors: Jiang Jie , Han Li , Ge Feijie , Xiao Yaoyu , Cheng Ruidong , Tong Xia , Zhao Yue
Published: December 2021

A porous liquid‐crystalline network (LCN), prepared by using a template method, was found to exhibit peculiar actuation functions. The creation of porosity makes the initially hydrophobic LCN behave like a hydrogel, capable of absorbing a large volume of water (up to ten times the sample size of LCN). When the amount of absorbed water is relatively small (about 100 % swelling ratio), the porous LCN displays anisotropic swelling in water and, in the same time, the retained uniaxial alignment of mesogens ensures a thermally induced shape change associated with a LC‐isotropic phase transition. Combining the characteristic actuation mechanisms of LCN (order–disorder transition of mesogens) and hydrogel (water absorption), such porous LCNs can be explored for versatile stimuli‐triggered shape transformations. Moreover, the porosity enables loading/removal/reloading of functional fillers such as ionic liquids, photothermal dyes and fluorophores, which imparts the porous LCN actuator with reconfigurable functions such as ionic conductivity, light‐driven locomotion, and emissive color.
Multinuclear silver N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes provoke potent anticancer activity via mitochondrial dysfunction and cell necrosis induction
Authors: Zheng Weihong , Zheng Qing , Chen Chao , Wang Hangxiang
Published: December 2021

Three silver N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes (Ag1–Ag3) were designed and synthesized using quinoline‐functionalized benzoimidazole salts (L1–L3). Both NHC precursors and resultant silver‐NHC complexes were characterized by NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. X‐ray diffraction analysis was additionally performed to investigate the crystal structures of these silver‐NHC complexes. The results showed that Ag1 is a dinuclear silver complex with a deviated linear geometry. Ag2 has a disilver core in which two silver atoms are coordinated by two quinoline‐functionalized carbene ligands and one acetonitrile molecule. The silver‐NHC complex Ag3 is composed of a silver‐triangle formed by three silver atoms and three carbene ligands. The in vitro cytotoxic studies revealed that silver‐NHC complexes had stronger antitumor activity than their corresponding NHC precursors. Notably, after a 24‐h exposure to cancer cells, Ag2 presented the highest cytotoxicity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 1.74 ± 0.08 μM in A2780 cells, which was approximately 14‐fold lower than that of the clinically approved metallodrug cisplatin (IC50 = 24.74 ± 1.35 μM). Detailed mechanistic studies suggested that the complex Ag2 provoked intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which eventually resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell potent necrosis. Overall, our studies show that NHC‐coordinated silver complexes can be readily constructed and used as an attractive class of anticancer agents, which is conductive for further investigation of their therapeutic potential for treating cisplatin‐resistant cancers.
Deciphering the mechanism behind efficient enantioselective ethylation with thiazolidine‐based amino alcohols
Authors: Tavares Nélia C. T. , Cacho Vanessa R. G. , Costa Dora C. S. , Nunes Sandra C. C. , Pais Alberto A. C. C. , Murtinho Dina , Silva Serra M. Elisa
Published: December 2021

Taking advantage of the opposite chirality of two privileged starting materials, l‐cysteine and d‐penicillamine, a wide range of thiazolidine‐based amino alcohols was synthesized. l‐Cysteine derivatives were more efficient chiral inductors than the d‐penicillamine ones, with ee up to 92% in the enantioselective ethylation of benzaldehyde. The scope of the best catalyst was evaluated using several aromatic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic aldehydes, providing excellent (S)‐enantioselectivities. Given the opposite chirality of the l‐cysteine and d‐penicillamine thiazolidines, it was expected that the use of one or the other type of derivative as ligand would allow the formation of opposite configurations of the alkylated product. However, whereas the l‐cysteine thiazolidines predominantly gave the (S) form of the alkylated product, the d‐penicillamine ones led to both configurations. The significant difference in the stereochemical outcome of this reaction when catalyzed by the two types of ligands prompted us to investigate the reasons behind such results. Extensive quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to identify the transition state structures by which the enantioselective ethylation of benzaldehyde in the presence of these type of amino alcohols can proceed. An alternative path for the rate‐determining step was also explored and found decisive for the rationalization of the experimental outcomes. It was observed that the type of ligand dictates the accessible reaction paths for the formation of the chiral product, which ultimately determine the balance between the two possible configurations.
Influence of dispersing aids on nano alumina/micro aluminum tri hydrate filled silicone rubber composites for outdoor high voltage insulators
Authors: Ashitha Parambalath Narendran , Akhil Sreedharan , Varughese Konnanilkummathil Thomas
Published: December 2021

Nano alumina and micro aluminum tri hydrate filled high‐temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber composites were prepared with dispersing aids of surfactant Triton™‐X‐100 (TX‐100) and silane coupling agent 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐570), through an in situ modification technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were carried out to understand the effects of dispersing aids on the structural and crystallographic properties of composites. Scanning electron microscopy images of TX‐100 dispersed composites revealed the presence of several localized regions of agglomeration, whereas KH‐570 dispersed composites showed moderate dispersion. Measurements of volume resistivity demonstrated an increment of four decades for KH‐570 dispersed nanocomposite over TX‐100. Better compatibility between fillers and base matrix through KH‐570 was evident from the low loss factor values. Inclined plane tracking and erosion results were discussed in detail with leakage current analysis. The binary composite prepared with KH‐570 was observed to resist the detrimental dry band arcing and subsequent erosion by 2 h and 20 min over TX‐100 dispersed composite. Dry arc resistance and the formation of thermal pathways connecting micro and nanofillers were discussed in detail. FTIR analysis of ash generated after inclined plane tracking and erosion test confirmed the surfacing of added fillers. KH‐570 dispersed composites showed superior properties as compared to composites prepared with TX‐100.
Role of blend phase ratio in controlling morphology, compressive, and recovery behavior of low‐density polyethylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate foams
Authors: Katbab Pouya , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Katbab Ali Asghar , Kontopoulou Marianna
Published: December 2021

This work presents a detailed study on the influence of blend phase ratio upon the morphology, crystallinity, mechanical and viscoelastic properties of cross‐linked foams based on blends of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Non‐isothermal foaming is carried out via melt compression molding using dicumyl peroxide and azodicarbonamide as crosslinking and foaming agents, respectively. Rheo‐mechanical spectrometer characterization reveals faster crosslinking for EVA, leading to higher rate of melt viscosity increase for EVA‐rich blends during heating. This results in the formation of foams with higher cell density and gel content than LDPE‐rich foams. Compressive stress–strain behavior and viscoelastic hysteresis of the LDPE‐rich foams are governed by the degree of crystallinity and cell density, whereas for the EVA‐rich foams cell density and gel content are dominant. Increasing the crosslink density results in enhanced compressive behavior with excellent recovery of stress to 60% strain during four compression cycles.
Sweepstakes or contests: The effect of uncertainty type on consumption behavior
Authors: Shen Zhengyu , Ming Yaxin
Published: December 2021

Given their widespread application and the benefits provided to marketers, the inconclusive effects of uncertain promotions need to be further explored. This research demonstrates that the effectiveness of uncertain promotions varies with the type of uncertainty involved in the promotions (i.e., sweepstakes and contests). Based on real‐world data from one of the largest commercial banks in China and three controlled experiments, we found consistent evidence supporting the advantages of sweepstakes promotions over contest promotions, even when both uncertain promotions had the same cost for consumers. We suggest that this effect occurs because of the consumers have a higher perception of confidence and thus, perceive the probability of winning the reward is higher in sweepstakes than in contest, thereby indicating the underlying mechanism of the effect of the uncertain promotion type on consumer preference.
Grain micronutrient composition and yield components in field‐grown wheat are negatively impacted by high night‐time temperature
Authors: Hein Nathan T. , Impa Somayanda M. , Wagner Dan , Bheemanahalli Raju , Kumar Ritesh , Tiwari Manish , Prasad P. V. Vara , Tilley Michael , Wu Xiaorong , Neilsen Mitchell , Jagadish S. V. Krishna
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is highly vulnerable to heat stress during sensitive growth and developmental stages, including grain‐filling. The impact of high daytime heat stress on wheat yield and quality losses has been extensively investigated, while information related to high night‐time temperature (HNT) is limited. The major objective was to ascertain the changes in wheat grain macro‐ and micro‐nutrient composition and yield‐related parameters on exposure to HNT during grain‐filling. Twelve diverse genotypes were grown in field‐based custom‐built heat tents that allowed natural light and temperature conditions during the day and imposed stress overnight.

Findings

The field‐tents imposed a 3.2°C higher night‐time temperature compared to ambient conditions throughout the grain‐filling period. HNT stress reduced 200 grain weight by 1.9%, grain yield by 3.1%, seed starch content by 2.5%, and seed protein content by 3.6% per °C increase in HNT.

Conclusions

HNT had significant negative effect on grain macro‐ and micro‐nutrient content. However, starch and protein concentrations were differentially correlated with grain nutrients, with starch negatively correlated with many of the micronutrients under control and HNT.

Significance and novelty

This negative correlation highlights the imperative balance of seed micronutrient composition that needs to be maintained as efforts are intensified to enhance grain yield under favorable and warming environments.
Polycrystalline CoO−Co9S8 Heterostructure Nanoneedle Arrays as Bifunctional Catalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Xinlin , Jiang Ran , Dong Cunku , Liu Hui , Yang Jing , Du Xiwen
Published: December 2021

It is a great challenge to synthesize efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting, especially non‐noble metal catalysts. Herein, one‐dimensional polycrystalline nanoneedles composed of CoO−Co9S8 nano heterostructures, in situ grown on carbon fiber paper are prepared for efficient overall water electrolysis. Due to strong electronic coupling, charge densities of Co2+/Co3+ in Co9S8 and Co2+ in CoO are favorably modified at the interface of CoO and Co9S8, resulting in optimized reaction intermediates absorption and greatly enhanced bifunctional HER/OER activities. CoO−Co9S8/CFP delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte at overpotentials of 184 mV and 270 mV for HER and OER, respectively. When used as electrocatalyst for overall water splitting, it needs a low cell potential of 1.66 V to realize water electrolysis at 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a new strategy to tune the electronic structures of transitional metal active sites via constructing nano heterostructures for efficient water electrolysis.
Maximum Transparency – Messeturm Frankfurt
Authors: Feirabend Steffen , Starz Florian , Mrzigod Alexandra , Eckardt Peter , Kloker Stefan
Published: December 2021

The Messeturm in Frankfurt/Main is currently adjusted to the requirements of a modern office building. The lobby area has been enlarged by a highly transparent facade consisting of oversized insulating glass (IG) units. The IG units are curved and have a size of up to 17 m x 2.8 m. The IG units are supported by tapered stainless steel fins. Inclined steel beams connect the top of the facade fins with the tower structure creating a rounded roof. The facade with its glass roof allows maximum transparency for people inside the lobby as well as for people passing by.
Uber – Highly transparent facades in seismic prone region
Authors: Oppe Matthias , Grün Stefanie
Published: December 2021

The new headquarter of Uber, designed by SHoP Architects, for a total of up to 3.000 employees is located in the Mission Bay neighbourhood of San Francisco (USA). The project's goal is to bring this developing stretch of Mission Bay into step with the successful, human‐scaled urban environments for which San Francisco is famous. Key to that goal is the “inside‐out” design of the two central cubic six and eleven‐story tall elements with transparent building envelopes. While developing and planning the sophisticated facade system the major challenge was implementation of high architectural demands to achieve a building envelope with a maximized transparency. Furthermore, a high ground acceleration due to the geographical location resulting in large seismic deformation and forces had to be considered during design of the facade structure.
Chemically strengthened glass for architectural applications
Authors: Zaccaria Marco , Dubru Michel , Lucca Nerio , Šikyňová Anna
Published: December 2021

Chemically strengthened glass is commonly used for applications that require high strength, such as boat and train windshields, control towers and the like. The strengthening process provides the glass with a surface residual stress that outperforms other strengthened glass types, such as thermally toughened glass. However, its use has been limited, probably for two main reasons: its high cost compared to other strengthening method and the perceived loss of the strengthening if glass surface is damaged. With the recent developments in the field of thin glass, where chemical strengthening is the only possible pre‐stressing method, there is the opportunity to better understand the process and the procedure to make it a safe material for architectural applications. In this paper, an extensive investigation on chemically strengthened glass is presented. Different parameters are considered, such as different thicknesses and chemical strengthening process conditions. The work consists of photoelastic measurement and destructive test. The data arising from the tests are elaborated with the purpose of suggesting a method to calculate the design strength of chemically strengthened glass according to the existing design standards. It is highlighted the importance to qualify chemically strengthened glass in terms of its residual stress profile.
Experimental investigation and Mohr‐Coulomb plasticity modeling of glass fragments from pre‐stressed glass panes
Authors: Pauli Alexander , Kraus Michael A. , Siebert Geralt
Published: December 2021

The numerical treatment of the residual load‐bearing behaviour of laminated glasses (LG) is currently a much‐noticed topic, although there are only few approaches for an accurate representation of the experimentally observed behaviour. If one tries to characterize the load bearing behaviour, several mechanisms have to be mapped. In addition to the hyper‐viscoelastic behaviour of the interlayer and the bond between glass fragment structure and interlayer (delamination), another important aspect is the friction between the glass fragments. This interlocking of the glass fragments leads to a significant stiffening effect of the polymeric interlayer and will be examined in more detail in this paper. Therefore frame shear tests, which are common in geotechnical engineering to determine the shear strength of soils, are performed on glass fragments of different thicknesses and levels of thermal prestress. The test results are then used to calibrate a Mohr‐Coulomb material model of plasticity to represent a failure criterion. The goal is to transfer one of the decisive load‐bearing mechanisms of laminated safety‐glass (LSG) made of fully tempered glass (FTG) into a numerical model and thus contribute to the numerical calculation of the residual load‐bearing capacity.
Experimental investigations on the fracture strength of soda‐lime silica glass at elevated temperatures
Authors: Schwind Gregor , von Blücher Fabian , Drass Michael , Schneider Jens
Published: December 2021

The surface strength of glass plays a significant role when dimensioning glass components in structural facades. Commonly soda‐lime silica glass is used as material in architectural glass design. Different environmental conditions for example the load rate, relative humidity, surface flaws etc., but also the ambient temperature can have a strong influence on the resulting surface strength. The relationship between temperature, especially elevated temperatures, and surface strength of soda‐lime silica glass has so far been rarely investigated. Therefore, this paper methodically presents an experimental test setup for the determination of bending strength at elevated temperatures as well as first results. To determine the bending tensile strength of soda‐lime silica glass as float glass, the double ring bending test was conducted on specimens with small test surfaces according to EN 1288‐5. The double ring bending tests were performed using a tensile fatigue testing machine with furnace on circular glass plates of soda‐lime silica glass in a temperature range from room temperature to 550 °C. Before testing, the specimens were first pre‐damaged (inducing crack with diamond), stored and heat treated as the final pre‐treatment step. To determine the load rate for the experiments at elevated temperatures, the experiment was simulated in advance for the various temperatures using the finite element method with consideration of structural relaxation. To account for the structural relaxation, the Narayanaswamy model was utilized.
Insulation glass units made of thin glass‐polycarbonate composite panels
Authors: Weimar Thorsten , Vuylsteke Laura
Published: December 2021

The combination of brittle thin glass with ductile polycarbonate leads to innovative composite panels. Two outer thin glass panels with one or more inner polycarbonate sheets represent an alternative to conventional laminated safety glass as security safety glazing with a resistance against manual attack. Following development to multi‐pane insulation glazing presents the additional advantages of the composite panel to thermal insulation. This study documents the design of single thin‐glass polycarbonate composite panels as security glazing to multi‐pane insulation glazing with the highest resistance class P8B against manual attack. The paper describes the evolution of the insulation glass unit and the experimental research to reach the defined values of resistance class, heat transfer coefficient and energy transmission. This results in slighter single composite panels and insulation glazing as an innovative alternative to common laminated safety glass as security glazing.
The dynamic structural response of a laminated glass balustrade analysed with optical measurements
Authors: Portal Natalie Williams , Flansbjer Mathias , Honfi Daniel , Kozłowski Marcin
Published: December 2021

A recent research project investigating the structural safety of self‐supporting glass components aims to contribute to the development of future guidelines for architectural glazing applications. A specific task within the project was concerned with extending the current knowledge about the effect of impact loading and related testing methods regarding the safety of glass structures. The method described in the paper combines high‐speed 3D‐DIC and FEA to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic structural response of self‐supporting glass balustrade components, which in turn can enhance product development and user safety.
Adé ETAG 002 – A Eurocode‐compliant design concept for silicone adhesive joints
Authors: Drass Michael , Kraus Michael A.
Published: December 2021

Hyperelastic adhesives such as structural silicones have excellent properties for bonding brittle materials like glass. They typically have a low modulus of elasticity, high elongation at break and good adhesion to many materials such as glass, stainless steel and aluminium. They transfer loads homogeneously and can compensate for large differences in deformation caused, for example, by wind loads and temperature discrepancies. However, there is no uniform design concept for silicone adhesive joints in structural facade construction, so it is not surprising that a large number of possibilities exist for designing silicone adhesive joints. This paper presents a general procedure for the state‐of‐the‐art design of hyperelastic adhesive joints, which is independent of the selected silicone adhesive and ETAG 002. It uses the approaches from the Eurocode 1900 and 1991 in connection with the ETAG 002 for the dimensioning in order to create a link between both concepts on the one hand and to create a dimensioning approach according to European law, namely the Eurocode, on the other hand. Case studies on a hanging car on thin, glued glass panes and a freely formed glass facade show its application.
Benefits of optical distortion measurement – How Moiré technology drives the efficiency of glass production chains
Authors: Mitra Thomas
Published: December 2021

High‐quality glass is facing a significantly growing demand. Especially display glass and automotive applications are boosting the market and the industrial pursuit for highest quality, requiring not only defect free sheets but also flawless optical properties. The technology to be introduced in this paper concerns the measurement of optical power inhomogeneities of glass, additional to reliably detecting cords, reams, zip lines and other common optical glass defects. Quality monitoring also comprehensively gives hints for the optimization of the entire float glass process via product and quality data. By relying on the ISRA technology, manufacturers can ensure the delivery of defect‐free float glass with certified optical quality regarding Diopter or Zebra values. The paper provides a closer look at ISRA's patented innovative optical distortion measurement, giving an overview about how users can benefit from the in‐line Moiré technology, which ensures highest product quality and enhances global competitiveness.
Lightweight and Transparent Installations
Authors: Lenk Peter
Published: December 2021

Glass was always considered a luxury product. A variety of industry awards and sports trophies are still made from the material. On a small scale, expert glaziers will produce masterpieces of exquisite nature. On a larger scale, standard architectural glass products have to be used imaginatively to deliver artisan quality. In this paper, we will reflect upon a decade of projects our team in Arup facade engineering was fortunate to collaborate on. The projects are interlinked with a golden thread of passion, inspiration, and innovation. The construction industry is based on risk mitigation, so those projects are incubators of innovative ideas, tested in real‐life environments without the warranty and insurance pressures of larger jobs.
Connecting Artificial Intelligence and Structural Glass Engineering – Overview, Potentials and Case Studies
Authors: Kraus Michael A. , Drass Michael
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to structural glass engineering and glass industry audience. The first part of the paper is concerned with lying nomenclature and theory foundation of AI and its subclasses of Machine and Deep Learning (ML/DL), elaborating the specific needs and requirements for the application in a structural glass context. A subsequent section explores applications of AI for different subjects within the production and quality assessment of glass products as well as the design, verification and monitoring of facades and glass structures. This paper presents successfully conducted industry projects by the authors, which are: supervised ML for material parameter identification of polymeric interlayers used in laminated glass, the prediction of sound insulation properties of insulation glass units and glass laminates and the application of computer vision DL methods to image classification of the Pummel test. A visionary outlook highlights how to use AI for future generative design and verification of glass structures for rapid collaborative prototyping. The summary and conclusion section wraps up the main findings for the applicability and impact of AI for the presented structural glass research and industry problems. This paper shows, that already by today in many cases AI, data, software and computing resources are already in place to successfully implement and conduct AI projects in the glass industry and structural glass engineering practice.
Energy‐efficient and sustainable composite facade constructions
Authors: Fadai Alireza , Stephan Daniel
Published: December 2021

Society currently undergoes a transformation process in understanding the environmental impact of its resource exploitation. The growing importance of resource‐efficiency and the reduction of the environmental impacts are being widely discussed and investigated. Therefore, the European Union (EU) countries have implemented energy efficiency regulations in all sectors, including the building sector, which is accountable for 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of CO2 emissions within the EU. In modern facade constructions, the use of large‐scaled glass elements is inevitable, which has led to the investigation of potential optimization of structural performance, energy efficiency and ecological characteristics of the structural building components. The Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering (ITI) at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) developed several timber‐based composite systems, combining timber and wood concrete on the one hand, as well as timber and structural glass components on the other hand. Through various combination of the individual composite systems, certain advantages as well as the synergies resulting from the different combinations could be shown. Different types of combined timber, wood concrete and glass composite structures for facades are developed, assessed and compared to conventional facade structures. The comparison is carried out regarding the materialization on component level, as well as the overall construction level, whereby a scale‐independent assessment of the examined construction types could be reached. This assessment shall further be enabled by a broad‐spectrum computation, ranging from static and dynamic thermal simulations for annual heating and overheating periods up to various thereof resulting ecological impact calculations. In terms of ecological building design, the conceptual implementation of the building envelope plays an important role in the thermal comfort of the inner rooms, as well as the glare and reflection by the use of daylight. One advantage of large‐scale glass facades is the possibility to implement a high portion of solar entries into the total energy concept. The extremely versatile application possibilities allow different sectors of power generation, such as photovoltaic cells in the facade, thermal collectors for heat generation or algae panels, which generate biogas by photosynthesis process. The gained energy can further operate heating and cooling systems but also hot water supply.
A Rare Alder‐ene Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐Allenynes
Authors: Joyce Liam M. , Drew Melanie A. , Tague Andrew J. , Thaima Thanaphat , Gouranourimi Ali , Ariafard Alireza , Pyne Stephen G. , Hyland Christopher J. T.
Published: December 2021

Thermally induced cycloisomerization reactions of 1,6‐allenynes gives α‐methylene‐γ‐lactams via intramolecular Alder‐ene reactions. The mechanism is supported by computational and deuterium labelling studies. This thermal, non‐radical method enables the discovery of a hitherto unknown route that proceeds via a divergent mechanism distinct from the previous [2+2] cycloisomerization manifold.
A new model for trustworthy web service QoS prediction
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Mohsen , Ghafouri Seyyed Hamid , Hung Patrick C. K. , Ding Chen
Published: December 2021

The number of web services available on the internet has exploded, and as a result, the number of services with the same functionality has exploded as well. Therefore, selecting the best web service from functionally similar services is a critical task in the web service domain. The Quality of Service (QoS) is one of the most common criteria used to select the best web service. Collaborative filtering (CF) has been utilized in several studies to predict the values of QoS attributes of web services for each user in a personalized way. The QoS histories of other users are employed in these methods to predict the QoS values of the active user. Although these methods function well and produce acceptable prediction results, the accuracy of their predictions can be harmed by incorrect data provided by untrustworthy users. In this study, we propose a new model that reduces the impact of unreliable user data, resulting in a trustworthy prediction. This model can be applied to any existing prediction method. In experiments, the proposed model was applied to seven known prediction methods. The results indicate that this model is able to eliminate the impact of unreliable users.
Discrimination of two nonorthogonal states against amplitude‐damping noise via feed‐forward control
Authors: Yang Yong‐Li , Yang Yu‐Guang , Zhou Yi‐Hua , Shi Wei‐Min
Published: December 2021

Guo et al. introduced the quantum feed‐forward control (QFFC) before the minimum‐error discrimination (MED) measurement to effectively discriminate between two nonorthogonal states via an amplitude‐damping (AD) noise. However, the discrimination is inversely proportional to the success probability. To solve the problem, we propose an improved scheme where only preweak measurement and feed‐forward operations are retained before the MED measurement. Interestingly, we find the improved scheme achieves a similar effect of discrimination as the scheme proposed by Guo et al. Most importantly, the value of success probability is constant to 1.
Reliability‐aware design of temporal neuromorphic encoder for image recognition
Authors: Shaik Jani Babu , VS Aadhitiya , Singhal Sonal , Goel Nilesh
Published: December 2021

Very large scale integration (VLSI)‐based neuromorphic systems have been evolving quickly in recent years. These systems have been used in complex cognitive tasks such as image classification and pattern recognition. A neuromorphic encoder is an essential component in a neuromorphic system, which converts sensory data into spike trains. The advancement in CMOS technology nodes leads to various reliability issues. Bias temperature instability (BTI) and hot carrier injection (HCI) are major reliability issues in analog/mixed VLSI circuits. This paper implements a temporal neuromorphic encoder, and a corresponding mathematical model is derived for image processing applications. The relationship between an input image pixel value and output of the encoder, that is, interspike interval (ISI), is found to be exponential. The impact of BTI and HCI on the temporal neuromorphic encoder is analyzed. The degradation analysis revealed a loss of encoding functionality for which three mitigation techniques are discussed. Finally, a reliability‐aware neuromorphic encoder is proposed to minimize the effect of degradation over its lifetime. The power consumption of conventional and proposed reliability‐aware neuromorphic encoders is also presented.
Neuroimaging correlates of Stages of Objective Memory Impairment (SOMI) system
Authors: Grober Ellen , Papp Kathryn V. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith A. , Amariglio Rebecca E. , Schultz Aaron , Lipton Richard B. , Ezzati Ali
Published: December 2021

Introduction

To assess the relationship between memory performance defined by the Stages of Objective Memory Impairment (SOMI) system and the Alzheimer's disease (AD) ATN (amyloid beta [A], pathologic tau [T], and neurodegeneration [N]) biomarker system.

Methods

We used data from the Harvard Aging Brain Study cohort to estimate the level of ATN biomarkers: amyloid beta (C‐Pittsburgh compound B‐positron emission tomography [PET]), tau (F‐18–flortaucipir [FTP] PET), and neurodegeneration (magnetic resonance imaging volumetrics). We assessed the cross‐sectional relationship of SOMI classification with global amyloid levels, entorhinal and inferior temporal tau deposition, and hippocampal atrophy.

Results

Participants with both memory storage and retrieval deficits (SOMI‐3, ‐4) had smaller hippocampal volumes and higher entorhinal and inferior temporal tau burden than participants with no memory impairment (SOMI‐0) or mild retrieval difficulty (SOMI‐1). Amyloid burden did not differ among SOMI stages.

Discussion

This pilot supports the close relationship between tau pathology and memory impairment across the AD continuum.  SOMI may be useful to determine eligibility for randomized controlled trials prior to the assessment of biomarker status.
Causal association of cognitive reserve on Alzheimer's disease with putative sex difference
Authors: Wang Hao , Rosenthal Brin Sara , Makowski Carolina , Lo Min‐Tzu , Andreassen Ole A. , Salem Rany M. , McEvoy Linda K. , Fiecas Mark , Chen Chi‐Hua
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sex‐dependent risk factors may underlie sex differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Using sex‐stratified genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of AD, we evaluated associations of 12 traits with AD through polygenic risk scores (PRS) and Mendelian randomization (MR), and explored joint genetic architecture among significant traits by genomic structural equation modeling and network analysis.

Results

AD was associated with lower PRS for premorbid cognitive performance, intelligence, and educational attainment. MR showed a causal role for the cognition‐related traits in AD, particularly among females. Their joint genetic components encompassed RNA processing, neuron projection development, and cell cycle pathways that overlap with cellular senescence. Cholesterol and C‐reactive protein showed pleiotropy but no causality with AD.

Discussion

Lower cognitive reserve is causally related to AD. The stronger causal link between cognitive performance and AD in females, despite similar PRS between sexes, suggest these differences may result from gene–environmental interactions accumulated over the lifespan.
Interactions of nutrient and water availability control growth and diversity effects in a Salix two‐species mixture
Authors: Lindh Magnus , Hoeber Stefanie , Weih Martin , Manzoni Stefano
Published: December 2021

Plant growth is constrained by resource availability and interactions among limiting resources—abundance in one resource (e.g., nutrients) might promote growth, thereby causing the depletion of other resources (e.g., water), potentially inducing stress or mortality. In a diverse plant community, complementary resource use has been hypothesized to increase the overall productivity, but how diversity effects vary with interacting water and nutrient limitation and through time is not known. Here, we address this knowledge gap in a controlled pot experiment where species composition (two Salix species in monoculture or mixture), nutrient addition, and watering frequency (for fixed total water inputs) were varied during two growing seasons. High nutrient availability promoted plant growth and nitrogen accumulation at the pot scale, as well as increased allocation aboveground, but also triggered more intense water stress and mortality, as larger plants depleted soil water during warm periods. Supplying water more frequently slightly alleviated water stress under high nutrient availability, thus promoting growth and nitrogen accumulation. The species mixtures performed better than the average of the mixture constituents (positive net diversity effects) and increasingly so through time. The complementarity and selection effects, respectively, increased and decreased under both high nutrient availability and high watering frequency. Overall, these results suggest that as plants grow larger, plant interactions and resource partitioning intensify, causing the positive diversity effects, but also that drought consequences might be exacerbated in plant communities rapidly growing thanks to high nutrient supply.
Cue reduction or general cue masking do not underlie generalized chemical camouflage in pirate perch
Authors: Resetarits William J. , Breech Tyler M. , Bohenek Jason R. , Pintar Matthew R.
Published: December 2021

Avoiding detection is perhaps the ultimate weapon for both predators and prey. Chemosensory detection of predators via waterborne or airborne cues (predator‐released kairomones) is a key prey adaptation in aquatic ecosystems. Pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, a largely insectivorous mesopredatory fish, are considered to be chemically camouflaged because they are unavoided by all colonizing organisms tested, including treefrogs and aquatic insects, despite stronger predatory effects on target taxa than several avoided fish. To address the mechanism behind camouflage we used aquatic insect colonization as a bioassay to test (1) whether increasing pirate perch density/biomass leads to increased avoidance, and (2) whether pirate perch mask heterospecific fish kairomones. Insect abundances, species richness, and community structure showed no response to pirate perch density. Last, pirate perch did not mask the kairomones of heterospecific predatory fish. Results support the idea that fish kairomones are species‐specific, and chemical camouflage is driven by a unique chemical signature that is either undetectable or has no negative associations for colonists.
Knockdown of XIST up‐regulates 263294miR‐340‐5p to relieve myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury via inhibiting cyclin D1
Authors: Bai Qijun , Li Yan , Song Kunpeng , Huang Jie , Qin Li
Published: December 2021

Aim

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to participate in various human diseases, while the role of X inactive‐specific transcript (XIST) binding microRNA‐340‐5p (miR‐340‐5p) remains seldom studied. We aim to identify the role of the XIST/miR‐340‐5p/cyclin D1 (CCND1) axis in the myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI).

Methods and results

The mouse MIRI models were established. The expression of XIST, miR‐340‐5p, and CCND1 in mouse myocardial tissues in MIRI mice was assessed. The MIRI mice were respectively treated with altered XIST, miR‐340‐5p, or CCND1. The changes of myocardial enzyme activity were assessed, and the cardiac function was evaluated. Myocardial pathological changes, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and related apoptotic factors, oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were observed in myocardial tissues in mice with MIRI. The binding relationships between XIST and miR‐340‐5p, and between miR‐340‐5p and CCND1 were confirmed. XIST and CCND1 were up‐regulated while miR‐340‐5p was down‐regulated in MIRI mice. Silenced XIST could elevated miR‐340‐5p expression and reduced CCND1 expression, so as to promoted cardiac function and suppressed myocardial enzyme activity, ameliorated pathological changes, decelerated cardiomyocyte apoptosis by elevating Bcl‐2 but reducing the levels of Bax and Caspase‐3, attenuated inflammatory response by repressing IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels, and mitigated oxidative stress by reducing MDA contents and increasing CAT, GSH‐Px, and SOD levels in MIRI mice. XIST sponged miR‐340‐5p and miR‐340‐5p targeted CCND1.

Conclusions

Knockdown of XIST up‐regulates miR‐340‐5p to relieve MIRI via inhibiting CCND1.
Eye Cosmeceutical Formulations with Roasted Coffee Oil in Free and Microencapsulated Forms: Development and Preliminary Stability Study
Authors: Böger Bruna R. , Bigotto Briani G. , Lonni Audrey A. S. G. , Benassi Marta T.
Published: December 2021

This research aims to develop eye cosmeceutical formulations with roasted coffee oil. Oil is used in form and microencapsulated forms. A preliminary stability study is performed, and base formulation (BF) is used for comparison. All formulations are stable and firm. Formulations with oil in free (OF) or microencapsulated (MOF) form show color and aroma of coffee. Initially, MOF is the most acid, and BF shows the highest peroxide value (PV) and the lowest sun protection factor (SPF) values and no antioxidant activity (AA). OF and MOF show AA and high SPF ; these parameters are little affected by storage, and an increase in PV is observed only for BF. Cosmeceutical formulations with roasted coffee oil present stability and good potential for dermocosmetic products.

Practical Applications: Coffee oil is known for its AA and protection against sunlight UV radiation, so it fits the interest of cosmetics and personal care producers for bioactive ingredients from natural sources. The cosmetics industry uses green coffee oil; however, roasted coffee oil is of more interest since it is a coproduct of the soluble coffee industry. The authors are unaware of studies proposing the use of microcapsules (produced by complex coacervation) of roasted coffee oil in cosmeceutical formulations.
Multiperspective Optimization of Cell and Module Dimensioning for Different Lithium‐Ion Cell Formats on Geometric and Generic Assumptions
Authors: Epp Alexander , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: December 2021

The main challenge in developing electric and electrified vehicles is the drivetrain with the associated battery system. Within the battery system, individual modules consisting of multiple interconnected battery cells provide the engine with power and energy. A crucial part of developing the electric vehicle's battery is the optimized dimensioning of modules and cells. Therefore, designing a unified cell format may be a competitive advantage for original equipment manufacturers in rapidly changing market situations. Different constraints, such as peculiarities of different battery formats, module sizes, or required module voltages must be evaluated for optimized battery cell dimensioning. Herein, a holistic cell‐module optimization based on geometric and generic assumptions is provided. The presented model considers various factors like cell format‐dependent geometries and their limits, cell‐size specific cell‐to‐cell stacking distances as well as module geometries and voltage requirements. An application‐dependent energy and cost perspective analysis resulting in a user‐defined weighting model to optimize the cell format and its corresponding dimensions are investigated. Furthermore, the optimized module dimensioning for prior‐specified cells is introduced. Pareto‐optimal results within this analysis are discussed and enable the generic cell‐module optimization to be used in higher integrated battery system optimization models.
A performance study of a genetic algorithm based mapper design for uncoded space‐time labeling diversity
Authors: Solwa Shaheen
Published: December 2021

The extent to which uncoded space‐time labeling diversity (USTLD) achieves labeling diversity (LD) depends on the binary mappers used to encode information codewords. Current mapper design algorithms are constrained to constellations of modulation order due to the high computational costs involved. To reduce the computational costs, a genetic algorithm (GA) implementation had been proposed to design LD mappers irrespective of constellation shape or size. Current literature based on designing LD mappers using the GA has not been exhaustively tested for high‐density constellations. This article applies the high‐density mappers to the GA that will produce matching or improved LD mapper designs. Additionally, the GA is analyzed and compared to existing algorithmic approaches that produce LD mappers. The GA had produced high‐density M‐QAM mapper designs that match but did not improve upon existing heuristic and algorithmic mapper designs. In the case of high‐density M‐PSK constellations, the 64‐PSK, 128‐PSK, and 256‐PSK constellations exhibited diversity gains of approximately 5, 4, and 8 dB over existing heuristic mapper designs while exhibiting gains of approximately 9, 7, and 10 dB over the Alamouti STBC at the BER of , respectively. The 128‐APSK and 256‐APSK mappers produced by the GA exhibited diversity gains of approximately 3 and 6 dB over existing mapper designs and approximately 7 and 12 dB over the Alamouti STBC at the BER of . The GA produced LD mapper designs for asymmetric 32‐APSK, 64‐APSK, 128‐APSK, and 256‐APSK constellations. These constellations exhibited diversity gains of approximately 5, 17, 5, and 5 dB over the Alamouti STBC, respectively. The GA was found to produce mapper designs that match or improve upon existing heuristic and algorithmic approaches. A computational complexity analysis was performed on the GA, to which the GA was found to have a complexity of . This was exponentially less expensive than exhaustive search and branch‐and‐bound QAP solvers.
Micro‐ and nanoscale pore‐throat structure, fractal characteristics, and permeability estimation models in deep sandstones: Palaeogene Shahejie Formation, Nanpu Sag, NE China
Authors: Wang Enze , Feng Yue , Peng Yuting , Li Changrong , Song Yanchen , Liu Guoyong
Published: December 2021

Long‐term burial and strong diagenesis modification result in highly heterogeneous pore structures in deep clastic reservoirs; these heterogeneities exert a controlling influence over the development of these deep petroleum systems. A clear understanding of the pore structure simplifies the tasks of identifying and modelling reservoirs for the purposes of hydrocarbon exploration. This study characterizes the mineral compositions, physical properties, and pore systems of the first member of the Palaeogene Shahejie Formation (Es1) in the Nanpu Sag using thin section and scanning electron microscope observations, X‐ray diffraction measurements, mercury intrusion capillary pressure, and nuclear magnetic resonance data. Our results show that the Es1 sandstones typically fall into one of three different pore‐throat sizes: mainly 10 μm (type‐I), 1 μm (type‐II), and less than 1 μm (type‐III). Between type‐I and type‐III reservoirs, the pore system changes from residual intergranular pore (InterP) and secondary InterP to secondary intragranular pores (IntraP) and intercrystalline pores. The fractal theory is selected to quantify the heterogeneity of the pore‐throat structure, due to the existence of an irregular and complex pore system (IntraP and intercrystalline pores), the type‐III reservoir has the highest fractal dimension, which indicates that the complex pore‐throat structure is not conducive to the formation of high‐quality deep sandstone reservoirs. Using the fractal dimension and displacement pressure, a novel permeability prediction is proposed, compared with the previous method, the new model is simpler and more effective. Our research can deepen the geological understanding of deep‐burial sandstone reservoirs and further guide petroleum exploration.