bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reassessing the lithosphere: SeisDARE, an open access seismic data
repository
Authors: DeFelipe Irene , Alcalde Juan , Ivandic Monika , Martí David , Ruiz Mario , Marzán Ignacio , Diaz Jordi , Ayarza Puy , Palomeras Imma , Fernandez-Turiel Jose-Luis , Molina Cecilia , Bernal Isabel , Brown Larry , Roberts Roland , Carbonell Ramon
Published: September 2020

Abstract. Seismic reflection data (normal incidence and wide-angle) are unique assets for Solid Earth Science as they provide critical information about the physical properties and structure of the lithosphere, as well as about the shallow subsurface for exploration purposes. The resolution of these seismic data is highly appreciated, however they are logistically complex and expensive to acquire and their geographical coverage is limited. Therefore, it is essential to make the most of the data that has already been acquired. The collation and dissemination of seismic open access data is then key to promote accurate and innovative research and to enhance new interpretations of legacy data. This work presents the Seismic DAta REpository (SeisDARE), which is, to our knowledge, one of the first comprehensive open access online databases that stores seismic data registered with a permanent identifier (DOI). The datasets included here are openly accessible online and guarantee the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles of data management, granting the inclusion of each dataset into a statistics referencing database so its impact can be measured. SeisDARE includes seismic data acquired in the last four decades in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. These areas have attracted the attention of international researchers in the fields of geology and geophysics due to the exceptional outcrops of the Variscan and Alpine orogens and wide foreland basins; the crustal structure of the offshore margins that resulted from a complex plate kinematic evolution; and the vast quantities of natural resources contained within. This database has been built thanks to a network of national and international institutions, promoting a multidisciplinary research, and is open for international data exchange and collaborations. As part of this international collaboration, and as a model for inclusion of other global seismic datasets, SeisDARE also hosts seismic data acquired in Hardeman County, Texas (USA), within the COCORP project (Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling). SeisDARE aims to make easily accessible old and recently acquired seismic data and to establish a framework for future seismic data management plans. The SeisDARE is freely available at https://digital.csic.es/handle/10261/101879, bringing endless research and teaching opportunities to the scientific, industrial and educational communities.
Success factors of lean six sigma implementation in manufacturing
Authors: Mabrouk Nejah Ben , Ibrahim Saber , Eddaly Mansour
Published: September 2020

Recently, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has attracted much attention from both researchers and practitioners. In fact, many published papers used a quantitative research methodology to build and test theory in the field of LSS implementation in manufacturing area. Very few studies have been reported about the critical success factors influencing of six sigma implementations. The aim of this study is to present the results, from an empirical evidence, of Six Sigma implementation in Tunisian manufacturing. Therefore, fourteen main factors have been identified through literature review and questionnaire survey. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) has been used to develop a hierarchical structure for analyzing the interactions among the key factors. By using the MICMAC technique, the barriers were classified into four groups according to their driving power and dependence power. Our finding provides important insight to managers and practitioners about factors in the LSS implementation process.
Tratado Antártico
Authors: Mora Miranda Marcial
Published: September 2020

Se exponen algunas reflexiones del Jefe de la Delegación chilena a la Conferencia de Washington D.C. (15 de octubre al 1 de diciembre de 1959). El Tratado Antártico fue negociación y adoptado en tal reunión diplomática. Se analiza el contenido de sus principales disposiciones, en especial de sus artículos I, II, IV y V, que contienen los principios fundamentales de tal acuerdo.
Fundamentos del principio de distinción en el derecho internacional humanitario
Authors: Cozzi Elzo Ruggero
Published: September 2020

El principio de distinción obliga a los Estados a distinguir entre civiles y combatientes en el contexto de los conflictos armados. Según la Corte Internacional de Justicia, se trata de uno de los pilares cardinales del derecho internacional humanitario. Al respecto, se revisan los fundamentos históricos, políticos y éticos de este principio general del derecho internacional. Desde una perspectiva histórica, el principio de distinción pasa por distintas etapas, hasta llegar a su reconocimiento positivo en los tratados internacionales, observando cambio y continuidad en algunas de sus notas esenciales. Desde una mirada política, el principio de distinción refleja un delicado balance de intereses estatales, entre necesidad militar y humanidad. Finalmente, el principio de distinción se justifica en consideraciones éticas que, si bien generan discusión en la doctrina en cuanto sus implicancias, denotan el fuerte componente moral de esta obligación internacional de los Estados.
Diplomacy of International Crises Management: Kuwait Foreign Policy as a Model (A Survey Study)
Authors: Mansour Meshal Ahmed Al
Published: September 2020

The importance of the study of crisis management diplomacy stems from the fact that it is a tool to prevent and avoid all confrontations and its disastrous consequences. In particular, regional and international issues and crisis has become complex and multiple. In addition, the units of both regional and international environments have been increased. These developments further complicated the phenomenon of making and implementing foreign policy according to the mechanism of crises management diplomacy. As a result, making and implementing foreign policy in its traditional official framework has become insufficient to understand the nature of international relations. Rather, it has to be expanded outside of this framework to understand the role of crises management diplomacy in making foreign policy. Therefore, there have been some attempts to provide academic scientific frameworks to explain the process of making and implementing foreign policy according to the variables of this development. The study has monitored this matter and concluded that foreign policy, diplomacy and crises management diplomacy have significantly evolved from a simple and traditional phenomenon related to the issue of security and formal promotion of relations to multidimensional phenomenon closely related to the various economic, political, social and cultural areas of societies. This technique has been based on traditional methods such as negotiations. In recent decades, it has adopted accurate and effective technical methods. These methods include political methods such as good offices, mediation and compromise. Also, there are legal methods such as international arbitration and the presentation of disputes to international and regional organizations. There are also deterrent ones such as economic embargo, boycotting and freezing funds. It means that developed countries control over international relations, and developing countries participate effectively in order to preserve the rights of nations and interact fruitfully through dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
A Systematic Review of Self-Coping Strategies Used by University Students to Cope with Public Speaking Anxiety
Authors: Tee Xue Ting , Kamarulzaman Wirawahida , Tan Joanna Tjin Ai
Published: September 2020

Despite a growing body of research on instructor techniques and treatments to mitigate public speaking anxiety, this issue remains prominent, especially among university students. An alternative to mitigating such anxiety is to identify authentic coping strategies that university students could practice in actual situations. Numerous studies have attempted to explore students’ personal and social factors with the objective of suggesting suitable coping strategies to reduce the fear of public speaking. This paper reviews the existing evidence to understand the complexities of strategies that university students use to reduce their fear of public speaking.  Nine peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2020 were selected for this review from Science Direct and Google Scholar, using search terms such as “public speaking anxiety” and “coping strategies.” The analysis revealed that university students who (a) had an intermediate level of English language proficiency and a high level of speaking anxiety adopted both compensation and metacognitive strategies; (b) had a high level of English language proficiency and speaking anxiety adopted the affective strategy; and (c) had a high level of speaking anxiety and were exposed to full English medium instruction contexts adopted both social and memory strategies. This review, therefore, provides a better understanding of how university students cope with public speaking anxiety and at the same time urges educators to refine their pedagogical methods to lower the psychological barrier of speaking.
Le nouveau code de procédure pénale en Côte d’ivoire
Authors: Tiehi Judicaël Elisée
Published: September 2020

Le nouveau code de procédure pénale en Côte d’ivoire

Longtemps critiqué pour son système pénal jugé suranné, l’Etat de Côte d’ivoire a fait le choix de se doter d’un nouveau de procédure pénale dans le sillage de sa politique de réforme juridique et institutionnel et de modernisation de son système judiciaire. Adopté par la loi n° 2018-975 du 27 décembre 2018 en vue de le conformer aux standards juridiques nationaux (la Constitution de 2016) et internationaux, ce nouveau code à l’architecture profondément restructurée consacre des avancées majeures en matière de protection des droits de l’homme dont l’une des plus emblématique reste la codification inédite de principes directeurs irradiant les différentes phases de la procédure pénale. Ces innovations, matérialisées par la consécration de mécanismes procéduraux révolutionnaires ainsi que par la création des institutions pénales nouvelles, constituent un tremplin vers la consolidation de l’Etat de droit dans le cadre duquel les attributs d’indépendance, d’impartialité et d’équité procédurale occuperont une place de choix.

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Long criticized for his outdated criminal system, State of Côte d’ivoire has established a new criminal procedure code in the wake of its legal and institutional policy reform and modernization of its judicial system. Adopted by law n° 2018-975 on 27 December 2018 in order to comply it with national (constitutional provisions of 2016) and international legal standards, this new code with its profoundly restructured architecture enshrines major advances in relation to human rights protection, one of the most emblematic of which is the codification of guiding principles covering of various stages of criminal procedure. These innovations, embodied in setting of revolutionary procedural mechanisms and creation of new penal institutions are springboards towards the development Rule of law in which attributes of independence, impartiality and procedural equity will occupy a prominent place.
Store sprik
Authors: Fuglseth Kåre , Kansgar Straum Olav
Published: September 2020

Artikkelen presenterer resultat frå ei gransking av modulen religion, livssyn og etikk i den nye, norske femårige grunnskulelærarutdanninga frå 2017. Modulen er fastlagt i forskrifta for utdanninga og er obligatorisk for alle studentar. Undersøkinga byggjer først og fremst på materiale frå emne- og studieplanar, og viser store sprik mellom dei tolv lærarutdannings-institusjonane i den lokale implementeringa av dei nasjonale retningslinene for modulen når det gjeld organisering og innhald. Det var djupe faglege og politiske stridar kring innføringa av faget, noko som kan forklare dei skilnadene vi har i dag. Formuleringa i forskrifta om ein «integrert modul» har vore gjenstand for vide tolkingar. På bakgrunn av dei publiserte planane vurderer vi det slik at mange lærarstudentar ikkje vil få den utdanninga som forskrifta legg opp til, og at nokre institusjonar kan seiast å bryte med henne.

Nøkkelord: Femårig grunnskulelærerutdanning, lærerutdanning, lærerprofesjon, RLE, religion, livssyn og etikk, PEL-faget, mangfaldskompetanse
Secured Color Image Compression based on Compressive Sampling and Lü System
Authors: Sundarakrishnan Sundarakrishnan , B.Jaison B.Jaison , S.P.Raja S.P.Raja
Published: September 2020

An efficacious and unharmed approach is vital for transmission of sensitive and secret images over unsecure public Internet. In this paper, secured color image compression method based on compressive sampling and Lü system is proposed. Initially, the plain-image is sparsely represented in transform basis. Compressive sampling measurements are obtained from these sparse transform coefficients by employing incoherent sensing matrix. To upgrade the security level, permutation-substitution operations are performed on pixels based on Lü system. To concoct input sensitivity in the scheme, the keys are obtained from input image. Lastly, fast and efficient greedy algorithm is utilized for sparse signal reconstruction. To evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Average Difference (AD), Structural Content (SC), Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC), Normalized Absolute Error (NAE), Edge Strength Similarity (ESSIM), Maximum Difference (MD), Correlation Coefficient, Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI), Key Sensitivity, Number of pixel change Rate (NPCR), Key Space and Histogram metrics are used. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme produced highly satisfactory security.
Effect of Herbal Formulation “Cystone®” on Urolithiasis
Authors: Azarfar Anoush , Rafiee Zahra , Ravanshad Yalda , Saber Moghadam Niloufar , Bakhtiari Elham
Published: September 2020

Context: The study aimed to systematically review the clinical data on the efficacy of Cystone® as an herbal treatment for urolithiasis. Methods: Full text randomized clinical trials comparing Cystone® with placebo or citrate in patients with urolithiasis for urinary stone prevention or treatment were evaluated. Three databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched from January 2000 to December 2017. The main outcomes were the reductions in calculi number/size and urinary excretion rate of calcium, oxalate, and urate. The secondary outcome was the adverse effects of Cystone®. Documents were screened by two reviewers for eligibility. The Jadad score was used for quality assessment. The data were analyzed using the comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.2.064 software. Results: Of 532 relevant studies, five were finally included. Cystone® was effective in the decrement of stone size in comparison with placebo (95% CI: 0.63, 9.13). There was a significant difference in the excretion rate of uric acid but not calcium compared to the placebo. Cystone® had no significant side effects. Conclusions: Cystone® is more effective than a placebo in the treatment of urinary tract stones. It significantly induces stone size decrement and clearance compared to placebo. The low quality of reports is a major limitation in the applicability of these results.
L’énigme incarnée: Méliot de Logres dans le Haut Livre du Gral
Authors: Poisson-Gueffier Jean-Francois
Published: September 2020

The High Book of the Grail, also known as Perlesvaus, after its main character, an analogon of Perceval who evolves in a universe of blood and violence, is a French Arthurian prose romance of the 13th century. The principle of imperfection on which this romance is set encompasses its narrative composition, the consistency of its allegorical meaning, and the poetics of character. Meliot de Logres can be called an énigme incarnée, as its representation does not tend towards unity, but towards destruction. He is an enigma because of its numerous narrative functions (alter Christus, a man in distress, knight ...), and its symbolical power (he is ‘de Logres’, which suggests a moral signification, he embodies spiritual greatness that the romance does not develop). The semiological analysis of this secondary but important character is a way to understand the many problems aroused by the scripture of the High Book of the Grail. Meliot is not only a double: through him, we can see the complexity and intricacy of the romance as a whole.
From the concept of technogenic civilization to the concepts of post-culture and culture-congruent technology
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: September 2020

  This article examines the concept of technogenic civilization outlined by the academician V. S. Stepin. The factors of its ponderability and disadvantages are subjected to analysis: F. Vacon's historical project of mastering natural processes, focus of social institutions on implementation of this project, negative consequences thereof. The author discusses the methods for overcoming such consequences. According to Stepin, the way out consists not in rejection of the scientific and technological progress, but in attribution of humanistic dimension to it; another opinion (expressed by the biologist Timofeev-Resovsky) ‒ maximum usage of modern sciences and engineering, as well as reasonable and rational management. The author formulates the original concept: from his perspective, modern culture is being replaced by a new culture, which he names “post-culture”, forming a culture-congruent technology necessary for solving problems and tasks of the post-culture. A brief description is given to the idea of post-culture and the alternatives that may have to be addressed in the course of its establishment, for example, to problem of life preservation on the Earth. The author articulates and discusses the problem, as well as constructs the pattern of transition from the concept of technogenic civilization to the concepts of post-culture and culture-congruent technology.  
Life history and habitat do not mediate temporal changes in body size due to climate warming in rodents
Authors: Nengovhela Aluwani , Denys Christiane , Taylor Peter J.
Published: September 2020

Temporal changes in body size have been documented in a number of vertebrate species, with different contested drivers being suggested to explain these changes. Among these are climate warming, resource availability, competition, predation risk, human population density, island effects and others. Both life history traits (intrinsic factors such as lifespan and reproductive rate) and habitat (extrinsic factors such as vegetation type, latitude and elevation) are expected to mediate the existence of a significant temporal response of body size to climate warming but neither have been widely investigated. Using examples of rodents, we predicted that both life history traits and habitat might explain the probability of temporal response using two tests of this hypothesis. Firstly, taking advantage of new data from museum collections spanning the last 106 years, we investigated geographical and temporal variation in cranial size (a proxy for body size) in six African rodent species of two murid subfamilies (Murinae and Gerbillinae) of varying life history, degree of commensality, range size, and habitat. Two species, the commensal Mastomys natalensis, and the non-commensal Otomys unisulcatus showed significant temporal changes in body size, with the former increasing and the latter decreasing, in relation with climate warming. Commensalism could explain the increase in size with time due to steadily increasing food availability through increased agricultural production. Apart from this, we found no general life history or habitat predictors of a temporal response in African rodents. Secondly, in order to further test this hypothesis, we incorporated our data into a meta-analysis based on published literature on temporal responses in rodents, resulting in a combined dataset for 50 species from seven families worldwide; among these, 29 species showed no significant change, eight showed a significant increase in size, and 13 showed a decline in size. Using a binomial logistic regression model for these metadata, we found that none of our chosen life history or habitat predictors could significantly explain the probability of a temporal response to climate warming, reinforcing our conclusion based on the more detailed data from the six African species.
Brachypodium BdABCG25 is a homolog of Arabidopsis AtABCG25 involved in the transport of abscisic acid
Authors: Kuromori Takashi , Sugimoto Eriko , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: September 2020

Abscisic acid (ABA), a stress hormone produced by plants to cope with various environmental stresses, has potential as a mobile molecule. Recently, several types of ABA transporters have been described. We previously found a membrane transporter, AtABCG25, that is involved in intercellular ABA transport in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it is not yet known whether there are any homologs of AtABCG25 in different plant species. Here, we identified a homolog of AtABCG25 in Brachypodium distachyon, named BdABCG25, and characterized its function. We examined the ABA transport activity of BdABCG25 and the physiological properties of BdABCG25 expression in Arabidopsis. The results suggest that BdABCG25 is a putative functional homolog of AtABCG25. Regulating intercellular ABA transport may be a novel strategy for breeding stress‐tolerant monocot crops.
The attachment of a DNA‐binding Sso7d‐like protein improves processivity and resistance to inhibitors of M‐MuLV reverse transcriptase
Authors: Oscorbin Igor P. , Wong Pei Fong , Boyarskikh Ulyana A. , Khrapov Evgeny A. , Filipenko Maksim L.
Published: September 2020

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are a standard tool in both fundamental studies and diagnostics. RTs should possess elevated temperature optimum, high thermal stability, processivity and tolerance to contaminants. Here, we constructed a set of chimeric RTs, based on the combination of the Moloney murine leukaemia virus (M‐MuLV) RT and either of two DNA‐binding domains: the DNA‐binding domain of the DNA ligase from Pyrococcus abyssi or the DNA‐binding Sto7d protein from Sulfolobus tokodaii. The processivity and efficiency of cDNA synthesis of the chimeric RT with Sto7d at the C‐end are increased several fold. The attachment of Sto7d enhances the tolerance of M‐MuLV RT to the most common amplification inhibitors: NaCl, urea, guanidinium chloride, formamide, components of human whole blood and human blood plasma. Thus, fusing M‐MuLV RT with an additional domain results in more robust and efficient RTs.
Rigidity and Polymerization Amplified Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Polymers for Constructing Red and Single‐Emissive‐Layer White OLEDs
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Kuofei , Yao Bing , Chen Yuannan , Zhan Hongmei , Xie Zhiyuan , Xie Guohua , Yi Xiaohu , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: September 2020

Polymerization could be a feasible method to overcome the rigid structure induced self‐quenching effect in conventional thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters. Despite steady progress in TADF polymer research, developing an efficient red TADF polymer still remains a great challenge because of the large non‐radiative internal conversion rate governed by the energy gap law. Herein, a novel strategy for constructing a red TADF conjugated polymer is presented by means of embedding quinoxaline‐6,7‐dicarbonitrile (QC) as an acceptor into a polycarbazole (PCz) backbone and attaching donor 9,10‐dihydroacridine (A) as a pendant. The obtained polymers PCzAQCx with the appropriate molar content of the AQC unit (x≥ 0.5) exhibit efficient TADF features with a dominant emissive peak at 627−661 nm and a photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 76% in neat film. The non‐doped electroluminescent devices with the polymers produce red emissions with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 12.5% and the emission peak at 620 nm, which represents state‐of‐the‐art performance for solution‐processed devices based on red TADF polymers. Furthermore, combined with a blue TADF emitter, the bright white devices with tunable spectra cover the whole visible–near infrared range from 400 to 900 nm and a record‐high EQE of up to 22.4% is achievable.
Recent Advances on Neuromorphic Devices Based on Chalcogenide Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Xu Ming , Mai Xianliang , Lin Jun , Zhang Wei , Li Yi , He Yuhui , Tong Hao , Hou Xiang , Zhou Peng , Miao Xiangshui
Published: September 2020

Traditional von Neumann computing architecture with separated computation and storage units has already impeded the data processing performance and energy efficiency, calling for emerging neuromorphic electronic and optical devices and systems which can mimic the human brain to shift this paradigm. Material‐level innovation has become the key component to this revolution of information technology. Chalcogenide phase‐change material (PCM) as a well‐acknowledged data‐storage medium is a promising candidate to tackle this challenge. In this review, the use of PCMs to implement artificial neurons and synapses from both the electronic and optical respects is discussed, and in particular, the structure–property physics and transition dynamics that enable such brain‐inspired and in‐memory computing applications are emphasized. Recent advances on the atomic‐level amorphous and crystalline structures, transition mechanisms, materials optimization and design, neural and synaptic devices, brain‐inspired chips, and computing systems, as well as the future opportunities of PCMs, are summarized and discussed.
Gelatin Methacryloyl‐Based Tactile Sensors for Medical Wearables
Authors: Li Zhikang , Zhang Shiming , Chen Yihang , Ling Haonan , Zhao Libo , Luo Guoxi , Wang Xiaochen , Hartel Martin C. , Liu Hao , Xue Yumeng , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Lee KangJu , Sun Wujin , Kim HanJun , Lee Junmin , Zhao Yichao , Zhao Yepin , Emaminejad Sam , Ahadian Samad , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Jiang Zhuangde , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: September 2020

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a widely used hydrogel with skin‐derived gelatin acting as the main constituent. However, GelMA has not been used in the development of wearable biosensors, which are emerging devices that enable personalized healthcare monitoring. This work highlights the potential of GelMA for wearable biosensing applications by demonstrating a fully solution‐processable and transparent capacitive tactile sensor with microstructured GelMA as the core dielectric layer. A robust chemical bonding and a reliable encapsulation approach are introduced to overcome detachment and water‐evaporation issues in hydrogel biosensors. The resultant GelMA tactile sensor shows a high‐pressure sensitivity of 0.19 kPa−1 and one order of magnitude lower limit of detection (0.1 Pa) compared to previous hydrogel pressure sensors owing to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties (dielectric constant). Furthermore, it shows durability up to 3000 test cycles because of tough chemical bonding, and long‐term stability of 3 days due to the inclusion of an encapsulation layer, which prevents water evaporation (80% water content). Successful monitoring of various human physiological and motion signals demonstrates the potential of these GelMA tactile sensors for wearable biosensing applications.
Heterostructure Design in Bimetallic Phthalocyanine Boosts Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity and Durability
Authors: Ma Yao , Li Jiantao , Liao Xiaobin , Luo Wen , Huang Wenzhong , Meng Jiashen , Chen Qiang , Xi Shibo , Yu Ruohan , Zhao Yan , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: September 2020

Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) has inspired substantial interest in the context of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) owing to its prominent catalytic activity in alkaline media; however, its poor stability significantly hinders its practical applications. Heterostructures with a strong coupling effect between different components have considerable potential to promote the activity and stability simultaneously. Hence, a heterostructured bimetallic phthalocyanine (FePc/CoPc HS) catalyst with heterogeneous distribution of metallic elements is designed. Compared with FePc, FePc/CoPc HS demonstrates higher kinetic current density (increased by >100%) and more robust durability (enhanced by 20.5%) for the ORR. In addition, a Zn–air battery with FePc/CoPc HS as the cathode catalyst achieves high power density (128 mW cm−2) and high open‐circuit voltage (1.67 V). X‐ray absorption fine structure and theoretical calculations reveal that the heterostructure design induced elongates the FeN bond length, and augments electron density around the Fe active sites, and reduced highest‐occupied molecular orbital and lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap are responsible for the boosted ORR performance. This work enriches the understanding of electronic structure modulation of heterostructured bimetallic phthalocyanine based ORR electrocatalysts.
High‐Throughput Magnetic Actuation Platform for Evaluating the Effect of Mechanical Force on 3D Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Enríquez Ángel , Libring Sarah , Field Tyler C. , Jimenez Julian , Lee Taeksang , Park Hyunsu , Satoski Douglas , Wendt Michael K. , Calve Sarah , Tepole Adrian Buganza , Solorio Luis , Lee Hyowon
Published: September 2020

Accurately replicating and analyzing cellular responses to mechanical cues is vital for exploring metastatic disease progression. However, many of the existing in vitro platforms for applying mechanical stimulation seed cells on synthetic substrates. To better recapitulate physiological conditions, a novel actuating platform is developed with the ability to apply tensile strain on cells at various amplitudes and frequencies in a high‐throughput multi‐well culture plate using a physiologically relevant substrate. Suspending fibrillar fibronectin across the body of the magnetic actuator provides a matrix representative of early metastasis for 3D cell culture that is not reliant on a synthetic substrate. This platform enables the culturing and analysis of various cell types in an environment that mimics the dynamic stretching of lung tissue during normal respiration. Metabolic activity, YAP activation, and morphology of breast cancer cells are analyzed within one week of cyclic stretching or static culture. Further, matrix degradation is significantly reduced in breast cancer cell lines with metastatic potential after actuation. These new findings demonstrate a clear suppressive cellular response due to cyclic stretching that has implications for a mechanical role in the dormancy and reactivation of disseminated breast cancer cells to macrometastases.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity in GaSe and InSe Nanosheets: The Role of Surface Oxides
Authors: D'Olimpio Gianluca , Nappini Silvia , Vorokhta Mykhailo , Lozzi Luca , Genuzio Francesca , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Paolucci Valentina , Gürbulak Bekir , Duman Songül , Ottaviano Luca , Locatelli Andrea , Bondino Federica , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Politano Antonio
Published: September 2020

Gallium selenide (GaSe) is a van der Waals semiconductor widely used for optoelectronic devices, whose performances are dictated by bulk properties, including band‐gap energy. However, recent experimental observations that the exfoliation of GaSe into atomically thin layers enhances performances in electrochemistry and photocatalysis have opened new avenues for its applications in the fields of energy and catalysis. Here, it is demonstrated by surface‐science experiments and density functional theory (DFT) that the oxidation of GaSe into Ga2O3, driven by Se vacancies and edge sites created in the exfoliation process, plays a pivotal role in catalytic processes. Specifically, both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are energetically unfavorable in pristine GaSe, due to energy barriers of 1.9 and 5.7–7.4 eV, respectively. On the contrary, energy barriers are reduced concurrently with surface oxidation. Especially, the Heyrovsky step (Hads + H+ + e− → H2) of HER becomes energetically favorable only in sub‐stoichiometric Ga2O2.97(−0.3 eV/H+). It is also discovered that the same mechanisms occur for the case of the parental compound indium selenide (InSe), thus ensuring the validity of the model for the broad class of III‐VI layered semiconductors.
Recent Advances in Hybridization, Doping, and Functionalization of 2D Xenes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gong Tian , Yu Zhiqiang , Dai Huan , Yang Zhenjingfeng , Chen Ganlin , Li Jinhua , Pan Ruikun , Wang Huide , Guo Zhinan , Zhang Han , Fu Xiao
Published: September 2020

The emerging monoelemental 2D materials named as Xenes including borophene, silicene, germanene, stanene, phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, bisthumene, selenene, and tellurene, have attracted rising attention experimentally and theoretically. Because of their excellent and versatile physical, chemical, electrical, and optical advantages, Xenes have been shown or have been predicted to have excellent performance in nanotechnology applications, addressing challenges and advances in electronics, energy, healthcare, and environment. In this review, the basic fundamentals in the classification of the periodic table group and the synthesis methods for the emerging materials are summarized. Then, the hybridization, doping and functionalization of 2D Xenes, and their corresponding applications are presented. Furthermore, a summary of research progress on 2D Xenes and the challenges and perspectives for their further development are discussed.
Direct Ink Writing of a Light‐Responsive Underwater Liquid Crystal Actuator with Atypical Temperature‐Dependent Shape Changes
Authors: del Pozo Marc , Liu Li , Pilz da Cunha Marina , Broer Dirk J. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: September 2020

In recent years, light‐responsive liquid crystal (LC) polymers have been studied as promising materials for the fabrication of untethered soft actuators. The underwater behavior of these advanced materials has, however, been rarely investigated. This paper reports on the fabrication of light‐responsive amphibious LC‐actuators via direct ink writing (DIW). The actuators present two underwater deformation modes triggered by different stimuli. Temperature induces contraction/expansion and light induces bending/unbending. Unexpectedly, temperature can regulate the bending directionality, giving the material additional versatility to its deformation modes. These findings serve as a toolbox for the fabrication of light‐responsive actuators via DIW that operate in air and underwater.
Solid–Liquid Composites for Soft Multifunctional Materials
Authors: Style Robert W. , Tutika Ravi , Kim Jin Young , Bartlett Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Soft materials with a liquid component are an emerging paradigm in materials design. The incorporation of a liquid phase, such as water, liquid metals, or complex fluids, into solid materials imparts unique properties and characteristics that emerge as a result of the dramatically different properties of the liquid and solid. Especially in recent years, this has led to the development and study of a range of novel materials with new functional responses, with applications in topics including soft electronics, soft robotics, 3D printing, wet granular systems and even in cell biology. Here a review of solid–liquid composites, broadly defined as a material system with at least one, phase‐separated liquid component, is provided and discussed their morphology and fabrication approaches, their emergent mechanical properties and functional response, and the broad range of their applications.
A Self‐Healing Amalgam Interface in Metal Batteries
Authors: Fan Ye , Tao Tao , Gao Yuxuan , Deng Chao , Yu Baozhi , Chen Ying (Ian) , Lu Shengguo , Huang Shaoming
Published: September 2020

Poor cyclability and safety concerns caused by the uncontrollable dendrite growth and large interfacial resistance severely restrict the practical applications of metal batteries. Herein, a facile, universal strategy to fabricate ceramic and glass phase compatible, and self‐healing metal anodes is proposed. Various amalgam‐metal anodes (Li, Na, Zn, Al, and Mg) show a long cycle life in symmetric cells. It has been found that liquid Li amalgam shows a complete wetting with the surface of lanthanum lithium titanate electrolyte and a glass‐phase solid‐state electrolyte. The interfacial compatibility between the lithium metal anode and solid‐state electrolyte is dramatically improved by using an in situ regenerated amalgam interface with high electron/ion dual‐conductivity, obviously decreasing the anode/electrolyte interfacial impedance. The lithium‐amalgam interface between the metal anode and electrolyte undergoes a reversible isothermal phase transition between solid and liquid during the cycling process at room temperature, resulting in a self‐healing surface of metal anodes.
Hot Embossing Process Technology Forming Arbitrary Patterns in Real Time
Authors: Kim Myeongjin , Ahn Jaewon , Kim Donghyun , Bae Junseong , Yun Dongwon
Published: September 2020

With the development of mobile sensors and biosensors, an ultrafine process technology that can generate ultrafine patterns and has mass production capability has garnered attention recently. Unlike the existing hot embossing techniques, the impact print‐type hot embossing process can generate a microscale pattern that has arbitrary pattern width and depth on a polymer film in real time using a single impact header. For this reason, this process can be applied to various industrial fields that require ultrafine patterns. However, it cannot create intricate patterns due to the limitations of the two‐axis stage control system. Furthermore, its application to a mass production that requires pattern repetition is limited because of the single header system. In this paper, a three‐axis impact print‐type hot embossing system using a multiheader and two algorithms, the impacting coordinate‐based data extraction algorithm and independent driving algorithm, to overcome the limitations of previous systems is proposed. Thanks to the multiheader and control algorithm, this process can generate repetitive patterns in real time, and it can adjust the pattern resolution by controlling the pattern extraction interval. The proposed method is thus expected to be widely applicable to industrial fields that require microscale user‐defined patterns such as mobile sensors and biosensors.
Next‐Generation Organic Photonics: The Emergence of Flexible Crystal Optical Waveguides
Authors: Annadhasan Mari , Basak Supratim , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: September 2020

Organic crystals possessing both flexibility and light‐guiding properties are attractive candidates for spatial control of the light output for next‐generation technological applications, namely photonic devices and circuits, optoelectronic devices, optical sensors, and so on. Most of the organic crystals are inclined to break or crack under external stress limiting their usage in many device applications. However, some molecular crystals are bizarrely flexible due to the presence of unusual molecular packing and weak intermolecular interactions. This comprehensive review summarizes these remarkably flexible organic crystal waveguides reported to date. The summary also includes i) naturally bent active/passive crystal waveguides, ii) various external factors (mechanical, chemical, light) which trigger bending of macrocrystals, iii) a comparison between the crystal structure of both linear and bent waveguides, and the use of crystal engineering strategies in designing flexible waveguides, iv) advent of micromechanical manipulation technique based on atomic force microscopy to effectively modify the geometry and position crystals as small as <2 µm, v) some promising next‐generation devices made from flexible crystals such as organic field‐effective waveguides, wavelength division multiplexing, polarization rotors, and optical directional couplers, and vi) future outlook and opportunities of this growing research field.
A Single‐Molecule and Logic Gate via Optical and Acid–Base Control
Authors: Zhao Wenkai , Zou Dongqing , Sun Zhaopeng , Xu Yuqing , Ji Guomin , Li Xiaoteng , Yang Chuanlu
Published: September 2020

Single‐molecule electronics is a promising solution for electronic device miniaturization. While controllable molecular logic gates are particularly attractive because they are the primary element and can accomplish logical operation reliable and repeatedly for practical application. Here, a brand‐new molecule, which is constructed from a light‐switchable azobenzene unit and proton‐switchable pyrimidine unit, is reported. The electronic transport properties of the molecule are theoretically investigated by density functional theory (DFT) combined with non‐equilibrium Green's function method (NEGF). The calculated current–voltage curves show that the molecule system produces a low resistance only when the ultraviolet (UV) light and acid solution are applied, otherwise, a high resistance will be obtained. Therefore, the molecule system can behave as a single‐molecule AND logic gate which can be controlled by two orthogonal inputs: protonation and light. This work demonstrates a feasible perspective for creating single‐molecule logic gate device.
Controllable and Diversiform Topological Morphologies of Self‐Assembling Supra‐Amphiphiles with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics for Mimicking Light‐Harvesting Antenna
Authors: Fu Shuang , Su Xiang , Li Meng , Song Shanliang , Wang Lei , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2020

Controllable construction of diversiform topological morphologies through supramolecular self‐assembly on the basis of single building block is of vital importance, but still remains a big challenge. Herein, a bola‐type supra‐amphiphile, namely DAdDMA@2β‐CD, is rationally designed and successfully prepared by typical host–guest binding β‐cyclodextrin units with an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active scaffold DAdDMA. Self‐assembling investigation reveals that several morphologies of self‐assembled DAdDMA@2β‐CD including leaf‐like lamellar structure, nanoribbons, vesicles, nanofibers, helical nanofibers, and toroids, can be straightforwardly fabricated by simply manipulating the self‐assembling solvent proportioning and/or temperature. To the best of knowledge, this presented protocol probably holds the most types of self‐assembling morphology alterations using a single entity. Moreover, the developed leaf‐like lamellar structure performs well in mimicking the light‐harvesting antenna system by incorporating with a Förster resonance energy transfer acceptor, providing up to 94.2% of energy transfer efficiency.
Weather and soil in the US Midwest influence the effectiveness of single‐ and split‐nitrogen applications in corn production
Authors: Clark Jason D. , Fernández Fabián G. , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Franzen David W. , Kitchen Newell R. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Nafziger Emerson D. , Sawyer John E. , Shanahan John F.
Published: September 2020

Splitting the N application into two or more timings may improve corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and N recovery relative to a single‐N application. A 49 site‐year study across eight U.S. Midwestern states compared the effect of an at‐planting (single‐N application) and two split‐N applications [45 (45+SD) or 90 kg N ha−1 (90+SD) at planting with the remainder of the total rate (180 or 270 kg N ha−1) applied at V9]. For split‐N applications, soil and plant responses were similar between 45+SD and 90+SD 93–98% of the time, indicating the at‐planting N rate of 45 kg N ha−1 may be all that is needed in most cropping scenarios. Splitting the N application compared to a single‐N application changed soil NO3–N at VT and post‐harvest <35% of the time and plant N uptake and grain yield <15% of the time. Split‐N applications had greater grain yield in areas with uniform precipitation around the sidedress timing (Shannon Diversity Index >0.56–0.59) to incorporate N in the root zone, and in coarse‐textured soil (sand content >4–10%) that had greater potential for N loss. Single‐N applications produced greater grain yield in soils with more total N (>2.1–2.4 g kg−1) to support N mineralization and greater cation exchange capacity (CEC) (> 27–31 cmolc kg−1), silt content (>66–74%), or clay content (>24–37%) to improve nutrient and water retention. Decisions on nitrogen application timing should be made based on soil parameters and typical weather conditions around the sidedress timing.
Potassium management over 60 crops: A long‐term study on an Oxisol under no‐till
Authors: Firmano Ruan F. , de Oliveira Junior Adilson , de Castro César , Alleoni Luís R. F.
Published: September 2020

Potassium (K) is a typical yield‐limiting nutrient for soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in humid tropical regions. The effect of fertilization on K balance over 32 yr of continuous cropping was investigated in a highly weathered Rhodic Hapludox under no‐till. The nutrient balance was calculated based on the amounts of K added via fertilization and on the amounts removed by the crops. Potassium rates interfered with yields over time and modified the final balance of K in the system. Depending on K rates, the balance tended to be positive or negative, and the range of K rates evaluated allowed us to establish conditions of either continuous K depletion, resulting from K removals by harvests, or the accumulation in soil under high rates. In this range, indicators of the efficiency of K fertilizer also varied and made it clear that K fertilizer is not the only source of K for plants.
Evaluating the sensitivity of vegetation and water indices to monitor drought for three Mediterranean crops
Authors: Yildirim Tugba , Zhou Yuting , Flynn K. Colton , Gowda Prasanna H. , Ma Shengfang , Moriasi Daniel N.
Published: September 2020

Understanding drought effects on vegetative health for crop producing locations, such as the Seferihisar‐Kavakdere region in western Turkey, is vital for water and crop management. This study used Landsat‐derived spectral vegetation indices, specifically normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and land surface water index (LSWI) to evaluate and compare their performance and sensitivity for three major crops (citrus, grape, and olive) under dry (2008), wet (2010), and normal (2015) climatic conditions. Results showed that all three crops were affected by drought despite two (citrus and grape) being irrigated. However, grape and olive were more affected by drought than citrus. Drought conditions were exacerbated during September and October because of lack of precipitation and because irrigation is not a common practice during these months in this region. Therefore, this study aimed to use and compare drought sensitivities of Landsat‐derived spectral vegetation indices. All studied indices were closely related (.48 ≤R2≤ .98) for citrus, grape, and olive. The EVI and LSWI were greater than NDVI when NDVI values were greater than 0.65 for citrus, and LSWI values were larger than NDVI when NDVI values were greater than 0.6 for grape and olive during the wet year. The results showed that different vegetation indices are needed to detect drought from one crop to another under different climatic conditions. Our findings indicate that the irrigation applications in 2008 (drought year) were not sufficient to alleviate the severe drought stress experienced throughout the winter and growing seasons.