bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Numerals
Authors: Spector Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Modified numerals are expressions such asmore than three,fewer than three,at least three,at most three,up to ten,between three and ten,approximately ten,about ten,exactly ten, and so forth. At first sight, their semantic contribution seems pretty easy to describe. However, this impression is deceptive. Modified numerals raise very serious challenges for formal semantics and pragmatics, many of which have yet to be addressed in a fully satisfactory way. These challenges relate to two broad questions: first, what is the linguistically encoded meaning of modified numerals? Second, how should we divide the work between compositional semantics and pragmatics in order to account for all the inferences they give rise to? These are the two questions addressed in this chapter, focusing on a few striking puzzles, mostly in the domain of comparative and superlative modified numerals. These puzzles involve the interactions of modified numerals with plural semantics, modality, quantity implicatures, and ignorance inferences.
Quantifiers, Scope, and Pseudo‐Scope
Authors: Sternefeld Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Generalized Quantifier Theory (GQT) is discussed as an analysis of quantifying expression (QE) in natural language. According to that theory, a quantifier denotes a relation between sets, and quantifying DPs are QEs that are defined as sets of sets. Such QEs require quantifier raising (QR) and an additional mechanism that provides for the binding of bound variable pronouns. Various restrictions for scope taking in sentences with two or more quantifiers seem to apply; an alternative to scope taking via QR is scope independence, which can be modeled by choice functions or Skolem functions and is informally described in terms of game theory. Various data seem to require scope extension in the sense that semantic scope is wider than syntactic scope via c‐command. Such extensions are Discourse Representation Theory (DRT) and dynamic logic. Further extensions of GQT deal with pluralities.
Intentional Identity
Authors: van Rooij Robert
Published: November 2020

Geach's Hob–Nob sentences are a threat to the prominent view in semantics that unbound pronouns should be treated either as abbreviations for the antecedent clause or as variables bound by a (dynamic) existential quantifier. In this chapter this threat will be discussed, together with some proposed solutions.
Prosodic Focus
Authors: Wagner Michael
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides an introduction to the phenomenon of prosodic focus, as well as to the theory of Alternative Semantics. Alternative Semantics provides an insightful account of what prosodic focus means, and gives us a notation that can help with better characterizing focus‐related phenomena and the terminology used to describe them. We can also “translate” theoretical ideas about focus and givenness into this notation to facilitate a comparison between frameworks. The discussion will partly be structured by an evaluation of the theories of givenness, the theory of relative givenness, and Unalternative Semantics, but we will cover a range of other ideas and proposals in the process. The chapter concludes with a discussion of phonological issues, and of association with focus.
Representing Intensionality
Authors: Zimmermann Thomas Ede
Published: November 2020

There are two methods of representing intensional contexts in formal semantics: (a) by shifting the parameters of interpretation, as in modal and temporal logic; and (b) by binding variables referring to those parameters. While method (a) has been popular since the beginnings of modern formal semantics in the 1970s, the seemingly more flexible method (b) has gained increasing popularity in view of so‐called generalizedde rephenomena. This chapter takes a look at the empirical and theoretical motivation underlying the choices between (a) and (b) as well as the formal properties of the pertinent logical systems.
Inverse Linking Constructions
Authors: Zimmermann Malte
Published: November 2020

The chapter gives an overview of inverse linking constructions in English and German. Section 2 provides a detailed discussion of the structural and semantic properties of inverse linking and its lexical and structural constraints. Section 3 discusses syntactic analyses in terms of Quantifier Raising and Logical Form adjunction to S or DP, respectively. Section 4 discusses semantic analyses that interpret the quantified expressions in situ. Section 5 discusses inverse linking from the perspectives of structural economy and crosslinguistic variation. Section 6 looks at the related construction of nested definites.
Compression Behavior of Diamond Lattice Structure and Its Hall–Petch Relationship
Authors: Chen Yefeng , Liu Hang , Shen Jiawei , Gong Jianming , Zhao Jiaxi
Published: November 2020

As the additive manufacturing (AM) technology improves, in particular the selective laser melting (SLM) advance, lattice structures made of Ti6Al4V become a new material and are applied in aerospace and medical field increasingly. It is essential to investigate the compression behavior and size effect in diamond lattice structure. Herein, a new analytical model based on elastic strain energy is presented for predicting the compressive properties of diamond lattice structure. The effective diameter De is put forward to improve the accuracy of prediction. In addition, the effects of unit cell size on the mechanical properties and energy absorption are investigated. The results show that first peak stress and elastic modulus can be predicted well by the analytical models. Through quantitative analysis, the relationships between mechanical properties and unit cell size in different relative density can be concluded as Hall–Petch relationships. In addition, the energy absorption increases with relative density and changes with the unit cell size.
Remote Tuning of Built‐In Magnetoelectric Microenvironment to Promote Bone Regeneration by Modulating Cellular Exposure to Arginylglycylaspartic Acid Peptide
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Zhang Fengyi , Yan Yuanyang , Zhang Chenguang , Zhao Han , Heng Boon Chin , Huang Ying , Shen Yang , Zhang Jinxing , Chen Lili , Wen Xiufang , Deng Xuliang
Published: November 2020

Mimicking the endogenous physical microenvironment is a promising strategy for biomaterial‐mediated tissue regeneration. However, precise control of physical cues such as electric/magnetic fields within extracellular environments to facilitate tissue regeneration remains a formidable challenge. Here, remote tuning of the magnetoelectric microenvironment is achieved by a built‐in CoFe2O4/poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] magnetoelectric membrane for effective bone regeneration. The magnetoelectric microenvironment from the nanocomposite membranes promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) and enhances bone defect regeneration by increasing cellular exposure and integrin binding to arginylglycylaspartic acid peptide, as predicted by molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, BM‐MSCs are directed to the osteogenic lineage by osteoimmuomodulation which involves accelerating transition from an initial inflammatory immune response to a pro‐healing regenerative immune response. This work offers a strategy to mimic the magnetoelectric microenvironment for achieving precise and effective tissue regenerative therapies, as well as provides fundamental insights into the biological effects driven by the built‐in magnetoelectric membrane, which can be remotely tuned to precisely modulate osteogenesis in situ.
On the Impact of Linear Siloxanated Side Chains on the Molecular Self‐Assembling and Charge Transport Properties of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Kamatham Narayanaswamy , Ibraikulov Olzhas A. , Durand Pablo , Wang Jing , Boyron Olivier , Heinrich Benoît , Heiser Thomas , Lévêque Patrick , Leclerc Nicolas , Méry Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Herein reported is the impact of the functionalization of four different semiconducting polymer structures by a linear siloxane‐terminated side‐chains. The latter is tetrasiloxane (Si4) or trisiloxane (Si3) chains, substituted at their extremity to a pentylene linker. The polymer structure is based on 5,6‐difluorobenzothiadiazole comonomer (PF2), a diketopyrrolopyrrole unit (PDPP‐TT), a naphtalediimide unit (PNDI‐T2), and a poly[bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2,b]thiophene (PBTTT). The properties of these siloxane‐functionalized polymers are scrutinized and compared with the ones of their alkyl‐substituted polymer analogues. The impact of the alkyl‐to‐siloxane chain substitution clearly depends on the molecular section of the side chains. When a branched 2‐octyldodecyl chain (C20) is replaced by a Si4 chain of same molecular section, the greatest impact is the strong increase of the π‐stacking overlap of the polymer backbones. This effect leads to a significative enhancement of the charge mobility values of the polymers. As in‐plane and out‐of‐plane mobility are increased simultaneously, this π‐overlap enhancement effect happens to be preponderant over the polymer orientation variations. When a linear tetradecyl chain (C14) is replaced by a linear Si3 chain of twice larger molecular section, the polymer structure is profoundly affected. While PBTTT‐C14 is crystalline and purely edge‐on, PBTTT‐Si3 is mesomorphic and shows a mixed face‐on/edge‐on orientation.
MMP‐2 Responsive Unidirectional Hydrogel‐Electrospun Patch Loading TGF‐β1 siRNA Polyplexes for Peritendinous Anti‐Adhesion
Authors: Cai Chuandong , Wang Wei , Liang Jing , Li Yuange , Lu Mingkuan , Cui Wenguo , Fan Cunyi , Deng Lianfu , Li Yusheng , Wang Fei , Liu Shen
Published: November 2020

Bio‐derived hydrogel patch systems exhibit promising potential in localized drug delivery for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, the uncontrolled release from the hydrogel patch both in time and space, is not an optimal strategy for peritendinous anti‐adhesion, leading to transient effect and unnecessary diffusion of therapeutics. Here, an innovative composite anti‐adhesion patch is designed for on‐demand and unidirectional polyplexes delivery to inhibit fibroblasts proliferation and collagen deposition by silencing fibrosis gene transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Firstly, a metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) degradable hydrogel is prepared by crosslinking allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS‐AGE) with MMP‐2 substrate peptide CPLGLAGC (MMP‐2 sp). Then, the hydrogel loading TGF‐β1 siRNA polyplexes are attached onto polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers to form a composite bilayer patch. The hydrogel–electrospun fibers (H–E) patch shows MMP‐2‐responsive and unidirectional release behaviors of encapsulated TGF‐β1 siRNA polyplexes and associated gene silencing effect on TGF‐β1, leading to the inhibition of fibroblasts proliferation. Moreover, after implanting the H–E patch by wrapping the repaired tendon, the formation of adhesion tissue is responsively attenuated in MMP‐2 overexpression microenvironment. This study presents a promising approach employing a composite bilayer patch with on‐demand and unidirectional delivery strategy for peritendinous anti‐adhesion.
Coloring Afterglow Nanoparticles for High‐Contrast Time‐Gating‐Free Multiplex Luminescence Imaging
Authors: Li Zhanjun , Yu Nuo , Zhou Juanjuan , Li Yang , Zhang Yuanwei , Huang Ling , Huang Kai , Zhao Yang , Kelmar Sharon , Yang Jinyi , Han Gang
Published: November 2020

Afterglow nanoparticles (AGNPs) possessing inherently long lifetime with tailorable emission colors and uniform size have long been sought due to their time‐gating‐free high‐contrast multiplexing imaging. Herein, via a straightforward template method, it is reported that such multicolor AGNPs can be accomplished. The resultant AGNPs exhibit a series of tunable afterglow emissions, including blue, yellow, green, and white. These multicolor AGNPs are found to be highly bright, enabling them to perform high‐contrast multichannel afterglow imaging in vitro and in vivo without the use of any complicated time‐gating algorithms or systems, which existing tools are unable to do.
Charge–Ferroelectric Transition in Ultrathin Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 Flakes Probed via a Dual‐Gated Full van der Waals Transistor
Authors: Liu Xiaochi , Zhou Xuefan , Pan Yuchuan , Yang Junqiang , Xiang Haiyan , Yuan Yahua , Liu Song , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Sun Jian
Published: November 2020

Ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) have recently attracted enormous attention owing to their applications in nonvolatile memories and low‐power logic electronics. However, the current mainstream thin‐film‐based ferroelectrics lack good compatibility with the emergent 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. In this work, the synthesis of thin ferroelectric Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 (NBIT) flakes by a molten‐salt method is reported. With a dry‐transferred NBIT flake serving as the top‐gate dielectric, dual‐gate molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) FeFETs are fabricated in a full vdW stacking structure. Barrier‐free graphene contacts allow the investigation of intrinsic carrier transport of MoS2 governed by lattice scattering. Thanks to the high dielectric constant of ≈94 in NBIT, a metal to insulator transition with a high electron concentration of 3.0 × 1013 cm−2 is achieved in MoS2 under top‐gate modulation. The electron field‐effect mobility as high as 182 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 88 K is obtained. The as‐fabricated MoS2 FeFET exhibits clockwise hysteresis transfer curves that originate from charge trapping/release with either top‐gate or back‐gate modulation. Interestingly, hysteresis behavior can be controlled from clockwise to counterclockwise using dual‐gate. A multifunctional device utilizing this unique property of NBIT, which is switchable electrostatically between short‐term memory and nonvolatile ferroelectric memory, is envisaged.
Nanomechanical Gas Sensing with Laser Treated 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Mistry Kissan , Ibrahim Khaled H. , Novodchuk Inna , Ngo Hyunh Thien , Imamura Gaku , Sanderson Joseph , Yavuz Mustafa , Yoshikawa Genki , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: November 2020

2D nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and tungsten disulfide (WS2) are viable candidates for use in chemical gas sensors due to their large specific surface area available for analyte adsorption. In this work, these 2D materials are treated with a femtosecond laser process to intentionally introduce defects, dopants, and functional groups to the material for improved gas adsorption properties. The materials are coated onto a nanomechanical membrane‐type surface stress sensor (MSS) to evaluate their sensing capability toward a select group of volatile organic compounds. By utilizing the MSS platform, the approach avoids the need for 2D materials with conductive properties typically required in chemoresistive sensors. The results show that a longer laser treatment time for graphene oxide increases the sensor response, which is attributed to an increase in defects and oxygen functional groups. Doping of graphene oxide with boron nitride improves sensor response, likely due to the introduction of pyrrolic nitrogen groups with high chemical activity. Additionally, the graphene oxides demonstrate partial selectivity toward the detection of toluene, attributable to π–π interactions. MoS2 and WS2 nanoflakes also show enhanced sensor response attributed to the formation of apical/bridging sulfur bonds with high catalytic activity.
Reduction of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes Enabled by a Photoinduced Hydrogen Atom Transfer
Authors: Larionova Natalia A. , Ondozabal Jun Miyatake , Cambeiro Xacobe C.
Published: November 2020

Direct hydrogen atom transfer from a photoredox‐generated Hantzsch ester radical cation to electron‐deficient alkenes has enabled the development of an efficient formal hydrogenation under mild, operationally simple conditions. The HAT‐driven mechanism is supported by experimental and computational studies. The reaction is applied to a variety of cinnamate derivatives and related structures, irrespective of the presence of electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing substituents in the aromatic ring and with good functional group compatibility.

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Metal‐Free, DBU‐Mediated, Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Benzo[c]xanthones by Tandem Reactions of Alkynyl‐1,3‐diketones
Authors: Liang Yi‐En , D. Barve Balaji , Kuo Yao‐Haur , Fang Hsu‐Wei , Kuo Ting‐Shen , Li Wen‐Tai
Published: November 2020

A base‐mediated, green, microwave‐assisted efficient preparation of a diverse benzoxanthone library from variety of readily accessible γ‐alkynyl 1,3‐diketones is reported. The synthesis is based on tandem reactions involving intramolecular cyclization, propargyl‐allenyl isomerization, and electrocyclization in one pot. Some of the benzoxanthones are also synthesized by the one‐pot reaction of 1,3‐diketone and alkynyl bromide under basic heating conditions. This transformation also results in the construction of one new C−C bond and one new C−O bond.

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Synthesis of Seleno Oxindoles via Electrochemical Cyclization of N‐arylacrylamides with Diorganyl Diselenides
Authors: Wang Xin‐Yu , Zhong Yuan‐Fang , Mo Zu‐Yu , Wu Shi‐Hong , Xu Yan‐Li , Tang Hai‐Tao , Pan Ying‐Ming
Published: November 2020

The tandem cyclization of acrylamide with diselenides facilitated by electrochemical oxidation was successfully developed. This strategy provided an environmentally friendly method for the construction of C−Se bond. A series of seleno oxindoles with pharmacological activity were obtained by using this well‐designed tandem cyclization strategy. The in vitro antitumor activity of the compounds was also screened through MTT assay. Results showed that the seleno oxindoles exhibited better antitumor activity than other oxindole derivatives.

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Actuators Displaying Unidirectional Movement
Authors: Nandi Mridula , Maiti Binoy , Díaz Díaz David
Published: November 2020

Shape memory polymer actuators have attracted great attention in the past few decades for developing soft robots, artificial muscles, and biomedical implants, among others. Herein, under a tutorial perspective, a series of shape memory actuators that display unidirectional movement upon exposure to specific external stimuli is explored. The mechanistic details associated with the movement of each system are also highlighted. In general, an overview of basic design principles, the chemical structure of molecular switches, the strategies used to achieve such controlled and unidirectional movement, as well as key experimental aspects, is provided. The most critical challenges of the existing devices that limit their practical applicability are also discussed. This is of utmost importance because such limitations must be overcome to fabricate micromotors that can generate complex movements, other than simple stretching/contraction or bending, to perform complex tasks.
Full donor chimerism after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplant for myelofibrosis: The role of the conditioning regimen
Authors: Chiusolo Patrizia , Bregante Stefania , Giammarco Sabrina , Lamparelli Teresa , Casarino Lucia , Dominietto Alida , Raiola Anna Maria , Metafuni Elisabetta , Di Grazia Carmen , Gualandi Francesca , Sora Federica , Laurenti Luca , Sica Simona , Barosi Gianni , Guolo Fabio , Rossi Monica , Rossi Elena , Vannucchi Alessandro , Signori Alessio , De Stefano Valerio , Bacigalupo Andrea , Angelucci Emanuele
Published: November 2020

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the rate of full donor chimerism (F‐DC) in patients with myelofibrosis, prepared for an allogeneic stem cell transplant, with one or two alkylating agents. We analyzed 120 patients with myelofibrosis, for whom chimerism data were available on day +30. There were two groups: 42 patients were conditioned with one alkylating agent (ONE‐ALK), either thiotepa or busulfan or melphalan, in combination with fludarabine, whereas 78 patients were prepared with two alkylating agents, thiotepa busulfan and fludarabine (TBF). Patients receiving TBF were older (57 vs 52 years), were less frequently splenectomized pre‐HSCT (31% vs 59%), had more frequently intermediate‐2/high DIPSS scores (90% vs 74%), were grafted more frequently from alternative donors (83% vs 33%) and received more frequently ruxolitinib pre‐HSCT (26% vs 7%). The proportion of patients with F‐DC on day +30, in the TBF vs the ONE‐ALK group, was respectively 87% vs 45% (P < .001). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 9% in the TBF group, vs 43% for the ONE‐ALK group (P < .001). The 5‐year actuarial disease‐free survival was 63% for TBF and 38% for the ONE‐ALK group (P = .004). In conclusion, early full donor chimerism is a prerequisite for long term control of disease in patients with myelofibrosis, undergoing an allogeneic HSCT. The combination of two alkylating agents in the conditioning regimen, provides a higher chance of achieving full donor chimerism on day+30, and thus a higher chance of long term disease free survival.
Trifluoroethanol‐mediated Decarboxylative Addition Reactions of β‐Ketoacids with Diverse Electrophiles
Authors: Guan Ren‐You , Hsu Chan‐Wei , Han Jeng‐Liang
Published: November 2020

An efficient decarboxylative addition reaction of β‐ketoacids with miscellaneous electrophiles in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) is reported. The reaction proceeds smoothly without any base and metal catalysts, affording a broad range of diarylmethanes, β‐hydroxy ketones and 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles with moderate to excellent yields under essentially neutral conditions.
Pincer Ligand Enhanced Rhodium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Formaldehyde: Direct Ethylene Glycol Production
Authors: Meyer Tim , Konrath Robert , Kamer Paul C. J. , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2020

Formaldehyde is one of the most important bulk chemicals and is produced on a million tone scale (52 million tons in 2017).[1] Since the middle of the last century, the challenge has remained to produce the valuable ethylene glycol (EG) directly from the C1 building block formaldehyde in a single step. In the systems reported so far, the reaction conditions were very harsh, often with pressures above 400 bar. However, under milder conditions, the selectivity was on the side of glycol aldehyde (GA) and the hydrogenation product methanol. Only traces of EG could be generated in the presence of a Rh catalyst. Herein, we describe a new Rh catalyst system with pincer ligand, which allows the direct one pot synthesis of EG from easy to handle paraformaldehyde (PFA) at remarkable mild conditions (70 bar, 100 °C) and overcomes the aforementioned limitations with yield up to 40%.
Utility of a prediction model for delirium in intensive care unit patients (PRE‐DELIRIC) in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis
Authors: Miyamoto Kyohei , Nakashima Tsuyoshi , Shima Nozomu , Kato Seiya , Kawazoe Yu , Morimoto Takeshi , Ohta Yoshinori , Yamamura Hitoshi ,   DESIRE Trial Investigators
Published: November 2020

Aim

Delirium frequently develops in patients with sepsis during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A prediction model for delirium in patients in ICU, PRE‐DELIRIC, has been utilized in overall ICU patients, but its utility is uncertain among patients with sepsis. This study aims to examine the utility of PRE‐DELIRIC to predict delirium in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial in eight Japanese ICUs, which aimed to evaluate the sedative strategy with/without dexmedetomidine in adult mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU was used every day to assess for delirium throughout their ICU stay. We excluded patients who were delirious on the first day of ICU, those who were under sustained coma throughout their ICU stay, and those who stayed in the ICU less than 24 h. The discriminative ability of PRE‐DELIRIC was evaluated by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Of the 201 patients enrolled in the trial, we analyzed 158 patients. The mean age was 69.4 ± 14.0 years, and 99 patients (63%) were men. Delirium occurred at least once during the ICU stay of 63 patients (40%). The AUROC of PRE‐DELIRIC was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.69). Subgroup analyses indicated that PRE‐DELIRIC was useful in those with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score >8 with AUROC of 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.77).

Conclusions

The PRE‐DELIRIC model could not predict delirium in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.
Umpolung of B−H Bonds by Metal–Ligand Cooperation with Cyclopentadienone Iridium Complexes
Authors: Higashi Takuya , Kusumoto Shuhei , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: November 2020

In contrast to conventional metal–ligand cooperative cleavage of a B−H bond, which provides a B cation on the ligand and an H anion on the metal, we report herein the umpolung of B−H bonds by novel cyclopentadienone iridium complexes. The B−H bonds of 4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane (HBpin) and 1,8‐naphthalenediaminatoborane (HBdan) were cleaved to give a B anion on the metal and an H cation on the phenolic oxygen atom of the ligand. Mechanistic investigation by DFT calculations revealed that the alkoxycarbonyl‐substituted cyclopentadienone ligand facilitated deprotonation from Ir−H after oxidative addition of the B−H bond to give the umpolung product. The generated boryliridium complex was found to undergo borylation of an allyl halide in the presence of base, thus showing the nucleophilic nature of the boron atom.
Solvatochromic Photoluminescent Effects in All‐Inorganic Manganese(II)‐Based Perovskites by Highly Selective Solvent‐Induced Crystal‐to‐Crystal Phase Transformations
Authors: Xiao Hui , Dang Peipei , Yun Xiaohan , Li Guogang , Wei Yi , Wei Yi , Xiao Xiao , Zhao Yajie , Molokeev Maxim S. , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: November 2020

The development of lead‐free perovskite photoelectric materials has been an extensive focus in the recent years. Herein, a novel one‐dimensional (1D) lead‐free CsMnCl3(H2O)2 single crystal is reported with solvatochromic photoluminescence properties. Interestingly, after contact with N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAC) or N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), the crystal structure can transform from 1D CsMnCl3(H2O)2 to 0D Cs3MnCl5 and finally transform into 0D Cs2MnCl4(H2O)2. The solvent‐induced crystal‐to‐crystal phase transformations are accompanied by loss and regaining of water of crystallization, leading to the change of the coordination number of Mn2+. Correspondingly, the luminescence changes from red to bright green and finally back to red emission. By fabricating a test‐paper containing CsMnCl3(H2O)2, DMAC and DMF can be detected quickly with a response time of less than one minute. These results can expand potential applications for low‐dimensional lead‐free perovskites.
A Visible‐Light‐Regulated Chloride Transport Channel Inspired by Rhodopsin
Authors: Quan Jiaxin , Zhu Fei , Dhinakaran Manivannan Kalavathi , Yang Yingying , Johnson Robert P. , Li Haibing
Published: November 2020

Inspired by the light‐regulating capabilities of naturally occurring rhodopsin, we have constructed a visible‐light‐regulated Cl−‐transport membrane channel based on a supramolecular host–guest interaction. A natural retinal chromophore, capable of a visible‐light response, is used as the guest and grafted into the artificial channel. Upon introduction of an ethyl‐urea‐derived pillar[6]arene (Urea‐P6) host, threading or de‐threading of the retinal and selective bonding of Cl− can be utilized to regulate ion transport. Based on the visible‐light responsiveness of the host–guest interaction, Cl− transport can be regulated by visible light between ON and OFF states. Visible‐light‐regulated Cl− transport as a chemical model permits to understand comparable biological ion‐selective transport behaviors. Furthermore, this result also supplies a smart visible‐light‐responsive Cl− transporter, which may have applications in natural photoelectric conversion and photo‐controlled delivery systems.
Thermal desorption and pyrolysis direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry of Nafion membrane
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto
Published: November 2020

Perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer membranes have been widely used as proton conducting membranes in various electrochemical processes such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells and water electrolysis. While their thermal stability has been studied by thermogravimetry and analysis of low molecular weight products, their decomposition mechanism is little understood. In this study a newly developed methodology of thermal desorption and pyrolysis in combination with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry is applied for Nafion membrane. An ambient ionization source and a high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer enabled unambiguous assignment of gaseous products. Thermal decomposition is initiated by side chain detachment above 350°C, which leaves carbonyls on the main chain at the locations of the side chains. Perfluoroalkanes are released above 400°C by main chain scission and their further decomposition products dominate above 500 °C. DFT calculation of reaction energies and barrier heights of model compounds support proposed decomposition reactions.
Novel approach to recover copper ions using poly(ethylene imine) based layer‐by‐layer coatings on icosane particles
Authors: Seitz Steffen , Tsujimoto Masaya , Chanthaset Nalinthip , Yoshida Hiroaki , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: November 2020

The low‐density materials are developed for the wastewater treatment, the particles could be easily recovered when floating upon water surface and be recycling of a large fraction. Simultaneously, we selected the low melting point of material, which is possible to separate easily the compounds after usage. We chose icosane as a core material with layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films as an adsorbent for wastewater containing copper ions. The icosane particles were coated by poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) as positively charged layer and either poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(styrene sulfonate) as counterpart. Glutaraldehyde was introduced as a crosslinking agent to create multilayered shells with various active sites as scavenger. The copper adsorption abilities of PEI‐PAA‐coated particles were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Interestingly, the adsorption amount of copper ions on PEI/PAA coated particles (16.5 mg) was optimized at 82 μg/L after 5 min of elution time, which shows a good potential of our material in the field of application. With the facile and consistent separation of the core and LbL coating, the thermal properties were revealed a stable melting temperature at around 38°C.
Mild sulfonated polyether ketone ether ketone ketone incorporated polysulfone membranes for microbial fuel cell application
Authors: Azhar Masaud , Jaafar Juhana , Aziz Madzlan , Umar Yunusa , Jafar Mazumder Mohammad A. , Nazal Mazen K.
Published: November 2020

To address the impediments of low power generation of Nafion, which is the main hurdle in the commercialization of microbial fuel cells (MFC), the current study focuses on developing a new PEM for MFC from mild sulfonation of PEKEKK with relatively improved physiochemical properties. In this study, mild post sulfonation of a polyether ketone ether ketone ketone (PEKEKK) has been successfully achieved using 98% H2SO4 at 90°C under reflux. 5%–30% (wt%) of sulfonated PEKEKK (SPEKEKK) loaded polysulfone (PSU) composite membranes were fabricated via a solution casting method. Ingeminating evidence of the sulfonation and structure of sulfonated polymer was proved by 1H NMR peaks integration data and FTIR, respectively. The addition of SPEKEKK to PSU showed significant improvement in conductivity owing to the availability of more protonated sites (SO3H) and water mediated pathways for the conduction of protons. The composite membrane containing 30 wt% SPEKEKK exhibits the highest conductivity of 0.12 S/cm at 90°C. The water uptakes and swelling ratio of the composite membranes are all higher than that of the pristine PSU membrane and show an increasing trend with increasing SPEKEKK content, thus validating the availability of water domains. Meanwhile, the lowest initial decomposition temperatures assigned to sulfonic acid groups and main chain degradation of the polysulfone/polyether ketone ether ketone ketone (PSU/SPEKEKK) composite membranes occurred at ~300°C and ~500°C respectively, which reflects an excellent thermal stability property. The experimental results indicate that the PSU/SPEKEKK membrane has the potential to greatly enhance the efficiency of MFCs.
Preparation of stiffer ternary blends of polypropylene/polyamide 6/biodegradable polymers with improved interfacial adhesion
Authors: Amantes Bruno de P. , de Oliveira Renato Jonas B. , Marques Maria de Fátima V.
Published: November 2020

Blends of polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6), and biodegradable polymers (BPs) such as poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA), poly(lactic acid‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (poly[LA‐co‐ε‐CL]) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared using a twin‐screw mini‐extruder. The composition of the blend PP/PA6 was fixed at a mass proportion of 70/30, and the compatibilized blends contain 5 wt% of each BP. The morphology observed through scanning electronic microscopy, the dynamic mechanical thermal properties (DMTA), and the biodegradation test after composting and performing optical microscopy (OM) of the blends were investigated. The blend PP/PA6 compatibilized with polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PPMA) was also obtained and used as a reference. The results showed that the PP/PA6/PPMA revealed a more homogeneous morphology and resulted in higher modulus; nevertheless, the sample obtained with the lower molar mass PDLLA as an alternative for PPMA showed a storage modulus behavior close to the reference material. Poly(LA‐co‐ε‐CL) and PCL also showed changes in the morphology of the PA6 dispersed phase. Positive results were observed in the biodegradation test examined by OM for all samples containing BPs. The novelty of this work was to employ BPs as compatibilizing agents of the blends comprising PP/PA6, producing ternary blends with superior mechanical properties due to the better dispersion of the phases.
Monitoring Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin occurrences in a highly urbanized estuary for informing conservation and management
Authors: Fang Liang , Lin Wenzhi , Guo Lang , Cai Huayang , Pine Matthew K. , Wu Yuping
Published: November 2020

The estuaries within the Pearl River Delta are sites for large‐scale urban development and offshore construction. These projects have conservation stakeholders calling for more protection for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins whose habitat overlaps with current and proposed construction sites.

Efforts to improve impact assessments are hindered by the lack of baseline data and comprehensive understanding of how often the dolphins are present in areas near or within locations targeted for further development. The Modaomen Estuary within the Pearl River Delta is a good example of this, with little consideration for the dolphins as no data on their diurnal and seasonal occurrences within the estuary exist.

A passive acoustic monitoring system was deployed over a calendar year from October 2016 to September 2017 to monitor the presence of humpback dolphins in the Modaomen Estuary.

Results indicated that the estuary is an important area for humpback dolphins, with regular diel rhythms and seasonality in detection rates. For example, higher detections were seen during the wet season than during the dry season. However, there was no significant difference in detection rates between the flood and ebb tides, or between high and low tidal phases.

Since the Modaomen Estuary is targeted for further development in the near future, these data provide the rationale for resource management and consent processes to consider potential impacts on the dolphins, as well as to aid marine spatial planning and conservation measures.
Abnormal increases in reactive oxygen species in dying insects infected with nematodes
Authors: Tonogawa Urara , Matsumura Takashi , Ono Masaya , Yoshiga Toyoshi
Published: November 2020

Stress enhances the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in animal plasma. Increased ROS alter various physiological functions, such as development and the immune response, but excessive increases could be harmful. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that abnormally increased plasma ROS levels are associated with animal death. Injection of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansinto insect larvae caused high mortality inGalleria mellonella, and the plasma ROS concentration was four times higher than M9 buffer‐injected larvae. There was no difference in plasma antioxidant activity after nematode injection. However, coinjecting nematodes with an antioxidant (ascorbic acid orN‐acetylcysteine) suppressed increases in ROS concentrations by the nematodes and increases in the number of nematodes in the larvae, which increasedG. mellonellasurvival. These results suggest that the abnormal elevation of ROS associated with the stress caused by nematode propagation is lethal forG. mellonella.
Object traversing by monocular UAV in outdoor environment
Authors: Hu Jinwen , Zhang Houxin , Li Zhuoyi , Zhao Chunhui , Xu Zhao , Pan Quan
Published: November 2020

In search and monitoring tasks, object traversing scenarios are more challenging than avoidance and tracking. In this paper, we propose an object perception and path planning algorithm which can detect hollow objects and calculate a traversing path in real‐time. Meanwhile, a general vision unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system framework is designed to implement the proposed algorithm. A series of fundamental but effective algorithms are utilized in combination to detect hollow objects, and then the triangulation is applied to calculate the 3D position of the object. In order to improve the detection accuracy, a path planning and motion control algorithm is designed to enhance the safety and stability during traversing. The actual experimental results show that the UAV system is robust and feasible.
A Tale of Two Utilities: Cyanotoxin Response Plans
Authors: Hayden Anna , To Priscilla , Gorzalski Alexander S. , Shin Jin , Spiesman Anne
Published: November 2020

Key Takeaways

Cyanotoxin occurrence is difficult to predict and detect, yet cyanotoxins at high concentrations are acute health concerns, raising the stakes for utility response.

There's no one‐size‐fits‐all method to respond to harmful algal blooms. Utilities should customize their response plans to their specific circumstances and characteristics.

Two water utilities in the same US region developed different yet equally comprehensive, reliable plans.
Brain wiring with composite instructions
Authors: Hiesinger P. Robin
Published: November 2020

The quest for molecular mechanisms that guide axons or specify synaptic contacts has largely focused on molecules that intuitively relate to the idea of an “instruction.” By contrast, “permissive” factors are traditionally considered background machinery without contribution to the information content of a molecularly executed instruction. In this essay, I recast this dichotomy as a continuum from permissive to instructive actions of single factors that provide relative contributions to a necessarily collaborative effort. Individual molecules or other factors do not constitute absolute instructions by themselves; they provide necessary context for each other, thereby creating a composite that defines the overall instruction. The idea of composite instructions leads to two main conclusions: first, a composite of many seemingly permissive factors can define a specific instruction even in the absence of a single dominant contributor; second, individual factors are not necessarily related intuitively to the overall instruction or phenotypic outcome.
Association between the frequency of daily intellectual activities and cognitive domains: A cross‐sectional study in older adults with complaints of forgetfulness
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Takahashi Tomoya , Murayama Sachiko , Kobayashi Momoko , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Frequent engagement in intellectual activities has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia. The present study sought to examine the association between the frequency of daily intellectual activities and cognitive domains in older adults with complaints of forgetfulness.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted as a part of regional health examination in Tokyo from 2014 to 2016. A total of 436 participants were asked the frequency of intellectual activities in four categories: 1) reading, 2) writing, 3) using technology, and 4) watching TV and listening to the radio. The Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J) scale was used for the cognitive assessments. The relationships between MoCA‐J scores and each intellectual activity were explored.

Results

Binominal logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequencies of reading, writing, and using technology were significantly related to the language and attention, language, and memory domains, respectively, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the frequency of daily intellectual activities differed depending on the activity type, and each activity was related to a specific cognitive domain.
Gender‐related difference in altered fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations after electroacupuncture on primary insomnia patients: A resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Hua , Wang Yu‐Kai , Li Tie , Liu Hong‐Yu , Wang Xin‐Tong , Wang Zhi‐Hong , Mang Jing , Xu Zhong‐Xin
Published: November 2020

Background

Primary insomnia (PI) is defined as a sleep disorder with no definite cause or inducement. Electroacupuncture, a treatment of inserting needles into specific points on the body surface and applying electrical stimulation, has been proved effective in treating PI with minimal adverse effects. However, the influence of gender difference on the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients remains unclear. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial to compare the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients with different genders. The research on the mechanism of electroacupuncture suggested it could modulate the sleep and wakefulness by activating or deactivating brain regions via a needling/tactile somatosensory specific stimulus. Therefore, we also designed a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) study to detect the spontaneous brain activity of PI patients before and after the electroacupuncture treatment.

Method

Thirty PI patients were recruited to accept 5‐week electroacupuncture treatment on HT‐7. Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaires were used to evaluate the clinical treatment efficacy. Rs‐fMRI was employed to observe the spontaneous brain activity in the resting state at the baseline and after 5 weeks of electroacupuncture treatment, which was measured by the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF).

Result

The AIS and PSQI scores were significantly decreased both in the female PI group and the male PI group after treatment. The decreased PSQI of female patients was significantly more than that of male patients (p < .05). The gender‐related difference in the cerebral response to electroacupuncture was mainly in posterior cingulate and supramarginal gyrus.

Conclusion

There is a gender‐related difference in the clinical treatment efficacy of electroacupuncture for PI patients, and female patients may benefit more from electroacupuncture. Gender‐related differences in the cerebral response to electroacupuncture may be one of the factors affecting clinical treatment efficacy.
Macroeconomic instability and interest rate spreads in Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Ankamah Emmanuel , Sakyi Daniel
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the extent to which interest rate spreads is associated with macroeconomic instability in Ghana. Using the Maastricht Criteria, quarterly data on inflation, budget deficit, prime rate, external debt and exchange rate were collected from 2008 to 2018 to construct a composite macroeconomic instability index. The resulting index was used to evaluate the long‐run and short‐run relationship between macroeconomic instability and interest rate spreads with the aid of the autoregressive distributed lag and bounds test approach to cointegration. The results revealed that macroeconomic instability had a positive long‐run and short‐run relationship with interest rate spreads. Non‐performing loans and loan‐to‐deposit ratio are found to be negatively related to interest rate spreads both in the short and long run, although the relationship is not statistically significant. From a policy‐oriented point of view, it is recommended that policy makers concentrate on managing macroeconomic instability as a means of boosting savings and investment.
Financial materiality in the informativeness of sustainability reporting
Authors: Schiehll Eduardo , Kolahgar Sam
Published: November 2020

This study examines whether financial materiality in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure benefits the stock market by increasing the amount of accessible and relevant firm‐specific information. Based on the value relevance of information and the principle of financial materiality, we demonstrate that disclosing material ESG information increases stock price informativeness. We conduct an automated content analysis of 150,000 electronic documents filed by firms listed on the S&P/TSX Composite Index from 1999 to the end of 2014. Our findings show that ESG disclosure is indeed value relevant for investors and that financial materiality in ESG disclosure leads to more informative stock prices. In addition, the effect of ESG disclosure on stock price informativeness differs across the ESG components, being more sensitive to the social component. This study contributes to the literature on sustainability reporting, and in particular to the ongoing discussion about whether the financial materiality of ESG issues matters. This study also deepens the understanding of agency theory predictions about the economic effects of ESG disclosure.
Oxidative Alkenylation of Arenes Using Supported Rh Materials: Evidence that Active Catalysts are Formed by Rh Leaching
Authors: Luo Zhongwen , Whitcomb Colby A. , Kaylor Nicholas , Zhang Yulu , Zhang Sen , Davis Robert J. , Gunnoe T. Brent
Published: November 2020

This work focuses on the synthesis of supported Rh materials and study of their efficacy as pre‐catalysts for the oxidative alkenylation of arenes. Rhodium particles supported on silica (Rh/SiO2; ∼3.6 wt% Rh) and on nitrogen‐doped carbon (Rh/NC; ∼1.0 wt% Rh) are synthesized and tested. Heating mixtures of Rh/SiO2 or Rh/NC with benzene and ethylene or α‐olefins and CuX2 {X=OPiv (trimethylacetate) or OHex (2‐ethyl hexanoate)} to 150 °C results in the production of alkenyl arenes. When using Rh/SiO2 or Rh/NC as catalyst precursor, the conversion of benzene and propylene or toluene and 1‐pentene yields a ratio of anti‐Markovnikov to Markovnikov products that is nearly identical to the same ratios as the molecular catalyst precursor [Rh(μ‐OAc)(η2‐C2H4)2]2. These results and other observations are consistent with the formation of active catalysts by leaching of soluble Rh from the supported Rh materials.