bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmable Hierarchical Kirigami
Authors: An Ning , Domel August G. , Zhou Jinxiong , Rafsanjani Ahmad , Bertoldi Katia
Published: November 2019

Kirigami—the Japanese art of cutting paper—has recently inspired the design of highly stretchable and morphable mechanical metamaterials that can be easily realized by embedding an array of cuts into a sheet. This study focuses on thin plastic sheets perforated with a hierarchical pattern of cuts arranged to form an array of hinged squares. It is shown that by tuning the geometric parameters of this hierarchy as well as thickness and material response of the sheets not only a variety of different buckling‐induced 3D deformation patterns can be triggered, but also the stress–strain response of the surface can be effectively programmed. Finally, it is shown that when multiple hierarchical patterns are brought together to create one combined heterogeneous surface, the mechanical response can be further tuned and information can be encrypted into and read out via the applied mechanical deformation.
Wireless Monitoring Using a Stretchable and Transparent Sensor Sheet Containing Metal Nanowires
Authors: Araki Teppei , Uemura Takafumi , Yoshimoto Shusuke , Takemoto Ashuya , Noda Yuki , Izumi Shintaro , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2019

Mechanically and visually imperceptible sensor sheets integrated with lightweight wireless loggers are employed in ultimate flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) to reduce vital stress/nervousness and monitor natural biosignal responses. The key technologies and applications for conceptual sensor system fabrication are reported, as exemplified by the use of a stretchable sensor sheet completely conforming to an individual's body surface to realize a low‐noise wireless monitoring system (<1 µV) that can be attached to the human forehead for recording electroencephalograms. The above system can discriminate between Alzheimer's disease and the healthy state, thus offering a rapid in‐home brain diagnosis possibility. Moreover, the introduction of metal nanowires to improve the transparency of the biocompatible sensor sheet allows one to wirelessly acquire electrocorticograms of nonhuman primates and simultaneously offers optogenetic stimulation such as toward‐the‐brain–machine interface under free movement. Also discussed are effective methods of improving electrical reliability, biocompatibility, miniaturization, etc., for metal nanowire based tracks and exploring the use of an organic amplifier as an important component to realize a flexible active probe with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Overall, ultimate FHE technologies are demonstrated to achieve efficient closed‐loop systems for healthcare management, medical diagnostics, and preclinical studies in neuroscience and neuroengineering.
Relieving the Photosensitivity of Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Longfeng , Shi Jia , Li Chunlei , Shi Yanjun , Tan Jiahui , Li Haiyang , Jiang Hui , Hu Yuanyuan , Liu Xinfeng , Yu Junsheng , Wei Zhongming , Jiang Lang , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2019

It is generally believed that the photoresponse behavior of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) reflects the intrinsic property of organic semiconductors. However, this photoresponse hinders the application of OFETs in transparent displays as driven circuits due to the current instability resulting from the threshold voltage shift under light illumination. It is necessary to relieve the photosensitivity of OFETs to keep the devices stable. 2,6‐diphenyl anthracene thin‐film and single‐crystal OFETs are fabricated on different substrates, and it is found that the degree of molecular order in the conducting channels and the defects at the dielectric/semiconductor interface play important roles in determining the phototransistor performance. When highly ordered single‐crystal OFETs are fabricated on polymeric substrates with low defects, the photosensitivity (P) decreases by more than 105 times and the threshold voltage shift (ΔVT) is almost eliminated compared with the corresponding thin‐film OFETs. This phenomenon is further verified by using another three organic semiconductors for similar characterizations. The decreased P and ΔVT of OFETs ensure a good current stability for OFETs to drive organic light‐emitting diodes efficiently, which is essential to the application of OFETs in flexible and transparent displays.
Customizing the Polarity of Single‐Walled Carbon‐Nanotube Field‐Effect Transistors Using Solution‐Based Additives
Authors: Salazar‐Rios Jorge Mario , Sengrian Aprizal Akbar , Talsma Wytse , Duim Herman , Abdu‐Aguye Mustapha , Jung Stefan , Fröhlich Nils , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: November 2019

Polarity control in semiconducting single‐walled carbon‐nanotube field‐effect transistors (s‐SWNT FETs) is important to promote their application in logic devices. The methods to turn the intrinsically ambipolar s‐SWNT FETs into unipolar devices that have been proposed until now require extra fabrication steps that make preparation longer and more complex. It is demonstrated that by starting from a highly purified ink of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes sorted by a conjugated polymer, and mixing them with additives, it is possible to achieve unipolar charge transport. The three additives used are benzyl viologen (BV), 4‐(2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethylbenzenamine (N‐DMBI), which give rise to n‐type field‐effect transistors, and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) which gives rise to p‐type transistors. BV and N‐DMBI transform the s‐SWNTs transistors from ambipolar with mobility of the order of 0.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 to n‐type with mobility up to 5 cm2 V−1 s−1. F4‐TCNQ transform the ambipolar transistors in p‐type with mobility up to 16 cm2 V−1 s−1.
2D Metal Zn Nanostructure Electrodes for High‐Performance Zn Ion Supercapacitors
Authors: An Geon‐Hyoung , Hong John , Pak Sangyeon , Cho Yuljae , Lee Sanghyo , Hou Bo , Cha SeungNam
Published: November 2019

Recent supercapacitors show a high power density with long‐term cycle life time in energy‐powering applications. A supercapacitor based on a single metal electrode accompanying multivalent cations, multiple charging/discharging kinetics, and high electrical conductivity is a promising energy‐storing system that replaces conventionally used oxide and sulfide materials. Here, a hierarchically nanostructured 2D‐Zn metal electrode‐ion supercapacitor (ZIC) is reported which significantly enhances the ion diffusion ability and overall energy storage performance. Those nanostructures can also be successfully plated on various flat‐type and fiber‐type current collectors by a controlled electroplating method. The ZIC exhibits excellent pseudocapacitive performance with a high energy density of 208 W h kg−1 and a power density from 500 W kg−1, which are significantly higher than those of previously reported supercapacitors with oxide and sulfide materials. Furthermore, the fiber‐type ZIC also shows high energy‐storing performance, outstanding mechanical flexibility, and waterproof characteristics, without any significant capacitance degradation during bending tests. These results highlight the promising possibility of nanostructured 2D Zn metal electrodes with the controlled electroplating method for future energy storage applications.
SrTiO3/Al2O3‐Graphene Electron Transport Layer for Highly Stable and Efficient Composites‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with 20.6% Efficiency
Authors: Mahmoudi Tahmineh , Wang Yousheng , Hahn Yoon‐Bong
Published: November 2019

For practical use of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) the instability issues of devices, attributed to degradation of perovskite molecules by moisture, ions migration, and thermal‐ and light‐instability, have to be solved. Herein, highly efficient and stable PSCs based on perovskite/Ag‐reduced graphene oxide (Ag‐rGO) and mesoporous Al2O3/graphene (mp‐AG) composites are reported. The mp‐AG composite is conductive with one‐order of magnitude higher mobility than mp‐TiO2 and used for electron transport layer (ETL). Compared to the mp‐TiO2 ETL based cells, the champion device based on perovskite/Ag‐rGO and SrTiO3/mp‐AG composites shows overall a best performance (i.e., VOC = 1.057 V, JSC = 25.75 mA cm−2, fill factor (FF) = 75.63%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 20.58%). More importantly, the champion device without encapsulation exhibits not only remarkable thermal‐ and photostability but also long‐term stability, retaining 97–99% of the initial values of photovoltaic parameters and sustaining ≈93% of initial PCE over 300 d under ambient conditions.
An Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Exhibiting Electrical Conduction and Single‐Ion Magnetism
Authors: Shen Yongbing , Cosquer Goulven , Ito Hiroshi , Izuogu David C. , Thom Alex J. W. , Ina Toshiaki , Uruga Tomoya , Yoshida Takefumi , Takaishi Shinya , Breedlove Brian K. , Li Zhao‐Yang , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: November 2019

The first three‐dimensional (3D) conductive single‐ion magnet (SIM), (TTF)2[Co(pdms)2] (TTF=tetrathiafulvalene and H2pdms=1,2‐bis(methanesulfonamido)benzene), was electrochemically synthesised and investigated structurally, physically, and theoretically. The similar oxidation potentials of neutral TTF and the molecular precursor [HNEt3]2[M(pdms)2] (M=Co, Zn) allow for multiple charge transfers (CTs) between the SIM donor [M(pdms)2]n− and the TTF.+ acceptor, as well as an intradonor CT from the pdms ligand to Co ion upon electrocrystallisation. Usually TTF functions as a donor, whereas in our system TTF is both a donor and an accepter because of the similar oxidation potentials. Furthermore, the [M(pdms)2]n− donor and TTF.+ acceptor are not segregated but strongly interact with each other, contrary to reported layered donor–acceptor electrical conductors. The strong intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, combined with CT, allow for relatively high electrical conductivity even down to very low temperatures. Furthermore, SIM behaviour with slow magnetic relaxation and opening of hysteresis loops was observed. (TTF)2[Co(pdms)2] (2‐Co) is an excellent building block for preparing new conductive SIMs.
Synthesis and Target Identification of Benzoxepane Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Neuroinflammatory Agents for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gao Cheng‐Long , Hou Gui‐Ge , Liu Jin , Ru Tong , Xu Ya‐Zhou , Zhao Shun‐Yi , Ye Hui , Zhang Lu‐Yong , Chen Kai‐Xian , Guo Yue‐Wei , Pang Tao , Li Xu‐Wen
Published: November 2019

Benzoxepane derivatives were designed and synthesized, and one hit compound emerged as being effective in vitro with low toxicity. In vivo, this hit compound ameliorated both sickness behavior through anti‐inflammation in LPS‐induced neuroinflammatory mice model and cerebral ischemic injury through anti‐neuroinflammation in rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Target fishing for the hit compound using photoaffinity probes led to identification of PKM2 as the target protein responsible for anti‐inflammatory effect of the hit compound. Furthermore, the hit exhibited an anti‐neuroinflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting PKM2‐mediated glycolysis and NLRP3 activation, indicating PKM2 as a novel target for neuroinflammation and its related brain disorders. This hit compound has a better safety profile compared to shikonin, a reported PKM2 inhibitor, identifying it as a lead compound in targeting PKM2 for the treatment of inflammation‐related diseases.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Thianthrenation of Olefins To Access Versatile Alkenyl Electrophiles
Authors: Chen Junting , Li Jiakun , Plutschack Matthew B. , Berger Florian , Ritter Tobias
Published: November 2019

Herein, we report a regioselective alkenyl electrophile synthesis from unactivated olefins that is based on a direct and regioselective C−H thianthrenation reaction. The selectivity is proposed to arise from an unusual inverse‐electron‐demand hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction. The alkenyl sulfonium salts can serve as electrophiles in palladium‐ and ruthenium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions to make alkenyl C−C, C−Cl, C−Br, and C−SCF3 bonds with stereoretention.
Effect of SiO2 nanoparticles‐decorated SCF on mechanical and tribological properties of cenosphere/SCF/PEEK composites
Authors: Liu Houbao , Su Xinqing , Tao Jie , Fu Renli , You Chaoqun , Chen Xudong
Published: November 2019

A silicon oxide (SiO2) nanoparticles‐decorated short carbon fiber (SCF) hybrid (SCF‐SiO2) was designed to improve the weak interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix. Nano‐SiO2 was grafted onto carbon fibers by introducing amino group and epoxy group on the surface of carbon fibers and SiO2, respectively. The chemical composition of SCF‐SiO2 was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and energy‐dispersive spectrometry, the microstructure of SCF‐SiO2 were investigated by scanning electron microscope, and then the hybrid filler was introduced into Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Due to the strong interfacial interaction between filler and matrix, the mechanical and tribological properties of SCF‐SiO2/PEEK composites were significantly better than SCF/PEEK composites. In order to further improve the tribological properties of the composites, micrometer‐sized cenosphere (CS) particles were introduced into the aforementioned system to prepare multicomponent composites. The test results of friction and wear indicate that the CS/SCF‐SiO2/PEEK composites have the optimal tribological properties. Compared with pure PEEK, the friction coefficient of CS/SCF‐SiO2/PEEK composites under 200 N load decreases by 56.4% and the specific wear rate decreases by 87.4%. Meanwhile, the thermal decomposition temperature of CS/SCF‐SiO2/PEEK composites is increased by 40 °C compared to pure PEEK. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48749.
Three Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on an Ether‐Decorated Polycarboxylic Acid Linker: Luminescence Modulation, CO2 Capture and Conversion Properties
Authors: Ma Li‐Na , Liu Yang , Li Yong‐Zhi , Hu Qi‐Xuan , Hou Lei , Wang Yao‐Yu
Published: November 2019

Three new isostructural 3D lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs), {H[LnL(H2O)]⋅2 H2O}n (1‐Ln) (Ln=Eu3+, Gd3+ and Tb3+), based on infinite lanthanide‐carboxylate chains were constructed by employing an ether‐separated 5,5′‐oxydiisophthalic acid (H4L) ligand under solvothermal reaction. 1‐Eu and 1‐Tb exhibit strong red and green emission, respectively, through the antenna effect, as demonstrated through a combination of calculation and experimental results. Moreover, a series of dichromatic doped 1‐EuxTby MOFs were fabricated by introducing different concentrations of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, and they display an unusual variation of luminescent colors from green, yellow, orange to red. 1‐Eu with channels decorated by ether O atoms and the open metal sites displays good performance for CO2 capture and conversion between CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates.
The autonomic nervous system and the brainstem: A fundamental role or the background actors for consciousness generation? Hypothesis, evidence, and future directions for rehabilitation and theoretical approaches
Authors: Sattin Davide , Leonardi Matilde , Picozzi Mario
Published: November 2019

Introduction

One of the hardest challenges of the third century is to develop theories that could joint different results for a global explanation of human consciousness. Some important theories have been proposed, trying to explain the emergence of consciousness as the result of different progressive changes in the elaboration of information during brain processing, giving particular attention to the thalamocortical system.

Methods

In this article, a summary review of results that highlighted as cerebral cortex could not be so fundamental for consciousness generation is proposed. In detail, three topics were analyzed: (a) studies using experimental approach (manipulating stimuli or brain areas), such as decorticated animals or subliminal presentation of stimuli; (b) studies using anatomo‐clinical method (conscious inferenced from observed behaviors); and (c) data from neurostimulation of subcortical areas or of the autonomic nervous system.

Results

We sketch two speculative hypothesis relative, firstly, to the possible independence from cortical areas of the on/off mechanism for consciousness generation and, secondly, to the possible role of information variability generated by the bottom‐up exchange of information among neural systems as a switch for consciousness.

Conclusions

A broad range of evidence regarding the functional role of the brainstem and autonomic nervous system is reviewed for its bearing on a future hypothesis regarding the generation of consciousness experience.
Robotic system education for young children by collaborative‐project‐based learning
Authors: Jawaid Iqra , Javed Muhammad Yaqoob , Jaffery Mujtaba H. , Akram Aftab , Safder Umair , Hassan Sarmad
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the fusion of project‐based learning (PBL) and collaborative learning (CL) cohesively, coordinated with sensors and Bluetooth advancements, open‐source programming, and open‐source equipment devices, in a specific microcontroller and installed frameworks designing apply autonomy course for the elementary learners. The major purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of integrating PBL and CL. The course creates capacities and abilities in critical thinking, problem‐solving, independent learning, collaboration, and specialized technical information. Since PBL alone does not guarantee profoundly talented cooperation, it was supplemented with CL. This structure coordinated course substance and understudy pragmatic accomplishment in a reenacted learning environment. The understudies built a line following and Bluetooth‐controlled robots by actualizing control programming on the “Arduino” open‐source platform, just as utilizing remote interchanges as Arduino offers an instinctive advancement condition and different equipment and programming resources that permit quick improvement of microcontroller‐based ventures. The basic findings of this study work reveal that teaching, learning, and student assessment processes can be improved by using PBL when integrated with CL. The research successfully extends onto another group of learners for preparing similar gadgets under different timelines. In addition, this paper also discusses upon the problem identification, selection of the equipment, circuit design, hardware mounting, and critical analysis of the results acquired from the course through the personal learning experience of the teachers as well as in the form of feedback from the two groups of young learners.
Two‐factor risk preference for investment market and credit card risk
Authors: Payne Patrick , Asebedo Sarah
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a new “two‐factor” risk preference metric and assesses its effectiveness in predicting financial satisfaction under two risk domains: investment market risk and credit card risk. The factors in our two‐factor assessment are risk tolerance and financial self‐efficacy (FSE), both of which have other theoretical and empirical support as measures of risk attitudes. We explore a range of specifications for the two‐factor risk preference (TRP) metric and find it to be effective in predicting financial satisfaction under uncertainty. Within the TRP framework, FSE emerged as a robust predictor of the financial satisfaction of credit card users regardless of respondents' risk tolerance level; similar results were found for investment market equity owners. Overall, this study presents evidence that suggests risk tolerance and FSE capture different aspects of risk attitudes and are more effective at predicting financial satisfaction together than either one alone. Results suggest that financial planners can more accurately predict client emotional responses to risky situations by assessing client FSE and risk tolerance levels, with FSE effects dominating risk tolerance effects in most cases. Financial planners can then improve client service by using the assessment results as a basis for investment portfolio allocation and credit market participation recommendations.
Research on block storage yard scheduling according to grid method
Authors: Zhou Hong‐gen , Wang Zhen , Liu Jin‐feng , Tian Gui‐zhong , Jing Xu‐wen , Li Lei
Published: November 2019

In order to solve the problems of low utilization of the shipyard unreasonable placed of the blocks and unbalanced use of flat transporters, grid search algorithm for block storage yard scheduling is proposed. Firstly, the information of block storage yard and each block are described by the method of bitmap; secondly, the blocks access sequence, stacking principles of the blocks, and the principles of flat transporters are developed based on heuristic rules and shape differences of the blocks; finally, the grid search algorithm is proposed for the scheduling of shipyard's plan. It has been demonstrated in some shipyard; the results show that the utilization rate of the yard space and the efficiency of block storage yard scheduling have been improved greatly, and the situation of manpower and material resources waste have been decreased fully.
Machine Learning techniques in muliclass problems with application in sensorial analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Lilian M. , de Menezes Fortunato S. , Cirillo Marcelo A. , Saúde André V. , Borém Flávio M. , Liska Gilberto R.
Published: November 2019

Automatic classification methods have been developed in the area of Machine Learning to facilitate the categorization of data. Among the most successful methods are Boosting and Bagging. While Bagging works by combining fit classifiers into the bootstrap samples, Boosting works by sequentially applying a sorting algorithm to reweigh versions of the training dataset, giving more weight to the erroneously classified observations in the previous step. These classifiers are characterized by satisfactory results, low computational cost, and simplicity of implementation. Given these characteristics, there is an interest in verifying the performance of these automatic methods compared to the classical methods of classification in Statistics such as Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis. To compare these techniques, we have used the classification error rates of the models to improve the confidence in the use of Boosting and Bagging methods in more complex classification problem. This study applies these techniques to real and simulated data that have been composed of more than two categories in the response variable. This investigation stimulates the implementation of Boosting and Bagging, by assigning an application in Sensory Analysis. We have concluded that the automatic methods have an optimal classification performance, showing lower error rates compared to the Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis in the tested applications.
Two‐Step 3 D‐Printing Approach toward Sustainable, Repairable, Fluorescent Shape‐Memory Thermosets Derived from Cellulose and Rosin
Authors: Lu Chuanwei , Wang Chunpeng , Yu Juan , Wang Jifu , Chu Fuxiang
Published: November 2019

Efficiently converting biomass into multifunctional polymerized materials is a challenge to effect high‐valued utilization of biomass resources. A two‐step 3 D‐printing approach has been developed to fabricate a class of robust, fluorescent shape‐memory thermosets from cellulose and rosin‐based photosensitive 3 D‐printing resin solution. The stereolithography 3 D printing was first performed to form the first crosslinked network by UV‐induced chain‐growth polymerization, which fixed the shape of thermoset. Subsequently, isocyanate was applied to react with hydroxy in the monomer to form the second crosslinked network by thermally induced step‐growth polymerization. The formation of a dual‐cure network, leading to phase separation and increased crosslinking density, could greatly improve the mechanical and thermal properties of 3 D‐printed thermosets and endow them with thermally triggered shape‐memory properties and excellent repairability. The 3 D‐printed thermosets are found to have strong luminescence resulting from aggregation‐induced emission originating from rosin. In addition, these 3 D‐printed thermosets could degrade in the presence of NaOH aqueous solution and in situ achieved a range of flexible conductive hydrogels that have important potential application in the flexible electronic materials and smart photoelectric materials.
Two‐Dimensional (2D) Covalent Organic Framework as Efficient Cathode for Binder‐free Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Yao Chang‐Jiang , Wu Zhenzhen , Xie Jian , Yu Fei , Guo Wei , Xu Zhichuan J. , Li Dong‐Sheng , Zhang Shanqing , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2019

Searching new organic cathode materials to address the issues of poor cycle stability and low capacity in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is very important and highly desirable. In this research, a 2D boroxine‐linked chemically‐active pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone (PTO) covalent organic framework (2D PPTODB COFs) was synthesized as an organic cathode material with remarkable electrochemical properties, including high electrochemical activity (four redox electrons), safe oxidation potential window (between 2.3 and 3.08 V vs. Li/Li+), superb structural/chemical stability, and strong adhesiveness. A binder‐free cathode was obtained by mixing 70 wt % PPTODB and 30 wt % carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a conductive additive. Promoted by the fast kinetics of electrons/ions, high electrochemical activity, and effective π–π interaction between PPTODB and CNTs, LIBs with the as‐prepared cathode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance: a high specific capacity of 198 mAh g−1, a superb rate ability (the capacity at 1000 mA g−1can reach 76 % of the corresponding value at 100 mA g−1), and a stable coulombic efficiency (≈99.6 % at the 150th cycle). This work suggests that the concept of binder‐free 2D electroactive materials could be a promising strategy to approach energy storage with high energy density.
Secrecy outage probability of inter‐vehicular cognitive radio networks
Authors: Ata Serdar Özgür , Erdogan Eylem
Published: November 2019

Herein, we consider an underlay cognitive radio network (CRN) where mobile secondary user wishes to transmit a confidential information to the secondary destination in the presence of an illegitimate eavesdropper which is trying to steal the classified message signal. The proposed scenario can be viable for a secondary safety task force working with a primary regiment, which wishes to transmit the confidential information to the commander while an eavesdropper is trying to intercept the classified information. In the analysis, two novel power allocation methods are considered by assuming perfect and limited feedback channels of the primary network, and for both methods, exact and asymptotic expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) are derived for N*Nakagami‐m fading channels which are used to model fading channels such as mobile‐to‐mobile/vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication systems where the nodes are moving into a rich scattering environment. We further verified our analytic results through Monte‐Carlo simulations. It is shown from the numerical results that the cascading degree of the channels has a worsening effect on the secrecy outage performance of the CRN systems.
No evidence for early fitness penalty in glyphosate‐resistant biotypes of Conyza canadensis: Common garden experiments in the absence of glyphosate
Authors: Beres Zachery T. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Snow Allison A.
Published: November 2019

Strong selection from herbicides has led to the rapid evolution of herbicide‐resistant weeds, greatly complicating weed management efforts worldwide. In particular, overreliance on glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp®, has spurred the evolution of resistance to this herbicide in ≥40 species. Previously, we reported that Conyza canadensis (horseweed) has evolved extreme resistance to glyphosate, surviving at 40× the original 1× effective dosage. Here, we tested for underlying fitness effects of glyphosate resistance to better understand whether resistance could persist indefinitely in this self‐pollinating, annual weed. We sampled seeds from a single maternal plant (“biotype”) at each of 26 horseweed populations in Iowa, representing nine susceptible biotypes (S), eight with low‐level resistance (LR), and nine with extreme resistance (ER). In 2016 and 2017, we compared early growth rates and bolting dates of these biotypes in common garden experiments at two sites near Ames, Iowa. Nested ANOVAs showed that, as a group, ER biotypes attained similar or larger rosette size after 6 weeks compared to S or LR biotypes, which were similar to each other in size. Also, ER biotypes bolted 1–2 weeks earlier than S or LR biotypes. These fitness‐related traits also varied among biotypes within the same resistance category, and time to bolting was inversely correlated with rosette size across all biotypes. Disease symptoms affected 40% of all plants in 2016 and 78% in 2017, so we did not attempt to measure lifetime fecundity. In both years, the frequency of disease symptoms was greatest in S biotypes and similar in LR versus ER biotypes. Overall, our findings indicate there are no early growth penalty and possibly no lifetime fitness penalty associated with glyphosate resistance, including extremely strong resistance. We conclude that glyphosate resistance is likely to persist in horseweed populations, with or without continued selection pressure from exposure to glyphosate.
Burrowing behavior and burrowing energetics of a bioindicator under human disturbance
Authors: Gül Mustafa R. , Griffen Blaine D.
Published: November 2019

Bioindicator species are extensively used for rapid assessment of ecological changes. Their use commonly focuses on changes in population abundance and individual sizes in response to environmental change. These numerical and demographic shifts likely have behavioral and physiological mechanistic drivers that, if understood, could provide additional insights into the use of these species as bioindicators of habitat health.

The Atlantic ghost crab, Ocypode quadrata, is a global bioindicator species of human disturbance on sandy shores. Individual size and population abundance of O. quadrata decline dramatically at sites with human disturbance, and the causes of this phenomenon remain unclear.

Here, we test the hypothesis that individual and population‐level changes at disturbed sites reflect changes in burrowing behavior and energetics. Specifically, we examine whether or not the burrowing behavior (e.g., burrow fidelity and longevity) of O. quadrata changes because of human disturbance. We also examine energy required for burrowing by O. quadrata across different levels of human disturbance.

We show that O. quadrata have the highest burrow fidelity and longevity at sites with low level of human impact, and weakest burrow fidelity and longevity at pristine sites. O. quadrata reduce the burrowing energy allocation by manipulating the burrow dimension and increasing the burrow longevity even under low levels of human disturbance.

Overall, this study shows that human disturbances not only change the behavior of organisms, but also shift energetic balance. Our results support the use of a bioenergetic approach to better understand how human disturbances influence natural populations, and the specific use of this approach with this bioindicator species.
Serum C‐peptide and osteocalcin levels in children with recently diagnosed diabetes
Authors: Sabek Omaima M. , Redondo Maria J. , Nguyen Duc T. , Beamish Christine A. , Fraga Daniel W. , Hampe Christiane S. , Mulukutla Surya N. , Graviss Edward A. , Gaber A. Osama
Published: November 2019

Background

We explored the association of C‐peptide (marker of secreted insulin), proinsulin and proinsulin ⁄C‐peptide ratio (PI/C) (markers of beta‐cell endoplasmic reticulum [ER] stress) with undercarboxylated (uOC) and carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC) and their ratio (uOC/cOC) in children with recently diagnosed type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the correlation of these variables with partial remission (PR) in children with T1D.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data of children with new‐onset diabetes (n = 68; median age = 12.2 years; 33.8% non‐Hispanic White, 45.6% Hispanic/Latino, 16.2% African American and 4.4% other) were collected at diagnosis and during the first (V1), second (V2) and third clinical visits at 9.0, 32.0 and 175.7 weeks, respectively. Serum proinsulin, C‐peptide, uOC and cOC values were measured 7.0 weeks after diagnosis. PR was defined as insulin dose–adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) ≤9.

Results

In children with new‐onset T1D with DKA (33.3%) or T2D (29.4%), Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed a positive association between the C‐peptide levels and both uOC and uOC/cOC ratio. In T1D (n = 48), both higher serum C‐peptide levels and low PI:C ratio were associated with higher BMI percentile (β = 0.02, P = .001; β = −0.01, P = .02, respectively) and older age at diagnosis (β = 0.13, P = .001; β = −0.12, P = .001, respectively). Furthermore, in children with T1D, C‐peptide levels at V1 correlated with IDAA1c ≤ 9 at V1 (P = .04).

Conclusion

C‐peptide levels are associated with a higher uOC and uOC/cOC ratio in paediatric diabetes. In new‐onset T1D children, older age and higher BMI were associated with lower beta‐cell stress and higher preserved function, which was predictive of PR on follow‐up.
Dinitrogen Activation by a Heterometallic VFe Complex Derived from 1,1'‐Bis(arylamido)vanadocene
Authors: Hatanaka Tsubasa , Kusunose Hinano , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Funahashi Yasuhiro
Published: November 2019

For dinitrogen activation mediated by a heterobimetallic VFe complex, synthesis and reduction of a novel iron complex having 1,1'‐bis(mesitylamido)vanadocene were performed. Reaction of the vanadocene ligand 2 with iron dichloride afforded a heterobimetallic VFe complex 3, characterized by X‐ray crystallographic study. The molecular structure of the complex 3 showed the short V–Fe distance of 2.6373(3) Å, indicative of the bonding interaction between two metals. Reduction of the complex 3 with KC8 under a nitrogen atmosphere was found to result in the formation of a three‐coordinate iron dinitrogen complex 4, in which the dinitrogen moiety shows one of the longest N–N bond lengths for iron dinitrogen complexes. Reduction of the complex 3 under an argon atmosphere was performed to isolate a reduced species [K(thf)5][3] as a reactive intermediate, whose structure was also determined by X‐ray crystallography.
Two‐Step Catalytic Transformation ofN‐Benzyllactams to Alkaloids (±)‐Solenopsin, (±)‐Solenopsin A, and (+)‐Julifloridine
Authors: Ou Wei , Lu Guang‐Sheng , An Dong , Han Feng , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: November 2019

We report herein that the Ir and CuIbis‐metal catalyzed reductive alkynylation of amides, a method that we developed previously, can be extended to 6‐, 7‐, and 8‐membered lactams. The catalytic reductive alkynylation of 6‐methyl‐2‐piperidinones and its 3‐benzyloxy derivative proceeded with 2.3:1 to 7:1 2,6‐trans/cisdiastereoselectivities. The resulting piperidines were converted into alkaloids (±)‐solenopsin, (±)‐solenopsin A, and (+)‐julifloridine all in only one step. This two‐step approach to the alkaloids is much shorter and much efficient than the conventional multistep methods.
Bottom‐up or top‐down?: The role of child and parent chronic pain and anxiety in the context of parental catastrophizing and solicitousness
Authors: Wallrath Maren K. , Rubel Julian , Ohls Isgard , Demiralay Cüneyt , Hechler Tanja
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Children of parents with chronic pain are a high‐risk group to develop own chronic pain. There is evidence that parental responses such as catastrophizing and solicitousness play an important role in the familial transmission of chronic pain. However, little is known about factors that modulate these responses. Based on the literature, we assumed that top‐down processes, such as parent chronic pain and anxiety, would be associated with increased catastrophizing and solicitousness. Bottom‐up processes, such as child chronic pain and anxiety, were assumed to moderate this association.

Methods

N = 118 parents (mean age: 43 years, 80.5% females) with chronic pain and/or anxiety symptoms with N = 190 children (mean age: 11 years, 49% females) were recruited in specialized hospitals and via online panels. Parents reported chronic pain, anxiety, catastrophizing and solicitousness by use of validated questionnaires. Child pain and anxiety were assessed via parent report.

Results

Multilevel model results showed that top‐down processes, rather than bottom‐up processes, predicted parental responses to child’s pain. Specifically, parents with more severe chronic pain reported less catastrophizing. Parent anxiety was positively associated with parental catastrophizing and solicitousness. While child chronic pain and anxiety did not exert an impact on parental responses, the parents’ and child’s age emerged as additional modulating factors for parental solicitousness.

Conclusion

Findings support the assumption that top‐down processes, particularly parent anxiety, rather than bottom‐up processes, exert an impact on parental responses. Specific interventions to decrease parent anxiety in the context of chronic pain and effects of adult treatment on parental responses to child’s pain warrant further investigation.

Significance

This study increases our knowledge on modulating factors on maladaptive parental reactions such as parental pain‐related catastrophizing towards their children in pain. According to our findings, it is not the child variables, that is (parental perception of) child chronic pain or anxiety that modulate parental reactions but parent factors, particularly parent anxiety. Thus, parent anxiety should be regularly assessed and addressed during pain treatment of adult populations, and in interventional studies in children with chronic pain and their parents with chronic pain and anxiety symptoms.
Cylinder‐based hybrid rotary nanogenerator for harvesting rotational energy from axles and self‐powered tire pressure monitoring
Authors: He Jian , Cao Shengli , Zhang Hulin
Published: November 2019

Tire pressure monitoring plays a pivotal role in vehicle safety system. However, as a conventional battery‐operated electronic system, regularly replacing battery remains a great inconvenience in wide‐distributed tire pressure sensing. Here, we introduce a self‐powered tire pressure monitor by using a rotary cylinder‐based hybrid nanogenerator as a sustainable power source. The designed energy harvester, by hybridizing a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG), can scavenge rotational energy from rolling axles. Integrating with transformers, the hybrid nanogenerator can achieve an open‐circuit voltage of 16 V and short‐circuit current of 0.1 mA at the rotation rate of 150 rpm, respectively, with the maximal output power of about 1.8 mW at the loading of 20 kΩ. Via a programmable software, the hybrid device can operate as a self‐powered counter and timer for potential speed detecting. Further, it has been demonstrated that the hybrid nanogenerator is capable of triggering a transmitter‐integrated tire pressure sensor for self‐powered monitoring tire pressure in real time. This study expands applications based on TENGs in automobile engineering, which might promote the development of intelligent driving and traffic safety engineering.
Path‐flow matching: Two‐sided matching and multiobjective evolutionary algorithm for traffic scheduling in cloud data* center network
Authors: Tan Lizhuang , Su Wei , Gao Shuai , Miao Jingying , Cheng Yuan , Cheng Peng
Published: November 2019

Improving the operational efficiency of data center has always been an important direction for the development of ICT. In this paper, we apply two‐sided matching decision‐making process in game theory to traffic scheduling problem in data center network. From the perspective of matching between flow and path, the traffic scheduling is properly arranged. We first propose and model the path‐flow matching problem, considering the preference ordering, then formulate the problem as a multiobjective optimization problem with the target to ensure the stability and satisfaction from the matching scheme, and design a preference‐based path‐flow ordering method Extended PIAS, and finally propose a lightweight scheduling algorithm LinkGame based on multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. Compared with the previous scheduling methods (ECMP, Hedera, and Fincher), experiment results demonstrate that LinkGame can simultaneously consider the stability and satisfaction of the matching results, with improved bandwidth utilization and flow completion time.
Toward energy‐efficient data management design for sustainable cities and societies
Authors: Babar Muhammad , Javaid Sabeen , Saeed Khattak Akmal , Ali Amjad
Published: November 2019

Demanding continues communication and diverse interaction between various devices is witnessed over Internet as we probe into Internet of Things (IoT). The sustainable cities are designed based on the concept of IoT. IoT devices consume enormous energy continuously, which needs to be managed efficiently. The efficiency of energy is based on the optimization of the energy infrastructures. In addition, heterogeneous devices in sustainable cities produce enormous data. This huge data needs to be processed and analyzed along with smart energy management to achieve smart decisions. The planning is starting to be realistic through the quantity of data provided in sustainable cities. In this porch, the objective is to illustrate the data generated in sustainable cities in real time. To deal with the aforementioned requirements, this work demonstrates a novel architecture that spotlights the ecology of sustainable cities comprised of sensors, cameras, and other objects along with energy management (eg, Internet of Energy). The proposed system is a layered architecture composed of data collection and energy management, data computation, and decision‐making layers. Energy‐efficient clustering algorithm and optimized sleeping scheduling methods are utilized in the first layer to collect data from IoT devices with regard to energy management. The second layer is responsible for computation of data resourcefully along with energy efficiency. The third layer is used to provide valuable insights and make intelligent decisions. The architecture is verified with reliable datasets related to smart parking using IoT devices to test and reveal the effectiveness. The assessments disclose that the proposed scheme presents precious insights in the context of energy efficiency in sustainable cities and societies.
Implementation of sedimentary facies and diagenesis on the reservoir quality of the Aquitanian‐Burdigalian Rudeis Formation in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt: A comparative surface and subsurface study
Authors: Nabawy Bassem S. , Mansour Ahmed S. , Rashed Mohamed A. , Afify Walaa S.M.
Published: November 2019

The Lower Miocene Rudeis Formation has been studied in two surface outcrops on the eastern onshore of the Gulf of Suez at Wadi Wasit and Sarbut El Gamal localities and in the subsurface sequence of October oil field in the central part of the Gulf of Suez. A correlative study between the subsurface sequence and its surface analogs was carried out to assess the reservoir quality of the Rudeis Formation and the impacts of the lithofacies, microfacies, pore types and dominant diagenetic processes on its reservoir quality. The Rudeis Formation consists of a thick carbonate‐clastics succession. The lower part consists of a cyclic sequence of laminated, fossiliferous and argillaceous limestone intercalated with mudstone, and sandstones. These units are unconformably overlain by alternations of conglomerate, coarse sandstones, and limestones. It is documented that the clastic microfacies have good reservoir quality in the October Field and poor quality in Wadi Wasit. This is due to the impacts of dissolution and fracturing diagenetic processes. The carbonate microfacies are impervious due to effects of cementation, mechanical compaction, quartz overgrowth, authigenic minerals, and micritization.
Comparison between optical microscopy and the Sysmex XN‐3000 for schistocyte determination in patients suspected of having schistocytosis
Authors: Hantaweepant Chattree , Sasijareonrat Natthaporn , Chutvanichkul Boonyanuch , Karaketklang Khemajira , Chinthammitr Yingyong
Published: November 2019

Background and aims

Diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) relies on microscopic schistocyte determination by an experienced microscopist. In addition, schistocytes can be found in non‐TMA–related disorders such as thalassaemia. We aimed to compare the accuracy of the automated haematology analyser Sysmex XN‐3000 for schistocyte detection, to that of the microscopy approach, in patients suspected of having schistocytosis.

Methods

Consecutive blood samples were collected between April 2016 and March 2017 at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Specimens were collected from adults with suspected TMA or with thalassaemia trait and/or disease. All blood samples were examined by both microscopy and the analyser. Samples were considered to be positive for schistocytes (ie, schistocytosis) if they had a schistocyte count ≥1% by microscopy. The analyser's ability to determine schistocytosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of an appropriate cut‐off point were calculated, with manual microscopy as the standard. Quantitative agreement in schistocyte counts between the two approaches was assessed using 95% limits of agreement, Bland‐Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficient, and concordance correlation coefficient.

Results

Ninety‐seven blood samples (62 suspected TMA and 35 thalassaemia) were collected. ROC curve analysis of the analyser for determining schistocytosis showed an area under the curve of 0.803 (95% confidence interval, 0.689‐0.917, P < 0.001). A cut‐off point of 0.6% yielded 86.1% sensitivity, 77.8% specificity, 94.4% PPV, and 56.0% NPV. The automated schistocyte count did not quantitatively agree with schistocyte counts by microscopy, neither in all blood specimens (mean of difference: −1.09; 95% limits of agreement, −11.9 to 9.7) nor in the subgroups (TMA, −0.88; 95% limits of agreement, −6.60 to 4.84; thalassaemia, −2.4; 95% limits of agreement, −14.10 to 9.30). The differences in the estimation of fragmented red blood cells between the methods tended to increase at higher schistocyte counts.

Conclusion

Sysmex XN‐3000 can be used for qualitative measurement of schistocytosis, but should not be used as a quantitative tool for schistocyte counting. Improvements are needed before this analyser's schistocyte detection feature can be recommended for use in clinical practice.