bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE STUDY OF PARTICULARITY OF BANJA LUKA WATERFRONT IN VIEW OF DEFINING THE COURSE OF ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Čvoro Malina
Published: June 2018

This Study examines the phenomenon of the relationship between the river as a naturalelement and the urban environment as a human creation.Their mutual relationship isobserved through the topics which are related to the spatial - programmatic, perceptual,aesthetic and cultural potentials that largely determine the identity of the place. Theexample of the city of Banja Luka has been analyzed and presented from the point of viewof several criteria: positioning of the urban structure with relation to the river,morphological and topographic characteristics, development level of the physical structureof the waterfront, accessibility, distribution of contents and heritage. The Study gives anoverview of the results of the survey conducted among the users of the space with regardto the identity, importance and the way of using the waterfront area. The values whichthose specific urban areas may contain have been identified in order to formulate certainrecommendations intended to improve the waterfront.
NEW COMPETENCES IN ACADEMIC EDUCATION THROUGH REALISATION OF THE BESTSDI AND EO4GEO PROJECTS
Authors: Bačić Željko
Published: June 2018

Development of Earth observation technologies from Space and air which are enabling intensive use of spatial information and Spatial data infrastructure which regulates usage of spatial information, respectively also concepts like Internet of things, Smart cities, Precise farming, Intelligent transportation and similar, impose on academic society necessity to redefine competences which students of bright variety of study programmes must overmaster during their study. In the frame of European Union Erasmus+ programme is, among other, initated two projects which goal is to solve this global challenge. The EO4GEO project aim is to define Earth observation from Space and air competences on the European level, while the BESTSDI project aim is to define Spatial data infrastructure competences on the regional level. Content of those projects, solution approach obstinance, methodology and their goals, respectively also expected effects on study programmes are shown in this paper.
THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS IN MODERNIZING EDUCATION CURRICULA IN THE FIELD OF GEODESY
Authors: Božić Branko
Published: June 2018

This article deals with the process of modernization the geodesy study program at the Faculty of Civil Engineering University of Belgrade (FCEUB), Department of geodesy and geoinformatics, under the ERASMUS+ European program, which initiate the survey of stakeholders in three partner countries and in accordance to their opinions, BSc and MSc core curriculum were proposed. So far at the Geodesy and geoinformatics program at the FCEUB Department, several new courses and teaching materials were prepared. Additionally, e-learning methodology, has been introduced by installing MOODLE platform which is used as a new learning management system that will initiate more other changes toward this new learning methodology. Also, a problem-based learning (PBL) methodology has been introduced in some of the courses.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF SCHOOLS IN BANJA LUKA BUILT IN 1878-1918
Authors: Malinović Miroslav
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the architecture of schools built in Banja Luka, during the 40-year long Austro-Hungarian rule in today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. The buildings for education, spanning from the basic, very small, elementary schools, to vast buildings, like higher gymnasium, received very interesting set of architectural styles featuring traditional local architecture, Moorish Revival, Renaissance and Classic Revival, as well as Secession.The paper shows the initial status of all buildings, their location within the original urban fabric, architectural and historical background and specific subject matters, originally contributing to research, analysis and evaluation of this building typology located in Banja Luka, built in Austro-Hungarian era. Their stylistic adherence and architectural properties are analysed as well. Besides that, the paper shows the development and later life of all schools, showing the influences of later regimes, politics and some natural factors to these important pieces of architecture, followed by the conclusion and analysis of the role of these buildings in local development and their contribution to establishment of the cityscape identity.
THE POSSIBILITY OF REVITALIZATION AND PURPOSE ALTERATION OF SCHOOLS IN CRNA TRAVA MUNICIPALITY
Authors: Momčilović-Petronijević Ana
Published: June 2018

Large migrations in the postwar period have mostly influenced stagnation, anddemographic depopulation of the rural territory of Crna Trava. The fate of the villagewas also shared by educational institutions, there were around 20 them in thismunicipality. Along with the loss of basic educational functions, the care of the localgovernment for this type of institutions stops. The majority of schools was torn down oris in a very bad condition, and the existing ones are still working with a small number ofstudents. This paper analyses the problem of regeneration of existing buildings that aredecaying and losing their purpose. The focus is on examining the possibilities ofconverting these buildings into some other appropriate purpose in order to save theimportant historical and architectural material, to create conditions for small businessdevelopment, cultural events, etc. In general, the institutional capacity of the villagewould be increased, and thus the conditions of life would be raised to a higher level.
FIRE RESISTANCE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS ACCORDING TO EC2 AND BRANZ TR8
Authors: Džadić Sanin
Published: June 2018

Concrete elements are practically an integral part of every construction project andbuilding. They have significantly higher fire resistance in comparison to elements madeof other construction materials. However, RC slabs are the most sensitive concreteelements to the effects of fire when compared to all the other reinforced concrete elements.Therefore, this research focuses on determining the fire resistance of RC slabs usingMethod for determining fire resistance of slabs BAS EN 1992-1-2:2017, Eurocode 2,Design of concrete structures, Part 1-2: Structural fire design (Tabulated Data) andBRANZ Technical recommendation No. 8 – Method for Fire Engineering Design ofStructural Concrete Beams and Floor Systems. A fire action to RC slabs is modeled usingstandard fire ISO 834-1 (BAS EN 1991-1-2:2015). This research considers determiningfire resistance of simply supported RC slabs of different spans and different depths withvariations of concrete cover.
ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SNOW AND ICE CONTROL ON ROADS
Authors: Svilar Mila
Published: June 2018

In all countries where, with regard to climatic conditions, the occurrence of ice on the roads is possible, great efforts are made to minimize the loss of friction on the pavement surface, thereby ensuring continuity and safety of traffic and minimizing human casualties and material losses. Modern road maintenance in the winter period is based on finding a solution to reduce the freezing point of water by creating chemical solutions and breaking the bond between ice and pavement. However, the use of various chemicals and abrasive materials, especially in uncontrolled quantities, can have serious environmental consequences. This paper presents the most commonly used materials for preventing ice, as well as underlines negative impacts and recommendations for mitigation of environmental threats.
WATER PERMEABILITY OF ROCK MASS
Authors: Zelenika Marin
Published: June 2018

The presence of water in the rock masses, or water filtering, has an important role in theconstruction of engineering facilities (dams, tunnels, ...), as well as in formation of rockslopes, caused by the implementation of various projects. The rock mass, that we find innature (in-situ), is heterogeneous, anisotropic, jointed and is in the natural state of stress.On numerical modeling of planned geotechnical project, in addition to other inputparameters, it is necessary, as more precisely, to define the water permeability of the rockmass. The paper describes the mechanisms of water flow through the rock mass and themethodology for defining the waterpermeability parameter of such a geologicalenvironment.
MODELING THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF FRESH CONCRETE USING A 3D FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
Authors: Nikolić Dragan
Published: June 2018

During the last thirty years, concrete has been industrially mutating from a soft granular medium to a proper non-Newtonian fluid. To benefit from the full potential of the modern fluid concretes such as Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), prediction tools of the form filling taking into account the properties of the concrete, the shape and size of the structural element and the casting technique are needed. Development of a finite deformation elasto-plasticity model based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient is presented. The presented model in this paper includes application of inelastic material properties are specified with the Drucker Prager hardening option.
GEOPORTAL FOR SEARCHING AND VISUALIZATION OF CADASTRAL DATA
Authors: Đurić Mladen
Published: June 2018

Geoportal is an indispensable part of the national spatial data infrastructure and a central point of access to spatial data. The paper presents the development of a geoportal based on the principles of service-oriented architecture. Open source frameworks and libraries were used to create geoportal. The aim of the paper is to present a partially different approach to the development of geoportals, based on the modern principles of web application development. The case study was conducted for the cadastral municipality of Brod, the municipality of Brod, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
DESIGN PARTICIPATION: FROM RHETORIC TO PRACTICE (AND BACK?)
Authors: Jandrić Radojka
Published: June 2018

Design participation is considered an inclusive, democratic and transparent process of urban planning and decision-making, particularly important for environments where complex social and economic realms could easily be misinterpreted in a common top-down design approach. This paper examines actual contributions of this methodology, implemented in ongoing strategies for designing and building public spaces and cultural infrastructure as part of the project Novi Sad European Capital of Culture 2021, which is based on democracy, decentralisation, inclusion and citizens' participation. Now, these strategies were put into action, with several projects prepared, launched and brought closer to actual realisation. This process revealed conclusions inrespect to implementation possibilities, as well as its strengths and weaknesses in actual projects, and ephasized the need to further improve urban practice and undertake change of the slow and unprepared procedures of the City administration.
THE INFLUENCE OF CONCRETE VISCOUS DEFORMATIONS IN THE CALCULATION OF THE HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS BEHAVIOR OVER TIME
Authors: Cumbo Anđelko
Published: June 2018

An example of a high-rise building behavior calculation shows that weather deformations of concrete have a significant contribution to changing the behavior of vertical load-bearing elements - columns and walls. The phenomenon of different shrinkage of concrete/steel pillars and concrete core due to the shrinkage and creep of concrete over time is pointed out. These shrinkages may have negative consequences on the usability of the structure, the filling elements, the installation in the building, etc. The calculations are made using a budget model developed by the author as a part of the more detailed paper on the analysis of the rheological properties impact in complex composite structures with layered finite elements.
USE OF OPEN DATA AND APPLICATIONS IN THE EDUCATION PROCESS
Authors: Jovanović Dušan
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to show experience in education using open access data, especially sattelite images. We describe different satellite platforms with different spatial and spectral resolution. We also discuss applicability of these data in education process especially with students on study program Geodesy and Geomatics on Faculty of technical sciences, University of Novi Sad. Some practical examples are also shown. At the end, the paper also describes problems from practical view of teaching and recommendation how to solve those problems using Problem based learning approach.
GEODETIC MONITORING OF STABILITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION PIT DIAPHRAGM OF THE OBJECT
Authors: Ristić Kornelija
Published: June 2018

High-rise building, today, is characterized by the construction of facilities that are higher and more complex in their geometry, and are often located in the narrow city core where numerous facilities have been built in a small area that additionally complicate the execution of construction and geodetic works. In order to obtain information on the stability of the soil and to ensure the safe construction of underground floors, it is necessary to survey the protective structure of the foundation pit. This paper describes the method of geodetic tracking in the horizontal plane, with the possibility of detecting displacements larger then 5 mm.
ПРОЦЈЕНА ВРИЈЕДНОСТИ СТАМБЕНИХ ОБЈЕКАТА
Authors: Skorup Dragana
Published: June 2018

Развијене свјетске земље имају општеприхваћене локалне и глобалне стандарде као основу за стандардизацију поступака и интернационализацију процеса процјене вриједности непокретности. У Босни и Херцеговини, не постоји јединствен и усклађен приступ процјене непокретности појединачних објеката. Кроз рад је приказан приступ, методологија и терминологија која би се требала користити код процјене стамбене непокретности. Извршена је анализа примјене двије методе процјене непокретности на једном објекту, са посебним освртом на могућност њихове примјене у зависности од средине у којој се непокретности налазе.
Arbitration is needed to resolve scientific authorship disputes
Authors: Faulkes Zen
Published: June 2018

Authorship of publications is the main way scientists received credit for their academic research. But as scientific research projects have become larger and more collaborative, the number of contributors has increased, and so has the potential for disputes over authorship. There is rarely detailed accounting of effort to justify authorship inclusion or placement. Instead, authorship is often negotiated by research team members, which is complicated by there often being large power differentials between team members. Existing recommendations are to try to get authors to work out disputes between themselves, which is unlikely to occur. There is an urgent need for an independent body that can offer binding arbitration for scientific collaborators and journals, like practices in other collaborative disciplines.
Biofilms and antibiotic susceptibility of multidrug-resistant bacteria from wild animals
Authors: Dias Carla , Borges Anabela , Oliveira Diana , Martinez-Murcia Antonio , Saavedra Maria José , Simões Manuel
Published: June 2018

Background

The “One Health” concept recognizes that human health and animal health are interdependent and bound to the health of the ecosystem in which they (co)exist. This interconnection favors the transmission of bacteria and other infectious agents as well as the flow of genetic elements containing antibiotic resistance genes. This problem is worsened when pathogenic bacteria have the ability to establish as biofilms. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms in both planktonic and biofilms states from the most diverse environmental niches to mitigate the emergence and dissemination of resistance.

Methods

The purpose of this work was to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of four bacteria (Acinetobacterspp.,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas fluorescensandShewanella putrefaciens) isolated from wild animals and their ability to form biofilms. The effect of two antibiotics, imipenem (IPM) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), on biofilm removal was also assessed. Screening of resistance genetic determinants was performed by PCR. Biofilm tests were performed by a modified microtiter plate method. Bacterial surface hydrophobicity was determined by sessile drop contact angles.

Results

The susceptibility profile classified the bacteria as multidrug-resistant. Three genes coding for β-lactamases were detected inK. pneumoniae(TEM, SHV, OXA-aer) and one inP. fluorescens(OXA-aer).K. pneumoniaewas the microorganism that carried more β-lactamase genes and it was the most proficient biofilm producer, whileP. fluorescensdemonstrated the highest adhesion ability. Antibiotics at their MIC, 5 × MIC and 10 × MIC were ineffective in total biofilm removal. The highest biomass reductions were found with IPM (54% at 10 × MIC) againstK. pneumoniaebiofilms and with CIP (40% at 10 × MIC) againstP. fluorescensbiofilms.

Discussion

The results highlight wildlife as important host reservoirs and vectors for the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of resistance. The ability of these bacteria to form biofilms should increase their persistence.
Neural correlates of executive functions in patients with obesity
Authors: Ho Ming-Chou , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Chao Seh-Huang , Fang Ching-Tzu , Liu Yi-Chun , Weng Jun-Cheng
Published: June 2018

Obesity is one of the most challenging problems in human health and is recognized as an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. It remains unclear how the neural systems (e.g., the mesolimbic “reward” and the prefrontal “control” neural systems) are correlated with patients’ executive function (EF), conceptualized as the integration of “cool” EF and “hot” EF. “Cool” EF refers to relatively abstract, non-affective operations such as inhibitory control and mental flexibility. “Hot” EF refers to motivationally significant affective operations such as affective decision-making. We tried to find the correlation between structural and functional neuroimaging indices and EF in obese patients. The study population comprised seventeen patients with obesity (seven males and 10 females, BMI = 37.99 ± 5.40, age = 31.82 ± 8.75 year-old) preparing to undergo bariatric surgery. We used noninvasive diffusion tensor imaging, generalized q-sampling imaging, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural correlations between structural and functional neuroimaging indices and EF performances in patients with obesity. We reported that many brain areas are correlated to the patients’ EF performances. More interestingly, some correlations may implicate the possible associations of EF and the incentive motivational effects of food. The neural correlation between the left precuneus and middle occipital gyrus and inhibitory control may suggest that patients with a better ability to detect appetitive food may have worse inhibitory control. Also, the neural correlation between the superior frontal blade and affective decision-making may suggest that patients’ affective decision-making may be associated with the incentive motivational effects of food. Our results provide evidence suggesting neural correlates of EF in patients with obesity.
Taxonomy annotation and guide tree errors in 16S rRNA databases
Authors: Edgar Robert
Published: June 2018

Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene is widely used to survey microbial communities. Specialized 16S rRNA databases have been developed to support this approach including Greengenes, RDP and SILVA. Most taxonomy annotations in these databases are predictions from sequence rather than authoritative assignments based on studies of type strains or isolates. In this work, I investigated the taxonomy annotations and guide trees provided by these databases. Using a blinded test, I estimated that the annotation error rate of the RDP database is ∼10%. The branching orders of the Greengenes and SILVA guide trees were found to disagree at comparable rates with each other and with taxonomy annotations according to the training set (authoritative reference) provided by RDP, indicating that the trees have comparable quality. Pervasive conflicts between tree branching order and type strain taxonomies strongly suggest that the guide trees are unreliable guides to phylogeny. I found 249,490 identical sequences with conflicting annotations in SILVA v128 and Greengenes v13.5 at ranks up to phylum (7,804 conflicts), indicating that the annotation error rate in these databases is ∼17%.
Surface electromyographic analysis of differential effects in kettlebell carries for the serratus anterior muscles
Authors: Caravan Alex , Scheffey John O. , Briend Sam J. , Boddy Kyle J.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the Electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the serratus anterior between 45° kettlebell carries and 90° kettlebell carries. Thirty-three men aged roughly between 19 and 23 and who were either college or professional baseball pitchers were chosen and randomly assigned to either perform the 45° kettlebell carry followed by the 90° kettlebell carry (n = 17) or the 90° kettlebell carry followed by the 45° kettlebell carry (n = 16). Each pitcher was instructed in the proper usage of the exercise and assigned a short break between the two carries. Changes in EMG amplitude were examined after proper band-pass filtering, normalization, and moving average-smoothing of the raw EMG signal. Differences of the EMG amplitude mean frequencies were examined between each subject’s individual carries and the clumped groups of all 45° and 90° carries. Among each individual comparison, eight pitchers had “large” Effect Size differences between the EMG amplitudes of their two carries, with seven of them signaling the 45° carry as the larger value. In addition, when examining the grouped mean differences of the EMG amplitudes, we found the 45° carries to be significantly higher (p-value of 0.018).
Superconducting Levitation
Authors: Murakami Masato , Miryala Muralidhar , Nagashima Ken
Published: June 2018

In this article we review the levitation technologies based on superconductivity. To float an object in midair, the lifting force to counteract gravity is necessary. However, the upward force alone is not sufficient and stabilizing forces must act on the object in horizontal directions for a stable levitation or suspension. Herein, we discuss that stable levitation is not achieved by Meissner effect or perfect diamagnetism of superconductors, since there is no restoring force in the horizontal direction. Hence typeIsuperconductors are not suitable for stable levitation. Furthermore, the suspension of a permanent magnet by a superconductor is achieved only by the aid of pinning of magnetic flux lines, which is important for realizing zero resistivity in typeIIsuperconductors. The flux pinning imparts the restoring force to push the levitating object back toward the equilibrium position. The levitation force of superconductors can also be understood in terms of a combination of electromagnetic induction and Lenz's law. The levitation mechanism of superconducting Maglev is different from those of superconductor pellet. Electrodynamic suspension technology is used for Maglev levitation, where superconducting magnets are simply used as a source of high magnetic field. When the train moves, the superconducting coils on the train induce electric currents in the guideway's normal conducting coils, and the train is levitated by the repulsive and attractive force between these magnetic fields. The differences between typeIandIIsuperconductors and the basic mechanism of flux pinning are reviewed in the appendix.
The Chemistry of Poly(2‐oxazoline)s
Authors: Verbraeken Bart , Monnery Bryn D. , Lava Kathleen , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: June 2018

Research in the field of poly(2‐alkyl/aryl‐2‐oxazoline)s (PAOx) is rapidly expanding as this polymer class combines high synthetic versatility with good biocompatibility, opening up the way to highly functional (bio)materials. PAOx are prepared by living cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP) of 2‐oxazolines. The variety of 2‐oxazoline monomers that are readily available or can easily be synthesized allows for tuning of polymer properties and introduction of diverse functionalities.

Moreover, thanks to the living nature of the CROP, well‐defined polymers with narrow molar mass distribution and high end‐group fidelity can be obtained. This article covers all aspects of PAOx ranging from the synthesis of 2‐oxazoline monomers, via an in‐depth discussion of the CROP mechanism to the synthesis and properties of functional PAOx (co)polymers. The presented research demonstrates that due to their structural adaptability and so‐called “stealth” behavior, PAOx are well‐suited for a range of biomedical applications, including polymer therapeutics, scaffolds for three‐dimensional cell culture, surface modification, matrix excipient for solid dispersions, and antimicrobial agents.The goal of this article is not to review all applications of PAOx, but to highlight key examples illustrating the numerous possibilities, broad application range and the general state‐of‐art use.
Biological role and clinical value of miR‐99a‐5p in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): A bioinformatics‐based study
Authors: Chen Yu‐ting , Yao Jian‐ni , Qin Yu‐tao , Hu Kai , Wu Fang , Fang Ye‐ying
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are confirmed to be tumor promoters or suppressors in multiple squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). miR‐99a‐5p has been demonstrated to be downregulated in cancerous tissues, but its functional role in head and neck SCC (HNSCC) and its mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Here, we studied the expression of miR‐99a‐5p in HNSCC and performed a clinical value assessment and then extracted mature expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and microarrays from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Furthermore, biological analysis was constructed via online prediction tools. The results revealed that miR‐99a‐5p expression was markedly lower in HNSCC tissues than in normal tissues, which also showed significance in the prognosis of HNSCC. However, its diagnostic value could not be verified due to the lack of body fluid samples. Additionally, miR‐99a‐5p was expressed at higher levels in patients with low histological grade neoplasms than those with high histological grade neoplasms. The age of the patient might also be a possible clinical parameter affecting miR‐99a‐5p expression. Furthermore, miR‐99a‐5p significantly influenced HNSCC progression by regulating the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, in which the key target genes were upregulated in 519 HNSCC tissues compared to 44 normal tissues, as determined by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). In conclusion, our study may provide insights into the expression and mechanism of miR‐99a‐5p in HNSCC. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of miR‐99a‐5p and its potential clinical applications for HNSCC.
Transient Liquid Phase Bonding of AlN to AlSiC for Durable Power Electronic Packages
Authors: Pahinkar Darshan G. , Puckett Waylon , Graham Samuel , Boteler Lauren , Ibitayo Dimeji , Narumanchi Sreekant , Paret Paul , DeVoto Douglas , Major Joshua
Published: June 2018

Conventional power electronic modules employ a direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate and multiple interface layers to dissipate heat. However, reliability issues arise due to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch that exists between the metal, ceramic, and semiconductor materials in the conventional module. Significant performance enhancement can be achieved by eliminating the DBC and developing an integrated substrate/cold plate with a low CTE mismatch throughout the package. To address this need, we have demonstrated the ability to directly bond the aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate to an AlSiC heat sink through transient liquid phase bonding using a Cu–Al binary system. Fabricated samples are found to have good interfacial adhesion. The novel bond material exhibits properties analogous to AlSiC and is analyzed for thermal, mechanical, and metallographic properties. The novel structure demonstrated in this work will enable smaller, lighter, and more reliable power modules, when compared to traditional configurations.
Synergic Improvement of Plasticity and Strength of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Alloy by Grain Refinement and Precipitates Redistribution using Cyclic Extrusion Compression
Authors: Xue Ke‐Min , Liu Mei , Yan Si‐Liang , Wang Zhe , Hua Ya‐Ling , Li Ping
Published: June 2018

To explore the method to further improve the comprehensive performance of a high‐strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy, 1–8 passes cyclic extrusion compression (CEC) experiments are carried out. By thermal–mechanical coupled numerical simulation and experiment investigation, the variation of macro field variables, size distribution, and morphological characteristics of grain structures, and precipitates are quantitatively investigated. The results show that the dynamic recrystallization occurs during CEC processing. As the number of CEC processing increases, the grain size and aspect ratio decreases monotonically, while the volume fraction of secondary phases first decreases, reaches its minimum (0.26%) at 6 passes and then increases, indicating their re‐dissolution and further precipitation under severe stress field. In addition, the greatest comprehensive mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy are achieved by 2 passes CEC with the hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation improved by 89.29%, 63.77%, 110%, 134.93%, respectively. By theoretical calculation and fractograph observations, it is found that dislocation strengthening and Hall–Petch strengthening both plays a key role in the overall strengthen, and the enhanced plasticity can be attributed to the variation of the fracture mode and the propagation path of the cracks.
Protein Toxin Chaperoned by LRP‐1‐Targeted Virus‐Mimicking Vesicles Induces High‐Efficiency Glioblastoma Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Jiang Yu , Yang Weijing , Zhang Jian , Meng Fenghua , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: June 2018

Glioblastoma is a most intractable and high‐mortality malignancy because of its extremely low drug accessibility resulting from the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, it is reported that angiopep‐2‐directed and redox‐responsive virus‐mimicking polymersomes (ANG‐PS) (angiopep‐2 is a peptide targeting to low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein‐1 (LRP‐1)) can efficiently and selectively chaperone saporin (SAP), a highly potent natural protein toxin, to orthotopic human glioblastoma xenografts in nude mice. Unlike chemotherapeutics, free SAP has a low cytotoxicity. SAP‐loaded ANG‐PS displays, however, a striking antitumor activity (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 30.2 × 10−9m) toward U‐87 MG human glioblastoma cells in vitro as well as high BBB transcytosis and glioblastoma accumulation in vivo. The systemic administration of SAP‐loaded ANG‐PS to U‐87 MG orthotopic human‐glioblastoma‐bearing mice brings about little side effects, effective tumor inhibition, and significantly improved survival rate. The protein toxins chaperoned by LRP‐1‐targeted virus‐mimicking vesicles emerge as a novel and highly promising treatment modality for glioblastoma.
Black Arsenic: A Layered Semiconductor with Extreme In‐Plane Anisotropy
Authors: Chen Yabin , Chen Chaoyu , Kealhofer Robert , Liu Huili , Yuan Zhiquan , Jiang Lili , Suh Joonki , Park Joonsuk , Ko Changhyun , Choe Hwan Sung , Avila José , Zhong Mianzeng , Wei Zhongming , Li Jingbo , Li Shushen , Gao Hongjun , Liu Yunqi , Analytis James , Xia Qinglin , Asensio Maria C. , Wu Junqiao
Published: June 2018

2D layered materials have emerged in recent years as a new platform to host novel electronic, optical, or excitonic physics and develop unprecedented nanoelectronic and energy applications. By definition, these materials are strongly anisotropic between the basal plane and cross the plane. The structural and property anisotropies inside their basal plane, however, are much less investigated. Black phosphorus, for example, is a 2D material that has such in‐plane anisotropy. Here, a rare chemical form of arsenic, called black‐arsenic (b‐As), is reported as a cousin of black phosphorus, as an extremely anisotropic layered semiconductor. Systematic characterization of the structural, electronic, thermal, and electrical properties of b‐As single crystals is performed, with particular focus on its anisotropies along two in‐plane principle axes, armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ). The analysis shows that b‐As exhibits higher or comparable electronic, thermal, and electric transport anisotropies between the AC and ZZ directions than any other known 2D crystals. Such extreme in‐plane anisotropies can potentially implement novel ideas for scientific research and device applications.
Increased Exciton Delocalization of Polymer upon Blending with Fullerene
Authors: Gautam Bhoj , Klump Erik , Yi Xueping , Constantinou Iordania , Shewmon Nathan , Salehi Amin , Lo Chi Kin , Zheng Zilong , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Gundogdu Kenan , Reynolds John R. , So Franky
Published: June 2018

Interfaces between donor and acceptor in a polymer solar cell play a crucial role in exciton dissociation and charge photogeneration. While the importance of charge transfer (CT) excitons for free carrier generation is intensively studied, the effect of blending on the nature of the polymer excitons in relation to the blend nanomorphology remains largely unexplored. In this work, electroabsorption (EA) spectroscopy is used to study the excited‐state polarizability of polymer excitons in several polymer:fullerene blend systems, and it is found that excited‐state polarizability of polymer excitons in the blends is a strong function of blend nanomorphology. The increase in excited‐state polarizability with decreased domain size indicates that intermixing of states at the interface between the donor polymers and fullerene increases the exciton delocalization, resulting in an increase in exciton dissociation efficiency. This conclusion is further supported by transient absorption spectroscopy and time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements, along with the results from time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. These findings indicate that polymer excited‐state polarizability is a key parameter for efficient free carrier generation and should be considered in the design and development of high‐performance polymer solar cells.
Realization of In‐Plane p–n Junctions with Continuous Lattice of a Homogeneous Material
Authors: Huang Xiaochun , Liu Bing , Guan Jiaqi , Miao Guangyao , Lin Zijian , An Qichang , Zhu Xuetao , Wang Weihua , Guo Jiandong
Published: June 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) in‐plane p–n junctions with a continuous interface have great potential in next‐generation devices. To date, the general fabrication strategies rely on lateral epitaxial growth of p‐ and n‐type 2D semiconductors. An in‐plane p–n junction is fabricated with homogeneous monolayer Te at the step edge on graphene/6H‐SiC(0001). Scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals that Te on the terrace of trilayer graphene is p‐type, and it is n‐type on monolayer graphene. Atomic‐resolution images demonstrate the continuous lattice of the junction, and mappings of the electronic states visualize the type‐II band bending across the space‐charge region of 6.2 nm with a build‐in field of 4 × 105 V cm−1. The reported strategy can be extended to other 2D semiconductors on patternable substrates for designed fabrication of in‐plane junctions.
Rational Design of Ultrasensitive Pressure Sensors by Tailoring Microscopic Features
Authors: Peng Shuhua , Blanloeuil Philippe , Wu Shuying , Wang Chun H.
Published: June 2018

Wearable sensors are increasingly used in a wide range of applications such as tactile sensors and artificial skins for soft robotics, monitoring human motions for wellbeing and sports performance, and pressure control of compression garments for wound healing. In this work, an ultrasensitive resistive pressure sensor based on conductive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films with different microstructures is presented. These microscopic features include micropyramids, micro‐semispheres, and micro‐semicylinders which are created by soft lithography replication of 3D printing templates. To enable piezoresistivity, a thin layer of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is spray‐coated on the textured PDMS film. The resistance changes of the three microstructure designs under compression loading show that the micro‐semicylinder‐based sensor has the highest sensitivity of −3.6 kPa−1. Finite element modeling reveals that among the three designs, the micro‐semicylinders show the largest change in contact area under the same pressure, consistent with the experimental results that the largest resistance change under the same pressure. This sensor is capable of detecting pressure as low as 1.0 Pa. This 3D printing technology is a promising fabrication technique to design microstructured piezoresistive layers, paving the way to tailor sensor performance by engineering their microstructures and to produce ultrasensitive pressure sensors at low cost.
Robust Superhydrophobic Surface with Controlled Adhesion: In Situ Growth Depending on Its Bulk Phase Composition and Environment
Authors: Chen Kai , Hu Junyi , Wang Caoyu , Wu Mingpeng , Ding Cong , Gu Jiangjiang , Zhang Geng , Zheng Xinsheng , Cao Feifei
Published: June 2018

In nature, the superhydrophobic surfaces are almost in situ grown on its bulk phase under special environment. However, it is still a doubt how the bulk phase composition and external environment influence the structures and properties of in situ growth surfaces. To investigate the influence, a strategy is devised via using fluorine‐free benzoxazine as matrix model, selecting different metal chlorides to change the bulk phase composition of the matrix and utilizing different curing media to control the interface growth environment. It is found interestingly that the properties of in situ growth surfaces depend strongly on its bulk phase composition and external environment, and the superhydrophobic surface with controlled adhesion could be synthesized by in situ polymerization through one‐step curing and regulation of the bulk phase composition and growth environment. Moreover, the in situ growth superhydrophobic surface with controlled adhesion has high thermal stability, chemical stability, mechanical stability, and persistent stability. These findings not only show a unique idea for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces with controlled adhesion, but also provide useful enlightenment for preparation and understanding of heterogeneous catalysts, sensors, and drag reducing materials.
Work Function Modification via Combined Charge‐Based Through‐Space Interaction and Surface Interaction
Authors: Yang Da Seul , Bilby David , Chung Kyeongwoon , Wenderott Jill K. , Jordahl Jacob , Kim Bo Hyun , Lahann Joerg , Green Peter F. , Kim Jinsang
Published: June 2018

Work function modification of electrodes is an important factor to achieve high performance in organic electronics. However, a clear explanation of the origin of work function modification has remained elusive. Here, it is investigated how the work function of electrodes is affected by the charge‐based through‐space interaction with the well‐known surface interaction. The studies reveal that the formation of a surface dipole leads to a work function shift, even when the work function modifying layer and substrate are separated. A work function shift is also demonstrated by electrophoretic deposition of ionic polyelectrolytes while the same polyelectrolytes do not cause any work function shift when they are spin cast. More noteworthy is that a neutral (nonionic) polymer which has no specific surface‐interacting functional groups can induce work function shift of its substrate by a charge‐based through‐space interaction when deposited by electrospraying. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of work function modification and motivate the design and selection of a wide range of effective work function modifying layers for organic electronics.
Direct Writing and Repairable Paper Flexible Electronics Using Nickel–Liquid Metal Ink
Authors: Chang Hao , Guo Rui , Sun Ziqiao , Wang Hongzhang , Hou Yi , Wang Qian , Rao Wei , Liu Jing
Published: June 2018

Liquid metals such as gallium and its alloys can be printed on various substrates to form electronic circuits. However, up to now there are still few methods for the direct writing of liquid metals on common printed paper. Here, a novel conductive material prepared by adding metal powder to a gallium alloy is introduced. The proposed material exhibits low liquidity, excellent plasticity, significantly enhanced adhesivity to paper substrates, which guarantee the stable and flexible electrical connection. The oxide film wrapping the nickel powder forms a skeleton for additional oxidation products, resulting in superior adhesion to paper. In addition, several paper flexible electronic applications are showcased to demonstrate the practical value and reparability of this material. This work paves the way for the design of a facile method of preparing paper electronics.
Low‐Resistance Porous Nanocellular MnSe Electrodes for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Battery‐Supercapacitor Hybrid Devices
Authors: Tang Haichao , Yuan Yuliang , Meng Lu , Wang Weicheng , Lu Jianguo , Zeng Yujia , Huang Tieqi , Gao Chao
Published: June 2018

Searching for materials with improved electrochemical behaviors is an important topic in portable energy storage devices. In this work a simple one‐step solvothermal process is developed to rationally synthesize nanocellular α‐MnSe and its applications in energy storage devices are studied. The MnSe faradic electrode shows a low internal resistance (0.37 Ω), high capacity (84.7 mAh g−1 at 10 mV s−1), good rate capability, and long cycle life. All‐solid‐state battery‐supercapacitor hybrid (BSH) devices are assembled using binder‐free nanocellular MnSe as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The MnSe//AC all‐solid‐state devices exhibit large energy and power densities (39.6 µWh cm−2 at 0.96 mW cm−2), extremely low internal resistance (only 1.34 Ω), fast charge process, outstanding cycle stability (119.79% retention after 8000 cycles), and flexibility with rather low bending loss. The wrist strap product by connecting three MnSe//AC all‐solid‐state devices in series can readily drive a green light‐emitting diode for 3 min after 5 s of charging process. This work demonstrates that MnSe is an ideal low‐resistance candidate of electrode materials for all‐solid‐state BSH devices, which is expected to facilitate the development in the portable and wearable energy storage.
A Combined Magnetic‐Acoustic Device for Simultaneous, Coaligned Application of Magnetic and Ultrasonic Fields
Authors: Barnsley Lester C. , Gray Michael D. , Beguin Estelle , Carugo Dario , Stride Eleanor
Published: June 2018

Acoustically‐responsive microbubbles have been widely researched as agents for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications of ultrasound. There has also been considerable interest in magnetically‐functionalised microbubbles as multi‐modality imaging agents and carriers for targeted drug delivery. In this paper, we present a design for an integrated device capable of generating co‐aligned magnetic and acoustic fields in order to accumulate microbubbles at a specific location and to activate them acoustically. For this proof‐of‐concept study, the device was designed to concentrate microbubbles at a distance of 10 mm from the probe's surface, commensurate with relevant tissue depths in preclinical small animal models. Previous studies have indicated that both microbubble concentration and duration of cavitation activity are positively correlated with therapeutic effect. The utility of the device was assessed in vitro tests in a tissue‐mimicking phantom containing a single vessel (1.2 mm diameter). At a peak fluid velocity of 4.2 mm s−1 microbubble accumulation was observed under B‐mode ultrasound imaging and the corresponding cavitation activity was sustained for a period more than 4 times longer than that achieved with an identical acoustic field but in the absence of a magnet. The feasibility of developing a larger scale device for human applications is discussed.
Hydrophobic–hydrophilic cross‐linked matrices for controlled release formulation of Highly water‐soluble drug venlafaxine: Synthesis and evaluation studies
Authors: Asghar Saima , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Ahmad Mahmood , Khan Kifayat Ullah , Sohail Muhammad , Khalid Ikrima
Published: June 2018

This study was aimed to develop chemically cross‐linked matrix system of polycaprolactone‐co‐poly (methacrylic acid) through free radical polymerization method for controlled delivery of highly water‐soluble drug venlafaxine HCl. A hydrophobic polymer, polycaprolactone has been cross‐linked chemically with methacrylic acid by ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross‐linking agent, and benzoyl peroxide was added as reaction initiator. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and sol‐gel fraction were performed for characterization and structural analysis of polymeric system. Different feed ratios of polycaprolactone, methacrylic acid, and EGDMA were incorporated to investigate the effect of polymer, monomer, and degree of cross‐linking on swelling behavior and release pattern of model drug. pH‐responsive nature of hydrogel was evaluated at low and high pH. FTIR, TGA, and DSC confirmed the formation of new cross‐linked network. pH sensitivity of hydrogel is revealed by increased swelling at pH 7.4. Toxicity study was also performed on rabbits to evaluate cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of developed formulation. Polycaprolactone hydrogels showed low swelling with increased polymer and cross‐linker concentration while swelling increased with high concentration of monomer. Swelling controlled in vitro drug release was found in hydrogels. Gel contents were increased with increase in ratio of polymer, monomer, and cross‐linking agent. Toxicity study endorsed that developed hydrogels were nontoxic and biocompatible.
Piezoresistive E‐Skin Sensors Produced with Laser Engraved Molds
Authors: dos Santos Andreia , Pinela Nuno , Alves Pedro , Santos Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Águas Hugo , Igreja Rui
Published: June 2018

The recent interest of electronic skin (e‐skin) has pushed the research toward the development of flexible sensors, namely, for pressure detection. Several mechanisms can be used to transduce pressure into electrical signals, but piezoresistivity presents advantages due to its simplicity. The microstructuration of the films composing these sensors is a common strategy to improve their sensitivity. As an alternative to conventional and expensive photolithography techniques and low customizable techniques based on natural molds, a novel strategy for the microstructuration of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films is proposed, based on molds fabricated by laser engraving. After design optimization of these microstructured films, which relies on microcones, piezoresistive sensors with a limit of detection of 15 Pa and a sensitivity of −2.5 kPa−1 in the low‐pressure regime are obtained. These sensors are used with success on the detection of the blood pressure wave at the wrist, thus exhibiting a great potential for health applications.