bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of the National Housing File (FNL) for the Development of E-Governance in the Housing Sector in Algeria
Authors: Belhocine Ouahiba , Djiar Kahina Amal , Lagati Meriem
Published: October 2019

The housing sector in Algeria has undergone huge transformations to improve the supply process. One of the major changes that has been operated is related to the introduction of information technology in the practice of controlling the eligibility of applicants for public housing. As a result, the National Housing File has been created, marking hereby a major step towards the development of e-governance in Algeria. Yet, despite this noticeable improvement, the housing supply process remains very complex. This is mainly linked to the multi-sectoral character of the procedure, which requires the involvement of various actors and institutions. The objective of this paper is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the National Housing File, which has been conceived as a decision support tool to housing supply. The paper examines the process through which data is gathered and evaluation of potential beneficiaries is made. It sheds light on the issues that hinder the right functioning of the National Housing File and delay the development of e-governance in an effective way.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Possibility Degree Measure for Ordering of IVIFNs with Its Application to MCDM
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Kumar Samir
Published: October 2019

In this article, the concept of an intuitionistic fuzzy possibility degree (IFPD) for ordering several interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) is introduced. The IFPD ranks IVIFNs by distinguishing the comparable and non-comparable components of the joint intervals of membership and non-membership degrees. The incomparable cases of nested joint intervals can also rank respective IVIFNs through the proposed IFPD approach. An intuitionistic fuzzy possibility preference relation based on the proposed IFPD measure for IVIFNs is defined as a more effective tool for modelling uncertainty than existing intuitionistic preference relations. Further, an approach for solving multicriteria interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy decision-making problems based on IFPD measure of IVIFNs is advanced also provides a possibility degree as supplementary information to the ranking of alternatives. The validity and effectiveness of the advanced approach are demonstrated through two illustrative examples.
An Innovative Approach of Applying Knowledge Management in M-Learning Application Development
Authors: Al-Emran Mostafa , Mezhuyev Vitaliy , Kamaludin Adzhar
Published: October 2019

The development of mobile learning (m-learning) applications is not a new research topic. However, the development of m-learning applications from the perspective of knowledge management (KM) processes is a new research trend that has never been tackled in the existing literature. The main objective of this study is to develop an m-learning application that enables KM processes (acquisition, sharing, application, and protection) to evaluate the students' perceptions and acceptance towards its usage. A pilot study was conducted in two different universities in two developing countries, namely Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in Malaysia and Al Buraimi University College (BUC) in Oman. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from 51 IT undergraduate students. The findings provided empirical evidence that the developed m-learning application has raised the students' acceptance towards the application and enhanced their intent to use such applications in the future.
Policy Analysis of Individual Financial Planning Affected by Personal Bias Factors in Indonesia
Authors: Azzachra Yurike Rachma , Hidayatno Akhmad , Komarudin Komarudin
Published: October 2019

Even in making individual financial decisions, humans will naturally still be affected by personal biases which leads to less than optimal, illogical, and irrational decisions. It will be an important issue due to individual financial decisions which accumulate as a whole country's economic performance. This research introduces the idea to combine personal biases stated in behavioral economic theory with individual financial decision models using a system dynamics approach. The research uses vignette a fractional factorial studies method to calculate the score of personal bias factors. The main findings of the research show that there is a positive feedback loop on individual financial planning which is influenced by personal biases. The research concludes that personal bias factors such as the hedonic editing effect, future spending, category budgeting, endowment effect, and house-money effects are important factors in individual financial planning. Thus, paying attention to these personal biases then may help policy maker to control saving, spending, and investment rates in Indonesia.
Modelling the Impacts of Inter-City Connectivity on City Specialisation
Authors: Pierce David , Shepherd Simon , Johnson Daniel
Published: October 2019

There is a high level of interest in investing in inter-city connectivity schemes. The rationale for these schemes is improved economic performance through increased productivity, jobs, and output. The mobility costs of switching between sectors for labour and capital may limit the level of sectoral specialisation achieved and the associated positive productivity impacts through localisation effects. To investigate these impacts, a stylised stock and flow model of two cities has been developed. The model has two business service sectors and a 20-minute reduction in rail travel times is introduced to understand the dynamics and the extent of barriers to localisation benefits due to labour and capital mobility costs, and to understand the degree to which these can be unlocked through inter-city transport. The results show that mobility costs limit the potential for increased specialisation through investment in inter-city transport and that further specialisation is more likely to arise when the scheme effects differ between sectors and between cities.
Thinking in Virtual Spaces
Authors: Pober Elizabeth , Cook Matt
Published: October 2019

Throughout the iterative design process, both students and professionals rely on spatial thinking to develop and simulate these design solutions, but—in most cases—students lack the experience necessary to accurately visualize and translate the real-world scale of interior space. This is primarily because the current tools of representation are noticeably limited to the two-dimensions of visual information viewable on a traditional computer monitor or sheet of paper. The use of virtual reality systems can also support instruction focused on spatial reasoning. An immersive cohabitation of multiple designers within a detailed and complex model – at full-scale, in three dimensions, supports and augments spatial thinking by allowing designers to both conceptualize and reason volumetrically. This article will explore the experiences of the students and faculty using the virtual reality platform, and the challenges and impacts of incorporating full-scale analysis into the student's design process as they relate to scale perception, error recognition, and communication.
Balys Sruoga about Kipras Petrauskas: in search of national style of acting
Authors: Vasinauskaitė Rasa
Published: October 2019

The article discusses Balys Sruoga’s attitude towards State opera and Lohengrin created by soloist Kipras Petrauskas in the performance “Lohengrin” (Dir. Nikolay Vekov, 1926). Based on Petrauskas’ treatise, Sruoga identified the peculiarities of the national/Lithuanian style of acting, emphasized Lohengrin’s “popular and folk expression”, but did not analyze a wider context of the appearance of this image. By the examples of Richard Wagner’s works and performers it was stated that Lohengrin by Petrauskas was close to the Russian opera theatre and two of the most prominent performers of this role, Leonid Sobinov and Ivan Ershov. It was noted that at the beginning of the 20th century the changes in opera production and directing tradition, which was originally held in Russia by Vsevolod Mejerhold, whose performances were watched and later played by Petrauskas, had very little influence on the Lithuanian opera theatre, opera directing and opera acting. Opera performances followed a realistic tradition of the 19th century, and the stage expression did not depend on the director but on the soloists with excellent vocal and dramatic talent. So when it comes to the Lithuanian features of Lohengrin and the Lithuanian style of acting, it is obvious that this impression was made by the personality of Kipras Petrauskas, the world famous Lithuanian opera soloist.
Emblematic Mechanisms and Psychoanalysis
Authors: Soletskyy Oleksandr Markiian
Published: October 2019

In the paper the parallels between the emblematic “mechanisms” of signification and the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud as well as Carl Gustav Jung have been studied. The Austrian psychiatrist has discovered template schemes that become a visual delineation, the blueprint for developing his scientific vocabulary, methodology, classification of psycho-emotional behavioral types in mythological plots. The Eros and Thanatos images handling, the exploitation of mythical tales about Oedipus and Electra, Prometheus, Narcissus, and many other ones to specify the behavioral complexes denote the presence of “emblematic methodology” in the formation of psychoanalytic conceptions and categories. His interpretations of famous mythological plots are boiled down to emblematic reduction.

Carl Gustav Jung frequently selected symbolic notations as his research targets, which were a denotative space for expressing internal mental receptions and historic constellations of cultural axiology. In his writings we see the intention to assemble the concepts of image (iconic) and socio-cultural idea (conventional) into a sole compound that syncretically denote unity of meaning. Such an arrangement of iconic-conventional interdetermination is often significative elbowroom in Jung the decoding of which may allow to discern complex mental reflections. Notwithstanding the fact that he considers a symbol to be the standard unit of cognitive-cultural experience “conservation”, its functional semantics definition is fulfilled in emblematic patterns. This emblematic-cognitive form is not only a method of determining the initial images-ideas of the unconscious, “the mythological figures” of inner conflicts, typical experience of generations, but also the principle of justification and expression of his theory conceptual foundation. To a certain extent, it is an element of the Swiss psychologist’s scientific thinking style and language.
Atomic‐Scale Manipulation and In Situ Characterization with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Ko Wonhee , Ma Chuanxu , Nguyen Giang D. , Kolmer Marek , Li An‐Ping
Published: October 2019

Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has presented a revolutionary methodology to nanoscience and nanotechnology. It enables imaging of the topography of surfaces, mapping the distribution of electronic density of states, and manipulating individual atoms and molecules, all at atomic resolutions. In particular, atom manipulation capability has evolved from fabricating individual nanostructures toward the scalable production of the atomic‐sized devices bottom‐up. The combination of precision synthesis and in situ characterization has enabled direct visualization of many quantum phenomena and fast proof‐of‐principle testing of quantum device functions with immediate feedback to guide improved synthesis. Several representative examples are reviewed to demonstrate the recent development of atomic‐scale manipulation, focusing on progress that addresses quantum properties by design in several technologically relevant materials systems. Integration of several atomically precisely controlled probes in a multiprobe STM system vastly extends the capability of in situ characterization to a new dimension where the charge and spin transport behaviors can be examined from mesoscopic to atomic length scale. The automation of atomic‐scale manipulation and the integration with well‐established lithographic processes further push this bottom‐up approach to a new level that combines reproducible fabrication, extraordinary programmability, and the ability to produce large‐scale arrays of quantum structures.
MXene‐Reinforced Cellulose Nanofibril Inks for 3D‐Printed Smart Fibres and Textiles
Authors: Cao Wen‐Tao , Ma Chang , Mao Dong‐Sheng , Zhang Juan , Ma Ming‐Guo , Chen Feng
Published: October 2019

Fibre‐based materials have received tremendous attention due to their flexibility and wearability. Although great efforts have been devoted to achieve high‐performance fibres over the past several years, it is still challenging for multifunctional macroscopic fibres to satisfy versatile applications. 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) with intriguing physical/chemical properties have been explored in broad application, and may be able to reinforce synthetic fibres. Inspired by natural materials, for the first time, flexible smart fibres and textiles are fabricated using a 3D printing process with hybrid inks of TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxylradi‐cal)‐mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNFs) and Ti3C2 MXene. The hybrid inks display good rheological properties, which allow them to achieve accurate structures and be rapidly printed. TOCNFs/Ti3C2 in hybrid inks self‐assemble to fibres with an aligned structure in ethanol, mimicking the features of the natural structures of plant fibres. In contrast to conventional synthetic fibres with limited functions, smart TOCNFs/Ti3C2 fibres and textiles exhibit significant responsiveness to multiple external stimuli (electrical/photonic/mechanical). TOCNFs/Ti3C2 textiles with electromechanical performance can be processed into sensitive strain sensors. Such multifunctional smart fibres and textiles will be promising in diverse applications, including wearable heating textiles, human health monitoring, and human–machine interfaces.
4D‐Printed Biodegradable and Remotely Controllable Shape Memory Occlusion Devices
Authors: Lin Cheng , Lv Jinxin , Li Yuanshi , Zhang Fenghua , Li Jinrong , Liu Yanju , Liu Liwu , Leng Jinsong
Published: October 2019

Implantation of occlusion devices is an effective approach for the treatment of congenital heart diseases in the clinic. However, most commercial clinical occlusion devices are currently made of nondegradable metals, which may lead to complications such as perforation, allergies, and erosion. In this work, 4D‐printed novel, biodegradable, remotely controllable, and personalized shape memory occlusion devices are demonstrated and atrial septal defect occluders are exemplified. By incorporating Fe3O4 magnetic particles into the shape memory poly(lactic acid) matrix, the deployment of the occluders can be controlled remotely after implantation. The excellent cytocompatibility and histocompatibility are conducive to cell adhesion and ingrowth of granulation tissues into the occluders, thus facilitating rapid endothelialization. In addition, personalized shape memory occluders ensure an ideal fit and provide sufficient support for defects. Therefore, 4D‐printed shape memory occluders can be used as a potential substitute for metal occlusion devices.
Models of the Gut for Analyzing the Impact of Food and Drugs
Authors: Fois Chiara Anna Maria , Le Thi Yen Loan , Schindeler Aaron , Naficy Sina , McClure Dale David , Read Mark Norman , Valtchev Peter , Khademhosseini Ali , Dehghani Fariba
Published: October 2019

Models of the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can be powerful tools for examining the biological interactions of food products and pharmaceuticals. This can be done under normal healthy conditions or using models of disease–many of which have no curative therapy. This report outlines the field of gastrointestinal modeling, with a particular focus on the intestine. Traditional in vivo animal models are compared to a range of in vitro models. In vitro systems are elaborated over time, recently culminating with microfluidic intestines‐on‐chips (IsOC) and 3D bioengineered models. Macroscale models are also reviewed for their important contribution in the microbiota studies. Lastly, it is discussed how in silico approaches may have utility in predicting and interpreting experimental data. The various advantages and limitations of the different systems are contrasted. It is posited that only through complementary use of these models will salient research questions be able to be addressed.
2D Perovskites with Giant Excitonic Optical Nonlinearities for High‐Performance Sub‐Bandgap Photodetection
Authors: Zhou Feng , Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Leng Kai , Loh Kian Ping , Ji Wei
Published: October 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) perovskites have proved to be promising semiconductors for photovoltaics, photonics, and optoelectronics. Here, a strategy is presented toward the realization of highly efficient, sub‐bandgap photodetection by employing excitonic effects in 2D Ruddlesden–Popper‐type halide perovskites (RPPs). On near resonance with 2D excitons, layered RPPs exhibit degenerate two‐photon absorption (D‐2PA) coefficients as giant as 0.2–0.64 cm MW−1. 2D RPP‐based sub‐bandgap photodetectors show excellent detection performance in the near‐infrared (NIR): a two‐photon‐generated current responsivity up to 1.2 × 104 cm2 W−2 s−1, two orders of magnitude greater than InAsSbP‐pin photodiodes; and a dark current as low as 2 pA at room temperature. More intriguingly, layered‐RPP detectors are highly sensitive to the light polarization of incoming photons, showing a considerable anisotropy in their D‐2PA coefficients (β[001]/β[011] = 2.4, 70% larger than the ratios reported for zinc‐blende semiconductors). By controlling the thickness of the inorganic quantum well, it is found that layered RPPs of (C4H9NH3)2(CH3NH3)Pb2I7 can be utilized for three‐photon photodetection in the NIR region.
Multiple‐Quantum‐Well Perovskites for High‐Performance Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cheng Lu , Jiang Tao , Cao Yu , Yi Chang , Wang Nana , Huang Wei , Wang Jianpu
Published: October 2019

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on solution‐processed metal halide perovskites have shown great application potential in energy‐efficient lighting and displays. Multiple‐quantum‐well (MQW) perovskites simultaneously possess high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and good film morphology and stability, making it attractive for high‐performance perovskite LEDs. Here, merits of MQW perovskites and the progress in MQW perovskite LEDs are reviewed. Challenges and future directions of perovskite LEDs are also discussed.
Strong Adhesives from Corn Protein and Tannic Acid
Authors: Schmidt Gudrun , Woods Jessyca T. , Fung Lawrence X.‐B. , Gilpin Christopher J. , Hamaker Bruce R. , Wilker Jonathan J.
Published: October 2019

Modern society is in great need of environmentally sustainable and low‐cost alternatives to some petroleum derived adhesives. To allow recycling and avoid pollution, adhesives for single use products including packaging are of particular interest. Potential candidates for such applications are the adhesive formulations of corn zein protein and tannic acid presented here. High strength adhesive bonding is found when the formulations are optimized with regard to composition, pH, and curing temperature. Bonding is tested on aluminum substrates using lap shear configurations. Adhesion strengths exceed the minimal bonding of zein‐only controls. Maximum adhesion for zein and tannic acid is as strong as commercial Super Glue when measured under similar conditions. The system forms nanometer and micrometer sized pores throughout the bulk adhesive. A low amount of tannic acid and neutral pH of the strongest adhesive make the corn zein–tannic acid system potentially appealing for cost efficient adhesives used in packaging, cosmetics, and other single use applications where biomedical grade purity is not required.
Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD) in the Age of Online Sexual Networking: Are Young Black Gay/Bisexual Men (YBGBM) at Elevated Risk for Adverse Psychological Health?
Authors: Wade Ryan M. , Harper Gary W.
Published: October 2019

Young Black gay/bisexual men (YBGBM) are a highly marginalized population across multiple health outcomes. Most research on YBGBM health has focused on HIV/sexual health, but there is a demonstrable need for research examining racism and psychosocial functioning among this population. Racialized Sexual Discrimination (RSD), also known as sexual racism, is an important but under‐investigated phenomenon that may have implications for the psychological health and well‐being of YBGBM. This paper provides an overview of empirical research on RSD as experienced by gay/bisexual men of color in online partner‐seeking venues. First, the researchers discuss how racialized experiences are a documented online phenomenon, with a variety of manifestations, and identify the potential effects that this phenomenon may have on the psychosocial health of YBGBM, and gay/bisexual men of color as a whole. Second, the researchers synthesize the RSD literature with a broader literature examining psychological well‐being across race and sexual orientation. Third, the researchers present a theoretically grounded conceptual model detailing the pathways between RSD and psychological well‐being using a stress and coping framework. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this topic, including scale development and hypothesis testing.
Inter‐group aggressive interaction patterns indicate male mate defense and female cooperation across bonobo groups at Wamba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Tokuyama Nahoko , Sakamaki Tetsuya , Furuichi Takeshi
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Although conflicts between groups over valuable resources are common in the animal kingdom, an individual's strategy toward out‐group individuals may differ according to the benefits and costs received from inter‐group interactions. Groups of bonobos encounter each other frequently and may mingle and range together from a few hours to a few days. During these inter‐group associations, individuals across groups exhibit both aggressive and affiliative interactions. This study aimed to examine the strategies that bonobos employ with other groups, by comparing the patterns of within‐ and inter‐group aggression.

Materials and methods

We observed the aggressive interactions within a group of wild bonobos and between the group and three neighboring groups in Wamba, Luo Scientific Reserve, DR Congo.

Results

Bonobos increased the level of cooperation to attack out‐group individuals more than they do to attack within‐group individuals. Additionally, they reduced the aggression between within‐group members during inter‐group associations, compared to that when not associated with other groups. Males selectively and cooperatively attacked out‐group males. Inter‐group aggression among females was rare. Furthermore, females sometimes formed coalitions with out‐group individuals to attack a common target.

Discussion

Our results support the hypothesis that inter‐group competition occurs in bonobos, with males across groups competing over mates. Females across groups were tolerant and even cooperative with each other. Regardless of the ideal male strategy, female tolerant and cooperative relationships across groups and female within‐group superiority over males could preserve tolerant inter‐group relationships in bonobos.
Super‐Resolution Microscopy Reveals Shape and Distribution of Dislocations in Single‐Crystal Nanocomposites
Authors: Ihli Johannes , Green David C. , Lynch Christophe , Holden Mark A. , Lee Phillip A. , Zhang Shuheng , Robinson Ian K. , Webb Stephen E. D. , Meldrum Fiona C.
Published: October 2019

With their potential to offer new properties, single crystals containing nanoparticles provide an attractive class of nanocomposite materials. However, to fully profit from these, it is essential that we can characterise their 3D structures, identifying the locations of individual nanoparticles, and the defects present within the host crystals. Using calcite crystals containing quantum dots as a model system, we here use 3D stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to locate the positions of the nanoparticles within the host crystal. The nanoparticles are shown to preferentially associate with dislocations in a manner previously recognised for atomic impurities, rendering these defects visible by STORM. Our images also demonstrate that the types of dislocations formed at the crystal/substrate interface vary according to the nucleation face, and dislocation loops are observed that have entirely different geometries to classic misfit dislocations. This approach offers a rapid, easily accessed, and non‐destructive method for visualising the dislocations present within crystals, and gives insight into the mechanisms by which additives become occluded within crystals.
X‐ray Crystallography and Vibrational Spectroscopy Reveal the Key Determinants of Biocatalytic Dihydrogen Cycling by [NiFe] Hydrogenases
Authors: Ilina Yulia , Lorent Christian , Katz Sagie , Jeoung Jae‐Hun , Shima Seigo , Horch Marius , Zebger Ingo , Dobbek Holger
Published: October 2019

[NiFe] hydrogenases are complex model enzymes for the reversible cleavage of dihydrogen (H2). However, structural determinants of efficient H2 binding to their [NiFe] active site are not properly understood. Here, we present crystallographic and vibrational‐spectroscopic insights into the unexplored structure of the H2‐binding [NiFe] intermediate. Using an F420‐reducing [NiFe]‐hydrogenase from Methanosarcina barkeri as a model enzyme, we show that the protein backbone provides a strained chelating scaffold that tunes the [NiFe] active site for efficient H2 binding and conversion. The protein matrix also directs H2 diffusion to the [NiFe] site via two gas channels and allows the distribution of electrons between functional protomers through a subunit‐bridging FeS cluster. Our findings emphasize the relevance of an atypical Ni coordination, thereby providing a blueprint for the design of bio‐inspired H2‐conversion catalysts.
High‐Throughput Ligand Screening Enables the Enantioselective Conjugate Borylation of Cyclobutenones to Access Synthetically Versatile Tertiary Cyclobutylboronates
Authors: Clement Helen A. , Boghi Michele , McDonald Rory M. , Bernier Louise , Coe Jotham W. , Farrell William , Helal Christopher J. , Reese Matthew R. , Sach Neal W. , Lee Jack C. , Hall Dennis G.
Published: October 2019

Cyclobutane rings are important in medicinal chemistry, yet few enantioselective methods exist to access this scaffold. In particular, cyclobutylboronates are receiving increasing attention in the literature due to the synthetic versatility of alkylboronic esters and the increasing role of boronic acids in drug discovery. Herein, a conjugate borylation of α‐alkyl,β‐aryl/alkyl cyclobutenones is reported leading to the first synthesis of enantioenriched tertiary cyclobutylboronates. Cyclobutanones with two stereogenic centers are obtained in good to high yield, with high enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. Vital to this advance are the development of a novel approach to α,β unsymmetrically disubstituted cyclobutenone substrates and the use of a high‐throughput chiral ligand screening platform. The synthetic utility of both the boronic ester and ketone functionalities is displayed, with remarkable chemoselectivity for either group being possible in this small ring scaffold.
Facet‐Dependent On‐Surface Reactions in the Growth of CdSe Nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhu Chenqi , Chen Dongdong , Cao Weicheng , Lai Runchen , Pu Chaodan , Li Jiongzhao , Kong Xueqian , Peng Xiaogang
Published: October 2019

Facet‐dependent on‐surface reactions are systematically studied on zinc‐blende CdSe nanoplatelets with atomically‐flat {001} basal facets and small yet non‐polar side facets. The on‐surface half‐reactions between the surface Se sites and Cd carboxylates in the solution are qualitatively equivalent to those on the spheroidal counterparts. Conversely, the on‐surface half‐reactions between the surface Cd sites and the activated Se precursors in solution show a strong facet‐dependence, which includes three distinguishable stages. In the first stage, the Se precursors adsorb onto the small and non‐polar side facets of the nanoplatelets. The second stage is initiated by the adsorbed Se precursors at the side‐basal plane edges and proceeds from the edges to the center of the basal planes in quasi‐zeroth‐order kinetics. In the third stage, the nanoplatelets are dismantled, which includes the creation of a hole in the middle and a build‐up of thick edges.
Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylboration of Alkynes: Synthesis of Highly Versatile Multifunctional Building Blocks
Authors: Rivera‐Chao Eva , Mitxelena Maider , Varela Jesús A. , Fañanás‐Mastral Martín
Published: October 2019

The first copper‐catalyzed enantioselective allylboration of alkynes is reported. The method employs a multitasking chiral NHC‐Cu catalyst and provides access to densely functionalized molecules from simple starting materials with excellent levels of chemo‐, regio‐, and enantioselectivity. These multifunctional products display highly versatile reactivity as shown by the synthesis of a variety of non‐racemic molecular scaffolds. DFT calculations were conducted to gain insight into the high selectivity levels of this catalytic process.
Photo‐energy Conversion and Storage in an Aprotic Li‐O2 Battery
Authors: Zhu Zhuo , Shi Xiaomeng , Fan Guilan , Li Fujun , Chen Jun
Published: October 2019

A photo‐involved Li‐O2 battery with carbon nitride (C3N4) is presented as a bifunctional photocatalyst to accelerate both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. With illumination in a discharge process, photoelectrons generated in the conduction band (CB) of C3N4 are donated to O2 for O2−, which undergoes a second electron reduction to O22− and gives the final product of Li2O2; in a reverse process, holes left behind in the valence band (VB) of C3N4 plus an applied lower voltage than the equilibrium drive the Li2O2 oxidation. The discharge voltage is significantly increased to 3.22 V, surpassing the thermodynamic limit of 2.96 V, and the charge voltage is reduced to 3.38 V. This leads to a record‐high round‐trip efficiency of 95.3 % and energy density increase of 23.0 % compared to that in the dark.
Topochemical Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Transition‐Metal Phosphides Using Phosphorene Templates
Authors: Yang Sheng , Chen Guangbo , Ricciardulli Antonio Gaetano , Zhang Panpan , Zhang Zhen , Shi Huanhuan , Ma Ji , Zhang Jian , Blom Paul W. M. , Feng Xinliang
Published: October 2019

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as a fascinating class of narrow‐gap semiconductors and electrocatalysts. However, they are intrinsic nonlayered materials that cannot be delaminated into two‐dimensional (2D) sheets. Here, we demonstrate a general bottom‐up topochemical strategy to synthesize a series of 2D TMPs (e.g. Co2P, Ni12P5, and CoxFe2−xP) by using phosphorene sheets as the phosphorus precursors and 2D templates. Notably, 2D Co2P is a p‐type semiconductor, with a hole mobility of 20.8 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K in field‐effect transistors. It also behaves as a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thanks to the charge‐transport modulation and improved surface exposure. In particular, iron‐doped Co2P (i.e. Co1.5Fe0.5P) delivers a low overpotential of only 278 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 that outperforms the commercial Ir/C benchmark (304 mV).
Hydrostibination
Authors: Marczenko Katherine M. , Zurakowski Joseph A. , Bamford Karlee L. , MacMillan Joshua W. M. , Chitnis Saurabh S.
Published: October 2019

A rigid naphthalenediamine framework has been used to prepare antimony hydrides that feature LUMO shapes and energies similar to those found in secondary boranes. By exploiting this feature, we introduce the first examples of uncatalyzed hydrostibination reactions of robust C≡C, C=C, C=O, and N=N bonds as new elementary hydrometalation reactions analogous to hydroboration. These results endorse the notion of a diagonal relationship between the lightest p‐block element and the heaviest Group 15 elements and may lead to the conception of novel reaction chemistry.
Vapor‐Phase Linker Exchange of the Metal–Organic Framework ZIF‐8: A Solvent‐Free Approach to Post‐synthetic Modification
Authors: Marreiros João , Van Dommelen Lenz , Fleury Guillaume , de Oliveira‐Silva Rodrigo , Stassin Timothée , Iacomi Paul , Furukawa Shuhei , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Llewellyn Philip L. , Roeffaers Maarten , Ameloot Rob
Published: October 2019

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a sub‐class of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Although generally stable, ZIFs can undergo post‐synthetic linker exchange (PSLE) in solution under mild conditions. Herein, we present a novel, solvent‐free approach to post‐synthetic linker exchange through exposure to linker vapor.
Effect of Temperature on the Nucleation and Growth of Precious Metal Nanocrystals
Authors: Pitto‐Barry Anaïs , Barry Nicolas P. E.
Published: October 2019

Understanding the effect of physical parameters (e.g., temperature) on crystallisation dynamics is of paramount importance for the synthesis of nanocrystals of well‐defined sizes and geometries. However, imaging nucleation and growth is an experimental challenge owing to the resolution required and the kinetics involved. Here, by using an aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscope, we report the fabrication of precious metal nanocrystals from nuclei and the identification of the dynamics of their nucleation at three different temperatures (20, 50, and 100 °C). A fast, and apparently linear, acceleration of the growth rate is observed against increasing temperature (78.8, 117.7, and 176.5 pm min−1, respectively). This work appears to be the first direct observation of the effect of temperature on the nucleation and growth of metal nanocrystals.
The Reactions of Carbon Monoxide with Silyl and Silenyl Lithium – Synthesis and Isolation of the First Stable Tetra‐Silyl Di‐Ketyl Biradical and 1‐Silaallenolate Lithium
Authors: Kratish Yosi , Pinchuk Daniel , Kaushansky Alexander , Molev Victoria , Tumanskii Boris , Bravo‐Zhivotovskii Dmitry , Apeloig Yitzhak
Published: October 2019

Reactions of carbon monoxide (CO) with tBu2MeSiLi and (E)‐(tBu2MeSi)(tBuMe2Si)C=Si(SiMetBu2)Li⋅2 THF (4) were studied both experimentally and computationally. Reaction of tBu2MeSiLi with CO in hexane yields the first stable tetra‐silyl di‐ketyl biradical [(tBu2MeSi)2COLi].2 (3). Reaction of 4 with CO yields selectively and quantitatively the first reported 1‐silaallenolate, (tBu2MeSi)(tBuMe2Si)C=C=Si(SiMetBu2)OLi⋅THF (5). Both 3 and 5 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography and biradical 3 also by EPR spectroscopy. Silaallenolate 5 reacts with Me3SiCl to produce siloxy substituted 1‐silaallene (tBu2MeSi)(tBuMe2Si)C=C=Si(SiMetBu2)OSiMe3. The reaction of 4 with CO provides a new route to 1‐silaallenes. The mechanisms of the reactions of tBuMe2SiLi and of 4 with CO were studied by DFT calculations.
Insight into Three‐Coordinate Aluminum Species on Ethanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion over ZSM‐5 Zeolites
Authors: Wang Zichun , O'Dell Luke A. , Zeng Xin , Liu Can , Zhao Shufang , Zhang Wenwen , Gaborieau Marianne , Jiang Yijiao , Huang Jun
Published: October 2019

Commercial bioethanol can be readily converted into ethylene by a dehydration process using solid acids, such as Brønsted acidic H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites, and thus, it is an ideal candidate to replace petroleum and coal for the sustainable production of ethylene. Now, strong Lewis acidic extra‐framework three‐coordinate Al3+ species were introduced into H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites to improve their catalytic activity. Remarkably, Al3+ species working with Brønsted acid sites can accelerate ethanol dehydration at a much lower reaction temperature and shorten the unsteady‐state period within 1–2 h, compared to >9 h for those without Al3+ species, which can significantly enhance the ethanol dehydration efficiency and reduce the cost. The reaction mechanism, studied by solid‐state NMR, shows that strong Lewis acidic EFAl‐Al3+ species can collaborate with Brønsted acid sites and promote ethanol dehydration either directly or indirectly via an aromatics‐based cycle to produce ethylene.
Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA‐Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells
Authors: Wu Rigumula , Karunanayake Mudiyanselage Aruni P. K. K. , Shafiei Fatemeh , Zhao Bin , Bagheri Yousef , Yu Qikun , McAuliffe Kathleen , Ren Kewei , You Mingxu
Published: October 2019

Precisely determining the intracellular concentrations of metabolites and signaling molecules is critical in studying cell biology. Fluorogenic RNA‐based sensors have emerged to detect various targets in living cells. However, it is still challenging to apply these genetically encoded sensors to quantify the cellular concentrations and distributions of targets. Herein, using a pair of orthogonal fluorogenic RNA aptamers, DNB and Broccoli, we engineered a modular sensor system to apply the DNB‐to‐Broccoli fluorescence ratio to quantify the cell‐to‐cell variations of target concentrations. These ratiometric sensors can be broadly applied for live‐cell imaging and quantification of metabolites, signaling molecules, and other synthetic compounds.
Preformed particle gels with potential applicability for conformance control of oil reservoirs
Authors: Amaral Camila N. R. , Oliveira Priscila F. , Roman Isabella O. , Mansur Claudia R. E.
Published: October 2019

Preformed particle gel (PPG) is a particled superabsorbent crosslinking polymer that has been successfully applied to control conformance. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the properties of PPGs based on crosslinked partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The study was conducted into two steps: (1) the preparation of standard hydrogels, which were dried and grounded to obtain preformed particles, using the Sydansk strength code and rheology for evaluation and (2) the determination of the swelling degree from the PPGs under typical reservoir conditions (temperature of 90 °C and salinity int about 29,940 mg/L of total dissolved solids). Sydansk coding is a method that provides semiquantitative measures, and it is expressed in an alphabetic code from A to J. The results showed that the systems in ideal predetermined conditions (20,000 mg/L of HPAM, 4,500 mg/L of PEI, and crosslinking temperature of at 70 °C) allowed obtaining PPGs with Sydansk codes of F or H (highly deformable or slightly deformable nonfluid gel, respectively). According to the rheology tests, the systems had pseudoplastic behavior with characteristics of strong gels (G″/G′ < 0.1). Besides this, the swelling degree under reservoir conditions was independent of gel‐strength F or H that in both cases is around 19%, but increases with increasing temperature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48554.
Functionalized polyesters derived from glycerol: Selective polycondensation methods toward glycerol‐based polyesters by different catalysts
Authors: Zeng Fenfen , Yang Xin , Li Dexing , Dai Li , Zhang Xinyan , Lv Yin , Wei Zhong
Published: October 2019

Convergence of biodegradability and functionality is a major direction of new generation bio‐based materials. Functionalized aliphatic polyesters based on glycerol are synthesized by solvent‐free polycondensation directly. The aim is to prepare linear polyesters with pendant hydroxyl groups along the polymer backbone. The performance of the sustainable biocatalyst Novozyme‐435 (an immobilized form ofCandida antarcticalipase B) and the metal‐based catalyst scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate (also known as scandium triflate) were compared with three organobase catalysts: 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4,4,0]dec‐5‐ene, diphenyl hydrogen phosphate, and bis(1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4‐nonafluoro‐1‐butanesulfonyl)imide. For the five catalytic systems, the efficiency and selectivity for the incorporation of glycerol were studied, mainly using1H NMR spectroscopies, whereas side reactions, such as different macromolecular architecture of different glyceride groups in polymers, were evaluated using13C NMR. Especially, the biocatalyst Novozyme‐435 succeeded in incorporating glycerol in a selective way with a low reaction temperature, leading to close‐to‐linear polyesters. By using a renewable hydroxyl‐reactive based on polyesters derived from glycerol, it provides a theoretical reference for the synthesis of functional bio‐based materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48574.
Microcapsulated epoxy resin with nanosilica‐urea formaldehyde composite shell
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad‐Khaljiri Hossein , Eslami‐Farsani Reza , Arbab Chirani Shabnam
Published: October 2019

In this study, the epoxy microcapsules with the nanosilica (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt %)—urea formaldehyde composite shell were synthesized and then characterized by optical microscope (OM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and thermogravimetric analysis. According to the OM analysis, the without nanosilica microcapsules had the semitransparent structures and equal size distributions. Also, the formation of the microcapsule clusters and rupturing microcapsules in the sample containing 3 wt % nanosilica were observed by OM method. The FESEM analysis showed that without nanosilica, microcapsules had a smooth surface, whereas by increasing the percentage of nanosilica up to 2 wt %, the surface roughness was enhanced. It was also observed that on the surface of the microcapsules without nanosilica, two size ranges of the submicrocapsules with the average diameters of 1.12 μm and 208 nm were formed. By adding 1 wt % nanosilica, three size ranges of submicrocapsules were formed, with the average size of 2.63 μm, 824 and 179 nm. The interesting phenomena in the microcapsules containing 2 and 3 wt % nanosilica were the packing submicrocapsules with the polymeric shell and the formation of the microcapsule clusters, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48580.
Kinetic aspects of concentration of solid nanoparticles at the interface in polystyrene–polyethylene mixtures
Authors: Zaikin Aleksandr , Ahmetov Amir , Centovskij Timofej , Kraus Eduard
Published: October 2019

The effect of several mixing process parameters on the concentration of carbon black particles at the interface between the polymer components in polyethylene–polystyrene mixtures was studied. It was established that the process of particle transport from the polymer phase to the interface happens only under the action of shear deformation, but simultaneously acting shear stresses prevent particle concentration. The nanoparticle accumulation at the interface is determined not only by how favored this process is thermodynamically, but also by the parameters of the mixing process. The filler concentration at the interface is facilitated by a reduction in the shear stress, polymer viscosity, filler particle size, and preliminary injection of filler into the polymer component that is less effective at wetting the filler surface. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48585.
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of glutathione S‐transferases in an endoparasitoid wasp, Pteromalus puparum
Authors: Xu Gang , Teng Zi‐Wen , Gu Gui‐Xiang , Guo Lei , Wang Fei , Xiao Shan , Wang Jia‐Le , Wang Bei‐Bei , Fang Qi , Wang Fang , Song Qi‐Sheng , Stanley David , Ye Gong‐Yin
Published: October 2019

Pteromalus puparum is a gregarious pupal endoparasitoid with a wide host range. It deposits eggs into pierid and papilionid butterfly pupae. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are a family of multifunctional detoxification enzymes that act in xenobiotic metabolism in insects. Insect genome projects have facilitated identification and characterization of GST family members. We identified 20 putative GSTs in the P. puparum genome, including 19 cytosolic and one microsomal. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. puparum GSTs are clustered into Hymenoptera‐specific branches. Transcriptomic data of embryos, larvae, female pupae, male pupae, female adults, male adults, venom glands, carcass, salivary glands, and ovaries revealed stage‐, sex‐, and tissue‐specific expression patterns of GSTs in P. puparum. This is the most comprehensive study of genome‐wide identification, characterization, and expression profiling of GST family in hymenopterans. Our results provide valuable information for understanding the metabolic adaptation of this wasp.
The diverse niches of megajournals: Specialism within generalism
Authors: Siler Kyle , Larivière Vincent , Sugimoto Cassidy R.
Published: October 2019

Over the past decade, megajournals have expanded in popularity and established a legitimate niche in academic publishing. Leveraging advantages of digital publishing, megajournals are characterized by large publication volume, broad interdisciplinary scope, and peer‐review filters that select primarily for scientific soundness as opposed to novelty or originality. These publishing innovations are complementary and competitive vis‐à‐vis traditional journals. We analyze how megajournals (PLOS One, Scientific Reports) are represented in different fields relative to prominent generalist journals (Nature, PNAS, Science) and “quasi‐megajournals” (Nature Communications, PeerJ). Our results show that both megajournals and prominent traditional journals have distinctive niches, despite the similar interdisciplinary scopes of such journals. These niches—defined by publishing volume and disciplinary diversity—are dynamic and varied over the relatively brief histories of the analyzed megajournals. Although the life sciences are the predominant contributor to megajournals, there is variation in the disciplinary composition of different megajournals. The growth trajectories and disciplinary composition of generalist journals—including megajournals—reflect changing knowledge dissemination and reward structures in science.
Applications of Unnatural Amino Acids in Protease Probes
Authors: Maluch Izabela , Czarna Justyna , Drag Marcin
Published: October 2019

Since proteases are involved in a wide range of physiological and disease states, the development of novel tools for imaging proteolytic enzyme activity is attracting increasing interest from scientists. Peptide substrates containing proteinogenic amino acids are often the first line of defining enzyme specificity. This Minireview outlines examples of major recent advances in probing proteases using unnatural amino acid residues, which greatly expands the possibilities for designing substrate probes and inhibitory activity‐based probes. This approach already yielded innovative probes that selectively target only one active protease within the group of enzymes exhibiting similar specificity both in cellular assays and in bioimaging research.
Local stabilization of semilinear parabolic system by boundary control
Authors: Si Yuanchao , Xie Chengkang
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses local stabilization of a semilinear parabolic system by boundary control. Under a certain assumption on the nonlinearity of the parabolic equation, a linear boundary feedback control law is applied to control the semilinear system. Based on the operator theories and relations of different norms, locally exponential stabilization of the closed loop system is established. Simulations support the established stability result.