bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
16S rRNA metagenomic analysis of the bacterial community associated with turf grass seeds from low moisture and high moisture climates
Authors: Chen Qiang , Meyer William A. , Zhang Qiuwei , White James F.
Published: January 2020

Turfgrass investigators have observed that plantings of grass seeds produced in moist climates produce seedling stands that show greater stand evenness with reduced disease compared to those grown from seeds produced in dry climates. Grass seeds carry microbes on their surfaces that become endophytic in seedlings and promote seedling growth. We hypothesize that incomplete development of the microbiome associated with the surface of seeds produced in dry climates reduces the performance of seeds. Little is known about the influence of moisture on the structure of this microbial community. We conducted metagenomic analysis of the bacterial communities associated with seeds of three turf species (Festuca rubra, Lolium arundinacea, and Lolium perenne) from low moisture (LM) and high moisture (HM) climates. The bacterial communities were characterized by Illumina high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA V3–V4 regions. We performed seed germination tests and analyzed the correlations between the abundance of different bacterial groups and seed germination at different taxonomy ranks. Climate appeared to structure the bacterial communities associated with seeds. LM seeds vectored mainly Proteobacteria (89%). HM seeds vectored a denser and more diverse bacterial community that included Proteobacteria (50%) and Bacteroides (39%). At the genus level, Pedobacter (20%), Sphingomonas (13%), Massilia (12%), Pantoea (12%) and Pseudomonas (11%) were the major genera in the bacterial communities regardless of climate conditions. Massilia, Pantoea and Pseudomonas dominated LM seeds, while Pedobacter and Sphingomonas dominated HM seeds. The species of turf seeds did not appear to influence bacterial community composition. The seeds of the three turf species showed a core microbiome consisting of 27 genera from phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Patescibacteria and Proteobacteria. Differences in seed-vectored microbes, in terms of diversity and density between high and LM climates, may result from effects of moisture level on the colonization of microbes and the development of microbe community on seed surface tissues (adherent paleas and lemmas). The greater diversity and density of seed vectored microbes in HM climates may benefit seedlings by helping them tolerate stress and fight disease organisms, but this dense microbial community may also compete with seedlings for nutrients, slowing or modulating seed germination and seedling growth.
ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ЛЕДОВЫХ УСЛОВИЙ ПЛАВАНИЯ ПО МАРШРУТУ ОБСКАЯ ГУБА - БЕРИНГОВ ПРОЛИВ ЗА 1998-2018 ГОДЫ, "ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ И ПРИКЛАДНАЯ ГИДРОФИЗИКА"
Authors: ТРЕТЬЯКОВ В.Ю. , ФРОЛОВ С.В. , САРАФАНОВ М.И.
Published: January 2020

Приводятся методика и результаты обработки векторных ледовых карт из архива ААНИИ за период 1998- 2018 гг. Получены ряды многолетней изменчивости суммарных протяженностей участков маршрута порт Сабетта - Берингов пролив в припае, в сплоченных льдах, в сплоченных льдах при наличии определенных возрастных категорий льдов и их частных концентраций, суммарной приведенной протяженности маршрута в старых и толстых однолетних льдах для десятидневных интервалов (декад) апреля и мая. Под термином «сплоченные льды» в статье понимаются дрейфующие льды общей сплоченностью 9, 9-10, 10 баллов за исключением случаев, когда они представлены исключительно начальными льдами толщиной до 10 см. Выполнена проверка рядов на наличие трендов методом интегральных кривых и проверка однородности рядов с помощью ранговых непараметрических критериев Уилкоксона-Манна-Уитни и Зигеля-Тьюки. Проанализировано более 4 тыс. значений протяженностей. Выявлено уменьшение суммарной протяженности участков маршрута в припае и в сплоченных льдах с наличием старых льдов, увеличилась протяженность пути в сплоченных льдах, в сплоченных льдах при наличии однолетних льдов средней толщины, в сплоченных льдах при наличии толстых однолетних льдов, в сплоченных льдах с частной концентрацией толстых однолетних льдов 5 и более баллов, в сплоченных льдах с суммой частных концентраций толстых однолетних льдов и однолетних льдов средней толщины 5 и более баллов. Уменьшение приведенной протяженности пути плавания в старых льдах частично компенсируется увеличением практически на эту же величину приведенной протяженности пути плавания в однолетних толстых льдах.
ГИДРОФИЗИКА И ГИДРОГРАФИЯ: ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЬ И ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ (ОЧЕРК РАЗВИТИЯ ГИДРОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ НА ЧЕРНОМ МОРЕ В 1871-1940 ГГ.), "ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ И ПРИКЛАДНАЯ ГИДРОФИЗИКА"
Authors: ГРИШИН М.Г.
Published: January 2020

В рамках очерка представлены основные вехи развития отечественной гидрографической службы на Черном море. Показаны два периода (1871-1920 гг. и 1920-1940 гг.) развития гидрографических исследований. Описана роль Черноморской Океанографической экспедиции (1923-1935 гг.) и Азовско-Черноморской научно-промысловой экспедиции (1922-1928 гг.) в истории исследований Черного моря. Показана взаимосвязь развития гидрографии и Черноморской гидрофизической станции. Кратко показаны результаты гидрографических исследований к 1940 г. Черноморская Океанографическая экспедиция впервые собрала обстоятельный материал об условиях существования вод моря, в том числе и о гидрофизических. Одним из важных итогов, до сих пор сохраняющим научное значение, Азовско-Черноморской научно-промысловой экспедиции стало положение о системе круговых течений в западной и восточной частях Черного моря - так называемые «очки Книповича». Общий вывод - гидрографические исследования внесли значимый вклад в первоначальное изучение гидрофизических полей Черного моря, эти же исследования служили основой для развития океанографии и ее новых отраслей - физики моря.
Чувствительность модели прогноза волн к параметризациям пограничного слоя атмосферы, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Стригунова Я. В. , Булгаков К.Ю.
Published: January 2020

Исследуется влияние разных вариантов параметризации планетарного пограничного слоя атмосферы в системе «морские волны - атмосферная циркуляция» на качество воспроизведения эволюции ветрового волнения. Описывается система, состоящая из модели WAVEWATCH (морские волны) третьего поколения и модели региональной циркуляции WRF (атмосфера), адаптированная для региона Балтийского моря. Рассматриваются схемы параметризации планетарного пограничного слоя атмосферы, используемые в модели WRF. Из всех проведенных экспериментов представлены два наиболее показательных случая со штормовыми условиями, наблюдающимися в 2014 году: 11-20 августа и 4-10 октября. Сравнивается среднеквадратическая ошибка воспроизведения высоты доминантной волны, рассчитанной по данным с 4 автоматизированных буев, принадлежащих FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute), которые расположены в центре Балтийского моря, в северной и южной части Ботнического залива и в Финском заливе. Оценивается чувствительность воспроизведения высоты значительной волны к разным способам задания планетарного пограничного слоя атмосферы. Рассматривается эволюция штормового волнения в каждой точке, где находится буй. Обосновывается выбор параметризации, при которой наиболее точно воспроизводится ветровое волнение.
Некоторые спектральные свойства краевой задачи для термоупругого слоя, "Наука Юга России"
Authors: Леви Г.Ю. , Калинчук В.В. , Ворович Е.И.
Published: January 2020

Исследована краевая задача о гармонических колебаниях термоупругого слоя. Предполагается, что колебания в слое инициированы тепловой нагрузкой. Поверхность слоя свободна от механических напряжений, в тепловом отношении вне области воздействия изолирована. С помощью интегрального преобразования Фурье задача в частных производных сведена к системе обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений, на основе решения которой построено решение исходной задачи. Анализ дисперсионных свойств интегрального оператора позволил установить наличие двух полярных семейств. Основным является семейство полюсов с малой мнимой частью, которое играет основную роль в формировании волнового поля на поверхности слоя в силу слабого затухания соответствующих волн. Второе полярное семейство представляет собой комплексные полюсы со значительной мнимой составляющей. Эти полюсы в формировании поверхностного волнового поля играют незначительную роль, поскольку соответствующие им волны сильно затухают. На примере слоя из селенида кадмия проведено исследование влияния термоупругих коэффициентов на спектральные свойства термоупругой среды. Анализ показал, что роль коэффициента термоупругости незначительна для распределения полюсов в первом семействе, его влияние на второе семейство полюсов является существенным. В частности, от значения коэффициента зависит не только величина комплексных полюсов, но и их количество. Уменьшение коэффициента связности приводит к уменьшению количества полюсов во втором семействе, увеличение коэффициента связности - к увеличению количества полюсов. Тем самым изменение коэффициента термоупругости оказывает влияние на структуру поверхностного волнового поля лишь в окрестности границы области приложения нагрузки
ПЕРЕСЕЛЕНИЕ ЖИТЕЛЕЙ КАЗАЧЬИХ СТАНИЦ ИЗ ЗОНЫ ЗАТОПЛЕНИЯ ЦИМЛЯНСКОГО ВОДОХРАНИЛИЩА: КУЛЬТУРОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ И СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТЫ, "НАУКА ЮГА РОССИИ"
Authors: МАТИШОВ Г.Г. , САВЕЛЬЕВА О.С.
Published: January 2020

Рассмотрена трагедия донского казачества через призму разрушения природной и социокультурной среды в связи со строительством Цимлянской ГЭС. Представлен авторский взгляд на судьбу казаков Первого и Второго Донских округов, обстоятельства уничтожения их как самобытной группы населения юга России. Принято считать, что история донского казачества заканчивается в 20-30-х гг. XX века. Анализ документальных источников указывает на то, что казачий субэтнос как специфическая социальная группа существовал и в начале 1950-х годов. Проводившееся на Дону и в его притоках строительство каскадов гидроузлов, в первую очередь Цимлянской плотины, и связанное с ним затопление 164 (172, по другим данным) станиц и хуторов стало важным историческим событием, которое привело как минимум к трансформации традиционной казачьей культуры, а затем к ее упадку и гибели. Рассмотрены следующие факторы, этому способствующие: затопление знаменитых цимлянских виноградников, религиозно-культовых объектов (храмов, кладбищ донских казаков, братских могил), значимых археологических памятников, распад старообрядческих общин, неравнозначность предоставления новых мест для переноса населенных пунктов, разрушение привычного быта, изменение традиционного уклада жизни в целом. Для адаптации переселенцев к новым условиям требовалось длительное время, что не позволило сохранить в неизменном виде механизм передачи традиций и предопределило культурную трансформацию. Таким образом, была разрушена родная природная среда, а вместе с ней и историческая память. Строительство Цимлянского водохранилища и последующее затопление станиц и хуторов Первого и Второго Донских округов продолжили ряд потрясений после эпопеи расказачивания, окончательно нарушили механизм передачи традиций, привели к необратимой деградации социокультурного ландшафта казачьего субэтноса, поставив в итоге точку в истории донского казачества.
Teratogenicity, Mutagenicity, Carcinogenicity, Genotoxicity and Toxicity of Petroleum- contaminated Wastewater in Niger-Delta Nigeria
Authors: Charles Fawole , Salami S. J. , Dashak D. A.
Published: January 2020

The chronic human health effects of the 17 US Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] priority pollutants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] were investigated and characterized in petroleum contaminated wastewater discharged indiscriminately into the surface water of Okpoka creek off the upper Bonny River estuary in the Niger-Delta. Collections and sampling were conducted under the standard specifications, ethics and protocols of U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The liquid-liquid extraction of Petroleum contaminated wastewater samples were conducted in accordance with standard procedure of US EPA. Identification and quantification of 17 PAHs were performed by Gas chromatograph with Mass spectrometric detection (GC/MSD) in accordance with standard analytical method of US EPA. The result showed presence of Naphthalene [2.6000 mg/l], Acenaphthylene [8.0000 mg/l], Acenaphthene [0.0000 mg/l], Fluorene [9.0008 mg/l], Anthracene [0.0000 mg/l], Phenanthrene [0.0000 mg/l], O-Terphenyl [5.0200 mg/l], Fluoranthene [1.1000 mg/l], Pyrene [8.0000 mg/l], Benz[a]anthracene [1.0900 mg/l], Chrysene [0.0000 mg/l], Benzo[b]fluoranthene [10.0000 mg/l], Benzo[k]fluoranthene [0.0000 mg/l], Benzo[e]pyrene [0.0000 mg/l], Dibenzo [a,h] anthracene [4.0100 mg/l], Indeno[1,2.3-cd]pyrene [9.2000 mg/l] and Benzo[g,h,i]perylene [3.0000 mg/l]. The results also indicated that some of the 17 PAHs constituents were above the PAHs World Health Organization [2003] maximum permissible limits (MPL) in drinking water (0.0020 mg/l) with 64% and 35.29% below the MPL. The low molecular weights of PAHs [LPAHs] were 40.60% and high molecular weights of PAHs [HPAHs] were 59.40%. Human teratogenic PAHs [9.09%], Human mutagenic PAHs [24.24%], Human carcinogenic PAHs [24.24%], Human genotoxic PAHs [18.18%] and other toxics [24.24%]. Thus, total PAHs concentrations gave 61.2800 mg/l of the petroleum contaminated wastewater sample.
Mathematical Modeling and Distribution Design for Agricultural Products in Bangladesh
Authors: Khairul Islam Mohammad , Alam Md. Mahmud , Forhad Uddin Mohammed , Mohammad Omar Faruque Gazi
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we have formulated a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the distribution design of Agricultural products in Bangladesh. The scheme of distribution is very important for the supply chain network (SCN), which is choosing the suitable distribution center (DC) for the distribution of the products. This study is a real life distribution problem. To developed this model, we have collected data from various market players who are directly or indirectly involved in Agriculture sector. We have to solve this model, by using a mathematical programming language (AMPL). We have verified a multi-stage SCN, which includes producer, DC and customer. Also this model is to optimize profit, allocations of the products and most useable DC which satisfied most of the customer demands. Finally, we can analyze the profit for the uncertainty parameters.
Development of Thermodynamic Model with Gopal’s Constants for the Inhibition of Gas Hydrates Formation in Gas Pipeline
Authors: O. Oluwatoyin Akinsete , A. Sarah Akintola , O. Goodness Folayan
Published: January 2020

Hydrate deposition remains a very willful one in the oil and gas industry and costs the industry billions of dollars worldwide for prevention and remediation in pipelines and flowlines. An economic and environmentally friendly solution to the prevention of hydrate formation is prohibitively expensive.

In this study, a thermodynamic model for hydrate inhibition in gas pipelines by applying the Joule Thomson Expansion phenomenon was developed. The model is a function of the specific gravity, initial and final temperatures, and the initial and final pressures. This developed model comes with the Gopal's constants that make the model trainable to fit data from various expansion processes.

The results obtained for sweet gases were compared with that presented by the Gas Processors Suppliers Association (GPSA) and an error of less than 5% (R2 = 0.9629) was observed. The effect on sour gases was also considered. The pseudo-reduced temperature ranges from 1.05<Tr<3.0 and the pseudo-reduced pressure ranges from 0.2<Pr<5.4. But at extreme values of both pressure and temperature, the result of the proposed model deviates significantly from that of GPSA. The robustness of this model and its ease of use makes it applicable for real-time calculations in the transportation and processing of natural gases.
Genetic Variability in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Heat Stress Condition
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , G. Suresh B. , Kumar Anand , R. Lavanya G.
Published: January 2020

The present experiment was carried out at field experimentation centre of the Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) to study genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in fifty germplasm of chickpea during rabi, 2017-18. The maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were noticed for 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant and number of primary branches per plant. High heritability were recorded by 100 seed weight, biological yield per plant, primary branches per plant, grain yield per plant, effective pods per plant, total number of pods per plant, secondary branches per plant, plant height, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for 100 seed weight, biological yield per plant, primary branches per plant, grain yield per plant, effective pods per plant, total number of pods per plant, secondary branches per plant and plant height which suggested that these characters can be considered as favorable attributes for the improvement through selection. Path coefficient analysis for grain yield per plant revealed that biological yield, harvest index, secondary branches, canopy temperature at vegetative stage, effective pods per plant had given the highest contribution on yield per plant. So the utmost importance should be given to these characters during the selection for yield improvement in late sown chickpea.
Validation of Calculated Pressure Drop Using Experimental Data with Standard Methods of an Existing Software
Authors: M. Wambua Chris , F. Joel Ogbonna , S. Ikiensikimama Sunday , O. Oyoo Daniel
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research was to determine the pressure drop along a 450 km long multiproduct pipeline. Empirical formulae and quantitative methods were applied in order to establish pressure drop as an operating parameter. Flow rates used were obtained from the daily operation records of two consecutive years and were in the range of 629 – 765 m3/hr. Using four methods, observed pressure drop results when pumping products through the pipeline were as follows: Shell-MIT was 954.5 – 1411.9 bar (gasoline), 1257.6 – 1860.3 bar (kerosene) and 1535.0 – 2270.5 bar (diesel); Benjamin Miller was 0.509 – 0.728 bar/km (gasoline), 0.693 – 0.988 bar/km (kerosene), 0.773 – 1.101 bar/km (diesel); T. R. Aude was 0.590 – 0.841 bar/km (gasoline), 0.814 – 1.161 bar/km (kerosene), 0.907 – 1.294 (diesel); Darcy was 0.578 – 0.857 bar/km (gasoline), 0.703 – 1.042 bar/km (kerosene), 0.858 – 1.272 bar/km (diesel). Simulations using pipe-flow wizard were carried out in order to authenticate the calculated parameters. Results confirmed that Shell-MIT method is only applicable to crude oil pipelines. From comparison of calculated pressure drop, Benjamin Miller’s method was most preferred as it observed the least value within the same flow rate range. Simulation results validated the calculated pressure drop and therefore, calculated Benjamin Miller’s and T. R. Aude’s values are recommended for use in further review study of the said pipeline.
LncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by interacting with UPF1 to destabilize ZFPM2
Authors: Han Shuhua , Cao Dandan , Sha Jun , Zhu Xiaoli , Chen Dongqin
Published: January 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a histological subclass of non‐small‐cell lung cancer, is globally the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as cancer regulators. Zinc finger protein multitype 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2‐AS1) is an oncogene in gastric cancer, but its functions have not been investigated in LUAD. We showed that ZFPM2‐AS1 expression is high in LUAD samples based on GEPIA database (http://gepia.cancer-pku.cn/) and validated ZFPM2‐AS1 upregulation in LUAD cell lines. Functionally, ZFPM2‐AS1 facilitated proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of LUAD cells. Thereafter, we found that ZFPM2 was negatively regulated by ZFPM2‐AS1, and identified the suppressive effect of ZFPM2 regulation by ZFPM2‐AS1 on LUAD progression. Mechanistically, we showed that ZFPM2‐AS1 interacted with up‐frameshift 1 (UPF1) to regulate mRNA decay of ZFPM2. Rescue assays in vitro and in vivo confirmed that ZFPM2‐AS1 regulated LUAD progression and tumor growth through ZFPM2. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a role for the ZFPM2‐AS1–UPF1–ZFPM2 axis in LUAD progression, suggesting ZFPM2‐AS1 as a new potential target for LUAD treatment.
Light Gold: A Colloidal Approach Using Latex Templates
Authors: van 't Hag Leonie , Handschin Stephan , Gschwend Pascal M. , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: January 2020

A new 18 karat light gold, composed of gold single crystals, amyloids, and a polymer latex matrix is developed. It is similar to a glassy plastic, yet lighter than aluminum and of use in watches, jewelry, radiation shielding, catalysis, and electronics. The material is prepared via a hydrogel precursor dried into an aerogel. Annealing of the polystyrene matrix under vacuum gives rise to a homogeneous template. The final apparent density and porosity of the material depend directly on the volumetric concentration of the starting solution used for hydrogel formation. After annealing, a homogeneous microstructure is obtained in which the shining gold single crystal platelets are evenly embedded in a polystyrene matrix. The material has a glass transition temperature of ≈105 °C which allows for annealing and molding above this temperature. A general scaling behavior is found for the Young's modulus of the material with the density. The Young's modulus of the material with a density of 1.7 g cm−3 is ≈50 MPa. The density and stiffness, as well as the color, of the material can be tuned depending on the final application.
Ultrasound‐Triggered Enzymatic Gelation
Authors: Nele Valeria , Schutt Carolyn E. , Wojciechowski Jonathan P. , Kit‐Anan Worrapong , Doutch James J. , Armstrong James P. K. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: January 2020

Hydrogels are formed using various triggers, including light irradiation, pH adjustment, heating, cooling, or chemical addition. Here, a new method for forming hydrogels is introduced: ultrasound‐triggered enzymatic gelation. Specifically, ultrasound is used as a stimulus to liberate liposomal calcium ions, which then trigger the enzymatic activity of transglutaminase. The activated enzyme catalyzes the formation of fibrinogen hydrogels through covalent intermolecular crosslinking. The catalysis and gelation processes are monitored in real time and both the enzyme kinetics and final hydrogel properties are controlled by varying the initial ultrasound exposure time. This technology is extended to microbubble–liposome conjugates, which exhibit a stronger response to the applied acoustic field and are also used for ultrasound‐triggered enzymatic hydrogelation. To the best of the knowledge, these results are the first instance in which ultrasound is used as a trigger for either enzyme catalysis or enzymatic hydrogelation. This approach is highly versatile and can be readily applied to different ion‐dependent enzymes or gelation systems. Moreover, this work paves the way for the use of ultrasound as a remote trigger for in vivo hydrogelation.
Engineering of Nebulized Metal–Phenolic Capsules for Controlled Pulmonary Deposition
Authors: Ju Yi , Cortez‐Jugo Christina , Chen Jingqu , Wang Ting‐Yi , Mitchell Andrew J. , Tsantikos Evelyn , Bertleff‐Zieschang Nadja , Lin Yu‐Wei , Song Jiaying , Cheng Yizhe , Mettu Srinivas , Rahim Md. Arifur , Pan Shuaijun , Yun Gyeongwon , Hibbs Margaret L. , Yeo Leslie Y. , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Caruso Frank
Published: January 2020

Particle‐based pulmonary delivery has great potential for delivering inhalable therapeutics for local or systemic applications. The design of particles with enhanced aerodynamic properties can improve lung distribution and deposition, and hence the efficacy of encapsulated inhaled drugs. This study describes the nanoengineering and nebulization of metal–phenolic capsules as pulmonary carriers of small molecule drugs and macromolecular drugs in lung cell lines, a human lung model, and mice. Tuning the aerodynamic diameter by increasing the capsule shell thickness (from ≈100 to 200 nm in increments of ≈50 nm) through repeated film deposition on a sacrificial template allows precise control of capsule deposition in a human lung model, corresponding to a shift from the alveolar region to the bronchi as aerodynamic diameter increases. The capsules are biocompatible and biodegradable, as assessed following intratracheal administration in mice, showing >85% of the capsules in the lung after 20 h, but <4% remaining after 30 days without causing lung inflammation or toxicity. Single‐cell analysis from lung digests using mass cytometry shows association primarily with alveolar macrophages, with >90% of capsules remaining nonassociated with cells. The amenability to nebulization, capacity for loading, tunable aerodynamic properties, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability make these capsules attractive for controlled pulmonary delivery.
Accurate Control Multiple Active Sites of Carbonaceous Anode for High Performance Sodium Storage: Insights into Capacitive Contribution Mechanism
Authors: Lu Yun , Liang Jianing , Hu Yezhou , Liu Yi , Chen Ke , Deng Shaofeng , Wang Deli
Published: January 2020

Heteroatom doping is widely recognized as an appealing strategy to break the capacitance limitation of carbonaceous materials toward sodium storage. However, the concrete effects, especially for heteroatomic phase transformation, during the sodium storage reaction remain a confusing topic. Here, a novel hypercrosslinked polymerization approach is demonstrated to fabricate pyrrole/thiophene hypercrosslinked microporous copolymer and further give porous carbonaceous materials with accurately regulated N/S dual doping corresponding to starting feeding ratios. Significantly, the N doping contributes to the conductivity and surface wettability, while the S doping is bridged to build stable active sites, which can be electrochemically converted into mercaptan anions via faraday reaction and further enhancing reversible capacities. Meanwhile, the abundant S doping can also conduce to the expanded interlayer spacing to shorten the ions diffusion distance, thus optimizing the reaction kinetic. As a result, the N0.2S0.8‐micro‐dominant porous carbon delivers the highest reversible capacity of 521 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and excellent cyclic stability over 2000 cycles at 2000 mA g−1 with a capacity decay of 0.0145 mAh g−1 per cycle. This work is anticipated to provide an in‐depth understanding of capacitance contribution and illuminate the heteroatomic phase transformation during sodium storage reactions for doping carbonaceous anodes.
Eliciting Consumer Willingness to Pay for Home Internet Service: Closing the Digital Divide in the State of Indiana
Authors: Lai John , Widmar Nicole O. , Bir Courtney
Published: January 2020

The economic and societal benefits of broadband have been well documented, including increased access to education, civic engagement, political participation, and public education. However, there continues to be disparity between rural and urban areas regarding internet access/speed. With the second highest Midwestern rural population density, this analysis sought to quantify usage of internet services and estimate Indiana residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for home internet service. This analysis found the mean WTP for residents is between $0.06/Mbps and $0.10/Mbps per month for broadband. Age has a significant positive relationship with WTP for fiber optic internet; subscriber's employment also plays a significant role.
Encoding Smart Microjoints for Microcrawlers with Enhanced Locomotion
Authors: Chen Qianying , Lv Pengyu , Huang Tian-Yun , Huang Jianyong , Duan Huiling
Published: January 2020

Usually, it is indispensable for traditional functional robots to use flexible joints that integrate sophisticated machinery and control systems to achieve precise operability and efficient mobility. At the microscale, however, the conventional design of functional joints is generally not suitable due to the limitation of the manufacturing process on such a tiny size. Herein, a strategy for the design of smart microjoints (SMJs) that undergo controllable active deformation by triggering a size‐dependent layer‐by‐layer sequential swelling effect on SMJs in response to external stimuli is developed. The optimal encoding of SMJs that enables microcrawlers to achieve superior crawling speed (0.15 body length s−1) and efficiency (1.1 body length per step), as well as controllable locomotion, is demonstrated, e.g., migration along/against the stimuli source or along a preplanned path. A path toward constructing soft actuators/robots at the microscale with high adaptability and controllability for broad engineering applications is offered.
Are Corn Futures Prices Getting “Jumpy”?
Authors: Couleau Anabelle , Serra Teresa , Garcia Philip
Published: January 2020

The article sheds light on price jump risk in corn futures prices in the era of electronic trading and after the shift to real‐time announcement of USDA reports. Using intraday prices from 2008 to 2015, we employ a nonparametric test to detect jumps and variance analysis to assess the relative importance of jump risk. Real‐time trading of major USDA reports has substantially increased the frequency and clustering of price jumps, and results in higher market liquidity costs. In contrast, although the presence of jumps on non‐announcement days has doubled recently, their magnitude has declined as have transactions costs during their occurrence. The largest jump risk or execution risk is experienced by high frequency traders due to heightened microstructure noise during price jumps. However, traders holding long‐term market positions are only minimally affected by increased jump risk.
Cerebral oxygen metabolism in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Václavů Lena , Petr Jan , Petersen Esben Thade , Mutsaerts Henri J.M.M. , Majoie Charles B.L. , Wood John C. , VanBavel Ed , Nederveen Aart J. , Biemond Bart J.
Published: January 2020

In sickle cell disease (SCD), oxygen delivery is impaired due to anemia, especially during times of increased metabolic demand, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) must increase to meet changing physiologic needs. But hyperemia limits cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) and ischemic risk prevails despite elevated CBF. The cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) directly reflects oxygen supply and consumption and may therefore be more insightful than flow‐based CVR measures for ischemic risk in SCD. We hypothesized that adults with SCD have impaired CMRO2 at rest and that a vasodilatory challenge with acetazolamide would improve CMRO2. CMRO2 was calculated from CBF and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), measured with arterial spin labeling and T2‐prepared tissue relaxation with inversion recovery (T2‐TRIR) MRI. We studied 36 adults with SCD without a clinical history of overt stroke, and nine healthy controls. As expected, CBF was higher in patients with SCD versus controls (mean ± SD: 74 ± 16 versus 46 ± 5 mL/100 g/min, P < .001), resulting in similar oxygen delivery (SCD: 377 ± 67 versus controls: 368 ± 42 μmol O2/100g/min, P = .69). OEF was lower in patients versus controls (27 ± 4 versus 35 ± 4%, P < .001), resulting in lower CMRO2 in patients versus controls (102 ± 24 versus 127 ± 20 μmol O2/100g/min, P = .002). After acetazolamide, CMRO2 declined further in patients (P < .01) and did not decline significantly in controls (P = .78), indicating that forcing higher CBF worsened oxygen utilization in SCD patients. This lower CMRO2 could reflect variation between healthy and unhealthy vascular beds in terms of dilatory capacity and resistance whereby dysfunctional vessels become more oxygen‐deprived, hence increasing the risk of localized ischemia.
Dried blood spots: Effects of less than optimal collection, shipping time, heat, and humidity
Authors: Crimmins Eileen M. , Zhang Yuan S. , Kim Jung Ki , Frochen Stephen , Kang Hyewon , Shim Hyunju , Ailshire Jennifer , Potter Alan , Cofferen Jake , Faul Jessica
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study investigates how factors related to collection, storage, transport time, and environmental conditions affect the quality and accuracy of analyses of dried blood spot (DBS) samples.

Methods

Data come from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) DBS laboratory reports and the HRS merged with the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Global Historical Climate Network Daily (NCDC GHCN‐Daily) and the NCDC Local Climatological Data, by zip code. We ran regression models to examine the associations between assay values based on DBS for five analytes (total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C) and the characteristics of DBS cards and drops, shipping time, and temperature, and humidity at the time of collection.

Results

We found cholesterol measures to be sensitive to many factors including small spots, shipping time, high temperature and humidity. Small spots in DBS cards are related to lower values across all analytes. Longer DBS transit time before freezing is associated with lower values of total and HDL cholesterol and cystatin C. Results were similar whether or not venous blood sample values were included in equations.

Conclusions

Small spots, long shipping time, and exposure to high temperature and humidity need to be avoided if possible. Quality of spots and cards and information on shipping time and conditions should be coded with the data to make adjustments in values when necessary. The different results across analytes indicate that results cannot be generalized to all DBS assays.
Associations of alternative operationalizations of job strain with health and well‐being outcomes in the same multioccupational worker sample
Authors: Gómez Ortiz Viviola , González Andrea , Segura Sebastián
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The main goal of this study was to evaluate, in a large, occupationally diverse sample of Colombian workers, the association between alternative methods of operationalizing job strain and various health and well‐being measures using the original Job Content Instrument (Job Content Questionnaire). We examine whether the specific way job strain is operationalized can explains differing variance in the outcomes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using self‐report instruments. A total of 168 496 workers affiliated with the Colombian General System of Occupational Hazards answered a questionnaire that evaluated demographics, job demands and control, stress symptoms, general and mental health, vitality, job satisfaction, and diagnosis of hypertension. Hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Seven different formulations of job strain were used as predictors.

Results

Results Differences in operationalization of job strain explained similar and significant percentages of variance in outcomes used in this study. Definition of job strain as cases found within the most extreme quartiles of high demands and low control explained more variance than alternative characterizations of job strain. Job strain definitions were predictive of hypertension, although did not explain additional variance in the model.

Conclusions

The effect of psychological demands and control on health and well‐being appears to be additive and not multiplicative. A definition of job strain that takes into account those most at risk in the sample appears have a better predictive value than alternative formulations.
DNA as a bioligand supported on magnetite for grafting palladium nanoparticles for cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Kandathil Vishal , Kempasiddaiah Manjunatha , Nataraj Sanna Kotrappanavar , Somappa Sasidhar Balappa , Patil Siddappa A.
Published: January 2020

The utilization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in nanotechnology is a promising area of research wherein the distinct properties of DNA are exploited for the design and development of new materials and applications. The biodegradability and natural profusion of DNA makes it highly suitable for use in various fields. In this report, we have treated DNA as a bioligand, supported on functionalized magnetite for the grafting of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles to make Pd‐DNA bio‐nanocatalyst. The Pd‐DNA was subjected to Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analysis. The prepared Pd‐DNA was found to be highly efficient in catalyzing Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction with excellent yields when compared with commercially available palladium‐based catalysts. Also, the Pd‐DNA could be easily recovered from the reaction mass using an external magnet and recycled up to six times without substantial loss of activity. Furthermore, Felbinac, a non‐inflammatory drug, was synthesized in quantitative yields using the Pd‐DNA bio‐nanocatalyst.
Newly synthesized homomultinuclear Co (II) and Cu (II) bissalamo‐like complexes: Structural characterizations, Hirshfeld analyses, fluorescence and antibacterial properties
Authors: Pan Ying‐Qi , Zhang Yu , Yu Meng , Zhang Yang , Wang Li
Published: January 2020

Rare homodinuclear Co (II) complex [Co2(L)NO3] (1) and helical centrosymmetric homotetranuclear Cu (II) complex [Cu4(L)2(H2O)2]·2ClO4 (2), have been synthesized by a newly explored bis (salamo)‐like tetraoxime ligand (H3L) with Co (NO3)2·6H2O and Cu (ClO4)2·6H2O, respectively, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. X‐ray crystallographic studies indicate that the two Co (II) atoms (Co1 and Co2) in complex 1 have different N2O4 and N2O3 coordination spheres, and distorted octahedral (Co1) and slightly distorted triangular bipyramidal (Co2) geometries, while Cu (II) atoms in complex 2 have also two different N2O4 (Cu1) and N2O3 (Cu2) coordination environments, and complex 2 forms a helical centrosymmetric molecule. In addition, supramolecular interactions, Hirshfeld surfaces analyses, antibacterial and fluorescence properties were also investigated in detail.
Synthesis of carbon nitride hollow microspheres with highly hierarchical porosity templated by poly (ionic liquid) for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Fang Jiasheng , Wang Yanyun , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Yuming , Zhuo Shuping
Published: January 2020

Hydrogen, as a sustainable and clean energy, has been considered as a promising candidate to replace fossil fuels. And it is meaningful to fabricate the photocatalysts to drive photocatalytic water splitting leading to hydrogen production. Herein, a facile approach was developed by the means of the template effect of poly (ionic liquid) and self‐assembly of cyanuric acid and melamine through hydrogen bonds, to obtain carbon nitride hollow microspheres with highly hierarchical porosity. The influence of poly (ionic liquid) concentration on the structure and photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared carbon nitride was investigated. The optimized carbon nitride hollow microspheres possessed the multiple porous channels and improved surface area (71 m2/g) due to the decomposition of poly (ionic liquid) and cyanuric acid‐melamine supramolecular aggregates. Moreover, the as‐prepared carbon nitride hollow microspheres exhibited a remarkable catalytic activity in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction under visible light irradiation. Especially, the sample CN‐0.02 exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate (90.1 μmol h−1). The outstanding photocatalytic activity is attributed to the high specific surface area, broad light absorption range and fast separation rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. This novel method opens up a new way toward the development of highly‐active photocatalysts for water splitting.
Improved thin film stability of differently formulated, printed, and crosslinked polymer layers against successive solvent printing
Authors: Hibon Pauline , von Seggern Heinz , Tseng Hsin‐Rong , Leonhard Christoph , Hamburger Manuel , Béalle Gaëlle
Published: January 2020

Interface control remains a top challenge of solution‐processed organic light emitting diodes (OLED) stacks since the device performance heavily relies on it. Film stability of an inkjet deposited and crosslinked layer against subsequent exposure to a suitable inkjet printed solvent has been investigated. Impact of processing solvent (solvent used to prepare the polymer layer) on solution‐cast thin film properties has already been shown for polymer films. To our knowledge, this study is the first one analyzing thin films stability against solvent exposure using technology relevant materials processed via inkjet printing (IJP). The outcome of this research showed that the stability of the crosslinked films is affected by the solvent used for ink formulation. These findings are of great interest for multilayered semiconductors devices, such as OLEDs, field‐effect transistors and dye‐sensitized solar cells. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to quantify the efficiency of the polymer crosslinking reaction in pure powder and in thin films, as processed from different solvents. Crosslinking efficiency measured by DSC correlated well with the deformation induced by the solvent and observed on layer surfaces. The interaction in solution between polymer and solvent has also been evaluated to explain its impact on thin film stability against successive solvent printing. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48895.
Aging effect of atmospheric pressure plasma jet treated polycaprolactone polymer solutions on electrospinning properties
Authors: Grande Silvia , Van Guyse Joachim , Nikiforov Anton Y. , Onyshchenko Iuliia , Asadian Mahtab , Morent Rino , Hoogenboom Richard , De Geyter Nathalie
Published: January 2020

In previous work, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet was applied to successfully improve the electrospinnability of poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) which enabled the fabrication of beadless nanofibers. In this paper, we report the aging effect of the plasma treatment to evaluate the robustness of the developed process. For this purpose, plasma‐treated PCL polymer solutions with different exposure time were stored for 1 and 8 days and the aged solutions were analyzed in terms of conductivity, viscosity, surface tension, pH, and polymer molecular weight. During storage, the surface tension and acidity of the plasma‐treated solutions were maintained constant. However, the viscosity was found to be significantly lower after 8 days which was attributed to PCL degradation. Electrospinning of all stored PCL solutions resulted in the generation of beadless PCL nanofibers. The plasma treatment effects were thus found to be highly stable over time and capable of producing high‐quality PCL nanofibers up to 8 days. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48914.
Sustained release of CIP from TiO2‐PVDF/starch nanocomposite mats with potential application in wound dressing
Authors: Ansarizadeh Mohamadhasan , Haddadi Seyyed Arash , Amini Majed , Hasany Masoud , Ramazani SaadatAbadi Ahmad
Published: January 2020

Electrospinning is an economical and alluring method to fabricate wound dressing mats from a variety of natural and synthetic materials. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and starch composite mats containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) loaded on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were prepared. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra of CIP, synthesized TiO2 NPs, TiO2/CIP, and PVDF/starch composite mats are analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the fiber diameter of PVDF nanofibers thickens by increasing starch, which varies between 180 nm and 550 nm. Strain at break of PVDF, starch, PVDF/starch (2:1 w:w; P2S1), PVDF/starch (1:1 w:w; P1S1), PVDF/starch (1:2 w:w; P1S2), and nanofibers were 103 ± 11, 3 ± 0.6, 27 ± 4, 52 ± 5.2, 7.7 ± 1%, respectively. Based on strain at break and young modulus, P2S1 was selected as a suitable candidate for wound dressing to which load TiO2/CIP as a bioactive agent. The release rate of CIP showed that about 40% of the drug is released in the first 2 days. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of dressings was investigated using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms and zones of clearance were obvious around the specimen on the agar plate. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48916.
Functionalized polystyrene maleic anhydride copolymer/ZnO nanocomposites for enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Simon Remya , Chakraborty Sohini , Konikkara Niketha , Mary N. L.
Published: January 2020

Novel functionalized polymeric materials incorporated with metal oxide nanoparticles are of paramount importance in the field of supercapacitors. These materials provide the advantage of enhanced specific capacitance coupled with efficient energy storage characteristics. In the present study, a new electrode material has been prepared by modifying the polystyrene maleic anhydride copolymer with 4,4‐diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM). Chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the polymer matrix at different weight percentages to form polymer nanocomposites (SMA–DDM–zinc oxide (SDZ)). The effect of increasing the weight percentage of nanoparticles on the modified copolymer was studied in details. The samples were characterized using ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. SDZ was drop casted on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode and the electrochemical properties were studied. Cyclic voltammetry studies were conducted at various scan rates, and the characteristic curves were observed to be pseudorectangular in nature. The specific capacitance values were measured using the chronopotentiometry technique. SDZ 15% nanocomposite shows an enhanced specific capacitance of 313 F g−1at a current density of 0.05 A g−1with a power density of 629 W kg−1. The superior performance of the SDZ nanocomposite electrodes renders it as a promising material for supercapacitor applications. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48945.