bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSOLIDATION WITH VERTICAL DRAINS
Authors: Lukic Dragan
Published: June 2018

Building the embankment of traffic infrastructure (roads and railways) requires faster and more quality construction. One of the problems that often occurs in achieving these goals is the consolidation, which often occurs long after the completion of construction, resulting in subsequent settlements and damage to the roads. Therefore, certain measures are being implemented to accelerate and complete consolidation during embankment construction.In this paper, one of the methods of accelerating consolidation, using vertical drains, is shown. In addition to theoretical considerations of consolidation, one example of the application of this method is given.
SPACE, CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNING. AN OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT URBAN CONDITION OF SURROUNDINGS IN POST-SOCIALIST CITIES IN THE SEE REGION
Authors: Kuvač Igor
Published: June 2018

Urban residents worldwide express a desire for contact with nature and each other, attractive environments, places in which to recreate and play, privacy, a more active role in the design of their community, and a sense of place identity. However, the spatial and urban planning system does not provide conditions for a such way of urban development. It is often completely opposite, so cities are going developing without meeting the needs of their citizens and neglecting so much needed relation between spatial resources, system of planning and process of construction. The roots of this problem arise in the period after World War II, so the work represents a theoretical critique of modernist city and physical planning. Since 25 years after the fall of socialism and the transition period, there has not yet been estabished a system of planning that would correspond to the needs of the contemporary context of a new urban age, this analysis calls for re-thinking of spatial and urban planning, considering the relationship between the context, the planning and construction process. The focus of consideration are space as the basic potential and resource, and the role of planner as of the main actor of process.
TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CASTELLATED AND SOLID "I"- PROFILED STEEL BEAMS IN TERMS OF LOAD CAPACITY AND SERVICEABILITY
Authors: Pavlović Srđan
Published: June 2018

Advantages of castellated beams compared to solid steel beams can be significant. They can have up to 50% increase of cross section height compared to its original beam from which they were made of, i.e. greater bending capacity. Aim of this paper is to show the economic justification of castellated beams compared to solid beams in terms of load capacity and serviceability. The spans and loads on simple beam are varied and for a regulated pair (span, load), one solid and one castellated beam are determined, whose load capacity and serviceability are satisfied, and then their price was compared. Castellated beams are more economical in terms of total weight, but their production demands additional costs. Also in this paper, particularities of castellated beams design will be presented, since current European regulations (Eurocode 3) do not cover mentioned design methods.
SYSTEM IRIGATION OF RASPBERRY ON THE TERRITORY OF BRATUNAC MUNICIPALITY
Authors: Stjepanović Risto
Published: June 2018

In the Republic of Srpska, the construction of an irrigation system in agriculture is ongoing, in order to increase the yield. One of the projects that is being implemented is the construction of a system for irrigation of raspberries in the territory of the municipality of Bratunac. In the area of 20 local communities, 27 irrigation systems are being built. The total area for irrigation is about 490 hectares. Plots are privately owned, with an average area of 0.2 hectares. The systems consist of water intakes (wells along the Drina river or direct catch from smaller streams), pressure pipelines, reservoirs, distribution pipelines, hydrants for taking water for individual land plots. The project is funded by the World Bank loan. It is expected to increase yields from irrigated areas by at least 30%.
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY OF OPEN PIT MINE
Authors: Regodić Miodrag
Published: June 2018

There is a geodetic department in Ugljevik Coal Mine. In addition to all tasks(expropriation, geometry control of existing engineering objects, monitoring oflandslides, etc.), the primary task of the geodetic service is to calculate the volume of theexcavated masses on a surface mine during a certain period of time. In the early periodof exploitation, classical geodetic methods of survey were applied, and for the pasttwenty years, the data obtained by the GPS survey were used to calculate the amount ofexcavated mass. The paper presents the calculation of the amount of mass in the GlobalMapper software package based on the processed photogrammetric images made by theunmaned aerial vehicle.
3D LASER SCANNING AND IMAGING LASER SCANNING IN STORAGE TANKS METROLOGY CONTROL PROCESS
Authors: Milinkovic Ankica
Published: June 2018

In order to secure that tanks are confirmed with the requirements of legal metrology, tanks shall be built in accordance with sound engineering practice. The main target during the process of construction and building of tanks is the ability of tanks to protect the storage fluid. Geometrical shape, hydro-static preassure and temperature are the main influencers to the capability of the fluid, so this three parameter must be permanently controld. In accordance with international standards and methods in the scope of legal metrology and calibrated laboratories, ths paper will present an analysis of two methods for tank control. It will be shown excample of conformity assessment of the thank you results collected by Leica MS60 and Leica BLK360 scanner stations.
INFRASTRUKTURA GEOPROSTORNIH PODATAKA REPUBLIKE SRPSKE - ADRESNI REGISTAR I REGISTAR PROSTORNIH JEDINICA
Authors: Sarajlić Tatjana
Published: June 2018

Adresni registar predstavlja jedinstven registar/skup geoprostornih i metapodataka o nazivima naseljenih mjesta, trgova i ulica, te kućnim brojevima, i o prostornim jedinicama Republike Srpske, i veoma je važna komponenta Infrastrukture geoprostornih podataka Republike Srpske. Osim osnovnih podataka o naseljenim mjestima i adresama, sadrži i podatke koji se odnose na granice katastarskih opština, matične brojeve gradova/opština, naseljenih mjesta, statističkih i popisnih krugova, i dr.U okviru CILAP projekta jedna od komponenti je i "Podrška uspostavi adresnog registra", u koju su zbog njenog značaja i sadržaja uključeni mnogi organi, među kojima je i Republička uprava za geodetske i imovinsko - pravne poslove Republike Srpske, u čijoj se nadležnosti nalazi centralni adresni registar, dok jedinice lokalne samouprave vode lokalne adresne registre.
The poplar pathogen Sphaerulina populicola is genetically diverse and ubiquitously present in symptom-free host trees
Authors: Paul Fiona , Schmitt Imke , Otte Jürgen , Mundra Sunil , Bálint Miklós
Published: June 2018

Understanding the genetic variability and dispersal capabilities of plant pathogens is important to better predict pathogen spread and virulence, especially under global change conditions. The outcome of host-pathogen interactions directly depends on the dispersal capacity of the pathogens, on environmental conditions, and disease resistance of the host. Here, we analysed the distribution of finely resolved phylogenetic lineages of a poplar-specific fungal pathogen (Sphaerulina populicola) in western North America, across a 3,200 km latitudinal gradient of the host tree’s (Populus balsamifera) distribution. We specifically tested whether dispersal limitations or environmental filters limit the spread and establishment of the pathogen into new areas. We assessed the genetic diversity of the pathogen with ITS1 oligotypes, recorded by metabarcoding leaf-associated fungal communities. The distribution of the recorded 16 S. populicola oligotypes showed no geographic patterns, indicating the lack of dispersal limitation of the pathogen throughout the investigated area. Climatic conditions also did not seem to restrict the occurrence and abundance of the pathogen oligotypes. Finally, we found strong variation in oligotype presence within single localities, which may suggest the importance of biotic factors in regulating the infection of this well-dispersing fungal pathogen. Our interpretation implies that the future prevalence of S. populicola-related disease will likely depend on the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions, since the pathogen does not seem dispersal-limited at a continental scale.
Field evaluation of the potential for avian exposure to clothianidin following the planting of clothianidin-treated corn seed
Authors: McGee Sean , Whitfield-Aslund Melissa , Duca Daiana , Kopysh Nicole , Dan Tereza , Knopper Loren , Brewer Larry
Published: June 2018

This objective of this study was to quantify consumption of clothianidin-treated corn seed by birds following standard planting practices. Post-planting seed counts on 21 fields in southwestern Ontario, Canada, demonstrated that a small proportion of total sown treated seeds remained on the soil surface immediately post-planting (i.e. mean 0.3 ±0.2% of the total sown seeds). Behavior monitoring of individual birds and 24-hr remote video surveillance were deployed to investigate how much of the treated seed remaining on the soil surface was consumed by birds. Spotting scopes were used to monitor the full duration of the field visits of 596 individual birds during morning hours for three consecutive days after planting on each of the 21 fields. Only two birds were observed consuming treated seeds (one seed each) and three birds consumed seeds for which the treatment status could not be visually confirmed. Similarly, in > 1,380 hours of continuous video monitoring of field locations with the highest likelihood of avian exposure (where multiple treated seeds remained clustered on the soil surface), no birds were observed eating treated seed. This study provides field verification on two factors that determine exposure: 1) standard sowing practices in Ontario are effective at burying treated seeds such that the count of seeds on the soil surface after planting is low, and 2) foraging birds monitored on these fields consumed very few of the clothianidin-treated corn seeds remaining on the soil surface after planting.
O harém ao rés do chão: imaginário europeu e representações médicas sobre o lugar-segredo, 1599-1791
Authors: Soares Marina de Oliveira
Published: June 2018

No imaginário ocidental o harém primeiro fascina pelo mistério. Com efeito, a compreensão lendária das culturas do Médio Oriente incorpora uma visão de mulheres isoladas e restritas, à disposição da lascívia de seu senhor. E ainda que, em tempos mais recentes, estudos, relatos e ações tenham adentrado as questões postas pela condição feminina em países de cultura islâmica, contudo a imagem de sedução e dominação associada ao harém perdura com resiliência perturbadora. A historiadora Marina Soares procede a uma inovadora arqueologia desses conceitos, imagens e permanências. Ela percorre narrativas de viagens de europeus ao Império Otomano, Pérsia e Norte da África, publicadas em língua inglesa e francesa, remontando ao final do século XVI e prosseguindo até o final do século XVIII. Nesse cenário textual é possível seguir os rastros das representações do harém que ensejaram o imaginário de luxúria a compor a figuração das sociedades islâmicas. Dentre essas fontes cuidadosamente reunidas e analisadas, o último relato, publicado em 1791, destaca a experiência médica de um viajante inglês em dois haréns do Reino de Marrocos. Trata-se de documento privilegiado que permite recuperar nessa questão pontual o confronto das culturas: os pressupostos médicos europeus encontram as práticas médicas mouras – um encontro de perplexidades e trocas que a argúcia da investigadora traz à luz com fina maestria. O tema é muito pouco explorado pela pesquisa acadêmica sobre o Oriente, em geral mais voltada para estudos que, de alguma forma, possam instruir as questões políticas do presente. E, contudo, é na longa duração que a economia dos costumes enreda pacientemente o tecido da cultura – urdidura que dá sentido aos acontecimentos que convocam a atenção para as relações entre os povos. Este livro propicia o delicado desenlace dos atados mais profundos de nossa simbologia sobre o harém, um mistério desvelado como uma ficção instigante que nos convida a mirar em espelho nossas próprias quimeras.
A relationship between species richness and evenness that depends on specific relative abundance distribution
Authors: Su Qiang
Published: June 2018

Although many ecologists focus on the relationship between species richness (S) and evenness (E), conflicts between observation and theory are difficult to reconcile. Empirical S–E relationships were not consistent, while relationships show strong correlation between S and E. Since E essentially depended on the relative abundance distribution (RAD), the hypothesis of this paper was that the S–E relationship should be determined by RAD. Theoretical S–E relationships for various RADs have already been reported, but they were rarely assessed by the raw data. This study constructed S–E relationships for a specific RAD, which indicated that if the community had a fractal distribution of rank abundance, E would decrease with S, and the S–E relationship would be unique for a given RAD. Such theoretical expectations were supported by three datasets with 82 samples, which suggested that the S–E relationship were controlled by RAD and inconsistent S–E relationships in statistical analyses could be accounted for by the variation of underlying RAD model between communities. From the perspective of RAD, it could be too early to split the diversity into S and E only based on the S–E relationship in statistical analyses.
Odor-dependent temporal dynamics inCaenorhabitis elegansadaptation and aversive learning behavior
Authors: Choi Jae Im , Lee Hee Kyung , Kim Hae Su , Park So Young , Lee Tong Young , Yoon Kyoung-hye , Lee Jin I.
Published: June 2018

Animals sense an enormous number of cues in their environments, and, over time, can form learned associations and memories with some of these. The nervous system remarkably maintains the specificity of learning and memory to each of the cues. Here we asked whether the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansadjusts the temporal dynamics of adaptation and aversive learning depending on the specific odor sensed.C. eleganssenses a multitude of odors, and adaptation and learned associations to many of these odors requires activity of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase EGL-4 in the AWC sensory neuron. We identified a panel of 17 attractive odors, some of which have not been tested before, and determined that the majority of these odors require the AWC primary sensory neuron for sensation. We then devised a novel assay to assess odor behavior over time for a single population of animals. We used this assay to evaluate the temporal dynamics of adaptation and aversive learning to 13 odors and find that behavior change occurs early in some odors and later in others. We then examined EGL-4 localization in early-trending and late-trending odors over time. We found that the timing of these behavior changes correlated with the timing of nuclear accumulation of EGL-4 in the AWC neuron suggesting that temporal changes in behavior may be mediated by aversive learning mechanisms. We demonstrate that temporal dynamics of adaptation and aversive learning inC. eleganscan be used as a model to study the timing of memory formation to different sensory cues.
Integrating geotechnology and marine litter on beaches – a citizen science approach
Authors: Oliveira Andrea de Lima , Barbosa Lucas , Monteiro Camargo Rita , Santana Marina , Moreira Fabiana , Turra Alexander
Published: June 2018

The objective of this work was to engage students from public schools of São Paulo coast (Brazil) in the study and control of litter on beaches. Two public schools from coastal cities of São Paulo State (Peruíbe and Ubatuba) had students trained to sample and quantify marine litter on beaches. After this training, using Google Earth images, two beaches of each city were chosen to be studied. On each beach, samples were taken in the 100 meters of the selected stretch. The residues were classified by type of material and type of item (seeking to associate to sources). After the sampling surveys, the students were oriented to the data analysis. The students prepared a presentation with sampling results, hypotheses to explain the possible origin of the marine litter and measures that could be taken to reduce the problem on the studied beach. For both schools, this workshop revealed great students’ involvement during all process, from the field-work and data analysis, to the development of hypothesis and solution propositions. The beaches of Peruíbe were more isolated and in one of them most of the waste was coming from the sea, which carried litter from boats and nearby villages. Meanwhile, the beaches of Ubatuba were urbaner and had high occurrence of construction materials, indicating a miss-managed discard of litter by local residents. The main outputs of these workshops were: (1) giving the students an experience of how a scientific project is developed, (2) generating reliable data on marine litter in the school areas, (3) stimulating discussion about sources and proposing solutions and (4) establishing a cooperation network between the school and the university.Keywords: marine litter, monitoring, beaches, citizen science
Input–Output Stability
Authors: Abdallah Chaouki T. , Amato Francesco , Ariola Marco , De Tommasi Gianmaria , Pironti Alfredo
Published: June 2018

The earliest mathematical studies of control systems focused solely on the input–output stability of systems, as described in the works of Black, Bode, and Nyquist. In fact, most of the classical control work was limited to the input–output study of single‐input–single‐output linear and mostly time‐invariant systems. With the popularity of state‐space methods, Lyapunov stability concepts became the preferred analysis and design tools for nonlinear systems until the 1980s, when researchers became interested again in the input–output behavior of systems. The relationships between the input–output and Lyapunov stability concepts were the subject of thorough investigations, culminating with the various versions of the Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov lemma. The current studies in input–output systems are highly dynamic due to the introduction of new concepts (such as input‐to‐state stability and input–output finite‐time stability), the interaction with geometric nonlinear control, and applications to robust and adaptive control. In this article, we concentrate our discussion on continuous‐time systems and survey the classical as well as the more recent results in the input–output approach. The article starts with a collection of basic definitions, followed by the general results on the basic concepts of input–output stability and results for testing input–output stability and its relationship with Lyapunov stability. Next, we discuss the stability of interconnected systems and present the small‐gain and passivity results. Related concepts such as absolute stability, dissipativity, and input‐to‐output stability and input–output finite‐time stability are then reviewed, followed by our conclusions. We have attempted to include the main references about input–output stability, striving to be current and relevant rather than all‐encompassing.
Backscattering of Plane Waves from Conducting Objects in Random Media
Authors: EL‐Ocla Hosam
Published: June 2018

Over the last two decades, accurate methods to calculate the intensity of waves backscattering from conducting objects with arbitrary shape in random media were developed successfully. This allowed researchers to analyze numerically the radar cross section (RCS) considering different parameters, such as the configuration of the object and the effects of medium randomness. Data backscattering from the smooth surface of a conducting concave–convex target reveals the obvious impact of its configuration, including size and curvature index on the behavior of RCS. This requires the investigation of the specular reflections, especially in the case of relatively complex contours. We assume wave propagation and scattering from targets in free space and random medium, while considering linear and circular polarizations of incident waves. In this article, we review the backscattering problem and primarily focus on the plane wave as an ideal incident wave in the far field.
Physiological Models Survey
Authors: Kerkhof Peter L.M.
Published: June 2018

Basic principles of modeling in the physiological sciences are described, with emphasis on variability as a prerequisite for maintaining a stable system. The level of variability may depend on age, sex, training status, and disease state(s), and also exhibit a diurnal or seasonal pattern. On the other hand, experimental application of perturbation techniques that induce instabilities, may reveal important information about the characteristics of an organ or system, as observed from the details of the concomitant response(s). The Physiome Project offers an integrated approach, including various organ systems of an individual. This worldwide effort of research groups aims to define the physiome via database availability, combined with the development of integrated quantitative and descriptive modeling. The venture is expected to codetermine the future of medicine, change the way we think about human physiology, and strengthen the fabric of international scientific collaboration across nations. A new element concerning regulation is based on the increased awareness of sex‐related differences as observed in anatomy and neurohumoral and immune systems, along with their implications for physiology models.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment
Authors: Modarres Mohammad
Published: June 2018

Engineering systems have become complex, interconnected, nonlinear, geographically widespread, and expensive to build and operate. Consequences of failures of such systems are often harmful to humans, environment, and the economy. Despite many preventive features, failures of engineering systems remain unavoidable. As the users of these systems become more prosperous, the demands for their safety equally rise, leading to stricter requirements and needs for increased performance and minimum risk. Risk due to a given failure event of the system is formally defined as the expected loss measured by the product of the likelihood of occurrence of that event and its consequences. This article describes the formal processes for estimating the leading risks of complex engineering systems by developing probabilistic and logic‐based risk models. Particular focus is put on identifying low‐frequency failure events involving highly adverse consequences. Risk models used in engineering systems are often probabilistic in nature because one needs to estimate very low frequency events. This article starts with definitions and notions of risk and performance, and presents the elements of a formal probabilistic risk assessment as applied to engineering systems. The article reviews development of the necessary logic models, solutions of which describe risk‐significant scenarios of failure events. Such logic models describe the relationships and performance of the hardware subsystems, structures, components, human actions, and software of a complex engineering system. Finally, methods for solving and probabilistically quantifying these logic models to arrive at the magnitude and leading contributors to risks from complex engineering systems are also presented.
Fundamentals of Evolutionary Optimization: Single‐ and Multiobjective Problems
Authors: Coello Coello Carlos A. , Hernández Gómez Raquel , Miguel Antonio Luis
Published: June 2018

In this chapter, we describe the basics of evolutionary algorithms and their use in optimization. First, some generalities about evolutionary algorithms are provided, including a brief description of the components of the four main types of algorithms considered for the purposes of this chapter: (i) genetic algorithms, (ii) evolution strategies, (iii) evolutionary programming, and (iv) differential evolution. For the sake of brevity, this article focuses only on the use of evolutionary algorithms in numerical optimization. The discussion includes the use of evolutionary algorithms in both single‐ and multiobjective optimization and also includes aspects such as their variation operators, selection mechanism, and some of their applications.
Retinal Prosthesis
Authors: Tokuda Takashi , Ohta Jun , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Terasawa Yasuo
Published: June 2018

Retinal prosthesis technologies have been intensively studied over the past decades and some projects are in the clinical trial or conditional commercialization phase. Electronic components play essential roles in the retinal prosthesis technologies. In this article, we present basic aspects and the status of the retinal prosthesis field from an electronics‐oriented viewpoint. Important concepts, stimulation schemes, device designs, and other essential elements related to retinal prosthesis are discussed. Some leading projects in the field are also mentioned together with reference information.
Expression of alternative NADH dehydrogenases (NDH‐2) in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Matuz‐Mares Deyamira , Matus‐Ortega Genaro , Cárdenas‐Monroy Christian , Romero‐Aguilar Lucero , Villalobos‐Rocha Juan Carlos , Vázquez‐Meza Héctor , Guerra‐Sánchez Guadalupe , Peña‐Díaz Antonio , Pardo Juan Pablo
Published: June 2018

Type 2 alternative NADH dehydrogenases (NDH‐2) participate indirectly in the generation of the electrochemical proton gradient by transferring electrons from NADH and NADPH into the ubiquinone pool. Due to their structural simplicity, alternative NADH dehydrogenases have been proposed as useful tools for gene therapy of cells with defects in the respiratory complex I. In this work, we report the presence of three open reading frames, which correspond to NDH‐2 genes in the genome of Ustilago maydis. These three genes were constitutively transcribed in cells cultured in YPD and minimal medium with glucose, ethanol, or lactate as carbon sources. Proteomic analysis showed that only two of the three NDH‐2 were associated with isolated mitochondria in all culture media. Oxygen consumption by permeabilized cells using NADH or NADPH was different for each condition, opening the possibility of posttranslational regulation. We confirmed the presence of both external and internal NADH dehydrogenases, as well as an external NADPH dehydrogenase insensitive to calcium. Higher oxygen consumption rates were observed during the exponential growth phase, suggesting that the activity of NADH and NADPH dehydrogenases is coupled to the dynamics of cell growth.
Tissue Compatibility of SN‐38‐Loaded Anticancer Nanofiber Matrices
Authors: Manzanares Alejandro , Restrepo‐Perdomo Camilo A. , Botteri Gaia , Castillo‐Ecija Helena , Pascual‐Pasto Guillem , Cano Francesc , Garcia‐Alvarez Laura , Monterrubio Carles , Ruiz Bonaventura , Vazquez‐Carrera Manuel , Suñol Mariona , Mora Jaume , Tornero Jose A. , Sosnik Alejandro , Carcaboso Angel M.
Published: June 2018

Delivery of chemotherapy in the surgical bed has shown preclinical activity to control cancer progression upon subtotal resection of pediatric solid tumors, but whether this new treatment is safe for tumor‐adjacent healthy tissues remains unknown. Here, Wistar rats are used to study the anatomic and functional impact of electrospun nanofiber matrices eluting SN‐38—a potent chemotherapeutic agent—on several body sites where pediatric tumors such as neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma arise. Blank and SN‐38‐loaded matrices embracing the femoral neurovascular bundle or in direct contact with abdominal viscera (liver, kidney, urinary bladder, intestine, and uterus) are placed. Foreign body tissue reaction to the implants is observed though no histologic damage in any tissue/organ. Skin healing is normal. Tissue reaction is similar for SN‐38‐loaded and blank matrices, with the exception of the hepatic capsule that is thicker for the former although within the limits consistent with mild foreign body reaction. Tissue and organ function is completely conserved after local treatments, as assessed by the rotarod test (forelimb function), hematologic tests (liver and renal function), and control of clinical signs. Overall, these findings support the clinical translation of SN‐38‐loaded nanofiber matrices to improve local control strategies of surgically resected tumors.
Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan–Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds with Varying Stiffness for Glioblastoma Cell Culture
Authors: Erickson Ariane E. , Lan Levengood Sheeny K. , Sun Jialu , Chang Fei‐Chien , Zhang Miqin
Published: June 2018

The invasive and recurrent nature of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is linked to a small subpopulation of cancer cells, which are self‐renewing, resistant to standard treatment regimens, and induce formation of new tumors. Matrix stiffness is implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, drug resistance, and reversion to a more invasive phenotype. Therefore, understanding the relationship between matrix stiffness and tumor cell behavior is vital to develop appropriate in vitro tumor models. Here, chitosan–hyaluronic acid (CHA) polyelectrolyte complex scaffolds are fabricated with statistically significant stiffness variances to characterize the effect of scaffold stiffness on morphology, proliferation, drug resistance, and gene expression in human glioblastoma cells (U‐87 MG). All scaffolds support GBM proliferation over a 12‐day culture period, yet larger spheroids are observed in scaffolds with higher stiffness. Additionally, GBM cells cultured in stiffer CHA scaffolds prove significantly more resistant to the common chemotherapeutic temozolomide. Moreover, the stiffer 8% CHA scaffolds exhibit an increase in expression of drug resistance and invasion related genes compared to 2D culture. CHA scaffolds present a tunable microenvironment for enhanced tumor cell malignancy and may provide a valuable in vitro microenvironment for studying tumor progression and screening anticancer therapies.
Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Based Catalysts for Photoreduction of CO2
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Wang , Zhou Kun
Published: June 2018

Photoreduction of CO2 into reusable carbon forms is considered as a promising approach to address the crisis of energy from fossil fuels and reduce excessive CO2 emission. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention as CO2 photoreduction‐related catalysts, owing to their unique electronic band structures, excellent CO2 adsorption capacities, and tailorable light‐absorption abilities. Recent advances on the design, synthesis, and CO2 reduction applications of MOF‐based photocatalysts are discussed here, beginning with the introduction of the characteristics of high‐efficiency photocatalysts and structural advantages of MOFs. The roles of MOFs in CO2 photoreduction systems as photocatalysts, photocatalytic hosts, and cocatalysts are analyzed. Detailed discussions focus on two constituents of pure MOFs (metal clusters such as Ti–O, Zr–O, and Fe–O clusters and functional organic linkers such as amino‐modified, photosensitizer‐functionalized, and electron‐rich conjugated linkers) and three types of MOF‐based composites (metal–MOF, semiconductor–MOF, and photosensitizer–MOF composites). The constituents, CO2 adsorption capacities, absorption edges, and photocatalytic activities of these photocatalysts are highlighted to provide fundamental guidance to rational design of efficient MOF‐based photocatalyst materials for CO2 reduction. A perspective of future research directions, critical challenges to be met, and potential solutions in this research field concludes the discussion.
Pistachio‐Shuck‐Like MoSe2/C Core/Shell Nanostructures for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiang Bo , Qian Chang , Lv Fan , Feng Jianrui , Zhou Jinhui , Wang Kai , Yang Chao , Yang Yong , Guo Shaojun
Published: June 2018

Potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) have recently attracted intensive attention because of the abundant potassium resources and their low cost and high safety. However, the major challenge faced by KIBs lies in the lack of stable and high‐capacity materials for the intercalation/deintercalation of large‐size potassium ions. A unique pistachio‐shuck‐like MoSe2/C core/shell nanostructure (PMC) is synthesized herein as an advanced anode for boosting the performance of KIBs. This PMC is featured with a few layers of molybdenum selenide as the core with an expanded interlayer spacing of ≈0.85 nm, facilitating the intercalation/deintercalation of K ions, and a thin amorphous carbon as the shell, which can confine the active molybdenum selenide nanosheets during cycling for maintaining the high structural stability. Most importantly, as a whole, the PMC has the advantages of reducing the surplus hollow interior space for improving its packing density and buffering the volume expansion during the K‐ion intercalation for further enhancing the stability. As a consequence, the PMC shows a very high capacity of 322 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 over 100 cycles, and can still remain 226 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 for a long period of 1000 cycles, which is among the best‐reported KIBs anodes.
In Situ Growth of Cobalt Nanoparticles Encapsulated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes among Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Matrix for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution
Authors: Zhang Youkui , Jiang Hongliang , Lin Yunxiang , Liu Hengjie , He Qun , Wu Chuanqiang , Duan Tao , Song Li
Published: June 2018

MXene with unique layered structure and rich chemical compositions has been extensively investigated for lithium‐ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and hydrogen storage medium, but less attention has been paid to its electrocatalytic potential might due to nonideal activity. Here, an in situ growth strategy is developed to synthesize a new type of composite with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXene (Co/N‐CNTs@Ti3C2Tx) as bifunctional electrocatalyst toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). By combining the X‐ray photoelectron detection with synchrotron‐based soft X‐ray spectroscopic characterizations, the strong interfacial coupling and electron transfer are efficiently identified, which can effectively facilitate the bifunctional electrocatalytic performance of Co/N‐CNTs@Ti3C2Tx toward ORR and OER in alkaline solution. The present strategy provides a facile route for the design of the hybrids of CNTs and MXene for bifunctional electrocatalysis.
Growth of Centimeter‐Scale Monolayer and Few‐Layer WSe2 Thin Films on SiO2/Si Substrate via Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Seo Sehun , Choi Hojoong , Kim So‐Young , Lee Jongmin , Kim Kihyeun , Yoon Sejun , Lee Byoung Hun , Lee Sanghan
Published: June 2018

To date, the fabrication of highly uniform large‐scale monolayer and few‐layer p‐type WSe2 throughout the entire substrate, especially on SiO2/Si substrates is significantly challenging and one of the most important issues. Here, the fabrication of highly uniform monolayer and few‐layer WSe2 thin films on a centimeter‐scale SiO2/Si substrate via pulsed laser deposition is reported. The number of WSe2 layers and the thickness, controlled by varying the number of laser pulses, is determined by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The high uniformity of the as‐grown WSe2 thin film on the entire SiO2/Si substrate is verified by the uniform Raman peak position and intensity, estimated by Raman mapping. Using a conventional photolithography process, field effect transistors based on the as‐grown WSe2 thin films are fabricated and their electrical characteristic is analyzed.
Kirigami‐Inspired 3D Organic Light‐Emitting Diode (OLED) Lighting Concepts
Authors: Kim Taehwan , Price Jared S. , Grede Alex , Lee Sora , Choi Gihoon , Guan Weihua , Jackson Thomas N. , Giebink Noel C.
Published: June 2018

As the technical performance and reliability of white organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) begin to mature, broader adoption in the lighting market will increasingly rely on exploiting the unique aesthetic opportunities that OLEDs afford. Here, kirigami‐based concepts that enable ultraflexible thin film OLEDs to be cut, folded, and “popped up” into a variety of 3D shapes ranging from globes to candle flame mimics are used. It is demonstrated that large area (>15 cm2) OLEDs fabricated and encapsulated on sub‐50 µm thick polyimide films can be cut and folded into 3D with negligible impact on their efficiency and electrical characteristics. These results point to an alternate paradigm for OLED lighting that moves beyond traditional 2D panels toward 3D designs that deliver unique and creative new opportunities for lighting.
Noncontact and High‐Accuracy Smart Thermosensors Based on the Thermal‐Field Resistivity Response of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Zang Xiaoling , Wang Xusheng , Ma Xinlei , Ji Junhui , Lu Conghua , Xue Mianqi
Published: June 2018

Compared to traditional thermometers, second‐generation (2G) thermosensors with noncontact property have attracted huge interest in practical demands of intelligent life. Hereinto, conducting polymers, widely used in optoelectronic devices, play a significant role in developing such 2G sensors. This is due to their intrinsic unique physical and electrical properties, arising directly from strong intrachain π‐electron delocalization and weak interchain couplings. An innovative progress for the fabrication of conducting polymer‐based smart fiber thermosensors (CPSFT sensors) beyond the traditional contact‐based ones is reported here. The CPSFT sensors work based on the resistivity response of the conducting polymer and light‐emitting diode optical ranging. This CPSFT sensor owns various advantages over traditional ones, such as noncontact, low cost, passive early warning, high accuracy, fast response, wide applications, and facile large‐scale fabrication. These superiorities are in favor of fabricating smart thermal sensors to satisfy the needs in future life, and thus improving the industrialization of hi‐tech but easily prepared 2G thermal sensors.
Buried deep beyond the veil of extinction: Euphyllophyte relationships at the base of the spermatophyte clade
Authors: Toledo Selin , Bippus Alexander C. , Tomescu Alexandru M. F.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

The deep origin and early evolution of seed plants (spermatophytes) are poorly understood. Starting in the Early Devonian, euphyllophytes diversified rapidly into several groups. Two of these groups, progymnospems and Stenokoleales, along with satellite taxa, have been involved in discussions of seed plant origins. Because these early lineages are extinct, the key to the origin and early evolution of seed plants lies in the fossil record. Decades‐long paleobotanical work has produced data on the diversity and anatomy of fossil species, which now provide a foundation for exploring seed plant origins in a phylogenetic context.

Methods

We address phylogenetic relationships between early seed plants, aneurophytalean progymnosperms, Stenokoleales, and several Devonian species of uncertain affinities using parsimony analyses that include 28 anatomically preserved species (the most comprehensive taxon sampling to date) and 49 morphoanatomical characters (including nine continuous characters).

Key Results

Our analyses recover monophyletic seed plants, Stenokoleales, and aneurophytes, with the latter placed as sister to a clade (termed the bilateral clade) that includes the former two. When added in the analysis, continuous characters based on anatomy improve phylogenetic resolution.

Conclusions

Our results support the groups defined by traditional taxonomy, resolve Stenokoleales nested among the lignophytes, and indicate that seed plants may share a closer ancestor with Stenokoleales than with aneurophytes. Additionally, our trees suggest a Givetian minimum age for the seed plant ancestor, a late Emsian minimum age for the Stenokoleales, and early Emsian minimum ages for lignophytes, the bilateral clade, and the aneurophyte ancestor.
Oxidation‐Induced para‐Selective Formylation of N,N‐Substituted Aniline
Authors: Sun Li , Yao Anjin , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Limei , Zeng Lizhen , Huang Zhiliang , Gao Meng , Lei Aiwen
Published: June 2018

Selective formylation of aromatic C−H bonds is of great importance, since aromatic aldehydes are valuable synthetic intermediates in organic chemistry. Recently, an impressive progress has been made in this field. However, an effective strategy for the selective formylation of N,N‐substituted anilines is still needed. In this regard, we disclose a novel oxidant‐induced para‐selective formylation of N,N‐substituted aniline towards the synthesis of aromatic aldehydes in this work. Using DDQ as the sole oxidant, various N,N‐substituted anilines could be transformed into the desired formylation products under metal‐free conditions, and the yield is up to 92 %.
Towards a Sustainable Synthesis of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ether by Homogeneous Catalysis and Uptake of Molecular Formaldehyde
Authors: Peter Andreas , Fehr Samuel M. , Dybbert Valentin , Himmel Daniel , Lindner Ines , Jacob Eberhard , Ouda Mohamed , Schaadt Achim , White Robin J. , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: June 2018

Oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEn; CH3(‐OCH2‐)nO‐CH3, n=3–5) are a novel class of sustainable synthetic fuels, which are of increasing interest due to their soot‐free combustion. Herein a novel anhydrous OMEn synthesis route is presented. Catalyzed by trimethyloxonium salts, dimethoxymethane takes up monomeric gaseous formaldehyde instantaneously and forms high purity OMEn at temperatures of 25–30 °C. This new anhydrous approach using molecular formaldehyde and catalytic amounts of highly active trimethyloxonium salts represents a promising new step towards a sustainable formation of OMEn emanating from CO2 and H2.
Selective Methylation of Arenes: A Radical C−H Functionalization/Cross‐Coupling Sequence
Authors: Serpier Fabien , Pan Fei , Ham Won Seok , Jacq Jérôme , Genicot Christophe , Ritter Tobias
Published: June 2018

A selective, nonchelation‐assisted methylation of arenes has been developed. The overall transformation, which combines a C−H functionalization reaction with a nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling, offers rapid access to methylated arenes with high para selectivity. The reaction is amenable to late‐stage methylation of small‐molecule pharmaceuticals.
Structural‐Distortion‐Driven Magnetic Transformation from Ferro‐ to Ferrimagnetic Iron Chains in B6‐based Nb6FeIr6B8
Authors: Sharma Neetika , Mbarki Mohammed , Zhang Yuemei , Huq Ashfia , Fokwa Boniface P. T.
Published: June 2018

We report on a structural distortion of kinetically stable B6‐based ferromagnetic Nb6FeIr6B8 that induces an unprecedented transformation of a ferromagnetic Fe chain into two ferrimagnetic Fe chains through superstructure formation. Density functional theory calculations showed that the ferromagnetic Fe–Fe intrachain interactions found in the undistorted structure become ferrimagnetic in the distorted superstructure, mainly because the two independent iron atoms building each chain interact antiferromagnetically and carry different magnetic moments. High‐temperature SQUID magnetometry confirmed ferrimagnetic ordering at 525 K with a high and negative Weiss constant of −972 K indicating the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions, as predicted. This finding paves the way for the development of low‐dimensional magnetic intermetallic systems based on Heisenberg ferrimagnetic chains, which have previously been studied only in molecular‐based compounds.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes
Authors: Carney Jonathan R. , Dillon Barry R. , Campbell Leonie , Thomas Stephen P.
Published: June 2018

The manganese‐catalyzed hydrosilylation and hydroboration of alkenes has been developed using a single manganese(II) precatalyst and reaction protocol. Both reactions proceed with excellent control of regioselectivity and in high yields across a variety of sterically and electronically differentiated substrates (25 examples). Alkoxide activation, using NaOtBu, was key to precatalyst activation and reactivity. Catalysis was achieved across various functional groups and on gram‐scale for both the developed methodologies with catalysts loadings as low as 0.5 mol %.
Polyoxometalates as Potential Next‐Generation Metallodrugs in the Combat Against Cancer
Authors: Bijelic Aleksandar , Aureliano Manuel , Rompel Annette
Published: June 2018

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are an emerging class of inorganic metal oxides, which over the last decades demonstrated promising biological activities by the virtue of their great diversity in structures and properties. They possess high potential for the inhibition of various tumor types; however, their unspecific interactions with biomolecules and toxicity impede their clinical usage. The current focus of the field of biologically active POMs lies on organically functionalized and POM‐based nanocomposite structures as these hybrids show enhanced anticancer activity and significantly reduced toxicity towards normal cells in comparison to unmodified POMs. Although the antitumor activity of POMs is well documented, their mechanisms of action are still not well understood. In this Review, an overview is given of the cytotoxic effects of POMs with a special focus on POM‐based hybrid and nanocomposite structures. Furthermore, we aim to provide proposed mode of actions and to identify molecular targets. POMs are expected to develop into the next generation of anticancer drugs that selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
Meta-analysis of the effect of bariatric surgery on physical function
Authors: Adil M T , Jain V , Rashid F , Al-taan O , Whitelaw D , Jambulingam P
Published: June 2018

Background

Obesity leads to an impairment of physical function that limits the ability to perform basic physical activities affecting quality of life. Literature on the effect of bariatric surgery on physical function is confounding and generally of low quality.

Methods

A comprehensive search was undertaken using MEDLINE, Scopus (including Embase), CENTRAL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scirus and OpenGrey for published research and non-published studies to 31 March 2017. Studies employing objective measurement and self-reporting of physical function before and after bariatric surgery were included. The magnitude of experimental effect was calculated in terms of the standardized mean difference (MD), and confidence intervals were set at 95 per cent to reflect a significance level of 0·05.

Results

Thirty studies including 1779 patients met the inclusion criteria. Physical function improved after bariatric surgery at 0–6 months (MD 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·60 to 1·21; P < 0·001), more than 6 to 12 months (MD 1·06, 0·76 to 1·35; P < 0·001) and more than 12 to 36 months (MD 1·30, 1·07 to 1·52; P < 0·001). Objective assessment of physical function after bariatric surgery showed improvement at 0–6 months (MD 0·94, 0·57 to 1·32; P < 0·001), more than 6 to 12 months (MD 0·77, 0·15 to 1·40; P = 0·02) and more than 12 to 36 months (MD 1·04, 0·40 to 1·68; P = 0·001). Self-reported assessment of physical function showed similar improvements at 0–6 months (MD 0·80, 0·12 to 1·47; P = 0·02), more than 6 to 12 months (MD 1·42, 1·23 to 1·60; P < 0·001) and more than 12 to 36 months (MD 1·41, 1·20 to 1·61; P < 0·001) after a bariatric procedure.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery improves physical function significantly within 6 months of the procedure and this effect persists over time to 36 months after surgery, whether measured objectively or by self-reporting.