bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wafer‐Scale Organic Complementary Inverters Fabricated with Self‐Assembled Monolayer Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Zhao Baolin , Gothe Bastian , Sarcletti Marco , Zhao Yuhan , Rejek Tobias , Liu Xin , Park Hyoungwon , Strohriegl Peter , Halik Marcus
Published: August 2020

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of π‐conjugated molecules can achieve robust charge transport by the formation of ordered 2D layers at the desired regions, which enable their application for organic integrated circuits. Here, the self‐assembled monolayer field‐effect transistor concept is applied as a scalable method to realize fully integrated complementary inverters by stepwise semiconductor deposition. Two‐component stacked bilayer ambipolar transistors are fabricated by semiconducting self‐assembled monolayers (n‐SAM or p‐SAM) as the bottom layer and a complementary thin‐film semiconductor layer on top. The integrated complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor like (CMOS‐like) inverter achieves proper logic performances. The nanometer‐thin monolayers exhibit effective charge transport and their flat, homogeneous surfaces benefit the interconnected growth of the top layer. Furthermore, by controlling the solution‐based and region‐selective deposition of p‐ and n‐type SAMs, fully integrated CMOS inverters are realized on wafer scale by photolithography for the first time. The CMOS inverters show a nearly 100% yield with a gain up to 48, and noise margin 3.68 V (73.6% of VDD/2). The strategy of semiconducting SAMs for digital logic gates demonstrates a reliable approach for sophisticated large‐area circuits.
Stabilized Co‐Free Li‐Rich Oxide Cathode Particles with An Artificial Surface Prereconstruction
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Gao Rui , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Dong Yanhao , Hunt Adrian , Lee Jinhyuk , Li Ju
Published: August 2020

Li‐rich metal oxide (LXMO) cathodes have attracted intense interest for rechargeable batteries because of their high capacity above 250 mAh g−1. However, the side effects of hybrid anion and cation redox (HACR) reactions, such as oxygen release and phase collapse that result from global oxygen migration (GOM), have prohibited the commercialization of LXMO. GOM not only destabilizes the oxygen sublattice in cycling, aggravating the well‐known voltage fading, but also intensifies electrolyte decomposition and Mn dissolution, causing severe full‐cell performance degradation. Herein, an artificial surface prereconstruction (ASR) for Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 particles with a molten‐molybdate leaching is conducted, which creates a crystal‐dense anion‐redox‐free LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 shell that completely encloses the LXMO lattice (ASR‐LXMO). Differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy and soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that GOM is shut down in cycling, which not only stabilizes HACR in ASR‐LXMO, but also mitigates the electrolyte decomposition and Mn dissolution. ASR‐LXMO displays greatly stabilized cycling performance as it retains 237.4 mAh g−1 with an average discharge voltage of 3.30 V after 200 cycles. More crucially, while the pristine LXMO cycling cannot survive 90 cycles in a pouch full‐cell matched with a commercial graphite anode and lean (2 g A−1 h−1) electrolyte, ASR‐LXMO shows high capacity retention of 76% after 125 cycles in full‐cell cycling.
Early season growth of corn as influenced by seed treatment
Authors: Vagedes Rose V. , Lindsey Alexander J.
Published: August 2020

Climate variability has increased demand for research on how management practices impact crop growth. Past research suggests increased root cortical aerenchyma tissue may increase corn's tolerance to abiotic stress, and it is possible seed treatments may affect its formation. In 2019, an open‐air pot study was conducted in central Ohio to assess how a commercial seed treatment (Poncho 1250 + VOTiVO) would impact early season above‐ and belowground growth of corn (Zea mays L.). Two recombinant inbred lines and two commercial hybrids were selected, with each corn accession treated with clothianidin + Bacillus firmus I‐1582 (Poncho 1250 + VOTiVO) or untreated prior to planting. Seed treatment had a positive effect on growth stage, plant height, and root surface area at termination. Root porosity was unaffected by seed treatment aside from one commercial hybrid where porosity decreased with seed treatment. Application of Poncho 1250 + VOTiVO improved early season growth of seedlings, but more research is needed to understand its impact on yield and improving crop tolerance to early season abiotic stresses.
Biochemical and physiological responses of Cannabis sativa to an integrated plant nutrition system
Authors: Da Cunha Leme Filho Jose F. , Thomason Wade E. , Evanylo Gregory K. , Zhang Xunzhong , Strickland Michael S. , Chim Bee K. , Diatta Andre A.
Published: August 2020

The illegal status of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) post‐World War II resulted in a lack of research on agricultural practices. However, there is a resurgence of interest in cannabis due to diverse uses such as a rich source of cellulosic/woody fiber and construction uses, seed oil, bioenergy and pharmaceutical properties. The principle of an integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) is to enable adaptation of plant nutrition and soil fertility management to local site characteristics, attempting to optimize use of inorganic, organic and biological resources. This project investigated the individual and combined use of inorganic, organic and biological fertilizer resources on cannabis before and after a period of moderate water stress. We evaluated the individual and combined effects of commercial synthetic fertilizer, humic acid (HA), manure tea and bioinoculant as inorganic, organic and biological resources, respectively on cannabis growth and physiological parameters. Our hypothesis was that the synergetic effects of HA + biofertilizers would improve cannabis growth. When compared to the control, the application of HA and biofertilizer alone, or in combination, increased plant height, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency by 55, 8 and 12%, respectively, after water stress. Cannabis biomass of treated plants was rarely different from the control. The combined application of HA + biofertilizer resulted in additive, but not synergistic, increases in measured parameter. Future research should focus on the effects of biostimulants on CBD/THC content due to the potential impact on the production of secondary metabolites in plants under stress.
Wild Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) feeding rates and the Marginal Value Theorem
Authors: DiGiorgio Andrea L. , Upton Elizabeth M. , Susanto Tri Wahyu , Knott Cheryl D.
Published: August 2020

The Marginal Value Theorem (MVT) is an integral supplement to Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT) as it seeks to explain an animal's decision of when to leave a patch when food is still available. MVT predicts that a forager capable of depleting a patch, in a habitat where food is patchily distributed, will leave the patch when the intake rate within it decreases to the average intake rate for the habitat. MVT relies on the critical assumption that the feeding rate in the patch will decrease over time. We tested this assumption using feeding data from a population of wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) from Gunung Palung National Park. We hypothesized that the feeding rate within orangutan food patches would decrease over time. Data included feeding bouts from continuous focal follows between 2014 and 2016. We recorded the average feeding rate over each tertile of the bout, as well as the first, midpoint, and last feeding rates collected. We did not find evidence of a decrease between first and last feeding rates (Linear Mixed Effects Model, n = 63), between a mid‐point and last rate (Linear Mixed Effects Model, n = 63), between the tertiles (Linear Mixed Effects Model, n = 63), nor a decrease in feeding rate overall (Linear Mixed Effects Model, n = 146). These findings, thus, do not support the MVT assumption of decreased patch feeding rates over time in this large generalist frugivore.
Prevalence and reversibility of smell dysfunction measured psychophysically in a cohort of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Moein Shima T. , Hashemian Seyed MohammadReza , Tabarsi Payam , Doty Richard L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Considerable evidence suggests that smell dysfunction is common in coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). Unfortunately, extant data on prevalence and reversibility over time are highly variable, coming mainly from self‐report surveys prone to multiple biases. Thus, validated psychophysical olfactory testing is sorely needed to establish such parameters.

Methods

One hundred severe acute respiratory syndrome‒coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐positive patients were administered the 40‐item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) in the hospital near the end of the acute phase of the disease. Eighty‐two were retested 1 or 4 weeks later at home. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and mixed‐effect regression models.

Results

Initial UPSIT scores were indicative of severe microsmia, with 96% exhibiting measurable dysfunction; 18% were anosmic. The scores improved upon retest (initial test: mean, 21.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.84‐23.09; retest: mean, 31.13; 95% CI, 30.16‐32.10; p < 0.0001); no patient remained anosmic. After 5 weeks from COVID‐19 symptom onset, the test scores of 63% of the retested patients were normal. However, the mean UPSIT score at that time continued to remain below that of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (p < 0.001). Such scores were related to time since symptom onset, sex, and age.

Conclusion

Smell loss was extremely common in the acute phase of a cohort of 100 COVID‐19 patients when objectively measured. About one third of cases continued to exhibit dysfunction 6 to 8 weeks after symptom onset. These findings have direct implications for the use of olfactory testing in identifying SARS‐CoV‐2 carriers and for counseling such individuals with regard to their smell dysfunction and its reversibility.
Insight into the photocatalytic properties of phosphonate‐based metal–organic frameworks for reduction of Cr (VI) and Synergistic elimination of organic dyes under natural sunlight
Authors: Farrokhi Alireza , Bivareh Farzaneh , Dejbakhshpour Saeideh , Moghaddam Ali Zeraatkar
Published: August 2020

The photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI) is investigated over phosphonate‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) structured as STA‐12(M)(M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni). The removal of Cr (VI) appears to be faster with STA‐12(Fe) under natural sunlight. The correlation among responses to effective variables as main and interactions were optimized by central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, STA‐12(Fe) has exhibited considerable synergistic photocatalytic activity for dyes (MO and RhB) degradation and Cr (VI) reduction. The reduction ratio of Cr (VI) was increased extremely after addition of MO or RhB. The highest photocatalytic activity of dyes degradation and Cr (VI) reduction appeared under the dye/Cr (VI) weight ratio of 3:1. To determine the most important species that affected the photocatalytic reduction, trapping experiments were carried out, using various kinds of scavenger species. Finally, a probable reaction mechanism has been investigated in detail.
A thermal stress analysis of fluid–structure interaction applied to boiler water wall
Authors: Zhang Zhenrong , Yang Zong , Nie Huichao , Xu Ligang , Yue Junfeng , Huang Yaji
Published: August 2020

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI), the combination of computational fluid dynamics and computational solid mechanics, is considered as a procedure to determine the stress or strain of the solid under the influence of flow movement. Common parameters such as pressure and temperature that existed in the fluid solver and solid solver are the core factors of date communication in FSI. This work investigated the thermal stress and deformation distribution of the vapor segment of the water wall by numerical simulation under two typical conditions of the 660‐MW boiler. The ideal condition and the case with the oxide scale inside were compared to realize the peculiarity of parameter distribution. The results revealed that the peak temperature of water wall was 812.51 K and the maximum deformation was 19.286 mm under ideal condition. Thermal stress of the water wall in the central region was 70–90 Mpa under ideal condition. The “double‐wave peak” temperature tendency on the fire side was presented with both boundary conditions. However, in terms of the scaling condition, the temperature of water wall escalated result from the heat transfer deterioration. Besides, the scale layer hindered the free expansion of the pipe bank and restrained the deformation of the membrane water wall result in the increase of thermal stress and the decrease of reference deformation.
Stability analysis of dynamic interval type‐2 fuzzy control systems in frequency domain
Authors: Namadchian Zahra , Zare Assef
Published: August 2020

The present paper aims to analyze the stability of dynamic Interval Type‐2 fuzzy control systems (IT2 FCSs) with adjustable parameters by investigating the existence of limit cycles based on the describing function (DF) method. To simplify the stability analysis, the following structured procedure is described. First, to avoid complex computation, a simple architecture of the IT2 FCS using two embedded Type‐1 fuzzy control systems (T1 FCSs) is proposed. Then, the DF of IT2 FCS is obtained based on the DFs of embedded T1FCSs. Subsequently, integrating the stability equation and parameter plane approaches provides a solution to identify the limit cycle and the asymptotically stability regions. Moreover, particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is utilized to minimize the limit cycle region. Other focus of this paper is on the stability margins analysis for robust design. For this purpose, a gain‐phase margin tester is applied to determine the minimum Gain Margin (GMmin) and Phase Margin (PMmin) when limit cycles can arise. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Safety and Feasibility of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention Program for Teaching Police Interaction Skills to Adolescents and Adults with Autism
Authors: McCleery Joseph P. , Zitter Ashley , Solórzano Rita , Turnacioglu Sinan , Miller Judith S. , Ravindran Vijay , Parish‐Morris Julia
Published: August 2020

Low‐cost, wireless immersive virtual reality (VR) holds significant promise as a flexible and scalable intervention tool to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn and develop critical practical life skills, including interacting safely and effectively with police officers. Previous research suggests that VR is a motivating intervention platform, but many individuals with ASD also exhibit anxiety and sensory sensitivities which might make it difficult to tolerate VR experiences. Here, we describe the results of a relatively large‐scale, National Institutes of Health‐funded systematic examination of the safety, feasibility, and usability of an immersive VR training program in adolescents and adults with ASD, aged 12 and older. Sixty verbally fluent individuals with no personal or immediate family history of seizures or migraines participated in either one (n = 30) or three 45‐min (n = 30) VR sessions using a lightweight wireless headset, and were monitored for side effects. Participants also reported on system usability, enjoyment, and willingness to engage in further VR sessions. Results confirm that immersive VR is safe, feasible, and highly usable for verbally fluent adolescents and adults with ASD.

Lay Summary

Immersive virtual reality (VR) holds promise as a means to provide social skills interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but it is unclear whether associated anxiety and sensory symptoms might limit feasibility. Here, we report data that indicate that immersive VR is both safe and feasible for use in verbally fluent adolescents and adults with ASD, for up to three 45‐min sessions. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1418–1424. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance evaluation of reverse logistics in food supply chains in a circular economy using system dynamics
Authors: Kazancoglu Yigit , Ekinci Esra , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Sezer Muruvvet Deniz , Kayikci Yasanur
Published: August 2020

Supply chains are composed of multiple stakeholders who have complex interrelationships. In addition, the forward and reverse flow of materials, information, human resources, and finance occurs among different stakeholders in closing the loop of supply chains. Reverse logistics (RL) activities are gaining importance in terms of size and quantity due to both economic and environmental concerns. These flows in RL in supply chains are both dynamic and complex in nature. Further, the environmental impact of RL activities has barely been considered in holistic way in available literature. In this study, a system dynamics model has been developed to analyze and comprehend the green performance of RL activities by predicting the environmental impact of RL activities. The proposed model has been validated by a case study in the context of a food supply chain. In the company where the case study is carried out, the environmental effects of RL activities have been analyzed. These activities in a food supply chain in terms of CO2 (carbon dioxide), NOx (nitrogen oxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), and PM (particulate matter) emissions have been predicted through a system dynamics model for the years 2020 to 2024. The proposed methodology is applied in a food supply context, a major player in retail business, especially in emerging economies. According to our findings, the RL activities in a food supply chain can significantly contribute to green performance management by minimizing food waste and loss; hence, the environmental impacts of such activities should be closely examined from a managerial perspective.
Polymethylated Phloroglucinol Meroterpenoids from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa and Their Antibacterial and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Ping , Bi Li‐Sha , Wu Wen‐Juan , Yan Huan , He Li , Qin Xu‐Jie , Liu Hai‐Yang
Published: August 2020

Rhotomentodiones C−E, three new polymethylated phloroglucinol meroterpenoids with diverse configurations, were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Their structures and absolute configurations were established mainly by means of comprehensive spectroscopic data and electron circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Among them, Rhotomentodione D (2) exhibited both antibacterial activity with an MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL against Propionibacterium acnes and AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 22.9 μm.
Metastatic neuroendocrine tumor masquerading as liver abscesses
Authors: Aggarwal Abhimanyu , Gupta Madhuvan , Gabriel Joseph , Walker Durane
Published: August 2020

Fever and deranged transaminases with liver mass(es) on imaging mandates further evaluation of the mass(es) and should be followed radiologically and clinically. In the absence of a definitive diagnosis, repeat biopsy should be done.
New Insights into the Deactivation and Stabilization Causes of Plugged AlSBA‐15 in Liquid‐phase Friedel‐Crafts Organic Reactions
Authors: Shakeri Mozaffar , Zarnagh Ali Shirzadeh
Published: August 2020

Deactivation is the major challenge of heteroatom‐substituted mesoporous silica materials for large scale applications. Here we report the impact of plugging of mesochannels of AlSBA‐15 on activity and stability of liquid‐phase acylation of anisole with (extremely) low catalyst loadings of 0.15–0.6 wt.% and 0.6–3 wt.% in batch and in repeated batch reactions, respectively. The analysis of property‐catalytic performances showed that deactivation of the plugged AlSBA‐15 was partially from a physical cause by deposition of a uniform nanometer layer of coke on the surface blocking the active sites which could be restored by calcination and partially from an irreversible chemical cause by Al leaching. The catalytic performance of plugged AlSBA‐15 was compared with that of open AlSBA‐[15]. The plugged AlSBA‐15 showed lower but more sustained activity than that by open AlSBA‐15 coming from less and different type of coke deposition. These properties of plugged AlSBA‐15 resulted in two times higher productivity (44.3 vs 23.3 mg‐product/mg‐catalyst) than that by open AlSBA‐[15] . The plugging of mesochannels thus reduced the amount of coke deposition and stabilized the catalyst; however, it exerted no effect on Al leaching. In conclusion, understanding the role of plugging of mesochannels in stabilization and Al leaching and coke deposition in deactivation are useful to design and synthesize efficient solid acid catalysts for liquid‐phase organic reactions.
Nanostructured Boron Doped Diamond Electrodes with Increased Reactivity for Solar‐Driven CO2 Reduction in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Knittel Peter , Buchner Franziska , Hadzifejzovic Emina , Giese Christian , Quellmalz Patricia , Seidel Robert , Petit Tristan , Iliev Boyan , Schubert Thomas J. S. , Nebel Christoph E. , Foord John S.
Published: August 2020

Conductive, boron doped diamond (BDD) is an extraordinary material with many applications in electrochemistry due to its wide potential window, outstanding robustness, low capacitance and resistance to fouling. However, in photoelectrochemistry, BDD usually requires UV light for excitation, which impedes e. g., usage in CO2 to fuel reduction. In this work, a heavily boron doped, nanostructured diamond electrode with enhanced light absorption has been developed. It is manufactured from BDD by reactive ion etching and presents a coral‐like structure with pore diameters in the nanometer range, ensuring a huge surface area. The strong light absorbance of this material is clearly visible from its black color. Consequently, the material is called Diamond Black (DB). Electrochemical and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements performed at near‐ambient pressure conditions of water vapor demonstrate increased surface reactivity for the hydrogen‐terminated DB compared to oxidized surfaces. Depending on the surface termination, the wettability and hence the electrochemically accessible area can be changed. Photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 was demonstrated using a Cu2O‐modified electrode in ionic liquids under solar illumination. High formic acid production rates at low catalyst deposition times can be obtained paired with an increased catalyst stability on the DB surface.
Flexible π‐Conjugated 2,5‐Diarylamino‐Terephthalates: A New Class of Mechanochromic Luminophores with Tunable Aggregation States
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Liu Yi , Qi Fen , Yan Hui , Jiang Zhiyong , Chen Yuncong
Published: August 2020

The generation of different thermodynamically (meta)stable states is crucial for the development of smart solid‐state luminescent materials. However, the design of luminophores with tunable aggregation states is remaining a grand challenge. Herein, we present a family of mechanochromic luminophores with tunable metastable states, based on the dynamically controllable π–π stacking of the flexible π‐conjugated structure of 2,5‐diarylamino‐terephthalates in the solid state. The experimental data revealed that both the kinetically controlled metastable state and thermodynamic controlled stable state can be generated via tuning the intermolecular interactions such as π–π stacking and hydrogen bonds. As a result, the highly sensitive mechano‐stimuli response of these luminophores was successfully achieved.
A Thermodynamic Perspective on Potential G‐Quadruplex Structures as Silencer Elements in the MYC Promoter
Authors: Jana Jagannath , Weisz Klaus
Published: August 2020

Multiple G‐tracts within the promoter region of the c‐myc oncogene may fold into various G‐quadruplexes with the recruitment of different tracts and guanosine residues for the G‐core assembly. Thermodynamic profiles for the folding of wild‐type and representative truncated as well as mutated sequences were extracted by comprehensive DSC experiments. The unique G‐quadruplex involving consecutive G‐tracts II–V with formation of two one‐nucleotide and one central two‐nucleotide propeller loop, previously proposed to be the biologically most relevant species, was found to be the most stable fold in terms of its Gibbs free energy of formation at ambient temperatures. Its stability derives from its short propeller loops but also from the favorable type of loop residues. Whereas quadruplex folds with long propeller loops are significantly disfavored, a snap‐back loop structure formed by incorporating a 3’‐terminal guanosine into the empty position of a tetrad seems highly competitive based on its thermodynamic stability. However, its destabilization by extending the 3’‐terminus questions the significance of such a species under in vivo conditions.
How Do Metal Ions Modulate the Rate‐Determining Electron‐Transfer Step in Cytochrome P450 Reactions?
Authors: Dixit Vaibhav A. , Warwicker Jim , de Visser Sam P.
Published: August 2020

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes play important roles in maintaining human health and their reaction rates are dependent on the first electron transfer from the reduction partner. Interestingly, experimental work has shown that this step is highly influenced by the addition of metal ions. To understand the effect of external perturbations on the CYP450 first reduction step, we have performed a computational study with model complexes in the presence of metal and organic ions, solvent molecules, and an electric field. The results show that these medium‐range interactions affect the driving force as well as electron‐transfer rates dramatically. Based on the location, distance, and direction of the ions/electric field, the catalytic reaction rates are enhanced or impaired. Calculations on a large crystal structure with bonded alkali metal ions indicated inhibition patterns of the ions. Therefore, we predict that the active forms of the natural CYP450 isozymes will not have more than one alkali metal ion bound in the second‐coordination sphere. As such, this study provides an insight into the activity of CYP450 enzymes and the effects of ions and electric field perturbations on their activity.
Dynameric Collagen Self‐Healing Membranes with High Mechanical Strength for Effective Cell Growth Applications
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Ye , Cui Han , Barboiu Mihail , Chen Jinghua
Published: August 2020

The fabrication of biocompatible adaptive materials with high stiffness and self‐healing properties for medical applications is a challenging endeavor. Collagen is a major extracellular matrix component acting as a substrate for cell adhesion and migration. Dynamers are constitutional polymers whose monomeric components are linked through reversible bonds, able to modify their constitution through reversible exchange of their components. In the current work, we demonstrate that the rational combination of collagen and dynameric networks connected with reversible covalent imine bonds is a very important and previously unreported strategy to provide biocompatible membranes with self‐healing ability and excellent mechanical strength. The key challenge in the construction of such membranes is the required adaptive interaction between collagen chains and the dynamic cross‐linkers, preventing the formation of defects. For example, by varying structure and molecular lengths of the dynamers, the tensile strength of the dynameric membranes reach over 80 MPa, more than 400 % higher than that observed for the reference collagen membrane, and the highest value for break strain found, was 19 %. The self‐healing properties were observed when reconnecting two membrane pieces or even from crushed status of the membranes. Moreover, both MTT assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy method demonstrated the good biocompatibility of the collagen membranes, leaving more than 90 % viability for NIH 3T3 cells after 24 h co‐culture.
Enabling Control over Mechanical Conformity and Luminescence in Molecular Crystals: Interaction Engineering in Action
Authors: Ghora Madhubrata , Majumdar Prabhat , Anas Mohammed , Varghese Shinto
Published: August 2020

Molecular crystals of π‐conjugated molecules are of great interest as the highly ordered dense packing offers superior charge and exciton transport compared with its amorphous counterparts. However, integration into optoelectronic devices remains a major challenge owing to its inherently brittle nature. Herein, control over the mechanical conformity in single crystals of pyridine‐appended thiazolothiazole derivatives is reported by modulating the molecular packing through interaction engineering. Two polymorphs were prepared by achieving control over the thermodynamic/kinetic factors of crystallization; one of the polymorphs exhibits elastic bending whereas the other is brittle. The control over the bending ability was achieved by forming co‐crystals with hydrogen/halogen bond donors. A seamless extended crisscross pattern with respect to the bend plane through a ditopic hydrogen‐bonding motif showed the highest compliance towards mechanical bending, whereas the co‐crystals with a layered crisscross arrangement with segregated layers of co‐formers exhibit slightly lower bending conformity. These results update the rationale behind the plastic/elastic bending in molecular crystals. The co‐crystals of ditopic halogen bond co‐assemblies are particularly appealing for waveguiding applications as the co‐crystals blend high mechanical flexibility and luminescence properties. The hydrogen bonded co‐crystals are non‐emissive in nature owing to excited state proton transfer dynamics. The rationale behind the fluorescence properties of these materials was also established from DFT calculations in a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) framework.
New Luminescent Tetranuclear Lanthanide‐Based Silsesquioxane Cage‐Like Architectures
Authors: Kulakova Alena N. , Bilyachenko Alexey N. , Levitsky Mikhail M. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Shubina Elena S. , Felix Gautier , Mamontova Ekaterina , Long Jérôme , Guari Yannick , Larionova Joulia
Published: August 2020

The synthesis, structure, magnetic, and luminescence properties investigations of four new cage‐like lanthanide‐based silsesquioxanes (Cat)2[(PhSiO1.5)8(LnO1.5)4(O)(NO2.5)6(EtOH)2(MeCN)2] (where Cat+=Et4N+, PPh4P+ and Ln3+=Eu3+, Tb3+ and (Ph4P)4[(PhSiO1.5)8(TbO1.5)4(O)2(NO2.5)8]⋅10MeCN are reported. They present an unusual prism‐like topology of cage architectures and lanthanide‐characteristic emission, which makes them the first luminescent cage‐like lanthanide silsesquioxanes. One of the Tb3+‐based cages presents a magnetic spin‐flip transition.
Primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of Uterine Cervix: Treatment outcomes of a rare entity with literature review
Authors: Goda Jayant Sastri , Gaikwad Utpal , Narayan Anand , Kurkure Durva , Yadav Subhash , Khanna Nehal , Jain Hasmukh , Bagal Bhausaheb , Epari Sridhar , Singh Priya , Sengar Manju , Laskar Siddharth
Published: August 2020

Background

Primary lymphomas involving the female genital tract are rare, and those arising from cervix are extremely uncommon. They are often misdiagnosed because of their rarity.

Methods and cases

The treatment and clinical outcomes of the four cases treated at our institution were compared with the previously published studies. Written informed consent was taken. We highlight four cases of primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of cervix treated at our institution with immunochemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mean age was 50 years (range, 39‐62 years). Three patients had stage I disease while one had stage II disease. All the patients were in complete remission following treatment with immunochemotherapy and radiation therapy. The average disease free survival was 20 months (range, 8‐43 months). None of the patients had any local or systemic relapse.

Conclusion

These cases highlight the physicians to be aware of this entity as their management, natural history and prognosis is completely different from squamous carcinomas of the cervix. Surgery should not be attempted in these patients. Immunochemotherapy and radiotherapy results in favorable clinical outcomes.
An integrated model of chronic trauma‐induced insomnia
Authors: Roberge Erika M. , Bryan Craig J.
Published: August 2020

Insomnia is the most commonly reported symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with at least 70% of patients with PTSD reporting disturbed sleep. Although posttraumatic insomnia has traditionally been conceptualized as a consequence of PTSD, it is the most likely symptom to not remit following otherwise successful PTSD treatment. This suggests that the relationship between PTSD and insomnia is more complex, such that they likely share underlying pathological mechanisms and that factors non‐specific to PTSD maintain chronic trauma‐induced insomnia. Although several theories and hypotheses have been presented to explain the relationship between PTSD and insomnia, neurobiological and psychological models have not been integrated, thereby limiting their comprehensiveness and abilities to inform effective intervention. Further, existing models have not addressed how acute trauma‐induced insomnia becomes chronic. The present review examined models of PTSD and insomnia separately, as well as existing theorized mechanisms of their co‐morbidity. The distinct characteristics of trauma‐induced insomnia were also reviewed and presented to describe the unique clinical presentation of trauma‐induced insomnia. Review and integration of the literature were used to propose an integrated model of chronic trauma‐induced insomnia informed by a neuropsychobiological framework. Clinical implications and future research directions are presented and discussed.
Application of the factor analytic model to assess wheat falling number performance and stability in multienvironment trials
Authors: Sjoberg Stephanie M. , Carter Arron H. , Steber Camille M. , Garland Campbell Kimberly A.
Published: August 2020

A factor analytic model was used to characterize data generated with the Hagberg–Perten falling number (FN) method, a measure of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality influenced by genotype‐by‐environment interactions. The FN method detects starch degradation due to the presence of the enzyme α‐amylase in wheat grain such that a low FN indicates high α‐amylase activity and high risk of poor end‐product quality. Because farmers receive severe discounts for low FN, FN data have been collected over multiple years for the Washington State University multilocation variety trials to help farmers and breeders identify lower risk varieties. Analysis of these data to objectively rank varieties is challenging because the dataset is unbalanced and because FN is subject to complex genotype‐by‐environment interactions. Low FN can result from environmental differences at multiple stages in grain development because there are two major causes of α‐amylase accumulation in grain, late‐maturity α‐amylase (LMA) and preharvest sprouting (PHS). A five‐factor analytic model extracted explicit measures of overall performance and of stability in variable environments from historical FN data from the multilocation trial, providing a basis for breeding and planting decisions. Whereas a linear model explained 70.3% of the variation, the five‐factor analytic model accounted for 92.5% of variation in the data. Examination of factor loadings enabled us to separate environments and genotype response to either PHS or LMA, specifically. This is the first application of a factor analytic model to evaluate the end‐use quality trait FN, providing a method to rank varieties for grower decisions and breeder selections.
Green dynamic capability of construction enterprises: Role of the business model and green production
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Ouyang You , Philbin Simon P. , Zhao Xiaojing , Ballesteros‐Pérez Pablo , Li Hui
Published: August 2020

Improving green dynamic capability is an important business strategy to enhance enterprises' competitive advantage. This study proposes a theoretical framework that considers the business model and green production to analyze how green dynamic capability can be fostered by enterprises. In this study, 202 managers of Chinese construction enterprises were questionnaire surveyed, and partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses. Results show that: (a) the business model is positively related to green dynamic capability, so enterprises need to adjust business model to balance economic benefits and environmental responsibility; and (b) green production directly and indirectly affect green dynamic capability through a positive mediating role of the business model. This study extends the current literature on dynamic capability by investigating the relationship between the business model, green production, and green dynamic capability. This study also provides guidance for enterprises to enhance green dynamic capability and promote sustainable development.

Highlights

This paper proposes a theoretical framework that takes into account business models and green production to analyze how to cultivate and enhance enterprises' green dynamic capability.

Takes China as an example to empirically analyze the impact of business model and green production on the green dynamic capability of enterprises, and eventually lay a theoretical guidance for enterprises to achieve green development goals.

Good business model is positively correlated with green dynamic capability.

The higher the level of green production, the stronger the positive relationship between business model and green dynamic capability.
Snake venom‐derived bradykinin‐potentiating peptides: A promising therapy forCOVID‐19?
Authors: Gouda Ahmed S. , Mégarbane Bruno
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐COV‐2), a novel coronavirus responsible for the recent infectious pandemic, is known to downregulate angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2). Most current investigations focused on SARS‐COV‐2‐related effects on the renin–angiotensin system and especially the resultant increase in angiotensin II, neglecting its effects on the kinin–kallikrein system. SARS‐COV‐2‐induced ACE2 inhibition leads to the augmentation of bradykinin 1‐receptor effects, as ACE2 inactivates des‐Arg9‐bradykinin, a bradykinin metabolite. SARS‐COV‐2 also decreases bradykinin 2‐receptor effects as it affects bradykinin synthesis by inhibiting cathepsin L, a kininogenase present at the site of infection and involved in bradykinin production. The physiologies of both the renin–angiotensin and kinin–kallikrein system are functionally related suggesting that any intervention aiming to treat SARS‐COV‐2‐infected patients by triggering one system but ignoring the other may not be adequately effective. Interestingly, the snake‐derived bradykinin‐potentiating peptide (BPP‐10c) acts on both systems. BPP‐10c strongly decreases angiotensin II by inhibiting ACE, increasing bradykinin‐related effects on the bradykinin 2‐receptor and increasing nitric oxide‐mediated effects. Based on a narrative review of the literature, we suggest that BPP‐10c could be an optimally effective option to consider when aiming at developing an anti‐SARS‐COV‐2 drug.
Forest stocks control long‐term climatic mortality risks in Scots pine dry‐edge forests
Authors: Madrigal‐González Jaime , Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan A. , Zavala Miguel A. , Morales‐Molino César , Stoffel Markus
Published: August 2020

Forest research has addressed the importance of an improved understanding of drought–stocks interactions in the dry edge of tree species range. Nonetheless, more efforts are still critically needed to link up the multiple ways by which climatic stressors can trigger tree mortality, including population‐level determinants and management. Here, we analyze the interactive effects of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a surrogate of climatic variability in southwestern Europe, and forest stocks on tree mortality in dry‐edge populations of the most widespread Eurasian tree species, Pinus sylvestris L., in the forest of Valsaín (central Spain). Specifically, we use tree mortality data gathered since 1941 in six multiannual periods. Results suggest that the main mortality risks in these forests can occur either in positive or negative NAO phases, but that their relative impacts are critically mediated by forest structure. In NAO+ periods, commonly associated with warm–dry conditions in the Iberian Peninsula, a peak of mortality was found in closed forest sections, whereas the second peak, found in open forest sections, was related to NAO‐ periods, correlated with temperate‐rainy weather conditions. This finding reinforces the key role of management—through its control on forest structure—as a driver of forest vulnerability to climate. Accounting for the multiple ways in which stocks modulate tree responses to different risks emerges as a critical element when it comes to the design of efficient adaptation measures in managed dry‐edge forests.
Run‐of‐river dams as a barrier to the movement of a stream‐dwelling amphibian
Authors: Dare Griffin C. , Murray Rylee G. , Courcelles Danielle M. M. , Malt Joshua M. , Palen Wendy J.
Published: August 2020

Human activities frequently create structures that alter the connectivity among habitats or act as barriers to the natural movement of animals. Movement allows individuals to access different habitats, connect life history stages, and maintain genetic diversity. Here, we evaluated whether run‐of‐river (RoR) hydropower projects, an emerging renewable energy source in British Columbia, interrupt the longitudinal connectivity among larval stream amphibians, by altering larval rearing densities, with possible repercussions on growth and survival. In three watersheds, we tested for differences in the average upstream and downstream density of larval coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei), as well as changes to their longitudinal distribution upstream of the dams, as would be expected if RoR dams or their headponds act as barriers to the natural downstream drift of larvae. We found a 60% decrease in larval densities downstream compared to upstream of dams, consistent with RoR dams interrupting the natural pattern of downstream A. truei drift. Larval densities in the first 10 m above RoR headponds were 3 times higher compared to 100 m upstream, and when expressed in terms of relative abundance, we find a similar pattern, with between 2.5 and 3 times more larvae in the first 10 m above of the headpond than expected if larvae followed a uniform distribution. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that RoR dams alter the spatial connectivity of A. truei larvae, leading to an accumulation of larvae directly above the dam, with unknown consequences for larval growth and survival. Our findings suggest caution is warranted when interpreting before–after monitoring studies that are often used to evaluate the impact of dams, whereby we find that reductions in downstream densities could be due to interruptions of downstream movement as opposed to direct mortality.
What can we learn from wildlife sightings during the COVID‐19 global shutdown?
Authors: Zellmer Amanda J. , Wood Eric M. , Surasinghe Thilina , Putman Breanna J. , Pauly Gregory B. , Magle Seth B. , Lewis Jesse S. , Kay Cria A. M. , Fidino Mason
Published: August 2020

During the worldwide shutdown in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, many reports emerged of urban wildlife sightings. While these images garnered public interest and declarations of wildlife reclaiming cities, it is unclear whether wildlife truly reoccupied urban areas or whether there were simply increased detections of urban wildlife during this time. Here, we detail key questions and needs for monitoring wildlife during the COVID‐19 shutdown and then link these with future needs and actions with the intent of improving conservation within urban ecosystems. We discuss the tools ecologists and conservation scientists can use to safely and effectively study urban wildlife during the shutdown. With a coordinated, multicity effort, researchers and community scientists can rigorously investigate the responses of wildlife to changes in human activities, which can help us address long‐standing questions in urban ecology, inspire conservation of wildlife, and inform the design of sustainable cities.
Individual responses to novel predation risk and the emergence of a landscape of fear
Authors: Perry Thomas A. , Laforge Michel P. , Vander Wal Eric , Knight Thomas W. , McLoughlin Philip D.
Published: August 2020

Elucidating changes in prey behavior in response to a novel predator is key to understanding how individuals acclimate to shifting predation regimes. Such responses are predicted to vary among individuals as a function of the level of risk to which individuals are exposed, temporal changes in risk, and landscape‐mediated changes in perceived risk. We tested how GPS‐tracked moose (Alces alces, n = 19) responded to an emerging risk landscape with the introduction of hunting to a naïve population (large‐scale reduction experiment in Gros Morne National Park, Canada). We predicted that predation risk associated with hunters would influence moose habitat selection: Avoidance responses would be stronger during the day when hunting was allowed, and moose would learn to avoid risky locations which would strengthen in successive years for survivors occupying overall riskier home ranges. We found that moose avoided areas associated with a high risk of encounters with hunters but did not alter selection patterns between day and night. We did not find evidence of moose reacting more strongly to emerging risk as a function of risk within their home range. Moose did not increase their avoidance of areas associated with hunter risk across years but over time survivors selected non‐hunted refuge areas more frequently. Our results suggest that while moose did not adjust fine‐scale habitat selection through time to increased hunting risk, they did adjust selection at broader scales (based on proportions of hunter‐free habitat included in home range relative to study area). This finding supports the hypothesis that habitat selection at larger spatio‐temporal scales may reflect behavioral responses to a population’s most important limiting factors, which may not be apparent at finer scales.
Co3O4 on Fe, N Doped Bio‐Carbon Substrate for Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shi Jing , Duan Mengting , Tong Xiangzhi , Zhou Dongcheng , Chen Jiale , Guo Xingmei , Zhang Junhao , Kong Qinghong , Cheng Xiaofang
Published: August 2020

Searching for efficient non‐noble metal electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has become a hot topic in electrochemical field. Herein, duck blood containing heme (a type of ferriporphyrin) is carbonized and activated to obtain Fe, N doped carbon. The activated carbonized blood (a‐CB) exhibits an extremely high specific surface area of 2655 m2 g–1. Then, Co3O4 nanoparticles are loaded on the efficient substrate via hydrothermal method. The as obtained Co3O4/a‐CB composite exhibits good catalytic performance for ORR. The onset and half‐wave potentials are 0.95 and 0.77 V vs. RHE, respectively. These values are comparable to those of commercial Pt/C (20 wt.‐%) catalyst. What's more, Co3O4/a‐CB shows better durability and methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C, making it a promising electrocatalyst for ORR. Compared to artificial porous heteroatom doped carbon materials, this work seeks raw materials from natural biomass waste to obtain efficient carbon substrate with both high porosity and Fe, N self‐doping feature for catalyst applications.