bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel freeze corer for characterization of methane bubbles and assessment of coring disturbances
Authors: Dück Yannick , Liu Liu , Lorke Andreas , Ostrovsky Ilia , Katsman Regina , Jokiel Christian
Published: April 2019

Aquatic ecosystems with organic‐rich sediments are a globally significant source of methane to the atmosphere. In shallow waters, ebullition is often a dominant emission pathway of methane. Current knowledge on the processes controlling gas bubble formation and persistence in aquatic sediments is limited. An important prerequisite for accurate quantification of the structure and methane bubbles in sediment samples is to preserve the ambient in situ conditions during the withdrawal process and further analysis. A novel freeze corer has been developed that facilitates sampling of gas‐bearing soft sediments for X‐ray computer tomography. The sampler allows freezing sediment inside a double‐walled corer with a mixture of dry ice and ethanol. This corer has moderate costs and offers important advantages for gassy sediment sampling. Its simplicity and robustness allow to perform sampling from a small boat and the ability to characterize in situ sediment features. The applicability of this freeze coring technique for gas bubble quantification was validated during laboratory experiments aimed to investigate the effects of freezing on sediment gas content, bubble size distribution, and their geometry by comparing computer tomography scans of unfrozen vs. frozen cores. The performance of the corer was further evaluated during field conditions in Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee, Israel). The results demonstrate the suitability of the freeze‐coring method for in situ preservation of gas‐bearing sediments. The sediment structure, however, showed some displacements of sediments layers and bubble abundance in some core regions. Future investigations are needed to address the nature of disturbances of the frozen sediment.
Existence and uniqueness of an inverse problem for nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation
Authors: Tekin Ibrahim , Mehraliyev Yashar T. , Ismailov Mansur I.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an initial boundary value problem for nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation is considered. Giving an additional condition, a time‐dependent coefficient multiplying nonlinear term is determined, and existence and uniqueness theorem for small times is proved. The finite difference method is proposed for solving the inverse problem.
The influence of spatial resolution on the spectral quality and quantification accuracy of whole‐brain MRSI at 1.5T, 3T, 7T, and 9.4T
Authors: Motyka Stanislav , Moser Philipp , Hingerl Lukas , Hangel Gilbert , Heckova Eva , Strasser Bernhard , Eckstein Korbinian , Daniel Robinson Simon , Poser Benedikt A. , Gruber Stephan , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Inhomogeneities in the static magnetic field (B0) deteriorate MRSI data quality by lowering the spectral resolution and SNR. MRSI with low spatial resolution is also prone to lipid bleeding. These problems are increasingly problematic at ultra‐high fields. An approach to tackling these challenges independent of B0‐shim hardware is to increase the spatial resolution. Therefore, we investigated the effect of improved spatial resolution on spectral quality and quantification at 4 field strengths.

Methods

Whole‐brain MRSI data was simulated for 3 spatial resolutions and 4 B0s based on experimentally acquired MRI data and simulated free induction decay signals of metabolites and lipids. To compare the spectral quality and quantification, we derived SNR normalized to the voxel size (nSNR), linewidth and metabolite concentration ratios, their Cramer‐Rao‐lower‐bounds (CRLBs), and the absolute percentage error (APE) of estimated concentrations compared to the gold standard for the whole‐brain and 8 brain regions.

Results

At 7T, we found up to a 3.4‐fold improved nSNR (in the frontal lobe) and a 2.8‐fold reduced linewidth (in the temporal lobe) for 1 cm3 versus 0.25 cm3 resolution. This effect was much more pronounced at higher and less homogenous B0 (1.6‐fold improved nSNR and 1.8‐fold improved linewidth in the parietal lobe at 3T). This had direct implications for quantification: the volume of reliably quantified spectra increased with resolution by 1.2‐fold and 1.5‐fold (when thresholded by CRLBs or APE, respectively).

Conclusion

MRSI data quality benefits from increased spatial resolution particularly at higher B0, and leads to more reliable metabolite quantification. In conjunction with the development of better B0 shimming hardware, this will enable robust whole‐brain MRSI at ultra‐high field.
Biokatalyse: Einfach chiral
Authors: Jeromin Günter
Published: April 2019

Mit einem immobilisierten Katalysatorsystem lassen sich enantiomerenreine sekundäre Alkohole herstellen. Dafür werden Ketone in organischem Lösungsmittel biokatalytisch reduziert.
Vorteil für Open‐Access‐Publikationen
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Tesch Silke
Published: April 2019

Werden Open‐Access‐Artikel tatsächlich häufiger zitiert als kostenpflichtige Artikel? Das hängt davon ab, welche Art von Open Access Sie als Autor wählen.
Bilanz 2018: Roche: Digitalisieren
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Roche lieferte im Jahr 2018 neue Medikamente und diagnostische Lösungen.
Excess procurement strategies by a dominant buyer under constrained supply
Authors: Jain Tarun , Hazra Jishnu , Swaminathan Jayashankar M.
Published: April 2019

Supply chains are often characterized by the presence of a dominant buyer purchasing from a supplier with limited capacity. We study such a situation where a single supplier sells capacity to an established and more powerful buyer and also to a relatively less powerful buyer. The more powerful buyer enjoys the first right to book her capacity requirements at supplier's end, and then the common supplier fulfills the requirement of the less powerful buyer. We find that when the supplier's capacity is either too low (below the lower threshold) or too high (above the higher threshold), there is no excess procurement as compared to the case when supplier has infinite capacity. When the supplier's capacity is between these two thresholds, the more powerful buyer purchases an excess amount in comparison to the infinite capacity case.
Clinical Decision Support Tools and a Standardized Order Set Enhances Early Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Ziemba Keegan J. , Kumar Rajeswari , Nuss Kathryn , Estrada Maria , Lin Ada , Ayad Onsy
Published: April 2019

Background

Critically ill children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have unique nutrition needs that are challenging to achieve and thus are at high risk of malnutrition. There is increasing evidence that children who reach caloric goals early have improved outcomes. The purpose of this initiative was to implement an enteral nutrition (EN) algorithm in a tertiary care PICU utilizing clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) and a standardized order set within an electronic health record.

Methods

A quality improvement initiative was undertaken to implement an EN feeding protocol using electronic CDSTs, including a new standardized order set.

Results

In a historical cohort of 376 patients, only 18% met goal EN in the first 48 hours of admission. The EN protocol was implemented in 272 patients who met 88% goal feed volume within 48 hours of intensive care unit admission. Median time to start EN (1.7 vs 1.3 days, P < 0.0001) and time to goal nutrition (2.8 vs 2.2 days, P < 0.001) improved after project implementation. Length of stay in the PICU was significantly reduced following protocol implementation (202 hours pre‐implementation vs 156 hours post implementation, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We used CDSTs and standardized order sets to implement a nutrition algorithm to facilitate and likely improve the nutrition care of critically ill children.
African American women's perceptions of the meaning of support groups for improving adherence to hypertension treatment: a conceptual model
Authors: Fongwa Marie N. , dela Cruz Felicitas A. , Hays Ron D.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To investigate the meaning of support groups and the features of these groups that African American (AA) women view as improving adherence to high blood pressure (HBP) treatment. The study generated a conceptual model to illuminate features of these groups that influence adherence of AA women to HBP treatment.

Design

Qualitative research.

Methods

Used focus groups and open‐ended questions to obtain the views of 26 eligible AA women, recruited from South Los Angeles. Line‐by‐line review and coding of interview transcripts were done. The feedback was used to specify a conceptual model depicting the meaning of support groups. The Consolidated Criteria for the Reporting of Qualitative Research guidelines were used.

Results

The conceptual model depicts the meaning of support groups as information giving/knowledge sharing, emotional or psychological support, instrumental support and coaching, and facilitators and barriers to joining support groups and factors for consideration in forming these groups.
A DGFEM for nondivergence form elliptic equations with Cordes coefficients on curved domains
Authors: Kawecki Ellya L.
Published: April 2019

I. Smears and E. Süli designed and analyzed a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the approximation of solutions to elliptic partial differential equations in nondivergence form. The results were proven, based on the assumption that the computational domain was convex and polytopal. In this paper, we extend this framework, allowing for Lipschitz continuous domains with piecewise curved boundaries.
Inka sacrificial guinea pigs from Tambo Viejo, Peru
Authors: Valdez Lidio M.
Published: April 2019

Early Spaniards reported that the Inkas periodically slaughtered hundreds of animals, guinea pigs being the most common sacrificial animals. It is stated that in a single ceremony, hundreds of guinea pigs were killed. Although the ethnohistorical accounts provide good information about the Inka motivations for guinea pig sacrifice, archaeologically, the occurrence of large numbers of sacrificed guinea pigs had not been found. Recent research conducted at the Inka site of Tambo Viejo, in the Acari Valley of the Peruvian south coast, encountered several dozens of sacrificed guinea pigs that overall represent the single largest find known for the entire former Inka territory. In preparation for sacrifice, some of guinea pigs had been adorned with colorful strings that were placed as earrings as well with colorful necklaces also made from colorful strings. Some of the guinea pigs were also enveloped in a rug before burial. Similar evidence is unknown from anywhere within the former Inka territory, making the evidence from Tambo Viejo unparalleled.
Complementary etching behavior of alkali, metal‐catalyzed chemical, and post‐etching of multicrystalline silicon wafers
Authors: Zou Shuai , Ye Xiaoya , Wu Chengkun , Cheng Kexun , Fang Liang , Tang Rujun , Shen Mingrong , Wang Xusheng , Su Xiaodong
Published: April 2019

Both alkali and metal‐catalyzed chemical etching (MCCE) of multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) wafer show anisotropic etching behavior, resulting in different morphologies among the different grains. However, by combining alkali etching, MCCE, and a post‐etching process, homogeneous microstructures can be obtained on the surface of mc‐Si wafer. After the first alkali etching, there are three typical morphologies of upward pyramids, terraces, and tilt planes, and relative to the initial Si(100), Si(110), and Si(111) dominated grains, these show low, moderate, and high reflection, respectively. After MCCE and the post‐etching process, the microstructures on the different grains have converged to a similar morphology and reflection. Mc‐Si solar cells fabricated by complementary alkali etching, MCCE, and post‐etching have a good appearance and high efficiency of ~19.4%. Moreover, the cells with submicrometer texture have the advantages of reverse current‐voltage characteristics and weak light response over traditional cells with micrometer texture.
Study on the Effects of Explosive Covering on Explosive Welding of Stainless Steel to Steel
Authors: Ming Yang , Hong‐hao Ma , Zhao‐wu Shen
Published: April 2019

In order to improve the energy utilization ratio of explosives and reduce the noise and dust for explosive welding, honeycomb structure explosives covered by colloid water were put forward as explosive materials. Using 304 stainless steel and Q235 steel as flyer plate and base plate respectively, explosive welding tests were carried out with different covering thicknesses. The dynamic parameters in the collision process were obtained by experimental measurement and theoretical calculation. The microstructure of the bonding interface was observed through optical microscopy and analyzed by welding window. The results showed that, compared to the explosive welding without covering, the impact velocity of flyer plates was increased by 38.9 %, 57.5 % and 71.9 % respectively when the covering thickness was 15 mm, 30 mm and 45 mm. The impact velocity predicted by Gurney formulas was significantly larger than the measured value, however, after considering acceleration history, the calculated value was in good agreement with the experimental result. Metallographic analysis showed that wave bonding interfaces without defects such as voids and cracks were obtained when the welding conditions were within the welding window. However, voids and cracks were found at the bonding interfaces when the welding conditions were close and above to the upper limit of the welding window.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Absorption Generated by Free Carriers in Zn‐Doped CuGa1−xZnxO2 Nanoplates
Authors: Xu Yingtian , Wang Guanxin , Ma Guanghui , Wu Hongda , Wang Xiaoyi , Shi Linlin , Zhang He , Jin Liang , Ma Xiaohui , Zou Yonggang , Yin Jingzhi
Published: April 2019

This study reports the synthesis of Zn‐doped hexagonal CuGaO2 (CGO) nanoplates (NPs) and CuGa1−xZnxO2 NPs/ZnO nanowires (NWs) array heterostructures through a hydrothermal method. Remarkably, the absorption properties of CuGa1−xZnxO2 NPs show three absorption regions which can be ascribed to the direct bandgap absorption, defect level absorption, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption. A dramatically increased LSPR absorption peak is induced by Zn‐doped CGO NPs fabricated in high precursor concentration conditions, and the absorption intensity of infrared region is increased by almost 13 times compared with pure CGO NPs. The hole carrier concentration of CuGa1−xZnxO2 NPs is estimated to be about 1021 cm−3 by the Drude model. Furthermore, the photoluminescence (PL) properties of CuGa1−xZnxO2 NPs/ZnO NWs heterojunctions under different Zn doping ratios have been studied, a further red‐shift appears in PL spectra with increasing Zn doping ratio. Combined with optical properties and facile processing method, these solution‐processed CuGa1−xZnxO2 NPs may offer a scalable and printable material solution for optoelectronic devices and nonlinear optics.
Impact on Ferroelectricity and Band Alignment of Gradually Grown Au on BaTiO3
Authors: Popescu Dana Georgeta , Husanu Marius Adrian , Chirila Cristina , Pintilie Lucian , Teodorescu Cristian Mihail
Published: April 2019

The competition between interface barrier in the Schottky–Mott limit and polarization driven mechanism is established during gradual formation of metal (Au) – ferroelectric (BaTiO3) interface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy provides core level energies and valence band positions in the contact region, to monitor the band alignment from the very first stages of metal deposition on BaTiO3. The band bending at metal/ferroelectric (FE) interface is extracted from the shift of core levels (Ba 3d, Ti 2p) as a function of the metal thickness. It is shown that the interface band alignment mechanism involves a well‐defined polarization orientation washing out the bending expected from the work function difference. The sudden modification of the binding energies within ferroelectric at the first 2 Å Au indicates that the ferroelectric compensation mechanism triggered by the metal overlayer initiates already at ultrathin top layer, while subsequent growth contributes only at a gradual correction of the potential in the FE. The emerging picture is confirmed in first‐principle calculation indicating the preferences of Au to grow preferentially to different terminated regions and to stabilize distinct ferroelectric polarization.
Ultra‐Long Lifetimes of Single Quantum Emitters in Monolayer WSe2/hBN Heterostructures
Authors: Dass Chandriker Kavir , Khan Mahtab A. , Clark Genevieve , Simon Jeffrey A. , Gibson Ricky , Mou Shin , Xu Xiaodong , Leuenberger Michael N. , Hendrickson Joshua R.
Published: April 2019

Here, ultra‐long lifetimes of defect‐trapped single quantum emitters (SQEs) in monolayer WSe2/hBN heterostructures are reported. The lifetimes of these SQEs are approximately 225 ns, more than two orders of magnitude larger than what has been previously reported for defect‐trapped excitons in WSe2. These SQEs consist of co‐linearly polarized doublet peaks with a fine structure splitting of 0.45 meV. Second‐order correlation measurements show antibunched single‐photon emission with a g(2)(0) value of ≈0.13. Through numerical analysis and modeling, it is shown how such long‐lifetime single emitters can arise from bright and dark exciton coupling in antisite defects on the W sites. Additionally, high‐quality single‐photon emission over a wide range of lifetimes—from 2 ns to over 200 ns—is also reported, suggesting a variety of other possible defect structures present. The flexibility to generate high fidelity single‐photon emission, over a wide range of lifetimes in a single material system, has potential in many optical quantum computing applications from high‐bit‐rate single‐photon sources to quantum memory devices.
Approaches to treatment effect heterogeneity in the presence of confounding
Authors: Anoke Sarah C. , Normand Sharon‐Lise , Zigler Corwin M.
Published: April 2019

The literature on causal effect estimation tends to focus on the population mean estimand, which is less informative as medical treatments are becoming more personalized and there is increasing awareness that subpopulations of individuals may experience a group‐specific effect that differs from the population average. In fact, it is possible that there is underlying systematic effect heterogeneity that is obscured by focusing on the population mean estimand. In this context, understanding which covariates contribute to this treatment effect heterogeneity (TEH) and how these covariates determine the differential treatment effect (TE) is an important consideration. Towards such an understanding, this paper briefly reviews three approaches used in making causal inferences and conducts a simulation study to compare these approaches according to their performance in an exploratory evaluation of TEH when the heterogeneous subgroups are not known a priori. Performance metrics include the detection of any heterogeneity, the identification and characterization of heterogeneous subgroups, and unconfounded estimation of the TE within subgroups. The methods are then deployed in a comparative effectiveness evaluation of drug‐eluting versus bare‐metal stents among 54 099 Medicare beneficiaries in the continental United States admitted to a hospital with acute myocardial infarction in 2008.
Surface‐Modification‐Assisted Construction of Hierarchical Double‐Walled MnO2 Hollow Nanofibers for High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Lu Wei , Xing Yan , Ji Bai
Published: April 2019

To achieve effective energy conversion and storage device, a new type of electrode material with stable structure and large surface area is highly desirable. In this paper, a facile route was reported to synthesize hierarchical double‐walled MnO2 hollow nanofibers (MHNFs). Amine‐functionalized SiO2 hollow nanofibers were prepared as a template to adsorb the anionic MnO4−. After hydrothermal treatment, NH2‐SiO2@MnO2 hollow nanofibers were formed. Then by etching SiO2 with HF, the MHNFs were obtained. The as‐synthesized MHNFs were directly used as supercapacitor electrode, which achieved a specific capacitance value of 222.4 F g−1, as well as superior cycling capability (94% after 5000 cycles). The MHNFs and activated carborn were employed to assemble an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) in 1 M Na2SO4 solution. The device showed the highest energy density of 29.3 W h kg‐1 at 90 W kg‐1 and the highest power density of 7200 W kg‐1 at 7.2 W h kg‐1 within the voltage window of 0–1.8 V. These results make the as‐fabricated MHNFs a suitable electrode material for high efficient electrochemical supercapacitor.
A Targeting Membrane Injury Strategy via Calcification for the Inhibition of Leukemia Cells
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wang Ge , Ma Xiaoming , Yang Huayan , Guo Yuming , Yang Lin
Published: April 2019

Herein, a novel strategy was developed to inhibit leukemia cells via in situ calcification of biocompatible calcium phosphate targeting at cell membrane. Folic acid is selected as the adaptor of exogenous calcium/phosphate and leukemia cell membrane to induce in situ biomineralization and generate calcium phosphate on the membrane of leukemia cells. Our results demonstrate that the generated calcium phosphate coat significantly inhibits the proliferation of leukemia cells with the inhibition rate of 85%. Mechanistic studies indicate that the in situ calcification disrupts the integrity of cell membrane, increases the LDH leakage, damages the glycolysis ability, and induces the apoptosis. As such, the calcification strategy reported herein may be a potential leukemia therapy without the obvious side effect associated with standard chemotherapeutic drugs.
Polymer Brushes on Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Sheng Wenbo , Amin Ihsan , Neumann Christof , Dong Renhao , Zhang Tao , Wegener Erik , Chen Wei‐Liang , Förster Paul , Tran Hai Quang , Löffler Markus , Winter Andreas , Rodriguez Raul D. , Zschech Ehrenfried , Ober Christopher K. , Feng Xinliang , Turchanin Andrey , Jordan Rainer
Published: April 2019

Direct covalent functionalization of large‐area single‐layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with various polymer brushes under mild conditions is presented. The photopolymerization of vinyl monomers results in the formation of thick and homogeneous (micropatterned, gradient) polymer brushes covalently bound to hBN. The brush layer mechanically and chemically stabilizes the material and allows facile handling as well as long‐term use in water splitting hydrogen evolution reactions.
Synthesis of Bimetallic Conductive 2D Metal–Organic Framework (CoxNiy‐CAT) and Its Mass Production: Enhanced Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Activity
Authors: Yoon Hajin , Lee Sujeong , Oh Sojin , Park Heejun , Choi Sora , Oh Moonhyun
Published: April 2019

The development of new electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to replace expensive and rare platinum‐based catalysts is an important issue in energy storage and conversion research. In this context, conductive and porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered promising materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to not only their high surface area and well‐developed pores but also versatile structural features and chemical compositions. Herein, the preparation of bimetallic conductive 2D MOFs (CoxNiy‐CATs) are reported for use as catalysts in the ORR. The ratio of the two metal ions (Co2+ and Ni2+) in the bimetallic CoxNiy‐CATs is rationally controlled to determine the optimal composition of CoxNiy‐CAT for efficient performance in the ORR. Indeed, bimetallic MOFs display enhanced ORR activity compared to their monometallic counterparts (Co‐CAT or Ni‐CAT). During the ORR, bimetallic CoxNiy‐CATs retain an advantageous characteristic of Co‐CAT in relation to its high diffusion‐limiting current density, as well as a key advantage of Ni‐CAT in relation to its high onset potential. Moreover, the ORR‐active bimetallic CoxNiy‐CAT with excellent ORR activity is prepared at a large scale via a convenient method using a ball‐mill reactor.
The Impact of Self‐Perceived Relative Income on Life Satisfaction: Evidence from British Panel Data
Authors: Yu Han
Published: April 2019

This is the first article that uses panel data to investigate the impact of individuals' self‐perceived relative income on life satisfaction. Analyses show that the self‐perceived relative income has a significant impact on life satisfaction, but the impact is asymmetric. The decline in life satisfaction is much more significant due to perceiving a lower relative income in comparison to the rise in life satisfaction because of perceiving a higher relative income. Absolute income is only significantly and positively associated with life satisfaction in the pooled ordinary least squares estimations, but the association is never significantly different from zero when individual fixed effects are controlled. Household savings have a positive but small impact on life satisfaction. Among different financial‐related shocks, people's self‐perceived relative income varies the most due to changes in household net income, total savings, and employment status.
Green Synthesis of Lamellae Rhombohedra Boron Suboxide for Efficient Photoreduction Catalysis with Visible Light Response
Authors: Yan Dejian , Liu Pingle , Tao Qiang , Zhu Pinwen , Liu Jikai , Luo He'an
Published: April 2019

Exploring novel photocatalysts is one of the primary missions for photocatalytic solar energy conversion. Metal‐free photocatalysts are of particular recent interest due to the drawbacks of conventional metal‐based photocatalysts, such as high cost, lack of abundance, and environmental hazardousness. A facile, environmental‐benign, and scalable synthetic strategy of well‐crystalline B6O particles is presented. The ultralow synthetic temperature of 90 °C and ambient pressure are the most mild synthetic conditions for this material. The prepared B6O shows a lamellae structure and regular rhombohedra morphology with a remarkably large surface area of 93.82 m2 g−1. It is proposed that the mild crystallization via a twin plane re‐entrant edge mechanism may contribute to the unique morphology. The rhombohedra B6O “R‐B6O” is explored to perform efficient photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction without loading noble metal cocatalysts. The R‐B6O can also be used as a stable photocathode material for photoelectrochemical water reduction under visible light irradiation. The current work presents a new member to the family of metal‐free photocatalysts and photocathode materials.
Low‐Temperature Solution‐Processed ZnO Electron Transport Layer for Highly Efficient and Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 20%
Authors: Ma Jing , Lin Zhenhua , Guo Xing , Zhou Long , Su Jie , Zhang Chunfu , Yang Zhou , Chang Jingjing , (Frank) Liu Shengzhong , Hao Yue
Published: April 2019

ZnO is considered as a potential electron transport layer (ETL) in solar cells due to its high charge carrier mobility and low‐temperature processability. However, it is challenging to obtain highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using low‐temperature ZnO ETL due to the poor chemical compatibility between ZnO and perovskite films. Hence, proper surface passivation strategies of ZnO ETL are developed to enhance the ZnO/perovskite interface stability for highly efficient PSCs. In this study, low‐temperature TiOx post‐treatment is performed to passivate the ZnO surface, suppress the interface charge recombination, and stabilize the ZnO/perovskite interface. The fullerene treatment is further applied to enhance the electron transfer from perovskite to ZnO and reduce the hysteresis behavior. Finally, high‐performance PSCs with an efficiency of over 20% and improved stability are achieved.
CRISPR-Knockout Screen Identifies Dmap1 as a Regulator of Chemically Induced Reprogramming and Differentiation of Cardiac Progenitors
Authors: Yu Jason S. L. , Palano Giorgia , Lim Cindy , Moggio Aldo , Drowley Lauren , Plowright Alleyn T. , Bohlooly-Y Mohammad , Rosen Barry S. , Hansson Emil M. , Wang Qing-Dong , Yusa Kosuke
Published: April 2019

Direct in vivo reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into myocytes is an attractive therapeutic intervention in resolving myogenic deterioration. Current transgene-dependent approaches can restore cardiac function, but dependence on retroviral delivery and persistent retention of transgenic sequences are significant therapeutic hurdles. Chemical reprogramming has been established as a legitimate method to generate functional cell types, including those of the cardiac lineage. Here, we have extended this approach to generate progenitor cells that can differentiate into endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes using a single inhibitor protocol. Depletion of terminally differentiated cells and enrichment for proliferative cells result in a second expandable progenitor population that can robustly give rise to myofibroblasts and smooth muscle. Deployment of a genome-wide knockout screen with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-guide RNA library to identify novel mediators that regulate the reprogramming revealed the involvement of DNA methyltransferase 1-associated protein 1 (Dmap1). Loss of Dmap1 reduced promoter methylation, increased the expression of Nkx2-5, and enhanced the retention of self-renewal, although further differentiation is inhibited because of the sustained expression of Cdh1. Our results hence establish Dmap1 as a modulator of cardiac reprogramming and myocytic induction. Stem Cells  2019;37:958–972
First‐Principles Study of Na‐Ion Battery Performance and Reaction Mechanism of Tin Sulfide as Negative Electrode
Authors: Kotaka Hiroki , Momida Hiroyoshi , Kitajou Ayuko , Okada Shigeto , Oguchi Tamio
Published: April 2019

We study the Na‐ion battery characteristics of SnS as a negative electrode by first‐principles calculations. From energy analyses, we clarify the discharge reaction process of the Na/SnS half‐cell system. We show a phase diagram of Na−Sn−S ternary systems by constructing convex‐hull curves, and show a possible reaction route considering intermediate products in discharge reactions. Voltage‐capacity curves are calculated based on the Na−SnS reaction path that is obtained from the ternary phase diagram. It is found that the conversion reactions and subsequently the alloying reactions proceed in the SnS electrode, contributing to its high capacity compared with the metallic Sn electrode, in which only the alloying reactions progresses stepwise. To verify the calculated reaction process, x‐ray absorption spectra (XAS) are calculated and compared with experimental XAS at S K‐edge, showing meaningful XAS changes associated with Na2S and SnS in discharged and charged states, respectively.
Motives, choice of entry mode, and challenges of bank internationalization: Evidence from China
Authors: He Weijing , Boateng Agyenim , Ring Patrick
Published: April 2019

This study examines the motives, entry mode choice, and challenges of the international expansion in an emerging country context. Data were collected via interviews from 30 senior managers based on a sample of 10 Chinese commercial banks (CCBs) involved in international expansion over the period of 2001–2013. This study finds greenfield and mergers and acquisitions are the most popular foreign entry mode used by CCBs. The motives of emerging market banks’ internationalization appear to be intrinsically linked to market development to serve customers operating in overseas market, government policies, and strategic knowledge sourcing. In terms of challenges, the study finds lack of management resources/technical capacity, culture, adapting to the host country regulatory environment, and lack of experience to be the main challenges to bank internationalization.
On considering climate resilience in urban water security: A review of the vulnerability of the urban poor in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Grasham Catherine F. , Korzenevica Marina , Charles Katrina J.
Published: April 2019

Climate shock‐related water insecurity has a significant impact on poverty, and vice versa, with poor people adversely impacted by different hazards. Many studies have focused on rural communities resulting in a lack of evidence on the vulnerability of urban dwellers. In this review, we explore the literature on the vulnerability of the urban poor to floods, droughts, and cholera in Sub‐Saharan Africa. We particularly highlight the structural challenges and systemic inequalities that are increasing the vulnerability of the urban poor including the differential experiences of women and children. We conclude that poor people have: unequal opportunities to cope with shocks, being deprived from access to water services that wealthier households have; their needs are inequitably ignored; and cumulative vulnerability that reverberates climate shocks into smaller consequences that can have dramatic effects. Therefore, the pathways out of poverty are limited for the urban poor. This is not only due to factors of political economy such as the location and construction materials of houses, but also legacies of discrimination and their reproduction. Individual vulnerabilities are frequently increased due to the roles and responsibilities assigned to people of particular genders and/or ages. We find that these differential vulnerabilities are crucial yet poorly researched. There is also a lack of evidence for the manifold effects of drought on the urban poor. Building on the urban climate resilience literature we argue that policy makers and practitioners must consider who water security is for.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Projecting biological impacts from climate change like a climate scientist
Authors: Urban Mark C.
Published: April 2019

Our ability to project changes to the climate via anthropogenic forcing has steadily increased over the last five decades. Yet, biologists still lack accurate projections about climate change impacts. Despite recent advances, biologists still often rely on correlative approaches to make projections, ignore important mechanisms, develop models with limited coordination, and lack much of the data to inform projections and test them. In contrast, atmospheric scientists have incorporated mechanistic data, established a global network of weather stations, and apply multi‐model inference by comparing divergent model projections. I address the following questions: How have the two fields developed through time? To what degree does biological projection differ from climate projection? What is needed to make similar progress in biological projection? Although the challenges in biodiversity projections are great, I highlight how biology can make substantial progress in the coming years. Most obstacles are surmountable and relate to history, lag times, scientific culture, international organization, and finances. Just as climate change projections have improved, biological modeling can improve in accuracy by incorporating mechanistic understanding, employing multi‐model ensemble approaches, coordinating efforts worldwide, and validating projections against records from a well‐designed network of biotic stations. Now that climate scientists can make better projections of climate change, biologists need to project and prevent its impacts on biodiversity.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Modeling Species and Community Interactions
A Note on the Effect of Religiosity on Fertility
Authors: Herzer Dierk
Published: April 2019

Very few studies have examined the effect of religiosity on fertility at the macro level. This note extends these studies by using a larger data set and more advanced econometric techniques. In addition, this note estimates the macro-level effect of religiosity on fertility both for a total sample of 25 Christian countries between 1925 and 2000 and for three subsamples: Catholic, Protestant, and mixed Catholic-Protestant countries. Results show that religiosity, in general, has a positive long-run effect on fertility. However, this effect is not significant for Catholic countries.
Prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia induces oxidative stress and accelerates ‘aging’ of mammalian neuromuscular synapses
Authors: Khuzakhmetova Venera , Yakovleva Olga , Dmitrieva Svetlana , Khaertdinov Nail , Ziyatdinova Guzel , Giniatullin Rashid , Yakovlev Aleksey , Bukharaeva Ellya , Sitdikova Guzel
Published: April 2019

Enhanced levels of homocysteine during pregnancy induce oxidative stress and contribute to many age‐related diseases. In this study, we analyzed age‐dependent synaptic modifications in developing neuromuscular synapses of rats with prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia (hHCY). One of the main findings indicate that the intensity and the timing of transmitter release in synapses of neonatal (P6 and P10) hHCY rats acquired features of matured synaptic transmission of adult rats. The amplitude and frequency of miniature end‐plate currents (MEPCs) and evoked transmitter release were higher in neonatal hHCY animals compared to the control group. Analysis of the kinetics of neurotransmitter release demonstrated more synchronized release in neonatal rats with hHCY. At the same time lower release probability was observed in adults with hHCY. Spontaneous transmitter release in neonates with hHCY was inhibited by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) whereas in controls this oxidant was effective only in adult animals indicating a higher susceptibility of motor nerve terminals to oxidative stress. The morphology and the intensity of endocytosis of synaptic vesicles in motor nerve endings was assessed using the fluorescence dye FM 1‐43. Adult‐like synapses were found in neonates with hHCY which were characterized by a larger area of presynaptic terminals compared to controls. No difference in the intensity of FM 1‐43 fluorescence was observed between two groups of animals. Prenatal hHCY resulted in reduced muscle strength assessed by the Paw Grip Endurance test. Using biochemical assays we found an increased level of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation products in the diaphragm muscles of hHCY rats. This was associated with a lowered activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Our data indicate that prenatal hHCY induces oxidative stress and apparent faster functional and morphological “maturation” of motor synapses. Our results uncover synaptic mechanisms of disrupted muscle function observed in hHCY conditions which may contribute to the pathogenesis of motor neuronal diseases associated with enhanced level of homocysteine.
No synergistic effect of subtherapeutic doses of donepezil and EVP‐6124 in healthy elderly subjects in a scopolamine challenge model
Authors: Baakman Anne Catrien , Alvarez‐Jimenez Ricardo , Loewen Gordon , de Kam Marieke L. , Broekhuizen Karen , Hilt Dana C. , Groeneveld Geert Jan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Donepezil is a widely used cholinesterase inhibitor in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Despite large‐scaled evidence for its efficacy, elevated peripheral ACh levels often lead to side effects and are dose limiting. The present exploratory study is designed to determine the potentiation of the effects of donepezil by cotreatment with EVP‐6124, an alpha‐7 nicotinic agonist, to reduce scopolamine‐induced cognitive deficits in healthy elderly subjects. Secondary objectives are to explore safety and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics effects of EVP‐6124 alone and in combination with donepezil compared to placebo.

Methods

A phase I randomized, single‐center, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, five‐way, partial crossover study was performed with donepezil 2.5, 5 mg or placebo combined with EVP‐6124 0.3, 1, 2, 4 mg or placebo in three cohorts of healthy elderly subjects in a scopolamine (0.3 mg i.v.) challenge test. Safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 36 subjects completed the study. Donepezil pharmacokinetic parameters were similar with and without EVP‐6124. Effective dose combinations were donepezil/EVP‐6124(5/2 mg) and donepezil/EVP‐6124 (5/0.3 mg) and showed improvements of the delayed recall of the Visual Verbal Learning Test (1.2; CI = 0.1–2.3) and reaction time during the two‐back condition of the N‐back (−42; CI = −77, −8), respectively. Overall, no marked reversal of scopolamine effects was observed.

Discussion

This study shows no synergistic effect of subtherapeutic doses of donepezil and EVP‐6124 in a scopolamine challenge model in healthy elderly subjects. Dosing of scopolamine and the combination of donepezil and EVP‐6124 requires further study.
Thomas Jefferson
Authors: Moses Wilson Jeremiah
Published: April 2019

In Thomas Jefferson: A Modern Prometheus, Wilson Jeremiah Moses provides a critical assessment of Thomas Jefferson and the Jeffersonian influence. Scholars of American history have long debated the legacy of Thomas Jefferson. However, Moses deviates from other interpretations by positioning himself within an older, 'Federalist' historiographic tradition, offering vigorous and insightful commentary on Jefferson, the man and the myth. Moses specifically focuses on Jefferson's complexities and contradictions. Measuring Jefferson's political accomplishments, intellectual contributions, moral character, and other distinguishing traits against contemporaries like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin but also figures like Machiavelli and Frederick the Great, Moses contends that Jefferson fell short of the greatness of others. Yet amid his criticism of Jefferson, Moses paints him as a cunning strategist, an impressive intellectual, and a consummate pragmatist who continually reformulated his ideas in a universe that he accurately recognized to be unstable, capricious, and treacherous.
Space Resources in the Evolutionary Course of Space Lawmaking
Authors: Israel Brian R.
Published: April 2019

The United States’ enactment of the Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act of 2015 marked a significant turn in the evolutionary course of space lawmaking, although not for the reasons commonly cited. The Act is noteworthy not for its substance, but as a symptom of emerging structural change in how space law is made, and by whom. Using space resources as a case study, this essay charts this evolutionary shift in space lawmaking and assesses its implications for the international regime on which a growing and increasingly diverse range of space operators depend.
International Law and Security in Outer Space: Now and Tomorrow
Authors: King Matthew T. , Blank Laurie R.
Published: April 2019

Once the domain of a few spacefaring nations, outer space has exploded with new actors, state and private, in recent years. New actors and activities bring new potential threats and concerns for new and existing actors alike. In this complex environment, where mistrust and misunderstanding often prevail, international law can play an important role in bridging gaps and creating predictability, clarity, and consistency. Although new treaty law is unlikely, the ordinary incremental international law processes of state practice, opinio juris, and international jurisprudence will help to resolve critical questions about the content and application of international law in outer space over time.
Space Traffic Management: Standardizing On-Orbit Behavior
Authors: Blount P.J.
Published: April 2019

As the number and intensity of space activities increase, so will the need for rules on Space Traffic Management (STM). Emerging technologies such as mega-constellations, which are satellite constellations consisting of hundreds or even thousands of satellites, may stretch the limits of the current informal coordination system. The goal of this essay is to discuss the critical elements of a system of STM that would, through standardization, establish trust in the resulting system. The standardization elements will be divided into three categories: data standards, processing standards, and legal standards. I argue that a system of STM requires standardized practices that are based on a strong technical foundation in order to enhance trust among space actors. After discussing the types of standards that are needed for STM, I turn to possible paths for achieving a globally effective STM system.
The Proper Work of the Intellect
Authors: TREANOR NICK
Published: April 2019

There is a familiar teleological picture of epistemic normativity on which it is grounded in the goal or good of belief, which is taken in turn to be the acquisition of truth and the avoidance of error. There is also a widespread platitude to the effect that this is at heart two distinct goals in tension with one another. The teleological picture faces numerous challenges, but one of the most interesting is an argument that rests on this platitude. This paper looks more closely at the standard way of understanding the truth goal, drawing out its explicit and implicit features. The aim will be to show that the standard way the truth goal is understood is deeply mistaken, to propose and defend an alternative model, and to show how this alternative model restores the unity of the goal and its potential to ground and explain the normative dimensions of belief.
The Natures of Moral Acts
Authors: KASPAR DAVID
Published: April 2019

Normative ethics asks: What makes right acts right? W. D. Ross attempted to answer this question inThe Right and the Good(1930). Most theorists have agreed that Ross provided no systematic explanatory answers. Ross's intuitionism lacks any decision procedure, and, as McNaughton (2002: 91) states, it ‘turns out after all to have nothing general to say about the relative stringency of our basic duties’. Here I will show that my own Rossian intuitionism does have a systematic way of explaining what makes right acts right. Deontological theories have struggled to say what internal to acts could make them right. From Price to Ross, the striking but uninformative answer has beenthe natureof the act. In this paper I will provide a Rossian theory of the moral natures of acts. It contains a set of self-evident principles of moral stringency and other considerations that can assist agents in deciding what prima facie duty overrides what.
AN INVITATION TO MODEL THEORY AND C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: LUPINI MARTINO
Published: April 2019

We present an introductory survey to first order logic for metric structures and its applications to C*-algebras.
Early Jurassic protobranch bivalves from Chubut, Argentina
Authors: Damborenea Susana E. , Pagani María Alejandra
Published: April 2019

Knowledge on Early Jurassic marine fossil invertebrates from Argentina is very uneven. Particularly, faunas from Chubut Province received less attention and were thought to be poorer than those from the Neuquén Basin. Nevertheless, an updated revision of bivalves shows that some groups, such as the Protobranchia, were relatively more diverse in Chubut than in Neuquén during late Pliensbachian–early Toarcian times. Only four species are known from the southern areas of the Neuquén Basin, while seven species (three of them new) are here described from Chubut, belonging to the families Nuculidae, Nuculanidae, Polidevciidae, and Malletiidae. The new species are:Palaeonucula feruglioin. sp.,Ryderia tehuelchanan. sp., andPhaenodesmia?piatnitzkyin. sp. The material is well preserved and allows a detailed analysis of their hinge regions and other internal characters. The presence in Chubut ofPalaeoneilo?patagonidica(Leanza) is confirmed, which, along withPraesaccella ovum(Sowerby), are the only two species in common with the Neuquén Basin. The new speciesRyderia tehuelchana, belonging to a genus that had a wide global distribution between Rhaetian and Toarcian times, but which was known from South America only for upper Triassic deposits, is of special paleobiogeographic interest. These bivalves are restricted to normal marine environments, and due to their detritivorous feeding habits they only live in organic-rich bottoms as very active shallow burrowers.

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