bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V
icinamibacter
Authors: Huber Katharina J. , Overmann Jörg
Published: June 2019

Vi.cin.a.mi.bac'ter. L. masc. n.
vicinus
neighbor; L. v.
amare
love; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
a short rod; N.L. masc. n.
Vicinamibacter
rod‐shaped bacterium that loves its neighbor referring to the strong formation of aggregates even during growth in rapidly shaken liquid cultures.

Acidobacteria / ‘Vicinamibacteria’ / ‘Vicinamibacterales’ / Vicinamibacteraceae / Vicinamibacter

The genus
Vicinamibacter
currently comprises one representative that is an aerobic, chemoorganotrophic mesophile and adapted to a broad range of temperature and pH values. Cells stain Gram‐negative and neither form spores nor capsules. The immotile rods divide by binary fission. On agar plates, solid colonies are formed. In liquid culture, cells form tight aggregates, which cannot be disrupted without damaging the cells; single cells might also occur. Cytochrome
c‐
oxidase and catalase activity tests are positive. The single known
Vicinamibacter
species grows on different sugars, organic acids, nucleic acids, and complex proteinaceous compounds. NaCl concentrations up to 1% (w/v) are tolerated. Resistant to ampicillin, carbenicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin and susceptible to spectinomycin and streptomycin. The major fatty acids are iso‐C
17:1
ω9
c
, C
18:1
ω7
c
or ω11
c
, iso‐C
15:0,
summed feature 3 (C
16:1
ω7
c
/C
16:1
ω6
c
), iso‐C
17:0
, and C
16:0
.
Iso
‐diabolic acid and 6‐methyl
iso
‐diabolic are present. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and an unidentified glycolipid are the major polar lipids. MK‐8 is the major quinone. The type strain of the genus
Vicinamibacter
originated from a subtropical savannah riparian woodland soil.

DNA G
+
C content (mol%)
: 65.9 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Vicinamibacter silvestris
Huber, Geppert, Wanner, Fösel, Wüst and Overmann 2016, 2976
VP
.
H
alarsenatibacter
Authors: Oremland Ronald S. , Blum Jodi Switzer , Stolz John F. , Saltikov Chad W. , Lanoil Brian
Published: June 2019

Hal.ar.se.na.ti.bac
'
ter. Gr. n.
hals, halos,
salt, N.L. n.
arsenas, ‐atis
, arsenate, N.L. masc. n.
bacter
, rod; N.L. masc. n.
Halarsenatibacter
, the salty, arsenate‐respiring rod.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Halanaerobiales / Halanaerobiaceae / Halarsenatibacter

The genus
Halarsenatibacter
is classified into the family
Halanaerobiaceae
, order
Halanaerobiales,
and in the class
Clostridia
. Currently, a single species,
H. silvermanii
, has been described. This haloalkaliphilic, motile bacterium stains Gram‐negative and is shaped as a slightly curved rod.
H. silvermanii
is an obligate anaerobe that uses arsenate, Fe(III), or elemental sulfur as electron acceptors for chemoheterotrophic growth with electron donors such as lactate, pyruvate, malate, and sugars such as galactose, sucrose, and fructose. Fermentative growth was not observed. Chemoautotrophic growth occurs with sulfide as the electron donor and arsenate as the electron acceptor, but cells lack RubisCO activity as the means for CO
2
fixation. The major membrane fatty acids included saturated branched (46%), unsaturated branched (10%), normal saturated (32.5%), and normal unsaturated (11.2%) fatty acids as detailed in Switzer Blum et al. (2009a).

DNA G + C
content (
mol%
): 42.5 as analyzed by HPLC by the DSM.

Type species
:
Halarsenatibacter silvermanii
Switzer Blum, Han, Lanoil, Saltikov, Witte, Tabita et al., 2009b, 1985
VP
(Effective publication: Switzer Blum, Han, Lanoil, Saltikov, Witte, Tabita et al., 2009a, 1959).
An Effective Friction Spot Joining Method for Plastic and Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Xiong Xuhai , Li Mingshen , Ji Shude , Yan Dejun , Liu Zhenlei
Published: June 2019

An effective joining method called friction spot riveting (FSR) is put forward to join AA6061‐T6 and polypropylene (PP) by improving mechanical interlocking. The lap configuration of the upper Al and the lower plastic sheets is employed, and through hole are pre‐fabricated on the upper Al sheets. The results show that the plastic is heated and softened under frictional heat and forging pressure. They are squeezed into the pre‐fabricated holes, forming rivet structures. Sound metal/plastic joints are obtained via rivets made of plastics. Moreover, a tight joining formed at the interface between metals and plastics due to van der Waals bond. However, the main joining mechanism is the mechanical interlocking induced by the plastic rivets. The maximum tensile shear load of the FSR joint reached 288 N. The tensile shear specimens fractured at the plastic rivets between metals and plastics.
Strategies toward High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Lateral Photodetectors
Authors: Lin Tao , Wang Jizheng
Published: June 2019

Due to their low cost and ease of integration, solution‐processed lateral photodetectors (PDs) are becoming an important device type among the PD family. In recent years, enormous effort has been devoted to improving their performances, and great achievements have been made. A summary of the core progress, especially from the perspective of design principles and device physics, is necessary to further the development of the field, but is currently lacking. Here, to address this need, first, the working mechanism of PDs and the device figures‐of‐merit are introduced. Second, by classifying the active materials into four categories, including inorganic, organic, hybrid, and perovskite, the developed strategies toward high performance are discussed respectively. To close, the common physical rules behind all these strategies are generalized, and suggestions for future development are given accordingly.
3D Helix Engineering in Chiral Photonic Materials
Authors: Kragt Augustinus J. J. , Hoekstra Davey C. , Stallinga Sjoerd , Broer Dirk J. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: June 2019

Engineering the helical structure of chiral photonic materials in three dimensions remains a challenge. 3D helix engineered photonic materials are fabricated by local stratification in a photopolymerizable chiral nematic liquid crystal. The obtained chiral photonic materials reflect both handedness of circular polarized light and show super‐reflectivity. Simulations match the experimentally observed photonic properties and reveal a distorted helical structure. 3D engineered polymer films can be made that reflect both left‐ and right handed circular and linear polarized light dependent and exhibit a changing color contrast upon altering the polarization of incident light. Hence, these 3D engineered photonic materials are of interest for new and emerging applications ranging from anti‐counterfeit labels and data encryption to aesthetics and super‐reflective films.
Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Introduced BaSnO3−δ Photoanodes with Tunable Band Structures for Efficient Solar‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Kim Myeongjin , Lee Byeongyong , Ju Hyun , Kim Jin Young , Kim Jooheon , Lee Seung Woo
Published: June 2019

To achieve excellent photoelectrochemical water‐splitting activity, photoanode materials with high light absorption and good charge‐separation efficiency are essential. One effective strategy for the production of materials satisfying these requirements is to adjust their band structure and corresponding bandgap energy by introducing oxygen vacancies. A simple chemical reduction method that can systematically generate oxygen vacancies in barium stannate (BaSnO3 (BSO)) crystal is introduced, which thus allows for precise control of the bandgap energy. A BSO photoanode with optimum oxygen‐vacancy concentration (8.7%) exhibits high light‐absorption and good charge‐separation capabilities. After deposition of FeOOH/NiOOH oxygen evolution cocatalysts on its surface, this photoanode shows a remarkable photocurrent density of 7.32 mA cm−2 at a potential of 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under AM1.5G simulated sunlight. Moreover, a tandem device constructed with a perovskite solar cell exhibits an operating photocurrent density of 6.84 mA cm−2 and stable gas production with an average solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of 7.92% for 100 h, thus functioning as an outstanding unbiased water‐splitting system.
Identification of kinetic models of methanol oxidation on silver in the presence of uncertain catalyst behavior
Authors: Quaglio Marco , Bezzo Fabrizio , Gavriilidis Asterios , Cao Enhong , Al‐Rifai Noor , Galvanin Federico
Published: June 2019

Catalytic oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde is an important industrial process due to the value of formaldehyde either as a final product or as a precursor of numerous chemicals. The study of kinetics in this system is hindered by sources of uncertainty that are inherently associated to the nature and state of the catalyst (e.g., uncertain reactivity level, deactivation phenomena), the measurement system and the structure of the kinetic model equations. In this work, a simplified kinetic model is identified from data collected from continuous flow microreactor systems where catalysts with assorted levels of reactivity are employed. Tailored model‐based data mining methods are proposed and applied for the effective estimation of the kinetic parameters and for identifying robust experimental conditions to be exploited for the kinetic characterization of catalysts with different reactivity, whose kinetic behavior is yet to be investigated.
Mimicking Neurotransmitter Release and Long‐Term Plasticity by Oxygen Vacancy Migration in a Tunnel Junction Memristor
Authors: Tan Hongwei , Majumdar Sayani , Qin Qihang , Lahtinen Jouko , van Dijken Sebastiaan
Published: June 2019

Activated by action potentials and Ca2+ ion migration, neurotransmitters in biological synapses are released from vesicles at the presynaptic membrane to the cleft and bonded to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. The bonded neurotransmitters modify the electrochemical properties of the postsynaptic membrane and, thereby, the synaptic plasticity, which forms the basis for learning, memory, emotion, cognition, and consciousness. Here, the oxygen vacancy transport in Au/SrTiO3 (STO)/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) tunnel junctions is exploited to mimic neurotransmission processes in an artificial ionic electronic device. Using voltage pulses of varying number, amplitude, and polarity, it is demonstrated that reversible oxygen vacancy migration across the STO/LSMO interface provides stable multilevel resistance switching for octal memory devices and resembles the quantal, stochastic, and excitatory or inhibitory nature of neurotransmitter release dynamics. Moreover, fundamental synaptic behaviors including long‐term potentiation/depression and various types of spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity characteristics are emulated, opening a promising biorealistic approach to the design of neuromorphic devices.
Clinical outcomes with unfractionated heparin monitored by anti‐factor Xa vs. activated partial Thromboplastin time
Authors: Coons James C. , Iasella Carlo J. , Thornberg Megan , Fitzmaurice Mary Grace , Goehring Kimberly , Jablonski Lindsay , Leader Dominic , Meyer Abby , Seo Hangil , Benedict Neal J. , Smith Roy E.
Published: June 2019

Anti‐factor Xa (anti‐Xa) monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) is associated with less time to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation compared to the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). However, it is unknown whether clinical outcomes differ between these methods of monitoring. The aim of this research was to compare the rate of venous thrombosis and bleeding events in patients that received UFH monitored by anti‐Xa compared to the aPTT. A retrospective review of electronic health records identified adult patients that received UFH given intravenously (IV) for ≥2 days, with either anti‐Xa or aPTT monitoring at an academic tertiary care hospital. This was a pre/post study design conducted between January 1 to December 30, 2014 (aPTT), and January 1 to December 30, 2016 (anti‐Xa). All UFH adjustments were based on institutional nomograms. The primary outcome was venous thrombosis and the secondary outcome was bleeding, both of which occurred between UFH administration and discharge from the index hospitalization. A total of 2500 patients were in the anti‐Xa group and 2847 patients aPTT group. Venous thrombosis occurred in 10.2% vs 10.8% of patients in the anti‐Xa and aPTT groups, respectively (P = .49). Bleeding occurred in 33.7% vs 33.6% of patients in the anti‐Xa and aPTT groups, respectively (P = .94). Anti‐Xa monitoring was not an independent predictor of either outcome in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Our study found no difference in clinical outcomes between anti‐Xa and aPTT‐based monitoring of UFH IV.
Evolution of Nucleic‐Acid‐Based Constitutional Dynamic Networks Revealing Adaptive and Emergent Functions
Authors: Yue Liang , Wulf Verena , Wang Shan , Willner Itamar
Published: June 2019

The evolution of networks is a fundamental unresolved issue in developing the area of systems chemistry. We introduce a versatile rewiring mechanism that leads to the emergence of nucleic‐acid‐based constitutional dynamic networks (CDNs). A two‐component constituent AA′ functionalized with a Mg2+‐ion‐dependent DNAzyme activator unit forms a complex with an intact hairpin HBB′ composed of B and B′ sequences. Cleavage of HBB′ leads to the two‐component constituent BB′, and its rewiring with AA′ yields CDN X composed of the equilibrated constituents AA′, AB′, BA′, and BB′. In analogy, subjecting AA′ to an intact hairpin HCC′ leads to the formation of CDN Y consisting of AA′, AC′, CA′, and CC′. Subjecting AA′ to the mixture of HBB′ and HCC′ evolves the [3×3] CDN Z, composed of nine constituents, thus demonstrating hierarchical adaptive properties. Furthermore, the DNAzyme units associated with the constituents are applied to tailor emerging catalytic functions from the different CDNs.
Co‐Assembled Supramolecular Nanostructure of Platinum(II) Complex through Helical Ribbon to Helical Tubes with Helical Inversion
Authors: Kim Ka Young , Kim Jaehyeong , Moon Cheol Joo , Liu Jinying , Lee Shim Sung , Choi Myong Yong , Feng Chuanliang , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: June 2019

We demonstrated the morphology transformation of co‐assemblies based on terpyridine‐based ligands (1R and 1S) possessing R‐ or S‐alanine analogues and their platinum(II) complex (2R‐Pt and 2S‐Pt). The right‐handed helical ribbon of the co‐assembly formed with 0.5 equivalents of 2R‐Pt to 1R was converted into the left‐handed helical ribbon with 0.6 equivalents of 2R‐Pt. The left‐handed helical ribbon structure of the co‐assembly became a tubular structure in the presence of 0.8–1.0 equivalents of 2R‐Pt. The morphology transformation via helical inversion at the supramolecular level was due to an orientation change of the amide groups caused by non‐covalent Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interactions between the terpyridine of 2R‐Pt and that of 2R‐Pt. This study provides insights into controlling the morphology of the transformation of helical ribbons into tubular structures through helicity inversion in co‐assembled supramolecular nanostructures based on platinum(II) complexes.
Alternating Radical Stabilities: A Convergent Route to Terminal and Internal Boronates
Authors: Huang Qi , Michalland Jean , Zard Samir Z.
Published: June 2019

Pinacolato boronates (Bpin) with an empty p‐orbital on boron stabilize an adjacent carbon radical, in contrast to diethanolamino boronates [B(DEA)] where the boron is sp3‐hybridized. By alternately placing a pinacol or diethanolamine moiety on the boron atom, thus stabilizing or not stabilizing the corresponding adjacent radical, it is possible to control the behavior of α‐boronyl xanthates and construct a large variety of terminal or internal boronates in a modular fashion. The remarkable tolerance of polar groups and the ability to introduce quaternary centers are particularly noteworthy features of this process.
Defluorosilylation of Industrially Relevant Fluoroolefins Using Nucleophilic Silicon Reagents
Authors: Coates Greg , Tan Hui Yee , Kalff Carolin , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: June 2019

A number of new magnesium and lithium silyl reagents were prepared and shown to be outstanding nucleophiles in reactions with industrially relevant fluoroolefins. These reactions result in a net transformation of either sp2 or sp3 C−F bonds into C−Si bonds by two modes of nucleophilic attack (SNV or SN2′). The methods are mild, proceeding with high chemo‐ and regioselectivity. Mechanistic pathways are described that lead to new substitution patterns from HFO‐1234yf, HFO‐1234ze, and HFO‐1336mzz, previously inaccessible by transition metal catalyzed difluorosilylation routes.
Pre‐oxidation of Gold Nanoclusters Results in a 66 % Anodic Electrochemiluminescence Yield and Drives Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Peng Huaping , Huang Zhongnan , Sheng Yilun , Zhang Xiangping , Deng Haohua , Chen Wei , Liu Juewen
Published: June 2019

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are attractive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters because of their excellent stability, near IR emission, and biocompatibility. However, their ECL quantum yield is relatively low, and our limited fundamental understanding has hindered rational improvement of this parameter. Herein, we report drastic enhancement of the ECL of ligand‐stabilized AuNCs by on‐electrode pre‐oxidation with triethylamine (TEA) as a co‐reactant. The l‐methionine‐stabilized AuNCs resulted in a record high ECL yield of 66 %. This strategy was successfully extended to other AuNCs, and it is more effective for ligand shells that allow more effective electron transfer. In addition, excitation of the pre‐oxidized ECL required a lower potential than conventional methods, and no additional instrument was required. This work opens avenues for solving a challenging problem of AuNC‐based ECL probes and enriches fundamental understanding, greatly broadening their potential applications.
Making JP‐10 Superfuel Affordable with a Lignocellulosic Platform Compound
Authors: Li Guangyi , Hou Baolin , Wang Aiqin , Xin Xuliang , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Li Ning , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of renewable jet fuel from lignocellulosic platform compounds has drawn a lot of attention in recent years. So far, most work has concentrated on the production of conventional jet fuels. JP‐10 is an advanced jet fuel currently obtained from fossil energy. Due to its excellent properties, JP‐10 has been widely used in military aircraft. However, the high price and low availability limit its application in civil aviation. Here, we report a new strategy for the synthesis of bio‐JP‐10 fuel from furfuryl alcohol that is produced on an industrial scale from agricultural and forestry residues. Under the optimized conditions, bio‐JP‐10 fuel was produced with high overall carbon yields (≈65 %). A preliminary economic analysis indicates that the price of bio‐JP‐10 fuel can be greatly decreased from ≈7091 US$/ton (by fossil route) to less than 5600 US$/ton using our new strategy. This work makes the practical application of bio‐JP‐10 fuel forseeable.
Sesquiterpene Cyclizations inside the Hexameric Resorcinarene Capsule: Total Synthesis of δ‐Selinene and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Zhang Qi , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: June 2019

The synthesis of terpene natural products remains a challenging task due to the enormous structural diversity in this class of compounds. Synthetic catalysts are unable to reproduce the tail‐to‐head terpene cyclization of cyclase enzymes, which create this diversity from just a few simple linear terpene substrates. Recently, supramolecular structures have emerged as promising enzyme mimetics. In the present study, the hexameric resorcinarene capsule was utilized as an artificial cyclase to catalyze the cyclization of sesquiterpenes. With the cyclization reaction as the key step, the first total synthesis of the sesquiterpene natural product δ‐selinene was achieved. This represents the first total synthesis of a sesquiterpene natural product that is based on the cyclization of a linear terpene precursor inside a supramolecular catalyst. To elucidate the reaction mechanism, detailed kinetic studies and kinetic isotope measurements were performed. Surprisingly, the obtained kinetic data indicated that a rate‐limiting encapsulation step is operational in the cyclization of sesquiterpenes.
Degradation and bioavailability of dried alginate hydrocolloid capsules in simulated soil system
Authors: Achmon Yigal , Dowdy F. Ryan , Simmons Christopher W. , Zohar‐Perez Cheinat , Rabinovitz Zahi , Nussinovitch Amos
Published: June 2019

Hydrocolloid capsules are common chemical carriers used in many types of applications in foods, biotechnology, and agriculture. Alginate microbeads and macrobeads are some of the more prevalent types of hydrocolloid capsules. Most studies to date have focused on alginate carrier applications but only a few have looked at their bioavailability after use. In this study, alginate carriers were subjected to simulated field conditions and their biodegradation in the soil was evaluated by respiration measurements, visualization, and volatile solids reduction. Using respiration rate, the degradation rate was calculated at 32 ± 3.1% (w/w) after 2 months. The visually estimated volume and volatile solids reduction gave degradation rates of 40 ± 8.6% (v/v) and 22.5 ± 2.5% (w/w), respectively. Moreover, water‐loss calculations suggested that the carriers can serve as a stand‐alone soil amendment for water retention. These findings emphasize the importance of studying hydrocolloid bioavailability in the soil and alginate carrier suitability for future applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48142.
Robust control of connected vehicles via V2V communication
Authors: Shafiei Shahriyar , Kamalirad Amir M. , Taghavipour Amir
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces a robust controller for connected vehicles which are communicating through dedicated short‐range communication (DSRC) protocol to avoid collision and improve safety. By a comprehensive analysis on both longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the vehicles, the controller covers a wide range of collision avoidance scenarios, such as: Intersection Movement Assistant (IMA), Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) and Lane Change Warning (LCW). By implementing an advanced Sliding Mode Controller (SMC), the effect of uncertainties will be mitigated for a variety of path plans. It turns out that the proposed control scheme can robustly improve the safety. Finally, we optimize the performance of vehicles in tracking the paths by an MPC controller.
Discovery of (E)‐5,5‐Difluoro‐1‐[2‐[5‐(3‐fluorophenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]vinyl]octahydrospiro(indene‐2,5′‐oxazolidin)‐2′‐one as a PAR1 Antagonist
Authors: Park Chul Min , Lee Sunkyung , Song Jong‐Hwan , Lee Joo‐Youn
Published: June 2019

In a previous study, we showed that several octahydroindene derivatives are potent protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antagonists. In the current study, we prepared a series of trans‐fused 5,5‐difulorooctahydroindenes which do not have a C5 stereogenic center, and evaluated their biological activities and metabolic stabilities. Compound 19 in this series, containing a spirooxazolidinone moiety at C2, showed excellent efficacy in both PAR1 binding (IC50 = 70 nM) and human platelet rich plasma (PRP) aggregation (IC50 = 0.19 μM), along with good metabolic stability (R50 = 345.8, 337.2, and 43.4 min in human, rat, and monkey liver microsomes, each), which is comparable to that of vorapaxar. Four stereoisomers of 19 were prepared and evaluated. (1S,2R,3aR,7aR)‐5,5‐Difluoro‐1‐[(E)‐2‐[5‐(3‐fluorophenyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]vinyl]octahydrospiro(indene‐2,5′‐oxazolidin)‐2′‐one (31) was found to be the most active (IC50 = 21 nM) stereoisomer as PAR1 antagonist. Compound 31 exhibited good in vivo oral PK profiles and significant ex vivo antithrombotic efficacy in cynomolgus monkeys upon oral administration. When the plasma concentration of 31 was maintained above 200 ng/mL, platelet aggregation induced by haTRAP was completely inhibited.
Detection of synergistic effect of superoxide dismutase and jujubosides on scavenging superoxide anion radical by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wu Chuan‐Qin , Chen Guan‐Hua
Published: June 2019

A new capillary electrophoresis method was developed to study the synergistic effect of superoxide dismutase and jujuboside A or B on scavenging superoxide anion radical in serum matrix respectively, in which superoxide anion radical was generated from pyrogallol autoxidation. The electrophoresis conditions, and the factors affecting the productive rate of purpurogallin, such as pyrogallol autoxidation product and the activity of superoxide dismutase, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the content of superoxide dismutase in Gibco newborn calf serum was 7.06 mg/L, RSD was 2.01% and the average recovery was 98.4%. The values of IC50 for jujuboside A and B in the serum matrix were 157.67 and 31.60 mg/L respectively, and they both had synergy on scavenging superoxide anion radical with superoxide dismutase, but there was no the dose‐dependency on this synergy.
Going green, going clean: Lean‐green sustainability strategy and firm growth
Authors: Lartey Theophilus , Yirenkyi Diana Owusu , Adomako Samuel , Danso Albert , Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Alam Ashraful
Published: June 2019

Despite the widespread recognition of the paybacks of “going green” and “going clean,” limited research has focused on the impact of lean‐green strategy on firm growth. In this study, we contribute to strategy and environmental sustainability literatures by investigating the possibility that the influence on lean‐green strategy and firm growth is driven by different levels of industry competition, managerial power, and family ties. Using panel data from 732 firms in four major industrialized economies (the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom), we found that lean‐green strategy positively relates to firm growth and this relationship is amplified at higher levels of competition, managerial power, and family ties. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are also discussed.
A reflective practicum for transforming instructor's industrial skills into the teaching of radio frequency techniques and systems
Authors: Al‐Rizzo Hussain M. , Yahya Samer , Tariq Sulaiman , Hasan Mohammed Zaki
Published: June 2019

Contemporary electromagnetic computer‐aided design tools augmented with parametric and optimization capabilities are extensively used in industry for design, validation, and prototyping to reduce time‐to‐market, resources, cost, and risks associated with the development of new radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems. Unfortunately, this technology still remains largely underutilized in undergraduate systems engineering education. This paper describes an approach for stimulating the analysis and design learning experience of undergraduate systems engineering students by engaging them in the cooperative, experiential, simulation‐assisted teaching, and research activities utilizing project‐based pedagogy. A case study is chosen in the realm of microwave‐assisted material processing, which is not typically covered in undergraduate engineering curricula. The objective is to further increase students’ interest in electromagnetic and RF systems by providing a well‐rounded learning experience to break the monotony often encountered in the heavily theoretical and abstract topics involved with a minimum of complex analytical formulations, reinforce fundamental principles and mathematical analyses offered in the class, foster students’ motivation and enthusiasm, reflect on today's technological advancement in industry, and stimulate early participation of undergraduate students in open‐ended research problems.
Cascaded network with deep intensity manipulation for scene understanding
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Haoran , Chen Shaozhe , Piao Xinglin , Zhou Dongsheng , Zhang Qiang , Yin Baocai , Wei Xiaopeng
Published: June 2019

Scene understanding is essential to robotic navigation and autonomous driving as it provides semantic information to their controlling system. However, it will fail when processing low‐light images/videos captured under adverse weather or at night use state‐of‐the‐art scene understanding methods. A naive way to directly infer semantics from low‐light images is ill posed because the low‐light condition distorts pixel intensities and buries details. In order to address this problem, we propose the Deep Intensity Manipulation Network (DIMNet), which could relight the input images and recover the details, and combine the DIMNet with a scene understanding network to get a cascaded network to learn the semantics from low‐light images. Through learning pixel intensity manipulation, our method can generate images not only visually pleasing but also practical for scene understanding. Qualitative and quantitative experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and robust for both synthetic and real‐world images.
In‐Cell EPR: Progress towards Structural Studies Inside Cells
Authors: Bonucci Alessio , Ouari Olivier , Guigliarelli Bruno , Belle Valérie , Mileo Elisabetta
Published: June 2019

Exploring the structure and dynamics of biomolecules in the context of their intracellular environment has become the ultimate challenge for structural biology. As the cellular environment is barely reproducible in vitro, investigation of biomolecules directly inside cells has attracted a growing interest. Among magnetic resonance approaches, site‐directed spin labeling (SDSL) coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy provides competitive and advantageous features to capture protein structure and dynamics inside cells. To date, several in‐cell EPR approaches have been successfully applied to both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. In this review, the major advances of in‐cell EPR spectroscopy are summarized, as well as the challenges this approach still poses.
Deep Insight into Electrochemical Kinetics of Cowpea‐Like Li3VO4@C Nanowires as High‐Rate Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Min , Xiong Jian , Geng Hongbo , Zhang Yufei , Li Cheng Chao , Zhao Jinbao
Published: June 2019

Owing to the high theoretical capacity (394 mAh g−1) and appropriate lithiation voltage (0.5–1.0 V vs Li+/Li), Li3VO4 is highly regarded as an attractive anode candidate for high‐safety lithium‐ion batteries. However, its high‐rate performance is seriously restricted by the sluggish electrode kinetics. To address these problems, we synthesize cowpea‐like Li3VO4@C nanowires through a facile electrospinning method. In this well‐designed structure, Li3VO4 nanocrystals are uniformly encapsulated in conductive carbon nanofibers just like peas in their pods. The 1D morphology with high electronic conductivity can afford high Li+ ions diffusion rate and fast surface charge storage mechanism, leading to significantly enhanced electrochemical kinetics. Even after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1, the reversible capacity of cowpea‐like Li3VO4@C nanowires can be maintained at 318.0 mAh g−1 without obvious capacity decay.
Stability of multiple emulsions under shear stress
Authors: Luhede Laura , Wollborn Tobias , Fritsching Udo
Published: June 2019

Multiple liquid emulsions of the water in oil in water (W1/O/W2) type are used in a variety of consumer or technical applications, for instance in the encapsulation of certain active ingredients. The encapsulation process and release mechanisms of the inner phase of the carrier drops are important in order to properly process and formulate such liquid‐liquid systems. In this work the stability and breakage of multiple W1/O/W2 emulsions under mechanical shear stress are investigated for emulsions with different surfactants and surfactant concentrations of the internal emulsion. Stressing the emulsions in a mechanical stirring process is compared to the membrane emulsification process. The membrane emulsification process results in higher encapsulation efficiencies than the stirring process. The emulsion droplets were subjected to shear stress below and above the critical capillary number for drop breakup. The results show that stable inner emulsions with sufficient surfactant concentrations increase the overall encapsulation efficiency for multiple emulsions subjected to shear stress, although the effect is not prominent. The depletion of the carrier oil droplets could be achieved for Ca numbers below the critical limit, reducing the encapsulation efficiency below 10 %. This shows that even a low shear stress can result in content release from the internal droplet phase. The experimental emulsion release study is supported by a numerical simulation of drop deformation and break‐up under shear stress.
Simultaneous fault detection and isolation using semi‐supervised kernel nonnegative matrix factorization
Authors: Zhai Lirong , Jia Qilong
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a monitoring approach for nonlinear processes based on a new semi‐supervised kernel nonnegative matrix factorization (SKNMF). Different from the existing nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and kernel nonnegative matrix factorization (KNMF), SKNMF is a semi‐supervised matrix factorization algorithm, which takes advantages of both labelled and unlabelled samples to improve algorithm performance. Labelled samples refer to the samples whose memberships are already known, while unlabelled samples are a set of samples whose memberships are unknown. In fact, both NMF and KNMF are unsupervised algorithms, and they cannot make full use of labelled samples to improve algorithm performance. More importantly, we explain the reasons why labelled samples can improve algorithm performance even if the amount of labelled samples is small. Last but not least, SKNMF induces a simultaneous fault detection and isolation scheme for online processes monitoring. Case studies of a numerical example and a penicillin fermentation process (PFP) demonstrate that the proposed process monitoring approaches outperform the existing process monitoring approaches.
Graphene functionalized decellularized scaffold promotes skin cell proliferation
Authors: Jafarkhani Mahboubeh , Salehi Zeinab , Bagheri Zahra , Aayanifard Zahra , Rezvan Ali , Doosthosseini Hamid , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2019

An increasing number of new strategies for skin tissue engineering have been developed with the potential to mimic the biological properties of native tissue with a high degree of complexity, flexibility, and reproducibility. In this study, decellularized tissue (DT) was prepared from the bovine heart by using chemical treatments. However, the mechanical properties of the DT constructs were poorer than the extra cellular matrix of the skin tissue. To overcome this challenge, hybrid scaffolds of DT and graphene oxide (GO) were developed and the effects of the GO concentration on the morphology, pore size, porosity, mechanical strength, and water uptake capacity of the samples were evaluated. Moreover, the biocompatibility of hybrid scaffolds was studied by Live/Dead staining. The results show that a hybrid scaffold incorporating 3  % graphene oxide improved the mechanical strength and cell viability by ~25  % in comparison to the DT scaffolds. Cell viability results confirmed that the porous scaffolds could support cell adhesion, proliferation, and cell activity for 7 days. This study provides new insight into and opportunities for using graphene‐based materials to develop biomimetic constructs for clinical applications.
A Clinical Drug‐Drug Interaction Study Assessing a Novel Drug Transporter Phenotyping Cocktail With Adefovir, Sitagliptin, Metformin, Pitavastatin, and Digoxin
Authors: Trueck Christina , Hsin Chih‐hsuan , Scherf‐Clavel Oliver , Schaeffeler Elke , Lenssen Rebekka , Gazzaz Malaz , Gersie Marleen , Taubert Max , Quasdorff Maria , Schwab Matthias , Kinzig Martina , Sörgel Fritz , Stoffel Marc S. , Fuhr Uwe
Published: June 2019

A new probe drug cocktail containing substrates of important drug transporters was tested for mutual interactions in a clinical trial. The cocktail consisted of (predominant transporter; primary phenotyping metric): 10 mg adefovir‐dipivoxil (OAT1; renal clearance (CLR)), 100 mg sitagliptin (OAT3; CLR), 500 mg metformin (several renal transporters; CLR), 2 mg pitavastatin (OATP1B1; clearance/F), and 0.5 mg digoxin (intestinal P‐gp, renal P‐gp, and OATP4C1; peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and CLR). Using a randomized six‐period, open change‐over design, single oral doses were administrated either concomitantly or separately to 24 healthy male and female volunteers. Phenotyping metrics were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis and compared between periods by the standard average bioequivalence approach (boundaries for ratios 0.80–1.25). Primary metrics supported the absence of relevant interactions, whereas secondary metrics suggested that mainly adefovir was a victim of minor drug‐drug interactions (DDIs). All drugs were well tolerated. This cocktail may be another useful tool to assess transporter‐based DDIs in vivo.
Is sustainability a moving target? A methodology for measuring CSR dynamics
Authors: Zeisel Stefan
Published: June 2019

Sustainability is a subject that is constantly evolving. This article develops a quantitative methodology to measure the dynamics of sustainability topics based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. This methodology is then used to analyse the dynamics of sustainability over 5 years (2011 vs. 2016) of the largest publicly traded German companies. Studying the CSR reports over time reveals that CSR is often very dynamic at the company level but less so within a sector or overall. Environmental dynamics therefore challenge companies to focus on the right CSR topics. Some companies fare better than others in this dynamic environment. Furthermore, first insights for managing sustainability dynamics are discussed.
Risk of malignancy and neoplasia predicted by three molecular testing platforms in indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Partyka Kristen L. , Trevino Karen , Randolph Melissa L. , Cramer Harvey , Wu Howard H.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology is challenging. Recently, molecular testing on fine‐needle aspirates (FNAs) has been advocated to determine whether clinical follow‐up or surgery is warranted for patients. Three different testing platforms were performed on aspirates from our institution (Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis, RosettaGX Reveal, and Interpace ThyGenX/ThyraMIR). This study compares their diagnostic efficacy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of indeterminate thyroid FNAs with correlating molecular testing over 4 years (2015‐2018). The aspirates included diagnoses of follicular lesion of undetermined significance, follicular neoplasm, or suspicious for malignancy (SM). Based on cases that underwent surgical resection (Afirma, n = 37; Rosetta, n = 19; Interpace, n = 14), we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for risk of malignancy and neoplasia.

RESULTS

The three tests performed similarly when predicting risk of malignancy. They showed high sensitivity (80‐100%) and NPV (90‐100%) but lower specificity (10‐64%) and PPV (21‐44%). When assessing their value to predict neoplasia, each test had a high PPV (76‐89%) but low NPV (20‐33%). The sensitivity for neoplasm was intermediate to high (50‐93%), and the specificity remained extremely variable (11‐67%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, these molecular platforms performed similarly, displaying high NPV but low to intermediate PPV for malignancy and low NPV but high PPV for neoplasm. The risk of neoplasm is a good index for surgery, and we argue that many of the neoplasms are low‐risk tumors. We endorse conservative treatment with lobectomy for cases that are indeterminate at FNA but suspicious by molecular testing.
Manipulating social information to promote frugivory by birds on a Hawaiian Island
Authors: MacDonald S. E. , Ward M. P. , Sperry J. H.
Published: June 2019

Animals across a range of taxa use social information when foraging. Fruit‐eating vertebrates are no exception and use social information to find fruit, which may ultimately affect plant populations via seed dispersal. In many systems, mutualistic relationships between fruiting plants and frugivores are critical to maintain ecosystem functioning, especially in the tropics. On the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii, USA, all native, fruit‐eating birds are extinct and several plant species are experiencing reduced recruitment likely due to a lack of seed dispersal. Over the years, numerous bird species, many of which are frugivorous, have been introduced to the island. Yet, introduced birds may not recognize native fruits as a resource and social information may be needed for introduced frugivores to target and feed on native fruits. We investigated whether social information, in the form of broadcasted bird vocalizations, of introduced birds could increase visitations and more importantly frugivory on focal fruiting plants. We also tested whether the visitation rates of introduced bird species to focal plants were influenced by conspecific and/or heterospecific vocalizations. We conducted 80 playback experiments at native and introduced fruiting plants, and compared responses to silent control periods. Four times as many frugivores were detected and 10 times more frugivory events were recorded at plants with broadcasted vocalizations compared to control periods. The Japanese White‐eye (Zosterops japonicus) exhibited the strongest response to both conspecific and heterospecific playbacks. White‐eyes also consumed the most fruit from the widest array of plant species during trials. Introduced birds that use social information and readily identify novel resources may more effectively colonize new areas. We suggest that the White‐eye's use of social information may help to support their robust population on Oʻahu. Ecosystems throughout the world are affected by the loss of mutualistic relationships, many of which provide valuable ecological services. As humans continue to modify environments, novel conservation approaches may be required to maintain important ecological functions. The use of social information to facilitate frugivory may not only be important in Hawaii, but in other tropical systems where key frugivorous species are lost or abundances have been reduced.
Mixed Transition Metal (Oxy)fluoride Paramagnet Chains: Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization
Authors: Ahmed Belal , Jo Hongil , Yoon Sung Won , Choi Kwang‐Yong , Chen Wei‐tin , Chou Fangcheng , Ok Kang Min
Published: June 2019

Three mixed transition metal (oxy)fluorides, [Ni(pz)4][VO2F3] (1), [Cu(pz)4][TiF6] (2), and [Cu(mpz)4][ZrF6] (3) (pz = pyrazole; mpz = 3‐methylpyrazole) were synthesized by combining asymmetric polyhedra of early transition metal cations, [VO2F3]2–/[TiF6]2–/[ZrF6]2– and basic building units (BBUs) of late transition metal cations, [Ni(pz)4]2+/[Cu(pz/mpz)4]2+ via hydrothermal reactions. Compound 1 consists of chains with disordered F– and O2–, whereas compounds 2 and 3 are composed of chains containing fully ordered F– and O2–. The ordered structures for compounds 2 and 3 are achieved by providing the cationic contacts for [MF6]2– (M = Ti, Zr) anions to [Cu(pz/mpz)4]2+ cations and to pyrazole/3‐methylpyrazole ligands through covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding interactions, respectively. Detailed structural analysis suggests that the distinctive structure‐directing anionic groups ([VO2F3]2–, [TiF6]2–, or [ZrF6]2–) and hydrogen bonding networks are responsible for the linear chain structures. The lower‐energy and higher‐energy absorption optical band gaps are generated from the d–d electronic transitions, and the octahedral distortions of M′2+ (M′ = Ni, Cu) cations for all the reported compounds. Both magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements of compounds 1, 2, and 3 show no Bonner–Fisher behavior expected for the linear spin chain. Rather, compounds 1, 2, and 3 behave like paramagnets without developing any magnetic order.
The Boron‐Wittig Olefination of Aldehydes and Ketones with Bis[(pinacolato)boryl]methane: an Extended Reaction Scope
Authors: Kovalenko Maksym , Yarmoliuk Dmytro V. , Serhiichuk Dmytro , Chernenko Daria , Smyrnov Vladyslav , Breslavskyi Artur , Hryshchuk Oleksandr V. , Kleban Ihor , Rassukana Yuliya , Tymtsunik Andriy V. , Tolmachev Andrey A. , Kuchkovska Yuliya O. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: June 2019

Preparation of 2,2‐disubstituted and 2‐monosubstituted alkenylboronic acid esters from aliphatic and aromatic ketones and aldehydes by the boron‐Wittig olefination with bis[(pinacolato)boryl]methane was examined and applied on the multigram scale. The influence of the substrate steric and electronic features on the overall efficiency and stereochemical outcome of the reaction was studied. Additionally, a series of diversely functionalized (hetera)cycloalkylidenemethyl and (hetera)cycloalkyl boronic acid‐derived building blocks was synthesized.
Enantioselective Michael Addition of Aldehydes to β‐Nitrostyrenes Catalyzed by (S)‐N‐(D‐Prolyl)‐1‐triflicamido‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐amine
Authors: Gorde Amol B. , Ramapanicker Ramesh
Published: June 2019

A new organocatalyst for the asymmetric Michael addition reaction of aldehydes with β‐nitrostyrenes is developed by coupling D‐proline with (S)‐1‐triflicamido‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐amine, which in turn is prepared from L‐phenylalaninol. The Michael addition products were obtained in very high yields (up to 93 %) and with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee) and high diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1 dr). The catalyst is effective for reactions between α‐branched aldehydes and β‐nitrostyrenes.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Oxidative Coupling of Iodoarenes with Primary Alcohols Leading to Ketones: Application to the Synthesis of Benzofuranones and Indenones
Authors: Suchand Basuli , Sreenivasulu Chinnabattigalla , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: June 2019

In the present study, a palladium‐catalyzed direct oxidative acylation through cross‐dehydrogenative coupling has been investigated, utilizing readily available primary alcohols as acylating sources. Overall, this oxidative coupling proceeds via three distinct transformations such as oxidation, radical formation, and cross‐coupling in one catalytic process. This protocol does not involve the assistance of a directing group or activation of the carbonyl group by any other means. Furthermore, this reaction made use of no toxic CO gas as carbonylating agent; instead, feedstock primary alcohols have been utilized as acylation source. Notably, the synthesis of benzofuranones and indenones is enabled. This strategy was also applied to the synthesis of n‐butylphthalide, fenofibrate, pitofenone, and neo‐lignan.
Converting (E)‐(Hetero)arylethanesulfonyl Fluorides to (Z)‐(Hetero)arylethanesulfonyl Fluorides Under Light Irradiation
Authors: Huang Yu‐Mei , Wang Shi‐Meng , Leng Jing , Moku Balakrishna , Zhao Chuang , Alharbi Njud S. , Qin Hua‐Li
Published: June 2019

The construction of (Z)‐(hetero)arylethenesulfonyl fluorides was achieved utilizing Iridium photoredox catalysis under UV‐light irradiation. This protocol provided a diverse range of (Z)‐(hetero)arylethenesulfonyl fluorides in moderate to good yields under mild conditions without external additives. The late‐stage transformation of the (Z)‐(hetero)arylethenesulfonyl fluorides comparing with their E‐configuration counterparts was also studied.