bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direct approach to estimating false discovery rates conditional on covariates
Authors: Boca Simina M. , Leek Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2018

Modern scientific studies from many diverse areas of research abound with multiple hypothesis testing concerns. The false discovery rate (FDR) is one of the most commonly used approaches for measuring and controlling error rates when performing multiple tests. Adaptive FDRs rely on an estimate of the proportion of null hypotheses among all the hypotheses being tested. This proportion is typically estimated once for each collection of hypotheses. Here, we propose a regression framework to estimate the proportion of null hypotheses conditional on observed covariates. This may then be used as a multiplication factor with the Benjamini–Hochberg adjusted p-values, leading to a plug-in FDR estimator. We apply our method to a genome-wise association meta-analysis for body mass index. In our framework, we are able to use the sample sizes for the individual genomic loci and the minor allele frequencies as covariates. We further evaluate our approach via a number of simulation scenarios. We provide an implementation of this novel method for estimating the proportion of null hypotheses in a regression framework as part of the Bioconductor package swfdr.
Freshwater carbon and nutrient cycles revealed through reconstructed population genomes
Authors: Linz Alexandra M. , He Shaomei , Stevens Sarah L.R. , Anantharaman Karthik , Rohwer Robin R. , Malmstrom Rex R. , Bertilsson Stefan , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: December 2018

Although microbes mediate much of the biogeochemical cycling in freshwater, the categories of carbon and nutrients currently used in models of freshwater biogeochemical cycling are too broad to be relevant on a microbial scale. One way to improve these models is to incorporate microbial data. Here, we analyze both genes and genomes from three metagenomic time series and propose specific roles for microbial taxa in freshwater biogeochemical cycles. Our metagenomic time series span multiple years and originate from a eutrophic lake (Lake Mendota) and a humic lake (Trout Bog Lake) with contrasting water chemistry. Our analysis highlights the role of polyamines in the nitrogen cycle, the diversity of diazotrophs between lake types, the balance of assimilatory vs. dissimilatory sulfate reduction in freshwater, the various associations between types of phototrophy and carbon fixation, and the density and diversity of glycoside hydrolases in freshwater microbes. We also investigated aspects of central metabolism such as hydrogen metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, methylotrophy, and sugar degradation. Finally, by analyzing the dynamics over time in nitrogen fixation genes and Cyanobacteria genomes, we show that the potential for nitrogen fixation is linked to specific populations in Lake Mendota. This work represents an important step towards incorporating microbial data into ecosystem models and provides a better understanding of how microbes may participate in freshwater biogeochemical cycling.
Capacidade Inovativa sobre a Ótica Patentária Brasileira do Emprego de Nanotecnologias na Indústria Têxtil
Authors: Martinez Maria Elisa Marciano , Reis Marcello Carvalho dos , Reis Patricia Carvalho dos
Published: December 2018

A indústria têxtil tem buscado inovar em seus produtos e processos, como o uso da nanotecnologia - tecnologia dos materiais, processos e produtos cujas dimensões estão na faixa de décimos a centenas de nanômetros – com o uso das nanofibras e fibras contendo nanopartículas e acabamento/revestimentos contendo nanosubstâncias. Entre estas, destacam-se os nanotubos de carbono (CNT) que são utilizados para incrementar fibras. Com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade inovativa das tecnologias envolvidas neste cenário, foram utilizados os dados dos documentos patentários extraídos da base INPI-BR, tendo sido selecionados 335 documentos de patentes, entre eles 32 relacionados à nanotecnologia na indústria têxtil entre 2009 e 2013, dos quais 19 referentes à nanofibras (entre eles 13 referem-se especificamente à CNT) e 13 referentes a tratamento de nanofibras. A evolução temporal revelo-se crescente entre 2010 e 2012 e teve um leve declínio em 2013. Verificou-se que os documentos patentários que tiveram sua família originada nos escritórios USPTO e UKIPO tiveram mais relevância nos depósitos patentários com foco em CNT, demais nanofibras e no tratamento de nanofibras.
Avaliação Tecnológica de Catalisadores Ácidos de Lewis Surfactantes/Combinados na Produção de Biodiesel: o caso do catalisador tris-dodecilsulfato de cério (III)
Authors: Braga Melissa , Mazzei Débora Franceschini , Santana Higor dos Santos , Marmentini Priscilla , Silva Marcio Lima da , Ghesti Grace Ferreira
Published: December 2018

O biodiesel já se encontra na matriz energética brasileira em uma porcentagem de 10% em todo o diesel que é comercializado. A sua produção em escala industrial ocorre por meio da reação de transesterificação na presença de catalisador básico homogêneo. Visando a produção mais ambientalmente recomendável, foi desenvolvido o catalisador tris-dodecilsulfato de cério (III), o qual deu origem à patente concedida pelo INPI sob o número BRPI0701850-9 e publicações científicas relacionadas. Este artigo apresenta a avaliação tecnológica da patente em questão no contexto global de patentes e pesquisas científicas a fim de estudar sua manutenção no portfólio da UnB. Dentre os obstáculos tecnológicos a serem superados, os quais podem garantir a viabilidade do catalisador, barreiras técnicas impediram o escalonamento da tecnologia impedindo sua maturidade tecnológica e, consequentemente, sua transferência para o setor produtivo.
O Ensino da Propriedade Intelectual e do Empreendedorismo como Estímulo à Inovação nos Cursos de Pós-Graduação stricto sensu da Universidade Federal de Alagoas
Authors: Guilhermat Joyce Carolina Lins , Escodro Pierre Barnabé , Uchôa Silvia Beatriz Beger , Oliveira Andreiza Marcia Maia de
Published: December 2018

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de pesquisa quantitativa-qualitativa realizada no sítio eletrônico da Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL). Objetiva a análise das ementas das disciplinas veiculadas nos projetos dos programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu da UFAL, acerca do ensino da temática da propriedade intelectual e do empreendedorismo. Investiga também a quantidade de grupos de pesquisa certificados e atualizados junto ao Diretório de Grupos de Pesquisa do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (DGP/CNPq), relacionados com os referidos temas e vinculados à UFAL. Considerando o levantamento da literatura e os dados obtidos, conclui-se pela necessidade de mais estudos sobre as causas que ensejam a pequena quantidade de cursos de pós-graduação stricto sensu que ofertam disciplinas relacionadas com o ensino da propriedade intelectual e do empreendedorismo na UFAL.
Prospecção Tecnológica Aplicada a Tecnologias de Coleta de Energia Solar
Authors: Souza Carlos Roberto Pinto de , Mucury Danylo Carvalho , Silva Elaine Cristina Pereira , Borba Marco Antonio da Cruz , Andrade Rafael Leite Pinto de , Silva Marcio Lima da
Published: December 2018

O acesso à energia está diretamente ligado à melhoria da qualidade de vida e desenvolvimento da sociedade atual. Dentre os modos de geração de energia, as usinas hidrelétricas e aquelas baseadas em combustíveis fósseis são as mais utilizadas. Uma tecnologia que vem ganhando destaque é a captação de energia solar por intermédio de equipamentos coletores. Os equipamentos mais conhecidos para esse fim são os coletores solares. Neste trabalho foi avaliado um coletor construído com plástico escurecido e com estrutura flexível. Tal estrutura lhe confere facilidades, especialmente no transporte do equipamento. Neste artigo foi avaliado o Modelo de Utilidade obtido pela Fundação Universidade de Brasília (FUB), que trouxe uma melhora funcional em seu desempenho. Foram avaliadas, com base no estado da arte, no grau de maturidade da tecnologia e em possíveis rotas tecnológicas, a aplicação industrial e demais questões relacionadas ao equipamento, como a possibilidade de comercialização ou licenciamento.
NMRof Hypervalent Iodine Compounds
Authors: Wu Yichen , Shafir Alexandr
Published: December 2018

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has played a key role in the rise of modern high‐valent halogen chemistry, especially for gaining solution‐state information on the corresponding organic derivatives. This chapter is focused on those aspects of NMR that have somehow proven specific to this family of compounds, including instances of abnormal chemical shifts, the highly electron‐withdrawing nature of the iodane group, and the presence of highly ionic hypervalent bond. In addition, the essay includes aspects that have had a particular impact on the development of this area of chemistry. The chapter is divided into six sections, with Section I introducing some of the general aspects of the NMR spectroscopy of high‐valent organoiodine species, including the normal halogen dependence (NHD) explanation for certain chemical shift abnormalities, the general iodine oxidation state influence on1H and13C chemical shifts, and certain challenges of solution‐state measurements for this class of compounds. Section II presents a discussion on the difficulty of directly measuring the halogen chemical shifts due to the nucleus' high quadrupole moments, especially for127I. Sections III and IV contain a discussion of some of the most relevant13C and19F NMR studies, including the key contributions of these two techniques to the understanding of the physical organic chemistry aspects of high‐valent halogen derivatives. Section V is dedicated to the NMR characterization via the less‐common nuclei, specifically11B,31P,29Si, and17O NMR, and includes a discussion of the role played by17O NMR in establishing the dynamic nature of certain key high‐valent carboxylates. Finally, Section VI presents a series of selected studies in which NMR is used to shed light on the mechanism of processes involving high‐valent iodine reagents.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions with Iodine(III) Reagents
Authors: Tolnai Gergely L. , Gonda Zsombor , Novák Zoltán
Published: December 2018

Transition metal‐catalyzed functionalizations and heterocycle formations with hypervalent iodine reagents are discussed. The most important arylations of aromatic and heteroaromatic systems via cross‐coupling with diaryliodonium salts and CH bond activation are collected and described, focusing on the reaction mechanisms and the most important applications. Although the CC bond formations are the major parts of these transformations, the carbon–heteroatom bond‐forming reactions are also presented from two aspects. While the iodonium species provides the aryl group and reacts with nucleophilic heteroatom (oxygen or nitrogen), in the other approach, (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (DIB) serves as heteroatom donor to achieve acetoxylations of aromatic rings or the formation of three‐membered heterocycles (epoxides and aziridines) from unsaturated species. Due to the interaction of iodonium salts and special functional groups of the substrate, the initial CC or C–heteroatom bond formation could result in a reactive intermediate, which could induce a multiple bond‐formation relay to access special heterocyclic molecules.
Democracy that Excludes: Persistent Inequalities and the Future of Democratic Governance
Authors: Kelly Nathan J. , Morgan Jana
Published: December 2018

Democracy is often reduced to the presence of a particular set of institutional rules and practices. We argue that democracy also implies a promise of more just outcomes, and define systems that are institutionally democratic but fail to fully incorporate all citizens asexclusionary democracies. We argue here that the practice of exclusionary democracy may produce broad and mostly negative implications for the future of democratic governance. In particular, we explore how variation in political and economic exclusion in institutionally democratic states may shape a variety of political attitudes and behavior, including political participation, democratic values, tolerance, and trust in government.
Emerging Trends in the Political Economy of Taxation
Authors: Kiser Edgar , Karceski Steven M.
Published: December 2018

This essay briefly summarizes recent work and suggests future directions in the study of taxation. We analyze the determinants of total tax revenue, tax structure, tax administration, and the relationship between taxation and spending. In the section on total tax revenue, we look at the effects of democracy, debates a possible ceiling on total revenue, and whether less developed and Asian countries will catch up with revenue extraction in the developed west. The section on tax structure suggests that the era of progressive taxation may be ending and that taxes intended to serve social purposes, such as sin taxes and carbon taxes, are on the rise. Our discussion of tax administration focuses on the determinants of taxpayer compliance and whether less developed countries are developing centralized bureaucratic administrations. We conclude by looking at the relationship between taxation and spending, first exploring the increase in deficit spending and second looking at attempts by both sub‐state and supra‐state political units to get more control of taxation relative to national states.
Religion and Nationalism
Authors: Omer Atalia
Published: December 2018

This essay examines the relations between religion and nationalism by highlighting the existing scholarly approaches as well as the ways in which they might be further expanded into deeper engagements with the legacies of colonialism and race. The argument is that cross‐fertilizing the religion and nationalist literature with critical race theories and the study of coloniality will provide explanatory frames and analytic tools to interpret the waves of right‐wing populist nationalisms in Euro‐America in the twenty‐first century. In particular, the ways in which appeals to Christianity, Judeo‐Christianity, or “civilizational” values participate in patterns of exclusion and inclusion through the mechanisms of sexual politics and human rights' instruments are studied as an opportunity to interrogate the interrelation between anti‐Semitism and anti‐Muslim rhetoric to the histories of colonialism and how they have undergirded the patterns of interactions between religion and the production, reproduction, and subversion of political national identities.
Diverse Family Forms and Children's Well‐Being
Authors: Powell Brian , Tabor Jaclyn A. , Miller Lisa R.
Published: December 2018

The relationship between family structure and children's well‐being has been the subject of an extensive body of family scholarship that continues to grow. Amidst the worldwide diversification of families, scholars have grappled with how to make sense of the emergence and proliferation of “alternative” family forms—those differing from the “traditional families,” or what has been referred to as the Standard North American Family. This essay explores the literature on several of these alternative family forms, focusing on including single‐parent, stepparent, and cohabiting families, older‐parent families, adoptive families, same‐sex families, and multiracial families. The authors next identify six key areas for social scientists to consider when assessing the implications of diversifying family structures for children.
Urban Data Science
Authors: Law Tina , Legewie Joscha
Published: December 2018

Data on urban life are more accessible today than ever before. New sources of “big data” such as 311 requests, recorded police activity, digitized student records, and social media capture urban life on an unprecedented temporal and geographical scale. Combined with new and improved computational social science methods for harnessing data, they promise to change urban research in important ways. In this essay, we outline urban data science—an emerging, interdisciplinary approach to studying urban life using big data and computational social science methods. We discuss three key innovations that this approach offers for urban research: (i) a broader and more multifaceted definition of neighborhood activity, (ii) greater knowledge on the role of socio‐spatial interdependencies in urban life, and (iii) more dynamic understandings of urban issues and policies. We conclude by highlighting some challenges that urban scholars must collaboratively address as they engage in this new urban data science.
Structure Design and Performance of Hybridized Nanogenerators
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Wang Yuanhao , Yang Ya
Published: December 2018

Intelligent energy generation from ambient environment by various nanogenerators is desirable to realize self‐powered operation of electronics. By integrating two or more kinds of nanogenerators, a hybridized nanogenerator provides a possible solution to largely increase the total electric power, and thus has been considered as one of the most significant energy‐related technologies. Here, emerging advancements in hybridized nanogenerators are summarized in terms of their structures, principles, and potential applications. In particular, one‐structure‐based coupled nanogenerators based on multifunctional energy‐scavenging materials and the interface regulation of solar cells by inner nanogenerators are discussed. For potential applications in wearable electronics, the new progress on flexible hybridized nanogenerators is presented on the basis of stretchable and mechanically durable materials, substrates, and electrodes. With the advances highlighted here and the ongoing research efforts, the continuous breakthrough in hybridized nanogenerators for multiple energy scavenging and their extensive applications is foreseeable in the future.
Ultrahigh‐Working‐Frequency Embedded Supercapacitors with 1T Phase MoSe2 Nanosheets for System‐in‐Package Application
Authors: Jiang Zhi , Wang Yang , Yuan Shuoguo , Shi Lu , Wang Ni , Xiong Jie , Lai Wenhui , Wang Xuanyu , Kang Feiyu , Lin Wei , Wong Ching Ping , Yang Cheng
Published: December 2018

Commercial aluminium electrolyte capacitors (AECs) are too large for integration in future highly integrated electronic systems. Supercapacitors, in comparison, possess a much higher capacitance per unit volume and can be embedded as passive capacitors to address such challenges in electronics scaling. However, the slow frequency response (<101 Hz) typical of supercapacitors is a major hurdle to their practical application. Here, it is demonstrated that 1T‐phase MoSe2 nanosheets obtained by laser‐induced phase transformation can be used as an electrode material in embedded micro‐supercapacitors. The metallic nature of MoSe2 nanosheet‐based electrodes provides excellent electron‐ and ion‐transport properties, which leads to an unprecedented high‐frequency response (up to 104 Hz) and cycle stability (up to 106 cycles) when integrated in supercapacitors, and their power density can be ten times higher than that of commercial AECs. Furthermore, fabrication processes of the present device are fully compatible with system‐in‐package device manufacturing to meet stringent specifications for the size of embedded components. The present research represents a critical step forward in in‐package and on‐chip applications of electrolytic capacitors.
Cellular and Chemical Gradients to Engineer the Meniscus‐to‐Bone Insertion
Authors: Iannucci Leanne E. , Boys Alexander J. , McCorry Mary Clare , Estroff Lara A. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: December 2018

Tissue‐engineered menisci hold promise as an alternative to allograft procedures but require a means of robust fixation to the native bone. The insertion of the meniscus into bone is critical for meniscal function and inclusion of a soft tissue‐to‐bone interface in a tissue engineered implant can aid in the fixation process. The native insertion is characterized by gradients in composition, tissue architecture, and cellular phenotype, which are all difficult to replicate. In this study, a soft tissue‐to‐bone interface is tissue engineered with a cellular gradient of fibrochondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells and subjected to a biochemical gradient through a custom media diffusion bioreactor. These constructs, consisting of interpenetrating collagen and boney regions, display improved mechanical performance and collagen organization compared to controls without a cellular or chemical gradient. Media gradient exposure produces morphological features in the constructs that appear similar to the native tissue. Collectively, these data show that cellular and biochemical gradients improve integration between collagen and bone in a tissue engineered soft tissue‐to‐bone construct.
Critical Considerations on the Clinical Translation of Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs): Recommendations from the European Upconversion Network (COST Action CM1403)
Authors: Oliveira Helena , Bednarkiewicz Artur , Falk Andreas , Fröhlich Eleonore , Lisjak Darja , Prina‐Mello Adriele , Resch Susanne , Schimpel Christa , Vrček Ivana Vinković , Wysokińska Edyta , Gorris Hans H.
Published: December 2018

The unique photoluminescent properties of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted worldwide research interest and inspired many bioanalytical applications. The anti‐Stokes emission with long luminescence lifetimes, narrow and multiple absorption and emission bands, and excellent photostability enable background‐free and multiplexed detection in deep tissues. So far, however, in vitro and in vivo applications of UCNPs are restricted to the laboratory use due to safety concerns. Possible harmful effects may originate from the chemical composition but also from the small size of UCNPs. Potential end users must rely on well‐founded safety data. Thus, a risk to benefit assessment of the envisioned combined therapeutic and diagnostic (“theranostic”) applications is fundamentally important to bridge the translational gap between laboratory and clinics. The COST Action CM1403 “The European Upconversion Network—From the Design of Photon‐Upconverting Nanomaterials to Biomedical Applications” integrates research on UCNPs ranging from fundamental materials synthesis and research, detection instrumentation, biofunctionalization, and bioassay development to toxicity testing. Such an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for a better and safer theranostic use of UCNPs. Here, the status of nanotoxicity research on UCNPs is compared to other nanomaterials, and routes for the translation of UCNPs into clinical applications are delineated.
Interfacial Coupling Boosts Giant Electrocaloric Effects in Relaxor Polymer Nanocomposites: In Situ Characterization and Phase‐Field Simulation
Authors: Qian Jianfeng , Peng Renci , Shen Zhonghui , Jiang Jianyong , Xue Fei , Yang Tiannan , Chen Longqing , Shen Yang
Published: December 2018

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) refers to reversible thermal changes of a polarizable material upon the application or removal of electric fields. Without a compressor or cooling agents, all‐solid‐state electrocaloric (EC) refrigeration systems are environmentally benign, highly compact, and of very high energy efficiency. Relaxor ferroelectric ceramics and polymers are promising candidates as EC materials. Here, synergistic efforts are made by composing relaxor Ba(Zr0.21Ti0.79)O3 nanofibers with P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE) to make relaxor–relaxor‐type polymer nanocomposites. The ECEs of the nanocomposites are directly measured and these relaxor nanocomposites exhibit, so far, the highest EC temperature change at a modest electric field, along with high thermal stability within a broad temperature range span to room temperature. The superior EC performance is attributed to the interfacial coupling between dipoles across the filler/polymer interfaces. The thermodynamics and kinetics of interfacial coupling are investigated in situ by piezoresponse force microscopy while the real‐time evolution of interfacial coupling is simulated and visualized by phase‐field modeling.
Plasmonic‐Assisted Graphene Oxide Artificial Muscles
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Zhu Lin , Li Ying , Ma Zhuo‐Chen , Liu Yu‐Qing , Zhang Xu‐Lin , Cao Xiao‐Wen , Chen Qi‐Dai , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: December 2018

Muscles and joints make highly coordinated motion, which can be partly mimicked to drive robots or facilitate activities. However, most cases primarily employ actuators enabling simple deformations. Therefore, a mature artificial motor system requires many actuators assembled with jointed structures to accomplish complex motions, posing limitations and challenges to the fabrication, integration, and applicability of the system. Here, a holistic artificial muscle with integrated light‐addressable nodes, using one‐step laser printing from a bilayer structure of poly(methyl methacrylate) and graphene oxide compounded with gold nanorods (AuNRs), is reported. Utilizing the synergistic effect of the AuNRs with high plasmonic property and wavelength‐selectivity as well as graphene with good flexibility and thermal conductivity, the artificial muscle can implement full‐function motility without further integration, which is reconfigurable through wavelength‐sensitive light activation. A biomimetic robot and artificial hand are demonstrated, showcasing functionalized control, which is desirable for various applications, from soft robotics to human assists.
Total Reflection Metasurface with Pure Modulated Signal
Authors: Chen Lianwei , Li Yang , Hong Minghui
Published: December 2018

Metasurface has been proposed as one critical platform for orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. While metasurfaces have unique advantages to achieve light modulation with an ultrathin 2D layer, the relatively low transfer efficiency is a primary drawback. Such weakness leads to the mixing of unmodulated light into the output signal and greatly limits the functionality. A new design strategy is presented to fabricate self‐filtering metasurface with pure signal light, which is computationally and experimentally verified on different applications, and it is also insensitive to the incident light polarization. Normal metasurface system requires bulky polarizer and filter, while our ultrathin design paves the way to multifunctional metasurface‐based chip‐scale circuits to replace the conventional bulky optical components. A proof‐of‐principle meta‐cavity is designed to improve the transfer efficiency by 83%, while theoretical calculation shows 633% enhancement for an upgraded setup. This design can be widely applied to OAM optics, integrated photonics, optical sensing, data processing, and nanoimaging.
Chemo‐selective Rh(II)/Pd(0) Dual Catalysis: Synthesis of All‐Carbon C3‐Quaternary Allylic Oxindoles from N‐Aryl‐α‐Diazo‐β‐Keto‐Amides with Functionalized Allyl Carbonates
Authors: Chen Ling‐Hang , Ma Yang‐Ting , Yang Fang , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Chen Shu‐Wei , Ji Kegong , Chen Zi‐Sheng
Published: December 2018

A chemo‐selective Rh(II)/Pd(0) dual catalysis that promotes one‐pot synthesis of C3‐quaternary allylic oxindoles from N‐aryl‐α‐diazo‐β‐ketoamides and functionalized allyl carbonates in good to excellent yields has been developed. The efficiency of this transformation relies on the choice of Rh(II)/Pd(0) dual catalysis strategy that enabled cascade intramolecular aryl C−H insertion and allylic alkylation under mild conditions.

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Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of 2,5‐Disubstituted Oxazolidines
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Soumendranath , Pan Subhas Chandra
Published: December 2018

The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of 2,5‐disubstituted oxazolidines has been developed via hemiaminal formation between alkyl aldehydes and N‐tosyl aminomethyl enones followed by intramolecular oxa‐Michael reaction. Quinine derived bifunctional squaramide catalyst was found to be efficient for this reaction and a variety of alkyl aldehydes and N‐tosyl aminomethyl enones were employed.

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High‐Temperature Phase Change Material (PCM) Selection for Concentrating Solar Power Tower Applications
Authors: Ong Teng‐Cheong , Graham Elizabeth , Will Geoffrey , Steinberg Theodore A.
Published: December 2018

With current concerns about the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels has become an ever‐growing necessity. A thermal energy storage system that utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of molten salts, coupled with a concentrating solar power tower plant, is proposed as an effective means of achieving highly efficient and cost competitive power generation on par with traditional fossil fuel–based power. In this study, a set of five selection criteria are applied to a wide range of salt mixtures to determine the best candidates for use as PCMs. The selection criteria include the salt mixture's melting temperature, latent heat, thermal conductivity, material safety, and cost. A shortlist of 20 salt candidates is made, and differential scanning calorimetry experiments are performed on them to verify the thermal properties of these candidates. A final list of eight salts is then selected as the best PCMs for use in a working temperature range between 500 and 800 °C.
Controlling Conductive Filament and Tributyrin Sensing Using an Optimized Porous Iridium Interfacial Layer in Cu/Ir/TiNxOy/TiN
Authors: Dutta Mrinmoy , Maikap Siddheswar , Qiu Jiantai Timothy
Published: December 2018

Controlling the copper (Cu) filament using an optimized porous iridium (Ir) interfacial layer thickness ranging from 2 to 20 nm in a Cu/Ir/TiNxOy/TiN resistive switching memory device is investigated for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows a porous Ir layer, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is performed to determine the Ir0, Ir3+/Ir4+ oxidation states, which are responsible for a super‐Nernstian pH sensitivity of 125.5 mV pH−1 as well as a low concentration of 1 × 10−12m tributyrin detected using a 40 nm thick Ir in Ir/TiNxOy/TiN structure. The 5 nm thick Ir layer in the Cu/Ir/TiNxOy/TiN structure shows current–voltage switching characteristics for 3000 consecutive cycles, a stable RESET voltage, a long program/erase (P/E) endurance of >109 cycles under a P/E current of 300 µA at a high speed of 100 ns, and neuromorphic phenomena compared to those of other Ir thicknesses. Cu migration into the TiNxOy oxide‐electrolyte is shown by TEM observations. The tributyrin detection ranging from 1 × 10−12 to 100 × 10−12m using a resistive switching memory device paves the way for the early diagnosis of human diseases as well as artificial intelligence applications in the near future.
Physical activity energy expenditure and cardiometabolic health in three rural Kenyan populations
Authors: Lee Jerry C. , Westgate Kate , Boit Michael K. , Mwaniki David L. , Kiplamai Festus K. , Friis Henrik , Tetens Inge , Christensen Dirk L. , Brage Soren
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Physical activity is beneficial for metabolic health but the extent to which this may differ by ethnicity is still unclear. Here, the objective was to characterize the association between physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and cardiometabolic risk among the Luo, Kamba, and Maasai ethnic groups of rural Kenya.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of 1084 rural Kenyans, free‐living PAEE was objectively measured using individually‐calibrated heart rate and movement sensing. A clustered metabolic syndrome risk score (zMS) was developed by averaging the sex‐specific z‐scores of five risk components measuring central adiposity, blood pressure, lipid levels, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance.

Results

zMS was 0.08 (−0.09; −0.06) SD lower for every 10 kJ/kg/day difference in PAEE after adjustment for age and sex; this association was modified by ethnicity (interaction with PAEE P < 0.05). When adjusted for adiposity, each 10 kJ/kg/day difference in PAEE was predicted to lower zMS by 0.04 (−0.05, −0.03) SD, without evidence of interaction by ethnicity. The Maasai were predicted to have higher cardiometabolic risk than the Kamba and Luo at every quintile of PAEE, with a strong dose‐dependent decreasing trend among all ethnicities.

Conclusion

Free‐living PAEE is strongly inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk in rural Kenyans. Differences between ethnic groups in this association were observed but were explained by differences in central adiposity. Therefore, targeted interventions to increase PAEE are more likely to be effective in subgroups with high central adiposity, such as Maasai with low levels of PAEE.
Body mass index and parasympathetic nervous system reactivity and recovery following graded exercise
Authors: Gerardo Gina M. , Williams DeWayne P. , Kessler Michael , Spangler Derek P. , Hillecke Thomas K. , Thayer Julian F. , Koenig Julian
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The present study sought to expand upon prior investigations examining patterns of vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) and perceived exertion as a function of body mass index (BMI) in response to and recovery from exercise.

Methods

Participants underwent a resting (baseline) period, followed by a graded exercise protocol on an ergometer with ascending difficulty stages, and finally another resting (recovery) period. Individuals were stratified into three BMI groups: low, moderate, and high.

Results

Individuals in the high BMI group exhibited a significantly greater decrease in vmHRV from baseline to graded exercise in comparison to the moderate BMI group. Individuals in the high BMI group also showed significantly lower vmHRV at recovery compared with baseline than individuals with moderate BMI; indicating that the high BMI group's vmHRV did not recover to the degree of those in the moderate BMI group. No significant results regarding vmHRV were found in the low BMI group. Of note, BMI and perceived exertion during the recovery period were positively associated. Results also showed a significant negative association between vmHRV and perceived exertion at each grade of exercise. There was no significant association between vmHRV and perceived exertion during baseline or recovery.

Conclusions

This report extends prior research studying BMI and patterns of vmHRV reactivity in the domain of physical exercise. Our data contribute to previous reports suggesting that high BMI can lead to maladaptive patterns of vmHRV reactivity to and recovery from physical exercise.
The oculoauriculofrontonasal syndrome: Further clinical characterization and additional evidence suggesting a nontraditional mode of inheritance
Authors: Lehalle Daphné , Altunoglu Umut , Bruel Ange‐Line , Assoum Mirna , Duffourd Yannis , Masurel Alice , Baujat Geneviève , Bessieres Bettina , Captier Guillaume , Edery Patrick , Elçioğlu Nursel H. , Geneviève David , Goldenberg Alice , Héron Delphine , Grotto Sarah , Marlin Sandrine , Putoux Audrey , Rossi Massimiliano , Saugier‐Veber Pascale , Triau Stéphane , Cabrol Christelle , Vézain Myriam , Vincent‐Delorme Catherine , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Thevenon Julien , Vabres Pierre , Callier Patrick , Kayserili Hulya , Faivre Laurence
Published: December 2018

The oculoauriculofrontonasal syndrome (OAFNS) is a rare disorder characterized by the association of frontonasal dysplasia (widely spaced eyes, facial cleft, and nose abnormalities) and oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum (OAVS)‐associated features, such as preauricular ear tags, ear dysplasia, mandibular asymmetry, epibulbar dermoids, eyelid coloboma, and costovertebral anomalies. The etiology is unknown so far. This work aimed to identify molecular bases for the OAFNS. Among a cohort of 130 patients with frontonasal dysplasia, accurate phenotyping identified 18 individuals with OAFNS. We describe their clinical spectrum, including the report of new features (micro/anophtalmia, cataract, thyroid agenesis, polymicrogyria, olfactory bulb hypoplasia, and mandibular cleft), and emphasize the high frequency of nasal polyps in OAFNS (56%). We report the negative results of ALX1, ALX3, and ALX4 genes sequencing and next‐generation sequencing strategy performed on blood‐derived DNA from respectively, four and four individuals. Exome sequencing was performed in four individuals, genome sequencing in one patient with negative exome sequencing result. Based on the data from this series and the literature, diverse hypotheses can be raised regarding the etiology of OAFNS: mosaic mutation, epigenetic anomaly, oligogenism, or nongenetic cause. In conclusion, this series represents further clinical delineation work of the rare OAFNS, and paves the way toward the identification of the causing mechanism.
Malan syndrome: Extension of genotype and phenotype spectrum
Authors: Rai Archana , Narayanan Dhanya Lakshmi , Phadke Shubha R.
Published: December 2018

Malan syndrome and Marshall–Smith syndrome (MSS) are allelic disorders caused by mutation in NFIX gene. We report a 3‐year‐ 6 months‐ old female with clinical features suggestive of Malan syndrome with mutation in exon 2 of NFIX gene. NFIX gene, where most of the mutations in Malan syndrome are located. She did not have advanced bone age. The radiographs of long bones showed metaphyseal changes which were not reported previously. This study reports the first mutation proven case from India and highlights the overlap between MSS and Malan syndrome.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease increases the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis: a nested case‐control study using a national sample cohort
Authors: Kim So Young , Park Bumjung , Lim Hyun , Kim Miyoung , Kong Il Gyu , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: December 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relations between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic rhinosinusitus (CRS) in a Korean population.

Methods

Subjects from the Korean National Health Insurance Service‒National Sample Cohort, all ≥20 years old, were assessed from 2002 to 2013. In total, 23,489 CRS participants were matched with 93,956 controls at a ratio of 1:4 with respect to age, group, sex, income group, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We analyzed previous history of GERD in the CRS and control groups. The CRS group included patients identified using International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD‐10) codes (J32) who had treated their CRS ≥2 times and had undergone head and neck computed tomography (CT). The GERD group included patients identified using the ICD‐10 (K21) code who had treated their GERD ≥2 times and had taken a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for ≥2 weeks. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were analyzed using unconditional logistic regression analyses. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex.

Results

The rate of GERD was higher in the CRS group (17.1% [4020 of 23,489]) than in the control group (9.1% [8522 of 93,956]; p < 0.001). The adjusted OR of GERD was 2.04 (95% CI, 1.96‐2.13; p < 0.001) in the CRS group. The results of the subgroup analyses were consistent.

Conclusion

The ORs of GERD were increased in CRS participants. This relationship was consistent in all age and sex groups.
Isotropic Bipolaron–Fermion Exchange Theory and Unconventional Pairing in Cuprate Superconductors
Authors: Bru Jean‐Bernard , de Siqueira Pedra Walter , Delgado de Pasquale Antonio
Published: December 2018

The appearance of unconventional pairing in superconducting cuprates is examined from a microscopic model, taking into account important properties of hole‐doped copper oxides. An exchange interaction between fermions and dominantly inter‐site bipolarons is considered to be the mechanism which leads to the pairing. Its momentum dependency is connected to the well‐established fermion–phonon anomalies in cuprate superconductors. Since charge carriers in these materials are strongly correlated, a screened Coulomb repulsion is added to this exchange term. Any ad hoc assumptions like anisotropy are avoided, but a microscopic explanation of unconventional pairing for coupling strengths that are in accordance with experimental facts is provided. One important outcome is a mathematically rigorous elucidation of the role of Coulomb repulsion in unconventional pairing, which is shown to be concomitant with a strong depletion of superconducting pairs. The theory, applied to the special case of LaSr 214, predicts at optimal doping i) a coherence length of , which is the same as that obtained from the Ginzburg–Landau critical magnetic field measured for this material, and ii) d‐wave pair formation in the pseudogap regime, that is, at temperatures much higher than the superconducting transition temperature.
Biosynthesis of Pd/MnO2 nanocomposite using Solanum melongena plant extract and its application for the one‐pot synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from aryl halides
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Ghorbannezhad Fatemeh , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: December 2018

In this work, for the first time, Solanum melongena plant extract was used for the green synthesis of Pd/MnO2 nanocomposite via reduction osf Pd(II) ions to Pd(0) and their immobilization on the surface of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) as an effective support. The synthesized nanocomposite were characterized by various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of Pd/MnO2 nanocomposite was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from aryl halides containing various electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups in the presence of K4[Fe (CN)6] as non‐toxic cyanide source and sodium azide. The products were obtained in good yields via a simple methodology and easy work‐up. The nanocatalyst can be recycled and reused several times with no remarkable loss of activity.
Microsatellite markers for the prized matsutake mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake, Tricholomataceae)
Authors: Li Jian‐Wen , Yin Xin , Zhao You‐Jie , Yang Shu‐Jiao , Vaario Lu‐Min , Yang Xue‐Fei
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Novel and cost‐effective microsatellite markers were developed to explore the population genetics, biogeographic structure, and evolutionary history of the prized Euro‐Asian wild edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma matsutake (Tricholomataceae).

Methods and results

Eighteen new polymorphic simple sequence repeat loci, detected from a microsatellite‐enriched genomic library, were used to characterize 131 individuals from eight T. matsutake populations. The number of alleles ranged from two to 10, with averages of 1.42 to 3.22. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00–1.00 and from 0.00–0.83, with mean values of 0.21 and 0.26, respectively. In total, 50% of the loci showed interspecific transferability and polymorphism in the related species T. equestre.

Conclusions

These newly developed markers will aid research into the genetic diversity and population structure of T. matsutake. They can also be used in other species of Tricholoma.
Sustainable consumer behavior
Authors: Trudel Remi
Published: December 2018

Most agree that climate change is a serious threat. It has increasingly been recognized by scientists and policymakers as a consumer behavior issue: What, how, and how much people consume directly impacts the environment. Sustainable consumer behavior is behavior that attempts to satisfy present needs while simultaneously benefiting or limiting environmental impact. Moreover, understanding sustainable consumer behavior is central to any paradigm shifts in how society approaches environmental problems. This article summarizes and organizes research from the past 20 years and explores the psychological drivers of sustainable consumer behavior. Four areas of scientific inquiry that have dominated research agendas are identified: (a) cognitive barriers, (b) the self, (c) social influence, and (d) product characteristics. The objective is to provide a valuable research tool that stimulates additional research in the area of sustainable consumer behavior.
Nanopore‐Based Confined Spaces for Single‐Molecular Analysis
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Yang Jie , Ying Yi‐Lun , Long Yi‐Tao
Published: December 2018

The field of nanopore sensing at the single‐molecular level is in a “boom” period. Such nanopores, which are either composed of biological materials or are fabricated from solid‐state substrates, offer a unique confined space that is compatible with the single‐molecular scale. Under the influence of an electrical field, such single‐biomolecular interfaces can read single‐molecular information and, if appropriately fine‐tuned, each molecule plays its individual ionic rhythm to compose a “molecular symphony”. Over the past few decades, many research groups have worked on nanopore‐based single‐molecular sensors for a range of thrilling chemical and clinical applications. Furthermore, for the past decade, we have also focused on nanopore‐based sensors. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent developments in fundamental research and applications in this area, along with data algorithms and advances in hardware, which act as infrastructure for the electrochemical analysis.
Ladder‐Type Nonacyclic Arene Bis(thieno[3,2‐b]thieno)cyclopentafluorene as a Promising Building Block for Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Fan Xiaobing , Gao Jianhong , Wang Wei , Xiao Shengqiang , Zhan Chun , Lu Xinhui , Zhang Qichun
Published: December 2018

The ladder‐type nonacyclic arene (bis(thieno[3,2‐b]thieno)cyclopentafluorene (BTTF)) has been designed and synthesized through fusing thienothiophenes with the fluorene core from the synthon of dimethyl 9,9‐dioctyl‐2,7‐bis(thieno[3,2‐b]thiophen‐2‐yl)fluorene‐3,6‐dicarboxylate. With BTTF as the central donor unit, a novel acceptor–donor–acceptor (A‐D‐A) type non‐fullerene small‐molecule acceptor (BTTFIC) was prepared with 1,1‐dicyanomethylene‐3‐indanones (IC) as the peripheral acceptor units. The energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of BTTFIC locate at −5.56 and −3.95 eV, respectively, presenting a low optical band gap of 1.58 eV. Encouragingly, polymer solar cells based on the blends of BTTFIC with both the representative wide‐ and low‐bandgap polymer donors (PBDB‐T, 1.82 eV. PTB7‐Th, 1.58 eV) offer power conversion efficiencies over 8 % (8.78±0.18 % for PBDB‐T:BTTFIC and 8.18±0.29 % for PTB7‐Th:BTTFIC). These results highlight the advantage of ladder‐type BTTF on the preparation of nonfullerene acceptors with extended conjugated backbones.
BCR Algorithm for Solving Quadratic Inverse Eigenvalue Problems for Partially Bisymmetric Matrices
Authors: Hajarian Masoud
Published: December 2018

The inverse eigenvalue problem appears repeatedly in a variety of applications. The aim of this paper is to study a quadratic inverse eigenvalue problem of the form AXΛ2 + BXΛ + CX = 0 where A, B and C should be partially bisymmetric under a prescribed submatrix constraint. We derive an efficient matrix method based on the Hestenes‐Stiefel (HS) version of biconjugate residual (BCR) algorithm for solving this constrained quadratic inverse eigenvalue problem. The theoretical results demonstrate that the matrix method solves the constrained quadratic inverse eigenvalue problem within a finite number of iterations in the absence of round‐off errors. Finally we validate the accuracy and efficiency of the matrix method through the numerical results.