bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intervening Factors on the Treatment Adherence of Drug Users Assisted By a Caps-Ad / Fatores Intervenientes na Adesão ao Tratamento de Usuários de Drogas Atendidos no Caps-Ad
Authors: Paiano Marcelle , Kurata Vanessa Midori , Lopes Ana Patrícia Araujo Torquato , Batistela Geovana , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: conhecer os fatores que interferem na adesão de usuários de drogas ao tratamento ambulatorial. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, cujos dados foram coletados entre agosto e dezembro de 2015 por meio de entrevista com sete usuários e submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: O primeiro contato com as drogas normalmente ocorre por influência de amigos, enquanto a busca por tratamento no CAPSad ocorre por vontade própria, sendo que a família interfere positivamente no início e também na continuidade do tratamento. Os fatores que favorecem a adesão ao tratamento foram: disponibilidade dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento aos pacientes, o que se contrapõe à dificuldade de acesso ao serviço. Conclusão: Para manter a adesão ao tratamento no âmbito ambulatorial se faz necessário: desejo do usuário em parar de usar drogas, apoio familiar, vínculo com os profissionais e facilidade de acesso ao serviço, em termos geográfico, financeiro e estrutural.
Demographic consequences of climate variation along an elevational gradient for a montane terrestrial salamander
Authors: Caruso Nicholas M. , Rissler Leslie J.
Published: April 2019

Climate change represents a significant threat to amphibians. However, for many species, the relationship between demography and climate is unknown, which limits predictive models. Here, we describe the life history variation ofPlethodon montanususing capture–recapture data over a period of 4 years, along an elevational gradient to determine how survival and growth vary with climate, and how these relationships vary with elevation. We used a hierarchical model to estimate asymptotic size and growth rate and a spatial Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber model to estimate the probability of capture and survival and dispersal variance. We found that during the active season, growth and survival rates are both positively affected by precipitation; however, while survival was positively affected by temperature at all elevations, higher temperatures led to a decrease in growth at lower elevations, while at higher elevations the opposite was true. During the inactive season, we found reduced growth rates, whereas survival was lower compared with the active at lower elevations but was higher at higher elevations. Increased inactive season temperatures resulted in decreased survival while we found that temperature, amount of snow, and elevation interacted to influence survival. At low elevations, which were warmer, survival decreased with increasing snowfall but at higher elevations, survival generally increased with increasing snowfall. Our results demonstrate that understanding how the environment can affect salamander demography to develop mechanistic models will require knowledge of the actual environmental conditions experienced by a given population as well as an understanding of the overall differences in climate at a given site.
Structural basis of hypoxic gene regulation by the Rv0081 transcription factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Phulera Swastik , Rizvi Arshad , Sonawane Parshuram J. , Panwar Hemendra S. , Banerjee Sharmistha , Sahu Arvind , Mande Shekhar C.
Published: April 2019

The transcription factor Rv0081 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis controls hypoxic gene expression and acts as a regulatory hub in the latent phase of tuberculosis (TB) infection. We report here the crystal structure of Rv0081 at 2.9 Å resolution revealing that it belongs to the well‐known ArsR/SmtB family proteins. However, unlike other members in this family, Rv0081 has neither a metal‐binding domain nor does it possess Cys residues, suggesting an alternate mechanism of gene regulation. Our structural and biochemical analyses suggest the molecular basis for the recognition of self‐regulatory DNA sequences and a plausible mechanism of regulation of Rv0081 in the latent phase of TB infection.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number – 6JMI
Systematic Review of the Impact of Inflammatory Arthritis on Intimate Relationships and Sexual Function
Authors: Restoux Laura J. , Dasariraju Silpa R. , Ackerman Ilana N. , Van Doornum Sharon , Romero Lorena , Briggs Andrew M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To systematically review evidence of the impact of inflammatory arthritis on, or association of inflammatory arthritis with, intimate relationships and sexual function.

Methods

Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, and EBSCO CINAHL databases were searched. Two independent reviewers selected articles, extracted data, and conducted manual searches of reference lists from included studies and previous reviews. The quality of evidence was assessed using standard risk‐of‐bias tools.

Results

Fifty‐five eligible studies were reviewed. Of these, 49 (89%) were quantitative, 5 (9.1%) were qualitative, and 1 (1.8%) used a mixed‐method design. Few quantitative studies were rated as low risk of bias (n = 7 [14%]), many were rated as moderate (n = 37 [74%]) or high risk (n = 6 [12%]). Quantitative study sample sizes ranged from 10 to 1,272 participants, with a reported age range 32–63 years. Qualitative study sample sizes ranged from 8 to 57 participants, with a reported age range 20–69 years. In studies reporting the Female Sexual Function Index, all inflammatory arthritis groups demonstrated mean scores ≤26.55 (range of mean ± SD scores: 14.2 ± 7.8 to 25.7 ± 4.7), indicating sexual dysfunction. In studies reporting the International Index of Erectile Function, all inflammatory arthritis groups reported mean scores ≤25 (range of mean ± SD scores: 16.0 ± 5.3 to 23.8 ± 7.0), indicating erectile dysfunction. Key qualitative themes were impaired sexual function and compromised intimate relationships; prominent subthemes included inflammatory arthritis–related pain and fatigue, erectile dysfunction, diminished sexual desire, and sexual function fluctuations according to disease activity.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction appears highly prevalent among men and women with inflammatory arthritis, and increased clinician awareness of this impairment may guide provision of tailored education and support.
Creating an Air‐Stable Sulfur‐Doped Black Phosphorus‐TiO2 Composite as High‐Performance Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Song Tianbing , Chen Hai , Li Zhi , Xu Qunjie , Liu Haimei , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: April 2019

With the increasing demand for low cost, long lifetime, high energy density storage systems, an extensive amount of effort has recently been focused on the development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), and a variety of cathode materials have been discovered. However, looking for the most suitable anode material for practical application is a major challenge for SIBs. Herein, a high capacity sulfur‐doped black phosphorus‐TiO2 (TiO2‐BP‐S) anode material for SIBs is first synthesized by a feasible and large‐scale high‐energy ball‐milling approach, and its stability in air exposure is investigated through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of TiO2‐BP‐S is characterized using transmission electron microscopy, indicating that the TiO2 nanoparticles produce PTi bonds with BP. The TiO2‐BP‐S composite with PS and PTi bonds exhibits excellent stability in air and the superior electrochemical performance. For example, the discharge specific capacity is up to 490 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 50 mA g−1, and it remains at 290 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Meanwhile, the scientific insight that the formation of stable PS and PTi bonds can provide a guide for the practical large‐scale application of SIBs in other titanium base and black phosphorus materials is looked forward.
Ru–Ru2PΦNPC and NPC@RuO2 Synthesized via Environment‐Friendly and Solid‐Phase Phosphating Process by Saccharomycetes as N/P Sources and Carbon Template for Overall Water Splitting in Acid Electrolyte
Authors: Yu Jiayuan , Li Guixiang , Liu Hui , Zhao Lili , Wang Aizhu , Liu Zhen , Li Haidong , Liu Hong , Hu Yongyou , Zhou Weijia
Published: April 2019

Although numerous ruthenium‐based phosphates possess high catalytic activities for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), most of them rely on dangerous and toxic synthesis routes. Biological slices confirm that Ru ions can penetrate the cell walls of saccharomycete, which facilitates the adsorption of Ru ions. Herein, based on a green synthesis process by saccharomycete cells as the carbon template and nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) sources, novel Janus‐like ruthenium–ruthenium phosphide nanoparticles embedded into a N/P dual‐doped carbon matrix (Ru–Ru2PΦNPC) electrocatalyst for HER are synthesized. Electrochemical tests reveal that Ru–Ru2PΦNPC displays remarkable performance with a low overpotential of 42 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and demonstrates superior stability at a high current density in 0.5 m H2SO4. Furthermore, ruthenium oxide nanoparticles coated N/P dual‐doped carbon (NPC@RuO2) are also synthesized with a yolk–shell structure using saccharomycete cells as the core template and RuO2 as a shell to isolate saccharomycete cells from the oxidation reaction during calcination in air. The NPC@RuO2 as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst possesses a low overpotential of 220 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Finally, the Ru–Ru2PΦNPC is integrated as a cathode and NPC@RuO2 is integrated as an anode to construct a two‐electrode electrolyzer to enable an excellent performance for overall water splitting with a cell voltage of 1.50 V at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4.
Heparin‐Conjugated Decellularized Bone Particles Promote Enhanced Osteogenic Signaling of PDGF‐BB to Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells in Tissue Engineered Bone Grafts
Authors: Rindone Alexandra N. , Kachniarz Bartlomiej , Achebe Chukwuebuka C. , Riddle Ryan C. , O'Sullivan Aine N. , Dorafshar Amir H. , Grayson Warren L.
Published: April 2019

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising cell source for regenerating critical‐sized craniofacial bone defects, but their clinical use is limited due to the supraphysiological levels of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 required to induce bone formation in large grafts. It has been recently reported that platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF) directly enhances the osteogenesis of ASCs when applied at physiological concentrations. In this study, a biomimetic delivery system that tethers PDGF to decellularized bone matrix (DCB) is developed to enhance osteogenic signaling in bone grafts by colocalizing PDGF‐extracellular matrix cues. Heparin is conjugated to DCB particles (HC‐DCB) to promote sustained binding of PDGF via electrostatic interactions. HC‐DCB particles bind to PDGF with >99% efficiency and release significantly less PDGF over 21 days compared to nonconjugated DCB particles (1.1% vs 22.8%). HC‐DCB‐PDGF signaling in polycaprolactone (PCL)‐fibrin grafts promotes >40 µg Ca2+ µg−1 DNA deposition by ASCs during in vitro osteogenic culture compared to grafts without HC‐DCB or PDGF. Furthermore, more bone formation is observed in grafts with HC‐DCB‐PDGF at 12 weeks following implantation of grafts into murine critical‐sized calvarial defects. Collectively, these results demonstrate that HC‐DCB enhances the osteogenic signaling of PDGF to ASCs and may be applied to promote ASC‐mediated bone regeneration in critical‐sized defects.
Elastic 3D‐Printed Hybrid Polymeric Scaffold Improves Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Yang , Lei Dong , Huang Shixing , Yang Qi , Song Benyan , Guo Yifan , Shen Ao , Yuan Zhize , Li Sen , Qing Feng‐Ling , Ye Xiaofeng , You Zhengwei , Zhao Qiang
Published: April 2019

Myocardial remodeling, including ventricular dilation and wall thinning, is an important pathological process caused by myocardial infarction (MI). To intervene in this pathological process, a new type of cardiac scaffold composed of a thermoset (poly‐[glycerol sebacate], PGS) and a thermoplastic (poly‐[ε‐caprolactone], PCL) is directly printed by employing fused deposition modeling 3D‐printing technology. The PGS‐PCL scaffold possesses stacked construction with regular crisscrossed filaments and interconnected micropores and exhibits superior mechanical properties. In vitro studies demonstrate favorable biodegradability and biocompatibility of the PGS‐PCL scaffold. When implanted onto the infarcted myocardium, this scaffold improves and preserves heart function. Furthermore, the scaffold improves several vital aspects of myocardial remodeling. On the morphological level, the scaffold reduces ventricular wall thinning and attenuated infarct size, and on the cellular level, it enhances vascular density and increases M2 macrophage infiltration, which might further contribute to the mitigated myocardial apoptosis rate. Moreover, the flexible PGS‐PCL scaffold can be tailored to any desired shape, showing promise for annular‐shaped restraint device application and meeting the demands for minimal invasive operation. Overall, this study demonstrates the therapeutic effects and versatile applications of a novel 3D‐printed, biodegradable and biocompatible cardiac scaffold, which represents a promising strategy for improving myocardial remodeling after MI.
Direct Blow Spinning of Flexible and Transparent Ag Nanofiber Heater
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Lin Sen , Zu Di , Song Jianan , Liu Zhenglian , Li Lei , Jia Chao , Bai Xiaopeng , Liu Junchen , Li Ziwei , Wang Dong , Huang Ya , Fang Minghao , Lei Ming , Li Bo , Wu Hui
Published: April 2019

Fog and frost formation cause many issues such as influencing building interior daylighting of architectural aesthetics or causing traffic accidents in cold weather. Transparent flexible heaters (TFHs) play a vital role in defogging smart windows. Herein, the rapid and facile fabrication of uniform, flexible, and large‐scale TFHs based on percolation networks of Ag nanofiber (AgNF) is reported using blow‐spinning method followed with room‐temperature UV reduction. The TFHs exhibit excellent optical and electrical properties with a high transmittance of ≈95% and low sheet resistance of ≈16 Ω sq−1. The TFHs based on AgNFs also present excellent mechanical flexibility and remain steady after 1000 cycles of bending. Furthermore, the saturation temperature of AgNF/cPI (colorless polyimide) electrode‐based TFHs (9.5 Ω sq−1) reaches more than 285 °C at a DC voltage of 10 V, more effective than those of tin‐doped indium oxide (ITO)‐based TFHs (55 Ω sq−1) about 150 °C at the same transmittance of visible light (88%). The flexible AgNFs‐based heater demonstrates excellent heating performance, as well as reliable chemical and mechanical durability in defogging smart windows of vehicles or buildings.
Tunable Control of Interlayer Excitons in WS2/MoS2 Heterostructures via Strong Coupling with Enhanced Mie Resonances
Authors: Yan Jiahao , Ma Churong , Huang Yingcong , Yang Guowei
Published: April 2019

Strong Coulomb interactions in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) produce strongly bound excitons, trions, and biexcitons. The existence of multiexcitonic states has drawn tremendous attention because of its promising applications in quantum information. Combining different monolayer TMDs into van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures opens up opportunities to engineer exciton devices and bring new phenomena. Spatially separated electrons and holes in different layers produce interlayer excitons. Although much progress has been made on excitons in single layers, how interlayer excitons contribute the photoluminescence emission and how to tailor the interlayer exciton emission have not been well understood. Here, room temperature strong coupling between interlayer excitons in the WS2/MoS2 vdW heterostructure and cavity‐enhanced Mie resonances in individual silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) are demonstrated. The heterostructures are inserted into a Si film‐Si NP all‐dielectric platform to realize effective energy exchanges and Rabi oscillations. Besides mode splitting in scattering, tunable interlayer excitonic emission is also observed. The results make it possible to design TMDs heterostructures with various excitonic states for future photonics devices.
Definition of a Family of Nonmobile Colistin Resistance (NMCR‐1) Determinants Suggests Aquatic Reservoirs for MCR‐4
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Wei Wenhui , Huang Man , Umar Zeeshan , Feng Youjun
Published: April 2019

Polymyxins, a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides, are recognized as a last‐resort clinical option used in the treatment of lethal infections with carbapenem‐resistant pathogens. A growing body of mobile colistin resistance (MCR) determinants renders colistin ineffective in the clinical and human sectors, posing a challenge to human health and food security. However, the origin and reservoir of the MCR family enzymes is poorly understood. Herein, a new family of nonmobile colistin resistance (from nmcr‐1 to nmcr‐1.8) from the aquatic bacterium Shewanella is reported. NMCR‐1 (541aa) displays 62.78% identity to MCR‐4. Genetic and structural analyses reveal that NMCR‐1 shares a similar catalytic mechanism and functional motifs, both of which are required for MCR action and its resultant phenotypic resistance to polymyxin. Phylogeny and domain‐swapping demonstrate that NMCR‐1 is a progenitor of MCR‐4 rather than MCR‐1/2. Additionally, the experiment of bacterial growth and viability reveals that NMCR‐1 promotes fitness cost as MCR‐1/4 does in the recipient Escherichia coli. In summary, the finding suggests that the aquatic bacterium Shewanella (and even its associated aquaculture) is a reservoir for MCR‐4 mobile colistin resistance.
Novel Sub‐5 nm Layered Niobium Phosphate Nanosheets for High‐Voltage, Cation‐Intercalation Typed Electrochemical Energy Storage in Wearable Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Wu Zeyi , Jiang Le , Tian Wenchao , Wang Yanan , Jiang Yingchang , Gu Qinfen , Hu Linfeng
Published: April 2019

Layered niobium phosphates have been considered very promising energy storage materials because of their high theoretical operating voltage window and the rich oxidation states of niobium. However, their development has been stymied by the phase‐controlled synthesis due to the insolubility of niobium sources except in concentrated hydrofluoric (HF) acid systems. Herein, a new avenue is opened for layered acid niobium phosphate (2NbOPO4·H3PO4·H2O) synthesis in a mild oxalic acid system. Taking advantage of this strategy, in situ growth of sub‐5 nm 2NbOPO4·H3PO4·H2O nanosheet (NPene) arrays on conductive carbon fiber cloth (CFC) substrates is achieved as self‐standing electrodes for solid‐state supercapacitors. Interestingly, the NPene@CFC electrode exhibits a typical cation (H+ or Li+)‐intercalation kinetics with a wide potential window of 0–1.0 V in aqueous electrolytes. Given the wide potential window and highly exposed active surface, the solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitors constructed from such a NPenes@CFC electrode display a high working potential of 2.0 V, energy density of 122.2 W h kg−1 at a power density of 589.7 W kg−1, cycle stability with a capacitance retention of 94.2% after 10 000 cycles, and also outstanding flexible and wearable characteristics.
ortho‐Phenylene‐Bridged Hybrid Nanorings of 2,5‐Pyrrolylenes and 2,5‐Thienylenes
Authors: Chen Fengkun , Kim Jinseok , Matsuo Yusuke , Hong Yongseok , Kim Dongho , Tanaka Takayuki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2019

Hybrid nanorings composed of 2,5‐pyrrolylene, 2,5‐thienylene, and bridging ortho‐phenylene were synthesized by strategic cross‐coupling reactions, and their structures were unambiguously revealed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. These nanorings showed highly twisted structures in the solid‐state, while exhibiting symmetric 1H NMR spectra, indicating their conformational flexibilities in solution. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these nanorings were studied in detail by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, femto‐second laser‐based spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry with the aid of DFT calculations. It is shown that hybridization of nanorings with 2,5‐thienylene and 2,5‐pyrrolylene is an effective means to tune their electronic properties.
Galliummethylen
Authors: Bonath Martin , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Sirsch Peter , Anwander Reiner
Published: April 2019

Ungeachtet der herausragenden Bedeutung von Metallalkyliden‐Verbindungen für die organische Synthese und industrielle katalytische Prozesse sind molekulare homoleptische Metallmethylen‐Verbindungen [M(CH2)n] als deren einfachste Vertreter bislang nicht beschrieben worden. Erstmals wurde 1955 berichtet, dass polymeres [Li2(CH2)]n und [Mg(CH2)]n durch Pyrolyse von Methyllithium bzw. Dimethylmagnesium erhalten werden kann. Die unlösliche, salzartige Beschaffenheit dieser Verbindungen erschwerte jedoch die Verwendung als nützliche Reagenzien. Wir berichten nun, dass homoleptisches Galliummethylen [Ga8(μ‐CH2)12] ausgehend von Trimethylgallium [GaMe3] über eine Kaskade von C‐H‐Bindungsaktivierungen erhalten werden kann. Seine Bildung wird durch Seltenerdmetallocen‐Methyl‐Komplexe [(C5Me5)2Ln{(μ‐Me)2GaMe2}] (Ln=Lu, Y) vermittelt, wobei dodekametallische Cluster des Typs [(C5Me5)6Ln3(μ3‐CH2)6Ga9(μ‐CH2)9] als entscheidende Zwischenstufen auftreten. Galliummethylen zeigt eine charakteristische, reversible [Ga8(μ‐CH2)12]/[Ga6(μ‐CH2)9]‐Isomerenumwandlung in Donorlösungsmitteln und erweist sich als Methylen‐Transferreagenz vom Schrock‐Typ.
Gallium Methylene
Authors: Bonath Martin , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Sirsch Peter , Anwander Reiner
Published: April 2019

Despite the eminent importance of metal alkylidene species for organic synthesis and industrial catalytic processes, molecular homoleptic metal methylene compounds [M(CH2)n] as the simplest representatives, have remained elusive. Reports on this topic date back to 1955 when polymeric [Li2(CH2)]n and [Mg(CH2)]n were accessed by pyrolysis of methyllithium and dimethylmagnesium, respectively. However, the insoluble salt‐like composition of these compounds has impeded their application as valuable reagents. We report that rare‐earth metallocene methyl complexes [(C5Me5)2Ln{(μ‐Me)2GaMe2}] (Ln=Lu, Y) trigger the formation of homoleptic gallium methylene [Ga8(μ‐CH2)12] from trimethylgallium [GaMe3] (Me=methyl) via a cascade C−H bond activation involving the dodecametallic clusters [(C5Me5)6Ln3(μ3‐CH2)6Ga9(μ‐CH2)9] as crucial intermediates. Such gallium methylene compounds feature a reversible [Ga8(μ‐CH2)12]/[Ga6(μ‐CH2)9] oligomer switch in donor solvents and act as Schrock‐type methylene‐transfer reagents.
Molecular cloning, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a broad‐complex isoform 2/3 (Br‐Z2/Z3) transcription factor in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: Huang Jingfei , Fang Ling , Wang Shuai , Liu Xiang , Chen Yong , Chen Yixin , Tian Houjun , Lin Shuo , Tian Sufen , Wei Hui , Gu Xiaojun
Published: April 2019

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a widespread and destructive pest of cruciferous crops. New strategies for controlling it are needed because it is rapidly developing resistance to conventional pesticides. In insects, transcription factors (TFs) including broad‐complex (Br‐C) are thought to be useful for insecticide development because they are able to regulate the transcription of functional genes involved in responses to external stimuli including insecticides. In the present study, we cloned and sequenced the open reading frames (ORFs) of three BTB‐ZF encoding genes from the diamondback moth deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database under accessions MG753773, MG288674, and MG753772. The lengths of these ORFs were 1,680, 1,428, and 1,647 bp, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on the predicted amino acid sequences of ZF domains showed that MG753773 and MG288674 belonged to Z2/Z3 and Z7 of Br‐C while MG753772 belonged to Ttk types. In the agreement, the highest expression level of MG753773 occurred during the prepupal stage, MG288674 and MG753772 were expressed during all stages and peaked in the adult and egg stages, respectively. RNA interference silencing of MG753773 in the late third instar larvae significantly decreased survival and pupation of the insects. With precocene II, transcription of MG753773 increased (4×) in the fourth instar larva 24 hr later; 48 hr later the rate of prepupation and pupation was significantly higher. These findings will contribute to the development of new regulators of the growth and development for diamondback moth control.
Data‐Driven Approach for Improving Asset Reliability
Authors: Jalla Srinivas , Davis Clinton
Published: April 2019

Numerous asset management issues were addressed when a water utility studied the practices of successful cohorts and used data analytics to change its processes and organizational structure for the better.
Water Conservation and Efficient Water Rates Produce Lower Water Bills in Los Angeles
Authors: Chesnutt Thomas W. , Pekelney David , Spacht Julie M.
Published: April 2019

Contrary to many water customers’ beliefs, implementing efficient water rates, efficient plumbing, and conservation initiatives actually reduces the cost burden on water customers.
Berechnung der Kühlgestehungskosten von fassadengebundenen Begrünungssystemen im städtischen Raum
Authors: Tudiwer David , Hollands Jutta , Korjenic Azra
Published: April 2019

Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird eine neue Methode zur ökonomischen Bewertung von Bauwerksbegrünung vorgestellt. Aufbauend auf bereits publizierten ökonomischen Analysen wird hier auf eine in diesem Bereich bisher unbeachtete Berechnungsmethode verwiesen, die derzeit meist in der Energiewirtschaft Anwendung findet. In dieser Methode werden die Gestehungskosten ermittelt. Erstmalig werden die Kühlgestehungskosten einer südseitigen begrünten Fassade berechnet. Dabei wirken sich drei voneinander unabhängige Parameter auf die Kühlgestehungskosten aus: die Verdunstungsleistung der begrünten Fassade, die Gesamtkosten für das Begrünungssystem und die Anzahl der Sommertage. Demnach beeinflussen unter anderen die Bauart, die Bepflanzung, die Lebenszykluskosten sowie der Standort der Fassadenbegrünung die Höhe der Kühlgestehungskosten. Das Ergebnis dieser Beispielberechnungen für den Standort Wien zeigt, dass das derartige Kühlen der Umgebung 0,80 €/kWh entzogene Wärmeenergie kostet. Diese Art der Kühlung kann dem Urban Heat Island (UHI)‐Effekt entgegenwirken.
Behaglichkeitsmonitoring – flächendeckend und kostengünstig mit der Sensorstation CoMoS
Authors: Kimmling Mathias , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: April 2019

Zur Erfassung von thermischen Umgebungsparametern wurde die Behaglichkeitsmessstation CoMoS (engl. Comfort Monitoring Station) entwickelt. Ziel der Entwicklung war ein kostengünstiges System mit gleichzeitig hoher Messgenauigkeit zum flächendeckenden Einsatz in Gebäuden. Diese Vorgabe wurde durch einen Aufbau erzielt, der auf kompakten, integrierten Sensoren für Lufttemperatur, relative Luftfeuchte, mittels Schwarzkugel gemessener Globe‐Temperatur und Luftgeschwindigkeit basiert.

Eine individuelle Kalibrierung aller Sensoren bezogen auf ein Referenzgerät ermöglichte eine Minimierung von Messabweichungen und damit eine hohe Vergleichbarkeit einzelner Messstationen untereinander. Dabei zeigten Kalibrier‐ und Vergleichsmessungen sehr gute Ergebnisse für die Messgrößen Lufttemperatur, Luftfeuchte und Globe‐Temperatur, wohingegen die Luftgeschwindigkeit nur mit einer für den Einsatzzweck ausreichenden Genauigkeit erfasst werden kann. In einem Feldtest wurde nach Abschluss der Kalibrierung und Evaluation die Funktionsfähigkeit des Systems unter realen Umgebungsbedingungen belegt. Die aus der Entwicklung hervorgegangenen Ergebnisse wurden über diesen Beitrag hinaus in Form einer detaillierten Aufbauanleitung einschließlich der zugrunde liegenden Programmierung und der Kalibrierfunktionen online veröffentlicht, siehe Living Lab smart.
Octahedral Cu2O@Co(OH)2 Nanocages with Hierarchical Flake‐Like Walls and Yolk‐Shell Structures for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Sheng Jiali , Chen Jiahui , Kang Jiahui , Yu Yan , Yan Ning , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: April 2019

Unique octahedral yolk‐shell Cu2O@Co(OH)2 nanocages are synthesized by a facile Cu2O self‐templated strategy as efficient glucose oxidation electrocatalysts. Amorphous Co(OH)2 nanoflakes are formed as octahedral shells through coordinating etching conversion from part of Cu2O templates. The un‐etched crystalline Cu2O octahedrons are then remained as cores and voids exist between the cores and shells. The special structure endow these yolk‐shell heterostructure nanocages with abundant active sites, large surface area, and synergistic effect between Cu2O and Co(OH)2. The octahedral yolk‐shell Cu2O@Co(OH)2 nanocages demonstrate superior electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation in terms of high sensitivity of 1340 μA cm−2 mM−1, low detection limit of 2 μM, wide linear sensing range, and long‐term stability. This strategy might shed lights on the synthesis of various yolk‐shell heterostructure nanocages with controllable structures and enhanced catalytic performances.
Simple Transformation of Hierarchical Hollow Structures by Reduction of Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Catalytic Activity in the Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Ju Suhyun , Yusuf Mohammad , Jang Seongwan , Kang Hyuntae , Kim Soohee , Park Kang Hyun
Published: April 2019

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based derivatives have been found to be promising heterogeneous catalysts for organic transformations. Herein, hollow‐structure Cu‐MOFs derived by reduction of Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC=1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate; denoted as RCB) were prepared by using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent under various conditions. The influence of hydrazine hydrate induced the structure of Cu3(BTC)2 and led to dynamic variation in the interior and exterior as well as oxidation states of the Cu ion. The synthesized materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, N2 sorption isotherms, XRD, and XPS. The product of the catalytic reaction was observed by GC‐MS. In addition, the prepared RCBs were found to have excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for benzyl alcohol oxidation when assisted by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO).
The Link between ZSM‐5 Zeolite Crystallization and Mesopore Formation by Leaching
Authors: Li Teng , Ihli Johannes , Wennmacher Julian T. C. , Krumeich Frank , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: April 2019

Acid or base leaching are well‐established tools in the synthesis of mesoporous zeolites. Previous studies suggest an inherent link between the structure‐property relationship of mesoporous zeolites, that is, chemical resistance, pore diameter and distribution, with zeolite synthesis or crystallization conditions. The exact nature and/or origin of this link is currently however, poorly established. Here, we provide evidence how zeolite crystallization conditions influence the leaching behavior and thus structure of mesoporous zeolites. Electron microscopy and in situ small angle X‐ray scattering both confirmed the crystallization of ZSM‐5 to utilize both nanoparticles and oligomers as elemental building blocks. Utilization of these species is highly depended on supersaturation. The precursor solution of decreased water content favored a faster consumption of nanoparticles compared to its oligomers at the early stage of crystallization. Then the addition of oligomers can heal the surface imperfections and thus the resulting zeolite showed a higher resistance against acid leaching. In contrast, within the precursor solution of increased water content the slower consumption of nanoparticles led to crystals with a less robust rim. Defects existed in the rim due to limited healing by oligomers and, as such, mesopores can be created by the following post‐treatment. Precise control over selected crystallization conditions can therefore further aid the design of optimized mesoporous zeolites.
Selective Formation of a Mixed‐Valence State from Linearly Bridged Oligo(aromatic diamines): Drastic Structural Change into a Folded Columnar Stack for Half‐filled Polycations
Authors: Nojo Wataru , Ishigaki Yusuke , Takeda Takashi , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Suzuki Takanori
Published: April 2019

A method to obtain an organic mixed‐valence state with long‐range delocalization is proposed, which enables the selective generation of half‐filled (n/2‐charged) polycations from linearly bridged oligomers with n electron‐donating units. When π‐extended phenylenediamine units are connected by meta‐xylylene‐type spacers, the resulting oligomers adopt non‐folded structures in the neutral state owing to the non‐conjugating and flexible nature of the spacer, whereas the structure shows a drastic change into a one‐dimensional columnar stack upon oxidation to the corresponding half‐filled polycations. Although they are nano‐sized discrete molecules, they can mimic the electronic structure of crystalline organic conductors in a mixed‐valence state. The key for the oligomer design is adoption of the best‐matched spacer that facilitates formation of the singly charged pimer in the dichromophoric system whereas the corresponding doubly charged π‐dimer is disfavored.
Role of Melatonin and Plant‐Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria in the Growth and Development of Plants
Authors: Asif Mahnoor , Pervez Arshid , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: April 2019

Melatonin is a tryptophan‐based indole molecule found in primitive photosynthetic bacteria to mammals. It performs different functions in plants like rhizogenesis, enhancing plant growth, seed germination, plant yield, biomass production, photosynthesis, circadian rhythm, and fruit ripening. In addition, one of the most significant attributes of melatonin is its antioxidant activity. Moreover, it works as an anti‐stress agent against different biotic and abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, potentially toxic metals, and pathogens. Melatonin forms antioxidant cascade reaction by scavenging free radicals that enhances its antioxidant capacity. In response to different stress conditions, expression of genes involved in melatonin synthesis is increased. In the same way, plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by a number of mechanisms like phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, production of phytohormones, phytoremediation, disease suppression, and production of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase. Thus, melatonin and plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria are involved in enhancing plant growth under abiotic and biotic stress but the mechanisms of action of both are different. Therefore, in this study, the data on the impact of melatonin and plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria on plants are combined for the first time and how these could be useful in enhancing the plant growth is examined. In addition, the research gaps are identified in melatonin and plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria research already conducted from the last few decades that will help the scientific community in further research.
Intelligent and semantic threshold schemes for security in cloud computing
Authors: Ogiela Lidia , Snášel Václav
Published: April 2019

This article presents new methods of securing data with particular emphasis on their applications in Cloud Computing. Methods of hiding data dedicated to processes of its security will be illustrated by cryptographic techniques, particularly data splitting protocols. Cryptographic information sharing algorithms are a particularly important type of techniques allowing confidential or secret data to be secured. These algorithms have been enhanced with new classes of solutions, including semantic protocols of secret sharing. The innovation of this solution consists in the presentation of smart data securing algorithms that use techniques of the semantic sharing of secret information. The information subjected to the process of splitting and hiding can take various forms, including that of services. Because of this aspect, namely, the various forms of the secret, and the use of universal information hiding techniques, a particularly important aspect of the solutions presented here is the ability to use them in various areas of data security. One of such areas comprises Cloud Computing, which forms the leading subject of this publication. In this article, the authors describe intelligent cryptography techniques dedicated to security services data. The most important achievement is the introduction of a new class of data encryption protocols, such as semantic threshold schemes.
A parallel tree node splitting criterion for fuzzy decision trees
Authors: Mu Yashuang , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Lidong , Asghar Aamer Bilal
Published: April 2019

Fuzzy decision trees are one of the most important extensions of decision trees for symbolic knowledge acquisition by fuzzy representation. Many fuzzy decision trees employ fuzzy information gain as a measure to construct the tree node splitting criteria. These criteria play a critical role in the construction of decision trees. However, many of the criteria can only work well on small‐scale or medium‐scale data sets, and cannot directly deal with large‐scale data sets on the account of some limiting factors such as memory capacity, execution time, and data complexity. Parallel computing is one way to overcome these problems; in particular, MapReduce is one mainstream solution of parallel computing. In this paper, we design a parallel tree node splitting criterion (MR‐NSC) based on fuzzy information gain via MapReduce, which is completed equivalent to the traditional unparallel splitting rule. The experimental studies verify the equivalency between the proposed MR‐NSC algorithm and the traditional unparallel way through 22 UCI benchmark data sets. Furthermore, the feasibility and parallelism are also studied on two large‐scale data sets.
Oxygen Vacancy Engineering of Bi24O31Cl10 for Boosted Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion
Authors: Jin Xiaoli , Lv Chade , Zhou Xin , Ye Liqun , Xie Haiquan , Liu Yue , Su Huan , Zhang Biao , Chen Gang
Published: April 2019

Unearthing an ideal model to describe the role of defect sites for boosting photocatalytic CO2 reduction is rational and necessary, but it still remains a significant challenge. Herein, oxygen vacancies are introduced on the surface of Bi24O31Cl10 photocatalyst (Bi24O31Cl10‐OV) for fine‐tuning the photocatalytic efficiency. The formation of oxygen vacancies leads to a new donor level near the conduction band minimum, which enables a faster charge transfer and higher carrier density. Moreover, oxygen vacancies can considerably reduce the energy for the formation of COOH* intermediates during CO2 conversion. As a result, the activity of Bi24O31Cl10‐OV for selective photoreduction of CO2 to CO is significantly improved, with a CO generation rate of 0.9 μmol h−1 g−1, which is nearly 4 times higher than that of pristine Bi24O31Cl10. This study reinforces our understanding of defect engineering in Bi‐based photocatalysts and underscores the potential importance of implanting oxygen vacancies as an effective strategy for solar energy conversion.
Bacterial communities within Phengaris (Maculinea) alcon caterpillars are shifted following transition from solitary living to social parasitism of Myrmica ant colonies
Authors: Szenteczki Mark A. , Pitteloud Camille , Casacci Luca P. , Kešnerová Lucie , Whitaker Melissa R.L. , Engel Philipp , Vila Roger , Alvarez Nadir
Published: April 2019

Bacterial symbionts are known to facilitate a wide range of physiological processes and ecological interactions for their hosts. In spite of this, caterpillars with highly diverse life histories appear to lack resident microbiota. Gut physiology, endogenous digestive enzymes, and limited social interactions may contribute to this pattern, but the consequences of shifts in social activity and diet on caterpillar microbiota are largely unknown. Phengaris alcon caterpillars undergo particularly dramatic social and dietary shifts when they parasitize Myrmica ant colonies, rapidly transitioning from solitary herbivory to ant tending (i.e., receiving protein‐rich regurgitations through trophallaxis). This unique life history provides a model for studying interactions between social living, diet, and caterpillar microbiota. Here, we characterized and compared bacterial communities within P. alcon caterpillars before and after their association with ants, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR. After being adopted by ants, bacterial communities within P. alcon caterpillars shifted substantially, with a significant increase in alpha diversity and greater consistency in bacterial community composition in terms of beta dissimilarity. We also characterized the bacterial communities within their host ants (Myrmica schencki), food plant (Gentiana cruciata), and soil from ant nest chambers. These data indicated that the aforementioned patterns were influenced by bacteria derived from caterpillars’ surrounding environments, rather than through transfers from ants. Thus, while bacterial communities are substantially reorganized over the life cycle of P. alcon caterpillars, it appears that they do not rely on transfers of bacteria from host ants to complete their development.
Pleistocene climate change and phylogeographic structure of the Gymnocarpos przewalskii (Caryophyllaceae) in the northwest China: Evidence from plastid DNA, ITS sequences, and Microsatellite
Authors: Jia Shu‐wen , Zhang Ming‐li
Published: April 2019

Northwestern China has a wealth of endemic species, which has been hypothesized to be affected by the complex paleoclimatic and paleogeographic history during Quaternary. In this paper, we used Gymnocarpos przewalskii as a model to address the evolutionary history and current population genetic structure of species in northwestern China. We employed two chloroplast DNA fragments (rps16 and psbB‐psbI), one nuclear DNA fragment (ITS), and simple sequence repeat (SSRs) to investigate the spatial genetic pattern of G. przewalskii. High genetic diversity (cpDNA: hS = 0.330, hT = 0.866; ITS: hS = 0.458, hT = 0.872) was identified in almost all populations, and most of the population have private haplotypes. Moreover, multimodal mismatch distributions were observed and estimates of Tajima's D and Fu's FS tests did not identify significantly departures from neutrality, indicating that recent expansion of G. przewalskii was rejected. Thus, we inferred that G. przewalskii survived generally in northwestern China during the Pleistocene. All data together support the genotypes of G. przewalskii into three groups, consistent with their respective geographical distributions in the western regions—Tarim Basin, the central regions—Hami Basin and Hexi Corridor, and the eastern regions—Alxa Desert and Wulate Prairie. Divergence among most lineages of G. przewalskii occurred in the Pleistocene, and the range of potential distributions is associated with glacial cycles. We concluded that climate oscillation during Pleistocene significantly affected the distribution of the species.
A Halogen‐Free Green High Energy Density Oxidizer from H‐FOX
Authors: Dharavath Srinivas , Tang Yongxing , Kumar Dheeraj , Mitchell Lauren A. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: April 2019

Reaction of H‐FOX (1‐hydrazinyl‐2,2‐dinitroethenamine) with 2,2,2‐trinitroethanol resulted in an unexpected compound, 1,1′‐methylenebis[3‐(2,2,2‐trinitroethyl)urea] (5), which when treated with acetic anhydride and 100 % nitric acid gave an N‐NO2 derivative, 1,1′‐methylenebis[1‐nitro‐3‐(2,2,2‐trinitroethyl)urea] (6) in good yield. Compound 6 exhibits a good oxygen balance (+20.4 %), density (d = 1.87 g/cm3) and excellent detonation performance (vD = 8910 m/s; P = 35.8 GPa) as well as acceptable stability and sensitivity, which suggests it as an attractive replacement for ammonium perchlorate (AP).
Comparative assessment of nonlinear static and dynamic methods for analysing building response under sequential earthquake and tsunami
Authors: Rossetto Tiziana , De la Barra Camilo , Petrone Crescenzo , De la Llera Juan Carlos , Vásquez Jorge , Baiguera Marco
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive comparison of different dynamic and static approaches for assessing building performance under sequential earthquakes and tsunami. A 10‐storey reinforced concrete seismically designed Japanese vertical evacuation structure is adopted as a case study for the investigation. The case study building is first assessed under sequential earthquake and tsunami nonlinear response history analyses: the first time this is done in the literature. The resulting engineering demand parameters are then compared with those obtained when the analysis procedure is systematically simplified by substituting different static approaches for the nonlinear response history analyses in both the earthquake and tsunami loading phases. Different unloading approaches are also tested for the cases when an earthquake pushover is adopted. The results show that an earthquake nonlinear response history analysis, followed by a transient free vibration and a tsunami variable depth pushover, provides the best alternative to full dynamic analyses in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. This structural analysis combination is recommended and has the advantage that it does not require the tsunami inundation time history to be known in advance. The proposed double pushover approach is instead deemed only suitable for the collapse assessment of regular low to mid‐rise buildings and for the development of collapse fragility functions. An important observation made is that sustained earthquake damage seems not to affect the tsunami resistance of the case study building when the fully dynamic analysis is carried out for the sequential loading. This observation will be the subject of future work.
Influence of micro‐pore structure in tight sandstone reservoir on the seepage and water‐drive producing mechanism—a case study from Chang 6 reservoir in Huaqing area of Ordos basin
Authors: Ren Xiaoxia , Li Aifen , Fu Shuaishi , Tian Weibing
Published: April 2019

To study the influence of pore structure on the seepage and water‐drive producing mechanisms, various methods were combined to describe the micro‐pore structure in the Chang 6 tight sandstone reservoir in the Huaqing area, Ordos Basin, China. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was combined with displacement experiments to determine the distribution of oil and water in pores of different scales before and after water flooding. There are few micro pores in the reservoir. As permeability increases, the distribution of nano pores decreases, while sub‐micro pores increase. Also, sub‐micro pores are the main pathway within the reservoir. There is a negative power function correlation between the minimum starting pressure gradient of the oil (Swc) and maximum throat radius. Also, with a decrease of permeability, smaller pore throats become more abundant and the nonlinear section of the flow velocity‐differential pressure curves increase. There is a large amount of crude oil gathering in the nano pores. As permeability increases, the main sources of movable oil are from the nano pores (kg < 0.4 × 10−3 μm2), sub‐micro pores (kg ≈ 0.4 × 10−3 μm2‐1.0 × 10−3 μm2), and micro pores (kg > 1.0 × 10−3 μm2). Displacement efficiency is always the highest in sub‐micro pores.