bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviner son prédateur, trouver sa proie
Authors: Servais Olivier
Published: November 2018

Cet article se fonde sur l’intuition que l’on peut appréhender les pratiques vidéoludiques contemporaines, particulièrement pour les jeux de rôle en lignes massivement multi-joueurs, à partir de ce rapprochement que pose Hamayon entre, jeu, logique de chasse, anticipation et gestion de l’aléatoire. Après un état des lieux des logiques de la chasse dans l’univers de World of Warcraft sont décrites les stratégies cynégétiques des joueurs. Sur cette base est clarifiée la dialectique proie-prédation qui charpente les relations entre joueurs et non-humains informatiques dans ce monde numérique. Échappe à ces relations habituelles la figure du prédateur absolu, impossible à abattre seul, et qui fait que le chasseur peut se retrouver chassé. Les techniques d’anticipation collective, notamment en guilde, deviennent une des nouvelles ressources de survie, indispensables surtout pour gérer la part aléatoire de ce type de confrontation. C’est à ces stratégies de chasse particulières et à ces techniques de prévision que s’intéresse le dernier volet de cette analyse, y compris la gestion du butin aléatoire issu de la victoire collective contre de tels monstres digitaux.
The role of the Riga Latvian Society in the life of students and graduates of the Riga Polytechnicum / Riga Polytechnic Institute (1862–1919)
Authors: Zigmunde Alīda , Pozemkovska Maija
Published: November 2018

The Riga Latvian Society (RLS) is the oldest Latvian organization in the world, where students, graduates and academic staff from oldest universities in the territory of Latvia – the Riga Polytechnicum (RP), from 1896 – the Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI), had worked. The activities of the Society and its members have been diverse and varied, and their results are different, too. The heritage preserved for the future is books compiled and translated by Latvians that are well-known folk historical and cultural values, and new educated, patriotic generations of Latvians. Poor students were supported as much as possible, enabling them to achieve their chosen goals and contribute to Latvia’s economic and national development, culture and education. The 150th anniversary of the RLS, the collaboration of the Society with the RP / RPI students, graduates and academic staff until 1919, has been studied.
Minerālo izejvielu pielietošanas un stikla šķiedras defektu izpēte
Authors: Sētiņa Janīna , Mežinskis Gundars , Akišins Vasilijs , Pētersone Laila , Juhņeviča Inna , Grase Līga
Published: November 2018

Pētītas iespējas izmantot jaunas izejvielas stikla šķiedras ražošanā, īpašu uzmanību pievēršot Latvijas minerālām izejvielām – devona (Bāles atradne) un juras perioda (Skudras atradne un Pīlādžu atradne) kvarca smiltīm. Apstrādājot ūdenī Skudras atradnes kvarca smiltis, krāsojošo oksīdu daudzums samazināts līdz 0,066 %. Iegūto stiklu īpašību pārbaude parādīja attīrīto Skudru atradnes kvarca smilšu izmantošanas perspektīvu E-tipa stikla šķiedras ražošanā. Veikta arī citu šihtas izejvielu izpēte: kolemanīta, kianīta, kaļķakmens.Pielietojot augstas izšķiršanas spējas skenējošo elektronu mikroskopu, diagnosticēti stikla šķiedras defektu rašanās iemesli un izzināta to novēršanas iespēja.Study of Mineral Raw Materials and Defects in Glass FibresLatvian Devonian period sand from deposit Bāle and Jurassic period sand from deposit Skudra were studied, treated and compared with sand from existing Lithuanian supplier. Investigations of Latvian quartz sand showed that sand is characterized by surface impurities, which are easy to separate combining milling and water purification. These investigations and experimental glass melts using different types of sand confirmed that it is possible to use Latvian refined sand in glass industry.Other glass raw materials – colemanite, kyanite, kaolin, limestone – also have been examined.Glass fibre breakage points were studied using SEM, FTIR and X-Ray diffractions methods. Main reasons of glass fibre breakage are non-homogeneous glass and crystalline or gaseous inclusions coming from corrosion of refractory material. This article is result of the cooperation between Institute of Silicate Materials of Riga Technical University and JSC Valmieras stikla šķiedra.Keywords – glass, glass fibre, raw materials for glass, refined sand, glass defects
Mūrējumu korozija apkārtējās vides ietekmē
Authors: Karpe Margarita , Kiriloviča Inta , Vītiņa Inta , Timma Laimons
Published: November 2018

Būvniecībā kopš seniem laikiem izmanto neorganiskās saistvielas. Materiāli kultūrvēsturiskajos un mākslas pieminekļos pastāvīgi tiek pakļauti struktūras sairšanas procesiem, kurus paātrina arvien pieaugošais vides piesārņojums. Autotransporta dūmgāzes gaisā izdala NxOy, SO2, CO un CO2, kas saistās ar gaisa mitrumu un veido skābos lietus. Tie kopā ar putekļiem un sodrējiem nonāk uz mūrējumu virsmas, veidojot blīvu slāni. Rezultātā sākas ķīmiski korozijas procesi, veidojoties ūdenī šķīstošiem sāļiem (visbiežāk – nātrija, kālija, kalcija un magnija sulfāti). Atmosfēras mitruma svārstību un žūšanas procesu rezultātā šie sāļi kristalizējas un izraisa mūrējuma sairšanu, ko veicina bioloģiskā un fizikālā korozija.Pirmie pētījumi par mūrējumu un dabīgo akmens materiālu  koroziju  Latvijā  sākti 1984. g. RTU Silikātu tehnoloģijas katedrā. 1995. g. RTU Silikātu materiālu institūtā tika nodibināts Akmens materiālu konservācijas un restaurācijas centrs (AMKRC). Tā darbības pamatā ir kultūrvēsturisko pieminekļu zinātniskā analīze – korodējošo materiālu sastāva, struktūras, fizikālo un mehānisko īpašību izpēte.In restoration of the masonry, it is important to maintain its original composition and appearance by matching historical materials with appropriate material which is consistent both visually and in accordance with physical and chemical properties. Materials of historic-cultural and artistic monuments are constantly exposed to disintegration processes which are accelerated by ever- increasing environmental pollution (NxOy, SO2, CO and CO2). This environmental pollution reacts with moisture from air and causes acid rain. As a result, water- soluble salts (most commonly sodium, potassium and magnesium sulphates, and gypsum) are formed, causing the chemical corrosion of the masonry, which can cause its disintegration.The earliest research on corrosion of  masonry and  of  natural stone  materials  in Latvia was conducted in 1984 at the Department of Silicate Technologies, Riga Technical University. In 1995 the Center for Conservation and Restoration of Stone Materials was established at the Institute of Silicate Materials, Riga Technical University. Research by the Center includes scientific analyses of cultural-historical monuments – the study of the composition, structure, physical, and mechanical properties of corroding materials.
Pašattīroši audumi: kas tie ir un kāpēc tādi nepieciešami?
Authors: Eglītis Raivis , Mežinskis Gundars , Buiķe Ieva
Published: November 2018

Pašattīroši audumi ir tekstilmateriāli, kuriem piemīt  spēja  ārēju vides faktoru iedarbībā atbrīvot savu virsmu no dažādiem piesārņojumiem. Šādi audumi ļauj samazināt ūdens un enerģijas patēriņu, kas saistīts ar drēbju mazgāšanu, samazināt infekciju risku, pateicoties to biocīdām īpašībām, kā arī pasargā cilvēkus no UV starojuma. Papildus tam šādus audumus arī būtu grūtāk saslapināt; tas mūsdienu mitrajā klimatā samazinātu diskomfortu no salijušām drēbēm. Šādus efektus pašattīroši audumi iegūtu ar tādiem mehānismiem kā fotokatalīze un superhidrofobitāte. Lai audumi iegūtu augstāk minētās īpašības, piemērotākie ir ZnO un TiO2 nanodaļiņu veidotie pārklājumi. Savukārt pārklājumu ieguvei jāizmanto sola-gēla metode, kas sniedz iespēju izveidot homogēnus pārklājumus pie temperatūrām, kuras iztur organiskas dabas materiāli. Kopš 2011. gada ar šādu audumu izstrādi ir nodarbojies Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes Dizaina tehnoloģiju institūts. Kopš 2016. gada ar šādiem pārklājumiem nodarbojas arī Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes Silikātu materiālu institūtā. Izmantojot savas gadu desmitu laikā iegūtās zināšanas sola-gēla tehnoloģijā un nanostrukturētu pārklājumu ieguvē, sekmīgi uzsākti pētījumi rūpnieciski izmantojamu tehnoloģiju izstrādei kokvilnas audumiem.Self-Cleaning Fabrics: What Are They and How Are They Used?Self-cleaning fabrics are textile materials, which under the influence of various external environmental factors have the ability to rid their surface from various contaminants. Such fabrics make it possible to reduce water and energy consumption associated with washing clothes, to reduce the risk of infections due to their biocidal properties, and to protect people from UV radiation. In addition, such fabrics would also be more difficult to wet. This would reduce the possibility of wet clothes in damp climates. Such effects by self-cleaning fabrics could be achieved through mechanisms of photocatalysis and superhydrophobicity. To develop textiles with above mentioned properties, the most suitable approach is the deposition of coatings formed by ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles. In turn, the sol-gel method should be used to obtain coatings. This would make it possible to create homogeneous coatings at temperatures that organic materials can withstand. Institute of Design Technologies, Riga Technical University, has been working on the development of such fabrics since 2011. The research in the field of such coatings at the Institute of Silicate Materials, Riga Technical University, has been performed since 2016. Thanks to decades long research in sol-gel technology and nanostructured coatings, the development of commercially available technologies for cotton fabrics has been successfully launched at the Institute of Silicate Materials.Keywords: self-cleaning fabrics, sol-gel method, TiO2, ZnO
Recalibrating timing behavior via expected covariance between temporal cues
Authors: De Corte Benjamin J , Della Valle Rebecca R , Matell Matthew S
Published: November 2018

Individuals must predict future events to proactively guide their behavior. Predicting when events will occur is a critical component of these expectations. Temporal expectations are often generated based on individual cue-duration relationships. However, the durations associated with different environmental cues will often co-vary due to a common cause. We show that timing behavior may be calibrated based on this expected covariance, which we refer to as the ‘common cause hypothesis’. In five experiments using rats, we found that when the duration associated with one temporal cue changes, timed-responding to other cues shift in the same direction. Furthermore, training subjects that expecting covariance is not appropriate in a given situation blocks this effect. Finally, we confirmed that this transfer is context-dependent. These results reveal a novel principle that modulates timing behavior, which we predict will apply across a variety of magnitude-expectations.
Elaborate plumage patterning in a Cretaceous bird
Authors: Li Quanguo , Clarke Julia A. , Gao Ke-Qin , Peteya Jennifer A. , Shawkey Matthew D.
Published: November 2018

Integumentary patterns and colors can differentiate species, sexes, and life changes and can inform on habitat and ecology. However, they are rarely preserved in the fossil record. Here, we report on an extremely well-preserved specimen of the Cretaceous bird Confuciusornis with unprecedented complexity, including small spots on the wings, crest, and throat. Morphological and chemical evidence suggest that these patterns are produced by melanin, but unusual preservation prevents assignment of specific colors. Based on comparisons with extant birds, these patterns were likely used for camouflage, although other functions including sexual signaling cannot be ruled out. Our data show that even more elaborate plumage patterns than the spangles in Anchiornis and stripes in Sinosauropteryx were present at a relatively early stage of avian evolution, showing the significance of coloration and patterning to feather evolution.
Dynamic proteomic changes in soft wheat seeds during accelerated ageing
Authors: Lv Yangyong , Tian Pingping , Zhang Shuaibing , Wang Jinshui , Hu Yuansen
Published: November 2018

Previous research demonstrated that soft wheat cultivars have better post-harvest storage tolerance than harder cultivars during accelerated ageing. To better understand this phenomenon, a tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomic analysis of soft wheat seeds was performed at different storage times during accelerated ageing (germination ratios of 97%, 45%, 28%, and 6%). A total of 1,010 proteins were differentially regulated, of which 519 and 491 were up- and downregulated, respectively. Most of the differentially expressed proteins were predicted to be involved in nutrient reservoir, enzyme activity and regulation, energy and metabolism, and response to stimulus functions, consistent with processes occurring in hard wheat during artificial ageing. Notably, defense-associated proteins including wheatwin-2, pathogenesis-related proteins protecting against fungal invasion, and glutathione S-transferase and glutathione synthetase participating in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, were upregulated compared to levels in hard wheat during accelerated ageing. These upregulated proteins might be responsible for the superior post-harvest storage-tolerance of soft wheat cultivars during accelerated ageing compared with hard wheat. Although accelerated ageing could not fully mimic natural ageing, our findings provided novel dynamic proteomic insight into soft wheat seeds during seed deterioration.
Commissioning of a respiratory gating system involving a pressure sensor in carbon‐ion scanning radiotherapy
Authors: Mizuno Hideyuki , Saito Osami , Tajiri Minoru , Kimura Taku , Kuroiwa Daigo , Shirai Toshiyuki , Inaniwa Taku , Fukahori Mai , Miki Kentaro , Fukuda Shigekazu
Published: November 2018

This study reports the commissioning methodology and results of a respiratory gating system [AZ – 733 V/733 VI (Anzai Medical Co., Japan)] using a pressure sensor in carbon‐ion scanning radiotherapy. Commissioning includes choosing a location and method for pressure sensor installation, delay time measurement of the system, and the final flow test. Additionally, we proposed a methodology for the determination of a threshold level of generating an on/off gate for the beam to the respiratory waveform, which is important for clinical application. Regarding the location and method for installation of the pressure sensor, the actual person's abdomen, back of the body position, and supine/prone positioning were checked. By comparing the motion between the pressure sensor output and the reference LED sensor motion, the chest rear surface was shown to be unsuitable for the sensor installation, due to noise in the signal caused by the cardiac beat. Regarding delay time measurement of the system, measurements were performed for the following four steps: (a). Actual motion to wave signal generation; (b). Wave signal to gate signal generation; (c). Gate signal to beam on/off signal generation; (d). Beam on/off signal to the beam irradiation. The total delay time measured was 46 ms (beam on)/33 ms (beam off); these were within the prescribed tolerance time (<100 ms). Regarding the final flow test, an end‐to‐end test was performed with a patient verification system using an actual carbon‐ion beam; the respiratory gating irradiation was successfully performed, in accordance with the intended timing. Finally, regarding the method for determining the threshold level of the gate generation of the respiration waveform, the target motion obtained from 4D‐CT was assumed to be correlated with the waveform obtained from the pressure sensor; it was used to determine the threshold value in amplitude direction.
A Pilot Study of Infrared Thermal Imaging to Detect Active Bone Lesions in Children With Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Zhao Yongdong , Iyer Ramesh S. , Reichley Lucas , Oron Assaf P. , Gove Nancy E. , Kitsch Averi E. , Biswas Debosmita , Friedman Seth , Partridge Savannah C. , Wallace Carol A.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone disease. An inexpensive and rapid imaging tool, infrared thermal imaging, was evaluated for its utility to detect active bone lesions in extremities of children with CNO.

Methods

Children with suspected active CNO and healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent infrared thermal imaging of the lower extremities. Patients in the CNO group also received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Hyperintensity within bone marrow on a fluid‐sensitive T2‐weighted MRI sequence was considered confirmatory for inflammation. Infrared thermal data were analyzed using custom software by dividing the leg below the knee into 3 equal segments longitudinally and adding the distal femur segment as an equal length above the knee. Median and 95th percentile temperatures were recorded for each leg segment. Temperature differences between inflamed and uninflamed segments in all subjects (both intersubject and intrasubject) were evaluated using a linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

Thirty children in the suspected/known CNO group and 31 healthy children were enrolled. In the healthy control group, males had significantly higher temperature in their lower extremities than females (P < 0.05). There was no difference in temperature detected between inflamed leg segments of patients with CNO versus uninflamed leg segments of the healthy control group. However, within the CNO group, significantly higher temperatures were detected for inflamed versus uninflamed distal tibia/fibula segments (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Children with active CNO lesions in the distal tibia/fibula exhibited higher regional temperatures on average than healthy extremities. Larger studies are warranted to further evaluate the clinical utility of infrared thermal imaging for CNO detection.
Large‐Pore Mesoporous‐Silica‐Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Immunoadjuvants with Ultrahigh Photosensitizer and Antigen Loading Efficiency for Improved Cancer Photodynamic Immunotherapy
Authors: Ding Binbin , Shao Shuai , Yu Chang , Teng Bo , Wang Meifang , Cheng Ziyong , Wong Ka‐Leung , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: November 2018

Reported immunoadjuvants still have many limitations, such as inferior cellular uptake capacity and biocompatibility, overly large particle sizes, single function, and unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Here, large‐pore mesoporous‐silica‐coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCMSs) with a size of less than 100 nm are successfully prepared by a typical silica sol–gel reaction using mesitylene as a pore‐swelling agent and are applied as a novel immunoadjuvant. The obtained UCMSs not only show significantly higher loadings for the photosensitizers merocyanine 540 (MC540), model proteins (chicken ovalbumin (OVA)), and tumor antigens (tumor cell fragment (TF)), but also are successfully employed for highly efficient in vivo vaccine delivery. The prepared UCMSs–MC540–OVA under 980 nm near‐infrared irradiation shows the best synergistic immunopotentiation action, verified by the strongest Th1 and Th2 immune responses and the highest frequency of CD4+, CD8+, and effector‐memory T cells. Additionally, nanovaccines UCMSs–MC540–TF can more effectively inhibit tumor growth and increase the survival of colon cancer (CT26)‐tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice compared with either photodynamic therapy or immunological therapy alone, suggesting the enhanced immunotherapy efficacy and clinical potential of UCMSs as immunoadjuvants for cancer immunotherapy.
The Dawn of Thiol‐Yne Triazine Triones Thermosets as a New Material Platform Suited for Hard Tissue Repair
Authors: Arseneault Mathieu , Granskog Viktor , Khosravi Sara , Heckler Ilona Maria , Mesa‐Antunez Pablo , Hult Daniel , Zhang Yuning , Malkoch Michael
Published: November 2018

The identification of a unique set of advanced materials that can bear extraordinary loads for use in bone and tooth repair will inevitably unlock unlimited opportunities for clinical use. Herein, the design of high‐performance thermosets is reported based on triazine‐trione (TATO) monomers using light‐initiated thiol‐yne coupling (TYC) chemistry as a polymerization strategy. In comparison to traditional thiol‐ene coupling (TEC) systems, TYC chemistry has yielded highly dense networks with unprecedented mechanical properties. The most promising system notes 4.6 GPa in flexural modulus and 160 MPa in flexural strength, an increase of 84% in modulus and 191% in strength when compared to the corresponding TATO system based on TEC chemistry. Remarkably, the mechanical properties exceed those of polylactide (PLA) and challenge poly(ether ether ketone) PEEK and today's methacrylate‐based dental resin composites. All the materials display excellent biocompatibility, in vitro, and are successfully: i) molded into medical devices for fracture repair, and ii) used as bone adhesive for fracture fixation and as tooth fillers with the outstanding bond strength that outperform methacrylate systems used today in dental restoration application. Collectively, a new era of advanced TYC materials is unfolded that can fulfill the preconditions as bone fixating implants and for tooth restorations.
Trapping of Lipopolysaccharide to Promote Immunotherapy against Colorectal Cancer and Attenuate Liver Metastasis
Authors: Song Wantong , Tiruthani Karthik , Wang Ying , Shen Limei , Hu Mengying , Dorosheva Oleksandra , Qiu Kunyu , Kinghorn Karina A. , Liu Rihe , Huang Leaf
Published: November 2018

The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely related to gut microbiome. Here, the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the most prevalent products in the gut microbiome, on CRC immunotherapy is investigated. It is found that LPS is abundant in orthotopic CRC tissue and is associated with low responses to anti‐PD‐L1 mAb therapy, and clearance of Gram‐negative bacteria from the gut using polymyxin B (PmB) or blockade of Toll‐like receptor 4 using TAK‐242 will both relieve the immunosuppressive microenvironment and boost T‐cell infiltration into the CRC tumor. Further, an engineered LPS‐targeting fusion protein is designed and its coding sequence is loaded into a lipid–protamine–DNA (LPD) nanoparticle system for selective expression of LPS trap protein and blocking LPS inside the tumor, and this nanotrapping system significantly relieves the immunosuppressive microenvironment and boosts anti‐PD‐L1 mAb therapy against CRC tumors. This LPS trap system even attenuates CRC liver metastasis when applied, suggesting the importance of blocking LPS in the gut–liver axis. The strategy applied here may provide a useful new way for treating CRC as well as other epithelial cancers that interact with mucosa microbiome.
SnO2‐in‐Polymer Matrix for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Reproducibility and Stability
Authors: Wei Jing , Guo Fengwan , Wang Xi , Xu Kun , Lei Ming , Liang Yongqi , Zhao Yicheng , Xu Dongsheng
Published: November 2018

Understanding interfacial loss and the ways to improving interfacial property is critical to fabricate highly efficient and reproducible perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In SnO2‐based PSCs, nonradiative recombination sites at the SnO2–perovskite interface lead to a large potential loss and performance variation in the resulting photovoltaic devices. Here, a novel SnO2‐in‐polymer matrix (i.e., polyethylene glycol) is devised as the electron transporting layer to improve the film quality of the SnO2 electron transporting layer. The SnO2‐in‐polymer matrix is fabricated through spin‐coating a polymer‐incorporated SnO2 colloidal ink. The polymer is uniformly dispersed in SnO2 colloidal ink and promotes the nanoparticle disaggregation in the ink. Owing to polymer incorporation, the compactness and wetting property of SnO2 layer is significantly ameliorated. Finally, photovoltaic devices based on Cs0.05FA0.81MA0.14PbI2.55Br0.45 perovskite sandwiched between SnO2 and Spiro‐OMeTAD layer are fabricated. Compared with the averaging power conversion efficiency of 16.2% with 1.2% deviation for control devices, the optimized devices exhibit an improved averaging efficiency of 19.5% with 0.25% deviation. The conception of polymer incorporation in the electron transporting layer paves a way to further increase the performance of planar perovskite solar cells.
Phase Pure 2D Perovskite for High‐Performance 2D–3D Heterostructured Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Pengwei , Zhang Yiqiang , Liang Chao , Xing Guichuan , Liu Xiaolong , Li Fengyu , Liu Xiaotao , Hu Xiaotian , Shao Guosheng , Song Yanlin
Published: November 2018

Three‐dimensional (3D) metal‐halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated exceptional high efficiency. However, instability of the 3D perovskite is the main challenge for industrialization. Incorporation of some long organic cations into perovskite crystal to terminate the lattice, and function as moisture and oxygen passivation layer and ion migration blocking layer, is proven to be an effective method to enhance the perovskite stability. Unfortunately, this method typically sacrifices charge‐carrier extraction efficiency of the perovskites. Even in 2D–3D vertically aligned heterostructures, a spread of bandgaps in the 2D due to varying degrees of quantum confinement also results in charge‐carrier localization and carrier mobility reduction. A trade‐off between the power conversion efficiency and stability is made. Here, by introducing 2D C6H18N2O2PbI4 (EDBEPbI4) microcrystals into the precursor solution, the grain boundaries of the deposited 3D perovskite film are vertically passivated with phase pure 2D perovskite. The phases pure (inorganic layer number n = 1) 2D perovskite can minimize photogenerated charge‐carrier localization in the low‐dimensional perovskite. The dominant vertical alignment does not affect charge‐carrier extraction. Therefore, high‐efficiency (21.06%) and ultrastable (retain 90% of the initial efficiency after 3000 h in air) planar PSCs are demonstrated with these 2D–3D mixtures.
A Stretchable and Self‐Healing Energy Storage Device Based on Mechanically and Electrically Restorative Liquid‐Metal Particles and Carboxylated Polyurethane Composites
Authors: Park Sangbaek , Thangavel Gurunathan , Parida Kaushik , Li Shaohui , Lee Pooi See
Published: November 2018

Stretchable and self‐healing (SH) energy storage devices are indispensable elements in energy‐autonomous electronic skin. However, the current collectors are not self‐healable nor intrinsically stretchable, they mostly rely on strain‐accommodating structures that require complex processing, are often limited in stretchability, and suffer from low device packing density and fragility. Here, an SH conductor comprising nickel flakes, eutectic gallium indium particles (EGaInPs), and carboxylated polyurethane (CPU) is presented. An energy storage device is constructed by the two SH electrodes assembled with graphene nanoplatelets sandwiching an ionic‐liquid electrolyte. An excellent electrochemical healability (94% capacity retention upon restretching at 100% after healing from bifurcation) is unveiled, stemming from the complexation modulated redox behavior of EGaIn in the presence of the ligand bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, which enhances the reversible Faradaic reaction of Ga. Self‐healing can be achieved where the damaged regions are electrically restored by the flow of liquid metal and mechanically healing activated by the interfacial hydrogen bonding of CPU with an efficiency of 97.5% can be achieved. The SH conductor has an initial conductivity of 2479 S cm−1 that attains a high stretchability with 700% strain, it restores 100% stretchability even after breaking/healing with the electrical healing efficiency of 75%.
Encapsulating Iridium Nanoparticles Inside a 3D Cage‐Like Organic Network as an Efficient and Durable Catalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mahmood Javeed , Anjum Mohsin Ali Raza , Shin Sun‐Hee , Ahmad Ishfaq , Noh Hyuk‐Jun , Kim Seok‐Jin , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Jae Sung , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: November 2018

Developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts is key to optimizing the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), currently one of the cleanest and most sustainable routes for producing hydrogen. Here, a unique and efficient approach to fabricate and embed uniformly dispersed Ir nanoparticles in a 3D cage‐like organic network (CON) structure is reported. These uniformly trapped Ir nanoparticles within the 3D CON (Ir@CON) effectively catalyze the HER process. The Ir@CON electrocatalyst exhibits high turnover frequencies of 0.66 and 0.20 H2 s−1 at 25 mV and small overpotentials of 13.6 and 13.5 mV while generating a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1.0 m KOH aqueous solutions, respectively, as compared to commercial Pt/C (18 and 23 mV) and Ir/C (20.7 and 28.3 mV). More importantly, the catalyst shows superior stability in both acidic and alkaline media. These results highlight a potentially powerful approach for the design and synthesis of efficient and durable electrocatalysts for HER.
An Unprecedented Organocascade Synthesis of Functionalized Bicyclic Nitrones from 2‐Aminomalonate Derived Nucleophiles and 1‐Nitro‐1,3‐Enynes via Allenes Formation and Subsequent Rearrangement
Authors: Huang Wan‐Yun , Gurubrahamam Ramani , Chen Kwunmin
Published: November 2018

An efficient organocatalytic cascade reaction for synthesising functionalized bicyclic nitrones is reported. The reaction of dielectrophilic ethyl 2‐(nitromethylene)‐4‐arylbut‐3‐ynoate and (E)‐diethyl 2‐((2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐amino)malonates to give a unique nitrone scaffold in the presence of a catalytic amount of DABCO is described. The working mechanism was proposed to proceed with allene formation followed by intramolecular cyclization and the rearrangement of an oxygen atom in the nitro group. A broad range of substrates was accessed in this facile chemical transformation, in which the bicyclic nitrones were isolated in moderate to good yields (19% to 79%) with excellent diastereoselectivity (>20:1 dr).

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Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of N‐(2‐Acetoxyalkyl)isoquinolones from Oxazolines and Alkynes through C−N Bond Formation and Ring‐Opening
Authors: Yang Zi , Jie Lianghua , Yao Zhenyu , Yang Zhimin , Cui Xiuling
Published: November 2018

An atom‐economic approach for the synthesis of N‐(2‐acetoxyalkyl)isoquinolones from oxazolines and alkynes through rhodium(III)‐catalyzed auto‐tandem reactions involving C−H bond functionalization/C−N bond formation/ring opening/nucleophilic substitution is described. This protocol features high regioselectivity, tolerance of various functional groups, and retention of absolute configuration of chirality. Exploration of the reaction mechanism reveals that Cu(OAc)2 not only acts as the oxidant, but also provides acetate to promote the reaction in this process.

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“Real‐time” risk models of postoperative morbidity and mortality for liver transplants
Authors: Marubashi Shigeru , Ichihara Naoaki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Miyata Hiroaki , Taketomi Akinobu , Egawa Hiroto , Takada Yasutsugu , Umeshita Koji , Seto Yasuyuki , Gotoh Mitsukazu
Published: November 2018

Aim

A comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality risk factors for post liver transplant has not been available to date. In this study, we established real‐time risk models of postoperative morbidities and mortality in liver transplant recipients using two Japanese nationwide databases.

Methods

Data from two Japanese nationwide databases were combined and used for this study. We developed real‐time prognostic models for morbidity and mortality from a derivation cohort (n = 1472) and validated the findings with an independent cohort (n = 395). Preoperative variables (C1), preoperative and intraoperative variables (C2), and all variables including postoperative morbidities within 30 days (C3) were analyzed to evaluate the independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

We established real‐time risk models for morbidity and mortality. Areas under the curve (AUC) of C1 and C2 risk models for mortality were 0.74 (0.63‐0.82) and 0.79 (0.69‐0.86), respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis using C3 showed that hemoglobin <10 g/dL, operative time (hours), and five postoperative morbidities (prolonged ventilation >48 hours, coma >24 hours, renal dysfunction, postoperative systemic sepsis, and serum total bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL) represented independent risk factors for mortality (AUC = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78‐0.93).

Conclusions

Real‐time risk models of postoperative morbidities and mortality at various perioperative time points in liver transplant recipients were established. These novel approaches may improve postoperative outcomes of liver transplant recipients. Furthermore, these real‐time risk models may be applicable to other surgical procedures.
Salivary steroid hormone responses to dyadic table tennis competitions among Hong Kongese juvenile boys
Authors: McHale Timothy S. , Gray Peter B. , Chan Ka‐chun , Zava David T. , Chee Wai‐chi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Little is known about salivary steroid hormone responses to dyadic competition among prepubescent boys. The current study explored pre‐match and post‐match testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and cortisol among 22 ethnically Chinese, Hong Kongese table tennis athletes, aged 8‐11 years, during dyadic competition against peers. These data provide novel comparative insight into boys' hormone responses when participating in similar forms of competition to that of adults.

Methods

Measures of salivary steroid hormones, age, outcome, and participant's self‐reported perceived performance were obtained. Pre‐match salivary steroid hormones and competition‐induced steroid hormone changes were explored to further assess overall hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity.

Results

Cortisol decreased for most participants, whereas testosterone measures were below the sensitivity of the assay. DHEA and androstenedione did not significantly change during the table tennis exhibitions and were unrelated to independent performance variables. Correlational analyses indicated that competition‐induced androstenedione and cortisol change were positively related.

Conclusions

Findings show that juvenile boys' steroid hormone responses during dyadic athletic competition differ in comparison to adult males, in whom cortisol and testosterone tend to rise. Lack of significant DHEA and androstenedione change during the table tennis competition differs from our previous work that showed DHEA and androstenedione were sensitive to more physically taxing forms of athletic competition (eg, soccer). These results are discussed in light of potential factors that may have contributed to these differences.
Evaluation of toolbox safety training in construction: The impact of narratives
Authors: Eggerth Donald E. , Keller Brenna M. , Cunningham Thomas R. , Flynn Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Construction is a dangerous industry with a large number of small businesses. Because they require minimal resources to deliver, toolbox talks may be an ideal training format for small construction contractors.

Methods

Eight toolbox talks were developed, each with two versions. One version of each toolbox talk was standard and one version included a narrative and discussion questions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the standard or the narrative version. Pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys measured demographics, workplace safety climate, and knowledge. The post‐intervention survey also measured training impact.

Results

Including narratives with discussion questions significantly increased knowledge gain and led to increased training impact. Less experienced workers were more likely to gain knowledge and training impact compared to more experienced workers. There were no significant changes in workplace safety climate.

Conclusions

The results suggest that including a narrative and discussion questions increases toolbox talk effectiveness.
Self‐Assembled Aptamer‐Grafted Hyperbranched Polymer Nanocarrier for Targeted and Photoresponsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Yang Lu , Sun Hao , Liu Yuan , Hou Weijia , Yang Yu , Cai Ren , Cui Cheng , Zhang Penghui , Pan Xiaoshu , Li Xiaowei , Li Long , Sumerlin Brent S. , Tan Weihong
Published: November 2018

Photoresponsive materials are emerging as ideal carriers for precisely controlled drug delivery owing to their high spatiotemporal selectivity. However, drawbacks such as slow release kinetics, inherent toxicity, and lack of targeting ability hinder their translation into clinical use. We constructed a new DNA aptamer‐grafted photoresponsive hyperbranched polymer, which can self‐assemble into nanoparticles, thereby achieving biocompatibility and target specificity, as well as light‐controllable release behavior. Upon UV‐irradiation, rapid release induced by disassembly was observed for Nile Red‐loaded nanoparticles. Further in vitro cell studies confirmed this delivery system's specific binding and internalization performance arising from the DNA aptamer corona. The DOX‐loaded nanoassembly exhibited selective phototriggered cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, indicating its promising therapeutic effect as a smart drug delivery system.
Variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens males between strains and age classes
Authors: Bosa Carlos‐Felipe , Cruz‐López Leopoldo , Guillén‐Navarro Karina , Zepeda‐Cisneros Cristina Silvia , Liedo Pablo
Published: November 2018

In this study cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) were characterized from wings of individual unmated males of different Anastrepha ludens (Loew) mass‐reared strains of different ages (3 and 19‐day‐old): (a) a standard mass‐reared colony (control), (b) a genetic sexing strain, (c) a selected strain, (d) a hybrid strain, and (e) wild males. We found that the hydrocarbon profiles in all males included two n‐alkanes, five monomethyl alkanes, and two alkenes. CHCs ranged from C26 to C31. The most prominent peaks were 2‐methyloctacosane (2‐Me‐C28), n‐nonacosene (C29:1), 2‐methyltriacontane (2‐Me‐C30), and n‐hentriacontene (C31:1). Significant variations in the CHC amounts of the mass‐reared strains were observed from Day 9 and thereafter. Comparison of CHCs using multivariate and canonical analyses across ages and among mass‐reared strains and wild males revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. The relative amounts of C29:1 and 2‐Me‐C30 were significantly higher across age groups in the mass‐reared strains than those in the wild males. In contrast, amounts of n‐nonacosane (C29) significantly increased in wild males as they aged. Through statistical analyses, we inferred that CHC amounts vary with age. Wild males differed significantly from the mass‐reared strains in the amount of C29, and the genetic sexing strain Tap‐7 had significantly higher values for 2‐methylhexacosane (2‐Me‐C26). In contrast the selected and control strain differed from the other strains in amounts of C29:1 and 2‐Me‐C30. We suggest that differential profiles in hydrocarbon composition among the strains may be mainly due to environmental pressures.
Bewertung statischer p‐y‐Ansätze für lateral belastete Pfähle in weichem Ton
Authors: Terceros Mauricio , Thieken Klaus , Achmus Martin
Published: November 2018

Für die Bemessung lateral belasteter Offshore‐Pfähle kommt üblicherweise die in den Offshore‐Richtlinien empfohlene p‐y‐Methode zur Anwendung. Die hierin beschriebenen p‐y‐Kurven für weichen Ton basieren auf einem exponentiellen Ansatz nach Matlock, wobei jeweils unterschiedliche Linearisierungen in den Richtlinien der API und des DNVGL empfohlen werden. Verschiedene experimentelle und numerische Untersuchungen zeigen jedoch relevante Unzulänglichkeiten der beschriebenen Grundfunktion insbesondere im Hinblick auf deren Gültigkeit für Pfähle großer Durchmesser. Aus diesen Untersuchungen sind in der Vergangenheit bereits mehrere alternative p‐y‐Ansätze entstanden, welche explizit den Einfluss des großen Pfahldurchmessers berücksichtigen sollen. Der vorliegende Artikel beinhaltet eine umfassende Bewertung von insgesamt sechs statischen p‐y‐Methoden für weichen Ton, basierend auf mehr als 300 dreidimensionalen Simulationen mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass sowohl der Ansatz nach Matlock, die linearen Approximationen des Matlock‐Ansatzes gemäß der API und dem DNVGL als auch drei alternative Ansätze als nicht generell gültig für beliebige Bodenbedingungen und Pfahlgeometrien zu bewerten sind. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden abschließend zur Definition von Anforderungen an einen neuen, generell anwendbaren p‐y‐Ansatz genutzt.
Gefährdungsanalysen und Einwirkungsmodelle für Gebiete mit vorwiegend induzierter Seismizität
Authors: Schwarz Jochen , Kaufmann Christian , Golbs Christian , Beinersdorf Silke
Published: November 2018

Die seismische Gefährdung in den nördlichen Niederlanden wird ausschließlich durch die induzierten Erdbeben infolge der Gasförderung verursacht. Im Feld Groningen hat sich die Erdbebenaktivität nachweislich erhöht. Die aus den registrierten Erdbeben abgeleiteten Magnituden‐Häufigkeits‐Beziehungen mussten infolge der Erdbebenaktivität mehrfach (nach oben) korrigiert werden. Zudem sind mit dem Magnitude ML = 3,4 Erdbeben vom 16. Aug. 2012 bei Huizinge Ereignisse ausgelöst worden, die die bisherigen Prognosen der max. zu erwartenden Bebenstärke übertreffen. Dies führte zur Entscheidung, an ausgewählten Standorten ein seismisches Monitoring‐System (SMS) einzuführen und die induzierten seismischen Ereignisse in ihren Wirkungen und Kenngrößen zu dokumentieren bzw. die Datenbasis (Messdaten) in Richtung einer stationsbezogenen und standortspezifischen Datenbank zu erweitern.

Der Beitrag bezieht sich auf die herdnahen Messdaten von zwei Stationen und einen kontinuierlichen mehrjährigen Messzeitraum. Mit den registrierten Beben gelingt der Nachweis, in welcher Amplitudencharakteristik seismische Bodenbewegungen aufgetreten sind. Der Datengewinn ist so überzeugend, dass mit den gewonnenen Registrierungen frühzeitig standortspezifische Bodenbewegungsmodelle (Induced Ground Motion Prediction Equations, InGMPE) vorgelegt werden können. Mit ihnen können Horizontal‐ und Vertikalspektren für beliebige Szenarien prognostiziert werden.

In Ergänzung dazu wird eine Simulationsmethode zur probabilistischen seismischen Gefährdungsanalyse erprobt, in der die Besonderheiten induzierter Seismizität als Probabilistic Equivalent Induced Seismic Hazard Assessment (PEISHA) berücksichtigt werden. Die im Untersuchungsgebiet nördliche Niederlande gewonnenen Erfahrungen können grundsätzlich auf andere Regionen übertragen werden.
Validierung eines hochzyklischen Akkumulationsmodells anhand von Modellversuchen und Messungen an realen Bauwerken
Authors: Wichtmann Torsten , Machaček Jan , Zachert Hauke , Günther Helen
Published: November 2018

Der vorliegende Beitrag fasst langjährige experimentelle und numerische Arbeiten am Institut für Bodenmechanik und Felsmechanik (IBF) des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) zusammen, mit denen das Ziel verfolgt wurde, das hochzyklische Akkumulationsmodell von Niemunis et al. (2005) für Sand zu validieren. Zunächst wird die zutreffende Wiedergabe der Ergebnisse dränierter zyklischer Triaxialversuche durch das Akkumulationsmodell demonstriert. Anschließend werden Finite‐Elemente‐Nachrechnungen von Modellversuchen an Monopilegründungen für Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen mit unterschiedlichen Maßstäben beschrieben. Für eine Validierung im Maßstab 1:1 wurde zunächst der Versuch der Ed. Züblin AG nachgerechnet, bei dem ein Prototyp einer aufgelösten Flachgründung für Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen durch simulierte Sturmereignisse zyklisch beansprucht wurde. Als weiteres gut dokumentiertes Randwertproblem im Maßstab 1:1 wurde die Schleuse Uelzen I betrachtet, bei der die zyklische Beanspruchung des Untergrunds aus den wechselnden Füllständen innerhalb der Schleusenkammer resultiert. Für alle untersuchten Randwertprobleme wird die Ermittlung der Eingangsgrößen der Simulationen, d. h. der Stoffkonstanten und der Zustandsparameter des Bodens erläutert, welche auf der Basis von Labor‐ bzw. Felduntersuchungen erfolgte. Die Ergebnisse der Finite‐Elemente‐Simulationen der verschiedenen Randwertprobleme werden den jeweiligen Labor‐ bzw. Feldmessungen gegenübergestellt.
Three New Polyacetylene Glycosides from the Roots of Heracleum dissectum and Their Triglyceride Accumulating Activities in 3T3‐L1 Cells
Authors: Gao Yang , Mi Jie , Zhang Chang‐Long , Zhang Xiao‐Qing , Peng Ya‐Jie , Bao He , Zhang Hai‐Long
Published: November 2018

Continually phytochemical study of the roots of Heracleum dissectum had led to the isolation of three previously undescribed polyacetylene glycosides (1–3), together with seven known compounds, including one polyacetylene (8) and six coumarins (4–7 and 9–10) using diverse chromatographic methods. The structures of these three new compounds were characterized and identified as deca‐4,6‐diyn‐1‐yl β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (1), (8Z)‐dec‐8‐ene‐4,6‐diyn‐1‐yl β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (2), and (8E)‐dec‐8‐ene‐4,6‐diyn‐1‐yl β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (3) based on their physicochemical properties and extensive analyses of various spectroscopic data. Their triglycerides accumulating activities were assayed and the results showed that the three new polyacetylene glycosides (1–3) exhibited triglyceride accumulating activities in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.
Cell‐Compatible Nanoprobes for Imaging Intracellular Phosphatase Activities
Authors: Wang Jiaqing , Zhou Jie , He Hongjian , Wu Difei , Du Xuewen , Xu Bing
Published: November 2018

Phosphatases play an important role in cell biology, but only a few probes are suitable for selectively imaging phosphatase activity in live cells, because the current probes require cell fixation or exhibit considerable cytotoxicity. Herein, we show that conjugating a d‐peptide to a quinazolinone derivative generates cell‐compatible, biostable probes for imaging the phosphatase activity inside live cells. Moreover, our results show that inhibiting ectophosphatases is a critical factor for imaging intracellular phosphatases. As the first example of using selective inhibitors to ensure intracellular function of molecular probes, this work illustrates a facile approach to design molecular probes for profiling the activities of enzymes in a spatial, selective manner in a complicated environment.
Molybdenum‐Based Carbon Hybrid Materials to Enhance the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Bae Seo‐Yoon , Jeon In‐Yup , Mahmood Javeed , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: November 2018

Hydrogen is considered a future energy carrier that could improve energy storage of intermittent solar/wind power to solve energy and environmental problems. Based on such demand, development of electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation has been actively pursued. Although Pt is the most efficient catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), it has limits for widespread application, mainly its low abundance and high cost. Thus, developing an efficient catalyst from non‐precious metals that are abundant and inexpensive remains an important challenge to replacement of Pt. Transition metals have been considered possible candidates to replace Pt‐based catalysts. In this review, among the transition metals, we focus on recently developed molybdenum–carbon (Mo–C) hybrid materials as electrocatalysts for HER. In particular, the synthesis strategy for Mo–C hybrid electrocatalysts and the role of various carbon nanocomposites in Mo–C hybrid systems are highlighted.