bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Bisindolylmethanes by Reaction of Indolylmagnesium Bromides with Sulfonyl Indoles
Authors: Yuan Lixia , Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: January 2020

Sulfonyl indoles are widely recognized as alkylideneindolenine precursors amenable to provide functionalized indole derivatives upon reaction with nucleophiles. In this paper reaction of sulfonyl indoles with indolylmagnesium bromides is used to access unsymmetrical bisindolylmethanes. The target compounds are obtained in satisfactory yields starting from a wide range of substrate/reagent combinations. The utilization of pyrrolylmagnesium bromides for the same reaction also affords the expected adducts albeit in moderate yield.

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Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity Mimicked in Al Nanoparticle‐Embedded IGZO Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Kim Jeehoon , Kim Younghun , Kwon Ojun , Kim Taehyeon , Oh Seyoung , Jin Soeun , Park Woojin , Kwon Jung‐Dae , Hong Seung‐Woo , Lee Chang‐Sik , Ryu Ho‐Yong , Hong Seoksu , Kim Jaehoon , Heo Tae‐Young , Cho Byungjin
Published: January 2020

Diverse artificial synapse structures and materials are widely proposed for neuromorphic hardware systems beyond von Neumann architecture owing to their capability to mimic complex information processing tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and learning. Nevertheless, temporal and spatial randomness in the movement of ion and electron particles that exist in materials usually prevents the solid‐state‐based synaptic devices from enabling the reliable modulation of synaptic plasticity. An aluminum nanoparticle (Al NP)‐embedded indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) synaptic transistor whose spike peak level and conductance change can be precisely modulated by the density of Al NPs within the IGZO channel is demonstrated. Essential synaptic functions including excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic current, paired pulse facilitation, and short‐term potentiation or depression are also thoroughly emulated in the synaptic transistor device with the most optimized Al NP density: IGZO:Al NPs (6 nm). Moreover, controllable switching from short‐term to long‐term memory regimes essential for a learning task is demonstrated. Simulation results prove that this transistor can provide a decent recognition accuracy for neuromorphic computing. Indeed, the integrated IGZO:Al NP synaptic circuit with the effective synaptic plasticity will facilitate the implementation of a reconfigurable neuromorphic computing system.
Ligand Tailoring Oxide Colloidal Quantum Dots for Silicon‐Integrated Ultraviolet Photodiode
Authors: Lin Richeng , Kan Hao , Zheng Wei , Huang Feng
Published: January 2020

In the past, benefiting from the mature micro‐technologies of crystalline‐silicon (c‐Si), c‐Si electronic and optoelectronic devices have brought revolutionary convenience to daily lives, with sensitive visible and near‐infrared photodetectors, the basic device in cameras for visible spectroscopy and color imaging, as an example. However, the sensitivity of all‐Si photodetectors cannot meet the needs of deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) detection with important applications in spectral imaging analysis. Based on this circumstance, a 0D–3D silicon‐integrated photodiode is presented to obtain highly sensitive DUV detection. A vertically stacked graphene/GAO/Si back‐to‐back photodiode has high photoresponsivity (0.165 A/W and EQE ≈ 80.2% at 0 V bias, 7.42 A/W and EQE ≈ 3611% at −1 V bias) and fast response speed (3 ms) under DUV illumination by using composite modified wide‐band‐gap oxide colloidal quantum dots as the DUV sensitive layer. The performance of the detector is successfully verified by DUV imaging with a single‐point‐detection imaging system.
Let It Catch: A Short‐Branched Protein for Efficiently Capturing Polysulfides in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Min , Li Chunhui , Fu Xuewei , Wei Wei , Fan Xin , Hattori Andrew , Chen Zhiping , Liu Jin , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: January 2020

Uncovering the key contributions of molecular details to capture polysulfides is important for applying suitable materials that can effectively restrain the shuttle effect in advanced lithium–sulfur batteries. This is particularly true for natural biomolecules with substantial structural and compositional diversities strongly impacting their functions. Here, natural gelatin and zein proteins are first denatured and then adopted for fabrication of nanocomposite interlayers via functionalization of carbon nanofibers. From the results of experiment and molecular dynamic simulations, it is found that the lengths of the sidechains on the two proteins play critical roles. The short‐branched gelatin shows significantly stronger adsorption of polysulfides, as compared with zein comprising many long‐chain residues. The gelatin‐based interlayer, along with its good porous structures/electrical conductivity, greatly suppresses the shuttle effect and yields exceptional electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the implementation of proteins as functional binder additives further supports the finding that gelatin enables stronger polysulfide‐trapping. As a result, high‐loading sulfur cathodes (9.4 mg cm−2) are realized, which deliver a high average areal capacity of 8.2 mAh cm−2 over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. This work demonstrates the importance of sidechain length in capturing polysulfides and provides a new insight in selecting and design of desired polysulfide‐binding molecules.
A Flexible Solid Electrolyte with Multilayer Structure for Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ling Wei , Fu Na , Yue Junpei , Zeng Xian‐Xiang , Ma Qiang , Deng Qi , Xiao Yao , Wan Li‐Jun , Guo Yu‐Guo , Wu Xiong‐Wei
Published: January 2020

Solid electrolytes (SEs) can potentially address the inherent safety problems of conventional organic liquid electrolytes. However, their low ionic conductivity and large interfacial resistance limit the practical applications of SEs. Here, a flexible solid electrolyte with a multilayer structure is fabricated by the UV curing of an interpenetrating network of poly(ether‐acrylate) (ipn‐PEA) in the Na3Zr2Si2PO12/poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) porous skeleton (NZSP/PVDF‐HFP), exhibiting a high Na+ transference number of 0.63 and a suitable ionic conductivity of above 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C. In addition, due to the unique structure of the internal rigidity and external flexibility, the composite solid electrolyte can effectively mitigate interfacial ion transfer issues while guaranteeing a certain mechanical strength, and largely inhibiting the formation of dendrite and dead sodium. The solid sodium metal batteries using Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) as a cathode possess a discharge capacity of 85 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C, and achieve above 90% of capacity retention rate during 100 cycles at 0.1 C for Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Ti1/3O2 (NTMO) at 60 °C. The flexible solid electrolyte with multilayer structure shows a great advantage for managing the ionic conductivity and interface resistance problem, suggesting a promise as a practical sodium metal battery.
Genetic evaluation including exome sequencing of two patients with Gomez‐Lopez‐Hernandez syndrome: Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Lindsay Faith , Anderson Ilse , Wentzensen Ingrid M. , Suhrbier David , Stevens Cathy A.
Published: January 2020

Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) is a rare congenital anomaly of the hindbrain characterized by fusion of the cerebellar hemispheres, cerebellar peduncles, and dentate nuclei with vermian absence or hypogenesis. This anomaly can be isolated or part of a larger spectrum of cerebral abnormalities. At least 90 cases are described in the literature and it has been associated with VACTERL and Gomez‐Lopez‐Hernandez syndrome (GLHS). The most common congenital syndrome associated with RES is GLHS, a rare presumed genetic disorder with over 30 cases thus far described in the literature. No genetic cause has been identified for RES or GLHS. We report two probands diagnosed with GLHS based on clinical criteria. Each proband had RES and bi‐parietal scalp alopecia as well as neurologic findings and phenotypic features including trigeminal anesthesia, borderline hypertelorism, midface retrusion, and motor delay. Oliginucleotide‐SNP microarray on the male proband revealed a 1.05 Mb copy duplication of uncertain clinical significance at 15q21.3 while oligonucleotide‐SNP microarray for the female proband did not reveal any abnormalities. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed on both patients and did not identify any variants that could explain the GLHS phenotype. To our knowledge, these are the first two patients with GLHS described in the literature to undergo ES. Both patients had mild neurologic manifestations requiring physical therapy in early life without known diagnostic cause. Patients found to have scalp alopecia or trigeminal anesthesia with gross motor delay should be evaluated for RES or GLHS as well as screened for associated syndromes and have a complete neurodevelopmental evaluation.
Divergent Strain‐Release Amino‐Functionalization of [1.1.1]Propellane with Electrophilic Nitrogen‐Radicals
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Ruffoni Alessandro , Al‐Faiyz Yasair S. S. , Sheikh Nadeem S. , Leonori Daniele
Published: January 2020

Herein we report the development of a photocatalytic strategy for the divergent preparation of functionalized bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamines. This approach exploits, for the first time, the ability of nitrogen‐radicals to undergo strain‐release reaction with [1.1.1]propellane. This reactivity is facilitated by the electrophilic nature of these open‐shell intermediates and the presence of strong polar effects in the transition‐state for C−N bond formation/ring‐opening. With the aid of a simple reductive quenching photoredox cycle, we have successfully harnessed this novel radical strain‐release amination as part of a multicomponent cascade compatible with several external trapping agents. Overall, this radical strategy enables the rapid construction of novel amino‐functionalized building blocks with potential application in medicinal chemistry programs as p‐substituted aniline bioisosteres.
Total Synthesis of Tiacumicin B: Implementing Hydrogen Bond Directed Acceptor Delivery for Highly Selective β‐Glycosylations
Authors: Norsikian Stéphanie , Tresse Cedric , François‐Eude Marc , Jeanne‐Julien Louis , Masson Guillaume , Servajean Vincent , Genta‐Jouve Grégory , Beau Jean‐Marie , Roulland Emmanuel
Published: January 2020

A total synthesis of tiacumicin B, a natural macrolide whose remarkable antibiotic properties are used to treat severe intestinal infections, is reported. The strategy is in part based on the prior synthesis of the tiacumicin B aglycone, and on the decisive use of sulfoxides as anomeric leaving groups in hydrogen‐bond‐mediated aglycone delivery (HAD). This new HAD variant permitted highly β‐selective rhamnosylation and noviosylation. To increase convergence, the rhamnosylated C1–C3 fragment thus obtained was anchored to the C4–C19 aglycone fragment by adapting the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling used for the aglycone synthesis. Ring‐size‐selective macrolactonization provided a compound engaged directly in the noviolysation step with virtually total β selectivity. The final efficient removal of all the protecting groups provided synthetic tiacumicin B.
A redescription of the late Carboniferous trematopid Actiobates peabodyi from Garnett, Kansas
Authors: Gee Bryan M. , Reisz Robert R.
Published: January 2020

Dissorophoids are a diverse clade of predominantly Permo‐Carboniferous temnospondyls with a wide geographic distribution and broad ecological diversity. Each of the various dissorophoid clades first appears in the late Carboniferous, but their records are relatively sparse and fragmentary compared to those of the early Permian when dissorophoids reach their peak diversity and distribution, particularly in terrestrial environments where they are by far the most taxonomically diverse clade of non‐amniote tetrapods. This provides an impetus for further study of the late Carboniferous terrestrial dissorophoids in order to contextualize the early stages in the clade's radiation into terrestrial ecosystems. Here we present a redescription of the late Carboniferous trematopid Actiobates peabodyi from Kansas, USA, which is represented by a nearly complete skeleton and which represents the earliest occurrence of trematopids in North America. Only the skull was previously described, and the taxon has been largely overlooked in the context of early terrestrial dissorophoid evolution. Here, we provide an updated cranial description, the first postcranial description, and a discussion of the position of A. peabodyi in the context of olsoniform evolution. Our most significant finding is the characterization of postcranial anatomy that is highly similar to that of later trematopid taxa. This high degree of conservatism indicates that the earliest trematopids were already well adapted for terrestrial environments, and post‐Carboniferous radiations of olsoniforms may be attributed to an expansion of the dryland terrestrial environments in which these taxa already thrived, rather than to novel acquisition of adaptive features later in the clade's evolution.
3′‐(4‐(Benzyloxy)phenyl)‐1′‐phenyl‐5‐(heteroaryl/aryl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐1′H,2H‐[3,4′‐bipyrazole]‐2‐carboxamides as EGFR kinase inhibitors: Synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Nawaz Farah , Alam Ozair , Perwez Ahmad , Rizvi Moshahid A. , Naim Mohd. J. , Siddiqui Nadeem , Pottoo Faheem H. , Jha Mukund
Published: January 2020

Pyrazoline‐linked carboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for potential epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibition, anticancer activity, and apoptotic and cardiomyopathy toxicity. Compounds 6m and 6n inhibit EGFR kinase at a concentration of 6.5 ± 2.91 and 3.65 ± 0.54 µM, respectively. Some of these compounds showed effects on proliferation, which were also then evaluated against four different human cancer cell lines, that is, MCF‐7 (breast cancer), A549 (non‐small‐cell lung tumor), HCT‐116 (colon cancer), and SiHa cells (cancerous tissues of the cervix uteri). The results showed that certain synthetic compounds showed significant inhibitor activity; compounds 6m and 6n were more cytotoxic than doxorubicin against A549 cancer cells, with IC50 values of 10.3 ± 1.07 and 4.6 ± 0.57 µM, respectively. Additionally, compounds 6m and 6n induced apoptosis in A549 cancer cells, as evidenced by 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining and phase‐contrast microscopy. Potency to induce apoptosis by compound 6n was further confirmed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting using Annexin V‐FITC and propidium iodide labeling. Compound 6n showed normal cardiomyocytes with no marked sign of pyknotic nuclei in cardiomyopathy and also normal histological appearance of the renal cortex when compared with that of control. Results of molecular docking studies suggested that compounds 6m and 6n can bind to the hinge region of the adenosine triphosphate‐binding site of EGFR kinase, like the standard drug erlotinib. Therefore, the present study suggests that compounds 6m and 6n have potent in vitro antitumor activities against the human non‐small‐cell lung tumor cell line A549, which can be further explored in other cancer cell lines and in animal studies.
Chalcone hybrids and their antimalarial activity
Authors: Cheng Peng , Yang Linlin , Huang Xiaodan , Wang Xuejun , Gong Maoqing
Published: January 2020

Malaria, one of the most striking, re‐emerging infectious diseases caused by the genus Plasmodium, places a huge burden on global healthcare systems. A major challenge in the control and eradication of malaria is the continuous emergence of increasingly widespread drug‐resistant malaria, creating an urgent need to develop novel antimalarial agents. Chalcone derivatives are ubiquitous in nature and have become indispensable units in medicinal chemistry applications due to their diverse biological profiles. Many chalcone derivatives demonstrate potential in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity, so chalcone could be a useful template for the development of novel antimalarial agents. This review covers the recent development of chalcone hybrids as antimalarial agents. The critical aspects of the design and structure–activity relationship of these compounds are also discussed.
Heterometallic Triply‐BridgingBis‐Borylene Complexes
Authors: Bag Ranjit , Kar Sourav , Saha Suvam , Gomosta Suman , Raghavendra Beesam , Roisnel Thierry , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: January 2020

Triply‐bridgingbis‐{hydrido(borylene)} andbis‐borylene species of groups 6, 8 and 9 transition metals are reported. Mild thermolysis of [Fe2(CO)9] with anin situproduced intermediate, generated from the low‐temperature reaction of [Cp*WCl4] (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5) and [LiBH4⋅THF] afforded triply‐bridgingbis‐{hydrido(borylene)}, [(μ3‐BH)2H2{Cp*W(CO)2}2{Fe(CO)2}] (1) andbis‐borylene, [(μ3‐BH)2{Cp*W(CO)2}2{Fe(CO)3}] (2). The chemical bonding analyses of1show that the B−H interactions inbis‐{hydrido (borylene)} species is stronger as compared to the M−H ones. Frontier molecular orbital analysis shows a significantly larger energy gap between the HOMO‐LUMO for2as compared to1. In an attempt to synthesize the ruthenium analogue of1, a similar reaction has been performed with [Ru3(CO)12]. Although we failed to get thebis‐{hydrido(borylene)} species, the reaction afforded triply‐bridgingbis‐borylene species [(μ3‐BH)2{WCp*(CO)2}2{Ru(CO)3}] (2′), an analogue of2. In search for the isolation of bridgingbis‐borylene species of Rh, we have treated [Co2(CO)8] withnido‐[(RhCp*)2(B3H7)], which afforded triply‐bridgingbis‐borylene species [(μ3‐BH)2(RhCp*)2Co2(CO)4(μ‐CO)] (3). All the compounds have been characterized by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study;1H,11B,13C NMR spectroscopy; IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Luminescent Coordination Polymers Constructed from a Flexible, Tetradentate Diisopyrazole Ligand and Copper(I) Halides
Authors: Yoneda Tomoki , Kasai Chika , Manabe Yumehiro , Tsurui Makoto , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Sarkar Parantap , Inokuma Yasuhide
Published: January 2020

One‐ and two‐dimensional coordination polymers composed of a structurally flexible, tetradentate diisopyrazole ligand and copper(I) halides were synthesized as crystalline solids. Complexation with copper(I) chloride or bromide resulted in the formation of infinite coordination chains through connecting each diisopyrazole ligand with two copper(I) ions in a trigonal planar coordination geometry. Contrarily, the combination of a diisopyrazole ligand and copper(I) iodide gave a two‐dimensional coordination network comprising Cu4I4 units with stair‐step type geometry and diisopyrazoles that acted as both tetradentate and bidentate bridging ligands. All the coordination polymers exhibited visible photo‐emission upon UV irradiation, and the Cu4I4 complex showed thermochromic behavior.
Stimuli‐Responsive Naphthalene Diimide as Invisible Ink: A Rewritable Fluorescent Platform for Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Kalita Anamika , Malik Akhtar Hussain , Sarma Neelotpal Sen
Published: January 2020

Herein, we report an approach to combat counterfeiting and storage of valuable information based on the solid‐state fluorescence switching behavior of isoniazid functionalized naphthalene diimide (ISO_NDI) in response to an external stimuli (i. e., HCl vapor). The unique feature of ISO_NDI is further utilized to develop an invisible ink (ISO_NDI‐PVA) with commercial polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A solid‐state fluorescence recovery was observed while loading with HCl vapors. This exclusive property of the material could be applied directly as a security ink for confidential data storage purpose. Based on above strategy, we successfully realized the rewritable application by using ISO_NDI‐PVA ink and confirm its practical efficacy on various substrates by creating different patterns. The solid‐state fluorescence switching behavior of ISO_NDI‐PVA ink exhibited reversible on/off signal for multiple cycles under the influence of HCl/NH3 vapors. Mechanistic investigation supports a clear participation of intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) phenomenon in the solid‐state fluorescence switching property. The ease of fabricating the ink with invisible to visible characteristics in response to HCl vapors provides new opportunities for exploring the application of ISO_NDI‐PVA as invisible ink for targeted security applications.
Virtual feed drive system of machine tools development and applications in diagnosis and servo‐tuning
Authors: Lee Ko‐Fei , Lee Ching‐Hung
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a servo‐tuning system for five‐axis machine tools using a virtual feed drive system. The feed drive systems were first modeled to include the influence of friction and backlash. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted to identify and estimate the optimal system parameters. Therefore, the virtual system can be used to comprehend the influence of servo parameters on machining performance. The proposed approach was verified using the QC20‐W wireless ballbar to measure the results of the circular test. The experimental results indicate that our proposed approach can improve the rounding error by 21% and mismatch between the feed axes by 16%. In addition, based on parameter variations, such as variations in bandwidth, resonance frequency, and contour error, we propose methods to diagnose online contouring errors.
Reciprocal Influences Between Parent Input and Child Language Skills in Dyads Involving High‐ and Low‐Risk Infants for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Choi Boin , Nelson Charles A. , Rowe Meredith L. , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: January 2020

We examined the language input of parents of infants at high and low familial risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigated reciprocal associations between parent input and child language skills in the first 2 years of life. Parent‐infant dyads (high‐risk: n = 53; low‐risk: n = 33), 19 of whom included an infant later diagnosed with ASD, were videotaped during free play interactions at 12, 18, and 24 months. Measures of parent input were derived from parent–child interactions. Children's language skills were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 12, 18, and 24 months. Results suggested that (a) parents of high‐ and low‐risk infants produced similar word tokens, word types, and proportions of contingent verbal responses, but parents of high‐risk infants used shorter mean length of utterances (MLU) than parents of low‐risk infants at 18 and 24 months; (b) parents' MLU at 18 months was positively associated with their infants' language at the subsequent visit after 6 months, regardless of group; and (c) infants' language at 18 months was positively associated with parents' MLU at the subsequent visit after 6 months in the high‐risk group only. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying early language learning of high‐risk infants who have an increased risk for language delays and deficits. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1168‐1183. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Parents provide an important source of language input to their children. In this study, we looked at parent input to infants at high‐ and low‐risk for autism spectrum disorder and relations between parent input and child language in the first 2 years of life. We found that parents of high‐ and low‐risk infants provided similar quantity and quality of input, except shorter average length of utterances at 18 and 24 months in the high‐risk group. Also, there were bidirectional relations between parent input and child language at 18 and 24 months in high‐risk pairs, suggesting that parents and children collectively shape the early language environment.
The importance of temperature on Henry's‐law solubility constants: Removing trihalomethanes by aeration
Authors: Thurnau Robert C. , Clark Robert M.
Published: January 2020

Many small drinking water systems have faced, or are facing, difficulties in meeting U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Aeration is a technology that could be effective in helping small systems meet trihalomethane standards, but its effectiveness is based on Henry's law. Henry's law governs the relationship between the concentration of a volatile organic chemical in liquid and the gas' vapor pressure over that liquid. The higher the Henry's‐law constant, the more readily the compound can be transferred from water to air. Henry's‐law constant is independent of flow rate but, as discussed in this article, is a function of temperature. This article provides information on the relationship of temperature to the value of Henry's‐law constants with the goal of assisting water system managers and operators in optimizing aeration for removing disinfection byproducts.
Pressure surge control strategies revised
Authors: Jung Bong Seog , Karney Bryan W.
Published: January 2020

Although transient conditions can pose a serious threat to water system integrity, a wide range of transient design and surge protection strategies are available to owners and operators. These control approaches range from modifications to both basic system and its operation to the installation of dedicated protection devices. This article summarizes a range of transient control procedures, protection devices, and intersystem connections that have often proved to be both effective and economical. Case studies illustrate several surge protection strategies and also warn practitioners that well‐intended but inadequate transient design can actually be detrimental, possibly degrading the transient response. The best transient protection systems are thoughtfully and comprehensively designed and maintained, with final choices balancing key risks and costs.
The effect of mergers and acquisitions on environmental, social and governance performance and market value: Evidence from EU acquirers
Authors: Tampakoudis Ioannis , Anagnostopoulou Evgenia
Published: January 2020

This study explores the effect of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on market value and performance in the context of mergers and acquisitions. We examine whether acquisition of targets with better ESG performance can help acquirers to increase their own ESG performance and whether the market values the increased ESG performance positively. Moreover, we explore whether the acquisition of targets with better ESG performance affects the market value of acquirers. For this study, we utilize a sample of 100 European mergers and acquisitions between 2003 and 2017, for which matching data on the ESG performance of both the target and acquiring firms are available. Our results show that the postmerger ESG performance of the acquirer increases following the acquisition of a target that has higher ESG performance than that of the acquirer in the premerger stage, whereas the postmerger market value of the acquirer increases following an increase in the acquirer's postmerger ESG performance in relation to its premerger ESG performance. Finally, we provide partial evidence of a positive relationship between the postmerger market value of the acquirer and the acquisition of a target with higher ESG performance than itself in the premerger stage.
An Engineered E. coli Strain for Direct in Vivo Fluorination
Authors: Markakis Konstantinos , Lowe Phillip T. , Davison‐Gates Liam , O'Hagan David , Rosser Susan J. , Elfick Alistair
Published: January 2020

Selectively fluorinated compounds are found frequently in pharmaceutical and agrochemical products where currently 25–30 % of optimised compounds emerge from development containing at least one fluorine atom. There are many methods for the site‐specific introduction of fluorine, but all are chemical and they often use environmentally challenging reagents. Biochemical processes for C−F bond formation are attractive, but they are extremely rare. In this work, the fluorinase enzyme, originally identified from the actinomycete bacterium Streptomyces cattleya, is engineered into Escherichia coli in such a manner that the organism is able to produce 5′‐fluorodeoxyadenosine (5′‐FDA) from S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) and fluoride in live E. coli cells. Success required the introduction of a SAM transporter and deletion of the endogenous fluoride efflux capacity in order to generate an E. coli host that has the potential for future engineering of more elaborate fluorometabolites.
A study on volatile metabolites screening by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and HS‐GC‐IMS for discrimination and characterization of white and yellowed rice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Dai Zhen , Fan Xiaojing , Liu Meng , Ma Jianfei , Shang Wenting , Liu Jinguang , Strappe Padraig , Blanchard Chris , Zhou Zhongkai
Published: January 2020

Background and objectives

Yellowed rice results in serious economic losses to grain industry. This study attempted to profile the volatile metabolites in before‐ and after‐yellowing rice of five Chinese common rice cultivars. Application untargeted metabolomics approach to discover the biomarkers in yellowed rice.

Findings

The volatile metabolites were detected by headspace‐gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) and headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS). Yellowed rice emitted more aldehydes, alcohols, furan, and less ester than white rice. Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) based on GC‐MS and GC‐IMS data was revealed a good classifying tool for white and yellowed rice. Hexanal, nonanal, octanal, 1‐pentanol, and 2‐pentyl‐furan were selected as the potential markers by the variable importance in projection (VIP) variable selection method. All of these markers were associated with fatty acid oxygenation.

Conclusions

Comparative analysis and biomarker identification of the volatile metabolites of different cultivars of Chinese yellowed rice lay a foundation for research on yellowing mechanism.

Significance and novelty

The results of the current study provide a useful basis in the rice yellowing mechanism study. Additionally, a rapid rice aroma analysis method using GC‐IMS was developed. So in the future, yellowed rapid reorganization GC‐IMS technology could be a preferred choice.
Trends der chemischen Prozessindustrie
Authors: Schäfer Bernhard , Sauer Jörg
Published: January 2020

Aktuelle Trends aus der chemischen Prozesstechnik im Rahmen der Begleitforschung des Forschungsnetzwerkes Energie in Industrie und Gewerbe (EE4InG) werden vorgestellt. Wir gehen davon aus, dass die Trends zirkuläre Wirtschaft und beschleunigte globalisierte Innovation (Modularisierung, Prozessintensivierung und Digitalisierung) bis 2030 auf die Chemieindustrie wirken. Die Technologieentwicklung anhand dieser Trends erlaubt es dem Chemieingenieurswesen, zukünftig entscheidende Beiträge zur Flexibilisierung und Defossilisierung der Wertschöpfungsketten zu leisten.
Evolution of neural processing for visual perception in vertebrates
Authors: Knudsen Eric I.
Published: January 2020

Visual perception requires both visual information and attention. This review compares, across classes of vertebrates, the functional and anatomical characteristics of (a) the neural pathways that process visual information about objects, and (b) stimulus selection pathways that determine the objects to which an animal attends. Early in the evolution of vertebrate species, visual perception was dominated by information transmitted via the midbrain (retinotectal) visual pathway, and attention was probably controlled primarily by a selection network in the midbrain. In contrast, in primates, visual perception is dominated by information transmitted via the forebrain (retinogeniculate) visual pathway, and attention is mediated largely by networks in the forebrain. In birds and nonprimate mammals, both the retinotectal and retinogeniculate pathways contribute critically to visual information processing, and both midbrain and forebrain networks play important roles in controlling attention. The computations and processing strategies in birds and mammals share some strikingly similar characteristics despite over 300 million years of independent evolution and being implemented by distinct brain architectures. The similarity of these functional characteristics suggests that they provide valuable advantages to visual perception in advanced visual systems. A schema is proposed that describes the evolution of the pathways and computations that enable visual perception in vertebrate species.
Study of Interfacial Charge Transfer from an Electron Rich Organic Molecule to CdTe Quantum Dot by using Stern‐Volmer and Stochastic Kinetic Models
Authors: Bharadwaj Kiran , Choudhary Himanshu , Hazra Soumitra , Ghosh Subhadip
Published: January 2020

Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from N‐methylaniline (NMA) to a photoexcited CdTe quantum dot (QD*) is studied in toluene. The PET mechanism at low to moderate quencher (NMA) concentrations (<0.08 M) remains mostly collisional with some contributions from QD‐NMA complex formation. However, at high quencher concentrations (>0.10 M), QDs form larger numbers of static complexes with NMA molecules leading to a steep positive deviation in the steady‐state Stern–Volmer curves. An isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) study confirms the formation of QD‐NMA complexes (K∼150 M−1) at high quencher concentrations. Fitting our experimental data using a stochastic kinetic model indicates that the number of NMA molecules attached per QD at highest NMA concentration (∼0.16 M) used in this study decreases from ∼0.76 to ∼0.47 with reducing the QD size from ∼5.2 nm to ∼3.2 nm. However, the PET rate increases with decreasing QD size, which is commensurate with the observation that the chemical driving force (ΔG) increases with decreasing the QD particle size. We have analyzed the PET kinetics mainly by using Stern‐Volmer fittings. However, in some cases Tachiya's stochastic kinetic model is used for stoichiometric analysis, which seems to be useful only at high quencher concentrations. The measured PET rate coefficients in all the cases are found to be at least an order of magnitude lower when compared to the diffusion‐controlled rate of the reaction medium.
Linking genetic maps and simulation to optimize breeding for wheat flowering time in current and future climates
Authors: Bogard Matthieu , Biddulph Ben , Zheng Bangyou , Hayden Matthew , Kuchel Haydn , Mullan Dan , Allard Vincent , Gouis Jacques Le , Chapman Scott C.
Published: January 2020

In Australian wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) production, optimizing wheat phenology is essential for yield potential and to avoid stress, especially around flowering. Breeding could be accelerated by identifying key loci and developing models to predict genotype flowering times under different pedoclimatic scenarios. Here, association genetics for heading date, earliness components (photoperiod sensitivity [PS]; vernalization requirement [VR]; earlinessper se[EPS]) and simulation model (APSIM) phenology parameters from a panel of Australian cultivars and breeding lines identified loci with stable, repeatable effects. Major chromosomal regions with stable effects included thePpd‐D1region on chromosome 2D for PS and EPS, one region on 5B for PS, one region on 6B for EPS, and theVrn‐A1region on 5A for VR. Regions with stable, smaller effects were detected on 1A and 2D for PS, on 5A and 6B for EPS, and on 1A and 5D for VR. Other regions with stable effects on heading date and earliness components were located on 1A, 2B, 4B, 5B, 6B and 7B (PS and EPS), 2A, 3A and 7A (EPS and VR). Quantitative trait loci (QTL)–based model parameters were used to simulate heading dates across the Australian wheat belt for set of independent genotypes. Comparisons of average observed and predicted heading dates for four main regions of the Australian wheat belt showed good performance in prediction of independent lines from QTL information alone (r2= .61–.83). The model allows testing of putative genotypes under various pedoclimatic scenarios including for adaptation to anticipated climate changes.
Trophic redundancy and predator size class structure drive differences in kelp forest ecosystem dynamics
Authors: Eisaguirre Jacob H. , Eisaguirre Joseph M. , Davis Kathryn , Carlson Peter M. , Gaines Steven D. , Caselle Jennifer E.
Published: January 2020

Ecosystems are changing at alarming rates because of climate change and a wide variety of other anthropogenic stressors. These stressors have the potential to cause phase shifts to less productive ecosystems. A major challenge for ecologists is to identify ecosystem attributes that enhance resilience and can buffer systems from shifts to less desirable alternative states. In this study, we used the Northern Channel Islands, California, as a model kelp forest ecosystem that had been perturbed from the loss of an important sea star predator due to a sea star wasting disease. To determine the mechanisms that prevent phase shifts from productive kelp forests to less productive urchin barrens, we compared pre‐ and postdisease predator assemblages as predictors of purple urchin densities. We found that prior to the onset of the disease outbreak, the sunflower sea star exerted strong predation pressures and was able to suppress purple urchin populations effectively. After the disease outbreak, which functionally extirpated the sunflower star, we found that the ecosystem response—urchin and algal abundances—depended on the abundance and/or size of remaining predator species. Inside Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the large numbers and sizes of other urchin predators suppressed purple urchin populations resulting in kelp and understory algal growth. Outside of the MPAs, where these alternative urchin predators are fished, less abundant, and smaller, urchin populations grew dramatically in the absence of sunflower stars resulting in less kelp at these locations. Our results demonstrate that protected trophic redundancy inside MPAs creates a net of stability that could limit kelp forest ecosystem phase shifts to less desirable, alternative states when perturbed. This highlights the importance of harboring diversity and managing predator guilds.
Intraspecific variation influences performance of moss transplants along microclimate gradients
Authors: Merinero Sonia , Dahlberg C. Johan , Ehrlén Johan , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: January 2020

Identifying the environmental drivers of population dynamics is crucial to predict changes in species abundances and distributions under climate change. Populations of the same species might differ in their responses as a result of intraspecific variation. Yet the importance of such differences remains largely unexplored. We examined the responses of latitudinally distant populations of the forest moss Hylocomiastrum umbratum along microclimate gradients in Sweden. We transplanted moss mats from southern and northern populations to 30 sites with contrasting microclimates (i.e., replicated field common gardens) within a forest landscape, and recorded growth and survival of individual shoots over 3 yr. To evaluate the importance of intraspecific variation in responses to environmental factors, we assessed effects of the interactions between population origin and microclimate drivers on growth and survival. Effects on overall performance of transplanted populations were estimated using the product of survival and growth. We found differences between southern and northern populations in the response to summer temperature and snowmelt date in one of three yearly transitions. In this year, southern populations performed better in warm, southern‐like conditions than in cold, northern‐like conditions; and the reverse pattern was true for northern populations. Survival of all populations decreased with evaporation, consistent with the high hydric demands and poikilohydric nature of mosses. Our results are consistent with population adaptation to local climate, and suggest that intraspecific variation among populations can have important effects on the response of species to microclimate drivers. These findings highlight the need to account for differential responses in predictions of species abundance and distribution under climate change.
Combined Occupancy of Gadolinium at the Lattice Sites of β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and t‐ZrO2 Crystal Structures
Authors: Kumar Ponnusamy Nandha , Kannan Sanjeevi , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: January 2020

An in situ aqueous precipitation with the aid of Gd3+ as a stabilizer has been used to attain a series of β‐Ca3(PO4)2/t‐ZrO2 composites. Analytical characterization techniques were used to investigate the formation of desired composite during progressive heat treatments. The transformation of calcium deficient apatite to β‐Ca3(PO4)2, which usually occurs at ≈ 780 °C for pure systems, is delayed to beyond 1100 °C, depending upon the concentration of Gd3+/Zr4+ used in the synthesis. Gd3+ prefers to accommodate at the lattice sites of both β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and t‐ZrO2. Gd3+ ensures limited occupancy at the Ca2+(1), Ca2+(2), and Ca2+(3) of β‐Ca3(PO4)2 while t‐ZrO2 consumes the excess Gd3+. Phase pure β‐Ca3(PO4)2/t‐ZrO2 composite mixtures devoid of any secondary phase alongside enhanced structural stability were accomplished at 1500 °C. The micrographs of the composite specimen revealed good sintering behaviour, and the Youngs modulus and hardness data determined from indentation displayed significant variations depending on the phase content of the individual components in the composite system.
Optimization of binary zeotropic mixture working fluids for an organic Rankine cycle for waste heat recovery between centrifugal compressor stages
Authors: Lin Jingxiang , Qin Guoliang , Yue Han
Published: January 2020

The organic Rankine cycle is an effective way to recover low‐temperature waste heat, and a mixture working fluid can effectively improve the performance of the organic Rankine cycle. In order to find the best pure and mixture working fluid quickly and accurately, thirteen pure working fluids and zeotropic mixtures of two of those fluids are selected to study the performance of the organic Rankine cycle, and the net power output is selected as the objective function. Through calculation and analysis, the best pinch temperature difference and evaporation temperature are determined. By calculating the approximate net power output, we find that the parameter (k·Δs5‐1)−1, which is determined by the physical properties of a working fluid, plays an important role in the pure working fluid optimization. In addition, the condensation temperature glide and (k·Δs5‐1)−1 together determine the optimized binary zeotropic mixture. As a result, R227ea and R227ea/hexane (0.98/0.02) are shown to be the optimal pure working fluid and binary zeotropic mixture. Using this mixture resulted in a net power output of 424.63 kW, which is 29.3% higher than that of the pure working fluid R227ea.
Comprehensive evaluation of sustainable ammonia production systems based on fuzzy multiattribute decision making under hybrid information
Authors: Xu Di , Dong Lichun
Published: January 2020

The comprehensive evaluation of ammonia production systems is of great significance for improving the sustainability of energy management and food supply. Therefore, an important contribution could be provided by developing a generic decision‐making framework for prioritizing multiple ammonia production systems and identifying the best one. In this view, this paper aims to propose an integrated fuzzy MADM (multiattribute decision making) framework combining fuzzy BWM (best‐worst method), fuzzy CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation), and fuzzy GRP (gray relational projection) approaches for the sustainability assessment of ammonia production systems under hybrid information. Comparing with the previous MADM‐based frameworks for sustainability assessment, this framework adopts the TFN (triangular fuzzy number) to deal with the hybrid information (ie, crisp numbers, interval values, and fuzzy numbers) that arise from real‐world decision‐making issues. Accordingly, the weights of criteria can be comprehensively determined by integrating the fuzzy BWM and fuzzy CRITIC, which balance experts’ subjective preferences and system's objective properties under uncertainties in the determination of the weights, while the sequence of alternatives can be reliably prioritized by extending the GRP into fuzzy conditions, which escalates the ranking capability under hybrid information via considering the relationships and relative balance among the alternatives’ performances regarding the multicriteria. Seven alternative systems were studied by the proposed framework, indicating that ammonia generated from hydropower‐electrolysis and coal gasification would be more preferable than the others, by considering 12 criteria from the concerns of technological, environmental, economic, and social‐political. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and result comparison were conducted to verify the rationality and feasibility of the framework. This work makes a methodological contribution to the MADM‐based sustainability research and serves as a reference for developing the ammonia economy in the future.
Large wood inhibits debris flow runout in forested southeast Alaska
Authors: Booth Adam M. , Sifford Christian , Vascik Bryce , Siebert Cora , Buma Brian
Published: January 2020

Due to their potentially long runout, debris flows are a major hazard and an important geomorphic process in mountainous environments. Understanding runout is therefore essential to minimize risk in the near‐term and interpret the pace and pattern of debris flow erosion and deposition over geomorphic timescales. Many debris flows occur in forested landscapes where they mobilize large volumes of large woody debris (LWD) in addition to sediment, but few studies have quantitatively documented the effects of LWD on runout. Here, we analyze recent and historic debris flows in southeast Alaska, a mountainous, forested system with minimal human alteration. Sixteen debris flows near Sitka triggered on August 18, 2015 or more recently had volumes of 80 to 25 000 m3 and limited mobility compared to a global compilation of similarly‐sized debris flows. Their deposits inundated 31% of the planimetric area, and their runout lengths were 48% of that predicted by the global dataset. Depositional slopes were 6°–26°, and mobility index, defined as the ratio of horizontal runout to vertical elevation change, ranged from 1.2 to 3, further indicating low mobility. In the broader southeast Alaskan region consisting of Chichagof and Baranof Islands, remote sensing‐based analysis of 1061 historic debris flows showed that mobility index decreased from 2.3–2.5 to 1.4–1.8 as average forest age increased from 0 to 416 years. We therefore interpret that the presence of LWD within a debris flow and standing trees, stumps, and logs in the deposition zone inhibit runout, primarily through granular phenomena such as jamming due to force chains. Calibration of debris flow runout models should therefore incorporate the ecologic as well as geologic setting, and feedbacks between debris flows and vegetation likely control the transport of sediment and organic material through steep, forested catchments over geomorphic time. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.