bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online optimal and adaptive integral tracking control for varying discrete‐time systems using reinforcement learning
Authors: Sanusi Ibrahim , Mills Andrew , Dodd Tony , Konstantopoulos George 
Published: April 2020

SummaryConventional closed‐form solution to the optimal control problem using optimal control theory is only available under the assumption that there are known system dynamics/models described as differential equations. Without such models, reinforcement learning (RL) as a candidate technique has been successfully applied to iteratively solve the optimal control problem for unknown or varying systems. For the optimal tracking control problem, existing RL techniques in the literature assume either the use of a predetermined feedforward input for the tracking control, restrictive assumptions on the reference model dynamics, or discounted tracking costs. Furthermore, by using discounted tracking costs, zero steady‐state error cannot be guaranteed by the existing RL methods. This article therefore presents an optimal online RL tracking control framework for discrete‐time (DT) systems, which does not impose any restrictive assumptions of the existing methods and equally guarantees zero steady‐state tracking error. This is achieved by augmenting the original system dynamics with the integral of the error between the reference inputs and the tracked outputs for use in the online RL framework. It is further shown that the resulting value function for the DT linear quadratic tracker using the augmented formulation with integral control is also quadratic. This enables the development of Bellman equations, which use only the system measurements to solve the corresponding DT algebraic Riccati equation and obtain the optimal tracking control inputs online. Two RL strategies are thereafter proposed based on both the value function approximation and the Q‐learning along with bounds on excitation for the convergence of the parameter estimates. Simulation case studies show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Revealing the Intercalation Mechanisms of Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium in Hard Carbon
Authors: Alvin Stevanus , Cahyadi Handi Setiadi , Hwang Jieun , Chang Wonyoung , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kim Jaehoon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHard carbon is the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries and potassium‐ion batteries owing to its high stability, widespread availability, low‐cost, and excellent performance. Understanding the carrier‐ion storage mechanism is a prerequisite for developing high‐performance electrode materials; however, the underlying ion storage mechanism in hard carbon has been a topic of debate because of its complex structure. Herein, it is demonstrated that the Li+‐, Na+‐, and K+‐ion storage mechanisms in hard carbon are based on the adsorption of ions on the surface of active sites (e.g., defects, edges, and residual heteroatoms) in the sloping voltage region, followed by intercalation into the graphitic layers in the low‐voltage plateau region. At a low current density of 3 mA g–1, the graphitic layers of hard carbon are unlocked to permit Li+‐ion intercalation, resulting in a plateau region in the lithium‐ion batteries. To gain insights into the ion storage mechanism, experimental observations including various ex situ techniques, a constant‐current constant‐voltage method, and diffusivity measurements are correlated with the theoretical estimation of changes in carbon structures and insertion voltages during ion insertion obtained using the density functional theory.
Interface Engineering of MXene Composite Separator for High‐Performance Li–Se and Na–Se Batteries
Authors: Zhang Fan , Guo Xin , Xiong Pan , Zhang Jinqiang , Song Jianjun , Yan Kang , Gao Xiaochun , Liu Hao , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSelenium (Se), due to its high electronic conductivity and high energy density, has recently attracted considerable interest as a cathode material for rechargeable Li/Na batteries. However, the poor cycling stability originating from the severe shuttle effect of polyselenides hinders their practical applications. Herein, highly stable Li/Na–Se batteries are developed using ultrathin (≈270 nm, loading of 0.09 mg cm−2) cetrimonium bromide (CTAB)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid modified polypropylene (PP) (CCNT/MXene/PP) separators. The hybrid separator can immobilize the polyselenides via enhanced Lewis acid–base interactions between CTAB/MXene and polyselenides, which is demonstrated by theoretical calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The incorporation of CNT helps to improve the electrolyte infiltration and facilitate the ionic transport. In situ permeation experiments are conducted for the first time to visually study the behavior of polyselenides, revealing the prohibited shuttle effect and protected Li anode from corrosion with CCNT/MXene/PP separators. As a result, the Li–Se batteries with CCNT/MXene/PP separators deliver an outstanding cycling performance over 500 cycles at 1C with an extremely low capacity decay of 0.05% per cycle. Moreover, the hybrid separators also perform well in Na–Se batteries. This study develops a preferable separator–electrolyte interface and the concept can be applied in other conversion‐type battery systems.
Variety and weed management effects on organic chickpea stand establishment and seed yield
Authors: Mohammed Yesuf Assen , Miller Zachariah , Hubbel Kyrstan , Chen Chengci 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe need for organic produce is increasing worldwide but weed control remains a critical problem for organic crop production. Three types of weed control practices were evaluated for two organic chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties at the Western (Corvallis) and Eastern (Sidney) Agricultural Research Centers of Montana State University. Treatments included two chickpea varieties (Black and CDC Orion chickpeas), two seeding rates (standard seeding rate or 1× at 43 seeds m−2 and 50% increase over the standard rate or 1.5×), and two pre‐emergent weed control practices (flame weeding and shallow tillage). Results revealed that Black chickpea was associated with greater stand densities and grain yield with lower weed biomass than CDC Orion. Increasing seeding rate for Black chickpea improved crop density and increased grain yield to the extent of 26% compared with the standard seed rate. Flaming increased chickpea grain yield only at Corvallis in 2016. The combined effects of shallow tillage and increased seeding rates resulted in reduced weed biomass. Shallow tillage can be successfully integrated to improve yields and reduce weed pressure in organic chickpea. However, precaution must be taken for the tillage timing to avoid damage to emerging chickpea seedlings. More research is needed to select chickpea varieties that have improved vigor and are more competitive to weed pressure commonly seen in organically managed fields.
Interseeding annual warm‐season grasses into temperate pasturelands: Forage accumulation and composition
Authors: Guretzky John A. , Volesky Jerry D. , Stephenson Mitchell B. , Harmoney Keith R. , Moyer Joseph L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInterseeding annual warm‐season grasses into pastureland dominated by perennial cool‐season grasses may be a strategy to reduce shortage of forage. Field trials were conducted at three Nebraska (Mead, North Platte, and Sidney) and two Kansas (Hays and Mound Valley) locations in 2015–2016 (10 environments) to evaluate forage production responses to six interseeded annual warm‐season grass—corn (Zea mays L.), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), sudangrass (S. bicolor [L.] Moench ssp. drummondii [Nees ex Steud.] de Wet & Harlan), a sorghum–sudangrass hybrid (S. bicolor × S. bicolor var. sudanense), and an unseeded control—and two harvest frequency (once at 90 d and twice at 45 and 90 d after interseeding) treatments. Across environments, total forage accumulation was 146–214% and 100–102% greater in sudangrass and sorghum–sudangrass interseeded than unseeded pastures when harvested once and twice after interseeding, respectively. In smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures, interseeding sudangrass and sorghum–sudangrass increased forage accumulation in both years at Mead but in only one year at North Platte. In tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) pastures, interseeding forage sorghum and sorghum–sudangrass increased forage accumulation by 103–211% relative to unseeded pastures. Interseeding annual warm‐season grasses presents an effective strategy to increase forage accumulation in humid pasturelands harvested once or twice after interseeding (Mead and Mound Valley). In semiarid pasturelands, forage responses to interseeding will vary from year‐to‐year depending on timing and amount of precipitation, but forage accumulation can be significant.
Mixture of controlled‐release and normal urea to improve nitrogen management for maize across contrasting soil types
Authors: Li Chunlin , Wang Yin , Li Yuxi , Zhu Lin , Cao Yaqi , Zhao Xiaohui , Feng Guozhong , Gao Qiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMixed application of controlled‐release and normal urea (MCU) is considered as a promising alternative to farmers’ practice with one‐time nitrogen fertilization (FP) and optimal split nitrogen fertilization (OPT). In this study, MCU effectiveness on maize (Zea maysL.) were investigated by conducting 2‐yr field experiments on sandy and clay soils. Across the 2 yr, grain yields in MCU increased by 22 and 18% relative to FP on sand and clay soils, respectively, and net returns increased by 65 and 19%, respectively, while total N losses reduced by 228 and 193 kg N ha−1, respectively. In general, MCU showed significant advantages in agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits relative to FP across soil types, and the advantages were more remarkable on sandy soil. Although OPT also showed better effectiveness relative to FP, while its performances were similar to MCU on clay soil but slightly less effective on sandy soil. Compared to FP, the lower N rate and optimized N management in MCU and OPT effectively reduced N loss and ensured sufficient soil N availability to meet maize N demand at the later growth stage, accumulated more dry matter (DM) and N in plants that associated with larger post‐silking ratios, and consequently improved grain yield and nitrogen recovery efficiency (REN). Our results demonstrated that MCU is an effective and promising method to concurrently meet smallholders’ requirement for simplified fertilization and the optimal N management strategy, could replace OPT as an optimal N management method for maize on both two soil types, especially on sandy soil.
GSH and H2O2 Co‐Activatable Mitochondria‐Targeted Photodynamic Therapy under Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Sun Jian , Du Ke , Diao Jiajie , Cai Xuetong , Feng Fude , Wang Shu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCurrently, photosensitizers (PSs) that are microenvironment responsive and hypoxia active are scarcely available and urgently desired for antitumor photodynamic therapy (PDT). Presented herein is the design of a redox stimuli activatable metal‐free photosensitizer (aPS), also functioning as a pre‐photosensitizer as it is converted to a PS by the mutual presence of glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with high specificity on a basis of domino reactions on the benzothiadiazole ring. Superior to traditional PSs, the activated aPS contributed to efficient generation of reactive oxygen species including singlet oxygen and superoxide ion through both type 1 and type 2 pathways, alleviating the aerobic requirement for PDT. Equipped with a triphenylphosphine ligand for mitochondria targeting, mitoaPS showed excellent phototoxicity to tumor cells with low light fluence under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, after activation by intracellular GSH and H2O2. The mitoaPS was also compatible to near infrared PDT with two photon excitation (800 nm) for extensive bioapplications.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Silicon‐Stereogenic Silanes by Copper‐Catalyzed Desymmetrizing Protoboration of Vinylsilanes
Authors: Zhang Ge , Li Yanfei , Wang Ying , Zhang Qian , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe catalytic asymmetric creation of silanes with silicon stereocenters is a long‐sought but underdeveloped topic, and only a handful of examples have been reported. Moreover, the construction of chiral silanes containing (more than) two stereocenters is a more arduous task and remains unexploited. We herein report an unprecedented copper‐catalyzed desymmetrizing protoboration of divinyl‐substituted silanes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2). This method enables the facile preparation of an array of enantiomerically enriched boronate‐substituted organosilanes bearing contiguous silicon and carbon stereocenters with exclusive regioselectivity and generally excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity.
Encapsulation of Zn–Fe layered double hydroxide on activated carbon and its litheness in tuning anionic and rhoda dyes through adsorption mechanism
Authors: Sirajudheen P. , Meenakshi S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA flexible layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite of zinc and iron was encapsulated on orange peel activated carbon (Zn–Fe LDH EAC) surface by coprecipitation method to study the adsorption properties of acid blue (AB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes from water. Activated carbon was employed as a structure retaining agent as well as a supporting material for Zn and Fe hydroxides. The Zn–Fe hydroxides were introduced on activated carbon surfaces to study the effective removal of toxic AB and RhB dyes and their interaction mechanisms with composite surface. Various characterization techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDAX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyse the fabricated and dye adsorbed composite. The adsorption experiments were carried out by varying different parameters such as contact time, dosage, pH and initial dye concentration. The fabricated composite exhibited increased adsorption density for both the dyes than the other developed hybrids. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm was found to be the better fit data than the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption of AB and RhB dyes on the adsorbent was 98.4% and 96.2% respectively. The high adsorption efficiency of Zn–Fe LDH Encapsulated Activated Carbon composite was due to the electrostatic attraction between zinc‐ferric hydroxide particles with AB and RhB and also the hydrogen bonding between Zn–Fe LDH EAC composite with AB and RhB dyes, during the adsorption process.
Effect of coal powder mass‐energy conversion efficiency on oxygen coal ironmaking and parameter optimization
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhang Xiao‐hua , Zhang Yu‐zhu , Zhang Qiao‐rong , Shi Xue‐feng , Zhen Chang‐liang , Kong Zheng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA new process of prereduction of rotary kiln‐oxygen coal combustion and melting ironmaking was developed. The core is to realize the conversion of mass and energy of pulverized coal through high‐density injection of pulverized coal and high‐density combustion in the molten pool to provide the required energy for the ironmaking process. By calculating the combined energy values of working conditions under different metallization rates (η), gas oxidation degrees (α) and blast oxygen content (μ), the pulverized coal consumption, exergy income, exergy expenditure, four gas exergy values, and process of the process system under different working conditions were analyzed. Exergy using efficiency, quantitatively evaluated the interaction between the mass‐energy conversion efficiency of coal powder and process parameters and used orthogonal analysis to determine the combination of working conditions with the highest energy utilization rate. The results show that increasing the metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, and blasting oxygen content will change the exergy value, and the exergy utilization efficiency will increase with the increase of metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, and blast oxygen content, but the various parts exergy the value does not reach the optimum with the increase of the process operating parameters. After comparing and analyzing the overall working conditions, it can be known that when the charge metallization rate is 70%, the melting furnace gas oxidation degree is 12% and the blast oxygen content is 98%, the rotary kiln‐oxygen coal combustion melting furnace has the best operating conditions and the highest energy utilization efficiency. A mathematical relationship model including metallization rate, gas oxidation degree, blast oxygen content, and process exergy utilization efficiency was established: y = η × 0.1908+α × 0.467227383+μ × 0.137069+0.522508.
Orally delivered dsRNA induces knockdown of target genes and mortality in the Asian long‐horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Dhandapani Ramesh Kumar , Duan Jian Jun , Palli Subba Reddy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Asian long‐horned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis is a serious invasive forest pest in several countries, including the United States. Methods available to manage or eradicate this pest are extremely limited, but RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a potentially effective method to control ALB. In this study, we used sucrose feeding bioassay for oral delivery of double‐strand RNA (dsRNA) to ALB larvae. 32P‐labeled dsRNA orally delivered to ALB larvae using the sucrose droplet feeding method was processed to small interfering RNA. Feeding neonate larvae with dsRNA targeting genes coding for the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), vacuolar sorting protein SNF7 (SNF7), and snakeskin (SSK) induced knockdown of target genes and mortality. Feeding 2 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days did not induce a significant decrease in the expression of target genes or mortality. However, feeding 5 or 10 µg of dsRNA per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of target genes and 50–90% mortality. Interestingly, feeding 2.5 µg each of dsIAP plus dsSNF7, dsIAP plus dsSSK, or dsSNF7 plus dsSSK per day for 3 days induced a significant decrease in the expression of both target genes and approximately 80% mortality. Our findings demonstrate that orally delivered dsRNA induces target gene knockdown and mortality in ALB neonate larvae and RNAi technology may have the potential for effective ALB control.
Düsenstrahlpfähle für die Schleuse Brunsbüttel unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der GW‐Verhältnisse
Authors: Pohl Martin , Nuber Thomas , Abratis Joachim , Peschken Gabriele 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBei Europas derzeit größter Wasserbaustelle, dem Neubau der fünften Schleusenkammer in Brunsbüttel, kommen zur Rückverankerung der Schleusenkammerwände und ‐sohle sog. Düsenstrahlpfähle zum Einsatz. Der Einsatz dieser Elemente wurde aufgrund mehrerer Aspekte erforderlich: im Nahbereich der über 100 Jahre alten Schleusen darf nicht gerammt werden, das Grundwasser (GW) weist erhöhte Konzentrationen an Ammonium und Sulfat im Lastabtragungsbereich der geplanten Rückverankerung auf, zudem müssen vergleichsweise hohe Lasten bis zu 2 600 kN abgetragen werden.Die Düsenstrahlpfähle bestehen aus einer Düsenstrahlsäule mit einem Durchmesser von 1,0 m und Längen bis zu 7,5 m, in die ein Stahlzugglied (Durchmesser bis 14 cm) eingestellt wird. Da für derartige Düsenstrahlpfähle keine allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung existiert, wurde nach umfangreichen Untersuchungen und theoretischen Betrachtungen eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall erteilt.Die Düsenstrahlpfähle wurden gewählt, weil beim Aufdüsen des Baugrunds durch unterschiedliche Erosionswiderstände eine Verzahnung der Düsenstrahlsäule mit dem Baugrund entsteht. Somit wird, unter Einsatz eines Zements mit einem geringen w/z‐Wert von 0,6, eine dauerhafte Lastabtragung, selbst bei Betonangriff, gewährleistet. Die Düsenstrahlpfähle kommen in Tiefen ab 25 m u. GOK (in den tragfähigen Sanden) zum Einsatz. Umfassende Betrachtungen zu den Grundwasserverhältnissen und zur ‐beschaffenheit konnten den Einsatz der Düsenstrahlpfähle optimieren.
Built‐in RNA‐mediated chaperone (chaperna) for antigen folding tailored to immunized hosts
Authors: Kim Young‐Seok , Lim Jongkwan , Sung Jemin , Cheong Yucheol , Lee Eun‐Young , Kim Jihoon , Oh Hana , Kim Yeon‐Sook , Cho Nam‐Hyuk , Choi Seongil , Kang Sang‐Moo , Nam Jae‐Hwan , Chae Wonil , Seong Baik L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHigh‐quality antibody (Ab) production depends on the availability of immunologically relevant antigens. We present a potentially universal platform for generating soluble antigens from bacterial hosts, tailored to immunized animals for Ab production. A novel RNA‐dependent chaperone, in which the target antigen is genetically fused with an RNA‐interacting domain (RID) docking tag derived from the immunized host, promotes the solubility and robust folding of the target antigen. We selected the N‐terminal tRNA‐binding domain of lysyl‐tRNA synthetase (LysRS) as the RID for fusion with viral proteins and demonstrated the expression of the RID fusion proteins in their soluble and native conformations; immunization predominantly elicited Ab responses to the target antigen, whereas the “self” RID tag remained nonimmunogenic. Differential immunogenicity of the fusion proteins greatly enriched and simplified the screening of hybridoma clones of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), enabling specific and sensitive serodiagnosis of MERS‐CoV infection. Moreover, mAbs against the consensus influenza hemagglutinin stalk domain enabled a novel assay for trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines. The Fc‐mediated effector function was demonstrated, which could be harnessed for the design of next‐generation “universal” influenza vaccines. The nonimmunogenic built‐in antigen folding module tailored to a repertoire of immunized animal hosts will drive immunochemical diagnostics, therapeutics, and designer vaccines.
MRI cT1–2 rectal cancer staging accuracy: a population-based study
Authors: Detering R , Oostendorp S E , Meyer V M , Dieren S , Bos A C R K , Dekker J W T , Reerink O , Waesberghe J H T M , Marijnen C A M , Moons L M G , Beets-Tan R G H , Hompes R , Westreenen H L , Tanis P J , Tuynman J B ,   on behalf of the Dutch ColoRectal Audit Group
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Adequate MRI-based staging of early rectal cancers is essential for decision-making in an era of organ-conserving treatment approaches. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the accuracy of routine daily MRI staging of early rectal cancer, whether or not combined with endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS).

Methods
Patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer who underwent local excision or total mesorectal excision (TME) without downsizing (chemo)radiotherapy between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 were selected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. The accuracy of imaging was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value.

Results
Of 7382 registered patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer, 5539 were included (5288 MRI alone, 251 MRI and ERUS; 1059 cT1 and 4480 cT2). Among patients with pT1 tumours, 54·7 per cent (792 of 1448) were overstaged by MRI alone, and 31·0 per cent (36 of 116) by MRI and ERUS. Understaging of pT2 disease occurred in 8·2 per cent (197 of 2388) and 27·9 per cent (31 of 111) respectively. MRI alone overstaged pN0 in 17·3 per cent (570 of 3303) and the PPV for assignment of cN0 category was 76·3 per cent (2733 of 3583). Of 834 patients with pT1 N0 disease, potentially suitable for local excision, tumours in 253 patients (30·3 per cent) were staged correctly as cT1 N0, whereas 484 (58·0 per cent) and 97 (11·6 per cent) were overstaged as cT2 N0 and cT1–2 N1 respectively.

Conclusion
This Dutch population-based analysis of patients who underwent local excision or TME surgery for cT1–2 rectal cancer based on preoperative MRI staging revealed substantial overstaging, indicating the weaknesses of MRI and missed opportunities for organ preservation strategies.