bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel nanoparticles‐based saturable absorber: Toward compact multiwavelength Yb‐doped fiber pulsed lasers near 1 μm region
Authors: Salman Ansam M. , Al‐Janabi Abdulhadi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe experimentally demonstrate a compact pulsed dual‐wavelength Ytterbium‐doped fiber laser (YDF) based on Nickel nanoparticles (Ni‐NPs) as a Q‐switcher and optical stabilizer. By integrating the Ni‐NPs saturable absorber (SA) in the cavity, and adjust the 975 nm diode pump power to 185 mW, a self‐starting passively Q‐switched was generated at a central wavelength of 1038.5 nm. By exploiting the extra high nonlinearity of Ni‐NPs, the homogenous gain broadening of the YDF oscillator can be suppressed. Consequently, at a pump power of 195 mW, a stable dual‐wavelength passively Q‐switching laser has been generated at room temperature without any intracavity spectral filters or modulation elements. As increases the pump power up to the maximum value of 288 mW, the Ytterbium‐doped fiber laser observed that the smallest pulse width, the maximum repetition rate, and the maximum pulse energy of 1.44 μs, 100.1 kHz, and 4.45 nJ, respectively. The Ni‐NPs SA proof its potential in generating multiwavelength pulsed laser in the 1 μm region for different photonic applications.
Analysis and design of single and dual element bowtie microstrip antenna embedded with planar long wire for 5G wireless applications
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Mainuddin  , Kanaujia Binod K. , Khandelwal Mukesh K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this article, a low‐profile bowtie shaped planar antenna loaded with long wire is designed, analyzed, and fabricated, which is fed by microstrip line and presented with and without metallic reflector. It consists of a planar long‐wire antenna, which is designed at 27 GHz and terminated with the input impedance of a planar bowtie shaped element supported by defected ground structure. This terminating element works as a load resistance for long wire. Furthermore, two‐element antenna arrays with proposed bowtie structure is designed, analyzed, and presented. Design equations of proposed structure are presented along with the various aspects including return loss, gain, and radiation characteristics. Proposed antenna is working within the frequency band ranging from 27 to 29 GHz and may be used for 5G wireless applications as it offers high gain within the operating frequency. Simulated results are validated by measured results of fabricated prototypes.
Analysis of interferon‐γ receptor IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 expression and regulation at the maternal‐conceptus interface and the role of interferon‐γ on endometrial expression of interferon signaling molecules during early pregnancy in pigs
Authors: Yoo Inkyu , Seo Heewon , Choi Yohan , Jang Hwanhee , Han Jisoo , Lee Soohyung , Choi Youngsok , Ka Hakhyun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt has long been known that pig conceptuses produce interferon‐γ (IFNG) at the time of implantation, but the role of IFNG and its mechanism of action at the maternal‐conceptus interface are not fully understood. Accordingly, we analyzed the expression and regulation of IFNG receptors IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. Levels of IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression changed in the endometrium, with the highest levels during mid pregnancy for IFNGR1 and on Day 12 of pregnancy for IFNGR2. The expression of IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 mRNAs was also detected in conceptuses during early pregnancy and chorioallantoic tissues during mid to late pregnancy. IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 mRNAs were localized to endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and to the chorionic membrane during pregnancy. IFNGR2 protein was also localized to endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and increased epithelial expression of IFNGR2 mRNA and protein was detectable during early pregnancy than the estrous cycle. Explant culture studies showed that estrogen increased levels of IFNGR2, but not IFNGR1, mRNAs, while interleukin‐1β did not affect levels of IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 mRNAs. Furthermore, IFNG increased levels of IRF1, IRF2, STAT1, and STAT2 mRNAs in the endometrial explants. These results in pigs indicate that IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 are expressed in a stage of pregnancy‐ and cell‐type specific manner in the endometrium and that sequential cooperative action of conceptus signals estrogen and IFNG may be critical for endometrial responsiveness to IFNs for the establishment of pregnancy in pigs.
Controlling the discrete‐time conic‐type nonlinear system by a time‐delayed robust controller
Authors: Dong Xuefei , He Shuping 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThis paper investigates the robust H∞ controller design problem for a class of discrete‐time conic‐type nonlinear systems with time delays and uncertainties. We aim to design a time‐delayed feedback control law such that the closed‐loop conic‐type nonlinear system is asymptotically stable and satisfies the given H∞ performance index from the controlled output to the external disturbance. By selecting a proper Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions related to the H∞ stabilization are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a simulation example is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Can avian functional traits predict cultural ecosystem services?
Authors: Echeverri Alejandra , Karp Daniel S. , Naidoo Robin , Tobias Joseph A. , Zhao Jiaying , Chan Kai M. A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The functional trait diversity of species assemblages can predict the provision of ecosystem services such as pollination and carbon sequestration, but it is unclear whether the same trait‐based framework can be applied to identify the factors that underpin cultural ecosystem services and disservices.

To explore the relationship between traits and the contribution of species to cultural ecosystem services and disservices, we conducted 404 questionnaire surveys with birdwatchers and local residents in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

We used an information–theoretic approach to identify which of 20 functional traits for 199 Costa Rican bird species best predicted their cultural ecosystem service scores related to birdwatching, acoustic aesthetics, education and local identity, as well as disservices (e.g. harm to crops).

We found that diet was the most important variable explaining perceptions of cultural ecosystem service and disservice providers. Aesthetic traits such as plumage colour and pattern were important in explaining birdwatching scores. We also found people have a high affinity for forest‐affiliated birds.

The insight that functional traits can explain variation among cultural perspectives on values derived from birds offers a first step towards a trait‐based system for understanding the species attributes that underpin cultural ecosystem services and disservices.
Synthesis and Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Diphenylalanine‐Based Homopolymer and Copolymers By RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Yonenuma Ryo , Ishizuki Ai , Nakabayashi Kazuhiro , Mori Hideharu 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTDipeptide diphenylalanine has attracted significant research interests because of its ability to self‐assemble into various nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoribbons. In this article, we present the synthesis and self‐assembly of a novel diphenylalanine‐based homopolymer and block/random copolymers by the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of an acrylamide having a dipeptide moiety. The RAFT polymerization of N‐acryloyl‐l,l‐diphenylalanine (A‐Phe‐Phe‐OH) afforded novel amino acid‐based polymers with predetermined molecular weights and relatively narrow‐molecular weight distributions. The hierarchical self‐assembled structures of poly(A‐Phe‐Phe‐OH), which involve nanorods, larger nanofiber‐like microcrystals, and fiber bundles, were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurements. The circular dichroic measurements of poly(A‐Phe‐Phe‐OH) revealed its characteristic chiroptical property, which is affected by the nature of the solvents and the addition of urea and salts via hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Thermo‐ and pH‐responsive block and random copolymers composed of A‐Phe‐Phe‐OH and N‐isopropylacrylamide were synthesized by RAFT polymerization, and the thermoresponsive properties and assembled structures of the resulting copolymers were investigated by AFM and turbidity measurements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2562–2574
SiCN:H thin films deposited by MW‐PECVD with liquid organosilicon precursor: Gas ratio influence versus properties of the deposits
Authors: Plujat Béatrice , Glénat Hervé , Bousquet Angélique , Frézet Lawrence , Hamon Jonathan , Goullet Antoine , Tomasella Éric , Hernandez Emmanuel , Quoizola Sébastien , Thomas Laurent 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSilicon carbonitride SiCN:H thin films are deposited with microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Argon, ammonia, and tetramethylsilane (TMS) (Ar/NH3/Si(CH3)4) are used for the gas mixture. Plasma gas phase chemistry is studied using optical emission spectroscopy according to the TMS/NH3 gas flow ratio, highlighting the presence of three discharge regimes. Then, the deposited SiCN:H thin films are analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, enabling us to correlate plasma and film chemistry. Thus, we define three thin film families corresponding to the three discharge regimes occurring in the plasma phase. Properties of these families are studied: Optical properties by spectroscopic ellipsometry, electrical properties by I–V measurements and electron spin resonance, and mechanical properties by nanoindentation and tribology.
Are changes in upper extremity use during sub‐acute rehabilitation after stroke associated with physical, cognitive, and social activities? An observational cohort pilot study
Authors: Gohlke Jacob , Juul‐Kristensen Birgit , Brunner Iris 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate how changes in physical, social, and cognitive activity levels are associated with the use of the affected upper extremity at different time points during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke.MethodsIn an observational longitudinal cohort pilot study activity of 14 patients with subacute stroke was registered 2–4 times during their inpatient rehabilitation from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. At the same time, patients wore accelerometers on both wrists to register amount of use and use ratio of the affected to the unaffected upper extremity. Before and after the observation period, patients were assessed with action research arm test, Box and Blocks Test, and Functional Independence Measure. Linear regression models were used to examine the influence of different categories of activities and motor function levels on affected upper extremity use.ResultsIncreasing physical activity levels during rehabilitation and improvement in upper extremity motor function were associated with increased use of the affected upper extremity. Cognitive and social activity levels did not change and were not associated with affected upper extremity use.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the use of the affected upper extremity and a general increase in activity are associated. Facilitating both general physical activity and specific upper extremity use at a rehabilitation ward may benefit overall recovery.
MarR family proteins are important regulators of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance
Authors: Beggs Grace A. , Brennan Richard G. , Arshad Mehreen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThere has been a rapid spread of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria across the world. MDR efflux transporters are an important mechanism of antibiotic resistance in many pathogens among both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. These pumps can recognize a variety of chemically and structurally different compounds, including innate and clinically administered antibiotics. Intriguingly, these efflux pumps are often regulated by transcription factors that themselves bind a diverse set of substrates thereby allowing them to regulate the expression of their cognate MDR efflux pumps. One significant family of such transcription factors is the Multiple antibiotic resistance Repressor (MarR) family. Members of this family are well conserved across different bacterial species and in some cases are known to regulate vital bacterial functions. This review focusses on the role of MarR family transcriptional factors in antibiotic resistance within a select group of clinically relevant pathogens.
Identification of a PAI‐1‐binding site within an intrinsically disordered region of vitronectin
Authors: Chu Yuzhuo , Bucci Joel C. , Peterson Cynthia B. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe serine protease inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor Type‐1 (PAI‐1) is a metastable protein that undergoes an unusual transition to an inactive conformation with a short half‐life of only 1–2 hr. Circulating PAI‐1 is bound to a cofactor vitronectin, which stabilizes PAI‐1 by slowing this latency conversion. A well‐characterized PAI‐1‐binding site on vitronectin is located within the somatomedin B (SMB) domain, corresponding to the first 44 residues of the protein. Another PAI‐1 recognition site has been identified with an engineered form of vitronectin lacking the SMB domain, yet retaining PAI‐1 binding capacity (Schar, Blouse, Minor, Peterson. J Biol Chem. 2008;283:28487–28496). This additional binding site is hypothesized to lie within an intrinsically disordered domain (IDD) of vitronectin. To localize the putative binding site, we constructed a truncated form of vitronectin containing 71 amino acids from the N‐terminus, including the SMB domain and an additional 24 amino acids from the IDD region. This portion of the IDD is rich in acidic amino acids, which are hypothesized to be complementary to several basic residues identified within an extensive vitronectin‐binding site mapped on PAI‐1 (Schar, Jensen, Christensen, Blouse, Andreasen, Peterson. J Biol Chem. 2008;283:10297–10309). Steady‐state and stopped‐flow fluorescence measurements demonstrate that the truncated form of vitronectin exhibits the same rapid biphasic association as full‐length vitronectin and that the IDD hosts the elusive second PAI‐1 binding site that lies external to the SMB domain of vitronectin.
Machine learning prediction of hydrocarbon mixture lower flammability limits using quantitative structure‐property relationship models
Authors: Jiao Zeren , Yuan Shuai , Zhang Zhuoran , Wang Qingsheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLower flammability limit (LFL) of hydrocarbon mixture is a critical property for fire and explosion hazards. In this study, by using experimental LFL data of hydrocarbon mixture from a single reference, quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) models have been established using four machine learning methods, namely, k‐nearest neighbors, support vector machine, random forest, and boosting tree. The K‐fold cross‐validation method, which has significant advantages over the traditional validation set approach, is implemented for QSPR model evaluation. Prediction errors and accuracy are assessed and compared with traditional multiple linear regression. The results show that models generated by machine learning methods have a significantly lower root mean square error than traditional methods in both training and test data sets. This is the first time that machine learning‐based QSPR models are developed for prediction of hydrocarbon mixture LFL, and the models are proven to be highly predictable and reliable.
Short communication: Clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss
Authors: Grothe Torsten , Wandrey Franziska , Schuerch Cornelia 
Published: November 2019

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, but currently available treatment options are often dissatisfying due to side effects or limited efficacy. Pea sprout extract has been shown to improve hair density when applied topically, but its mode of action and effectiveness upon oral administration remain unknown. Our study has now shown that the application of a fluid containing 2% pea sprout extract on a defined scalp zone of 10 volunteers enhances the expression of defined genes relevant for hair, namely fibroblast growth factor‐7 (FGF7) and noggin, by 56 and 85%, respectively. Additionally, a subsequent pilot nutrition intervention study in 21 volunteers proved that pea sprout extract is also effective when consumed as dietary supplement. The daily intake of 100 mg pea sprout extract (AnaGain™ Nu) for 8 weeks significantly reduced hair loss already after 28 days of treatment (p < 0.002). No adverse events were reported. Consequently, pea sprout extract may be an effective means to safely promote hair growth and reduce hair loss in individuals experiencing excessive hair shedding.
Bank soundness and bank lending to new firms during the global financial crisis
Authors: Naiki Eriko , Ogane Yuta 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper examines how the soundness of financial institutions affected bank lending to new firms during the 2008 financial crisis by using a unique firm–bank match‐level dataset of 1,467 unlisted small and medium‐sized enterprises incorporated in Japan. We employ a within‐firm estimator that can control for unobserved firms’ demand for credit through firm ∗ time fixed effects. The major findings of this paper are the following four points. First, sounder financial institutions may be generally less likely to provide financing to new firms. Second, our results suggest that sounder financial institutions were less likely to provide loans to new firms during the 2008 financial crisis. Third, financial institutions were less likely to provide financing to new firms during such crisis as compared to those with the same soundness during non‐crisis periods. Finally, such lending relationships to new firms that are established during the financial crisis by sounder financial institutions are more likely to be continued than such lending by less sound financial institutions.
Evaluating the regional social sustainability contribution of public‐private partnerships in China: The development of an indicator system
Authors: Yuan Jingfeng , Zhang Lei , Tan Yongtao , Skibniewski Mirosław J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPublic–private partnerships (PPPs) have been increasingly adopted in China. Sustainability of PPPs has become a priority for a sustainable development of PPPs. Most prior studies focus on sustainable implementation of PPP projects. Few research efforts have been done to examine the impacts of PPPs to sustainability from an external perspective and a more macro geographical scale. Meanwhile, the social aspect of the sustainability of PPPs has not been widely studied. Therefore, this study aims to propose a social sustainability contribution evaluation system (SSCES) for PPPs to evaluate PPPs' contribution to regional social sustainability at the institutional level. An indicator system of the SSCES for PPPs was developed, which included 8 requirements for socially sustainable development and 33 social sustainability indicators. The weights of indicators were determined by using the analytic hierarchy process method. The results indicate that, in the context of China, promoting people‐oriented urbanization in PPPs can help enhance regional social sustainability. This study provides a useful evaluation tool for various stakeholders to evaluate the sustainability of PPPs from an institutional level, especially for local governments to review current PPP polices and make improvements.
Catalyst‐Free Efficient Synthesis of Alkyl Acetates Bearing Arylsulfide and Quinoxaline Moieties and Stereoselective Synthesis of Dialkyl 2‐Amino‐3‐thiomalates at Room Temperature
Authors: Hashemi Sayyed Abolghasem , Mohammadizadeh Mohammad Reza 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA novel and efficient procedure was introduced for the synthesis of alkyl acetates bearing arylthio and quinoxaline moieties from the reaction of o‐phenylenediamines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and in‐situ generated arylsulphenyl chlorides in DMF as solvent at room temperature. The procedure worked well for a variety of starting materials and the corresponding products were obtained in good yields. Moreover, some derivatives of dialkyl 2‐amino‐3‐thiomalates were stereoselectively synthesized via the reaction of amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and in‐situ generated arylsulphenyl chlorides in moderate to good yields in DCE as solvent at room temperature.
N‐Ethyl Carbazole Derived D‐π‐A‐π‐D Based Fluorophores: Consolidated Spectroscopic, Viscosity and DFT Studies
Authors: Raikwar Manish M. , Mohbiya Dhanraj R. , Sekar Nagaiyan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article reports design and synthesis of three new fluorophores (5 a‐c) with the donor‐π‐acceptor‐π‐donor motif, where dicyano vinylene group is the central acceptor, N‐ethyl carbazole group is a fixed donor and varying the N‐substituted secondary donors so as to study their photophysical behavior. Based on the systematic photophysical and theoretical reconnaissances, the fluorophores structure‐property relationships are defined. Their spectral and photophysical behaviors are affected by the solvent polarity, with a significant bathochromic shift in emission and large Stoke shifts being observed in polar solvents. Contrary to dipolar asymmetric analogue this system shows an efficient intramolecular charge transfer as observed from various solvent polarity plots. For 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c, the viscosity induced emission studies show respectively 3.78, 6.53, and 6.82 times enhancement in their fluorescence intensity and hence act as a fluorescent molecular rotor (FMR). The structure and electronic properties of these fluorophores were evaluated using density functional theory computations using B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p). The frontier molecular orbitals and the optimized geometry reveal that secondary donors in each fluorophore donate the electron and not the N‐ethyl carbazole group which is more twisted. The non‐linear and linear optical properties were determined employing solvatochromic and computational methods in solvents of varying polarities with results falling within the expected limiting values. The linear and non‐linear optical properties of the fluorophores change with the strength of different secondary donors used and solvent polarity. The two photon absorption cross‐section described using two level approximation is highest for 5 b (115‐172 GM).
Emerging Pyroelectric Nanogenerators to Convert Thermal Energy into Electrical Energy
Authors: Ryu Hanjun , Kim Sang‐Woo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPyroelectric energy harvesting systems have recently received substantial attention for their potential applications as power generators. In particular, the pyroelectric effect, which converts thermal energy into electrical energy, has been utilized as an infrared (IR) sensor, but upcoming sensor technology that requires a miniscule amount of power is able to utilize pyroelectric nanogenerators (PyNGs) as a power source. Herein, an overview of the progress in the development of PyNGs for an energy harvesting system that uses environmental or artificial energies such as the sun, body heat, and heaters, is provided. It begins with a brief introduction of the pyroelectric effect, and various polymer and ceramic materials based PyNGs are reviewed in detail. Various approaches for developing polymer‐based PyNGs and various ceramic materials–based PyNGs are summarized in particular. Finally, challenges and perspectives regarding the PyNGs are described.