bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive control of electrically‐driven nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots: Taylor series‐based approach with guaranteed asymptotic stability
Authors: Haqshenas M. AmirReza , Fateh Mohammad Mehdi , Ahmadi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTTaking advantage of an adaptive Taylor series approximator, this research seeks to address a two‐loop robust controller for electrically‐driven differential drive wheeled mobile robots. A fictitious current signal is designed in the outer loop such that the good tracking performance as well as the asymptotic stability of system will be achieved. Also, the error of currents will be minimized by an actual control input in the inner loop. For both inner/outer loops, uncertain nonlinear functions can be approximated by adaptive Taylor series systems. To validate the proposed control algorithm, numerous simulations have been carried out with two different desired trajectories and multiple initial conditions. Also, the proposed controller is compared with a recent well‐designed robust adaptive fuzzy controller. In addition, to simplify the procedure of mathematical modelling of a wheeled mobile robot, the “Simscape Multibody” environment of “MATLAB” is used for 3D simulations.
A Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter Simultaneously Having High Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency and Preferentially Horizontal Emitting Dipole Orientation
Authors: Gong Xu , Li Pan , Huang Yu‐Hsin , Wang Chun‐Yu , Lu Chen‐Han , Lee Wei‐Kai , Zhong Cheng , Chen Zhanxiang , Ning Weimin , Wu Chung‐Chih , Gong Shaolong , Yang Chuluo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe development of red thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters having excellent optoelectronic properties and satisfactory electroluminescence efficiency is full of challenges due to strict molecular design principles. Two red TADF molecules, 3‐(9,9‐dimethylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)acenaphtho[1,2‐b]quinoxaline‐9,10‐dicarbonitrile and 3‐(2,7‐dimethyl‐10H‐spiro[acridine‐9,9′‐fluoren]‐10‐yl)acenaphtho[1,2‐b]quinoxaline‐9,10‐dicarbonitrile, are developed by adopting a donor–acceptor molecular architecture bearing an electron‐accepting acenaphtho[1,2‐b]quinoxaline‐9,10‐dicarbonitrile (ANQDC) moiety and a 9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine or 2,7‐dimethyl‐10H‐spiro[acridine‐9,9′‐fluorene] electron donor. The combined effects of rigid and planar D/A moieties and highly steric hindrance between D and A groups endow both molecules with high rigidity to suppress nonradiative decay processes, resulting in high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (ΦPLs) of up to 95%. Attributed to the linear and planar acceptor motif and rod‐like molecular configuration, both emitters achieve high horizontal ratios of emitting dipole orientation of ≈80%. The organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on both emitters exhibit red emissions peaking at ≈615 nm and successfully afford ultrahigh electroluminescence performance with an external quantum efficiency of nearly 28% and a power efficiency of above 50 lm W−1, on par with the state‐of‐the‐art device efficiency for red TADF OLEDs. This presents a feasible design strategy for excellent TADF emitters simultaneously possessing high ΦPLs and horizontally aligned emitting dipoles.
Interlayer‐Sensitized Linear and Nonlinear Photoluminescence of Quasi‐2D Hybrid Perovskites Using Aggregation‐Induced Enhanced Emission Active Organic Cation Layers
Authors: Lim Chang‐Keun , Maldonado Melissa , Zalesny Robert , Valiev Rashid , Ågren Hans , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Jiang Jie , Pachter Ruth , Prasad Paras N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA concept of interlayer‐sensitized photoluminescence (PL) of quasi‐2D hybrid perovskite (PVK) with a π‐conjugated optically interacting organic cation layer is introduced and demonstrated. A rod‐shaped aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE) organic cation (BPCSA+), well fitted into the lattice size of 2D PVK layers, is designed and synthesized to prolong the exciton lifetime in a condensed layer assembly in the PVK. The BPCSA+ promotes the PL of this hybrid PVK up to 10‐folds from that of a non‐π‐conjugated organic cation (OA) 2D PVK. Notably, different from PL of OA 2D PVK, the increased PL intensity of BPCSA 2D PVKs with an increase of the BPCSA ratio in the PVK indicates a critical photon‐harvesting contribution of BPCSA. The films of BPCSA 2D PVKs are incredibly stable in ambient environments for more than 4 months and even upon direct contact with water. Additionally, due to the strong two‐photon absorption property of BPCSA, the BPCSA 2D PVK displays superior emission properties upon two‐photon excitation with a short wavelength IR laser. Thus, the AIEE sensitization system for quasi‐2D PVK hybrid system can make a drastic improvement in performance as well as in the stability of the PVK emitter and PVK based nonlinear optical devices.
Gold‐Supported Gadolinium Doped CoB Amorphous Sheet: A New Benchmark Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation with High Turnover Frequency
Authors: ul Haq Tanveer , Mansour Said A. , Munir Akhtar , Haik Yousef 
Published: February 2020

AbstractElectrochemical water splitting has been considered a promising approach for green and sustainable hydrogen as a future energy carrier. However, the lack of high performance and inexpensive electrocatalysts for kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hinder the practical application. Here, the noteworthy enhancement of electrodeposited cobalt boride (CoB) nanosheets from the combined effect of using gadolinium as a dopant and thin film of gold as prudent support is demonstrated. The free‐standing Gd‐CoB@Au exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, high intrinsic activity, and lower reaction resistance, which are confirmed by lower onset potential, small charge transfer resistance, lower Tafel slope value, and high turnover frequency. Furthermore, the post‐OER characterization signpost, no observable change in the chemical structure or morphology of nanosheets during the long‐lasting oxidation process. Because of the inexpensive, facile, and scalable one‐step preparation processes, the catalyst is highly encouraging for large‐scale practical applications.
Biofabrication Strategies and Engineered In Vitro Systems for Vascular Mechanobiology
Authors: Pradhan Shantanu , Banda Omar A. , Farino Cindy J. , Sperduto John L. , Keller Keely A. , Taitano Ryan , Slater John H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe vascular system is integral for maintaining organ‐specific functions and homeostasis. Dysregulation in vascular architecture and function can lead to various chronic or acute disorders. Investigation of the role of the vascular system in health and disease has been accelerated through the development of tissue‐engineered constructs and microphysiological on‐chip platforms. These in vitro systems permit studies of biochemical regulation of vascular networks and parenchymal tissue and provide mechanistic insights into the biophysical and hemodynamic forces acting in organ‐specific niches. Detailed understanding of these forces and the mechanotransductory pathways involved is necessary to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting the vascular system. This review describes vascular structure and function, the role of hemodynamic forces in maintaining vascular homeostasis, and measurement approaches for cell and tissue level mechanical properties influencing vascular phenomena. State‐of‐the‐art techniques for fabricating in vitro microvascular systems, with varying degrees of biological and engineering complexity, are summarized. Finally, the role of vascular mechanobiology in organ‐specific niches and pathophysiological states, and efforts to recapitulate these events using in vitro microphysiological systems, are explored. It is hoped that this review will help readers appreciate the important, but understudied, role of vascular‐parenchymal mechanotransduction in health and disease toward developing mechanotherapeutics for treatment strategies.
Nanoclays‐Incorporated Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Membranes for Reverse Osmosis Desalination
Authors: Zhao Qipeng , Zhao Die Ling , Chung Tai‐Shung 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA series of thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes with incorporation of Laponite nanoclays (NC‐LAP) is prepared and demonstrated for brackish water and seawater desalination. It is the first attempt to use poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG200) assisted Laponite as nanofillers to improve the performance of TFN membranes for reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination. The influence of NC‐LAP loading and PEG200 as the dispersant on membrane properties is investigated. An increase in NC‐LAP loading results in an increase in water permeability without sacrificing the salt rejection. At the loading of 0.3 wt%, the TFN membrane shows a water permeability of 2.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 (LMH bar−1) and a salt rejection of 98.18% for brackish water desalination at 20 bar and 25 ± 1 °C. This water permeability is 53% higher than the conventional thin‐film composite (TFC) membrane. A steady water flux above 35 LMH is obtained when using seawater as the feed at 50 bar and 25 ± 1 °C. The existence of PEG200 to effectively disperse NC‐LAP nanoparticles is essential to fabricate the NC‐LAP incorporated TFN membranes for brackish water and seawater desalination.
Interfacial Force‐Focusing Effect in Mechanophore‐Linked Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Tae Ann , Lamuta Caterina , Kim Hojun , Leal Cecilia , Sottos Nancy R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEnhanced force transmission to mechanophores is demonstrated in polymer nanocomposite materials. Spiropyran (SP) mechanophores that change color and fluorescence under mechanical stimuli are functionalized at the interface between SiO2 nanoparticles and polymers. Successful mechanical activation of SP at the interface is confirmed in both solution and solid states. Compared with SP‐linked in bulk polymers, interfacial activation induces greater conversion of SP to its colored merocyanine form and also significantly decreases the activation threshold under tension. Experimental observations are supported by finite element simulation of the interfacial stress state. The interfacial force‐focusing strategy opens a new way to control the reactivity of mechanophores and also potentially indicates interfacial damage in composite materials.
Electrical and Elastic Properties of Individual Single‐Layer Nb4C3Tx MXene Flakes
Authors: Lipatov Alexey , Alhabeb Mohamed , Lu Haidong , Zhao Shuangshuang , Loes Michael J. , Vorobeva Nataliia S. , Dall'Agnese Yohan , Gao Yu , Gruverman Alexei , Gogotsi Yury , Sinitskii Alexander 
Published: February 2020

Abstract2D carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are widely recognized for their exceptional promise for numerous applications. However, physical property measurements of their individual monolayers remain very limited despite their importance for revealing the intrinsic physical properties of MXenes. The first mechanical and electrical measurements of individual single‐layer flakes of Nb4C3Tx MXene, which are prepared via an improved synthetic method are reported. Characterization of field‐effect transistor devices based on individual single‐layer Nb4C3Tx flakes shows an electrical conductivity of 1024 ± 165 S cm−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than the previously reported values for bulk Nb4C3Tx assemblies, and an electron mobility of 0.41 ± 0.27 cm2 V−1 s−1. Atomic force microscopy nanoindentation measurements of monolayer Nb4C3Tx membranes yield an effective Young's modulus of 386 ± 13 GPa, assuming a membrane thickness of 1.26 nm. This is the highest value reported for nanoindentation measurements of solution‐processable 2D materials, revealing the potential of Nb4C3Tx as a primary component for various mechanical applications. Finally, the agreement between the mechanical properties of 2D Nb4C3Tx MXene and cubic NbC suggests that the extensive experimental data on bulk carbides could be useful for identifying new MXenes with improved functional characteristics.
Straw strip mulching affects soil moisture and temperature for potato yield in semiarid regions
Authors: Chang Lei , Han Fanxiang , Chai Shouxi , Cheng Hongbo , Yang Delong , Chen Yuzhang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStraw mulching is widely used in agriculture to conserve soil water and improve crop productivity. The effects of straw strip mulching and film mulching on dryland soil water storage and temperature, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) were examined from 2014 to 2015 in the rainfed semi‐arid regions of China. Field experiments were conducted with four treatments: (a) alternating strips mulched with maize (Zea mays L.) straw and bare plots with no ridges (SM); (b) alternating large ridges and small furrows with only the ridges mulched with black polyethylene film (PMP); (c) alternating narrows and wide ridges both mulched by black polyethylene film (PMF), and (d) traditional bare land planting without mulching (CK). The results indicated that film mulching had positive effects on soil water storage at the early stage of potato growth, while the SM significantly improved soil water storage at the late growth stage. Soil water storage (0–2‐m depth) was 11.3–35.4 mm greater with the SM than that with the other treatments, especially during the tuber bulking in summer drought period. Compared with the CK, the SM significantly decreased soil temperature by 0.8–1.4°C, and increased potato yield by 10.5–34.2%, WUE by 8.9–29.8%, and commodity rate by 14.7–38.8%. Compared with the PMP and PMF, the SM increased potato yield by 4.6–12.9 and 3.4–9.3%, respectively. This might be contributed to increased soil moisture and lower soil temperature, which promoted potato growth, yield, and commodity rates.
Highly Efficient Conversion of Propargylic Amines and CO2 Catalyzed by Noble‐Metal‐Free [Zn116] Nanocages
Authors: Cao Chun‐Shuai , Xia Shu‐Mei , Song Zhen‐Jun , Xu Hang , Shi Ying , He Liang‐Nian , Cheng Peng , Zhao Bin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe reaction of propargylic amines and CO2 can provide high‐value‐added chemical products. However, most of catalysts in such reactions employ noble metals to obtain high yield, and it is important to seek eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalysts. Here, a giant and lantern‐like [Zn116] nanocage in zinc‐tetrazole 3D framework [Zn22(Trz)8(OH)12(H2O)9⋅8 H2O]n Trz=(C4N12O)4− (1) was obtained and structurally characterized. It consists of six [Zn14O21] clusters and eight [Zn4O4] clusters. To our knowledge, this is the highest‐nuclearity nanocages constructed by Zn‐clusters as building blocks to date. Importantly, catalytic investigations reveal that 1 can efficiently catalyze the cycloaddition of propargylic amines with CO2, exclusively affording various 2‐oxazolidinones under mild conditions. It is the first eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalyst for the cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2. DFT calculations uncover that ZnII ions can efficiently activate both C≡C bonds of propargylic amines and CO2 by coordination interaction. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy further prove that Zn‐clusters play an important role in activating C≡C bonds of propargylic amines. Furthermore, the electronic properties of related reactants, intermediates and products can help to understand the basic reaction mechanism and crucial role of catalyst 1.
Targeted somatic mutagenesis through CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae
Authors: Meccariello Angela , Tsoumani Konstantina T. , Gravina Andrea , Primo Pasquale , Buonanno Martina , Mathiopoulos Kostas D. , Saccone Giuseppe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most destructive insect pest of olive cultivation, causing significant economic and production losses. Here, we present the establishment of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 methodology for gene disruption in this species. We performed targeted mutagenesis of the autosomal gene white (Bo‐we), by injecting into early embryos in vitro preassembled and solubilized Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes loaded with two gene‐specific single‐guide RNAs. Gene disruption of Bo‐we led to somatic mosaicism of the adult eye color. Large eye patches or even an entire eye lost the iridescent reddish color, indicating the successful biallelic mutagenesis in somatic cells. Cas9 induced either indels in each of the two simultaneously targeted Bo‐we sites or a large deletion of the intervening region. This study demonstrates the first efficient implementation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the olive fly, providing new opportunities towards the development of novel genetic tools for its control.
Metal abundances in the MACER simulations of the hot interstellar medium
Authors: Pellegrini Silvia , Gan Zhaoming , Ostriker Jeremiah P. , Ciotti Luca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHot plasma is the dominant phase of the interstellar medium of early‐type galaxies. It can originate from stellar mass losses, residual gas from the formation epoch, and accretion from outside the galaxies. Its evolution is linked to the dynamical structure of the host galaxy, to the supernova and active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback, and to (late‐epoch) star formation in a way that has yet to be fully understood. Important clues about the origin and evolution of the hot gas come from the abundances of heavy metals that have been studied with increasing detail through XMM‐Newton and Chandra. We present recent high‐resolution hydrodynamical simulations of the hot gas evolution that include the above processes, where several chemical species, originating in asymptotic giant branch stars and supernovae of types Ia and II, have also been considered. The high resolution, of few parsecs in the central galactic region, allows us to track the metal enrichment, transportation, and dilution throughout the galaxy. The comparison of model results with observed abundances demonstrates good agreement for the region enriched by the AGN wind but also shows discrepancies for the diffuse hot gas; the latter indicates the need for a revision of standard assumptions and/or the importance of neglected effects due to the dust and/or residual uncertainties in deriving abundances from the X‐ray spectra.
MXene‐Based Anodes for Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Greaves Michael , Barg Suelen , Bissett Mark A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr. Suelen Barg and Dr. Mark A. Bissett from the University of Manchester (U.K). The cover picture shows a schematic of how 2D layered materials such as MXenes can be used as anodes for the intercalation of metal ions for use in energy storage applications such as batteries. These novel materials are attracting great interest for energy storage applications and in this Review we summarise the state of the field and future directions. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/batt.201900165.
The association between risky decision making and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms: A preregistered assessment of need for cognition as underlying mechanism
Authors: Zadelaar Jacqueline N. , Dekkers Tycho J. , Huizenga Hilde M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAttention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is related to suboptimal decision making in experimental tasks and to real‐life risk‐taking behavior (RTB) such as substance abuse and unsafe traffic conduct. In this preregistered study, we tested whether these associations are mediated by need for cognition—the extent to which one tends towards, and enjoys, analytical thought. In a large sample of young adults (N = 463, Mage = 19.7 years), we tested whether need for cognition mediated the association between self‐reported ADHD symptoms on the one hand and decision‐making strategy complexity on an experimental gambling task and self‐reported real‐life RTB on the other hand. Preregistered confirmatory analyses indicated first that ADHD symptoms were positively associated with real‐life RTB, but the association was not mediated by need for cognition. Second, ADHD symptoms were not related to decision‐making strategy complexity, and need for cognition was not a significant mediator. Explorative analyses revealed that (a) need for cognition was associated with higher decision‐making accuracy and slower reaction time; (b) need for cognition was related to inattentive but not to hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms; (c) need for cognition was associated with health‐related RTB but not interpersonal RTB; and (4) only the association between inattention and health‐related RTB was mediated by need for cognition. We conclude that need for cognition is not a mediator in the association between ADHD symptoms and RTB. Additionally, we conclude that neither ADHD symptoms nor need for cognition predict decision‐making strategy complexity. Implications for both future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Sequential boost of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with chemotherapy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective phase II study
Authors: Fan Xing‐Wen , Wang Hong‐Bing , Mao Jing‐Fang , Li Ling , Wu Kai‐Liang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeThis prospective phase II study aimed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of sequential boost of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with chemotherapy for patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsPatients with histologically or cytologically proven inoperable ESCC were enrolled in this study (ChiCTR‐OIC‐17010485). A larger target volume for subclinical lesion was irradiated with 50 Gy, and then, a smaller target volume only including gross tumor was boosted to 66 Gy. The fraction dose was 2 Gy, and no elective node was irradiated. Concurrent and consolidation chemotherapy of fluorouracil (600 mg/m2, days 1‐3) plus cisplatin (25 mg/m2, days 1‐3) was administered every 4 weeks, for 4 cycles in total. The primary endpoint was 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsEighty‐eight patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 65 years (range: 45‐75 years), and 69 patients (78.4%) were men. With the median follow‐up of 26 (range: 3‐95) months, the 2‐ and 5‐year PFS were 39.3% and 36.9%, respectively, and overall survival (OS) were 57.1% and 39.2%, respectively. Tumor stage and concurrent chemotherapy were independent OS predictors. Major acute adverse events were myelosuppression and esophagitis, most of which were grades 1‐2. Nine percent and 2.3% of patients had grade 3 acute esophagitis and late esophageal strictures, respectively.ConclusionsSequential boost to 66 Gy by IMRT with chemotherapy was safe and effective for inoperable ESCC. A randomized phase III study to compare with standard dose of 50 Gy is warranted.
Blastomycosis presenting as an isolated progressive painless verrucous skin lesion
Authors: Butt Saira 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA painless progressive verrucous skin plaque in an endemic area should raise suspicion for blastomycosis resulting in prompt biopsy with fungal stains and culture. Skin is a common extrapulmonary site. Itraconazole is treatment of choice.
A “happy ending” of mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy associated with hepatosplenomegaly and pulmonary lesions
Authors: Ben Salem Fares , Triki Wafa , Belkhir Asma , Sbaihi Siwar , Boukriba Seif 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMajor diagnosis for mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy is lymphoma and tuberculosis. Spontaneous remarkable evolution should discuss viral infection on the condition that no corticosteroids have been taken before as they could magically improve an authentic lymphoma. Trial of antituberculosis treatment that is used in some cases could lead to a misdiagnosis as the viral‐infected patient can spontaneously heal as it is described in this case.