bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing ecological theories in the Anthropocene: alteration of succession by an invasive marine species
Authors: Christianson Kayla A. , Eggleston David B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEcologists employ a diverse body of theory to help explain patterns and processes in ecological systems, with the consistency of ecological theories tested against an increasingly altered world. The global redistribution of species is a prominent impact of climate change and human‐mediated biological invasions and often results in negative impacts to ecosystems. Recently, a species of colonial tunicate not previously present, Clavelina oblonga, has become prominent within the marine fouling community of Beaufort, North Carolina, USA. Fifty years ago, researchers tested theories of ecological succession developed in terrestrial systems and found that this marine community was characterized by a heterogeneous mixture of species that varied inter‐annually (i.e., multiple community states) and increased in diversity over time. A recent follow‐up study found that the fouling community is dominated by C. oblonga with patterns of community development and structure that led to the loss of alternative community states, domination by C. oblonga, and reduced species diversity. The present study addressed the question: Will patterns of community development identified over 50 yr ago still operate under reduced cover of invasive C. oblonga? This study also quantified the impacts of two large‐scale environmental disturbances (extremely cold winter and hurricane) on the abundance of C. oblonga and the resulting fouling community. Clavelina oblonga remains a dominant component of the fouling community due to its rapid growth and strong seasonal recruitment. Under conditions of reduced percent cover of C. oblonga, the local fouling community displayed unique community states that became even more distinct over time, consistent with the pattern of multiple community states identified by researchers over 50 yr ago, and that were dependent upon date of disturbance. Natural disturbances in this study caused by a harsh winter and a hurricane greatly reduced the presence of C. oblonga. This experiment advanced our understanding of marine community ecology by testing whether the concept of multiple community states identified over 50 yr ago is still operable in the absence of invasive C. oblonga, and highlights how natural environment disturbances can potentially moderate the spread of this invasive tunicate.
Cu(II) and Cd(II) capture using novel thermosensitive hydrogel microspheres: adsorption behavior study and mechanism investigation
Authors: Tang Jianxin , Huang Jianmin , Tun Thein , Liu Sihua , Hu Jue , Zhou Guiyin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAt present, various kinds of hydrogel adsorbents are applied to the treatment of heavy metal ions in wastewater. In this work, we focused on the adsorption of cadmium [Cd(II)] and copper [Cu(II)] onto microspheres of a novel thermosensitive hydrogel (NH2‐SA/PNIPA, aminated sodium alginate/poly‐N‐isopropyl acrylamide), studied the effect of temperature on the phase transition of the hydrogel in detail, and discussed the influence on the adsorption behavior of metal ions in the hydrogel.RESULTSThe NH2‐SA/PNIPA exhibited a higher adsorption efficiency under the conditions of interfering monovalent cationic and neutral pH. The adsorption capacities based on the Langmuir model were 57.2 mg g–1 for Cu(II) and 100.5 mg g–1 for Cd(II) at 20 °C, respectively. Higher temperature facilitated the adsorption process and also led to the volume shrinkage and hydrophobicity of NH2‐SA/PNIPA. The metal ions had different hydration and hence different adsorption capacities, of 56.7 mg g–1 for Cu(II) and 88.6 mg g–1 for Cd(II) at 40 °C. The results of diffusion behavior analysis showed that the diffusion coefficients were ≈1 × 10−11 m2 s–1. The adsorption performance of NH2‐SA/PNIPA hardly decreased even after five cycles. In addition, the adsorption process was controlled mainly by the complexation reaction.CONCLUSIONThe novel hydrogel microspheres overcame the deficiency of conventional adsorbents and possessed high diffusibility. This work provides a theoretical basis and empirical evidence for enhancement of adsorbents for removing heavy metals in wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Condensation Artifact
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Flannery Michael P. , Ganin Hagai , Karaman M. Muge 
Published: April 2021

During the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, an artifact with hyperintense signal was observed on the brain images of a number of patients or research subjects, particularly those with heavy body weight and/or increased respiratory rate. The artifact was primarily seen on 3D or 2D sagittal or coronal T2‐weighted images, although it occasionally also appeared in the axial plane. It manifested as a bright spot or a cluster of bright spots at similar locations, superior or lateral superior to the skull. This artifact was found to be caused by condensed water droplet(s) in the head coil as a consequence of the altered moisture flow pattern associated with each exhalation due to the mask on the patient. We call this artifact condensation artifact. Several strategies have been proposed to prevent or resolve the artifact.Level of Evidence5Technical EfficacyStage 1
The Use of a Brief Family Intervention to Reduce Dropout Among Veterans in Individual Trauma‐Focused Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thompson‐Hollands Johanna , Lee Daniel J. , Sloan Denise M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDropout from trauma‐focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a daunting challenge for the field, particularly among military and veteran samples. Family involvement may help to increase the effectiveness of PTSD treatment while also improving retention. We tested a two‐session brief family intervention (BFI) protocol delivered as an adjunct to individual trauma‐focused treatment among a sample of 20 veteran–family member dyads (N = 40). Willingness to participate in the family‐inclusive protocol was high, with over 85% of veterans and family members who were screened agreeing to take part. All enrolled veterans were beginning a course of either cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE), delivered in outpatient Veterans Affairs clinics. Family members were randomized to either receive or not receive the BFI from study clinicians. In the BFI condition, 20.0% of veterans dropped out of CPT/PE before the 16‐week study end; the remainder were either still attending on‐protocol sessions or had completed the full protocol. In the control condition, 40.0% of veterans dropped out of CPT/PE before the end of the study. Observed significant, large‐magnitude decreases in PTSD symptoms over time did not differ by condition, ESsg range = −1.12 to −2.04. Accommodation did not significantly decrease over time in either condition, ESsg range = 0.18 to −0.98. The BFI represents a promising option for veterans, family members, and clinicians who are seeking a brief, feasible, narrowly focused method for incorporating families into veterans’ individual trauma‐focused therapy and potentially reducing the rate of dropout.
Application of LPR and EIS techniques for on‐site corrosion monitoring at the geothermal plant in Central Poland
Authors: Ura‐Bińczyk Ewa , Dobkowska Anna , Andrzejczuk Mariusz , Roguska Agata , Mazurkiewicz Bogusław , Solarski Wojciech , Balcer Marek , Lewandowska Małgorzata , Banaś Jacek 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCorrosion monitoring station was installed at ‘Geotermia Mazowiecka’ geothermal plant in Poland. Linear polarisation resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were applied to estimate the corrosion rate and the surface changes of K55 carbon steel, L80‐13CR and 316 stainless steels directly in the geothermal water flux. The enhanced corrosion of K55 carbon steel and corrosion rate of L80‐13CR and 316 stainless steels was observed. The formation of biofilm increased the resistivity of the surface.
Differential Consistency Analysis: Which Similarity Measures can be Applied in Drug Discovery?
Authors: Miranda‐Quintana Ramón Alain , Bajusz Dávid , Rácz Anita , Héberger Károly 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSimilarity measures are widely used in various areas from taxonomy to cheminformatics. To this end, a large number of similarity and distance measures (or, collectively, comparative measures) have been introduced, with only a few studies directed to revealing their inner relationships. We present a thorough analytical study of the conditions leading to two comparative measures providing equivalent results over a given set of molecules. A key part of this work is the introduction of a novel way to study the consistency between comparative measures: the differential consistency analysis (DCA). This tool reveals how the consistency can be established in an analytical way with minimal (or no) assumptions. We found that the consensus between Tanimoto and the Cosine coefficients improved by choosing a reference whose similarity to the rest of the molecules varies less, or by representing the molecules in a way that does not depend strongly on their size (i. e. bit frequency in the chosen fingerprint representation). The presented derivations are just some generic examples; DCA can be applied widely and for all binary similarity coefficients introduced so far, independently from the molecular representations.
Deflagrations by design
Authors: Malik Darren R. , Thomas J. Kelly , Rodriguez Oscar A. , Horn Bradley J. , Geng Jihui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLarge vapor cloud explosions (VCEs) and deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) events are of considerable interest to the petroleum refining and chemical processing industries. A detonation results in a very high flame speed and can significantly increase explosion energy and decrease standoff distance, increasing the blast load. Potential mitigation options to limit VCE severity include multiple simultaneous ignition sources to limit flame travel distance, suppressants to limit flame speed, and controlling the congested volume geometry to limit the flame travel distance. Another approach is minimizing the flame travel distance to free vent. Some VCE blast load prediction methods consider flame travel distance within a congested volume, but not the distance to free vent (DFV). Decreasing the DFV limits flame acceleration and decreases the potential for a DDT. High fuel reactivities and elevated congestion/confinement levels require smaller distances to free vent. This paper describes a test program to demonstrate this mitigation option using near‐stoichiometric ethylene‐air mixtures in an elongated test rig configured with a medium level of congestion to determine the free vent distance required to prevent a DDT. Test program results, associated Flame Acceleration Simulator predictions, and potential areas for future research are included.
A novel master–slave intraocular surgical robot with force feedback
Authors: Zuo Siyang , Wang Zhen , Zhang Tianci , Chen Baojun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntraocular surgery is one of the most challenging microsurgeries. Unintended movements of human hand and lack of force feedback can seriously affect surgical safety.MethodsWe developed a novel master–slave robotic system with force feedback to assist intraocular surgeries. Isomorphism design was adopted to achieve intuitive control of the system. Contact force between instrument tip and tissues was measured with a force sensor developed by our group. Real‐time force feedback was provided with one linear voice coil motor and two magnetic particle brakes in the master manipulator.ResultsExperiments were carried out to verify the proposed system. In the phantom experiment mimicking realistic surgical operations, the contact force significantly reduced by more than 30% with the force feedback when peeling the egg inner shell membranes.ConclusionsExperimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of force feedback and indicate the promise of the presented master–slave robotic system for intraocular surgery assistance.
Global stabilization of switched nonlinear systems with vanishing control vector fields and its application
Authors: Xie Jing , Yang Dong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe global stabilization problem for a more extensive class of switched nonlinear systems is studied, in which control vector fields are allowed to vanish at some point, even for all the subsystems at the same time. The main work of this article is to design a control vector fields‐dependent switching law and a bounded switching controller to stabilize the switched nonlinear systems. First, a sufficient condition ensuring the global stabilization of such a class of switched nonlinear systems is developed by the dual design of controllers and a switching law. In some special cases, the designed switching law can rule out Zeno behavior. Then, as a verification of the proposed control design method, the global stabilization of switched strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with gk(x) vanishing at some points is obtained by the codesign of the control vector fields‐dependent switching law and the bounded switching controller. Finally, a switched RCL circuit system example is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed method.
An Environmentally Friendly Yellow Composite Pigment: Leaching Stability and Corrosion Inhibition Properties
Authors: Zamani Azimeh , Eavani Sara , Rafiee Ezzat 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe novel PbCrO4‐based composite pigments, X‐PbCr/CHAP (X=10, 30, 40, 50), consist of different weight percentages of PbCrO4 and carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHAP) were synthesized by sequence precipitation‐calcination process. These pigments showed significantly higher leaching stability compared with PbCrO4. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization curves were used to investigate the corrosion efficiencies of the pigments. The obtained results clearly demonstrated the inhibitive action of X‐PbCr/CHAP pigments. The composite pigments showed higher corrosion resistance compared with pure PbCrO4 due to the formation of phosphate and calcium hydroxide species as a passive layer over the surface of the steel.
Ga‐Doped Intermetallic Pd3Pb Nanocubes as a Highly Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Shen Rong , Wu Xingqiao , Li Xiao , Huang Jingbo , Luo Sai , Li Junjie , Qian Ningkang , Ji Liang , Yang Deren , Zhang Hui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPd‐based nanocrystals are a promising candidate as non‐Pt electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but their performance still has large room to be improved. Here, we have successfully synthesized Ga‐doped Pd3Pb nanocubes with different amounts of Ga by a simple one‐pot approach. When evaluated as electrocatalysts for ORR, the Ga‐doped Pd3Pb nanocubes exhibited substantially enhanced catalytic properties in an alkaline media relative to the Pd3Pb nanocubes and commercial Pt/C. Interestingly, the Ga‐doped Pd3Pb nanocubes showed a volcano‐like relationship in ORR activity as a function of the amount of Ga with the 1.76 % Ga‐doped Pd3Pb nanocubes (Pd3Pb/Ga‐2 NC) being the best ORR electrocatalysts. Specifically, the Pd3Pb/Ga‐2 NC/C exhibited the highest specific (7.57 mA cm−2) and mass activities (0.91 mA μgPd−1), which were 18.0 and 4.3 times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C. In addition, such Pd3Pb/Ga‐2 NC/C displayed the higher durability with an increase of 14.2 % in mass activity after 20000 cycles relative to commercial Pt/C (74.9 % loss). This enhancement in both activity and durability can be attributed to the strong hybridization interactions and the formation of Pd shells on the surface by leaching of Pb.
Work from home today for a better tomorrow! How working from home influences work‐family conflict and employees' start of the next workday
Authors: Darouei Maral , Pluut Helen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrawing on the resource (drain) perspective in work‐family spillover theory and conservation of resources theory, the current paper studies the daily consequences of working from home for employees' work‐home interface and well‐being. We build an intraindividual model that investigates how working from home influences experiences of time pressure, work‐family conflict, and work‐related employee well‐being on a daily basis. A total of 34 professional workers participated in our study and were asked to respond to 10 daily surveys in the morning, afternoon and evening, across two consecutive workweeks. In line with our hypotheses, results indicated that on days when employees worked from home, they experienced less time pressure and, in turn, they reported lower levels of work‐family conflict on that particular day. Moreover, we found that experiences of work‐family conflict predicted individuals' next morning engagement and exhaustion levels and affective states towards the organization they work for. We recommend organizations to encourage a work‐from‐home protocol aimed at protecting employee well‐being.
In Situ Construction of Mo2C Quantum Dots‐Decorated CNT Networks as a Multifunctional Electrocatalyst for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yu Bo , Huang Aijian , Chen Dongjiang , Srinivas Katam , Zhang Xiaojuan , Wang Xinqiang , Wang Bin , Ma Fei , Liu Chunlin , Zhang Wanli , He Jiarui , Wang Zegao , Chen Yuanfu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe slow redox kinetics during cycling process and the serious shuttle effect caused by the solubility of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) dramatically hinder the practical application of Li‐S batteries. Herein, a facile and scalable spray‐drying strategy is presented to construct conductive polar Mo2C quantum dots‐decorated carbon nanotube (CNT) networks (MCN) as an efficient absorbent and electrocatalyst for Li‐S batteries. The results reveal that the MCN/S electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 1303.3 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and ultrastable cycling stability with decay of 0.019% per cycle even at 1 C. Theoretical simulation uncovers that Mo2C exhibits much stronger binding energies for S8 and Li2Sn. The energy barrier for the conversion between Li2S4 and Li2S2 decreases from 1.02 to 0.72 eV when hybriding with Mo2C. Furthermore, in situ discharge/charge‐dependent Raman spectroscopy shows that long‐chain Li2S8 configuration is generated via S8 ring opening near the first plateaus at ≈2.36 V versus Li/Li+ and the S62− configuration in CNT/S electrode is maintained below the potential of ≈2.30 V versus Li/Li+, indicating that the shuttle of soluble LiPSs happens during the whole discharge process. This work provides deep insights into the polar nanoarchitecture design and scalable fabrication for advanced Li‐S batteries.
Controlled Removal of Surfactants from Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Stronger p‐Doping Effect and Its Demonstration in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shawky Ahmed , Nam Jeong‐Seok , Kim Kyusun , Han Jiye , Yoon Jungjin , Seo Seungju , Lee Chang Soo , Xiang Rong , Matsuo Yutaka , Lee Hyuck Mo , Maruyama Shigeo , Jeon Il 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDouble‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) have shown potential as promising alternatives to conventional transparent electrodes owing to their solution processability as well as high conductivity and transparency. However, their DC to optical conductivity ratio is limited by the surrounding surfactants that prevent the p‐doping of the DWNTs. To maximize the doping effectiveness, the surfactants are removed from the DWNTs, with negligible damage to the nanotubes, by calcination in an Ar atmosphere. The effective removal of the surfactants is characterized by various analyses, and the results show that the optimal calcination temperature is 400 °C. The conductivity of the DWNTs films improves when doped by triflic acid. While the conductivity increase of the surfactants‐wrapped DWNT films is 31.9%, the conductivity increase of the surfactants‐removed DWNT is found to be 59.7%. Using the surfactants‐removed, p‐doped, solution‐processed transparent electrodes, inverted‐type perovskite solar cells are fabricated, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 17.7% without hysteresis. This work advances the application of DWNTs in transparent conductors, as the efficiency obtained is the highest value achieved to date for carbon nanotube electrode‐based perovskite solar cells and solution‐processable transparent electrode‐based solar cells.
High Performance Generation of H2O2under Piezophototronic Effect with Multi‐Layer In2S3Nanosheets Modified by Spherical ZnS and BaTiO3Nanopiezoelectrics
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Conesa José C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractManipulating the separation and transportation of photoexcited charge carriers in photoresponsive semiconductors via the piezoelectric polarization effect is an emerging strategy in the field of artificial photosynthesis. However, existing semiconductor photocatalysts, both with a wide range absorption for visible light and superior piezoelectricity are very scarce, leading to a low reactivity of photocatalysis. Here, a multi‐layer In2S3nanosheet modified with spherical ZnS and BaTiO3nanopiezoelectrics (ZnS/In2S3/BTO) is reported, generating approximately 378 µmof H2O2in 100 min (and the concentration is still increasing) under co‐irradiation of visible light and ultrasound (piezophotocatalysis) in ethanol–water solution; this concentration is higher compared with two phases piezoelectric heterostructures (i.e., ZnS/BTO, In2S3/BTO, and ZnS/In2S3) and pure compounds (i.e., ZnS, In2S3, and BTO), and also higher than that of independent piezo‐ (≈254 µm) and photocatalysis (≈120 µm). Moreover, the concentration of H2O2generated on ZnS/In2S3/BTO can be as high as approximately 1160 µmin 5 h of piezophotoreaction after experiencing six cycles of visible light concurrent with ultrasound irradiation. The enhancement of H2O2yield on ZnS/In2S3/BTO in piezophotocatalysis can be attributed to the piezopotential‐induced internal electric polarization field promoting the separation of photoexcited charge carriers, thus boosting the rate of surface photoreaction.
A Comprehensive Study on the Competition Between Starch and Sucrose on Access of Water During Heating
Authors: Marion Bedas , Bruno Pontoire , Alain Le‐Bail , Patricia Le‐Bail 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStarch gelatinization and water penetration into starch granules are studied in the presence of sucrose by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The water content of the samples ranged from 70% to 20% (w/w wsb) and two modes of preparation are used: All‐In‐One (AIO) and Sucrose‐Syrup mixed with Flour (SS + F). A shift of the gelatinization to higher temperatures is observed and an increase in its enthalpy, thus implying stabilization of the granular structure during heating. In addition, the AIO method shows that sucrose has priority over wheat starch in terms of access to water. With either an excess of water or a limited water content, the AIO method shows that the solubilization of sucrose is favored water penetration into the starch granules. XRD analysis is performed in a heating cell using the same time‐temperature profile, showing that there is a link between the endotherm of gelatinization and the moment when the amorphous regions of the granules are sufficiently mobile to impose stresses on the lamellar crystals and thereby trigger their destruction. This work provides new information showing the importance of sucrose dissolution and water content on starch gelatinization in the cake and biscuits application.