bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monochromatic LEDs based on perovskite quantum dots: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Solari Simon F. , Kumar Sudhir , Jagielski Jakub , Shih Chih‐Jen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPerovskite quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as one of the most promising candidates for the monochromatic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) approaching the Rec. 2020 color gamut due to their extremely narrow emission bandwidth. Another important aspect are the high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) values that can be obtained either in solution or thin films making these materials as promising candidates for optoelectronic applications such as LEDs or solar cells. Considerable research efforts in chemistry, chemical engineering, solid‐state physics, and material sciences have been made in the past years. The new opportunity in the field of semiconductor quantum dots is still in the beginning phase and is expected to remain active in the following years. Here, in this invited commentary, we briefly discuss and summarize the opportunities and challenges in both fundamental and technological aspects, based on our work and the recent work in this field.
Electroless deposition of silver nanofractals on copper wire by galvanic displacement as a simple technique for preparation of porous solid‐phase microextraction fibers
Authors: Hasanli Fateme , Bahmaei Manochehr , Mohammadiazar Sirwan , Sharif Amir Abdollah Mehrdad 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA novel and porous solid‐phase microextraction fiber was prepared by quick and simple galvanic displacement reaction and applied to the determination of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sunflower oil. The parameters affecting the porosity and thickness of the fiber, and parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, including the extraction time, temperature, and ionic strength, were investigated and optimized. The morphology of prepared fiber was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy and thermal and chemical stabilities of the fiber were studied. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection ranged between 0.1 ng/mL for pyrene to 1.2 ng/mL for anthracene, and LOQ ranged between 0.3 ng/mL for pyrene to 3.6 ng/mL for anthracene. The relative standard deviations, including repeatability (within fibers) and reproducibility (between fibers), varied between 3.2–8.9 and 5.6–9.8%, respectively.
Reducing the conservation reliance of the endangered Kirtland's warbler through adaptive management
Authors: Cooper Nathan W. , Rushing Clark S. , Marra Peter P. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTSpecies are considered conservation‐reliant when their continued existence is dependent on human assistance. Conservation reliance challenges the conservation community in terms of their ability to sustain the funding and public‐private partnerships needed for indefinite management. Although increased funding for conservation is critical, reducing conservation reliance through adaptive management represents an attractive alternative. We used a large‐scale ecological experiment as a case study in the use of adaptive management to reduce conservation reliance. For >40 years, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has trapped and lethally removed an obligate brood parasite, the brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), to protect the Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) from the negative effects that brood parasitism has on its reproductive success. To determine if the conservation reliance of the Kirtland's warbler could be reduced through optimization of the cowbird control program, we used an adaptive management approach. In collaboration with stakeholders, we experimentally reduced cowbird trapping effort across nearly all of the Kirtland's warbler breeding range. We monitored the resulting cowbird abundance and rate of parasitism, and then adjusted the scale of trap reductions based on the previous year's results. Despite reducing (2015–2017) and eventually eliminating (2018) cowbird trapping, we detected only 20 cowbirds (2015–2017) and found that just 4 of 514 (<1%) nests were parasitized (2015–2018). Our results indicate that the cowbird control program can at least temporarily be suspended, thereby reducing conservation reliance in the Kirtland's warbler and freeing funds for other management. We urge the conservation community to consider the use of adaptive management to reduce conservation reliance in other threatened and endangered taxa. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Demulsification‐Induced Fast Solidification: A Novel Strategy for the Preparation of Polymer Films Based on Inorganic Salt Solutions and Organic Solvents
Authors: Wang Dan , Kong Ruixia , Ge Xingshi , Yao Zhanhai , Zhou Yang , Zhang Jianfu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe development of a novel film fabrication strategy, named demulsification‐induced fast solidification (DIFS), for the rapid fabrication of large‐area polymer films is reported in this study. The polymer films are fabricated through dialysis and dipping processes using emulsions and a demulsifier based on the DIFS method. Furthermore, robust and flexible free‐standing films with controllable thicknesses and functionalities, such as tunable mechanical properties (elongation at break of 350–980% and ultimate tensile strength of 0.21–1.88 MPa); excellent optical properties (optical transmittance greater than 52.03% in the visible region, refractive index of 1.4888 ± 0.0001, and Abbe number of 52.1 ± 1.1); and luminescence properties, are rapidly and easily prepared by mechanical exfoliation based on the DIFS method. The results show that this academic concept and fabrication method will provide support for the design and preparation of functional polymer films that are highly desirable for optical, flexible device, and wearable material applications.
Micro‐Phase Separation within Epoxy Resin Yields Ultrathin Mesoporous Membranes with Increased Scalability by Conversion from Spin‐ to Dip‐Coating Process
Authors: Schuster Christian , Matzinger Jasmin , Jungbauer Alois 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUltrathin mesoporous membranes offer highly desirable characteristics for separation tasks regarding selectivity and mass transport of proteins. They have potential applications as separation devices in microfluidics, diagnostics, sensing, and high‐precision separations for pharmaceutical formulation. Especially for large‐scale and mass production, sophisticated production processes represent a barrier for wider application. A method is developed to produce nanomembranes with a thickness of 75 nm and 40 nm pores with an epoxy resin. The novolac resin is cured with branched polyethylenimine to form a covalently crosslinked polymer membrane with perforations spanning the entire thickness. Pore formation relies on micro‐phase separation of the curing agent during casting and the selective dissolution of the emergent nanodomains which thereby serve as pore templates. The resulting membranes are hydrophilic and therefore suitable for applications with biological fluids. Mechanical testing of the flexible but robust thin films reveals an ultimate tensile strength of 15 MPa and a biaxial modulus of 0.8 GPa. Proteins with a diameter of less than 12 nm can diffuse through the pores and permeation rates are pH dependent. The entire fabrication process is transferred to a dip‐coating approach, which is more suitable for a potential large‐scale production.
In vitro and in silico studies on membrane interactions of diverse Capsicum annuum flower γ‐thionin peptides
Authors: Nikte Siddhanta , Gahankari Apurva , Mulla Javed , Sengupta Durba , Joshi Manali , Tamhane Vaijayanti 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThionins are small, cysteine‐rich peptides that play an important role in plant defense, primarily through their interactions with membranes. Eight novel γ‐thionin peptides (CanThio1‐8) were isolated from the flower of Capsicum annuum. Sequence analysis revealed that the peptides cluster into three groups. A representative peptide from each group (CanThio1, 2, and 3) was used for experimental characterization. Interestingly, peptides were found to possess some cytotoxic activity against normal human embryonic kidney cell line but higher cytotoxicity against cancer cell line MCF‐7. CanThio3 peptide was chosen as a representative peptide to study the molecular mechanism of action on membranes. Microsecond timescale atomistic simulations of CanThio3 were performed in the presence of a POPC (1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine) lipid bilayer. Simulations revealed that CanThio3 interacts with the bilayer and causes lipid thinning in the vicinity. Nonpolar amino acids specific to the α‐core region of CanThio3 along with nonpolar residues in the γ‐core region are seen to interact with the lipid tails. The differences in the amino acid sequence of CanThio peptides in these regions explain the variability in cytotoxic activities. In summary, our results demonstrate the membrane‐mediated activity of a novel series of γ‐thionin peptides from C. annuum.
Characterization of perdeuterated high‐potential iron‐sulfur protein with high‐resolution X‐ray crystallography
Authors: Hanazono Yuya , Takeda Kazuki , Miki Kunio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPerdeuteration in neutron crystallography is an effective method for determining the positions of hydrogen atoms in proteins. However, there is shortage of evidence that the high‐resolution details of perdeuterated proteins are consistent with those of the nondeuterated proteins. In this study, we determined the X‐ray structure of perdeuterated high‐potential iron‐sulfur protein (HiPIP) at a high resolution of 0.85 å resolution. The comparison of the nondeuterated and perdeuterated structures of HiPIP revealed slight differences between the two structures. The spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical studies also showed that perdeuterated HiPIP has approximately the same characteristics as nondeuterated HiPIP. These results further emphasize the suitability of using perdeuterated proteins in the high‐resolution neutron crystallography.
Reurbanisation: A long‐term process or a short‐term stage?
Authors: Kabisch Nadja , Haase Dagmar , Haase Annegret 
Published: July 2019

AbstractReurbanisation was identified in European cities since the 1980s. It is a process in which cities stop losing population, stabilise, and regrow. It is however questioned whether reurbanisation represents a long‐term process of urban living or a short‐term stage. Using the city of Leipzig, Germany, we show that reurbanisation has been ongoing over the last 15 years. Reurbanisation has the potential to be a long‐term, consolidated process in Leipzig's inner‐city areas and even spread to other parts of the city creating novel socio‐demographic patterns. The local context—with key importance of the housing market—is crucial for the emergence and course of current urban development processes. Future research should investigate the underpinnings of housing market processes and policies and how they impact residential mobility, socio‐spatial differentiation, and transformation of urban space. Using a flexible selection of indicators, this will enable a comprehensive understanding of the spatio‐temporal dynamics of reurbanising cities.
Distributed finite‐time formation control for multiple quadrotors via local communications
Authors: Dou Liqian , Yang Chuang , Wang Dandan , Tian Bailing , Zong Qun 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThis paper investigates finite‐time formation tracking control problem for multiple quadrotors with external disturbance. The states of the virtual leader are not available to all the followers and the network topology is described by a directed graph. The model of each quadrotor is divided into position subsystem and attitude subsystem. Firstly, novel distributed finite‐time state observers are designed to estimate the relative state errors between followers and the virtual leader. Secondly, the values of these observers are used to design controllers that achieve finite‐time robust coordinated tracking in the position subsystem. Thirdly, the terminal sliding mode disturbance observers and finite‐time attitude tracking controllers are proposed, respectively, in the attitude subsystem to estimate the external disturbance and achieve attitude tracking control. The finite‐time stability analysis of the control algorithms is carried out using the Lyapunov theory and the homogeneous technique. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by numerical simulations.
Different expectations: A comparative history of structure, experience, and strategic alliances in the U.S. and U.K. poultry sectors, 1920–1990
Authors: Godley Andrew C. , Hamilton Shane 
Published: July 2019

AbstractResearch SummaryThis comparative historical analysis demonstrates how memory and reflexive interpretations of the past can shape entrepreneurial willingness to collaborate with larger firms in an industry. Emphasizing the importance of spatial metaphors and periodization for developing historical knowledge, the paper focuses on how the historical space of experience explains how entrepreneurs make strategic choices regarding collaboration under conditions of complexity and uncertainty. Comparing the U.S. and U.K. emerging poultry sectors offers a methodologically novel analysis of an important but little‐studied agribusiness sector, offering a dual reading that compares two versions of historical reasoning both theoretically and empirically.Managerial SummaryHistorical experience matters to entrepreneurs, shaping their expectations about markets and opportunities, including possibilities for strategic alliances with larger firms. Rather than assuming that the events of the past structurally determine entrepreneurial expectations for the future, we demonstrate how experience, interpretation, and memory shape the nature of competition and collaboration in emerging industries. Our approach relies on the comparative method, suggesting a new way to consider how uses of the past might shape entrepreneurship in industries other than the U.S. and U.K. poultry industries that serve as our empirical focus.
Pseudouridine synthase 7 impacts Candida albicans rRNA processing and morphological plasticity
Authors: Pickerill Ethan S. , Kurtz Rebecca P. , Tharp Aaron , Guerrero Sanz Paula , Begum Munni , Bernstein Douglas A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRNA can be modified in over 100 distinct ways, and these modifications are critical for function. Pseudouridine synthases catalyse pseudouridylation, one of the most prevalent RNA modifications. Pseudouridine synthase 7 modifies a variety of substrates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae including tRNA, rRNA, snRNA, and mRNA, but the substrates for other budding yeast Pus7 homologues are not known. We used CRISPR‐mediated genome editing to disrupt Candida albicans PUS7 and find absence leads to defects in rRNA processing and a decrease in cell surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, C. albicans Pus7 absence causes temperature sensitivity, defects in filamentation, altered sensitivity to antifungal drugs, and decreased virulence in a wax moth model. In addition, we find C. albicans Pus7 modifies tRNA residues, but does not modify a number of other S. cerevisiae Pus7 substrates. Our data suggests C. albicans Pus7 is important for fungal vigour and may play distinct biological roles than those ascribed to S. cerevisiae Pus7.
Testing the Mediating Role of Phubbing in the Relationship Between the Big Five Personality Traits and Satisfaction with Life
Authors: Çikrikci Özkan , Griffiths Mark D. , Erzen Evren 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPhubbing refers to an individual giving more attention to their mobile phone when in face-to-face communication with another individual. Research in the area of phubbing is relatively new and is often related to habitual mobile phone use. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationships between phubbing, the Big Five personality traits, and life satisfaction. The mediating role of phubbing in the relationship between personality traits and life satisfaction was also investigated. The sample comprised 292 university students (192 females [65.8%] and 100 males [34.2%]). The age of the university students in the study group ranged from 17 to 28 years and the mean age was 20.05 years (SD = 2.33). Correlation analysis demonstrated that there were significant relationships between life satisfaction, phubbing, communication disturbances, and neuroticism. Phubbing was shown to have a non-significant relationship with life satisfaction. The study also examined the mediating role of communication disturbances in the relationship between neuroticism and life satisfaction. Neuroticism was shown to have a significant effect on communication disturbances, and communication disturbances had a significant effect on life satisfaction. Consequently, communication disturbances had a mediating role in the relationship between neuroticism and life satisfaction.
A lexical approach to laughter classification: Natural language distinguishes six (classes of) formal characteristics
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Wagner Lisa , Hofmann Jennifer 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough research on laughter is becoming increasingly common, there is no consensus on the description of its variations. Investigating all verbal attributes that relate to the term laughter may lead to a broad set of descriptors deemed important by the speakers of a language. Through a linguistic corpus analysis using the German language, formal attributes of laughter were identified (original pool: 1148 single-word descriptors and 172 multi-word descriptors). A category system was derived in an iterative process, leading to six higher order classes describing formal characteristics of laughter: Basic parameters, intensity, visible aspects, sound, uniqueness, and regulation. Furthermore, 15 raters judged the words for several criteria (appropriateness, positive and negative valence, active and passive use). From these ratings and the prior assignment, a list of attributes suitable for the characterization of laughter in its formal characteristics was derived. By comparing the proposed classification of formal characteristics of laughter with the scientific literature, potential gaps in the current research agenda are pointed out in the final section.
Valproic acid effect on neural tube defects is not prevented by concomitant folic acid supplementation: Early chick embryo model pilot study
Authors: Turgut U. , Kazan S. , Cakin H. , Ozak A. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundNeural tube defect is one of the most prevalent congenital malformations and it involves a variety of malformations ranging from anencephaly to spina bifida. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is known to reduce risk of neural tube defects. Antiepileptic drugs have been associated with neural tube defects, one of which is valproic acid. Protective effect of folic acid on congenital malformations in patients using valproic acid or other antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy has not clearly been delineated uniformly in previous clinical series. In this experimental animal study of early chick embryo model, we would like to determine if there is any dose‐response relationship between VA and NTDs and if there is any protective effect of FA on this relationship in early chick embryo period.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐two fertile leghorn type chicken eggs were used in this study. Six groups, each of which composed of 20 fertilized eggs, were categorized as: group A‐control, group B‐ folic acid, group C‐low‐dose valproic acid, group D‐high‐dose valproic acid, group E‐low‐dose valproic acid + folic acid, group F‐high‐dose valproic acid + folic acid. Eggs were hatched for 24 h and injected with destined solutions and hatched till 72th hour.ResultsNo neural tube defect was observed in group A and B. High dose valproic acid led to significantly higher number of embryos with neural tube defects compared to low‐dose valproic acid (p = 0.018). This significant difference was also present between low‐dose and high dose valproic acid combined with folic acid (p = 0.031). When effect of folic acid was evaluated no significant difference observed between groups.ConclusionsEven though number of embryos with neural tube defects decreased with concomitant folic acid administration, this difference could not reach a statistical level. More experimental animal and large‐scaled prospective clinical studies are in need to detect folic acid mechanism in inhibiting antiepileptic drugs, if any present.
Leveraging towards restraint: Nuclear hedging and North Korea's shifting reference points during the agreed framework and the Six-Party Talks
Authors: Park Soul , Peh Kimberly 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe emergence of new nuclear aspirants has posed a great threat to the post-Cold War global non-proliferation regime. These states have adopted a nuclear hedging strategy that has been deemed both strategically risky and politically difficult to maintain. Yet, hedging has not automatically resulted in nuclearisation. We analyse the conditions under which a nuclear hedger shifts its nuclear policy towards one of restraint. Drawing insights from prospect theory, we argue that a nuclear policy shift occurs when a nuclear hedger gains an asymmetric leveragevis-à-visits adversary. Specifically, a hedging strategy that is based on loss aversion will only be abandoned when a shift in the nuclear aspirant's reference point occurs during negotiations. To test our theoretical arguments, we conduct an in-depth case study of North Korea's nuclear policies throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The empirical study of the changes in North Korea's negotiating stance during the Agreed Framework negotiations and the Six-Party Talks supports our asymmetric leverage thesis. We conclude with broad policy implications for the non-proliferation regime.
Morphometric and molecular characterization of an expanding Ionian population of the firewormHermodice carunculata(Annelida)
Authors: Righi Sara , Maletti Isabella , Maltagliati Ferruccio , Castelli Alberto , Barbieri Michele , Fai Sergio , Prevedelli Daniela , Simonini Roberto 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe amphinomid firewormHermodice carunculatais a potentially invasive species reported throughout the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which is known as a generalist predator and opportunistic feeder. The ongoing climate changes and seawater warming may favour fireworm poleward range expansions and density increases. Our results provide the first investigation into a population which has purportedly been spreading widely in the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). The specimens were analysed using allometric variables and molecular markers. The best morphometric parameters to estimate individual size were determined as key information for future studies on fireworm population dynamics. To phylogeographically characterize the Apulian population, sequences of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA regions were obtained from a pool of individuals and treated together with those of Atlantic specimens retrieved from GenBank. The estimates of genetic variability for Apulian population were consistent with those recently reported in the literature. Inferences on demographic history analysis confirmed a recent expansion event in Apulia, as has been recounted by fishermen and scuba divers during recent years. Overall, these results constitute a crucial step in the characterization of present-dayH. carunculatapopulations, and provide greater insight into fireworm population ecology.