bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered bone‐regulating myokine expression in skeletal muscle Of Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models
Authors: Zhou Shumin , Qian Baoli , Wang Ling , Zhang Changqing , Hogan Macalus V. , Li Hongshuai
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been well characterized as a disease that affects both skeletal muscle and bone. The pathophysiology responsible for the deficits in bone tissue is still unclear.

Methods

Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses of known myokines from skeletal muscle were performed on dystrophic mouse models and wild‐type (WT) controls to identify differentially expressed bone‐regulating myokines.

Results

Twenty‐four of 43 myokine genes demonstrated significantly different mRNA expression in the skeletal muscles of dystrophic mice when compared with muscles of WT mice. Several differently expressed bone‐regulating myokine genes were identified, and their protein levels were also verified by Western blot.

Conclusions

Dystrophic skeletal muscle demonstrated a significantly altered myokine gene expression profile. mRNA and protein levels of several bone‐regulating myokines were significantly altered in dystrophic skeletal muscle, which suggests pathological role of bone‐regulating myokines on bone homeostasis in DMD. Muscle Nerve 58: 573–582, 2018
Alterations in mitochondrial fission, fusion, and mitophagic protein expression in the gastrocnemius of mice after a sciatic nerve transection
Authors: Graham Zachary A. , Harlow Lauren , Bauman William A. , Cardozo Christopher P.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Paralysis and unloading of skeletal muscle leads to a rapid loss in muscle size, function and oxidative capacity. The reduction in metabolic capability after disuse leads to dysregulation and increased breakdown of mitochondria by mitophagy.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old C57BL/6 male mice were given a sham surgery or sciatic nerve transection. Animals were euthanized at 7, 14, 21, or 35 days postsurgery. Whole gastrocnemius muscles were isolated from the animal, weighed and used for Western blotting.

Results

Markers of mitochondrial fusion were reduced while fission proteins were elevated following a sciatic nerve transection. There were elevations in phosphorylated unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1S555) and total expression of Beclin1, and of the mitophagy markers PINK1, p62, and microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3b (LC3‐II).

Conclusions

Paralysis of the gastrocnemius leads to a progressive elevation in expression of mitochondrial fission and mitophagic proteins. Rehabilitative or pharmaceutical interventions to limit excess mitophagy may be effective therapies to protect paralyzed muscle mass and function. Muscle Nerve 58: 592–599, 2018
Social participation of adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy: Frequency, restrictions, satisfaction, and correlates
Authors: Kruitwagen‐van Reenen Esther T. , van der Pol Ludo , Schröder Carin , Wadman Renske I. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M. A. , Post Marcel W. M.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: In this study we assessed social participation in 62 adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 1c–4. Methods: The outcome measure used was the Utrecht Scale of Evaluation Rehabilitation–Participation (USER‐P) with Frequency, Restrictions, and Satisfaction scores, and a hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Early‐onset (types 1, 2, and 3a) and late‐onset (types 3b and 4) SMA patients reported similar frequency and satisfaction scores. “Age,” “motor skills,” “pain,” and “feelings of depression” correlated with frequency; “motor skills” and “feelings of depression” correlated with restrictions; and “level of education,” “fatigue,” and “feelings of depression” correlated with satisfaction. “Motor skills” and “feelings of depression” explained 33% of variance in frequency of participation. “Motor skills” explained 26% of variance of restrictions in participation. “Fatigue” and “feelings of depression” explained 50% of variance in satisfaction with participation. Discussion: Motor skills, feelings of depression and fatigue are correlates of participation in daily life. This knowledge can be used to optimize care for SMA patients. Muscle Nerve 58:805–811, 2018
A computational framework to predict the water‐leakage pressure of segmental joints in underwater shield tunnels using an advanced finite element method
Authors: Gong Chenjie , Ding Wenqi
Published: July 2018

The construction of shield tunnels under riverbeds and seabeds has considerably increased over the past decades. Due to the ultra‐high water head, water leakage through tunnel joints is a major concern during a tunnel's service life. One practical solution to prevent groundwater penetration is to implement ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer gaskets at the segmental joints. However, numerical simulation of fluid pressure penetration into rubber materials remains a challenging problem in computational mechanics. Severe mesh distortions can occur due to large deformation. Consequently, a convergent solution is difficult to achieve. This paper presents an Abaqus‐based numerical framework to solve the previously mentioned problem using the implicit finite element solver. The key aspects of this framework are twofold: (1) a remesh and re‐map algorithm to overcome the excessive mesh distortion, and (2) simulation of fluid penetration into the contact interface of the gaskets to reproduce the water‐leakage process at the tunnel joints. The proposed framework is first tested to simulate the gasket‐in‐groove mechanical behavior and is then validated using experimental data and the solution produced by an explicit finite element solver. The developed framework is then adopted to predict the water‐leakage pressure at gasketed tunnel joints to illustrate the practical applications. Finally, the numerical results are compared with experimental data to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method and confirm its superiority and effectiveness over existing methods. This novel method can be used by tunnel designers to analyze and estimate the waterproof behavior of gasketed joints in shield tunnels without performing extensive experimental testing works.
High‐order ADE scheme for solving the fluid diffusion equation in non‐uniform grids and its application in coupled hydro‐mechanical simulation
Authors: Prassetyo Simon Heru , Gutierrez Marte
Published: July 2018

To improve the stability and efficiency of explicit technique, one proposed method is to use an unconditionally stable alternating direction explicit (ADE) scheme. However, the standard ADE scheme is only moderately accurate and restricted to uniform grids. This paper derives a novel high‐order ADE scheme capable of solving the fluid diffusion equation in non‐uniform grids. The new scheme is derived by performing a fourth‐order finite difference approximation to the spatial derivatives of the diffusion equation in non‐uniform grid. The implicit Crank‐Nicolson technique is then applied to the resulting approximation, and the subsequent equation is split into two alternating direction sweeps, giving rise to a new high‐order ADE scheme. Because the new scheme can be potentially applied in coupled hydro‐mechanical (H‐M) simulation, the pore pressure solutions from the new scheme are then sequentially coupled with an existing geomechanical simulator in the computer program Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua. This coupling procedure is called the sequentially explicit coupling technique based on the fourth‐order ADE scheme (SEA‐4). Verifications of well‐known consolidation problems showed that the new ADE scheme and SEA‐4 can reduce computer runtime by 46% to 75% to that of Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua's basic scheme. At the same time, the techniques still maintained average percentage error of 1.6% to 3.5% for pore pressure and 0.2% to 1.5% for displacement solutions and were still accurate under typical grid non‐uniformities. This result suggests that the new high‐order ADE scheme can provide an efficient explicit technique for solving the flow equation of a coupled H‐M problem, which will be beneficial for large‐scale and long‐term H‐M problems in geoengineering.
Formulation of micro‐phase separation kinetics of polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Sahebi Jouibari Iman , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Mirhosseini Mohammad Masoud
Published: July 2018

In the present study, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, Closite 30B nanoplates, and halloysite nanotubes were produced via melt compounding approach and evaluated with many techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal, and rheological analyses. Following primary analyses, time sweep tests were used to determine the influence of temperature, applied preshear, and type of nanofillers on the micro‐phase separation kinetics of the nanocomposites. Based on the experimental results, a semi‐experimental equation was developed to explain the relation between those parameters and micro‐phase separation time. The equation is able to predict micro‐phase separation time of TPU nanocomposites possessing different nanofillers at various shear rates and temperatures.
Clonal distribution and intratumour heterogeneity of the B‐cell repertoire in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chaoting , Huang Hongying , Miao Yu , Xiong Hongchao , Lu Zheming
Published: July 2018

Recent successes in tumour immunotherapies have highlighted the importance of tumour immunity. However, most previous studies to date have focused on T‐cell immune response, although B cells are key players in the core immune network and are associated with T‐cell immune response. Based on our previous study delineating T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in seven patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), this study profiled the B‐cell receptor (BCR) repertoire of multiple tumour regions, adjacent normal tissue, and blood from the same seven patients to reveal the characteristics of B‐cell immunity and the relationship to TCR repertoire in ESCC patients. We found that intratumour BCR repertoire was significantly more oligoclonal than matched adjacent normal tissue or peripheral blood and, moreover, clonal amplification of B cells in multiple tumour regions was significantly heterogeneous, although clonal amplification of the TCR repertoire across different tissue compartments and regions of the same tumour was similar. However, both BCR and TCR repertoires in the tumour microenvironment were distinct from those in adjacent normal tissues and blood, and thus represented a group of B and T cells that were spatially confined to the tumour microenvironment and could react to tumour antigens. Additionally, B‐ and T‐cell clones varying between different tumour regions showed intratumour heterogeneity of B‐ and T‐cell immune response. Thus, multiple tumour biopsies could be essential to comprehensively delineate the adaptive immune response to an individual ESCC. These findings expand our understanding of adaptive anti‐tumour immunity and shed more light on ESCC immunotherapy. This study provides insights into the intratumour heterogeneity of the BCR repertoire as well as the difference and relationship between the BCR and TCR repertoire in ESCC, expanding our understanding of adaptive anti‐tumour immunity and ESCC immunotherapy. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of poly(ethylene oxide) brush‐grafted multiwall carbon nanotubes and their effect on morphology and mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Chen Keping , Cao Fen , Liang Shuen , Wang Jianhua , Tian Chunrong
Published: July 2018

Poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted multiwall carbon nanotubes (PEO‐graft‐MWCNT) were successfully prepared by a ring‐opening polymerization of ethylene oxide. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that the amount of the grafted PEO polymer was about 40.0 wt%. Rigid polyurethane foams (PUFs) filled with MWCNTs and PEO‐graft‐MWCNT were also fabricated to investigate the influence of grafted PEO interfacial layer on the foaming process, morphology and mechanical properties of PUF. The results indicated that PEO‐graft‐MWCNT had a limited impact on the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of polyol. Meanwhile, the addition of PEO‐graft‐MWCNT was beneficial for decreasing the pore size of PUF. The glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of PEO‐graft‐MWCNT/PUF composites increase gradually with filler content, which can be attributed to the good compatibility and strong interaction between PEO‐graft‐MWCNT and PUF. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A two‐drug combination simulation study for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Root Alex , Ebhardt H. Alexander
Published: July 2018

Background

Prostate cancer often evolves resistance to androgen deprivation therapy leading to a lethal metastatic castrate‐resistant form. Besides androgen independence, subpopulations of the tumor are genetically heterogeneous. With the advent of tumor genome sequencing we asked which has the greater influence on reducing tumor size: genetic background, heterogeneity, or drug potency?

Methods

A previously developed theoretical evolutionary dynamics model of stochastic branching processes is applied to compute the probability of tumor eradication with two targeted drugs. Publicly available data sets were surveyed to parameterize the model.

Results

Our calculations reveal that the greatest influence on successful treatment is the genetic background including the number of mutations overcoming resistance. Another important criteria is the tumor size at which it is still possible to achieve tumor eradication, for example, 2‐4 cm large tumors have at best a 10% probability to be eradicated when 50 mutations can confer resistance to each drug.

Conclusion

Overall, this study finds that genetic background and tumor heterogeneity are more important than drug potency in treating mCRPC. It also points toward identifying metastatic sites early using biochemical assays and/or dPET.
Analysis of profiles for monitoring of modern ship performance via partial least squares methods
Authors: Lepore Antonio , Palumbo Biagio , Capezza Christian
Published: July 2018

Shipping operators are nowadays facing the challenge of monitoring ship performance based on operational data. This is triggered by the compelling air pollution regulation EU 2015/757 of the European Parliament, which aims from January 2018 to monitoring, reporting, and verification of all harmful emissions of ships operating in the European Economic Area. On the other hand, the continuous acquisition of operational data, which is performed on most of the modern ships, urgently calls for the application of new and opportune statistical methods able to deal with high‐dimensional data. Ship operating conditions can be in fact described by sensor signals collected throughout each voyage and stored as profiles. In this paper, the latter are analyzed through multiway partial least squares regression of the average fuel consumption per hour over each voyage, which is chosen as scalar performance response, being proportional to harmful emissions. The proposed approach is able to monitor profiles with different length at different voyages. Nevertheless, it is capable of indicating at which instant anomalies may have occurred in ship operating conditions. The proposed approach is shown to be able to furnish clear indications for supporting prognosis of faults. By means of real data acquired from a Ro‐Pax cruise ship owned by the shipping company Grimaldi Group, a different multilinear version that explicitly takes into account the 3‐way structure of the data is also compared with the proposed approach.
Cocrystals of Naphthalenediols with Aliphatic Amines and Their Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Khakhlary Prithiviraj , Singh Munendra P. , Bhuyan Arnav , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: July 2018

The cocrystals of 2,3‐dihydroxynaphthalene with 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco), hexamethylenetetramine (hmta) and piperazine are studied. The cocrystal 2,3‐dihydroxynaphthalene with dabco was obtained as hydrate; it has dihydroxynaphthalene‐water chains holding the dabco. Similar piperizine cocrystal is obtained as a methanol solvate, it has piperazine ‐methanol chains holding the dihydroxynaphthalene molecules through hydrogen bonds and it has also N−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The cocrystals of hexamethylenetetramine (hmta) with positional isomer 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene is also studied. The self‐assembly of cocrystal of 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene with hmta utilizes only three nitrogen atoms of the hmta out of four nitrogen atoms to have three moderate hydrogen bonds formed between dihydroxynaphthalene and hmta. Each repeat cyclic sub‐assembly has one embraced dihydroxynaphthalene molecule and such molecules are associated with O−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. From DFT‐calculations on cocrystals of 2,3‐dihydroxynaphthalene with the three amines it is observed that the HOMO are localised on amine unit whereas LUMO are localized in the dihydroxynaphthalene ring. The fluorescence emissions of the cocrystals differ in each case depending on the amine used. N−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions of piperazine causes complete quenching of fluorescence emission of diol host enabling it to distinguish from the other two amines.
Controlled Hetero‐Architectures of Au‐Nanoparticles‐Decorated ZnO Nanowires for Enhanced Field Electron Emission Displays
Authors: Chikate Parameshwar R. , Daware Krishna D. , Gavhane Dnyaneshwar S. , Ma Yuan‐Ron , Choudhary Ram J. , Patil Shankar I. , More Mahendra A. , Phase Deodatta M. , Gosavi Suresh W. , Shirage Parasharam M. , Devan Rupesh S.
Published: July 2018

The spitzer shaped pointed ZnO nanowires of diameter 120 nm and length ∼5‐6 μm synthesized via hydrothermal techniques were decorated with Au nanoparticles of diameter < 20 nm along their textural boundaries. The turn‐on field (Eon) of 1.56 V/μm required to draw current density of 10 μA/cm2 from ZnO nanowires was reduced further to 0.96 V/μm after controlled decoration of Au nanoparticle, is significantly lower than pristine/doped ZnO nanostructures, Ag@ZnO, Au@ZnO, Au@CuO, and MoS2@TiO2 heterostructure based field emission (FE) devices. The orthodoxy test confirmed the feasibility of field‐enhancement factor (βFE) of 4477 for Au/ZnO/ITO emitters. The enhanced FE behavior are attributed to pointed nanotips, individual dispersion of Au nanoparticles along the textural boundaries of ZnO nanowires, and enhanced energy well formation at their interface. Moreover, the density of state increases enormously due to the hetero‐structured interface of Au@ZnO and a significant amount of electrons from both Au and ZnO contribute for enhanced emission current density (2.1 mA/cm2 @ 1.92 V/μm), and greatly stable electron emission. Our experiments suggest that the tunable hetero‐architectures of Au nanoparticles@ZnO nanowires hold the promises for applications in display screens and intense electron source.
Key Role of Lanthanum Oxychloride: Promotional Effects of Lanthanum in NiLaOy/NaCl for Hydrogen Production from Ethyl Acetate and Water
Authors: Xue Zhiwei , Shen Yuesong , Li Peiwen , Zhang Yu , Li Junjie , Qin Bin , Zhang Jin , Zeng Yanwei , Zhu Shemin
Published: July 2018

The hydrogen economy is accelerating technological evolutions toward highly efficient hydrogen production. In this work, the catalytic performance of NiO/NaCl for hydrogen production via autothermal reforming of ethyl acetate and water is further improved through lanthanum modification, and the resulted 3%‐NiLaOy/NaCl catalyst achieves as high as 93% H2 selectivity and long‐term stability at 600 °C. The promoting effect is caused by the strong interactions between lanthanum and NiO/NaCl, by which LaNiO3 and a novel LaOCl phase are formed. The key role of LaOCl in promoting low‐temperature hydrogen production is highlighted, while effects of LaNiO3 are well known. The LaOCl (010) facet possesses high adsorption capacity toward co‐chemisorbing ethyl acetate and water. LaOCl strongly interacts with ethyl acetate and H2O in the form of hydrogen bonding and coordination effect. The interactions induce tensions inside ethyl acetate and H2O, activate the molecules, and hence decrease the energy barrier for reaction. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals that LaOCl along with NaCl enhances the adsorption ability of NiO/NaCl. Moreover, LaOCl improves the dispersion of Ni species in NiO–LaNiO3–LaOCl nanosheets, which possess abundant active sites. The effects together promote hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the NiLaOy/NaCl catalyst can be easily reborn after deactivation due to the water solubility of NaCl.
Hierarchical CdS Nanorod@SnO2 Nanobowl Arrays for Efficient and Stable Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Jin Can , Qi Limin
Published: July 2018

An efficient photoanode based on CdS nanorod@SnO2 nanobowl (CdS NR@SnO2 NB) arrays is designed and fabricated by the preparation of SnO2 nanobowl arrays via nanosphere lithography followed by hydrothermal growth of CdS nanorods on the inner surface of the SnO2 nanobowls. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) device constructed by using this hierarchical CdS NR@SnO2 NB photoanode presents significantly enhanced performance with a photocurrent density of 3.8 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) under AM1.5G solar light irradiation, which is about 2.5 times higher than that of CdS nanorod arrays. After coating with a thin layer of SiO2, the photostability of the CdS NR@SnO2 NB arrays is greatly enhanced, resulting in a stable photoanode with a photocurrent density of 3.0 mA cm−2 retained at 1.23 V versus the RHE. The much improved performance of the CdS NR@SnO2 NB arrays toward PEC hydrogen generation can be ascribed to enlarged surface area arising from the hierarchical nanostructures, improved light harvesting owing to the NR@NB architecture containing multiple scattering centers, and enhanced charge separation/collection efficiency due to the favorable CdS–SnO2 heterojunction.
Substrate Patterning Using Regular Macroporous Block Copolymer Monoliths as Sacrificial Templates and as Capillary Microstamps
Authors: Guo Leiming , Philippi Michael , Steinhart Martin
Published: July 2018

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P2VP) monoliths containing regular arrays of macropores (diameter ≈1.1 µm, depth ≈0.7 µm) at their surfaces are used to pattern substrates by patterning modes going beyond the functionality of classical solid elastomer stamps. In a first exemplary application, the macroporous PS‐b‐P2VP monoliths are employed as sacrificial templates for the deposition of NaCl nanocrystals and topographically patterned iridium films. One NaCl nanocrystal per macropore is formed by evaporation of NaCl solutions filling the macropores followed by iridium coating. Thermal PS‐b‐P2VP decomposition yields topographically patterned iridium films consisting of ordered arrays of hexagonal cells, each of which contains one NaCl nanocrystal. For the second exemplary application, spongy‐continuous mesopore systems are generated in the macroporous PS‐b‐P2VP monoliths by selective‐swelling induced pore generation. Infiltrating the spongy‐continuous mesopore systems with ink allows capillary microstamping of continuous ink films with holes at the positions of the macropores onto glass slides compatible with advanced light microscopy. Capillary microstamping can be performed multiple times under ambient conditions without reinking and without quality deterioration of the stamped patterns. The macroporous PS‐b‐P2VP monoliths are prepared by double replication of primary macroporous silicon molds via secondary polydimethylsiloxane molds.
Greatly Improved Conductivity of Double‐Chain Polymer Network Binder for High Sulfur Loading Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with a Low Electrolyte/Sulfur Ratio
Authors: Liu Xuejun , Qian Tao , Liu Jie , Tian Jinghua , Zhang Li , Yan Chenglin
Published: July 2018

Binders have been considered to play a key role in realizing high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries. However, the accompanying problems of limited conductivity and inferior affinity of soluble polysulfide intermediates bring down their comprehensive performance for practical applications. Herein, the synthesis of a novel double‐chain polymer network (DCP) binder by polymerizing 4,4′‐biphenyldisulfonic acid connected pyrrole monomer onto viscous sodium carboxymethyl cellulose matrix, yielding a primary crystal structure is reported. Consequently, the resulted binder enables superior rate performance from 0.2 C (1326.9 mAh g−1) to 4 C (701.4 mAh g−1). Moreover, a high sulfur loading of 9.8 mg cm−2 and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (5:1, µL mg−1) are achieved, exhibiting a high area capacity of 9.2 mAh cm−2. In situ X‐ray diffraction analysis is conducted to monitor the structural modifications of the cathode, confirming the occurrence of sulfur reduction/recrystallization during charge–discharge process. In addition, in situ UV–vis measurements demonstrate that DCP binder impedes the polysulfide migration, thereby giving rise to high capacity retention for 400 cycles.
Nanotopography‐Promoted Formation of Axon Collateral Branches of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Seo Jeongyeon , Kim Juan , Joo Sunghoon , Choi Ji Yu , Kang Kyungtae , Cho Woo Kyung , Choi Insung S.
Published: July 2018

Axon collateral branches, as a key structural motif of neurons, allow neurons to integrate information from highly interconnected, divergent networks by establishing terminal boutons. Although physical cues are generally known to have a comprehensive range of effects on neuronal development, their involvement in axonal branching remains elusive. Herein, it is demonstrated that the nanopillar arrays significantly increase the number of axon collateral branches and also promote their growth. Immunostaining and biochemical analyses indicate that the physical interactions between the nanopillars and the neurons give rise to lateral filopodia at the axon shaft via cytoskeletal changes, leading to the formation of axonal branches. This report, demonstrates that nanotopography regulates axonal branching, and provides a guideline for the design of sophisticated neuron‐based devices and scaffolds for neuro‐engineering.
In Situ Growth of Pd Nanosheets on g‐C3N4 Nanosheets with Well‐Contacted Interface and Enhanced Catalytic Performance for 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Gu Kai , Pan Xueting , Wang Weiwei , Ma Junjie , Sun Yun , Yang Hailong , Shen Heyun , Huang Zhijun , Liu Huiyu
Published: July 2018

Loading novel metal nanosheets onto nanosheet support can improve their catalytic performance, but the morphological incompatibility makes it difficult to construct a well‐contacted interface, which is of particular interest in supported catalysts. Herein, Pd nanosheets (Pd NSs) are supported onto graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNSs) with intimate face‐to‐face contact through an in situ growth method. This method overcomes the limitations of the morphological incompatibility and ensures the intimate interfacial contact between Pd NSs and CNNSs. The nitrogen‐rich nature of CNNSs endows Pd NSs with abundant anchoring sites, which optimizes the electronic structure and improves the chemical and morphological stability of Pd NSs. The supported Pd NSs demonstrate high dispersion and exhibit largely enhanced activity toward the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. The concentration‐normalized rate constant is up to 3052 min−1 g−1 L, which is 5.4 times higher than that obtained by unsupported Pd NSs. No obvious deactivation is observed after six runs of the recycling experiments. It is believed that the supported novel metal nanosheets with the intimately contacted interface may show promising applications in catalysis.
Facile Synthesis of Vanadium Metal‐Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Yan , Luo Yuqing , Ma Jingyi , Li Bing , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: July 2018

Compared to traditional metal oxides, metal‐organic frameworks exhibit excellent properties, such as a high surface area, significant thermal stability, low density, and excellent electrochemical performance. Here, a simple process is proposed for the fabrication of rod‐like vanadium metal‐organic frameworks (VIV(O)(bdc), bdc = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate, or MIL‐47), and the effect of the structure on the electrochemical performance is investigated via a series of electrochemical measurements. The VIV(O)(bdc) electrode exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 572.1 F g−1 at current densities of 0.5 A g−1. More significantly, aqueous and solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitors are successfully assembled. The solid‐state device shows an excellent energy density of 6.72 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 70.35 mW cm−3. This superior performance confirms that VIV(O)(bdc) electrodes are promising materials for applications in supercapacitors.
Near‐Infrared Switchable Fullerene‐Based Synergy Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Du Zhi , Gao Nan , Wang Xiaohui , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: July 2018

C60 has a special dual function; it can act as both a powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer under UV or visible light and an ROS scavenger in the dark. However, ROS has double‐edged effects in living systems. It is still a great challenge for biomedical application to switch and adjust the two opposite properties of C60 in one system. Herein, UCNP@C60‐pep (UCNP: upconversion nanoparticle, pep: Aβ‐target peptide KLVFF) is designed as a near‐infrared‐switchable nanoplatform for synergy therapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Under near‐infrared (NIR) light, the Aβ‐targeting hybrid nanoparticles produce ROS and result in Aβ photooxygenation, which can hinder Aβ aggregation and mitigate the attendant cytotoxicity. In the dark, UCNP@C60‐pep shows protective effects against the increased oxidative stress. The ROS‐generating and ROS‐quenching abilities of UCNP@C60‐pep are both beneficial for decreasing Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity and extending the longevity of the commonly used transgenic AD model Caenorhabditis elegans CL2006. Moreover, UCNP@C60‐pep can also be used for upconversion luminescence (UCL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which has benefits for “image‐guided therapy.” This study may offer a new perspective for the biological applications of C60.
Red Phosphorus Nanoparticle@3D Interconnected Carbon Nanosheet Framework Composite for Potassium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Xiong Peixun , Bai Panxing , Tu Shuibin , Cheng Mingren , Zhang Jinfeng , Sun Jie , Xu Yunhua
Published: July 2018

Red phosphorus (P) has been recognized as a promising storage material for Li and Na. However, it has not been reported for K storage and the reaction mechanism remains unknown. Herein, a novel nanocomposite anode material is designed and synthesized by anchoring red P nanoparticles on a 3D carbon nanosheet framework for K‐ion batteries (KIBs). The red P@CN composite demonstrates a superior electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 655 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a good rate capability remaining 323.7 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1, which outperform reported anode materials for KIBs. The transmission electron microscopy and theoretical calculation results suggest a one‐electron reaction mechanism ofP + K+ + e−→ KP, corresponding to a theoretical capacity of 843 mA h g−1,which is the highest value for anode materials investigated for KIBs. The study not only sheds light on the rational design of high performance red P anodes for KIBs but also offers a fundamental understanding of the potassium storage mechanism of red P.
Bulk and Surface Electronic Properties of Inorganic Materials: Tools to Guide Cellular Behavior
Authors: Snyder Patrick J. , Reddy Pramod , Kirste Ronny , Collazo Ramon , Ivanisevic Albena
Published: July 2018

Classical concepts associated with the electronic properties of inorganic materials in the context of conditions used in biointerface studies are summarized. Electronic properties provide unique ways for stimulating a variety of biological systems; however, here the major focus is on mammallian cells. An additional focus is placed on bulk and electronic properties prior to chemical functionalization of inorganic materials. Representative studies, challenges, and opportunities toward utilization of charge, conductivity, photoconductivity, polarity, and piezoelectricity‐dependent mamallian cell interfaces are highlighted.
Patterned Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Wu Jiang , Liu Tanghao , Zhu Rui
Published: July 2018

As a mature strategy for constructing microstructures, patterning technologies are widely used in the optoelectronic field to satisfy the requirements of functional and/or aesthetic purposes. With the emergence of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, applying patterning technologies to perovskites can further optimize the properties of perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in commercialization. To date, a series of perovskite patterning methods and patterned devices have been reported consecutively, which exhibit potential value and application prospects in the fields of optoelectronics, light‐emitting devices, building of integrated photovoltaic systems, etc. Here, the recent progress in perovskite patterning technologies is systematically summarized, divided into two major categories: indirect patterning and direct patterning. In addition, the merits of the patterning methods and their applications in optoelectronics are discussed.
Integrating a Triboelectric Nanogenerator and a Zinc‐Ion Battery on a Designed Flexible 3D Spacer Fabric
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Ruan Zhaoheng , Ng Wing Sum , Li Hongfei , Tang Zijie , Liu Zhuoxin , Wang Yukun , Hu Hong , Zhi Chunyi
Published: July 2018

Powering flexible electronics by wearable energy‐storage or energy‐harvesting devices has attracted enormous research interest recently. However, the continual powering offered by individual energy‐storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors, becomes problematic once the energy stored is fully discharged. Therefore, the integration of energy‐storage and energy‐harvesting techniques becomes a feasible approach to provide a continual power supply for flexible and wearable electronics. Herein, an integrated flexible and wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and rechargeable Zn‐ion battery (ZIB) system based on a flexible 3D spacer fabric is proposed as a promising wearable power unit for powering personal electronic devices. The energy harvested by the TENG from human motion can be utilized to refill the ZIB once its stored energy is exhausted. Moreover, the power unit can be easily scaled up to multipixel, due to the compatibility of the fabric with the textile industry, which renders the system with promise as a practical wearable personal power station in the future.
Lattice Modulation of Alkali Metal Cations Doped Cs1−xRxPbBr3 Halides for Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yanan , Duan Jialong , Yuan Haiwen , Zhao Yuanyuan , He Benlin , Tang Qunwei
Published: July 2018

The crystal structure of cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = I, Br, Cl) determines its charge‐carrier trap state and solar‐to‐electrical conversion ability in inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the compositional engineering of inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite by means of doping with various alkali metal cations is studied. The lattice dimensions and energy levels of Cs1‐xRxPbBr3 (R = Li, Na, K, Rb, x = 0–1) halides are optimized by tuning Cs/R ratio. Arising from promoting effects of alkali metal cations doped perovskite halides such as lattice shrink, crystallized dynamics, and electrical‐energy distribution, a maximum power conversion efficiency as high as 9.86% is achieved for hole transporting layer‐free Cs0.91Rb0.09PbBr3 tailored solar cell owing to the suppressed non‐radiative losses and radiative recombination. Furthermore, the all‐inorganic Cs0.91Rb0.09PbBr3 solar cell without encapsulation remains 97% of initial efficiency when suffering persistent attack by 80% RH in air atmosphere over 700 h, which is in comparable with state‐of‐the‐art organic–inorganic hybrid and all‐inorganic PSC devices. Employing alkali metal cations to modulate perovskite layers provide new opportunities of making high‐performance inorganic PSC platforms.
Stability‐indicating methods applied in the separation and characterization of the main degradation product of propafenone
Authors: Oliveira de Almeida Leite Heitor , Mohamad Kassab Nájla , Prado Maria Segunda Aurora , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: July 2018

Propafenone hydrochloride is used in the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and it has sodium channel blocking and β‐blocking activity. To evaluate the quality, safety and efficacy of propafenone drug products, a stability‐indicating method must be used, aiming at qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of the impurities and degradation products contained therein. The main purpose of this study was to develop and apply hyphenated high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry methods to access susceptibility of the propafenone hydrochloride to stress conditions. The degradation process and products were systematically evaluated through in silico and predictive mass balance approaches. The main acidic and oxidative degradation product was characterized by using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Propafenone hydrochloride was found to be highly susceptible to oxidative (peroxide) and thermal degradation. However, an alkaline medium has an insignificant impact on the stability of propafenone hydrochloride. A plausible path for the acidic degradation product is described and elucidated.
Monitoring time‐varying residential load operation modes: an efficient signal disaggregation approach
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhou Changle , Qu Zhaoyang , Li Junhua
Published: July 2018

There is growing interest in measuring residential infrastructures for obtaining more descriptive information about their power consumption so that the consumption custom can be optimized and the cost reduced. This study aims to develop an efficient signal disaggregation method associated with features of load curves as a way of measuring nonintrusively residential load operation modes. The mathematical model is built based on an optimal fitting idea. We modify the shuffled frog leaping optimization algorithm (SFLA) with brain storming mechanism to solve the multi‐extremum problem. The results suggest that the proposed method is able to (i) identify the working modes of appliances including the onset time and operation duration for long‐term operation, (ii) detect the case within a few appliances of the same type, (iii) decompose the instantaneous open state of domestic appliances. Therefore, our method can not only overcome the traditional limitations of nonintrusive load monitoring but also be seamlessly applied to the current electric grid. Finally, we discuss potential application areas. The outcomes from this study would promote the progression of the smart grid. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Large‐scale Rossby wave and synoptic‐scale dynamic analyses of the unusually late 2016 heatwave over Europe
Authors: Zschenderlein Philipp , Fragkoulidis Georgios , Fink Andreas H. , Wirth Volkmar
Published: July 2018

This paper analyses the late summer heatwave over Europe in 2016. Central, western and southwestern Europe were primarily affected by the high temperatures. Seville, Spain, for example, experienced the highest September temperature on record on 5 September 2016, reaching a maximum of 44.8°C, and temperatures in Trier, Germany reached 34.2°C on 13 September 2016. The heatwave was marked by three distinct peaks, accompanied by record‐breaking values for 500hPa geopotential heights and, to a lesser extent, 850hPa temperatures. These peaks were associated with the arrival of high‐amplitude Rossby wave packets in western Europe. The latter originated several days before the event over western North America. During the three peaks of the heatwave, subsidence and the ensuing adiabatic compression in the free atmosphere in combination with boundary layer processes, rather than local temperature advection, were instrumental in the occurrence of the extreme temperature episodes.
Time series clustering and classification via frequency domain methods
Authors: Holan Scott H. , Ravishanker Nalini
Published: July 2018

Technological innovations combined with various scientific inquiries have resulted in a broad array of classification and clustering applications. Many of these applications directly involve classifying or clustering time series and have leveraged recent methodological advances within the frequency (spectral) domain. This paper reviews methods for clustering/classifying time series in the frequency domain and, in particular, describes various methods for different types of time series ranging from linear and stationary to nonlinear and nonstationary. Our perspective is cast from the statistics/data science literature and does not migrate into the literature on signal processing. Finally, we also summarize various aspects related to implementation, thereby providing the necessary context for interested practitioners.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Time Series Models

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory
Reliable Prediction of Shock Sensitivity of Energetic Compounds based on Small‐scale Gap Test through Their Electric Spark Sensitivity
Authors: Ferdowsi Mohammad , Yazdani Farshad , Omidkhah Mohammad Reza , Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2018

The sensitivity of an energetic compound gives its vulnerability to accidental detonation, which is caused by an unintended stimulus. Shock and electric spark sensitivities of energetic compounds are two important sensitivity parameters for assessment of their safety in working places. Several correlations are introduced for reliable prediction of shock sensitivities of energetic compounds at 90, 95, and 98 % of theoretical maximum density (TMD) according to NSWC using Navy small‐scale gap test through their electric spark sensitivities. For 11 explosives, where experimental data of both shock and electric spark sensitivities were available, the predicted results at 90 % of TMD are compared with the quantum mechanical approach. The root‐mean‐square (rms) deviations of the new and complex quantum mechanical methods at 90 % TMD are 2.38 and 3.95 kbar, respectively, which confirmed the high reliability of the new method. For high explosives with 90, 95, and 98 % TMD, it will be shown that the predicted results of the new method are also much more reliable than one of the best available empirical approaches. A correlation between shock sensitivities on the basis of aluminum gaps with different thicknesses and the pressure required to initiate material pressed to 90 % TMD is also derived.
Fear of missing out and sleep: Cognitive behavioural factors in adolescents' nighttime social media use
Authors: Scott Holly , Woods Heather Cleland
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Social media use has been linked to poor adolescent sleep outcomes, but the mechanisms behind this association are not yet well understood. This study examines links between adolescents' social media habits, fear of missing out and sleep outcomes, using path analysis to evaluate a model of proposed underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Adolescents aged 12–18 years (N = 101) completed questionnaire measures.

Results

Nighttime social media use was associated with later bedtimes, increased pre‐sleep cognitive arousal, longer sleep onset latency and shorter sleep duration. Path analysis supported a model whereby fear of missing out predicted shorter sleep duration via two distinct mechanisms: (1) at a behavioural level, by driving late night social media use, which delays bedtimes; (2) at a cognitive level, by increasing pre‐sleep cognitive arousal, thus further delaying sleep onset.

Conclusions

Efforts to develop and evaluate intervention strategies should therefore consider not only social media behaviours but also underlying cognitive factors, such as fear of missing out.
Numerical studies on the radiation uniformity of Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum
Authors: Wu Fuyuan , Chu Yanyun , Ramis Rafael , Li Zhenghong , Ma Yanyun , Yang Jianlun , Wang Zhen , Ye Fan , Huang Zhanchang , Qi Jianmin , Zhou Lin , Liang Chuan , Chen Shijia , Ge Zheyi , Yang Xiaohu , Wang Shangwu
Published: July 2018

Radiation uniformity is important for Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum driven fusion. In order to understand the radiation uniformity of Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum, the code MULTI-2D with a new developed magnetic field package is employed to investigate the related physical processes on Julong-I facility with drive current about 7–8 MA. Numerical simulations suggest that Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum with radiation temperature more than 100 eV can be created on Julong-I facility. Although some X-rays can escape out of the hohlraum from Z-pinch plasma and electrodes, the radiation field near the foam center is quite uniform after a transition time. For the load parameters used in this paper, the transition time for the thermal wave transports from r = 1 mm to r = 0 mm is about 2.0 ns. Implosion of a testing pellet driven by cylindrical dynamic hohlraum shows that symmetrical implosion is hard to achieve due to the relatively slow propagation speed of thermal wave and the compression of cylindrical shock in the foam. With the help of quasi-spherical implosion, the hohlraum radiation uniformity and corresponding pellet implosion symmetry can be significantly improved thanks to the shape modulation of thermal wave front and shock wave front.
Female Office Workers With Moderate Neck Pain Have Increased Anterior Positioning of the Cervical Spine and Stiffness of Upper Trapezius Myofascial Tissue in Sitting Posture
Authors: Kocur Piotr , Wilski Maciej , Lewandowski Jacek , Łochyński Dawid
Published: July 2018

Background

Work‐related neck disorders are among the most common dysfunctions in office workers. Understanding cervical myofascial mechanical characteristics that differentiate symptomatic from asymptomatic office workers is crucial for the understanding of musculoskeletal dysfunctions in workers with neck pain.

Objective

To assess the effect of moderate work‐related neck disorders on head posture and stiffness and perceived pain threshold of the upper trapezius (UT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Work environment.

Participants

Sixteen office workers with diagnosed moderate work‐related neck disorders and 16 asymptomatic office workers matched for sex, age, body mass index, and the nature and duration of their work.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Outcome

The primary outcome measure consisted of measurements of head posture using craniovertebral angle and myotonometric muscle stiffness (Newtons per meter) of the UT and SCM muscles. The secondary output variable was the perceived pain threshold algometry of the studied muscles.

Results

Compared with controls, subjects with work‐related neck pain had a significantly smaller craniovertebral angle (by 8.3%; Cohen d = 0.88, P = .02) and greater stiffness of the UT myofascial tissue (by 11.3%; Cohen d = 1.05, P = .006). No significant differences in perceived pain threshold of the myofascial tissue of the UT or SCM muscles were found between groups.

Conclusion

In this study female office workers with neck pain had increased anterior positioning of the head and stiffness of the UT muscle in the sitting posture, which was not associated with changes in the pressure pain threshold of this muscle.

Level of Evidence

III