bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Intercalation of Topological Insulator Grid Nanostructures for High‐Performance Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Guo Yunfan , Zhou Jinyuan , Liu Yujing , Zhou Xu , Yao Fengrui , Tan Congwei , Wu Jinxiong , Lin Li , Liu Kaihui , Liu Zhongfan , Peng Hailin
Published: October 2017

2D layered nanomaterials with strong covalent bonding within layers and weak van der Waals' interactions between layers have attracted tremendous interest in recent years. Layered Bi2Se3 is a representative topological insulator material in this family, which holds promise for exploration of the fundamental physics and practical applications such as transparent electrode. Here, a simultaneous enhancement of optical transmittancy and electrical conductivity in Bi2Se3 grid electrodes by copper‐atom intercalation is presented. These Cu‐intercalated 2D Bi2Se3 electrodes exhibit high uniformity over large area and excellent stabilities to environmental perturbations, such as UV light, thermal fluctuation, and mechanical distortion. Remarkably, by intercalating a high density of copper atoms, the electrical and optical performance of Bi2Se3 grid electrodes is greatly improved from 900 Ω sq−1, 68% to 300 Ω sq−1, 82% in the visible range; with better performance of 300 Ω sq−1, 91% achieved in the near‐infrared region. These unique properties of Cu‐intercalated topological insulator grid nanostructures may boost their potential applications in high‐performance optoelectronics, especially for infrared optoelectronic devices.
Imbedded Nanocrystals of CsPbBr3 in Cs4PbBr6: Kinetics, Enhanced Oscillator Strength, and Application in Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Junwei , Huang Wenxiao , Li Peiyun , Onken Drew R. , Dun Chaochao , Guo Yang , Ucer Kamil B. , Lu Chang , Wang Hongzhi , Geyer Scott M. , Williams Richard T. , Carroll David L.
Published: October 2017

Solution‐grown films of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals imbedded in Cs4PbBr6 are incorporated as the recombination layer in light‐emitting diode (LED) structures. The kinetics at high carrier density of pure (extended) CsPbBr3 and the nanoinclusion composite are measured and analyzed, indicating second‐order kinetics in extended and mainly first‐order kinetics in the confined CsPbBr3, respectively. Analysis of absorption strength of this all‐perovskite, all‐inorganic imbedded nanocrystal composite relative to pure CsPbBr3 indicates enhanced oscillator strength consistent with earlier published attribution of the sub‐nanosecond exciton radiative lifetime in nanoprecipitates of CsPbBr3 in melt‐grown CsBr host crystals and CsPbBr3 evaporated films.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Blue Fog: Structure, Properties, and Applications of Amorphous Blue Phase III
Authors: Gandhi Sahil Sandesh , Chien Liang‐Chy
Published: October 2017

The amorphous blue phase III of cholesteric liquid crystals, also known as the “blue fog,” are among the rising stars in materials science that can potentially be used to develop next‐generation displays with the ability to compete toe‐to‐toe with disruptive technologies like organic light‐emitting diodes. The structure and properties of the practically unobservable blue phase III have eluded scientists for more than a century since it was discovered. This progress report reviews the developments in this field from both fundamental and applied research perspectives. The first part of this progress report gives an overview of the 130‐years‐long scientific tour‐de‐force that very recently resulted in the revelation of the mysterious structure of blue phase III. The second part reviews progress made in the past decade in developing electrooptical, optical, and photonic devices based on blue phase III. The strong and weak aspects of the development of these devices are underlined and criticized, respectively. The third‐ and‐final part proposes ideas for further improvement in blue phase III technology to make it feasible for commercialization and widespread use.
In Situ Characterization of Interfaces Relevant for Efficient Photoinduced Reactions
Authors: Supplie Oliver , May Matthias M. , Brückner Sebastian , Brezhneva Nadzeya , Hannappel Thomas , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: October 2017

Solar energy conversion and photoinduced bioactive sensors are representing topical scientific fields, where interfaces play a decisive role for efficient applications. The key to specifically tune these interfaces is a precise knowledge of interfacial structures and their formation on the microscopic, preferably atomic scale. Gaining thorough insight into interfacial reactions, however, is particularly challenging in relevant complex chemical environment. This review introduces a spectrum of material systems with corresponding interfaces significant for efficient applications in energy conversion and sensor technologies. It highlights appropriate analysis techniques capable of monitoring critical physicochemical reactions in situ during non‐vacuum preparation and photoactivity studies including well‐defined inorganic epitaxial reference surfaces, buried interfaces, and low‐defect nucleation of disjunct epitaxial materials that are analyzed during preparation in chemical vapor environment. Their surfaces are then modified and functionalized in gaseous and liquid environment. Finally, even more complex coupling of inorganic stable photoactive materials with responsive soft matter for bioactivity is reviewed. Interface formation, structure, and/or artificial photochemical interfacial reactions are scrutinized down to the atomic scale in real time, also accounting for equilibrium versus non‐equilibrium, kinetically driven processes, in order to accelerate progresses in the realization of efficient energy materials and in the exploitation of photoinduced processes at interfaces.
Magnetically Controllable Random Lasers
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Yen , Liao Yu‐Ming , Liao Wei‐Cheng , Lin Wei‐Ju , Perumal Packiyaraj , Hu Hsiu‐Hao , Lin Shih‐Yao , Chang Cheng‐Han , Cai Shu‐Yi , Sun Tzu‐Min , Lin Hung‐I , Haider Golam , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: October 2017

Toward practical applications of random lasers, controllability is a key factor. Here, magnetically controllable random lasers (MCRLs) are designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. Under a prescribed magnetic field, the MCRLs composed of stilbene 420 laser dye, TiO2 nanoparticles, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles possess magnetic controllability and switchability with good responsivity and durability. The applied magnetic field can be used to manipulate the distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, which in turn alters the formation of the coherent loops and the properties of laser action. The MCRLs developed here can serve as magneto‐optics prototypes for several potential applications, such as biomedicine and optical communications.
Molecular‐Printed Thermochromic with Fast Color Switching
Authors: Cho Sungjun , Kim Gwangmook , Lee Sooun , Park Jinwoo , Shim Wooyoung
Published: October 2017

Color generation by thermochromic materials offers several advantages over the light‐based technology: a passive circuit element‐driven simplified device layout, cost‐effectiveness, and clear visibility. However, thermochromic materials need to be effectively coupled with an external heat source to induce coloration, which generally involves slow heat transfer processes that are not suitable for potential display applications. Here, a method for molecular printing of a thermochromic ink with a low heat capacity, enabling an unprecedented, fast color switching without any optoelectronic elements, is demonstrated. Molecularly printed ink is patterned on fabricated microheaters that induce transient local heat generation, facilitating local heating and cooling processes. Depending on the density of the thermochromic ink, that is, the number of microcapsuled dyes in the form of a monolayer resulting in a low heat capacity, the chroma of the patterned ink could be increased. Using this technique, the thermochromic ink could be printed over centimeter scales, with cyan‐magenta‐yellow‐black colors at a color‐switching rate of 20–500 ms, to be integrated into the thermochromic device prototype for potential display applications.
High‐Performance Wide Bandgap Copolymers Using an EDOT Modified Benzodithiophene Donor Block with 10.11% Efficiency
Authors: Feng Kui , Yang Guofang , Xu Xiaopeng , Zhang Guangjun , Yan He , Awartani Omar , Ye Long , Ade Harald , Li Ying , Peng Qiang
Published: October 2017

Newly developed benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) block with 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) side chains is first employed to build efficient photovoltaic copolymers. The resulting copolymers, PBDTEDOT‐BT and PBDTEDOTFBT, have a large bandgap more than 1.80 eV, which is attributed to the increased steric hindrance between the BDT and EDOT skeletons. Both copolymers possess the satisfied absorptions, low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels and high crystallinity. Using the fluorination strategy, PBDTEDOT‐FBT exhibits a wider and stronger absorption and a deeper HOMO level than those of PBDTEDOT‐BT. PBDTEDOT‐FBT:[6,6]‐Phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend also shows the higher hole mobility and better surface morphology compared with the PBDTEDOTBT:PC71BM blend. Combination of above advantages, PBDTEDOT‐FBT devices exhibit much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.11%, with an improved open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.86 V, short circuit current densities (Jsc) of 16.01 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) of 72.6%. This work not only provides a newly efficient candidate of BDT donor block modified with EDOT conjugated side chains, but also achieves high‐performance large bandgap copolymers for polymer solar cells (PSCs) via the synergistic effect of fluorination and side chain engineering strategies.
Computer‐aided design of ionic liquids as solvents for extractive desulfurization
Authors: Song Zhen , Zhang Chenyue , Qi Zhiwen , Zhou Teng , Sundmacher Kai
Published: October 2017

Although ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely explored as solvents for extractive desulfurization (EDS) of fuel oils, systematic studying of the optimal design of ILs for this process is still scarce. The UNIFAC‐IL model is extended first to describe the EDS system based on exhaustive experimental data. Then, based on the obtained UNIFAC‐IL model and group contribution models for predicting the melting point and viscosity of ILs, a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem is formulated for the purpose of computer‐aided ionic liquid design (CAILD). The MINLP problem is solved to optimize the liquid‐liquid extraction performance of ILs in a given multicomponent model EDS system, under consideration of constraints regarding the IL structure, thermodynamic and physical properties. The top five IL candidates preidentified from CAILD are further evaluated by means of process simulation using ASPEN Plus. Thereby, [C5MPy][C(CN)3] is identified as the most suitable solvent for EDS. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1013–1025, 2018
Integrated solvent and process design for continuous crystallization and solvent recycling using PC‐SAFT
Authors: Wang Jiayuan , Lakerveld Richard
Published: October 2017

Solvent usage is a major source of environmental waste in pharmaceutical industry. The current paradigm shift toward continuous manufacturing in pharmaceutical industry has renewed the interest in continuous crystallization, which offers the prospect of easy solvent recycling. However, the selection of solvents for an integrated crystallization processes is nontrivial due to the likely trade‐off between optimal solvent properties for crystallization and solvent separation and recycling. A systematic approach for the simultaneous optimization of process conditions and solvent selection for continuous crystallization including solvent recycling is presented. A unified perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory model framework is applied to predict thermodynamic properties related to solubility and vapor‐liquid equilibrium, which is integrated with a process model. A continuous mapping procedure is adopted to solve the optimization problem effectively. A case study based on continuous antisolvent crystallization of paracetamol with solvent separation via flash demonstrates the approach. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1205–1216, 2018
Traumatic brain injury in the prodromal period of Parkinson's disease: A large epidemiological study using medicare data
Authors: Camacho‐Soto Alejandra , Warden Mark N. , Searles Nielsen Susan , Salter Amber , Brody David L. , Prather Heidi , Racette Brad A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Studies suggest a greater risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it is possible that the risk of TBI is greater in the prodromal period of PD. We aimed to examine the time‐to‐TBI in PD patients in their prodromal period compared to population‐based controls.

Methods

We identified 89,790 incident PD cases and 118,095 comparable controls aged > 65 years in 2009 using Medicare claims data. Using data from the preceding 5 years, we compared time‐to‐TBI in PD patients in their prodromal period to controls. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for TBI in a Cox regression, while adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, modified Charlson comorbidity index, smoking, and alcohol use.

Results

Risk of TBI was greater in PD patients in their prodromal period across all age and sex groups, with HRs consistently increasing with proximity to PD diagnosis. HRs ranged from 1.64 (95% CI, 1.52, 1.77) 5 years preceding diagnosis to 3.93 (95% CI, 3.74, 4.13) in the year before. The interaction between PD, TBI, and time was primarily observed for TBI attributed to falls. Motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment, suggested by corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, partially mediated the PD‐TBI association.

Interpretation

There is a strong association between PD and a recent TBI in the prodromal period of PD. This association strengthens as PD diagnosis approaches and may be a result of undetected nonmotor and motor symptoms, but confirmation will be required. Ann Neurol 2017;82:744–754
Guianolactones A and B, Two Rearranged Pentacyclic Limonoids from the Seeds of Carapa guianensis
Authors: Higuchi Keiichiro , Tani Yoshimi , Kikuchi Takashi , In Yasuko , Yamada Takeshi , Muraoka Osamu , Tanaka Naonobu , Tanaka Reiko
Published: October 2017

Two novel rearranged limonoids, guianolactones A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) seeds. The structures of 1 and 2 with their absolute configurations were elucidated in detailed examinations using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and 2D NMR spectra. Guianolactone A (1) has a novel 5/6/6/6/6 pentacyclic core including two δ‐lactone and a tetrahydropyran ring, while guianolactone B (2) is a novel limonoid with a 6/6/5/6/6 pentacyclic core featuring a δ‐lactone and a tetrahydrofuran ring.
Mass Transfer and Drop Size Distributions in Reactive Nanoparticle‐Stabilized Multiphase Systems
Authors: Petzold Marc , Röhl Susanne , Hohl Lena , Stehl Dmitrij , Lehmann Maren , von Klitzing Regine , Kraume Matthias
Published: October 2017

Mass transfer in stirred liquid‐liquid systems with and without silica nanoparticles is investigated for the saponification of benzoyl chloride. The mass transfer area is positively affected by the nanoparticles which lead to an increase of the liquid‐liquid interfacial area due to droplet coalescence hindrance. However, an additional mass transfer resistance induced by particles at the liquid‐liquid interface was observed for all particle concentrations, since the high occupancy diminishes the available area for mass transfer. The ratio of the two oppositional effects needs to be determined to identify suitable nanoparticle reaction systems.
Manifestations of classical physics in the quantum evolution of correlated spin states in pulsed NMR experiments
Authors: Ligare Martin
Published: October 2017

Multiple‐pulse NMR experiments are a powerful tool for the investigation of molecules with coupled nuclear spins. The product operator formalism provides a way to understand the quantum evolution of an ensemble of weakly coupled spins in such experiments using some of the more intuitive concepts of classical physics and semi‐classical vector representations. In this paper I present a new way in which to interpret the quantum evolution of an ensemble of spins. I recast the quantum problem in terms of mixtures of pure states of two spins whose expectation values evolve identically to those of classical moments. Pictorial representations of these classically evolving states provide a way to calculate the time evolution of ensembles of weakly coupled spins without the full machinery of quantum mechanics, offering insight to anyone who understands precession of magnetic moments in magnetic fields.
Local Chemical Stimulation of Neurons with the Fluidic Force Microscope (FluidFM)
Authors: Aebersold Mathias J. , Dermutz Harald , Demkó László , Cogollo José F. Saenz , Lin Shiang‐Chi , Burchert Conrad , Schneider Moritz , Ling Doris , Forró Csaba , Han Hana , Zambelli Tomaso , Vörös János
Published: October 2017

Physiological communication between neurons is dependent on the exchange of neurotransmitters at the synapses. Although this chemical signal transmission targets specific receptors and allows for subtle adaptation of the action potential, in vitro neuroscience typically relies on electrical currents and potentials to stimulate neurons. The electric stimulus is unspecific and the confinement of the stimuli within the media is technically difficult to control and introduces large artifacts in electric recordings of the activity. Here, we present a local chemical stimulation platform that resembles in vivo physiological conditions and can be used to target specific receptors of synapses. Neurotransmitters were dispensed using the force‐controlled fluidic force microscope (FluidFM) nanopipette, which provides exact positioning and precise liquid delivery. We show that controlled release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate induces spiking activity in primary rat hippocampal neurons, as measured by concurrent electrical and optical recordings using a microelectrode array and a calcium‐sensitive dye, respectively. Furthermore, we characterized the glutamate dose response of neurons by applying stimulation pulses of glutamate with concentrations from 0 to 0.5 mm. This new stimulation approach, which combines FluidFM for gentle and precise positioning with a microelectrode array read‐out, makes it possible to modulate the activity of individual neurons chemically and simultaneously record their induced activity across the entire neuronal network. The presented platform not only offers a more physiological alternative compared with electrical stimulation, but also provides the possibility to study the effects of the local application of neuromodulators and other drugs.
Comparison of the Guidelines of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group
Authors: Bank PCD , Caudle KE , Swen JJ , Gammal RS , Whirl‐Carrillo M , Klein TE , Relling MV , Guchelaar H‐J
Published: October 2017

Both the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group provide therapeutic recommendations for well‐known gene‐drug pairs. Published recommendations show a high rate of concordance. However, as a result of different guideline development methods used by these two consortia, differences between the published guidelines exist. The aim of this paper is to compare both initiatives and explore these differences, with the objective to achieve harmonization.
Catalytic, Conductive Bipolar Membrane Interfaces through Layer‐by‐Layer Deposition for the Design of Membrane‐Integrated Artificial Photosynthesis Systems
Authors: McDonald Michael B. , Freund Michael S. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: October 2017

In the presence of an electric field, bipolar membranes (BPMs) are capable of initiating water disassociation (WD) within the interfacial region, which can make water splitting for renewable energy in the presence of a pH gradient possible. In addition to WD catalytic efficiency, there is also the need for electronic conductivity in this region for membrane‐integrated artificial photosynthesis (AP) systems. Graphene oxide (GO) was shown to catalyze WD and to be controllably reduced, which resulted in electronic conductivity. Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) film deposition was employed to improve GO film uniformity in the interfacial region to enhance WD catalysis and, through the addition of a conducting polymer in the process, add electronic conductivity in a hybrid film. Three different deposition methods were tested to optimize conducting polymer synthesis with the oxidant in a metastable solution and to yield the best film properties. It was found that an approach that included substrate dipping in a solution containing the expected final monomer/oxidant ratio provided the most predictable film growth and smoothest films (by UV/Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy/scanning electron microscopy, respectively), whereas dipping in excess oxidant or co‐spraying the oxidant and monomer produced heterogeneous films. Optimized films were found to be electronically conductive and produced a membrane ohmic drop that was acceptable for AP applications. Films were integrated into the interfacial region of BPMs and revealed superior WD efficiency (≥1.4 V at 10 mA cm−2) for thinner films (<10 bilayers≈100 nm) than for either the pure GO catalyst or conducting polymer individually, which indicated that there was a synergistic effect between these materials in the structure configured by the LbL method.
Benchmarking Water Oxidation Catalysts Based on Iridium Complexes: Clues and Doubts on the Nature of Active Species
Authors: Menendez Rodriguez Gabriel , Gatto Giordano , Zuccaccia Cristiano , Macchioni Alceo
Published: October 2017

Water oxidation (WO) is a central reaction in the photo‐ and electro‐synthesis of fuels. Iridium complexes have been successfully exploited as water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) with remarkable performances. Herein, we report a systematic study aimed at benchmarking well‐known Ir WOCs, when NaIO4 is used to drive the reaction. In particular, the following complexes were studied: cis‐[Ir(ppy)2(H2O)2]OTf (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine) (1), [Cp*Ir(H2O)3]NO3 (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethyl‐cyclopentadienyl anion) (2), [Cp*Ir(bzpy)Cl] (bzpy=2‐benzoylpyridine) (3), [Cp*IrCl2(Me2‐NHC)] (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) (4), [Cp*Ir(pyalk)Cl] (pyalk=2‐pyridine‐isopropanoate) (5), [Cp*Ir(pic)NO3] (pic=2‐pyridine‐carboxylate) (6), [Cp*Ir{(P(O)(OH)2}3]Na (7), and mer‐[IrCl3(pic)(HOMe)]K (8). Their reactivity was compared with that of IrCl3⋅n H2O (9) and [Ir(OH)6]2− (10). Most measurements were performed in phosphate buffer (0.2 m), in which 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 showed very high activity (yield close to 100 %, turnover frequency up to 554 min−1 with 10, the highest ever observed for a WO‐driven by NaIO4). The found order of activity is: 10>2≈4>6>5>7>1>9>3>8. Clues concerning the molecular nature of the active species were obtained, whereas its exact nature remains doubtfully.
Reproducible diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by flow cytometry: An European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC) & European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis (ESCCA) Harmonisation project
Authors: Rawstron Andy C. , Kreuzer Karl‐Anton , Soosapilla Asha , Spacek Martin , Stehlikova Olga , Gambell Peter , McIver‐Brown Neil , Villamor Neus , Psarra Katherina , Arroz Maria , Milani Raffaella , de la Serna Javier , Cedena M. Teresa , Jaksic Ozren , Nomdedeu Josep , Moreno Carol , Rigolin Gian Matteo , Cuneo Antonio , Johansen Preben , Johnsen Hans E. , Rosenquist Richard , Niemann Carsten Utoft , Kern Wolfgang , Westerman David , Trneny Marek , Mulligan Stephen , Doubek Michael , Pospisilova Sarka , Hillmen Peter , Oscier David , Hallek Michael , Ghia Paolo , Montserrat Emili
Published: October 2017

The diagnostic criteria for CLL rely on morphology and immunophenotype. Current approaches have limitations affecting reproducibility and there is no consensus on the role of new markers. The aim of this project was to identify reproducible criteria and consensus on markers recommended for the diagnosis of CLL. ERIC/ESCCA members classified 14 of 35 potential markers as “required” or “recommended” for CLL diagnosis, consensus being defined as >75% and >50% agreement, respectively. An approach to validate “required” markers using normal peripheral blood was developed. Responses were received from 150 participants with a diagnostic workload >20 CLL cases per week in 23/150 (15%), 5–20 in 82/150 (55%), and <5 cases per week in 45/150 (30%). The consensus for “required” diagnostic markers included: CD19, CD5, CD20, CD23, Kappa, and Lambda. “Recommended” markers potentially useful for differential diagnosis were: CD43, CD79b, CD81, CD200, CD10, and ROR1. Reproducible criteria for component reagents were assessed retrospectively in 14,643 cases from 13 different centers and showed >97% concordance with current approaches. A pilot study to validate staining quality was completed in 11 centers. Markers considered as “required” for the diagnosis of CLL by the participants in this study (CD19, CD5, CD20, CD23, Kappa, and Lambda) are consistent with current diagnostic criteria and practice. Importantly, a reproducible approach to validate and apply these markers in individual laboratories has been identified. Finally, a consensus “recommended” panel of markers to refine diagnosis in borderline cases (CD43, CD79b, CD81, CD200, CD10, and ROR1) has been defined and will be prospectively evaluated. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Chlorpyrifos interacts with other agricultural stressors to alter stream communities in laboratory microcosms
Authors: Chará‐Serna Ana M. , Richardson John S.
Published: October 2017

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used agricultural insecticides in the world, but to date there is limited empirical information about its potential to interact with other common agricultural stressors. We conducted a 15‐d, community‐level, microcosm experiment evaluating individual and combined effects of chlorpyrifos, nutrient enrichment, and sedimentation on stream invertebrate communities (abundance, biomass, richness, size structure, composition) and ecosystem processes (primary productivity and leaf decomposition). We found that sedimentation was the most detrimental stressor, with significant negative impacts on most invertebrate community and ecosystem function variables. Even though chlorpyrifos did not cause significant invertebrate mortality in the microcosms, it still altered ecosystem function by lowering leaf decomposition rates, probably through sublethal inhibition of invertebrate shredders. Furthermore, we observed a significant reversal interaction between chlorpyrifos and sediment for small‐sized invertebrates collected in gravel (abundance in sediment × insecticide microcosms was 2.4 times lower than predicted by additivity), as well as an antagonistic interaction with nutrients on invertebrate richness in the same microhabitat (richness in nutrient × insecticide microcosms was 1.6 times higher than predicted by additivity). Our results suggest that chlorpyrifos has the potential to alter freshwater ecosystem function and interact non‐additively with other common agricultural stressors. These findings are in keeping with a growing body of research highlighting that multiple stressor interactions and ecosystem processes should be considered when evaluating the impacts of organic toxicants on freshwater ecosystems.
A Projectivity Diagnosis of Local Feature Using Template Matching
Authors: OHKI HIDEHIRO , TANIGUCHI RIN‐ICHIRO , INOUE SEIKI , GYOHTEN KEIJI
Published: October 2017

It is well known that points on a plane in 3D world are related to corresponding image points in a view of a moving camera by projective translation. Good image features have robust projectivity under any camera movements. In the standard performance evaluation of image processing, real captured images of a scene are used ordinarily. However, it is not enough to evaluate in detail because the variation of camera angle and distance to target objects are limited and the capturing cost is expensive. During the early stage of the image processing development, the basic performance measurement should be the most important in an easy way. We propose a projectivity diagnosis method to measure the performance of local descriptor base template matching between a template image and reference images which are created by deforming the template image. This template matching consists of a feature image point extraction and a local descriptor matching. The proposed method evaluates the positional accuracy of the extracted feature points and the matching with local descriptor. Four metrics are introduced to evaluate the projectivity of template matching. In the experiment, our proposed diagnosis method expose the projectivity of SIFT, SURF, and ORB. SIFT showed the better robustness than the others.
High‐precision Classification of Small Insects with Similar Color and Shape Using Image Processing
Authors: IKEMOTO NAOYA , TERADA KENJI , TAKASHINA YUTA , NAKANO AKIO
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose a method of surveillance of the plant growth using image processing. This method is able to observe the condition of raising the plant in the greenhouse by detecting small insects. Experts can classify small insects, but many general people cannot classify small insects. Therefore we propose a method of classifying small insects by using image processing. The plate is prepared for extracting small insect. The image is obtained by an image scanner. In first process, each region of small insects is extracted from the image scanner image by using color information. In next process, some features are detected from the region of small insects. In last process, small insects are classified using above features. The experiments using the experimental system are performed to demonstrate the efficacy of this method and the experimental results are shown.
Hello, Goodbye
Authors: Ross Haymo
Published: October 2017

Haymo Ross looks back on his time as Editor‐in‐Chief as he says “goodbye” to the European Journal of Organic Chemistry to take on his new position as Editor‐in‐Chief of Chemistry – A European Journal.
Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Bamboo over Micro‐mesoporous Composite Molecular Sieves
Authors: Li Zhaoying , Zhong Zhaoping , Zhang Bo , Gu Jiawen , Shi Kun
Published: October 2017

To upgrade biocrude oils from biomass pyrolysis, a novel micro‐mesoporous composite molecular sieve with HZSM‐5 structure as the core and MCM‐41 structure as the shell is synthesized and utilized. The synthesized hierarchical catalyst is characterized using X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, and transmission electron microscopy. Catalytic fast pyrolysis of bamboo over the composite molecular sieve is implemented using quantitative pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). The experimental results demonstrate that the highest relative content of hydrocarbons (34.41 %) is obtained at 600 °C when bamboo is pyrolyzed by only HZSM‐5, which has significant shape‐selective effect on the products of aromatic hydrocarbons but is easily coked. When a two‐layer catalyst bed of MCM‐41 and HZSM‐5 is used to obtaining higher catalytic activity, the two‐layer catalyst bed is capable of the promotion of hydrocarbon production with a relative content of 41.44 % because the hierarchical catalyst has higher flexibility than the two‐layer catalyst bed. It is found that the concentration of alkali solution used significantly influences the catalytic effects of composite molecular sieve. Additionally, the catalyzed transformation of oxygenated chemicals into hydrocarbons can be facilitated with the utilization of hexadecyl trim‐ethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) in comparison with NaOH.
Biogenic Formic Acid as a Green Hydrogen Carrier
Authors: Preuster Patrick , Albert Jakob
Published: October 2017

Formic acid (FA) is an important platform chemical that has numerous applications in the chemical and agricultural industries, as well as in the leather industry. To date, FA is exclusively produced from fossil raw materials using either carbonylation of methanol or acidolysis of formates. Here, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to produce biogenic FA from biomass (e.g., OxFA‐process) are presented and combined with different approaches for the catalytic decomposition of bio‐based FA solutions. Several homogeneous and heterogeneous approaches for the catalytic decomposition of aqueous FA to hydrogen and CO2 are compared for their applicability. Moreover, their technical applications in fuel cells, as energy storage vectors, and as hydrogen storage molecules are discussed.
Ultrasonication‐assisted transesterification for biodiesel production by using heterogeneous ZnO nanocatalyst
Authors: Varghese Rintu , Henry Joy Prabu , Irudayaraj Johnson
Published: October 2017

Biodiesel is considered as an alternative fuel which can replace the traditional fuels easily with its less hazardous effects and economical pricing. This study compares an ultrasonic‐assisted catalytic transesterification using ZnO nanocatalyst for waste cooking oil (WCO) with the conventional stirring method. The structural and morphological characterizations of prepared catalysts were done by XRD and FESEM with EDX methods. The effect of reaction parameters such as oil to methanol ratio, catalyst amount and reaction time was investigated to optimize the transesterification conditions. GC/MS and FTIR analysis have been carried out to identify and confirm the presence of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) under optimum conditions. The FAME conversion yield up to 96% under ultrasonication method was calculated. Two important fuel properties like density and viscosity were analyzed and compared with the standard biodiesel. These studies provided the clear evidence that WCO can be employed as a substantial source of biodiesel as fuel in diesel engines. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1176–1182, 2018
Removal of copper(II) ions from Aqueous Media by Chemically Modified MCM‐41 with N‐(3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine and Its 4‐hydroxysalicylidene Schiff‐base
Authors: Saad Eman M. , Hassan Hassan M.A. , Soltan Mohamed S. , Butler Ian S. , Mostafa Sahar I.
Published: October 2017

The adsorption capacities of mesoporous silica modified with N‐(3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine (MCM‐41‐NH2) and its 4‐hydroxysalicylidene Schiff‐base, MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba, as sorbents for removal and recovery of copper(II) ions from aqueous media have been investigated. The sorption uptake is highly dependent on the pH, contact time, temperature, diverse ions, mass of sorbent as well as initial Cu(II) ions concentration. At pH 6, the two sorbents, MCM‐41‐NH2 and MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba, show 96.4% and 99.9% Cu(II) ions removal, respectively. Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit of the experimental data with maximum adsorption capacities 138.8 and 222.2 mg g−1 for MCM‐41‐NH2 and MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba, respectively. The uptake kinetics were modeled using a pseudo‐second‐order rate equation and the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔG° and ΔS°) verified favorable, spontaneous, and exothermic for MCM‐41‐NH2 and endothermic for MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba adsorption processes. Successive adsorption–desorption studies indicated that MCM‐41‐NH2 and MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba maintain their adsorption and desorption efficiencies constant over five cycles. Of particular importance is the fact that MCM‐41‐NH2 and MCM‐41‐N‐Hdhba were able to remove 95% of Cu(II) ions from polluted river and tap water. The structures and physicochemical properties of the sorbents before and after adsorption of Cu(II) ions were characterized by using spectroscopic (FTIR and XRD), morphological (TEM‐EDX), thermal, elemental analysis, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 746–760, 2018
Surface Modification Allows High Performance for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Fabricated by a Single‐step Co‐firing Process
Authors: Dai H. , Ning Y. , He S. , Zhang X. , Guo L. , Zhao G.
Published: October 2017

The power output of solid oxide fuel cells using samarium doped ceria electrolyte fabricated by a single‐step co‐firing process is enhanced by using a surface modification strategy. This strategy leads to the cell performance improving from 401 mW cm−2 to 523 mW cm−2 at 700 °C, with an increase of more than 30% been achieved, which is very encouraging considering the large electrolyte thickness (∼500 µm). The cell resistance, including both polarization resistance and the ohmic resistance, decreases dramatically by employing the surface modification method. Those results reveal that the surface modification improves the cathode/electrolyte interfacial contact, which results in a reduced total cell resistance and leads to a better cell performance.
Estimation of fracture distribution in a CO2‐EOR system through Ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Liu Xuan , Dai Cheng , Xue Liang , Ji Bingyu
Published: October 2017

CO2‐EOR can serve as a method to jointly enhance oil production and reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. In a fractured reservoir, it is crucial to characterize the spatial and geometrical properties of fractures when designing a CO2‐enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategy, since the existence of fractures may lead to the early CO2 breakthrough and can significantly impact the sweep efficiency. Compared with the traditional continuum model, discrete fracture model (DFM) can explicitly maintain the full geometrical properties of the individual fractures and accurately simulate the performance of a CO2‐EOR system. However, the spatial distribution of fractures should be reasonably understood to ensure the effectiveness of CO2‐EOR project. In this work, an approach combining ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with DFM is developed to estimate the fracture distribution by matching the history of production data. The spatial distribution of each fracture is characterized by the coordinates of endpoints, length, and orientation. These geometrical properties are treated as the adjustable model parameters during the history matching process. The difficulty to estimate such parameters lies in the non‐linear relationship between parameters and the observed production data. The EnKF method has been found to an effective method to resolve this issue. Here the available production data is assimilated sequentially to update the geometrical parameters of each fracture via the EnKF method, which has the capability to quantify the production dynamics under estimation uncertainty. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized trial of obeticholic acid monotherapy in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Kowdley Kris V. , Luketic Velimir , Chapman Roger , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Poupon Raoul , Schramm Christoph , Vincent Catherine , Rust Christian , Parés Albert , Mason Andrew , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Shapiro David , Adorini Luciano , Sciacca Cathi , Beecher‐Jones Tessa , Böhm Olaf , Pencek Richard , Jones David ,   for the Obeticholic Acid PBC Monotherapy Study Group
Published: October 2017

Obeticholic acid (OCA), a potent farnesoid X receptor agonist, was studied as monotherapy in an international, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 2 study in patients with primary biliary cholangitis who were then followed for up to 6 years. The goals of the study were to assess the benefit of OCA in the absence of ursodeoxycholic acid, which is relevant for patients who are intolerant of ursodeoxycholic acid and at higher risk of disease progression. Patients were randomized and dosed with placebo (n = 23), OCA 10 mg (n = 20), or OCA 50 mg (n = 16) given as monotherapy once daily for 3 months (1 randomized patient withdrew prior to dosing). The primary endpoint was the percent change in alkaline phosphatase from baseline to the end of the double‐blind phase of the study. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included change from baseline to month 3/early termination in markers of cholestasis, hepatocellular injury, and farnesoid X receptor activation. Efficacy and safety continue to be monitored through an ongoing 6‐year open‐label extension (N = 28). Alkaline phosphatase was reduced in both OCA groups (median% [Q1, Q3], OCA 10 mg −53.9% [−62.5, −29.3], OCA 50 mg −37.2% [−54.8, −24.6]) compared to placebo (−0.8% [−6.4, 8.7]; P < 0.0001) at the end of the study, with similar reductions observed through 6 years of open‐label extension treatment. OCA improved many secondary and exploratory endpoints (including γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, conjugated bilirubin, and immunoglobulin M). Pruritus was the most common adverse event; 15% (OCA 10 mg) and 38% (OCA 50 mg) discontinued due to pruritus. Conclusion: OCA monotherapy significantly improved alkaline phosphatase and other biochemical markers predictive of improved long‐term clinical outcomes. Pruritus increased dose‐dependently with OCA treatment. Biochemical improvements were observed through 6 years of open‐label extension treatment. (Hepatology 2018;67:1890‐1902).
Cholangiocyte autophagy contributes to hepatic cystogenesis in polycystic liver disease and represents a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Masyuk Anatoliy I. , Masyuk Tatyana V. , Lorenzo Pisarello Maria J. , Ding Jingyi (Francess) , Loarca Lorena , Huang Bing Q. , LaRusso Nicholas F.
Published: October 2017

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a group of genetic disorders with limited treatment options and significant morbidity. Hepatic cysts arise from cholangiocytes exhibiting a hyperproliferative phenotype. Considering that hyperproliferation of many cell types is associated with alterations in autophagy, we hypothesized that autophagy is altered in PLD cholangiocytes, contributes to hepatic cystogenesis, and might represent a potential therapeutic target. We employed functional pathway cluster analysis and next‐generation sequencing, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and western blotting to assess autophagy in human and rodent PLD cholangiocytes. A three‐dimensional culture model was used to study the effects of molecular and pharmacologic inhibition of autophagy on hepatic cystogenesis in vitro, and the polycystic kidney disease–specific rat, an animal model of PLD, to study the effects of hydroxychloroquine, a drug that interferes with the autophagy pathway, on disease progression in vivo. Assessment of the transcriptome of PLD cholangiocytes followed by functional pathway cluster analysis revealed that the autophagy–lysosomal pathway is one of the most altered pathways in PLD. Direct evaluation of autophagy in PLD cholangiocytes both in vitro and in vivo showed increased number and size of autophagosomes, lysosomes, and autolysosomes; overexpression of autophagy‐related proteins (Atg5, Beclin1, Atg7, and LC3); and enhanced autophagic flux associated with activation of the cAMP–protein kinase A–cAMP response element–binding protein signaling pathway. Molecular and pharmacologic intervention in autophagy with ATG7 small interfering RNA, bafilomycin A1, and hydroxychloroquine reduced proliferation of PLD cholangiocytes in vitro and growth of hepatic cysts in three‐dimensional cultures. Hydroxychloroquine also efficiently inhibited hepatic cystogenesis in the polycystic kidney disease–specific rat. Conclusion: Autophagy is increased in PLD cholangiocytes, contributes to hepatic cystogenesis, and represents a potential therapeutic target for disease treatment. (Hepatology 2018;67:1088–1108)
Placental growth factor inhibition targets pulmonary angiogenesis and represents a therapy for hepatopulmonary syndrome in mice†
Authors: Raevens Sarah , Geerts Anja , Paridaens Annelies , Lefere Sander , Verhelst Xavier , Hoorens Anne , Van Dorpe Jo , Maes Tania , Bracke Ken R. , Casteleyn Christophe , Jonckx Bart , Horvatits Thomas , Fuhrmann Valentin , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Van Steenkiste Christophe , Devisscher Lindsey , Colle Isabelle
Published: October 2017

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe complication of cirrhosis with increased risk of mortality. Pulmonary microvascular alterations are key features of HPS; but underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood, and studies on HPS are limited to rats. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a proangiogenic molecule that is selectively involved in pathological angiogenesis, may play an important role in HPS development; however, its role has never been investigated. In this study, we validated an HPS model by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in mice, investigated the kinetic changes in pulmonary angiogenesis and inflammation during HPS development, and provide evidence for a novel therapeutic strategy by targeting pathological angiogenesis. Mice with CBDL developed hypoxemia and intrapulmonary shunting on a background of liver fibrosis. Pulmonary alterations included increased levels of proangiogenic and inflammatory markers, which was confirmed in serum of human HPS patients. Increased PlGF production in HPS mice originated from alveolar type II cells and lung macrophages, as demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining. Dysfunctional vessel formation in CBDL mice was visualized by microscopy on vascular corrosion casts. Both prophylactic and therapeutic anti‐PlGF (αPlGF) antibody treatment impeded HPS development, as demonstrated by significantly less intrapulmonary shunting and improved gas exchange. αPlGF treatment decreased endothelial cell dysfunction in vivo and in vitro and was accompanied by reduced pulmonary inflammation. Importantly, αPlGF therapy did not affect liver alterations, supporting αPlGF's ability to directly target the pulmonary compartment. Conclusion: CBDL in mice induces HPS, which is mediated by PlGF production; αPlGF treatment improves experimental HPS by counteracting pulmonary angiogenesis and might be an attractive therapeutic strategy for human HPS. (Hepatology 2017)