bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement and modulation of cosmic noise absorption in the afternoon sector at subauroral location (L = 5) during the recovery phase of 17 March 2015 geomagnetic storm
Authors: Behera Jayanta K. , Sinha Ashwini K. , Vichare Geeta , Bhaskar Ankush , Honary Farideh , Rawat Rahul , Singh Rajesh
Published: July 2017

The present study has focused on the intense production of cosmic noise absorption (CNA) at Maitri, Antarctica (L = 5; CGM −62°S, 55°E) during the early recovery phase of the largest storm of the current solar cycle commenced on 17 March 2015 St. Patrick's Day. The enhancement of CNA during 15–18 UT(14–17 magnetic local time (MLT); MLT = UT − 1 at Maitri) was as large as the CNA enhancement occurred during the main phase of the storm. During this time the CNA pattern also exhibits oscillation in the Pc5 (2–7 mHz) range and is in simultaneity with geomagnetic pulsations in the same frequency range. We observed the amplitude of CNA pulsation is well correlated with the level of CNA production. High‐amplitude Pc5 oscillations were observed in the vicinity of auroral oval near Maitri. Absence of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves is marked suggesting the possible role of VLF waves in precipitation. The reason for the intense CNA production is found to be the precipitation caused mainly by hiss‐driven subrelativistic electrons. The CNA enhancement event is located well inside the dusk plasmaspheric bulge region as suggested by Tsurutani et al. (2015). Signature of enhanced eastward electrojet at Maitri during 14–17 MLT could be an additional factor for such large CNA. In order to establish the cause and effect relationship between the geomagnetic and CNA oscillations at Maitri, transfer entropy method has been used, which confirmed the modulation of CNA by geomagnetic pulsations.
Patterns in stream greenhouse gas dynamics from mountains to plains in northcentral Wyoming
Authors: Kuhn C. , Bettigole C. , Glick H. B. , Seegmiller L. , Oliver C. D. , Raymond P.
Published: July 2017

Quantification of small stream contributions to global carbon cycling is key to understanding how freshwater systems transmit and transform carbon between terrestrial and atmospheric pools. To date, greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from freshwaters, particularly in mountainous regions, remain poorly characterized due to a lack of direct field observations. Using a unique longitudinal approach, we conducted field surveys across two ecoregions (Middle Rockies and Great Plains) in the Clear Creek watershed, a subwatershed of Wyoming's Powder River Basin. We took direct measurements of stream gases using headspace sampling at 30 sites (8 June to 23 October). We observed the lowest and most variable concentrations in headwaters, which flow through a federally designated alpine wilderness area. By contrast, the Great Plains exhibited 1.45 and 4 times higher pCO2 and pCH4 concentrations and the relative contributions of methane increased downstream. Fluxes during snowmelt were 45% and 58% higher for CO2 and CH4 than during base flow but overall were lower than estimates for other systems. Variability for pCO2 was highest during late summer and in the uppermost sections of the headwaters. The high heterogeneity and common undersaturation observed through space and time, especially in the mountains, suggest that downscaled regional estimates may fail to capture variability in fluxes observed at these smaller scales. Based on these results, we strongly recommend higher resolution time series studies and increased scrutiny of systems at near equilibrium, inclusive of winter storage and ice‐off events, to improve our understanding of the effects of seasonal dynamics on these processes.
Phthalates – Method for the determination of nine phthalates in workplace air using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) [Air Monitoring Methods, 2017]
Authors: Nitschke L. , Breuer D. , Frenzen A. , Heinrich B. , Hebisch R. , Brock T.H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2017

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of several phthalates such as dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate and bis(2‐propylheptyl) phthalate in workplace air. With this method airborne phthalates in the gaseous state as well as bound to particles are collected simultaneously. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a sampling system consisting of a glass fibre filter located in a GSP sampling head and an adsorption tube filled with PU foam connected downstream using a suitable pump. The flow rate is set to 1 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of 60 to 120 litres. For sample preparation the collected phthalates are desorbed from the sample carriers (filter and PU foam) with 1,4‐dioxane. The sample solution is analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative determination is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations. The limit of quantification for an individual phthalate is between 0.015 and 0.096 mg/m
3
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Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the Working Group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.
Hexamethylendiisocyanat, 2,4‐Toluylendiisocyanat, 2,6‐Toluylendiisocyanat, Isophorondiisocyanat und Diphenylmethan‐4,4′‐diisocyanat – Bestimmung von Hexamethylendiamin, 2,4‐Toluylendiamin, 2,6‐Toluylendiamin, Isophorondiamin und 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenylmethan in Urin mittels Gaschromatographie‐Massenspektrometrie [Biomonitoring Methods in German language, 2017]
Authors: Cocker J. , Jones K. , Leng G. , Gries W. , Budnik L.T. , Müller J. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2017

The working group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the present biomonitoring method.

The described method allows the simultaneous determination of the metabolites of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 2,4‐toluenediamine and 2,6‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in human urine. After acid hydrolysis the released amines, hexamethylenediamine (HDA), 2,4‐, and 2,6‐toluenediamine (TDA), isophorone diamine (IPDA) and 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (4,4′‐MDA) are extracted from urine, derivatised using heptafluorobutyric anhydride and quantified by NCI‐GC‐MS. The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by independent laboratories, which have established and cross‐checked the whole procedure
Hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate, 2,6‐toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate and 4,4′‐methylene diphenyl diisocyanate – Determination of hexamethylenediamine, 2,4‐toluenediamine, 2,6‐toluenediamine, isophoronediamine and 4,4′‐methylenedianiline in urine using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry [Biomonitoring Methods, 2017]
Authors: Cocker J. , Jones K. , Leng G. , Gries W. , Budnik L.T. , Müller J. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2017

The working group “Analyses in Biological Materials” of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the present biomonitoring method.

The described method allows the simultaneous determination of the metabolites of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate and 2,6‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in human urine. After acid hydrolysis the released amines, hexamethylenediamine (HDA), 2,4‐toluenediamine, and 2,6‐toluenediamine (TDA), isophorone diamine (IPDA) and 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (4,4′‐MDA) are extracted from urine, derivatised using heptafluorobutyric anhydride and quantified by NCI‐GC‐MS. The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by independent laboratories, which have established and cross‐checked the whole procedure.
Deterministic Integration of Biological and Soft Materials onto 3D Microscale Cellular Frameworks
Authors: McCracken Joselle M. , Xu Sheng , Badea Adina , Jang Kyung‐In , Yan Zheng , Wetzel David J. , Nan Kewang , Lin Qing , Han Mengdi , Anderson Mikayla A. , Lee Jung Woo , Wei Zijun , Pharr Matt , Wang Renhan , Su Jessica , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Rogers John A. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: July 2017

Complex 3D organizations of materials represent ubiquitous structural motifs found in the most sophisticated forms of matter, the most notable of which are in life‐sustaining hierarchical structures found in biology, but where simpler examples also exist as dense multilayered constructs in high‐performance electronics. Each class of system evinces specific enabling forms of assembly to establish their functional organization at length scales not dissimilar to tissue‐level constructs. This study describes materials and means of assembly that extend and join these disparate systems—schemes for the functional integration of soft and biological materials with synthetic 3D microscale, open frameworks that can leverage the most advanced forms of multilayer electronic technologies, including device‐grade semiconductors such as monocrystalline silicon. Cellular migration behaviors, temporal dependencies of their growth, and contact guidance cues provided by the nonplanarity of these frameworks illustrate design criteria useful for their functional integration with living matter (e.g., NIH 3T3 fibroblast and primary rat dorsal root ganglion cell cultures).
3D Microstructured Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for Trapping and Recording Electrogenic Cells
Authors: Cools Jordi , Copic Davor , Luo Zhenxiang , Callewaert Geert , Braeken Dries , De Volder Michael
Published: July 2017

Electrogenic cells such as cardiomyocytes and neurons rely mainly on electrical signals for intercellular communication. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been developed for long‐term recording of cell signals and stimulation of electrogenic cells under low‐cell‐stress conditions, providing new insights in the behavior of electrogenic cells and the operation of the brain. To date, MEAs are relying on flat or needle‐shaped electrode surfaces, mainly due to limitations in the lithographic processes. This paper relies on a previously reported elasto‐capillary aggregation process to create 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) MEAs. This study shows that CNTs aggregate in well‐shaped structures of similar size as cardiomyocytes are particularly interesting for MEA applications. This is because i) CNT microwells of the right diameter preferentially trap individual cardiomyocytes, which facilitates single cell recording without the need for clamping cells or signal deconvolution, and ii) once the cells are trapped inside of the CNT wells, this 3D CNT structure is used as an electrode surrounding the cell, which increases the cell–electrode contact area. As a result, this study finds that the recorded output voltages increase significantly (more than 200%). This fabrication process paves the way for future study of complex interactions between electrogenic cells and 3D recording electrodes.
La2O3‐Modified LaTiO2N Photocatalyst with Spatially Separated Active Sites Achieving Enhanced CO2 Reduction
Authors: Lu Lei , Wang Bing , Wang Shaomang , Shi Zhan , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: July 2017

Activating CO2 molecule and promoting proton release from kinetically sluggish water oxidation are two important half‐reaction processes for achieving efficient solar‐driven conversion of CO2 to fuels. Here, an effective route is proposed that uses a solid base to modify photocatalyst with defects, aiming to simultaneously accelerate the two reaction processes. To verify this hypothesis, the La2O3 is decorated on surface of LaTiO2N with oxygen vacancies, achieving a twofold increase in CH4 yield rate for CO2 reduction. The prominent activity results from the following two effects: (1) The O2− in La2O3 as basic sites favors CO2 chemisorption in the form of CO32− species, greatly contributing to both the bending of OCO bond and the decrease of the lowest unoccupied molecule orbit energy of CO2 molecule. (2) The oxygen vacancies on LaTiO2N are beneficial in activating H2O to adsorbed OH, thus effectively decreasing the reaction barriers of water oxidation to release protons. The design concept of simultaneously activating the CO2 and H2O at different spatial sites may offer a new strategy to suppress the reverse reactions for efficient solar energy conversion.
Vapomechanically Responsive Motion of Microchannel‐Programmed Actuators
Authors: Zhang Lidong , Naumov Pancˇe , Du Xuemin , Hu Zhigao , Wang Juan
Published: July 2017

Materials that respond rapidly and reversibly to external stimuli currently stand among the top choices as actuators for real‐world applications. Here, a series of programmable actuators fabricated as single‐ or bilayer elements is described that can reversibly respond to minute concentrations of acetone vapors. By using templates, microchannel structures are replicated onto the surface of two highly elastic polymers, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinyl alcohol, to induce chiral coiling upon exposure to acetone vapors. The vapomechanical coiling is reversible and can be conducted repeatedly over 100 times without apparent fatigue. If they are immersed in liquid acetone, the actuators are saturated with the solvent and temporarily lose their motility but regain their shape and activity within seconds after the solvent evaporates. The desorption of acetone from the PVDF layer is four times faster than its adsorption, and the actuator composed of a single PVDF layer maintains its ability to move over an acetone‐soaked filter paper even after several days. The controllable and reproducible sensing capability of this smart material can be utilized for actuating dynamic elements in soft robotics.
53% Efficient Red Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots for High Color Rendering and Stable Warm White‐Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Zifei , Yuan Fanglong , Li Xiaohong , Li Yunchao , Zhong Haizheng , Fan Louzhen , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2017

Red emissive carbon quantum dots (R‐CQDs) with quantum yield of 53% is successfully prepared. An ultraviolet (UV)‐pumped CQD phosphors‐based warm white light‐emitting diode (WLED) is realized for the first time and achieves a color rendering index of 97. This work provides a new avenue for the exploration of low cost, environment‐friendly, and high‐performance CQD phosphors‐based warm WLEDs.
A Poly(l‐Lactic Acid) Polymer‐Based Thermally Stable Cantilever for Vibration Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Zhao Chunlin , Zhang Jinxi , Wang Zhong Lin , Ren Kailiang
Published: July 2017

In this investigation, it is showed for the first time that a piezoelectric poly‐(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) unimorph based cantilever device is utilized in energy harvesting applications. The cantilever device comprises of double layer of PLLA and a thick layer of polyethylene terephthalate substrate as a passive layer. Under the optimized conditions, the output power of the PLLA cantilever devices can reach a maximum value of 14.17 µW, and an open circuit voltage of 9.05 V. The generated signal can be rectified through a full‐bridge circuit and used to charge a lithium‐ion battery to 3.2 V within 7.5 h. The charged battery can successfully light up 30 light‐emitting diodes for two minutes. Furthermore, after the PLLA film was thermally treated at 140 °C for 24 h, the material still shows a shear mode piezoelectric coefficient d
14 of 9.57 pC N−1. The cantilever device fabricated from a double layer of thermally treated PLLA film can still generate an output voltage of 9.4 V and a slightly higher power output of 14.45 µW. This observation indicates that the PLLA material can be used to replace piezoelectric polymers with a lower Curie temperature in self‐powered devices under high temperature conditions.
Aluminum‐Doped Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals with Stable Blue Photoluminescence Used for Display Backlight
Authors: Liu Ming , Zhong Guohua , Yin Yongming , Miao Jingsheng , Li Ke , Wang Chengqun , Xu Xiuru , Shen Clifton , Meng Hong
Published: July 2017

Bright and stable blue emitters with narrow full‐width at half‐maxima are particularly desirable for applications in television displays and related technologies. Here, this study shows that doping aluminum (Al3+) ion into CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) using AlBr3 can afford lead‐halide perovskites NCs with stable blue photoluminescence. First, theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the extended band gap and quantum confinement effect of elongated shape give rise to the desirable blueshifted emission. Second, the aluminum ion incorporation path is rationalized qualitatively by invoking fundamental considerations about binding relations in AlBr3 and its dimer. Finally, the absence of anion‐exchange effect is corroborated when green CsPbBr3 and blue Al:CsPbBr3 NCs are mixed. Combinations of the above two NCs with red‐emitting CdSe@ZnS NCs result in UV‐pumped white light‐emitting diodes (LED) with an National Television System Committee (NTSC) value of 116% and ITU‐R Recommendation B.T. 2020 (Rec. 2020) of 87%. The color coordinates of the white LED are optimized at (0.32, 0.34) in CIE 1931. The results suggest that low‐cost, earth‐abundant, solution‐processable Al‐doped perovskite NCs can be promising candidate materials for blue down‐conversion layer in backlit displays.
Water Soluble Binder, an Electrochemical Performance Booster for Electrode Materials with High Energy Density
Authors: Li Jun‐Tao , Wu Zhan‐Yu , Lu Yan‐Qiu , Zhou Yao , Huang Qi‐Sen , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: July 2017

Binders, though often used in small doses, play a crucial role in determining the electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries with high energy density. The traditional PVDF binder, which interacts with electrode materials via weak Van der Waals forces and consequently lacks the necessary capabilities (e.g., the suppression of significant volume variations, the interface maintenance etc.), could not fulfill the high demands of batteries with high energy density. Besides, extensive usage of the PVDF binder in the lithium ion battery is cost‐ineffective and may raise environmental concerns as its handling often needs the assistance of organic solvents. Herein, recent progresses on the development of novel eco‐friendly, low‐cost and water‐soluble binders which recently have gained increasing attention as a promising performance booster for lithium ion batteries with high energy density are reviewed. Such water soluble polymer binders are either natural, or modified, or synthesized, and they were observed with profoundly enhanced chemical/physical interactions with the electrode materials, stronger mechanical adhesion and evidently improved volume variation durability, leading to dramatic improvements in the electrochemical performances of Si‐based anodes, spinel/layered oxide cathodes and S cathodes. Perspectives for future research directions on water soluble binders are also discussed.
Systematic analysis and optimization of power generation in pressure retarded osmosis: Effect of multistage design
Authors: Li Mingheng
Published: July 2017

This work presents a systematic method for analysis and optimization of specific energy production (SEP) of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) systems employing single‐stage configuration as well as multistage design with interstage hydro‐turbines. It is shown that the SEP normalized by the draw solution feed osmotic pressure increases with the number of stages as well as a dimensionless parameter
. As compared to the single‐stage PRO, the multistage arrangement not only increases flux and volume gain, but also allows a stage‐dependent, progressively decreasing hydraulic pressure, both of which contribute to enhanced SEP and power density. At the thermodynamic limit where γtot goes to infinity, the theoretical maximum SEP by an N‐stage PRO system is
, where qtot is the ratio of the draw solution flow rate at the outlet to the inlet on the system level. For single‐stage PRO, it is no more than π0. For infinite number of stages, the theoretical limit becomes
. SEP under realistic conditions and practical constraints on multistage design are discussed. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 144–152, 2018
Is early postnatal growth velocity, a proxy of minipubertal androgen action, related to adult second‐to‐fourth digit (2D:4D) ratios in men? A test in Cebu, Philippines
Authors: Georgiev Alexander V. , Ryan Calen P. , Borja Judith B. , Kuzawa Christopher W.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The ratio of the length of the second to the fourth digit (2D:4D) of the hand is often used as an index of prenatal androgen exposure but it might also be affected by androgens during “minipuberty,” a period of temporarily high testosterone (T) production in the first few months of life. To examine this, we tested the prediction that men with lower 2D:4D ratios had greater weight growth velocities during the first months of life—a metric recently shown to correlate with concurrent T levels.

Methods

We related early growth data to 2D:4D ratios of both hands measured in 756 men (25–26 years) from Cebu, The Philippines.

Results

Birth‐to‐fourth‐month (B4M) weight gain velocity (a proxy of early postnatal androgen action) was not associated with adult 2D:4D ratios of either hand, when the latter was measured continuously. When comparing men with more male‐typical digit ratios (<1.0) to those with more female‐typical ratios (≥ 1.0), the group of men with more male‐typical ratios had greater B4M weight velocity, but this was only the case for the left hand.

Conclusions

We found modest evidence that adult digit ratios relate to an anthropometric correlate of androgen exposure during minipuberty. Definitive assessment of the role of postnatal T in shaping digit ratios will require direct measures of perinatal T related to longitudinally assessed digit ratios.
Catalytic Divergent [3+3]‐ and [3+2]‐Cycloaddition by Discrimination Between Diazo Compounds
Authors: Deng Yongming , Massey Lynée A. , Rodriguez Núñez Yeray A. , Arman Hadi , Doyle Michael P.
Published: July 2017

Highly selective divergent cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds and α‐diazocarboximides catalyzed by copper(I) or dirhodium(II) have been developed. With tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate as the catalyst epoxypyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepine derivatives were prepared in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities through the first reported [3+3]‐cycloaddition of a carbonyl ylide. Use of Rh2(pfb)4 or Rh2(esp)2 directs the reactants to regioselective [3+2]‐cycloaddition generating cyclopenta[2,3]pyrrolo[2,1‐b]oxazoles with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.
The structure and application of amine‐terminated hyperbranched polymer shale inhibitor for water‐based drilling fluid
Authors: Bai Xiaodong , Wang Hao , Luo Yumei , Zheng Xiaoxu , Zhang Xingyuan , Zhou Song , Pu Xiaolin
Published: July 2017

Amine‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP‐NH2), as an inhibitor in water‐based drilling fluid, is prepared by the polycondensation of diamine AB2 monomers. The primary amine and secondary amide structures are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy. Through time of flight mass spectrometry, the molecular weight of HBP‐NH2 is mainly distributed in the range of 200–1400. Also, the quasi‐spherical shape and the high temperature resistance (200 °C) performance of HBP‐NH2 are, respectively, certified through the environmental scanning electron microscope and the thermogravimetric analysis. In the inhibition performance test, the linear expansion rate of sodium bentonite in 3 wt % HBP‐NH2 aqueous solution is only 11.42%, which is lower than other inhibitors (KCl, FA‐367, and HPAM). Zeta potential analysis shows that HBP‐NH2 has a strong ability to inhibit the hydration and dispersion of sodium bentonite by protonated primary amine groups. Compared with the base slurry, the absolute value of zeta potential is reduced by 25.5 mV in the slurry containing 3 wt % HBP‐NH2 at 180 rpm. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45466.
Increase in the length of poly(ethylene oxide) blocks in amphiphilic copolymers facilitates their cellular uptake
Authors: Grozdova Irene D. , Badun Gennadiy A. , Chernysheva Maria G. , Orlov Victor N. , Romanyuk Andrey V. , Melik‐Nubarov Nikolay S.
Published: July 2017

Amphiphilic nonionic block copolymers induce different biological effects on living cells. In particular, the hydrophobic members of the Pluronics family suppress drug efflux systems in multidrug‐resistant cells, whereas hydrophilic Pluronics support cell viability. However, the relationship between the copolymer structure and its binding to cells is still unclear. Using a tritium‐labeling approach, we analyzed interactions of nine Pluronics and three diblock copolymers with human and murine cells in vitro and revealed that the binding efficiency of the copolymers increased in line with the length of their poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks. In contrast, partitioning of the same polymers into artificial lipid bilayers determined by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) decreased with increasing length of the PEO block. The opposite influence of hydrophilic blocks on the copolymer affinity to living cells and artificial lipid bilayers implied the binding of long PEO blocks to the hydrophilic moieties of cellular membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45492.
High throughput fiber reactor process for organic nanoparticle production: Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), polyacrylamide, and alginate
Authors: Jamkhindikar Sumit P. , Stretz Holly A. , Massingill John L. , Betancourt Tania
Published: July 2017

The goal of the present research was to scale microfluidic technology to a high throughput system using a fiber reactor platform. The nanoparticles studied are used in nanomedicine as drug delivery devices or “cages.” This process complements new research into skid‐based pharmaceutical production. Alginate nanoparticles were successfully generated in this process ranging in size from 23 to 151 nm with 424 g/day throughput. Polyacrylamide (PAm) nanoparticles were also formed and crosslinked with sizes ranging from 79 to 117 nm with 662 g/day throughput. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) nanoparticles with a size range of 12 to 63 nm and 650 g/day were produced as well. Both one‐ and two‐phase flows were demonstrated. The effects of changes in various process parameters on the formed nanoparticle morphology are documented. Tunable process control is demonstrated to reliably manipulate the PNIPAm nanoparticle lower critical solution temperature. Process temperature affected the mean diameter and size dispersity of all the nanoparticles. This was postulated to be due to a shearing effect arising from carrier viscosity changes. Flow rate affected the average particle diameter by 10%–30%, and temperature could be used to tune the NP diameter by 50% across a moderate process temperature range of 5 to 25 °C. The PDI was very responsive to process temperature as well, decreasing by almost 50% across the same temperature range. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45524.
Thermomechanical effects in the torsional actuation of twisted nylon 6 fiber
Authors: Aziz Shazed , Naficy Sina , Foroughi Javad , Brown Hugh R. , Spinks Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2017

Thermally induced torsional and tensile actuators based on twisted polymeric fibers have opened new opportunities for the application of artificial muscles. These newly developed actuators show significant torsional deformations when subjected to temperature changes, and this torsional actuation is the defining mechanism for tensile actuation of twisted and coiled fibers. To date it has been found that these actuators require multiple heat/cool cycles (referred to as “training” cycles) prior to obtaining a fully reversible actuation response. Herein, the effect of annealing conditions applied to twisted nylon 6 monofilament is investigated and it is shown that annealing at 200 °C eliminates the need for the training cycles. Furthermore, the effect of an applied external torque on the torsional actuation is also investigated and torsional creep is shown to be affected by the temperature and load. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45529.
Aggregation of SND1 in Stress Granules is Associated with the Microtubule Cytoskeleton During Heat Shock Stimulus
Authors: Shao Jie , Gao Fei , Zhang Bingbing , Zhao Meng , Zhou Yunli , He Jinyan , Ren Li , Yao Zhi , Yang Jie , Su Chao , Gao Xingjie
Published: July 2017

Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic dense structures in the cytoplasm that form in response to a variety of environmental stress stimuli. Staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain containing 1 (SND1) is a type of RNA‐binding protein and has been identified as a transcriptional co‐activator. Our previous studies have shown that SND1 is a component of the stress granule, which forms under stress conditions. Here, we observed that SND1 granules were often surrounded by ɑ‐tubulin‐microtubules in 45°C‐treated HeLa cells at 15 min or colocalized with microtubules at 30 or 45 min. Furthermore, Nocodazole‐mediated microtubule depolymerization could significantly affect the efficient recruitment of SND1 proteins to the SGs during heat shock stress. In addition, the 45°C heat shock mediated the enhancement of eIF2α phosphorylation, which was not affected by treatment with Nocodazole, an agent that disrupts the cytoskeleton. The intact microtubule cytoskeletal tracks are important for the efficient assembly of SND1 granules under heat shock stress and may facilitate SND1 shuttling between cytoplasmic RNA foci. Anat Rec, 300:2192–2199, 2017. © 2017 The Authors The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Design, Synthesis, and Docking Study of Pyrimidine–Triazine Hybrids for GABA Estimation in Animal Epilepsy Models
Authors: Sahu Meeta , Siddiqui Nadeem , Naim Mohd. Javed , Alam Ozair , Yar Mohammad Shahar , Sharma Vidushi , Wakode Sharad
Published: July 2017

A series of new pyrimidine–triazine hybrids (4a–t) was designed and synthesized, from which potent anticonvulsant agents were identified. Most of the compounds exhibited promising anticonvulsant activity against the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests, along with minimal motor impairment with higher safety compared to the standard drugs, phenytoin and carbamazepine. In the series, 5‐(4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐6‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐thioxo‐5,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(6H)‐one (4o) and 5‐(6‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐thioxo‐5,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(6H)‐one (4s) emerged as most potent anticonvulsant agents with median doses of 22.54 and 29.40 mg/kg (MES ED50), 285.02 and 293.42 mg/kg (scPTZ ED50), and 389.11 and 412.16 mg/kg (TD50), respectively. Docking studies were also performed for all synthesized compounds to get insight into the binding pattern toward the GABAA receptor as a possible mechanism of their anticonvulsant action, and in silico ADME studies were carried out to predict the safety and stability of the molecules. The increased GABA level in the experimental animals in the neurochemical estimation assay confirmed their GABAergic modulating activity. The most potent compounds were also evaluated for their neurotoxic and hepatotoxic effects. Fortunately, they did not show any sign of neurotoxicity or hepatotoxicity, suggesting that they have a broad spectrum of anticonvulsant activity with a large safety margin. Together, this research suggested that 4o and 4s may serve as leads in the discovery and development of new anticonvulsant drugs.
Coupling Molecular Photocatalysis to Enzymatic Conversion
Authors: Mengele Alexander K. , Seibold Gerd M. , Eikmanns Bernhard J. , Rau Sven
Published: July 2017

A hetero‐binuclear dyad that contains a ruthenium polypyridyl moiety bound through an aromatic bridging ligand to an organometallic catalytic center has been used for the light‐driven reduction of the N‐benzyl‐3‐carbamoylpyridinium cation, NAD+, and NADP+ to yield the two‐electron‐reduced analog. Direct coupling with enzymatic conversion was proved by using UV/Vis spectroscopy and liquid chromatography, which showed cofactor‐recycling and enzymatic conversion with a turnover number of 350 per photocatalyst. First insights into the complex behavior of the catalytic system under irradiation point towards multiple prerequisites on the molecular as well as on the macroscopic level to generate highly efficient semiartificial photo‐biocatalytic systems for future energy‐storage applications.
Taming the High Reactivity of Gold(III) Fluoride: Fluorido Gold(III) Complexes with N‐Based Ligands
Authors: Ellwanger Mathias A. , Steinhauer Simon , Golz Paul , Beckers Helmut , Wiesner Anja , Braun‐Cula Beatrice , Braun Thomas , Riedel Sebastian
Published: July 2017

The synthesis of [NMe4][AuF4] and [NEt4][AuF4], as well as an improved one‐pot synthesis of Cs[AuF4], is reported. The new [AuF4]− salts were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. These salts are the first gold(III) fluoride salts that can be isolated in pure form and are convenient to be used in usual organic solvents for subsequent synthesis. The formation of molecular AuF3 complexes in solution is further reported, characterized as [F3Au(NCCH3)] at low temperature, as [F3Au(py)] and a binuclear derivative which are stable at room temperature. The stability of these species in common organic solvents was investigated and they showed a satisfying stability.
A pH‐sensitive Macromolecular Prodrug as TLR7/8 Targeting Immune Response Modifier
Authors: Aichhorn Stefan , Linhardt Anne , Halfmann Angela , Nadlinger Markus , Kirchberger Stefanie , Stadler Manuela , Dillinger Barbara , Distel Martin , Dohnal Alexander , Teasdale Ian , Schöfberger Wolfgang
Published: July 2017

The chemical synthesis and biological activity of novel functionalized imidazoquinoline derivatives (ImQ) to generate Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7/8 specific prodrugs are presented. In vivo activity of ImQs to induce inflammation was confirmed in zebrafish larvae. After covalent ligation to fully biodegradable polyphosphazenes (ImQ‐polymer), the macromolecular prodrugs were designed to undergo intracellular pH‐sensitive release of ImQs to induce inflammation through binding to endosomal TLR7/8 (danger signal). We showed ImQ dissociation from prodrugs at a pH 5 pointing towards endosomal prodrug degradability. ImQ‐polymers strongly activated ovalbumin‐specific T cells in murine splenocytes as shown by increased proliferation and expression of the IL‐2 receptor (CD25) on CD8+ T cells accompanied by strong IFN‐γ release. ImQ prodrugs presented here are suggested to form the basis of novel nanovaccines, for example, for intravenous or intratumoral cancer immunotherapeutic applications to trigger physiological antitumor immune responses.
Melanopsin ganglion cell outer retinal dendrites: Morphologically distinct and asymmetrically distributed in the mouse retina
Authors: Sondereker Katelyn B. , Onyak Jessica R. , Islam Shakib W. , Ross Christopher L. , Renna Jordan M.
Published: July 2017

A small population of retinal ganglion cells expresses the photopigment melanopsin and function as autonomous photoreceptors. They encode global luminance levels critical for light‐mediated non‐image forming visual processes including circadian rhythms and the pupillary light reflex. There are five melanopsin ganglion cell subtypes (M1–M5). M1 and displaced M1 (M1d) cells have dendrites that ramify within the outermost layer of the inner plexiform layer. It was recently discovered that some melanopsin ganglion cells extend dendrites into the outer retina. Outer Retinal Dendrites (ORDs) either ramify within the outer plexiform layer (OPL) or the inner nuclear layer, and while present in the mature retina, are most abundant postnatally. Anatomical evidence for synaptic transmission between cone photoreceptor terminals and ORDs suggests a novel photoreceptor to ganglion cell connection in the mammalian retina. While it is known that the number of ORDs in the retina is developmentally regulated, little is known about the morphology, the cells from which they originate, or their spatial distribution throughout the retina. We analyzed the morphology of melanopsin‐immunopositive ORDs in the OPL at different developmental time points in the mouse retina and identified five types of ORDs originating from either M1 or M1d cells. However, a pattern emerges within these: ORDs from M1d cells are generally longer and more highly branched than ORDs from conventional M1 cells. Additionally, we found ORDs asymmetrically distributed to the dorsal retina. This morphological analysis provides the first step in identifying a potential role for biplexiform melanopsin ganglion cell ORDs.
Local Semicircle Law for Random Regular Graphs
Authors: Bauerschmidt Roland , Knowles Antti , Yau Horng‐Tzer
Published: July 2017

We consider random d‐regular graphs on N vertices, with degree d at least (log N)4. We prove that the Green's function of the adjacency matrix and the Stieltjes transform of its empirical spectral measure are well approximated by Wigner's semicircle law, down to the optimal scale given by the typical eigenvalue spacing (up to a logarithmic correction). Aside from well‐known consequences for the local eigenvalue distribution, this result implies the complete (isotropic) delocalization of all eigenvectors and a probabilistic version of quantum unique ergodicity.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast synchronization‐free algorithms for parallel sparse triangular solves with multiple right‐hand sides
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Li Ang , Hogg Jonathan D. , Duff Iain S. , Vinter Brian
Published: July 2017

The sparse triangular solve kernels, SpTRSV and SpTRSM, are important building blocks for a number of numerical linear algebra routines. Parallelizing SpTRSV and SpTRSM on today's manycore platforms, such as GPUs, is not an easy task since computing a component of the solution may depend on previously computed components, enforcing a degree of sequential processing. As a consequence, most existing work introduces a preprocessing stage to partition the components into a group of level‐sets or colour‐sets so that components within a set are independent and can be processed simultaneously during the subsequent solution stage. However, this class of methods requires a long preprocessing time as well as significant runtime synchronization overheads between the sets. To address this, we propose in this paper novel approaches for SpTRSV and SpTRSM in which the ordering between components is naturally enforced within the solution stage. In this way, the cost for preprocessing can be greatly reduced, and the synchronizations between sets are completely eliminated. To further exploit the data‐parallelism, we also develop an adaptive scheme for efficiently processing multiple right‐hand sides in SpTRSM. A comparison with a state‐of‐the‐art library supplied by the GPU vendor, using 20 sparse matrices on the latest GPU device, shows that the proposed approach obtains an average speedup of over two for SpTRSV and up to an order of magnitude speedup for SpTRSM. In addition, our method is up to two orders of magnitude faster for the preprocessing stage than existing SpTRSV and SpTRSM methods.
Provenance aware run‐time verification of things for self‐healing Internet of Things applications
Authors: Aktas Mehmet S. , Astekin Merve
Published: July 2017

We propose a run‐time verification mechanism of things for self‐healing capability in the Internet of Things domain. We discuss the software architecture of the proposed verification mechanism and its prototype implementations. To identify faulty running behavior of things, we utilize a complex event processing technique by applying rule‐based pattern detection on the events generated real time. For events, we use a descriptor metadata of the measurements (such as CPU usage, memory usage, and bandwidth usage) taken from Internet of Things devices. To understand the usability and effectiveness of the proposed mechanism, we developed prototype applications using different event processing platforms. We test the prototype implementations for performance and scalability under increasing message rates. The results are promising because the processing overhead of the proposed verification mechanism is negligible.
Optical and Multiferroic Properties of Gd‐Co Substituted Barium Hexaferrite
Authors: Kaur Talwinder , Sharma Jyoti , Kumar Sachin , Srivastava Ajeet K.
Published: July 2017

This report demonstrates Gd‐Co substituted M‐type barium hexaferrite, Ba1‐xGdxCoxFe12‐xO19, successful synthesis adopting sol gel method. Formation of crystalline magneto‐plumbite structure and presence of other phases are verified from the X‐ray diffraction analysis. Vibrational modes in FT‐Raman spectra show the formation of P63/mmc group can be related with magneto‐plumbite structure. TEM images of these materials are also discussed. UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra shows that with material substitution optical energy band gap increases 3.99 eV to 4.28 eV. The observed Fe3+ ions peak could be correlated to peak line width and occurrence of symmetrical resonance in electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. The dielectric constant shows high value at low frequency and it becomes constant at high frequency. The retentivity and coercivity of the material decreases with increasing substitution. Multiferroic nature of hexaferrite is analyzed using ferroelectric loops.
Strongly Coupled Molybdenum Carbide on Carbon Sheets as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Hao , Cao Yingjie , Sun Cheng , Zou Guifu , Huang Jianwen , Kuai Xiaoxiao , Zhao Jianqing , Gao Lijun
Published: July 2017

High‐performance and affordable electrocatalysts from earth‐abundant elements are desirably pursued for water splitting involving hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, a bifunctional electrocatalyst of highly crystalline Mo2C nanoparticles supported on carbon sheets (Mo2C/CS) was designed toward overall water splitting. Owing to the highly active catalytic nature of Mo2C nanoparticles, the high surface area of carbon sheets and efficient charge transfer in the strongly coupled composite, the designed catalysts show excellent bifunctional behavior with an onset potential of −60 mV for HER and an overpotential of 320 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for OER in 1 m KOH while maintaining robust stability. Moreover, the electrolysis cell using the catalyst only requires a low cell voltage of 1.73 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and maintains the activity for more than 100 h when employing the Mo2C/CS catalyst as both anode and cathode electrodes. Such high performance makes Mo2C/CS a promising electrocatalyst for practical hydrogen production from water splitting.
Role of the extracellular matrix in cancer‐associated epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon
Authors: Tzanakakis George , Kavasi Rafaela‐Maria , Voudouri Kallirroi , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Spyridaki Ioanna , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Nikitovic Dragana
Published: July 2017

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is a crucial component in the processes of morphogenesis and embryonic development. The transition of epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype is associated with numerous structural and functional changes, including loss of cell polarity and tight cell–cell junctions, the acquisition of invasive abilities, and the expression of mesenchymal proteins. The switch between the two phenotypes is involved in human pathology and is crucial for cancer progression. Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are multi‐component networks that surround cells in tissues. These networks are obligatory for cell survival, growth, and differentiation as well as tissue organization. Indeed, the ECM suprastructure, in addition to its supportive role, can process and deliver a plethora of signals to cells, which ultimately regulate their behavior. Importantly, the ECM derived signals are critically involved in the process of EMT during tumorigenesis. This review discusses the multilayer interaction between the ECM and the EMT process, focusing on contributions of discrete mediators, a strategy that may identify novel potential target molecules. Developmental Dynamics 247:368–381, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial patterns of hypolithic cyanobacterial diversity in Northern Australia
Authors: Christian Keith , Kaestli Mirjam , Gibb Karen
Published: July 2017

Photosynthetic microbial communities under translucent rocks (hypolithic) are found in many arid regions. At the global scale, there has been little intercontinental gene flow, and at a local scale, microbial composition is related to fine‐scale features of the rocks and their environment. Few studies have investigated patterns of hypolithic community composition at intermediate distances. We examined hypolithic cyanobacterial diversity in semi‐arid Australia along a 10‐km transect by sampling six rocks from four adjacent 1 m2 quadrats (“distance zero”) and from additional quadrats at 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 m to test the hypothesis that diversity would increase with the number of rocks sampled and distance. A total of 3,108 cyanobacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected. Most were neither widespread nor abundant. The few that were widespread tended to be abundant. There was no difference in the community composition between the four sites at distance zero, but the samples 10 m away were significantly different, as were those at all other distances compared to distance zero. Many additional OTUs were recorded with increasing distance up to 100 m. These patterns of distribution are consistent with a colonization model involving dispersal from rock to rock. Our results indicate that distance was a significant factor that can be confounded by interrock differences. Most diversity was represented in the first 100 m of the transect, with an additional 1.5% of the total diversity added by the sample at 1 km, but only 0.2% added with the addition of the 10‐km site.