bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rambutan‐Like Hybrid Hollow Spheres of Carbon Confined Co3O4 Nanoparticles as Advanced Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Meng , Xia Qiuying , Yue Jili , Zhu Xiaohui , Guo Qiubo , Zhu Junwu , Xia Hui
Published: December 2018

Transition metal oxides, possessing high theoretical specific capacities, are promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the sluggish sodiation/desodiation kinetics and poor structural stability restrict their electrochemical performance. To achieve high and fast Na storage capability, in this work, rambutan‐like hybrid hollow spheres of carbon confined Co3O4 nanoparticles are synthesized by a facile one‐pot hydrothermal treatment with postannealing. The hierarchy hollow structure with ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles embedded in the continuous carbon matrix enables greatly enhanced structural stability and fast electrode kinetics. When tested in sodium‐ion batteries, the hollow structured composite electrode exhibits an outstandingly high reversible specific capacity of 712 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, and retains a capacity of 223 mAh g−1 even at a large current density of 5 A g−1. Besides the superior Na storage capability, good cycle performance is demonstrated for the composite electrode with 74.5% capacity retention after 500 cycles, suggesting promising application in advanced sodium‐ion batteries.
High‐Sensitivity, Skin‐Attachable, and Stretchable Array of Thermo‐Responsive Suspended Gate Field‐Effect Transistors with Thermochromic Display
Authors: Hong Soo Yeong , Kim Min Su , Park Heun , Jin Sang Woo , Jeong Yu Ra , Kim Jung Wook , Lee Yong Hui , Sun Lianfang , Zi Goangseup , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: December 2018

The fabrication of a skin‐attachable, stretchable array of high‐sensitivity temperature sensors is demonstrated. The temperature sensor consists of a single‐walled carbon nanotube field‐effect transistor with a suspended gate electrode of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)‐coated gold grid/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and thermochromic leuco dye. The sensor exhibits a very high sensitivity of 6.5% °C−1 at temperatures between 25 and 45 °C. With increasing temperature, the suspended gate electrode bends due to the deswelling of the PNIPAM, resulting in the reduction of the air gap to increase the drain current under a constant gate voltage. At the same time, the leuco dye coated on top of the transparent gate electrode changes color to visualize changes in temperature. The 4 × 6 integrated temperature sensor array integrated using liquid metal interconnections exhibits mechanical and electrical stability under 50% biaxial stretching and allows for the spatial mapping of temperature with visual color display regardless of wrist movement while attached to the skin of the wrist. This work is expected to be widely useful in the development of skin‐attachable electronics for medical and health‐care monitoring.
Mix and Match: Organic and Inorganic Ions in the Perovskite Lattice
Authors: Gebhardt Julian , Rappe Andrew M.
Published: December 2018

Materials science evolves to a state where the composition and structure of a crystal can be controlled almost at will. Given that a composition meets basic requirements of stoichiometry, steric demands, and charge neutrality, researchers are now able to investigate a wide range of compounds theoretically and, under various experimental conditions, select the constituting fragments of a crystal. One intriguing playground for such materials design is the perovskite structure. While a game of mixing and matching ions has been played successfully for about 150 years within the limits of inorganic compounds, the recent advances in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite photovoltaics have triggered the inclusion of organic ions. Organic ions can be incorporated on all sites of the perovskite structure, leading to hybrid (double, triple, etc.) perovskites and inverse (hybrid) perovskites. Examples for each of these cases are known, even with all three sites occupied by organic molecules. While this change from monatomic ions to molecular species is accompanied with increased complexity, it shows that concepts from traditional inorganic perovskites are transferable to the novel hybrid materials. The increased compositional space holds promising new possibilities and applications for the universe of perovskite materials.
Susceptible Surface Sulfide Regulates Catalytic Activity of CdSe Quantum Dots for Hydrogen Photogeneration
Authors: Fan Xiang‐Bing , Yu Shan , Wang Xian , Li Zhi‐Jun , Zhan Fei , Li Jia‐Xin , Gao Yu‐ji , Xia An‐Dong , Tao Ye , Li Xu‐Bing , Zhang Li‐Ping , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: December 2018

Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) have recently triggered a huge interest in constructing efficient hydrogen production systems. It is well established that a large fraction of surface atoms of QDs need ligands to stabilize and avoid them from aggregating. However, the influence of the surface property of QDs on photocatalysis is rather elusive. Here, the surface regulation of CdSe QDs is investigated by surface sulfide ions (S2−) for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Structural and spectroscopic study shows that with gradual addition of S2−, S2− first grows into the lattice and later works as ligands on the surface of CdSe QDs. In‐depth transient spectroscopy reveals that the initial lattice S2− accelerates electron transfer from QDs to cocatalyst, and the following ligand S2− mainly facilitates hole transfer from QDs to the sacrificial agent. As a result, a turnover frequency (TOF) of 7950 h−1 can be achieved by the S2− modified CdSe QDs, fourfold higher than that of original mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdSe QDs. Clearly, the simple surface S2− modification of QDs greatly increases the photocatalytic efficiency, which provides subtle methods to design new QD material for advanced photocatalysis.
Reversible Control of Physical Properties via an Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Driven Topotactic Transition in Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3−δ Thin Films
Authors: Cao Lei , Petracic Oleg , Zakalek Paul , Weber Alexander , Rücker Ulrich , Schubert Jürgen , Koutsioubas Alexandros , Mattauch Stefan , Brückel Thomas
Published: December 2018

The vacancy distribution of oxygen and its dynamics directly affect the functional response of complex oxides and their potential applications. Dynamic control of the oxygen composition may provide the possibility to deterministically tune the physical properties and establish a comprehensive understanding of the structure–property relationship in such systems. Here, an oxygen‐vacancy‐induced topotactic transition from perovskite to brownmillerite and vice versa in epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3−δ thin films is identified by real‐time X‐ray diffraction. A novel intermediate phase with a noncentered crystal structure is observed for the first time during the topotactic phase conversion which indicates a distinctive transition route. Polarized neutron reflectometry confirms an oxygen‐deficient interfacial layer with drastically reduced nuclear scattering length density, further enabling a quantitative determination of the oxygen stoichiometry (La0.7Sr0.3MnO2.65) for the intermediate state. Associated physical properties of distinct topotactic phases (i.e., ferromagnetic metal and antiferromagnetic insulator) can be reversibly switched by an oxygen desorption/absorption cycling process. Importantly, a significant lowering of necessary conditions (temperatures below 100 °C and conversion time less than 30 min) for the oxygen reloading process is found. These results demonstrate the potential applications of defect engineering in the design of perovskite‐based functional materials.
Multifunctional “Hydrogel Skins” on Diverse Polymers with Arbitrary Shapes
Authors: Yu Yan , Yuk Hyunwoo , Parada German A. , Wu You , Liu Xinyue , Nabzdyk Christoph S. , Youcef‐Toumi Kamal , Zang Jianfeng , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: December 2018

Slippery and hydrophilic surfaces find critical applications in areas as diverse as biomedical devices, microfluidics, antifouling, and underwater robots. Existing methods to achieve such surfaces rely mostly on grafting hydrophilic polymer brushes or coating hydrogel layers, but these methods suffer from several limitations. Grafted polymer brushes are prone to damage and do not provide sufficient mechanical compliance due to their nanometer‐scale thickness. Hydrogel coatings are applicable only for relatively simple geometries, precluding their use for the surfaces with complex geometries and features. Here, a new method is proposed to interpenetrate hydrophilic polymers into the surface of diverse polymers with arbitrary shapes to form naturally integrated “hydrogel skins.” The hydrogel skins exhibit tissue‐like softness (Young's modulus ≈ 30 kPa), have uniform and tunable thickness in the range of 5–25 µm, and can withstand prolonged shearing forces with no measurable damage. The hydrogel skins also provide superior low‐friction, antifouling, and ionically conductive surfaces to the polymer substrates without compromising their original mechanical properties and geometry. Applications of the hydrogel skins on inner and outer surfaces of various practical polymer devices including medical tubing, Foley catheters, cardiac pacemaker leads, and soft robots on massive scales are further demonstrated.
Hybrid Loss‐Compensated Plasmonic Device
Authors: Hosseini Alast Fatemeh , Nikkhah Mohsen , Li Xiao , Ng Jack , Ghasemi Amirhossein B. , Latifi Hamid , Cheah Kok Wai
Published: December 2018

Here it is studied how the active medium affects the Rabi‐analog splitting when an active plasmonic microcavity mode is coupled to a surface plasmon polariton mode. The incorporation of Rubrene‐like molecules in the plasmonic microcavity results in stronger modal coupling. Anticrossing is observed with a large Rabi‐analog splitting energy of 280 meV in the strong coupling regime. The active medium contributes to the split enhancement through channeling more energy toward the coupling. The variation of photoluminescence emission and exciton‐cavity mode coupling from the hybrid plasmonic microcavity are also measured. This work shows that by introducing an active medium in the microcavity, mode coupling between microcavity and surface plasmon polariton can be enhanced and the hybrid plasmonic device exhibits parity–time symmetry characteristics.
Dehydrative Synthesis of Functionalized Skipped Dienes from Stabilized Phosphonium Ylides and Allylic Alcohols in Water
Authors: Ma Xiantao , Yu Jing , Han Cuijie , Zhou Qiuju , Ren Mengjuan , Li Lixin , Tang Lin
Published: December 2018

A mild and extra activator‐free dehydrative alkylation of stabilized phosphonium ylides with allylic alcohols in water is developed in the presence of [Pd(allyl)Cl]2/dppf catalyst. A wide range of aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl and even allylic tertiary alcohols can readily react with stabilized phosphonium ylides with high regioselectivity for the efficient synthesis of functionalized skipped dienes in moderate to high yields. The role of water was investigated by means of a high‐resolution mass spectrum and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy nuclear magnetic resonance, and the results revealed that water might play a crucial role in the formation of the π‐allylpalladium complex via hydrogen bond. However, the present method is not suitable for water‐sensitive phosphonium ylides.

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Soft Modular Electronic Blocks (SMEBs): A Strategy for Tailored Wearable Health‐Monitoring Systems
Authors: Yoon Jaeyoung , Joo Yunsik , Oh Eunho , Lee Byeongmoon , Kim Daesik , Lee Seunghwan , Kim Taehoon , Byun Junghwan , Hong Yongtaek
Published: December 2018

Precise monitoring of human body signals can be achieved by soft, conformal contact and precise arrangement of wearable devices to the desired body positions. So far, no design and fabrication methodology in soft wearable devices is able to address the variations in the form factor of the human body such as the various sizes and shapes of individual body parts, which can significantly cause misalignments and the corresponding inaccurate monitoring. Here, a concept of soft modular electronic blocks (SMEBs) enabling the assembly of soft wearable systems onto human skin with functions and layouts tailored to the form factors of individuals' bodies is presented. Three types of SMEBs are developed as fundamental building blocks for functional modularization. The physical design of SMEBs is optimized for a mechanically stable island‐bridge configuration. The prepared SMEBs can be integrated onto a target body part through rapid, room‐temperature (RT) assembly (<5 s) using an oxygen plasma‐induced siloxane bonding method. A soft metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints flexion monitoring system that is tailored to allow for accurate monitoring for multiple individuals with unique joint and hand sizes is demonstrated.
Metal Hexaboride Work Functions: Surface Configurations and the Electrical Double Layer from First‐Principles
Authors: Schmidt Kevin M. , Misture Scott T. , Graeve Olivia A. , Vasquez Victor R.
Published: December 2018

Metal hexaborides are ionic crystals having exceptional thermochemical stability and unique electrochemical behavior, including low work functions, making these materials ideal for electron emission applications. Here, the importance of specific interfacial properties for the development of efficient cathode devices is examined. In particular, the electrostatic behavior of BaB6, CaB6, LaB6, and SrB6 surfaces having various terminal configurations and surface coverage is studied using a repeated symmetric slab model with self‐consistent field calculations. The calculated work functions for each system are found minimal for a monolayer cation coverage and monotonically approach the experimental value for pure boron as cations are subsequently removed. Using three patterns to sample the surface space on stoichiometric slabs with identical surface composition, it is found that configurational changes can substantially alter the calculated work function. Further examination of the bonding charge densities suggest the low work functions typically observed in these materials are mainly due to the electrical double layer formed at the surface, rather than an inherent bulk property. This provides evidence suggesting that a variety of experimental observations may be due to surface features resulting from different preparatory methods. Significant electron density shifts are observed only few atomic layers deep leaving most of the bulk material unaltered.
Scaling of High‐Performance Organic Permeable Base Transistors
Authors: Al‐Shadeedi Akram , Liu Shiyi , Kaphle Vikash , Keum Chang‐Min , Lüssem Björn
Published: December 2018

Organic permeable‐base transistors (OPBTs) show potential for high‐speed, flexible electronics. Scaling laws of OPBTs are discussed and it is shown that OPBT performance can be increased by reducing their effective device area. Comparing the performance of optimized OPBTs with state‐of‐the‐art organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), it is shown that OPBTs have a higher potential for an increased transit frequency. Not only do OPBTs reach higher transconductance values without the need for sophisticated structuring techniques, but they are also less sensitive to parasitic contact resistances. With the help of a 2D numerical model, the reduced contact resistances of OPBTs are explained by a homogeneous injection of current across the entire emitter electrode, compared to injection in a small area along the edge of the source of OFETs.
Growth curves for French people with Down syndrome from birth to 20 years of age
Authors: Mircher Clotilde , Briceño Laura G. , Toulas Jeanne , Conte Martine , Tanguy Marie‐Laure , Cieuta‐Walti Cécile , Rethore Marie‐Odile , Ravel Aimé
Published: December 2018

We present new and complete growth charts for 2,598 healthy French children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) from 0 to 20 years old, obtained with highly reliable statistical methods. This study is retrospective and addresses data collected over a period of 12 years, monocentric and with a satisfactory representation of the population nationwide. Final occipito‐frontal circumference (OFC) is at the fifth percentile compared to WHO charts, with a drop between 12 and 18 months. Final height is at the first percentile compared to WHO charts for girls and boys with two periods of reduced growth velocity: before 36 months and around puberty. We observed no pubertal growth peak for girls. For boys, pubertal growth peak showed to happen earlier and to be less significant than in the general population. When compared to a previous French study with people affected with DS, pubertal growth acceleration begins at a later age for girls and boys; girls in our study are taller at age 15 (+5 cm), but there is no difference for boys at this age. Overweight is more frequent compared to the typical French population. Mean body mass index (BMI) rises rapidly above the 75th percentile of typical French children as early as age 4, with an earlier age for precocious adiposity rebound. The second period for rapid increase of BMI is around 14 years old. When compared to a previous French study with DS, we did not observe any BMI increase, at least up to the age of 14.
Adaptive behavior in adolescents and adults with Down syndrome: Results from a 6‐month longitudinal study
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Gail A. , Goeldner Celia , Edgin Jamie , Hart Sarah J. , Noeldeke Jana , Squassante Lisa , Visootsak Jeannie , Heller James H. , Khwaja Omar , Kishnani Priya S. , Liogier d'Ardhuy Xavier
Published: December 2018

Measures of adaptive behavior are important in the assessment and treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the stability of an established and a novel measure of adaptive behavior over time, and their suitability as outcome measures in clinical trials targeting individuals with Down syndrome (DS). This 6‐month, longitudinal, noninterventional, multinational study included adolescents (12–17 years) and adults (18–30 years) with DS. Participants were from seven countries (11 different sites) with English, Spanish and French as their native language. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐II (VABS‐II) and a newly developed Clinician Global Impression (CGI) scale were administered at baseline, 1 and 6 months. Adults had lower composite standard scores on all domains of the VABS‐II compared with adolescents. The communication domain was a weakness relative to the socialization and daily living skills domains on the VABS‐II and the CGI‐Severity scale. These findings were stable over 6 months, as exhibited by high intraclass correlations (>0.75). These results provide valuable baseline data for use in trial design and endpoint selection for studies including individuals with DS.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01580384.
Characteristics and management of sinonasal paragangliomas: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen Brandon K. , Patel Nirali M. , Arianpour Khashayar , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Hsueh Wayne D. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: December 2018

Background

Paragangliomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, although exceedingly rare, can exhibit frequent and aggressive recurrences. Our objective was to evaluate tumor characteristics, clinical course, management, and associated complications of sinonasal paragangliomas

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, searching for sinonasal paraganglioma. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for level of evidence. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, primary intervention, and other clinical characteristics were evaluated.

Results

Forty‐five relevant studies encompassing 54 patients with sinonasal paraganglioma were identified. The most common tumor locations were the nasal cavity (66.7%), ethmoid sinuses (22.2%), maxillary sinuses (7.4%), and sphenoid sinuses (3.7%). Common presenting symptoms included recurrent epistaxis (68.5%), nasal obstruction (53.7%), and headache (13.0%). Tumors were malignant in 28.6% of patients. Only 4 cases (7.4%) involved functional tumors. Initial management was always surgical, via either an open (63.0%) or endoscopic (33.3%) approach. Radiotherapy was used as adjunctive treatment in 10 cases (18.5%). Recurrence rate was 21.7% and occurred between 12 to 156 months after initial resection. The overall survival was 87.0% with a metastatic rate of 8.7%.

Conclusion

Sinonasal paragangliomas are vascular neoplasms manifesting clinically with recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Management goals are total resection with clear margins and long‐term follow‐up due to tendency for local recurrence. Radiotherapy has been utilized as adjuvant therapy with variable results. Further randomized controlled studies may be invaluable in elucidating these findings.
Long‐term revision rates for endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Smith Kristine A. , Orlandi Richard R. , Oakley Gretchen , Meeks Huong , Curtin Karen , Alt Jeremiah A.
Published: December 2018

Background

Reported revision rates for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) vary significantly. Several investigations examining revision rates for ESS have been limited by duration of follow‐up, academic centers, or small surgeon cohorts. The objective of this study was to define the long‐term revision rates for ESS and to determine those unique patient factors that increase the risk of revision ESS.

Methods

The Utah Population Database was queried for Current Procedural Terminology codes for ESS from 1996 to 2016. Patient demographics and comorbid diagnoses were collected. Revision rates and risk factors for surgery were determined by Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results

A total of 29,934 patients were identified, with a mean length of follow‐up of 9.7 years. The long‐term revision rate was found to be 15.9%. The mean time between surgeries decreased with higher number of revision surgeries. The time between the first and second surgery was 4.39 years and the time between the fourth and fifth surgery decreased to 2.18 years. Female gender, older age at first surgery, nasal polyps, comorbid asthma, allergy, and a family history of CRS all increased the risk of requiring revision surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The long‐term revision rate for ESS exceeds 15% and the time between revision surgeries decreased with each additional surgery being performed. Unique patient factors increased the risk of requiring revision ESS. Understanding patients’ risk for revision surgery may help physicians select and counsel patients with CRS undergoing ESS.
Kinetische Racematspaltung tertiärer Propargylalkohole durch enantioselektive Cu‐H‐katalysierte Si‐O‐Kupplung
Authors: Seliger Jan , Dong Xichang , Oestreich Martin
Published: December 2018

Eine breite Palette racemischer tertiärer Propargylalkohole wird durch katalysatorkontrollierte enantioselektive Silylierung kinetisch gespalten. Diese nichtenzymatische kinetische Racematspaltung wird durch Cu‐H katalysiert und nutzt den kommerziell erhältlichen Katalysatorvorläufer MesCu/(R,R)‐Ph‐BPE und ein einfaches Hydrosilan als zur Racematspaltung eingesetztes Reagens. Sowohl alkyl,aryl‐ als auch dialkylsubstituierte Propargylalkohole reagieren, und besonders hohe Selektivitätsfaktoren werden erzielt, wenn der Alkinterminus eine TIPS‐Gruppe trägt, was außerdem einfache Funktionalisierung in dieser Position ermöglicht (s bis zu 207).
Programmed Degradation of Hydrogels with a Double‐Locked Domain
Authors: Lai Jinping , Abune Lidya , Zhao Nan , Wang Yong
Published: December 2018

The ability to control the degradation of a material is critical to various applications. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a concept of controlling degradation by using a double‐locked domain (DLD). DLDs are molecular structures with two functional units that work cooperatively under environmental stimulation. One unit is triggered to transform without cleavage in the presence of the first stimulus, but this transformation enables the activation of the other unit for cleavage in the presence of the second stimulus. A DLD is presented that is activated to transform through intramolecular reconfiguration when exposed to light. After this transformation, the light‐triggered DLD can undergo rapid cleavage under acid treatment. When this DLD is used as the crosslinkers of hydrogels, hydrogels undergo rapid degradation after sequential exposure to light irradiation and acid treatment. Reversing the order of light irradiation and acid treatment or only using individual stimulation does not lead to comparable degradation. Thus, this study has successfully demonstrated the great potential of using DLDs to achieve programmable degradation of materials.
Tryptamine Synthesis by Iron Porphyrin Catalyzed C−H Functionalization of Indoles with Diazoacetonitrile
Authors: Hock Katharina J. , Knorrscheidt Anja , Hommelsheim Renè , Ho Junming , Weissenborn Martin J. , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: December 2018

The functionalization of C−H bonds with non‐precious metal catalysts is an important research area for the development of efficient and sustainable processes. Herein, we describe the development of iron porphyrin catalyzed reactions of diazoacetonitrile with N‐heterocycles yielding important precursors of tryptamines, along with experimental mechanistic studies and proof‐of‐concept studies of an enzymatic process with YfeX enzyme. By using readily available FeTPPCl, we achieved the highly efficient C−H functionalization of indole and indazole heterocycles. These transformations feature mild reaction conditions, excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance, can be conducted on gram scale, and thus provide a unique streamlined access to tryptamines.
Zeolite reinforced carboxymethyl cellulose‐Na+‐g‐cl‐poly(AAm) hydrogel composites with pH responsive phosphate release behavior
Authors: Singh Anupama , Sarkar Dhruba Jyoti , Mittal Shailja , Dhaka Rashmi , Maiti Pushkar , Singh Aarushi , Raghav Taruna , Solanki Dilip , Ahmed Nayan , Singh Shashi Bala
Published: December 2018

Phosphate fixation in soils is a matter of concern in agriculture. Conventional application of phosphorus fertilizer suffers from low P use constraint, particularly in acidic soils. Rhizosphere centric slow release strategy bears tremendous prospects. In the present study, monocalcium phosphate (MCP) was impregnated in zeolite reinforced CMC‐Na+‐g‐cl‐Poly(Aam) hydrogel composites with aim to develop slow phosphate release device for soil application. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of slow release fertilizer formulations. Presence of zeolite in composite matrix during polymerization resulted in higher MCP loading. The “burst release” phenomena under neutral aqueous environment as compared to diffusion led slow release mechanism under acidic condition suggesting that phosphate release from developed composite matrix was pH responsive. The developed materials possess potential to serve as tool for improving phosphate use efficiency under resource stress agriculture. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47332.
Investigation of ureido‐attached vinyl MQ silicone resin on tracking and erosion resistance of addition‐cure liquid silicone rubber
Authors: Li Hongqiang , Li Yanping , Lai Xuejun , Cao Hongwei , Yuan Renxu , Zeng Xingrong
Published: December 2018

With the growing incidence of extreme climate and serious pollution, the capability to resist high‐voltage arc discharge has been considered as one of crucial performances for silicone rubber in the field of electrical power. Herein, to enhance the tracking and erosion resistance of addition‐cure liquid silicone rubber (ALSR), a kind of ureido‐attached vinyl MQ silicone resin [hydrolytic condensation products of monofunctional silane (M) and tetrafunctional silane (Q)] (U‐VMQ) was synthesized. The chemical structure of U‐VMQ was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and the effects of U‐VMQ on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and tracking and erosion resistance of ALSR were investigated. The results showed that U‐VMQ was beneficial for the improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability of ALSR. With 2 phr of U‐VMQ containing 2.5 wt % of vinyl content, the ALSR successfully passed the inclined plane tracking at 4.5 kV, and the electrical erosion rate was only 0.13%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47360.
New range domain carrier‐smoothed code filtering with dual‐frequency BDS data
Authors: Chen Chao , Chang Guobin , Zhang Shubi , Chen Guoliang , Luo Fei
Published: December 2018

In global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications, the carrier‐smoothed code is a widely used technique to combine code pseudo‐range and carrier phase measurements. Unlike conventional methods, a method using dual‐frequency GNSS data to improve smoothing accuracy by eliminating ionosphere delay is described in this paper. In the recursive least‐squares theory for colored measurement errors framework, a global one‐step carrier‐smoothed code filter in range domain is proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional approaches. The correlations of the time‐differenced carrier phase measurements are considered. This approach avoids overly optimistically evaluating the estimate and improves the transient accuracy of the estimate. Compared with stepwise strategy, the one‐step method is superior and globally optimal. Experiments are conducted using real BDS data, and the performance of the proposed method is demonstrated.
Bioconversion of lignin and its derivatives into polyhydroxyalkanoates: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kumar Prasun , Maharjan Anoth , Jun Hang‐Bae , Kim Beom Soo
Published: December 2018

Renewable energy resources are considered to be promising for the development of a sustainable circular economy. Among various alternatives, the microbial route for various biofuels production is quite lucrative. Use of cellulose and lignocellulose for methane, H2, organic acids, ethanol, and cellulase has been explored a lot in the past few decades. The major leftover or a coproduct of these processes belongs to lignin—an aromatic cross‐link polymer and one of the most abundant complex compounds on earth. A successful bioconversion route of lignin into high‐value products is highly desirable for biorefinery perspective. It requires a complex set of enzymes/catalysts to decompose lignin through depolymerization and oxygen removal leading to its monomers that can be metabolized by engineered organisms to synthesize muconic acids, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), methane, and other high‐value products. This article will focus on the opportunities and challenges in the bioconversion of lignin and its derivatives into PHAs.
Uncontrolled maternal chronic respiratory diseases in pregnancy: A new potential risk factor suggested to be associated with anorectal malformations in offspring
Authors: van de Putte Romy , de Blaauw Ivo , Boenink Rianne , Reijers Monique H.E. , Broens Paul M.A. , Sloots Cornelius E.J. , van Heijst Arno F.J. , van Gelder Marleen M.H.J. , Roeleveld Nel , van Rooij Iris A.L.M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Chronic respiratory diseases and use of antiasthmatic medication during pregnancy may both play a role in the etiology of congenital anorectal malformations (ARM). However, it is unclear, whether the medication use or the underlying condition would be responsible. Therefore, our aim was to unravel the role of maternal chronic respiratory diseases from that of antiasthmatic medication in the etiology of ARM.

Methods

We obtained 412 ARM patients and 2,137 population‐based controls from the Dutch AGORA data‐ and biobank. We used maternal questionnaires and follow‐up telephone interviews to obtain information on chronic respiratory diseases, antiasthmatic medication use, and potential confounders. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

We observed higher risk estimates among women with chronic respiratory diseases with and without medication use (1.4 [0.8–2.7] and 2.0 [0.8–5.0]), both in comparison to women without a chronic respiratory disease and without medication use. Furthermore, increased ORs of ARM were found for women using rescue medication (2.4 [0.8–7.3]) or a combination of maintenance and rescue medication (2.5 [0.9–6.7]). In addition, increased risk estimates were observed for women having nonallergic triggers (2.5 [1.0–6.3]) or experiencing exacerbations during the periconceptional period (3.5 [1.4–8.6]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the 95% CIs of most associations include the null value, the risk estimates all point towards an association between uncontrolled chronic respiratory disease, instead of antiasthmatic medication use, with ARM in offspring. Further in‐depth studies towards mechanisms of this newly identified risk factor are warranted.
Deutschlandweit erstmalige Anwendung von UHPFRC im Eisenbahnbrückenbau
Authors: Fischer Oliver , Schramm Nicholas , Lechner Thomas
Published: December 2018

Ultrahochfester faserbewehrter Beton (UHPFRC) zeichnet sich durch ein extrem dichtes Gefüge und sehr hohe Festigkeiten sowie exzellente Dauerhaftigkeitseigenschaften aus. Dadurch wird eine extrem langlebige, materialsparende und gewichtsreduzierte, schlanke Bauweise ermöglicht, die völlig neue Möglichkeiten und Einsatzbereiche im Fertigteil‐Brückenbau eröffnet. Im Zuge der Überbauerneuerung einer bestehenden Bahnbrücke über den Dürnbach auf dem Streckennetz der Tegernsee‐Bahn konnte der Werkstoff nun in Deutschland erstmalig für eine Eisenbahnbrücke besonders zweckmäßig und vorteilhaft eingesetzt werden. So konnte damit ein schlankes Bauwerk mit sehr geringer Konstruktionshöhe realisiert werden, das als vergleichsweise leichtes Gesamtfertigteil in einer kurzen Sperrpause eingehoben wurde. Die gewünschte Vergrößerung des Durchflussquerschnitts bei Hochwasser war daher ohne jegliche Anpassung der Gleislage möglich und die bestehenden Widerlager konnten aufgrund des geringen Eigengewichts des neuen Überbaus beibehalten werden. Der Überbau wurde als Fertigteil‐Plattenbrücke mit Trogquerschnitt in Spannbetonbauweise ausgeführt. Der vorliegende Teil 1 des Beitrags geht auf die Konzeption und die Realisierung sowie die im Zuge des Projekts gewonnenen Erkenntnisse ein. Im späteren zweiten Teil wird über die Ergebnisse der begleitenden wissenschaftlichen Untersuchungen berichtet werden.
Use of bevacizumab as a single agent or in adjunct with traditional chemotherapy regimens in children with unresectable or progressive low‐grade glioma
Authors: Zhukova Nataliya , Rajagopal Revathi , Lam Adrienne , Coleman Lee , Shipman Peter , Walwyn Thomas , Williams Molly , Sullivan Michael , Campbell Martin , Bhatia Kanika , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Hansford Jordan R.
Published: December 2018

In pediatric low‐grade gliomas not amenable to complete resection, various chemotherapy regimens are the mainstream of treatment. An excellent overall survival of these patients makes justification of the intensification of chemotherapy difficult and calls for the development of new strategies. Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been successfully used in combination with irinotecan in a number of adult and pediatric studies and reports. Fifteen patients at median age of 7 years old (range 3 months to 15 years) were treated with bevacizumab in combination with conventional low‐toxicity chemotherapy. The majority had chiasmatic/hypothalamic and midline tumors, seven had confirmed BRAF pathway alterations including neurofibromatosis type 1 (2). Fourteen patients had more than one progression and three had radiotherapy. No deaths were documented, PFS at 11 and 15 months was 71.5% ± 13.9% and 44.7% ± 17.6% respectively. At the end of follow‐up 40% of patients has radiologically stable disease, three patients progressed shortly after completion of bevacizumab and two showed mixed response with progression of cystic component. Rapid visual improvement was seen in 6/8 patients, resolution of endocrine symptoms in 2/4 and motor function improvement in 4/6. No relation between histology or BRAF status and treatment response was observed. Treatment‐limiting toxicities included grade 4 proteinuria (2) and hypertension (2) managed with cessation (1) and pausing of therapy plus antihypertensives (1). In conclusion, bevacizumab is well tolerated and appears most effective for rapid tumor control to preserve vision and improve morbidity.
RASSF1‐AS1, an antisense lncRNA of RASSF1A, inhibits the translation of RASSF1A to exacerbate cardiac fibrosis in mice
Authors: Guo Min , Liu Tangyu , Zhang Shujie , Yang Longbiao
Published: December 2018

Cardiac fibrosis is associated with various cardiovascular diseases and can eventually lead to heart failure. Dysregulation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recognized as one of the key mechanisms of cardiac diseases. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis have not been explicitly defined. Here, we investigated the role of an antisense (AS) lncRNA from the Ras association domain‐containing protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) gene locus, named RASSF1‐AS1, in the development of cardiac fibrosis. Cardiac fibrosis mouse model was established by isoproterenol injection. We found that RASSF1A protein was downregulated, whereas RASSF1‐AS1 was markedly upregulated during cardiac fibrosis. Overexpression and knockdown of mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts showed that RASSF1‐AS1 negatively regulated RASSF1A expression at the post‐transcriptional level. According to the landscape analysis and sense‐AS binding evaluation, RASSF1‐AS1 partially overlaps with RASSF1A messenger RNA (mRNA) at the exon2 region. RNA pull‐down and luciferase activity assays confirmed that RASSF1‐AS1 directly bound to RASSF1A mRNA and suppressed its translation. Furthermore, wild‐type RASSF1‐AS1 had a promoting effect on nuclear factor‐κB activation and cardiac fibrosis, but mutated RASSF1‐AS1, in which the binding region was deleted, had no effect. In conclusion, RASSF1‐AS1 inhibits the translation of RASSF1A to exacerbate cardiac fibrosis in mice, indicating a potential application of RASSF1‐AS1 as a therapy target for cardiac fibrosis.
Nutritional, physicochemical, and functional quality of beetroot (Beta vulgarisL.) incorporated Asian noodles
Authors: Chhikara Navnidhi , Kushwaha Komal , Jaglan Sundeep , Sharma Paras , Panghal Anil
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

Noodles are staple food for many Asian countries as these are easy to prepare, economic, and convenient, thus gaining popularity throughout world. However, wheat flour‐based noodles are deficient in essential nutrients. So, the present study was planned to investigate the potential of beetroot pulp (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) as a component in noodle manufacturing to improve the nutritional status. Phytochemical analysis, cooking qualities, pasting properties, color, and sensory profile of Asian noodles were determined.

Findings

Study revealed that beetroot pulp addition to wheat flour greatly influenced the cooking, color, functional, phytochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristic of formulated noodles. Pulp addition significantly (p < 0.05) improved the nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and the color intensity. On increasing the level of incorporation of beetroot (0%–40%), there was an increment in antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity, determined according to the elimination of DPPH radicals) (21.20 ± 0.10%–50.30 ± 1.0%), total phenol content determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu reaction (117.02 ± 1.0–152.20 ± 1.0 mg/100 g), and betalains content (0–140.48 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Lightness of color value significantly decreased from 68.27 ± 0.051 to 35.7 ± 0.30, indicating darker color on pulp addition. There was an increase in fat uptake (15.96 ± 0.070%–18.76 ± 0.5%), cooking time (5 ± 0.10–6 ± 0.20 min), and gruel losses (0.075 ± 0.005–0.195 ± 0.002 g/100 g) with pulp addition.

Conclusions

Noodles with 30% beetroot pulp were considered best as this significantly improved (p < 0.05) the nutritional, phytochemical, cooking, and sensory quality attributes. This particular level can be recommended for delivering staple food with better nutritional contents and suitable cooking as well as eating quality parameters.

Significance and novelty

The research explored the possibility of beetroot pulp addition to noodle for the development of functional staple food.
Promising Techniques for Depolymerization of Lignin into Value‐added Chemicals
Authors: Ren Tianyu , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: December 2018

As the world's second most renewable resource, lignin has been studied for depolymerization into useful chemicals and fuels for many years. However, although good results were achieved in laboratory tests, it is difficult to apply those techniques into industrial production. One of the main obstacles is the costly separation tasks of complex degradation products, as reflected from the case of industrial production of vanillin from lignin. In this article, we introduce and discuss the degradation strategies and products that are potential for lignin depolymerization into valuable chemicals on a commercial scale. Based on the viewpoint of not only conversion and yield but also the complexity of degradation products, five categories of products and corresponding processes are recommended as more promising chemicals for industrial production in the near future.
Nitrogen‐Doped Cu2S/MoS2 Heterojunction Nanorod Arrays on Copper Foam for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Xianming , Wang Jianzhi , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Tian Qifeng , Liu Manyu , Cai Ning , Xue Yanan , Chen Weimin , Li Wei , Yu Faquan
Published: December 2018

The fabrication of non‐noble element electrocatalysts with comparable catalytic activity with Pt‐based materials is in great requirements for water splitting to achieve sustainable hydrogen production. Cu2S/MoS2 heterojunction nanorod arrays on copper foam were prepared for this purpose. The nitrogen doping was achieved in situ. HRTEM, SEM, XPS and EDX verified the heterojunction interfacial texture and the defect‐rich nanoarray configuration. The heterojunction interfacial texture, the defect rich configuration and the outward active sites optimized the structure required as a high‐efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst. As a result, the charge transfer resistance of the nanoarrays was estimated to be 5.4 Ω at −200 mV versus RHE, even lower than both the precursors. The electrochemical double layer capacitance was 49.95 mF cm−2, which was higher than both the precursors. The Cu2S/MoS2 heterojunction nanoarrays‐like electrocatalyst exhibited significant performance with a low overpotential (91 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and a small Tafel slope (41 mV dec−1) in alkaline electrolyte with 85.3 % retained ability after 1000 cycle runs. This work paves a road for developing high‐performance HER electrocatalysts.
Esterification of Tertiary Amides by Alcohols Through C−N Bond Cleavage over CeO2
Authors: Toyao Takashi , Nurnobi Rashed Md. , Morita Yoshitsugu , Kamachi Takashi , Hakim Siddiki S. M. A. , Ali Md. A. , Touchy Abeda S. , Kon Kenichi , Maeno Zen , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Shimizu Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2018

The front cover artwork for our 10th Anniversary Issue is provided by the research groups of Ken‐ichi Shimizu at Hokkaido University and Kazunari Yoshizawa at Kyushu University (Japan). The image shows a C−N bond cleavage reaction catalyzed by CeO2. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201801098.
Saline Soils Can Be Ameliorated by Adding Biochar Generated From Rice‐Residue Waste
Authors: Singh Rajanbeer , Mavi Manpreet S. , Choudhary Om Prakash
Published: December 2018

Information on the effects of biochar on salinity is inadequate, although increasing data have shown that the addition of biochar can improve soil fertility and crop production. Soil samples varying in electrical conductivity (EC) levels (2 (EC2; non‐saline control), 8 (EC8), and 16 (EC16) dS m−1) collected from a long‐term field experiment on irrigation water induced salinity were incubated for 8 weeks with different rates of rice‐residue biochar (B0: unamended, B1: 1%, B2: 2%, B4: 4% w/w). Irrespective of salinity, both EC and pH increased with increasing rate of biochar application. Compared with unamended control soil (EC2), cumulative respiration (CR) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in EC8 or EC16 soil was lower by 39–63 and 51–71%, respectively. However, addition of biochar at the rate of 2–4% reduced the decrease in CR and MBC either to 21% or similar to unamended non‐saline treatment in EC8 soil, respectively. However, the percentage decrease in CR and MBC was reduced to 47 or 21% in EC16 soil, respectively. Contrarily, biochar addition at the rate of 1% in EC8 or EC16 soil did not show a significant increase in CR and MBC compared with non‐saline control. Furthermore, at all salinity levels, ‐N concentrations increase with increasing incubation time and biochar rates, whereas ‐N concentrations were greater on day 14 than day 56 of incubation. It may be concluded that application of higher rates of rice‐residue biochar (2–4%) will be more effective in reducing the adverse effects of salinity on soil properties.
Temperature Dependent Spectroscopic Properties of Cu+ and Dy3+ Co‐Doped Phosphate Glass: Band Gap Analysis and Cu Nanocluster‐Enhanced Dy3+ Luminescence
Authors: Jiménez José A.
Published: December 2018

This paper reports on the effects of temperature on light absorption and emission in Cu+ and Dy3+ co‐doped phosphate glass, which is of interest for photonic applications. First, the temperature dependence of the absorption edge of the glass in connection with Cu+ ions absorption was assessed. A thermally‐induced red shift attributed to Cu+ ion‐lattice interactions was observed and analyzed through optical band gap determinations in the context of indirect‐allowed transitions. Application of the Varshni model for the dependence of the energy gaps with temperature allowed to estimate the 0 K energy gap at 2.87 (±0.01) eV. Furthermore, Dy3+ photoluminescence (PL) along with Cu nanoparticles (NPs) absorption was monitored in real‐time during an isothermal treatment by the in situ concurrent PL and absorption microspectroscopy technique. Periods of enhancement and quenching of Dy3+ emission linked to bidirectional energy transfer processes involving non‐plasmonic Cu clusters and plasmonic Cu NPs were revealed. The formation of Cu NPs was promoted by tin(II) used as reductant. It is the first time to the author's knowledge that the 0 K energy gap is estimated for a highly Cu+‐doped glass and that the enhancement of Dy3+ PL by Cu clusters is exposed.
Identification of Individual Reaction Steps in Complex Radical Reactions Involving Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lien Jennifer , Su Mengqi , Guo Ting
Published: December 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Ting Guo at the University of California, Davis. The image shows a triple‐jump model for explaining complex radical reactions such as hydroxyl radical (.OH) trapping by BMPO molecules catalyzed by gold nanoparticles. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.201800780.