bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intrinsic Pentagon Defects on Electrochemical Reactivity of Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Huang Yupeng , Mei Wencen , Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Chengtian , Zhang Jian , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Mu Shichun
Published: January 2019

Theoretical calculations reveal that intrinsic pentagons in the basal plane can contribute to the local electronic redistribution and the contraction of band gap, making the carbon matrix possess superior binding affinity and electrochemical reactivity. To experimentally verify this, a pentagon‐defect‐rich carbon nanomaterial was constructed by means of in situ etching of fullerene molecules (C60). The electrochemical tests show that, relative to hexagons, such a carbon‐based material with abundant intrinsic pentagon defects makes much greater contribution to the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction activity and electric double layer capacitance. It shows a four‐electron‐reaction mechanism similar to commercial Pt/C and other transition‐metal‐based catalysts, and a higher specific capacitance than many reported metal‐free carbon materials. These results show the influence of intrinsic pentagon defects for developing carbon‐based nanomaterials toward energy conversion and storage devices.
Four Boron Atoms, Four Positive Charges, and Four Skeletal Electrons: A Fluorescent σ‐Aromatic Tetraborane(4)
Authors: Widera Anna , Wadepohl Hubert , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: January 2019

Reaction of a ditriflatodiborane compound with the Lewis acids AlCl3 or GaCl3 leads to abstraction of the two triflate substituents and dimerization of the resulting dicationic diborane to give a σ‐aromatic tetracationic tetraborane with a planar, rhomboid B4 core. The compound exhibits four skeletal σ‐electrons involved in two (3c,2e) bonds and represents the first stable fourfold base‐stabilized [B4H4]4+ analogue. The product is isolated from the reaction mixture in the form of bright orange crystals that display fluorescence. Further analysis shows that the new tetraborane(4) is stabilized in the solid state by the lattice energy. It exhibits an extremely high electron affinity and is only stable in solution after one‐electron reduction to the radical cation.
Noninvasive Mechanical Joint Loading as an Alternative Model for Osteoarthritic Pain
Authors: ter Heegde Freija , Luiz Ana P. , Santana‐Varela Sonia , Chessell Iain P. , Welsh Fraser , Wood John N. , Chenu Chantal
Published: January 2019

Objective

Mechanisms responsible for osteoarthritic (OA) pain remain poorly understood, and current analgesic therapies are often insufficient. This study was undertaken to characterize and pharmacologically test the pain phenotype of a noninvasive mechanical joint loading model of OA, thus providing an alternative murine model for OA pain.

Methods

The right knees of 12‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were loaded at 9N or 11N (40 cycles, 3 times per week for 2 weeks). Behavioral measurements of limb disuse and mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were acquired before mechanical joint loading and monitored for 6 weeks postloading. The severity of articular cartilage lesions was determined postmortem with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scoring system. To assess efficacy of various treatments for pain, 9N‐loaded mice were treated for 4 weeks with diclofenac (10 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg), or anti–nerve growth factor (anti‐NGF) (3 mg/kg).

Results

Mechanical hypersensitivity and weight bearing worsened significantly in 9N‐loaded mice (n = 8) and 11N‐loaded mice (n = 8) 2 weeks postloading, compared to baseline values and nonloaded controls. Maximum OA scores of ipsilateral knees confirmed increased cartilage lesions in 9N‐loaded mice (mean ± SEM 2.8 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) and 11N‐loaded mice (5.3 ± 0.3; P < 0.001), compared to nonloaded controls (1.0 ± 0.0). Gabapentin and diclofenac restored pain behaviors to baseline values after 2 weeks of daily treatment, and gabapentin was more effective than diclofenac. A single injection of anti‐NGF alleviated nociception 2 days after treatment and remained effective for 2 weeks, with a second dose inducing stronger and more prolonged analgesia.

Conclusion

Our findings show that mechanical joint loading induces OA lesions in mice and a robust pain phenotype that can be reversed using analgesics known to alleviate OA pain in patients. This establishes the use of mechanical joint loading as an alternative model for the study of OA pain.
Assessing intercultural communication: Testing technology tools for information sharing in multinational research teams
Authors: Ward Wesley S. , Given Lisa M.
Published: January 2019

Agricultural research in developing countries often involves collaboration between dispersed multicultural teams of scientists from developed and developing countries. The teams use information and computing technologies (ICTs) to communicate between team members, who originate from different cultures using different languages. This paper investigates the usability and utility of a range of ICTs used for communication between team members from different cultures. The research used an intercultural heuristic evaluation tool, or I‐CHET, to evaluate nine ICTs used by Australian and Lao scientists for team communication. The evaluation showed that asynchronous ICTs (e.g., e‐mail) were preferred by non‐native English speakers, while synchronous media (e.g., audio conferencing, instant messaging, Skype) presented considerable problems between team members from different cultures. Most ICTs evaluated in the study demonstrated little consideration for non‐native English speakers and for inexperienced ICTs users. However, all evaluated ICTs demonstrated the ability to transmit information and encourage communication between information users in scientific collaborations. The I‐CHET assessment tool highlights the ongoing need for a “toolbox” of communication ICTs for research collaborations that can be adapted to suit the cultural and professional needs of multinational teams, worldwide.
Bag of textual graphs (BoTG): A general graph‐based text representation model
Authors: Dourado Ícaro Cavalcante , Galante Renata , Gonçalves Marcos André , da Silva Torres Ricardo
Published: January 2019

Text representation models are the fundamental basis for information retrieval and text mining tasks. Although different text models have been proposed, they typically target specific task aspects in isolation, such as time efficiency, accuracy, or applicability for different scenarios. Here we present Bag of Textual Graphs (BoTG), a general text representation model that addresses these three requirements at the same time. The proposed textual representation is based on a graph‐based scheme that encodes term proximity and term ordering, and represents text documents into an efficient vector space that addresses all these aspects as well as provides discriminative textual patterns. Extensive experiments are conducted in two experimental scenarios—classification and retrieval—considering multiple well‐known text collections. We also compare our model against several methods from the literature. Experimental results demonstrate that our model is generic enough to handle different tasks and collections. It is also more efficient than the widely used state‐of‐the‐art methods in textual classification and retrieval tasks, with a competitive effectiveness, sometimes with gains by large margins.
Creating custom Foldit puzzles for teaching biochemistry
Authors: Dsilva Lorna , Mittal Shubhi , Koepnick Brian , Flatten Jeff , Cooper Seth , Horowitz Scott
Published: January 2019

The computer game Foldit is currently widely used as a biology and biochemistry teaching aid. Herein, we introduce a new feature of Foldit called “custom contests” that allows educators to create puzzles that fit their curriculum. The effectiveness of the custom contests is demonstrated by the use of five distinct custom contests in an upper‐level biochemistry class. The new custom contest feature can be implemented in classes ranging from middle school to graduate school to enable educators to best complement their current curriculum. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 133–139, 2019.
Mindfulness, socioemotional wealth, and environmental strategy of family businesses
Authors: Dayan Mumin , Ng Poh Yen , Ndubisi Nelson Oly
Published: January 2019

The study advances knowledge in the field of business strategy and the environment by incorporating mindfulness theory into the research on socioemotional wealth (SEW) and its environmental consequences in family businesses. Using an integrative model, the paper investigates the relationship between mindfulness SEW dimensions and family firms' environmental strategies, specifically in developing sustainable products and processes. This study also proposes the firm's capabilities as a mediator in this relationship, while market turbulence is a moderator in the relationship between the firm's capabilities and sustainable products and processes.

The empirical results show that in protecting SEW, specifically in the identification of family members with the firm and binding social ties, mindfulness provides a rich endowment that develops appropriate capabilities to produce sustainable products and processes. While the moderating role of market turbulence is insignificant, we can infer that irrespective of how turbulent (or not) the market is, the firm's capabilities are a key determinant of sustainable products and processes. Our findings offer theoretical and managerial implications for sustainable practices in the family business context.
A set of Jupyter notebooks for the analysis of transport phenomena and reaction in porous catalyst pellet
Authors: Golman Boris
Published: January 2019

A set of user friendly Jupyter notebooks was developed to illustrate the techniques used to solve mass and heat balances for chemical and enzyme catalyzed reactions in a porous pellet. The advanced model of chemical vapor deposition reaction in an agglomerate of fine particles was considered as an example of non‐catalytic reactions. The developed notebooks combine the theoretical description of model equations, numerical algorithms, the computer code, and results of simulations with graphs. The computer code can be easily modified to suit user's research needs. This particular software helps students to learn the theoretical basis of mathematical models used for chemical reactions in the porous media while acquiring the practical skills in applying these models for various important reactions.
A corrugated plate photocatalytic reactor for degradation of waterborne organic contaminants
Authors: Jiao Yongmei , Kovala A. Thomas , Shang Helen , Scott John Ashley
Published: January 2019

A UV‐C/titanium dioxide (TiO2) plate coated photocatalytic reactor using a corrugated frame system was designed for water borne organic contaminant degradation. The anticipated advantages of using the corrugated layout include a larger photocatalytic surface area per unit volume and improved photocatalytic activity. The water distribution system was designed to assist effective interactions among the water pollutant, photocatalyst, and photons. The degradation of a methylene blue solution, as a model water contaminant, was carried out at room temperature (22 °C) at different concentrations and flowrates. With an 11 mg/L methylene blue solution, 70 % was degraded within the first 10 min using TiO2 coated corrugated plates, whereas under the same conditions the degradation rate was only 12 % for a corrugated reactor without a catalyst coating, and 4 % for a no‐plate reactor. The methylene blue degradation was described by the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood model, and the apparent photonic efficiency of the corrugated arrangement was found to be in the range of 1.53–2.83 % when half the initial concentration was degraded.

The local area specific rate of energy absorption (LASREA) profile over the plates was determined from a model developed based on UV‐C light irradiation distribution and plate configuration. Light intensity measurements were carried out and were found to correlate with this model. A set of corrugated plate photocatalytic reactors with different geometries, but with the same coated area, were then analyzed and absorbed UV light intensities were integrated to determine the best geometry.
Production of isophthalic acid from M‐Xylene catalyzed by Co(II) and HPW@C modified with ZnCl2 solution
Authors: Wang Zhi‐hao , Liu Hua‐jie , Fang Zhou‐wen , Zhou Xin‐zhi , Long Xiang‐li
Published: January 2019

The production of isophthalic acid (IPA) from the oxidation of m‐xylene (MX) with air can be sped up by Co(II) and phosphotungstic acid (HPW) loaded on activated carbon. In this paper, activated carbon is modified with a ZnCl2 solution to improve the catalytic performance of the HPW@C catalyst. The experiments indicate that the optimum modification condition is the carbon immersed in a 0.10 mol L−1 ZnCl2 solution for 6 h at the temperature of 40 °C followed by being carbonized at 600 °C for 4 h. The characterization proves that the ZnCl2 modification leads to the increase of surface area and acidic groups on the activated carbon. The MX conversion catalyzed by the HPW@C prepared from the carbon modified is 7.0 % over that by the HPW@C from the original carbon and the IPA produced by the modified sample is 78.9 % over that produced by the original one.
Cover Picture: Engineering SpyCatcher Variants with Proteolytic Sites for Less‐Trace Ligation (Chin. J. Chem. 2/2019)
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Jian , Wu Xia‐Ling , Liu Dong , Da Xiao‐Di , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Yang Shuguang , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: January 2019

The cover picture shows an approach toward less‐trace SpyTag‐SpyCatcher ligation. A proteolytic recognition sequence has been engineered into the second loop of SpyCatcher to produce SpyCatcherDDDDK variant. The reaction between SpyTag and SpyCatcherDDDDK is highly efficient both in vivo and in vitro, producing a stable covalent complex. The complex can be further cleaved at the second loop by enterokinase, resulting in only a small scar after ligation. This protocol adds to the expanding toolbox of genetically‐encoded peptide‐protein chemistry for protein topology engineering. More details are discussed in the article by Zhang et al. on page 113–118.

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Fast Charge Transfer Confers New Skills on 3D Graphene Sponges: Human Body Induction and Infrared Radiation Induction
Authors: Jia Fengqiu , Chen Xiuhong , Ding Wei , Wang Jian , Zhang Ling , He Qian , Jiang Jinxia , Chen Ke , Li Jing , Wei Zidong
Published: January 2019

Three‐dimensional graphene sponge (3DG), a bulk collection of numerous suspended individual graphene sheets, could demonstrate an integrated response thousands of times stronger than that of a single sheet under applied external field induction. Herein, for the first time, we find that a two‐electrode system assembled with 3DG monoliths shows a high sensitivity to human body induction and infrared radiation. The induced open circuit voltage of the two‐electrode system increases by 900 mV in a hand approaching‐departing induction. In a closed circuit, fluctuating current is observed flowing backward and forward from one 3DG electrode to another, and it decreased obviously when 3DG electrodes were exposed to infrared radiation. This high sensitivity to electrostatic/infrared radiation induction is attributed to the high‐speed electron redistribution capability of 3DG materials under an applied external electric field or light radiation. These results make 3DG a promising smart material in applications including intelligent monitoring, human body sensors, military protection and life detectors.
Electrostatic simulations of the radio frequency heating of a non‐neutral plasma in an electron trap
Authors: Ikram M. , Khan Shabbir A. , Mushtaq A. , Kamran M. , Khan H. U. , Zubair Khan M. , Naeem M.
Published: January 2019

The electrostatic simulations of the radio frequency (RF) heating mechanism, excitations, and ionization process of an electron plasma are carried out using a two‐dimensional (2D) particle‐in‐cell (PIC) code. RF drives with excitation frequencies of 1–15 MHz and amplitudes of 5 and 10 V were applied at two different axial positions, to the centre and to one end on the electrode stack of the ELTRAP device, at ultra‐high vacuum conditions. It is observed that the axial kinetic energy (eV) profile of the confined electrons increases with an increase of the RF excitation amplitudes, and densities from 5 × 107 to 1012 m−3 for all cases under consideration. The simulation results indicate that with continuous RF excitations, the electron heating in the beginning is higher at the trap wall of the device and extends towards the central region of the trap over a simulation time of up to 100 µs. These results on the electron heating are in good agreement with the experimental findings (optical diagnostics of ELTRAP). The heating effect is larger when the RF power is applied from the position close to one end of the trap in comparison to the central position. Monte–Carlo PIC simulations with hydrogen as a background gas are also performed to evaluate the ionization process at pressures of 10−8, 10−7, and 10−6 torr using the same electron plasma densities. The results show that at increasing pressures, the electron‐neutral collisions rate increases linearly with the background gas pressure. Increased collision frequency is obtained at higher RF drive amplitudes, which proportionally increases electron temperature, so that more ionization and secondary electrons are generated.
Equation‐of‐state studies of high‐energy‐density matter using intense ion beams at the Facility for Antiprotons and Ion Research
Authors: Tahir Naeem A. , Neumayer Paul , Shutov Alexander , Piriz Antonio R. , Lomonosov Igor V. , Bagnoud Vincent , Piriz Sofia A. , Deutsch Claude
Published: January 2019

This paper describes an experiment design based on numerical simulations to measure the equation‐of‐state properties of high‐energy‐density (HED) matter using intense particle beams. The simulations are performed using a 2D hydrodynamic computer code, BIG2, while the beam parameters are considered to match the Facility for Antiprotons and Ion Research beam. This study has shown that in such experiments one can generate different phases of HED lead. Similar calculations are planned for other materials.
The thermophysical properties of low‐temperature Pb plasma
Authors: Apfelbaum Evgeny M.
Published: January 2019

The thermophysical properties of low‐temperature Pb plasma are calculated at temperatures 10–100 kK and densities below 0.2 of the solid‐state value. The thermodynamic values (pressure and internal energy) and transport coefficients (electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal power) are considered. The plasma composition and thermodynamic parameters are obtained within the chemical approach, namely by means of the solution of the corresponding system of the coupled mass action law equations. Atom ionization up to +4 is taken into consideration. The electronic transport coefficients are calculated within the relaxation time approximation. The results obtained by means of the present model are compared with the available data of other models and experiments.
Towards efficient data collection mechanisms in the vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Pourghebleh Behrouz , Jafari Navimipour Nima
Published: January 2019

Recently, the fast growth of communication technology has led to the design and implementation of different types of networks in different environments. One of these remarkable networks is vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). The ubiquitous connectivity among vehicles is possible through VANET in the absence of fixed infrastructure. Moreover, it provides safety and comfort to people sitting in the vehicles. In this regard, collecting information from vehicles that are moved constantly is an essential challenge. To develop an efficient method for data collection in the VANET, some parameters must be considered such as data aggregation, latency, packet delivery ratio, packet loss, scalability, security, transmission overhead, and vehicle density. Since data collection has a significant importance in the VANET, the aim of this study is to investigate the existing methods and describe the types of important issues and challenging problems that can be addressed in data collection in the VANET. The data collection techniques are investigated in four primary groups, namely, topology‐based, cluster‐based, geocast‐based, and fog‐based. Also, the mentioned parameters are important to compare all of the presented techniques.
Change in eating disorder symptoms following pediatric obesity treatment
Authors: Eichen Dawn M. , Strong David R. , Rhee Kyung E. , Rock Cheryl L. , Crow Scott J. , Epstein Leonard H. , Wilfley Denise E. , Boutelle Kerri N.
Published: January 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether children with overweight or obesity participating in an evidence‐based treatment, family‐based behavioral treatment (FBT) for obesity, or a parent‐only variant of FBT (PBT), experience an increase of eating disorder (ED) symptoms during and following treatment.

Method

Children (N = 150) participating in a randomized controlled trial of FBT or PBT completed measures of EDs attitudes and behaviors at baseline, following 6‐months of treatment, 6 months, and 18 months after treatment.

Results

Linear‐mixed effects models suggest that ED attitudes did not significantly increase. Rather, significant decreases of shape, weight, and eating concerns were shown following treatment. Loss of control over eating significantly decreased over treatment and follow‐up. No participant endorsed purging at any time point.

Discussion

Results confirm the hypothesis that ED symptoms do not increase after participating in FBT or a FBT‐based treatment. These findings should help assuage fears of parents that enrolling their child will exacerbate ED symptoms and aid children to access evidence‐based treatments that may help reduce significant physical and psychosocial complications of childhood obesity.
Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: Can risk of persisting illness be identified, and prevented, in young patients?
Authors: Kaplan Allan S. , Strober Michael
Published: January 2019

Objective

Long‐term outcome studies of anorexia nervosa (AN) have demonstrated that up to 20% of cases will follow an unremitting course despite many attempts at symptom‐based treatments. The objectives of this study are to identify in a younger age group with AN whether persistent illness can be identified early and prevented.

Methods

An extensive literature review of such studies published in Pubmed was conducted.

Results

This review revealed that these studies have generally been conducted in adult patients who have been chronically ill over many years.

Discussion

Despite that fact that there is little published evidence on severe and persistent illness in a younger rage group, there are important clinical questions to consider in such a group of AN individuals. This commentary attempts to answer these questions, often in the absence of research evidence. These questions include whether it is possible to identify those who will go on to develop a severe, enduring course; whether early intervention can prevent the development of a such a course; and whether a focus on quality of life rather symptom alleviation is appropriate for a younger age group of unremitted sufferers. In the absence of research that that clearly informs these questions, the authors are left to recommend answers to these question based on a case by case interrogation of relevant factors, including the presence of the risk architecture to which AN has been strongly linked, the age of the patient, the wishes of the family and importantly, the opinions of expert bioethicists and clinicians sufficiently knowledgeable about the psychopathology, natural history, and treatment of AN to be able to render an informed decision.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy for metabolite quantification and species identification
Authors: Aw Wen C. , Ballard John William O.
Published: January 2019

Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a high‐throughput method to analyze the near‐infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It detects the absorption of light by molecular bonds and can be used with live insects. In this study, we investigate the accuracy of NIR spectroscopy in determining triglyceride level and species of wild‐caught Drosophila. We employ the chemometric approach to produce a multivariate calibration model. The multivariate calibration model is the mathematical relationship between the changes in NIR spectra and the property of interest as determined by the reference analytical method. Once the calibration model was developed, we used an independent set to validate the accuracy of the calibration model. The optimized calibration model for triglyceride quantification yielded coefficients of determination of 0.73 for the calibration test set and 0.70 for the independent test set. Simultaneously, we used NIR spectroscopy to discriminate two species of Drosophila. Flies from independent sets were correctly classified into Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans with accuracy higher than 80%. These results suggest that NIRS has the potential to be used as a high‐throughput screening method to assess a live individual insect's triglyceride level and taxonomic status.
Spatial variation in leaf nutrient traits of dominant desert riparian plant species in an arid inland river basin of China
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Zhou Jihua , Guan Tianyu , Cai Wentao , Jiang Lianhe , Lai Liming , Gao Nannan , Zheng Yuanrun
Published: January 2019

Understanding how patterns of leaf nutrient traits respond to groundwater depth is crucial for modeling the nutrient cycling of desert riparian ecosystems and forecasting the responses of ecosystems to global changes. In this study, we measured leaf nutrients along a transect across a groundwater depth gradient in the downstream Heihe River to explore the response of leaf nutrient traits to groundwater depth and soil properties. We found that leaf nutrient traits of dominant species showed different responses to groundwater depth gradient. Leaf C, leaf N, leaf P, and leaf K decreased significantly with groundwater depth, whereas patterns of leaf C/N and leaf N/P followed quadratic relationships with groundwater depth. Meanwhile, leaf C/P did not vary significantly along the groundwater depth gradient. Variations in leaf nutrient traits were associated with soil properties (e.g., soil bulk density, soil pH). Groundwater depth and soil pH jointly regulated the variation of leaf nutrient traits; however, groundwater depth explained the variation of leaf nutrient traits better than did soil pH. At the local scale in the typical desert riparian ecosystem, the dominant species was characterized by low leaf C, leaf N, and leaf P, but high leaf N/P and leaf C/P, indicating that desert riparian plants might be more limited by P than N in the growing season. Our observations will help to reveal specific adaptation patterns in relation to the groundwater depth gradient for dominant desert riparian species, provide insights into adaptive trends of leaf nutrient traits, and add information relevant to understanding the adaptive strategies of desert riparian forest vegetation to moisture gradients.
Touch fault calculation method on transmission lines stringing on the same tower based on symmetrical coordinate method
Authors: Tanaka Kazuyuki , Yamato Naoki , Kanao Norikazu , Aida Shunsuke
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a touch fault calculation method is proposed based on the symmetric coordinate method. The touch fault in this paper means that a line‐to‐line short circuit fault occurred on parallel transmission lines stringing on a same tower. It is known that the touch fault occurs very rarely such as the galloping phenomena, and it causes an abnormal voltage rise especially on a low‐voltage transmission line. However, a quantitative analysis method of the abnormal voltage has not been proposed. Therefore, a general analysis method of the voltage profile solution for the touch fault is proposed based on the symmetrical coordinate method. The proposed method is able to calculate the precise voltage and current profile solution efficiently by introducing the similar formation for the touch fault solution same as the general fault solution. Demonstrative result to the application in the touch fault calculation is presented in order to verify the practicability of the proposed method.
On‐line sample preconcentration by polarity switching in floating electrode‐integrated microchannel
Authors: Kitagawa Fumihiko , Tanigawa‐Joh Kana , Terashita Satomi , Fujiki Ryohei , Nukatsuka Isoshi , Sueyoshi Kenji , Otsuka Koji
Published: January 2019

In this study, we found that the polarity switching was effective to enrich and separate fluorescent analytes which have weakly‐dissociated groups in a floating platinum electrode (width, 50 µm; thickness, 2.5 µm)‐integrated straight‐channel in microchip electrophoresis (MCE). In the straight channel filled with an Alexa Flour 488 (AF488) solution, a sharp peak was observed after the polarity inversion with a 530‐fold enhancement of the sensitivity relative to the conventional MCE analysis. By using a fluorescent pH indicator, we verified that a sharp high‐pH zone was generated nearby the floating electrode and moved toward the anode with maintaining the high pH, which induced the sample enrichment like a dynamic pH junction mechanism. In the floating electrode‐embedded channel, the mixture of AF488‐labeled proteins was also well concentrated and separated within 100 s.
Probing the Microstructure of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Leonhard Tobias , Schulz Alexander D. , Röhm Holger , Wagner Susanne , Altermann Fabian J. , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Hoffmann Michael J. , Colsmann Alexander
Published: January 2019

The microstructure of absorber layers is pivotally important for all thin‐film solar technologies. Using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), the crystal orientation in methylammonium lead iodide thin films with submicrometer resolution is reported. For the vast majority of (110) oriented grains, the c‐axis of the perovskite unit cell is oriented in‐plane. Although some adjacent grains exhibit the same in‐plane horizontal orientation of the c‐axis, no universal horizontal orientation of the c‐axis within the sample plane exists. The (110) crystal orientation correlates with an in‐plane orientation of the ferroelectric polarization as investigated by vertical and lateral piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The individual grains with different crystal orientations that exhibit different ferroelectric patterns and surface potentials are identified. The strong correlation between crystal orientation and ferroelectric polarization allows conclusions to be drawn about the microstructure from PFM measurements and, likewise, the ferroelectric polarization to be derived from crystallographic observations by EBSD.
Flexible and Mechanically Durable Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on NiCo‐Layered Double Hydroxide and Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Using a Simple Fabrication Method
Authors: Mehrabimatin Bahareh , Gilshteyn Evgenia P. , Melandsø Buan Marthe Emelie , Sorsa Olli , Jiang Hua , Iraji zad Azam , Shahrokhian Saeed , Nasibulin Albert G. , Kallio Tanja
Published: January 2019

A high‐performing, lightweight, and flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) using NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (NiCo LDH) supported on 3D nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) as a positive electrode and NG as a negative electrode is demonstrated. Highly conductive NG provides fast electron transfer and facilitates (dis)charging of NiCo LDH deposited on it. The composite electrode of NiCo LDH@NG exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1421 F g−1 at 2 A g−1. Moreover, the as‐obtained hybrid electrode shows an excellent rate capability with a specific capacitance of 1397 F g−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1, which is about 98% of the capacitance obtained at 2 A g−1. The flexible ASC device shows a specific capacitance of 109 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a maximum energy density of 49 W h kg−1, which is comparable with or superior to previously reported electrodes based on nickel‐cobalt hydroxides. Furthermore, an excellent mechanical stability is obtained. Under repeated mechanical bendings, the ASC demonstrates high bending stability up to 450 bending cycles at a 90° angle. Hence, this flexible NiCo LDH@NG electrode that is free of binders and conductive agents shows superior performance and stability, and is a promising candidate for the future wearable energy storage devices.
Biomass Briquettes as an Alternative Fuel: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dinesha P. , Kumar Shiva , Rosen Marc A.
Published: January 2019

Effectively utilizing agro residues, when abundantly available, can help energy conservation efforts and increase farmers’ incomes. This article highlights the effective utilization of agro and industrial biomass residues in the form of briquettes. The various types of feedstock used and the technologies adopted in the briquetting process are discussed. Process parameters and feedstock variables influencing briquetting are described. Combustion studies undertaken using briquettes are comprehensively detailed. This literature review reveals that the combustion characteristics of briquettes not only depend on the type of the feedstock but also on the density, moisture content, binder percentage, and method used for briquetting. Higher ash content lowers the calorific value. The ash formed during combustion causes slagging and fouling which in turn lead to corrosion. It is concluded that biomass briquettes can meet the energy demands for cooking and heating needs, especially in rural areas where abundant biomass feedstock is available. It is recommended that research focuses more on investigating emissions along with the combustion of briquettes manufactured from different origins.
Deciphering controls for debris‐flow erosion derived from a LiDAR‐recorded extreme event and a calibrated numerical model (Roßbichelbach, Germany)
Authors: Dietrich Andreas , Krautblatter Michael
Published: January 2019

Debris flows are among the most destructive and hazardous mass movements on steep mountains. An understanding of debris‐flow erosion, entrainment and resulting volumes is a key requirement for modelling debris‐flow propagation and impact, as well as analysing the associated risks. As quantitative controls of erosion and entrainment are not well understood, total volume, runout and impact energies of debris flows are often significantly underestimated. Here, we present an analysis of geomorphic change induced by an erosive debris‐flow event in the German Alps in June 2015. More than 50 terrestrial laser scans of a 1.2 km long mountain torrent recorded geomorphic change in comparison to an airborne laser scan performed in 2007. Errors were calculated using a spatial variable threshold based on the point density of airborne laser scanning and terrestrial laser scanning and the slope of the digital elevation models. Highest erosion rates approach 5.0 m3/m2 (mean 0.6 m3/m2). During the event 9550 ± 1550 m3 was eroded whereas only 650 ± 150 m3 was deposited in the channel. Velocity, flow pressure, momentum and shear stress were calculated using a carefully calibrated RAMMS Debris Flow model including material entrainment. Here we present a linear regression model relating debris‐flow erosion rates to momentum and shear stress with an R2 up to 68%. Channel transitions from bedrock to loose debris sections cause excessive erosion up to 1 m3/m2 due to previously unreleased random kinetic energy now available for erosion. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric Utilities Have Opportunity in Electric Railroad Wayside Energy Storage
Authors: Yanity Brian
Published: January 2019

Transportation electrification will only increase in the years ahead due to concerns over air pollution and the limitations of fossil‐fuel resources. All‐electric locomotives have many advantages over diesel locomotives, featuring zero emissions, less noise, lower maintenance, and faster acceleration, and greater overall energy efficiency. The enhancements in performance enabled by electric locomotives will make passenger and freight rail service more competitive with cars and trucks.
Gas From Shale Drilling to Face Strong Headwinds Next Decade
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: January 2019

The US Energy Information Administration said in October that US crude oil production had climbed to 11.3 million barrels a day. That also means production of associated gas from shale wells is increasing as well.
Maintenance of high proteolipid protein level in adult central nervous system myelin is required to preserve the integrity of myelin and axons
Authors: Lüders Katja A. , Nessler Stefan , Kusch Kathrin , Patzig Julia , Jung Ramona B. , Möbius Wiebke , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Werner Hauke B.
Published: January 2019

Proteolipid protein (PLP) is the most abundant integral membrane protein in central nervous system (CNS) myelin. Expression of the Plp‐gene in oligodendrocytes is not essential for the biosynthesis of myelin membranes but required to prevent axonal pathology. This raises the question whether the exceptionally high level of PLP in myelin is required later in life, or whether high‐level PLP expression becomes dispensable once myelin has been assembled. Both models require a better understanding of the turnover of PLP in myelin in vivo. Thus, we generated and characterized a novel line of tamoxifen‐inducible Plp‐mutant mice that allowed us to determine the rate of PLP turnover after developmental myelination has been completed, and to assess the possible impact of gradually decreasing amounts of PLP for myelin and axonal integrity. We found that 6 months after targeting the Plp‐gene the abundance of PLP in CNS myelin was about halved, probably reflecting that myelin is slowly turned over in the adult brain. Importantly, this reduction by 50% was sufficient to cause the entire spectrum of neuropathological changes previously associated with the developmental lack of PLP, including myelin outfoldings, lamellae splittings, and axonal spheroids. In comparison to axonopathy and gliosis, the infiltration of cytotoxic T‐cells was temporally delayed, suggesting a corresponding chronology also in the genetic disorders of PLP‐deficiency. High‐level abundance of PLP in myelin throughout adult life emerges as a requirement for the preservation of white matter integrity.
Spatially distributed denitrification in a karst springshed
Authors: Henson Wesley R. , Cohen Matthew J. , Graham Wendy D.
Published: January 2019

Karst spring measurements assess biogeochemical processes occurring within groundwater contributing areas to springs (springsheds) but can only provide aggregated information. To better understand spatially distributed processes that comprise these aggregated measures, we investigated aquifer denitrification evidence in groundwater wells (n = 16) distributed throughout a springshed in the Upper Floridan aquifer in northern Florida. Aquifer geochemistry, nitrate isotopes, and dissolved gases were compared against similar measurements at the spring outlet to evaluate spatial heterogeneity of denitrification evidence in relation to land surface–aquifer connectivity. Sample locations spanned spatial variation in recharge processes (i.e., diffuse vs. focused recharge) and proximity to sources of denitrification reactants (e.g., wetlands). Although no distinct spatial pattern in denitrification was uncovered, excess dissolved N2 gas measurements were only above detection in the unconfined springshed, with some evidence of a wetland proximity effect. Measured oxidation–reduction potential and dissolved oxygen poorly predicted denitrification, indicating that measured denitrification may be occurring upgradient from sampled wells. Despite dramatic spatial chemical heterogeneity across wells, mean values for recharge nitrate concentrations (0.02 to 5.56 mg N L−1) and excess N2 from aquifer denitrification (below detection to 1.37 mg N L−1) corresponded reasonably with mean spring outlet measurements for initial nitrate (0.78 to 1.36 mg N L−1) and excess N2 (0.15 to 1.04 mg N L−1). Congruence between groundwater and spring measurements indicates that combining sampling at the spring outlet and across the springshed is useful for understanding spatial aquifer denitrification. However, this approach would be improved with a high‐density sampling network with transects of wells along distinct groundwater flow paths.
Bank competition, stability, and intervention quality
Authors: Kanas Angelos , Hassan Al‐Tamimi Hussein A. , Albaity Mohamed , Mallek Ray Saadaoui
Published: January 2019

We use a flexible semi‐parametric estimation approach and a sample of 7,227 U.S., U.K., and Canadian banks for 2009–2015 to provide evidence that banking stability is non‐linearly determined by competition. We show that stability is not monotonic against competition, and may increase and decrease at high competition, has a mixed behaviour at medium competition, and increases at low competition. This non‐monotonic stability behaviour at different competition levels is attributed to the intervention quality, which is found to be an important determinant of the competition–stability relation. It is non‐linearly related to and being revised at different competition levels. As intervention is a policy variable, its level can be adjusted to reduce the competition effects on stability. We illustrate that for the U.S. banking sector, the intervention quality has to hedge these competition effects. Regulators should treat intervention quality as a “hedging instrument” against the destabilizing competition effects.
Aucubin inhibits IL‐1β‐ or TNF‐α‐induced extracellular matrix degradation in nucleus pulposus cell through blocking the miR‐140‐5p/CREB1 axis
Authors: Yang Shaofeng , Li Linghui , Zhu Liguo , Zhang Chao , Li Zhaoyong , Guo Yantao , Nie Ying , Luo Zhenhua
Published: January 2019

In intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), increased proinflammatory molecules secreted by human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) could promote the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐degrading enzymes. IDD could be affected by both genetic and environmental factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). Aucubin, the active ingredient of a traditional Chinese medicine herb Du Zhong, has been reported to promote osteogenic differentiation; however, the role of aucubin in IDD and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we evaluated the effect of aucubin on TNF‐α‐ or IL‐1β‐induced ECM degradation in HNPCs. By using online tools, miR‐140 was selected as a candidate miRNA that is related to TNF‐α or IL‐1β signaling. Overexpression of miR‐140 enhanced the effect of aucubin on ECM degradation. Moreover, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1), a major transcriptional factor in immune‐related signaling, was a direct downstream target of miR‐140. CREB1 knockdown mimicked the function of miR‐140 overexpression on ECM degradation. In summary, aucubin might ameliorate IL‐1β‐ or TNF‐α‐induced ECM degradation in HNPCs through regulating miR‐140/CREB1.
Adipose‐derived stem cells decreased microglia activation and protected dopaminergic loss in rat lipopolysaccharide model
Authors: Muñoz Mario F. , Argüelles Sandro , Medina Rafael , Cano Mercedes , Ayala Antonio
Published: January 2019

Adult stem cell therapy is being used extensively to rejuvenate damaged tissue. One important tissue source to obtain these cells is adipose, which contains cells called adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). These cells have a great therapeutic potential not only for their multipotent properties as well as for immunomodulatory effects on the immune system. Parkinson's disease is characterized as neurodegenerative disorder which etiology is undoubtedly related to neuroinflammation process. The properties of ADSCs can be used as a new tool in stem cells therapy to treat neurodegenerative disorders. However, their efficacies are still controversial. Some authors have reported neuroprotection effects, while others did not find differences or stem cells increased the damage. Our previous study showed that ADSCs can survive long time after transplantation, suggesting us some biological effects could need more time to be repaired. In this study, we assessed the neuroprotection 6 months after transplantation. Our results suggest ADSCs can protect the dopaminergic loss after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection both reducing the microglia activation and differentiating into dopaminergic cells.
Tumor‐derived exosomes: Potential biomarkers and therapeutic target in the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Mousavi Sousan , Moallem Roya , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Sadeghzade Mahsa , Mardani Ramin , Ferns Gordon A. , Khazaei Majid , Avan Amir
Published: January 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer‐related death in men and women in many countries. Early detection of CRC helps to prevent the advanced stages of the disease, and may thereby improve the survival of these patients. A noninvasive test with high specificity and sensitivity is required for this. Exosomes are lipid bilayer membrane nanovesicles that are released into most body fluids and especially in the microenvironment of cancer. They carry various proteins, lipids, and nucleic materials such as DNA, RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), and may also alter the function of target cells. In this review, we aimed to describe the biogenesis, composition, function, and the role of tumor‐derived exosomes in cancer progression. Moreover, their applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment are described, with a particular focus on CRC.
High serum free fatty acids and low leptin levels: Plausible metabolic indicators of negative energy balance in early lactating Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Golla Naresh , Chopra Alka , Boya Sanjanna , Kumar Thota Venkata Chaitanya , Onteru Suneel Kumar , Singh Dheer
Published: January 2019

Lactation is a highly demanding event in mammals, including buffaloes. It modulates the partitioning of nutrients, energy utilization, and food intake of the mother to meet her own and infant's energy needs. Failure to satisfy these energy needs leads to Negative Energy Balance (NEB). Currently, the only available indirect NEB indicator is Body Condition Score (BCS). However, direct dependency of the BCS on the peak depletion of body fat causes its inefficient use in a dairy farm. Thus, to establish objective NEB indicators in buffaloes, the serum levels of biochemical (serum β‐hydroxybutyrate [BHBA] and free fatty acids [FFAs]), and endocrine (Growth Hormone [GH], insulin‐like growth factor1 [IGF1], Insulin, and leptin) parameters were estimated in buffaloes. Our results revealed that serum FFA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high milk yielders (HMY) than low milk yielders (LMY) and heifers (H) during the 3rd and the 4th weeks of postpartum. The serum FFA levels were also significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the postpartum buffaloes with BCS < 3 in the field conditions. Further, serum leptin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in HMY than LMY during the 3rd week of postpartum. However, the BHBA, GH, IGF1, and insulin levels were not significantly different between lactating buffaloes and H. These observations indicated that the NEB condition is probably restricted to the first month of early lactation in buffaloes. In conclusion, the simultaneous higher FFA and lower leptin levels could act as direct plausible metabolic indicators of NEB in buffaloes.