bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion and Removal of Inclusions in New Induction Heating Tundish
Authors: Xing Fei , Zheng Shuguo , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: March 2018

A new induction heating tundish with bent channels is presented as a solution to the lower efficiency of heating and inclusion removal in the traditional straight channels induction heating tundish. By Euler‐Lagrange method, a three‐dimensional unsteady‐state mathematical model is built to compare the motion and the removal of inclusions in the two types of tundishes. In addition, the mathematical model for the inclusions collision‐growth under the induction heating condition is also established based on the force balance. The results show that, compared with the traditional tundish, the turbulence intensity of liquid steel is higher in the channels of the new tundish and quite uniformly distributes in the discharging chamber. For those lower‐sized inclusions smaller than 50 µm, the channels in the new tundish have a significantly higher inclusion removal rate than those in the traditional tundish, and the most inclusions absorbed by the channels of the traditional tundish are in the size range of 50–60 μm, while they are 50–60 μm and 60–70 μm for the new tundish. For each of the seven inclusion sizes, the removal rate of inclusions in the new tundish is quite higher than that in the traditional tundish. Compared to the traditional tundish, the inclusions removed in other areas in the new tundish are lower than those removed by the channels. When inclusions of all seven sizes are put into the two tundishes, the inclusions removal rate in the new tundish is also significantly higher than that in the traditional tundish. Under the same heating power, the new tundish is more efficient than the traditional tundish on inclusions removal.
Effect of Sampling Locations on Hot Ductility of Low Carbon Alloyed Steels
Authors: Zhang Hai Jie , Zhang Li Feng , Wang Ya Dong
Published: March 2018

Influences of steel composition and cooling rate on the steel hot ductility have been studied comprehensively. Microstructural examination reveals chill, columnar, columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) and equiaxed zones in the slab cross‐section from surface to center. Little paper reports the effect of tensile test specimens sampling position and sampling direction from the slab on the hot ductility behavior. In the current study, the hot ductility of specimens extracted from different sampling positions and different directions is detected using a thermal simulator Gleeble 1500 (Dynamic Systems, Inc., Poestenkill, NY) to determine the brittle temperature range of the steel. In addition, investigations are made currently to reveal the effect of the strain rate and holding temperature on the steel hot ductility. Some conclusions can be made in the current study: 1) the sampling position has much influence on the hot ductility behavior and the specimens extracted from the columnar zone performs the best hot ductility; 2) the hot ductility improves observably with the increasing of the strain rate, as a result of the dynamic recrystallization and dynamic stain hardening; 3) the increasing of the holding temperature performs a negative effect on the steel hot ductility.
Comparison of Physico‐Chemical Properties of Starch Isolated From Bran and Endosperm of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Singh Tajendra P. , Sogi Dalbir S.
Published: March 2018

Bran, a major by‐product of the rice industry is utilized for isolation of starch following an integrated process and its characteristics are compared with endosperm starch. Starch contents of bran and endosperm starch fraction are 71.5% and 98.68%, respectively. Chemical analysis reavled that rice bran starch contains a lower amount of protein (0.38%) but a higher amount of ash (19%). Bran starch differs from the endosperm starch on physicochemical characteristics (amylose content, whitening index, swelling power, solubility index, syneresis, and light transmittance). Rice bran starch contains a higher amount of small and compound granules as compared to rice endosperm starch. Thermal and XRD analysis revealed that rice bran starch exhibits higher transition temperature, higher enthalpy, and lower crystallinity compared to endosperm starch. FT‐IR absorbance ratio of 1047/1022 and 1022/995 cm−1 indicates the difference in short‐range ordered structure of starch granules.
Development of Novel 2D Composites of Silk Sericin and Rice Starch and Application as Bio‐Compatible Scaffold for Cell Culturing
Authors: Dutta Saranga , Dutta Himjyoti , Devi Dipali
Published: March 2018

Sericin and starch are waste materials of the silk and rice milling industries, respectively. Owing to their suitable physicochemical, mechanical and functional properties, the two materials are thermo‐mechanically conjugated and cast as films. Sericin forms a microfibrillar network structure which binds with gelatinized starch. Addition of crosslinkers, namely glycerol and polyethylene glycol results in smoother textured films, higher crystallinity, and thermal resistance as studied using XRD, FTIR, DSC, and TGA. Native crystalline patterns of both starch and sericin are lost during composite formation. Newer crystalline lamellae formation with enhanced crystallinity than the native materials is evident from XRD and DSC. Comparative analysis indicated polyethylene glycol to be a better cross linker than glycerol for the composite formation. Biocompatibility studies using L929 mice fibroblast cell lines demonstrated that the films supported normal growth and proliferation of cells without any toxic effect. This is well supported by fluorescence imaging and MTT assays. Enzymatic biodegradability using protease enzymes implied negligible weight loss of the films, strengthening their prospect to be manifested in cell culturing applications.
Impact of Thermal and Chemical Modifications on the Compression and Release Properties of Bambara Nut Starches in Directly Compressed Tablet Formulations
Authors: Omoteso Omobolanle A. , Adebisi Adeola O. , Odeniyi Michael A.
Published: March 2018

Chemical and physical modifications can be used to impart desired properties to native starches. The present study investigates the compaction, mechanical, and release properties of thermal and chemically modified starches from Bambara nuts in ibuprofen tablet formulations. The native starches extracted from Bambara nuts are modified to obtain the pregelatinized and carboxymethylated forms. Heckel, Kawakita, and Gurnham equations are used to analyze the compressional properties of the formulations. The crushing strength of the tablets are assessed while disintegration and dissolution times are used to evaluate the drug release properties of the tablets. Pregelatinized starch‐containing formulations exhibited faster onset and carboxymethylated starch had a higher amount of plastic deformation during compression than formulations incorporating the native starch. An increase in the particle size of Bambara starch had a significant effect on the densification of the starches during die filling, particle rearrangement, fragmentation propensity, and elastic/plastic deformation. The crushing strength and dissolution times of the tablets improves on starch modification. Tablets from the pregelatinized starch had longer disintegration time when compared with carboxymethylated and native Bambara starches. Formulations incorporating carboxymethylated starch had the shortest disintegration time, longest dissolution, and highest crushing strength values. The compressional, mechanical, and release properties of directly compressed ibuprofen tablet formulations are improved with the incorporation of the modified starches. Carboxymethylation and pregelatinization may be used to develop native starches as pharmaceutical excipients in specific formulations.
Modeling of shear‐critical reinforced engineered cementitious composites members under reversed cyclic loading
Authors: Wu Chang , Pan Zuanfeng , Mo Yi Lung , Li Mo , Meng Shaoping
Published: March 2018

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) possesses characteristics that make it suitable in the zones of high ductility and high‐shear demand of structural elements. In this study, a numerical modeling method for simulating shear‐critical reinforced ECC members was put forward. Uniaxial cyclic constitutive models of ECC in compression and tension were proposed, including unloading and reloading scheme. Softening phenomenon and Poisson effect of cracked ECC were also considered in the proposed 2‐dimension constitutive model. The proposed model was coded into the simulation of concrete structures program in the OpenSEES platform to simulate the structural responses. Four short RECC and ECC/RC columns were tested under reversed cyclic lateral loading and constant axial loading, to verify the proposed model. In addition, the recorded hysteretic responses of RECC and ECC/RC shear walls subjected to reversed cyclic loading were compared with the simulated hysteretic loops. Results of comparative analysis indicate that the proposed model is reasonably accurate in simulating the mechanical properties of shear‐critical reinforced ECC members.
Development of hydrophobic concrete by adding dual‐crystalline admixture at mixing stage
Authors: Al‐Kheetan Mazen J. , Rahman Mujib M. , Chamberlain Denis A.
Published: March 2018

A novel approach has been presented to add a dual‐crystalline hydrophobic admixture in fresh concrete for improving hydrophobicity against chloride and harmful chemicals. Dual‐crystalline material can utilize water of the fresh concrete to form crystals, but the challenge is to maintain adequate hydration and strength while improving hydrophobicity. This study presents the results from a comprehensive laboratory investigation on the application of 1, 2 and 8% of crystallizing aqueous and cementitious hydrophobic mineral in fresh concrete. Despite the high slump in the fresh mixture, no segregation was observed in the matured concrete. There was a marginal reduction of strength when a high percentage of admixture was used. Despite this, significant reduction of water absorption was observed indicating greater hydrophobicity. The optimum performance was found in mixtures with 2% admixture. Mixture with 2% aqueous hydrophobic admixture revealed marginal strength gain compared to 2% crystalline cementitious hydrophobic admixture, although water protection appears to be better in cementitious mixture.
From Solute, Fluidic and Particulate Precursors to Complex Organizations of Matter
Authors: Rao Ashit , Cölfen Helmut
Published: March 2018

The organization of matter from its constitutive units recruits intermediate states with distinctive degrees of self‐association and molecular order. Existing as clusters, droplets, gels as well as amorphous and crystalline nanoparticles, these precursor forms have fundamental contributions towards the composition and structure of inorganic and organic architectures. In this personal account, we show that the transitions from atoms, molecules or ionic species to superstructures of higher order are intertwined with the interfaces and interactions of precursor and intermediate states. Structural organizations distributed across different length scales are explained by the multistep nature of nucleation and crystallization, which can be guided towards functional hybrid materials by the strategic application of additives, templates and reaction environments. Thus, the non‐classical pathways for material formation and growth offer conceptual frameworks for elucidating, inducing and directing fascinating material organizations of biogenic and synthetic origins.
A mechanobiologically equilibrated constrained mixture model for growth and remodeling of soft tissues
Authors: Latorre Marcos , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: March 2018

Growth and remodeling of soft tissues is a dynamic process and several theoretical frameworks have been developed to analyze the time‐dependent, mechanobiological and/or biomechanical responses of these tissues to changes in external loads. Importantly, general processes can often be conveniently separated into truly non‐steady contributions and steady‐state ones. Depending on characteristic times over which the external loads are applied, time‐dependent models can sometimes be specialized to respective time‐independent formulations that simplify the mathematical treatment without compromising the goodness of the particularized solutions. Very few studies have analyzed the long‐term, steady‐state responses of soft tissue growth and remodeling following a direct approach. Here, we derive a mechanobiologically equilibrated formulation that arises from a general constrained mixture model. We see that integral‐type evolution equations that characterize these general models can be written in terms of an equivalent set of time‐independent, nonlinear algebraic equations that can be solved efficiently to yield long‐term outcomes of growth and remodeling processes in response to sustained external stimuli. We discuss the mathematical conditions, in terms of orders of magnitude, that yield the particularized equations and illustrate results numerically for general arterial mechano‐adaptations.
Correction to: Depression Induced by Total Mastectomy, Breast Conserving Surgery and Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Chengjiao , Hu Guangfu , Biskup Ewelina , Qiu Xiaochun , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Haiyin
Published: March 2018

The following grant funding information was omitted from the original article.
Correction to: Explicit upper bound for the average number of divisors of irreducible quadratic polynomials
Authors: Lapkova Kostadinka
Published: March 2018

Consider the divisor sum

$$\sum _{n\le N}\tau (n^2+2bn+c)$$

∑

n
≤
N

τ

(

n
2

+
2
b
n
+
c
)

for integers b and c. We improve the explicit upper bound of this average divisor sum in certain cases, and as an application, we give an improvement in the maximal possible number of

$$D(-1)$$

D
(
-
1
)

-quadruples. The new tool is a numerically explicit Pólya–Vinogradov inequality, which has not been formulated explicitly before but is essentially due to Frolenkov–Soundararajan.
Substrate selection of adenylation domains for nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) in bacillamide C biosynthesis by marine Bacillus atrophaeus C89
Authors: Zhang Fengli , Wang Yukun , Jiang Qun , Chen Qihua , Karthik Loganathan , Zhao Yi-Lei , Li Zhiyong
Published: March 2018

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are multi-modular enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of natural products. Bacillamide C was synthesized by Bacillus atrophaeus C89. A nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) cluster found in the genome of B. atrophaeus C89 was hypothesized to be responsible for the biosynthesis of bacillamide C using alanine and cysteine as substrates. Here, the structure analysis of adenylation domains based on homologous proteins with known crystal structures indicated locations of the substrate-binding pockets. Molecular docking suggested alanine and cysteine as the potential substrates for the two adenylation domains in the NRPS cluster. Furthermore, biochemical characterization of the purified recombinant adenylation domains proved that alanine and cysteine were the optimum substrates for the two adenylation domains. The results provided the in vitro evidence for the hypothesis that the two adenylation domains in the NRPS of B. atrophaeus C89 preferentially select alanine and cysteine, respectively, as a substrate to synthesize bacillamide C. Furthermore, this study on substrates selectivity of adenylation domains provided basis for rational design of bacillamide analogs.
Enhanced lincomycin production by co-overexpression of metK1 and metK2 in Streptomyces lincolnensis
Authors: Xu Yurong , Tan Guoqing , Ke Meilan , Li Jie , Tang Yaqian , Meng Sitong , Niu Jingjing , Wang Yansheng , Liu Ruihua , Wu Hang , Bai Linquan , Zhang Lixin , Zhang Buchang
Published: March 2018

Streptomyces lincolnensis is generally utilized for the production of lincomycin A (Lin-A), a clinically useful antibiotic to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. Three methylation steps, catalyzed by three different S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases, are required in the biosynthesis of Lin-A, and thus highlight the significance of methyl group supply in lincomycin production. In this study, we demonstrate that externally supplemented SAM cannot be taken in by cells and therefore does not enhance Lin-A production. Furthermore, bioinformatics and in vitro enzymatic assays revealed there exist two SAM synthetase homologs, MetK1 (SLCG_1651) and MetK2 (SLCG_3830) in S. lincolnensis that could convert l-methionine into SAM in the presence of ATP. Even though we attempted to inactivate metK1 and metK2, only metK2 was deleted in S. lincolnensis LCGL, named as ΔmetK2. Following a reduction of the intracellular SAM concentration, ΔmetK2 mutant exhibited a significant decrease of Lin-A in comparison to its parental strain. Individual overexpression of metK1 or metK2 in S. lincolnensis LCGL either elevated the amount of intracellular SAM, concomitant with 15% and 22% increase in Lin-A production, respectively. qRT-PCR assays showed that overexpression of either metK1 or metK2 increased the transcription of lincomycin biosynthetic genes lmbA and lmbR, and regulatory gene lmbU, indicating SAM may also function as a transcriptional activator. When metK1 and metK2 were co-expressed, Lin-A production was increased by 27% in LCGL, while by 17% in a high-yield strain LA219X.
Multiscale and age‐dependent leaf nickel in the Ni‐hyperaccumulator Leptoplax emarginata
Authors: Bartoli François , Royer Mathilde , Coinchelin David , Le Thiec Didier , Rose Christophe , Robin Christophe , Echevarria Guillaume
Published: March 2018

Nickel‐hyperaccumulator plants are of interest due to their potential use in agromining. We aimed to characterize leaf traits and Ni concentration variabilities occurring between individual plants, leaves of differing age or between various leaf tissues, in a single Greek population of the Ni‐hyperaccumulator Leptoplax emarginata (Boiss.) O.E. Schulz. We linked these results to ecophysiological characteristics and other element concentrations at leaf and leaf tissue scales. We measured leaf gas exchanges, stomatal density, and we carried out rapid freezing and freeze‐drying processes on leaf sections before microanalysis with scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectrometry. Leaf or leaf‐tissue Ni concentrations were influenced by a combination of individual plant and leaf age factors. The greatest Ni concentrations were found in the highly transpiring young and thin leaves with the greatest stomatal densities. Indeed, Ni was statistically seven times more concentrated in both epidermis layers than in their bulk neighbour leaf counterparts, whatever the leaf age. In both epidermis layers, increases in the Ni–S and Mg–S correlations from the oldest leaves to the youngest ones were observed. The Mg:Ni, Ca:Ni and P:Ni mass ratios decreased from the oldest leaves to the mature leaves. We would recommend time‐series characterization of leaf traits belonging to at least three plant replicates in order to take into account the allogamous character of many Ni‐hyperaccumulator plants. Long‐distance Ni transport via the xylem is predominant in the Ni‐hyperaccumulator L. emarginata whereas a complementary redistribution via the phloem should also occur. The perspectives of this study are the validation and refinement of this process over shorter periods using relevant tracers.
How Brand Disclosure Timing and Brand Prominence Influence Consumer's Intention to Share Branded Entertainment Content
Authors: Choi Dongwon , Bang Hyejin , Wojdynski Bartosz W. , Lee Yen-I , Keib Kate M.
Published: March 2018

The spread of branded entertainment video online relies on the consumer's referral decision, an initial decision to share the video. This study investigates how brand prominence and brand disclosure timing in a branded entertainment video interact with each other and affect viewers’ persuasion knowledge, sharing intention, and visual attention. The study finds that when the branded nature of the video was disclosed prior to viewing the video content, prominent placement generated greater conceptual/attitudinal persuasion knowledge compared to subtle placement. Accordingly, greater persuasion knowledge resulted in less sharing intention and active avoidance in visual attention to the brand in the video content. On the other hand, when the brand was disclosed after the video content, there were no significant effects of brand prominence on conceptual or attitudinal persuasion knowledge, or on sharing intention. Further, the study shed light on the underlying mechanism of interaction effect by demonstrating the mediating role of attitudinal persuasion knowledge and enjoyment. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Hemorrhoids and related complications in primigravid pregnancy
Authors: Beksac Kemal , Aydin Emine , Uzelpasacı Esra , Akbayrak Turkan , Ozyuncu Ozgur
Published: March 2018

Purpose To identify the effect of pregnancy on the development of external hemorrhoids and constipation.

Subjects and methods This pilot study involved 61 primigravid women without a history of perianal diseases. Each patient was examined and filled a questionnaire between the 11th and 14th gestational week prior to prenatal screening tests. Patients were re-examined and questioned in relation to perianal symptoms and hemorrhoidal changes again in the 24th and 37th gestational weeks.

Results A total of 5, 8, and 11 women had symptomatic external hemorrhoids with or without perianal complications in the 11–14th, 24th, and 37th gestational weeks, respectively. Meanwhile, 27, 25, and 29 women complained about constipation in the 11–14th, 24th, and 37th gestational weeks, respectively. Only 4 (6.6%) patients experienced painful hemorrhoids. The overall morbidity rate was 18% (11 cases). We found a statistically significant relationship between external hemorrhoids/perianal complications and gestation-induced constipation through logistic regression analysis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Various risk factors and biological explanations exist for the high frequency of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Because participants were primigravid women without a history of perianal complaints, findings suggest a direct effect of pregnancy itself on the development of external hemorrhoids/perianal symptoms.
Relationships Among Perceived Functional Capacity, Self‐Efficacy, and Disability After Dysvascular Amputation
Authors: Miller Matthew J. , Magnusson Dawn M. , Lev Guy , Fields Thomas T. , Cook Paul F. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. , Christiansen Cory L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Prosthesis rehabilitation after dysvascular transtibial amputation (TTA) is focused on optimizing functional capacity with limited emphasis on promoting health self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy interventions decrease disability for people living with chronic disease, but the influence of self‐efficacy on disability is unknown for people with dysvascular TTA.

Objectives

To identify if self‐efficacy mediates the relationship between self‐reported functional capacity and disability after dysvascular TTA.

Design

Cross‐sectional, secondary data analysis.

Setting

Outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Participants

Thirty‐eight men (63.6 ± 9.1 years old) with dysvascular TTA.

Methods

Participants had been living with an amputation for less than 6 months and using walking as their primary form of locomotion using a prosthesis. The independent variable, functional capacity, was measured using the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire–Mobility Scale (PEQ‐MS). The proposed mediator, self‐efficacy, was measured with the Self‐Efficacy of Managing Chronic Disease questionnaire (SEMCD).

Main Outcome Measure

Disability was measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire.

Results

The relationship between self‐reported functional capacity and disability is partially mediated by self‐efficacy. Relationships between WHODAS 2.0 and PEQ‐MS (r = –0.61), WHODAS 2.0 and SEMCD (r = –0.51), and PEQ‐MS and SEMCD (r = 0.44) were significant (P < .01). Controlling for SEMCD (P = .04), the relationship between PEQ‐MS and WHODAS 2.0 remained significant (P < .01). Statistically significant mediation was determined by a bootstrap method for the product of coefficients (95% confidence interval: –2.23, –7.39).

Conclusions

This study provides initial evidence that the relationship between self‐reported functional capacity and disability is partially mediated by self‐efficacy after dysvascular TTA. The longitudinal effect of self‐efficacy should be further examined to identify causal pathways of disability after dysvascular amputation. Furthermore, additional factors contributing to the relationship between self‐reported functional capacity and disability need to be identified.

Level of Evidence

III
Anomalous Brain Development Is Evident in Preschoolers With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Jacobson Lisa A. , Crocetti Deana , Dirlikov Benjamin , Slifer Keith , Denckla Martha Bridge , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Mahone E. Mark
Published: March 2018

Objectives: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder with symptom onset early in childhood. Growing evidence suggests anomalous brain development across multiple brain regions is evident in school-aged children; however, few studies have examined whether such differences are notable in the preschool years when symptom onset typically occurs. Methods: High resolution anatomical (MPRAGE) images and cognitive and behavioral measures were analyzed in a total of 90 medication-naïve preschoolers, ages 4–5 years (52 with ADHD, 38 controls; 64.4% boys). Results: Results revealed reductions in bilateral frontal, parietal, and temporal lobe gray matter volumes in children with ADHD relative to typically developing children, with largest effect sizes noted for right frontal and left temporal lobe volumes. Examining frontal lobe sub-regions, the largest between group effect sizes were evident for left orbitofrontal cortex, left primary motor cortex (M1), and left supplementary motor complex (SMC). ADHD-related reductions in specific sub-regions (left prefrontal, left premotor, left frontal eye field, left M1, and right SMC) were significantly correlated with symptom severity, such that higher ratings of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were associated with reduced cortical volumes. Conclusions: These findings represent the first comprehensive examination of cortical volume in preschool children with ADHD, providing evidence that anomalous brain structure in ADHD is evident very early in development. Furthermore, findings set the stage for developing our understanding of the way in which developmental trajectories of anomalous brain development are associated with the unfolding of symptoms in childhood ADHD. (JINS, 2018, 24, 531–539)
Importance of Serum Amino Acid Profile for Induction of Hepatic Steatosis under Protein Malnutrition
Authors: Nishi Hiroki , Yamanaka Daisuke , Kamei Hiroyasu , Goda Yuki , Kumano Mikako , Toyoshima Yuka , Takenaka Asako , Masuda Masato , Nakabayashi Yasushi , Shioya Ryuji , Kataoka Naoyuki , Hakuno Fumihiko , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro
Published: March 2018

We previously reported that a low-protein diet caused animals to develop fatty liver containing a high level of triglycerides (TG), similar to the human nutritional disorder “kwashiorkor”. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we cultured hepatocytes in amino acid-sufficient or deficient medium. Surprisingly, the intracellular TG level was increased by amino acid deficiency without addition of any lipids or hormones, accompanied by enhanced lipid synthesis, indicating that hepatocytes themselves monitored the extracellular amino acid concentrations to induce lipid accumulation in a cell-autonomous manner. We then confirmed that a low-amino acid diet also resulted in the development of fatty liver, and supplementation of the low-amino acid diet with glutamic acid to compensate the loss of nitrogen source did not completely suppress the hepatic TG accumulation. Only a dietary arginine or threonine deficiency was sufficient to induce hepatic TG accumulation. However, supplementation of a low-amino acid diet with arginine or threonine failed to reverse it. In silico analysis succeeded in predicting liver TG level from the serum amino acid profile. Based on these results, we conclude that dietary amino acid composition dynamically affects the serum amino acid profile, which is sensed by hepatocytes and lipid synthesis was activated cell-autonomously, leading to hepatic steatosis.
Quantitative analysis of weak non-covalent interactions in (Z)-3-(4-halophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2/3/4-yl)acrylonitriles
Authors: Venkatesan Perumal , Cerón Margarita , Thamotharan Subbiah , Robles Fernando , Percino M. Judith
Published: March 2018

A detailed experimental and theoretical investigation on the intermolecular interactions in (Z)-3-(4-halophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2/3/4-yl)acrylonitriles is reported and different π staking motifs observed in these structures.
Fluorescence imaging of antibiotic clofazimine encapsulated within mesoporous silica particle carriers: relevance to drug delivery and the effect on its release kinetics
Authors: Angiolini Lorenzo , Valetti Sabrina , Cohen Boiko , Feiler Adam , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: March 2018

Time-resolved FLIM experiments show how hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of mesoporous silica particles affect the distribution and release of the loaded antibiotic clofazimine.
Abiotic photomineralization and transformation of iron oxide nanominerals in aqueous systems
Authors: Liu Lihu , Jia Zhaoheng , Tan Wenfeng , Suib Steven L. , Ge Le , Qiu Guohong , Hu Ronggui
Published: March 2018

Iron oxide nanominerals are generated by photocatalytic oxidation of Fe2+aq, and Fe2+aq promotes the transformation of the photochemically synthesized schwertmannite.
A green synthetic approach for self-doped TiO2 with exposed highly reactive facets showing efficient CO2 photoreduction under simulated solar light
Authors: Zhang Yanzhao , Wang Xiya , Dong Peimei , Huang Zhengfeng , Nie Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiwen
Published: March 2018

It is the dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma that is developed to realize the self-doping of a TiO2 single crystal film.
Hybrid bacterial cellulose–pectin films for delivery of bioactive molecules
Authors: Cacicedo Maximiliano L. , Islan Germán A. , Drachemberg M. Florencia , Alvarez Vera A. , Bartel Laura C. , Bolzán Alejandro D. , Castro Guillermo R.
Published: March 2018

Novel biopolymeric films based on bacterial cellulose (BC) modified with high methoxylated pectin (HMP) were developed for drug delivery.
Quantum-dot light-emitting diodes with a perfluorinated ionomer-doped copper-nickel oxide hole transporting layer
Authors: Kim Hyo-Min , Kim Jeonggi , Jang Jin
Published: March 2018

Herein, we report all solution-processed green quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (G-QLEDs) by introducing a perfluorinated ionomer (PFI, Nafion 117) into quantum dots (QDs) to improve hole injection.
Ru-Doping in TiO2electron transport layers of planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells for enhanced performance
Authors: Xu Zhongzhong , Yin Xiong , Guo Yanjun , Pu Yuan , He Meng
Published: March 2018

Ru-Doping in TiO2electron transport layers of planar perovskite solar cells improved the power conversion efficiency from 13.42% to 15.70%.
CoMn2O4 embedded in MnOOH nanorods as a bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Wang Ying , Hu Tianjun , Liu Qing , Zhang Limin
Published: March 2018

CoMn2O4 embedded in MnOOH nanorods (CoMn2O4–MnOOH NRs) was prepared using a two-step hydrothermal method involving the oxidation of Mn by Co species in preformed MnOOH NRs, and the as-prepared catalyst exhibits an expectably remarkable performance for the ORR and the OER.
A new approach to access difluoroalkylated diarylmethanes via visible-light photocatalytic cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Zhao Yin-Na , Luo Yong-Chun , Wang Zhu-Yin , Xu Peng-Fei
Published: March 2018

A para-quinone methide and difluoroalkylating reagent involved radical cross-coupling reaction was described, through photocatalytically generated diarylmethane radical intermediates.
Helical nanoparticle-induced enantiospecific adsorption of N3 dyes
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Junjun , Yan Ming , Huang Zhifeng
Published: March 2018

N3 dyes are enantiospecifically adsorbed on silver helical nanoparticles, and the adsorption enantiospecificity is primarily determined by the helical handedness and maximized at a nominal helical pitch of ∼15 nm.
Biomimetic mineralization of a hydroxyapatite crystal in the presence of a zwitterionic polymer
Authors: Xu Meng , Ji Feng , Qin Zhihui , Dong Dianyu , Tian Xinlu , Niu Rui , Sun Da , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: March 2018

The biomimetic mineralization of nano-hydroxyapatite using a zwitterionic polymer as a template to cognize the biomineralization of natural bone in vivo.
Ultrafast action chemistry in slow motion: atomistic description of the excitation and fluorescence processes in an archetypal fluorescent protein
Authors: Armengol Pau , Spörkel Lasse , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Thiel Walter , Lluch José M.
Published: March 2018

QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations allow understanding the time dependent fluorescence spectrum of a GFP mutant with ultrafast proton-transfer.
Heterogeneous catalysis by tungsten-based heteropoly compounds
Authors: Enferadi-Kerenkan Amir , Do Trong-On , Kaliaguine Serge
Published: March 2018

In this review, the recent works on heterogeneous catalytic applications of polyoxotungstates in liquid-phase organic reactions are reviewed.
Anion-dependent thermo-responsive supramolecular superstructures of Cu(ii) macrocycles
Authors: Naskar Sourenjit , Jana Barun , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: March 2018

A heteroditopic ligand predominantly self-assembled into a dinuclear Cu(ii) macrocycle with various Cu2+ salts. However, each macrocycle is further hierarchically assembled to distinct supramolecular superstructures, where the shape of the morphology is found to be highly dependent on the counter-anions and temperature.
Ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets coupled with amorphous Cu-doped FeOOH nanoclusters as 2D/0D heterogeneous catalysts for water remediation
Authors: Zhang Shouwei , Gao Huihui , Huang Yongshun , Wang Xiangxue , Hayat Tasawar , Li Jiaxing , Xu Xijin , Wang Xiangke
Published: March 2018

Sub-nanometer Cu-FeOOH clusters/CNNS exhibited ultrafast degradation of organic pollutants, good stability, recyclability, and large-scale application at 15 L.
Selectivity and polarization in water channel membranes: lessons learned from polymeric membranes and CNTs
Authors: Freger Viatcheslav
Published: March 2018

The aspects of ion exclusion and concentration polarization are highlighted as critical for achieving high selectivity in an artificial water channel.
Highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formic acid over lead dioxide in an ionic liquid–catholyte mixture
Authors: Wu Haoran , Song Jinliang , Xie Chao , Hu Yue , Han Buxing
Published: March 2018

The combination of commercial lead dioxide and ionic liquid based catholytes showed highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formic acid.
Correction: Conformationally restricted benzothienoazepine respiratory syncytial virus inhibitors: their synthesis, structural analysis and biological activities
Authors: Fordyce Euan A. F. , Fraser Hunt S. , Crepin Damien , Onions Stuart T. , Parra Guillaume F. , Sleigh Chris J. , King-Underwood John , Finch Harry , Murray John
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Conformationally restricted benzothienoazepine respiratory syncytial virus inhibitors: their synthesis, structural analysis and biological activities’ by Euan A. F. Fordyce et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8md00033f.
Extraction performance of Eu3+ by using heterocyclic N-donor ligands with different structures in ionic liquids: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Wang Yue , Ao Yinyong , Yuan Weijin , Peng Jing , Zhao Long , Zhai Maolin
Published: March 2018

Extraction performance of Eu3+ has been studied for heterocyclic N-donor ligands with different structures in [C2mim][NTf2] as a diluent.
Direct oxidative C–H alkynylation ofN-carbamoyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and dihydroisoquinolines
Authors: Chen Lei , Sun Chuanxi , Feng Guidong , Cao Min , Zhao Shu-lei , Yan Jun , Wan Ren-zhong , Liu Lei
Published: March 2018

An efficient oxidative C–H alkynylation ofN-carbamoyl tetrahydroisoquinolines and dihydroisoquinolines is described.
An I2-mediated aerobic oxidative annulation of amidines with tertiary aminesviaC–H amination/C–N cleavage for the synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted 1,3,5-triazines
Authors: Yan Yizhe , Li Zheng , Cui Chang , Li Hongyi , Shi Miaomiao , Liu Yanqi
Published: March 2018

An iodine-mediated aerobic oxidative cycloaddition of amidines with tertiary amines was first demonstrated, affording symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,4-disubstituted 1,3,5-triazines.
Tipping water balance and the Pt loading effect in polymer electrolyte fuel cells: a model-based analysis
Authors: Muzaffar Tasleem , Kadyk Thomas , Eikerling Michael
Published: March 2018

Tipping water balance drastically affecting the performance of electrode layers in polymer electrolyte fuel cells with low Pt loading.
Fabrication of benzothiadiazole–benzodithiophene-based random copolymers for efficient thick-film polymer solar cells via a solvent vapor annealing approach
Authors: Li Zhanfeng , Wang Xiangkun , Ren Jingkun , Gan Guoyue , Liu Caijun , Sun Qinjun , Wang Hua , Hao Yuying
Published: March 2018

We constructed a series of D–A1–D–A2 random polymers with broad light absorption and high carrier mobility. A PCE of over 4.52% was observed at a BHJ thickness of 270 nm, and over 5.60% at thicknesses of 100–170 nm.
Influence of A-site cations on germanium iodates as mid-IR nonlinear optical materials: A2Ge(IO3)6(A = Li, K, Rb and Cs) and BaGe(IO3)6·H2O
Authors: Liu Hongming , Jiang Xingxing , Wang Xiaoxiao , Yang Lei , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Meng Xianggao , Chen Xingguo , Qin Jingui
Published: March 2018

A series of germanium iodates with a gradual change in polar [IO3]−arrangements have been searched as potential mid-IR nonlinear optical materials.
High‐gain 2 × 2 UWB antenna array with integrated phase inverter
Authors: Hasan M.N. , Seo M.
Published: March 2018

A compact 2 × 2 ultra wideband (UWB) antenna array, composed of four planar rectangular monopoles, with a novel feeding network scheme is presented. The feeding network contains a power divider with a wideband balun and a 180° phase inverter in order to add the radiated electric fields of the array elements in‐phase. A partial ground plane is used to achieve ultra wide bandwidth. The antenna array has a measured impedance bandwidth from 2.5 to 5.5 GHz with broadside radiation pattern and a measured peak gain of 13 dBi. The proposed array is suitable for portable UWB systems.
Real‐time dark count compensation and temperature monitoring using dual SPADs on the same chip
Authors: Deng Shijie , Morrison Alan P.
Published: March 2018

Dual single‐photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs) integrated on the same chip enable the effective compensation of dark count rate (DCR) in the SPAD and also the real‐time monitoring of the chip temperature. In the design, two identical SPADs are fabricated on the same chip, one operating normally and the other one covered by a metal layer to be kept in the dark. The two SPADs are identically biased and connected to identical active quench and reset integrated circuits. As both detectors are identical in structure, the dark count is expected to be similar for both. Experimental measurements show that the two SPADs exhibit similar DCR performance over a range of bias voltages and temperatures. By measuring the DCR from the covered SPAD, the DCR from the normally operated SPAD can be accounted for directly. This can be particularly useful for SPADs, where the DCR is high. Experiments under illumination show that the shaded SPAD is immune to illumination over a wide range of incident light power. This enables the real‐time monitoring of the temperature on the sensor chip using the counting rate from the dark operated avalanche photodiode (APD).
Target response analysis for forward‐looking SAR with simultaneous cross‐track transceiver translation
Authors: Burfeindt M.
Published: March 2018

Theoretical imaging performance for forward‐looking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with simultaneous cross‐track transceiver translation is characterised. Cross‐range resolution as a function of transceiver transverse velocity and synthetic aperture length is analysed. Then the transverse velocity needed to avoid left‐right ambiguity is derived. Lastly, imaging performance is demonstrated by focusing simulated data.
Review on HVDC cable terminations
Authors: Ye Hanyu , Fechner Tobias , Lei Xianzhang , Luo Yi , Zhou Mingyu , Han Zhengyi , Wang Haitian , Zhuang Qikai , Xu Ruoyu , Li Duo
Published: March 2018

With modern power utilities going green by utilising renewable energy technologies and the development of the smart power grid, high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies become more and more important in the energy transmission. In particular, HVDC cable systems play a prominent role in undersea power transmission and offshore renewable energy integration. As an essential part of a complete HVDC cable system, the cable termination is one of the most critical components. The mathematical and physical background of HVDC cable systems is discussed and the development of various types of HVDC cable terminations is reviewed. Regarding the non‐uniform field distribution, the influence of temperature on the non‐linear conductivity is briefly discussed. Furthermore, faults of terminations caused by inappropriate installation and testing of cable systems are discussed.
Biopotential acquisition unit for energy‐efficient wearable health monitoring
Authors: Singh Wazir , Deb Sujay
Published: March 2018

In wearable health monitoring system, the energy consumption is dominated by the transmitter. These systems generally use proprietary acquisition platforms that are incompatible with each other which makes this even more challenging. This study presents a compressive sensing‐based biopotential acquisition unit to reduce the overheads of wirelessly transmitting and storing the data. The instrumentation amplifier (INA) in the system defines the quality of the acquired biopotential signals. At the heart of the system is an analogue‐to‐information converter (AIC) to enable the random under‐sampling operation. AIC is used to digitise the output of the biopotential INA. Both INA and AIC are implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology. To confirm stable operation under different operating conditions, the design is simulated under different process, voltage and temperature (PVT) corners. The simulation results show that the proposed INA has a common mode rejection ratio of 100.18 dB and noise of 35.89 pV/sqrt (Hz). AIC achieves a sampling rate of 0.5 kS/s, an effective number of bits 9.54 bits, figure of merit 187 fj/conv‐step, and consumes 69.33 nW from 1 V power supply.
Fault‐tolerant drive system based on the redundancy bridge arm for aerospace applications
Authors: Li Qiang , Jiang Xuefeng , Huang Wenxin , Cao Ruiwu
Published: March 2018

To adapt to the single power supply system of the aircraft, this study proposes and investigates a novel fault‐tolerant drive system based on the redundancy bridge arm for aerospace applications. The proposed fault‐tolerant drive system adopts a dual‐winding fault‐tolerant (DF) motor; the DF motor offers the advantages of magnetic isolation, physical isolation, thermal isolation, small cogging torque ripple, inhibiting the short‐circuit current and high fault tolerance. The proposed fault‐tolerant drive can adapt to the single power supply system of the aircraft, reduce the drive cost, and cut down the number of independent power sources and power switches. In addition, it can improve the power density, reliability, and the utilisation rate of the drive system. To realise the open‐circuit fault diagnosis performance, the diagnosis and processing method of the open‐circuit fault has been investigated. Then, to realise the fault‐tolerant performance, a novel space‐vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) fault‐tolerant control strategy is proposed. Finally, the performances of the fault‐tolerant drive have been verified by simulations and experiments. The research results verify the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant drive system based on the redundancy bridge arm and SVPWM fault‐tolerant control strategy.
Distributed residential energy resource scheduling with renewable uncertainties
Authors: Luo Fengji , Dong Zhao Yang , Xu Zhao , Kong Weicong , Wang Fan
Published: March 2018

Advances in metering and two‐way communication technologies foster the studies of Home Energy Management System (HEMS). This study proposes a new HEMS, which optimally schedules the distributed residential energy resources (DRERs) in a smart home environment with varying electricity tariff and high solar penetrations. The uncertainties of solar power output are captured by using Monte Carlo sampling technique to generate multiple solar output scenarios based on the probabilistic solar radiation model. The homeowner's rigid and elastic restrictions on the operations of the automatically controlled household appliances are modelled. Based on this, an optimal DRER scheduling model is proposed to minimise the home operation cost while taking into account the homeowner's requirements. A new heuristic optimisation algorithm recently proposed by the authors, i.e. natural aggregation algorithm, is used to solve the proposed model. Simulations based on real Australian solar data are conducted to validate the proposed method.
Economic dispatch considering the wind power forecast error
Authors: Han Li , Romero Carlos E , Wang Xuesong , Shi Liping
Published: March 2018

Dispatch results depend on the forecast wind power in an electric power grid. High levels of uncertainty in wind power lead to large forecast errors (FEs). Wind power FE creates an imbalance between power load demand and supply, which poses risks to the power grid. To minimise the risk caused by uncertainty in wind power, FE was analysed. The actual and forecast power of wind generations were studied to determine which factors had strong relationships with FE. After being analysed by principle component analysis, these factors were used to build an assessment model to estimate FE. According to the output of the assessment model, risk factor (RF) was defined to evaluate the risk‐level associated with wind power. Moreover, based on a grid including wind generation and fossil fuel‐fired power plants, a dispatch model was built to account for the cost of fossils fuels and RF. This dispatch model was studied to find strategies for decreasing the impact of wind power on the grid. The results from their research will increase the safety and reliability of power grids with uncertain levels of wind power and promote the widespread use of wind power.