bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Capacity Cathode Material with High Voltage for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Ji‐Lei , Xiao Dong‐Dong , Ge Mingyuan , Yu Xiqian , Chu Yong , Huang Xiaojing , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Yin Ya‐Xia , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Guo Yu‐Guo , Gu Lin , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: January 2018

Electrochemical energy storage devices with a high energy density are an important technology in modern society, especially for electric vehicles. The most effective approach to improve the energy density of batteries is to search for high‐capacity electrode materials. According to the concept of energy quality, a high‐voltage battery delivers a highly useful energy, thus providing a new insight to improve energy density. Based on this concept, a novel and successful strategy to increase the energy density and energy quality by increasing the discharge voltage of cathode materials and preserving high capacity is proposed. The proposal is realized in high‐capacity Li‐rich cathode materials. The average discharge voltage is increased from 3.5 to 3.8 V by increasing the nickel content and applying a simple after‐treatment, and the specific energy is improved from 912 to 1033 Wh kg−1. The current work provides an insightful universal principle for developing, designing, and screening electrode materials for high energy density and energy quality.
2D‐Black‐Phosphorus‐Reinforced 3D‐Printed Scaffolds:A Stepwise Countermeasure for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yang Bowen , Yin Junhui , Chen Yu , Pan Shanshan , Yao Heliang , Gao Youshui , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2018

With the ever‐deeper understanding of nano–bio interactions and the development of fabrication methodologies of nanomaterials, various therapeutic platforms based on nanomaterials have been developed for next‐generation oncological applications, such as osteosarcoma therapy. In this work, a black phosphorus (BP) reinforced 3D‐printed scaffold is designed and prepared to provide a feasible countermeasure for the efficient localized treatment of osteosarcoma. The in situ phosphorus‐driven, calcium‐extracted biomineralization of the intra‐scaffold BP nanosheets enables both photothermal ablation of osteosarcoma and the subsequent material‐guided bone regeneration in physiological microenvironment, and in the meantime endows the scaffolds with unique physicochemical properties favoring the whole stepwise therapeutic process. Additionally, a corrugated structure analogous to Haversian canals is found on newborn cranial bone tissue of Sprague–Dawley rats, which may provide much inspiration for the future research of bone‐tissue engineering.
High‐Performance Organic Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells Based on Multiple‐Donor or Multiple‐Acceptor Components
Authors: Huang Wenchao , Cheng Pei , Yang Yang (Michael) , Li Gang , Yang Yang
Published: January 2018

Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on bulk heterojunction structures are promising candidates for next‐generation solar cells. However, the narrow absorption bandwidth of organic semiconductors is a critical issue resulting in insufficient usage of the energy from the solar spectrum, and as a result, it hinders performance. Devices based on multiple‐donor or multiple‐acceptor components with complementary absorption spectra provide a solution to address this issue. OSCs based on multiple‐donor or multiple‐acceptor systems have achieved power conversion efficiencies over 12%. Moreover, the introduction of an additional component can further facilitate charge transfer and reduce charge recombination through cascade energy structure and optimized morphology. This progress report provides an overview of the recent progress in OSCs based on multiple‐donor (polymer/polymer, polymer/dye, and polymer/small molecule) or multiple‐acceptor (fullerene/fullerene, fullerene/nonfullerene, and nonfullerene/nonfullerene) components.
Efficient Supercapacitor Energy Storage Using Conjugated Microporous Polymer Networks Synthesized from Buchwald–Hartwig Coupling
Authors: Liao Yaozu , Wang Haige , Zhu Meifang , Thomas Arne
Published: January 2018

Supercapacitors have received increasing interest as energy storage devices due to their rapid charge–discharge rates, high power densities, and high durability. In this work, novel conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) networks are presented for supercapacitor energy storage, namely 3D polyaminoanthraquinone (PAQ) networks synthesized via Buchwald–Hartwig coupling between 2,6‐diaminoanthraquinone and aryl bromides. PAQs exhibit surface areas up to 600 m2 g−1, good dispersibility in polar solvents, and can be processed to flexible electrodes. The PAQs exhibit a three‐electrode specific capacitance of 576 F g−1 in 0.5 m H2SO4 at a current of 1 A g−1 retaining 80–85% capacitances and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiencies (95–98%) upon 6000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1. Asymmetric two‐electrode supercapacitors assembled by PAQs show a capacitance of 168 F g−1 of total electrode materials, an energy density of 60 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1300 W kg−1, and a wide working potential window (0–1.6 V). The asymmetric supercapacitors show Coulombic efficiencies up to 97% and can retain 95.5% of initial capacitance undergo 2000 cycles. This work thus presents novel promising CMP networks for charge energy storage.
Fine‐Tuning of Molecular Packing and Energy Level through Methyl Substitution Enabling Excellent Small Molecule Acceptors for Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency up to 12.54%
Authors: Luo Zhenghui , Bin Haijun , Liu Tao , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Yang Yankang , Zhong Cheng , Qiu Beibei , Li Guanghao , Gao Wei , Xie Dongjun , Wu Kailong , Sun Yanming , Liu Feng , Li Yongfang , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2018

A novel small molecule acceptor MeIC with a methylated end‐capping group is developed. Compared to unmethylated counterparts (ITCPTC), MeIC exhibits a higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level value, tighter molecular packing, better crystallites quality, and stronger absorption in the range of 520–740 nm. The MeIC‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs) with J71 as donor, achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE), up to 12.54% with a short‐circuit current (JSC) of 18.41 mA cm−2, significantly higher than that of the device based on J71:ITCPTC (11.63% with a JSC of 17.52 mA cm−2). The higher JSC of the PSC based on J71:MeIC can be attributed to more balanced μh/μe, higher charge dissociation and charge collection efficiency, better molecular packing, and more proper phase separation features as indicated by grazing incident X‐ray diffraction and resonant soft X‐ray scattering results. It is worth mentioning that the as‐cast PSCs based on MeIC also yield a high PCE of 11.26%, which is among the highest value for the as‐cast nonfullerene PSCs so far. Such a small modification that leads to so significant an improvement of the photovoltaic performance is a quite exciting finding, shining a light on the molecular design of the nonfullerene acceptors.
Self‐Assembled Ag‐MXA Superclusters with Structure‐Dependent Mechanical Properties
Authors: Qin Xiaoyun , Luo Dan , Xue Zhenjie , Song Qian , Wang Tie
Published: January 2018

The low elastic modulus and time‐consuming formation process represent the major challenges that impede the penetration of nanoparticle superstructures into daily life applications. As observed in the molecular or atomic crystals, more effective interactions between adjacent nanoparticles would introduce beneficial features to assemblies enabling optimized mechanical properties. Here, a straightforward synthetic strategy is showed that allows fast and scalable fabrication of 2D Ag‐mercaptoalkyl acid superclusters of either hexagonal or lamellar topology. Remarkably, these ordered superstructures exhibit a structure‐dependent elastic modulus which is subject to the tether length of straight‐chain mercaptoalkyl acids or the ratio between silver and tether molecules. These superclusters are plastic and moldable against arbitrarily shaped masters of macroscopic dimensions, thereby opening a wealth of possibilities to develop more nanocrystals with practically useful nanoscopic properties.
Extending the Continuous Operating Lifetime of Perovskite Solar Cells with a Molybdenum Disulfide Hole Extraction Interlayer
Authors: Kakavelakis George , Paradisanos Ioannis , Paci Barbara , Generosi Amanda , Papachatzakis Michael , Maksudov Temur , Najafi Leyla , Del Rio Castillo Antonio Esaú , Kioseoglou George , Stratakis Emmanuel , Bonaccorso Francesco , Kymakis Emmanuel
Published: January 2018

Solution‐processed organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies thanks to both high performance and low manufacturing cost. However, a key challenge of this technology is the lack of ambient stability over prolonged solar irradiation under continuous operating conditions. In fact, only a few studies (carried out in inert atmosphere) already approach the industrial standards. Here, it is shown how the introduction of MoS2 flakes as a hole transport interlayer in inverted planar PSCs results in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ≈17%, overcoming the one of the standard reference devices. Furthermore, this approach allows the realization of ultrastable PSCs, stressed in ambient conditions and working at continuous maximum power point. In particular, the photovoltaic performances of the proposed PSCs represent the current state‐of‐the‐art in terms of lifetime, retaining 80% of their initial performance after 568 h of continuous stress test, thus approaching the industrial stability standards. Moreover, it is further demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by fabricating large‐area PSCs (0.5 cm2 active area) with MoS2 as the interlayer. These large‐area PSCs show improved performance (i.e., PCE = 13.17%) when compared with the standard devices (PCE = 10.64%).
The Impact of Local Morphology on Organic Donor/Acceptor Charge Transfer States
Authors: Lin YunHui L. , Fusella Michael A. , Rand Barry P.
Published: January 2018

A major breakthrough in the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) was the development of the donor/acceptor heterojunction that aids in separating Coulombically bound excitons that are generated upon photoabsorption. Additionally, bound charge transfer (CT) states that result from the exchange of charge carriers across the donor/acceptor interface are believed to play an important role in charge generation. Though organic thin films are often disordered, enhancements to the local structural order at the donor/acceptor interface have recently been shown to greatly influence CT state energetics and the charge generation process. In this progress report, recent efforts to understand the role that donor/acceptor morphology plays in the behavior of CT states and the resulting implications on OPV function are presented. It is aimed to provide a survey of different experimental approaches and to present a balanced examination of current interpretations of key results, and to offer best practices for the fabrication and study of morphologically tunable donor/acceptor CT states.
Ecosystems as unit operations for local techno‐ecological synergy: Integrated process design with treatment wetlands
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Varsha , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: January 2018

Despite the critical importance of ecological systems for sustaining all chemical and manufacturing processes, process design has kept nature outside its system boundary. Recent efforts for sustainable process design aim to reduce environmental impact, but no design method considers the capacity of ecosystems to supply the goods and services that are needed to sustain a process. Overcoming this deficiency of conventional process design is essential to transform the chemical industry into an activity that respects ecological constraints and results in a net positive societal impact. As an important step toward meeting this goal, this work expands the boundary of process design to include ecosystems as unit operations in traditional design. Similar to tasks performed by conventional unit operations, ecological processes perform ecosystem functions resulting in goods and services required by the technological system. The goal behind designing integrated techno‐ecological process flowsheets is to balance the ecosystem service demand of technological systems with the ecosystem service supply of ecological systems. Systems are optimized to balance the demand and supply subject to unit operation level constraints of technological and ecological systems, and interactions between detailed process level variables and ecological variables are explored. The Techno‐Ecological Synergy (TES) Design method is developed and applied to a biofuel production system, considering ecosystem services like water provisioning and water quality regulation provided by wetland ecosystems. Comparing the integrated TES design with conventional techno‐centric design shows that TES design can result in net positive impact manufacturing: a case where the ecosystem service supply is equal to or exceeds the demand, with little or no compromises in process profitability. These results should encourage close integration between technological and ecological systems while designing sustainable processes, and identify many challenges for developing TES of individual processes and across the life cycle. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2390–2407, 2018
Risk of infantile hemangiomas in the offspring of women with autoimmune disease and the pathogenic implications of these lesions
Authors: Smith Chelsey J. F. , Jones Kenneth L. , Johnson Diana L. , Bandoli Gretchen , Robinson Loan K. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Chambers Christina D.
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk of maternal autoimmune disease or associated treatments on infantile hemangiomas (IHs), a common benign vascular tumor in infants, and to better understand how maternal chronic inflammation may play a factor in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Eligible women from the United States and Canada who enrolled before 19 weeks’ gestation and delivered at least one live born infant were recruited as part of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) Autoimmune Disease in Pregnancy Project from 2004–2013. A total of 51/969 (5.3%) and 8/240 (3.3%) infants with IH were born to mothers with and without autoimmune disease, respectively (OR 1.61; 95%CI, 0.75–.44). The presence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the mother was significantly associated with IH in the child (OR 3.46; 95%CI, 1.29–9.26). The five largest IH occurred within the autoimmune disease cohort and to women taking a biologic medication. These results imply that UC may be a risk factor for IH development, and that chronic inflammation may influence the development of these lesions. This potential link between IH and autoimmune disease warrants further investigation.
Somatic mosaic deletions involving SCN1A cause Dravet syndrome
Authors: Nakayama Tojo , Ishii Atsushi , Yoshida Takeshi , Nasu Hirosato , Shimojima Keiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Kure Shigeo , Hirose Shinichi
Published: January 2018

Somatic mosaicism in single nucleotide variants of SCN1A is known to occur in a subset of parents of children with Dravet syndrome (DS). Here, we report recurrent somatic mosaic microdeletions involving SCN1A in children diagnosed with DS. Through the evaluation of 237 affected individuals with DS who did not show SCN1A or PCHD19 mutations in prior sequencing analyzes, we identified two children with mosaic microdeletions covering the entire SCN1A region. The allele frequency of the mosaic deletions estimated by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and array comparative genomic hybridization was 25–40%, which was comparable to the mosaic ratio in lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells observed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. The minimal prevalence of SCN1A mosaic deletion is estimated to be 0.9% (95% confidence level: 0.11–3.11%) of DS with negative for SCN1A and PCDH19 mutations. This study reinforces the importance of somatic mosaicism caused by copy number variations in disease‐causing genes, and provides an alternative spectrum of SCN1A mutations causative of DS. Somatic deletions in SCN1A should be considered in cases with DS when standard screenings for SCN1A mutations are apparently negative for mutations.
Variable immune deficiency related to deletion size in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Crowley Blaine , Ruffner Melanie , McDonald McGinn Donna M. , Sullivan Kathleen E.
Published: January 2018

The clinical features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome include virtually every organ of the body. This review will focus on the immune system and the differences related to deletion breakpoints. A hypoplastic thymus was one of the first features described in this syndrome and low T cell counts, as a consequence of thymic hypoplasia, are the most commonly described immunologic feature. These are most prominently seen in early childhood and can be associated with increased persistence of viruses. Later in life, evidence of T cell exhaustion may be seen and secondary deficiencies of antibody function have been described. The relationship of the immunodeficiency to the deletion breakpoints has been understudied due to the infrequent analysis of people carrying smaller deletions. This manuscript will review the immune deficiency in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and describe differences in the T cell counts related to the deletion breakpoints. Distal, non‐TBX1 inclusive deletions, were found to be associated with better T cell counts. Another new finding is the relative preservation of T cell counts in those patients with a 22q11.2 duplication.
Characterization of a novel, papain‐inducible murine model of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tharakan Anuj , Dobzanski Alex , London Nyall R. , Khalil Syed M. , Surya Nitya , Lane Andrew P. , Ramanathan Murugappan
Published: January 2018

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a disease characterized by eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate and a local type 2 cytokine milieu. Current animal models fail to recapitulate many of the innate and adaptive immunologic hallmarks of the disease, thus hindering the development of effective therapeutics. In the present study, mice were exposed intranasally to the cysteine protease papain, which shares functional similarities with parasitic proteases and aeroallergens, to generate a rapidly inducible murine model of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were intranasally instilled with 20 μg papain or heat‐inactivated papain (HP) on days 0–2 and days 7–10, and then euthanized on day 11. Nasal lavage fluid (NALF) was analyzed to quantify eosinophils and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Sinonasal tissue was sectioned and stained for goblet cells or homogenized to analyze cytokine levels. Serum samples were assayed for immunoglobulin E (IgE) by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Sinonasal mucosal tissue was dissociated and analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared with HP treatment, papain induced significant eosinophilia in NALF, goblet cell hyperplasia, innate and adaptive immune cell infiltration, type 2 cytokine production, and IgE responses. Flow cytometric analysis of sinonasal tissues revealed significant inflammatory cell infiltration and interleukin‐13–producing cell populations.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that the cysteine protease papain induces allergic sinonasal eosinophilic rhinosinusitis and resembles T‐helper 2 cell inflammation and innate immune characteristics of ECRS. This model permits further study into the molecular mechanisms underlying ECRS pathology and provides a model system for the evaluation of potential pharmacologic interventions.
Epoxy composites containing wastes from wine production as fillers
Authors: Saccani Andrea , Manzi Stefania , Baldazzi Luca , Sisti Laura
Published: January 2018

Composites formulated with an epoxy matrix, kenaf fibers, and the residuals of the wine industry are investigated at different compositions. The microstructure and the mechanical properties of the composites have been studied, as well as their moisture uptake. A proper mix design of the composite can allow the waste inclusion as filler either increasing or providing mechanical properties equal to those of the plain matrix. The increase in the water permeability induced by the waste is lower than that of induced by the kenaf fibers. Because of the simple mixing and pretreatment operation, this easy‐to‐handle recycling route may decrease the overall cost of the material reducing the amount of polymer matrix and offers a valuable alternative to damping. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46234.
Bifunctional Fluorescent Probe for Sequential Sensing of Thiols and Primary Aliphatic Amines in Distinct Fluorescence Channels
Authors: Huang Meiyu , Long Lingliang , Wang Ning , Yuan Xiangqi , Cao Siyu , Gong Aihua , Wang Kun
Published: January 2018

Thiols and primary aliphatic amines (PAA) are ubiquitous and extremely important species in biological systems. They perform significant interplaying roles in complex biological events. A single fluorescent probe differentiating both thiols and PAA can contribute to understanding the intrinsic inter‐relationship of thiols and PAA in biological processes. Herein, we rationally constructed the first fluorescent probe that can respond to thiols and PAA in different fluorescence channels. The probe exhibited a high selectivity and sensitivity to thiols and PAA. In addition, it displayed sequential sensing ability when the thiols and PAA coexisted. The application experiments indicated that the probe can be used for sensing thiols and PAA in human blood serum. Moreover, the fluorescence imaging of endogenous thiols and PAA as well as antihypertensive drugs captopril and amlodipine in living cells were successfully conducted.
Which tier? Effects of linear assessment and student characteristics on GCSE entry decisions
Authors: Vitello Sylvia , Crawford Cara
Published: January 2018

In England, students obtain General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications, typically at age 16. Certain GCSEs are tiered; students take either higher‐level (higher tier) or lower‐level (foundation tier) exams, which may have different educational, career and psychological consequences. In particular, foundation tier entry, if inappropriate, risks capping students' achievement because of the restricted range of attainable grades and reduced learning that may occur. Tiering decisions may be affected by other aspects of the education system in which they take place, such as by the timing of assessment. The move to linear assessment in 2012 provided a unique opportunity to compare tiering decisions for the same GCSE specifications when taken in a linear system, where students are exclusively assessed at the end of the course, with tiering decisions in a modular system, where students are assessed at different time points. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine students' likelihood of being entered for the foundation tiers of GCSEs in science, language and mathematics in two exam sessions: June 2013, which allowed modular assessment, and June 2014, which required linear assessment. The analyses also investigated whether these effects depended on student characteristics. Results showed that foundation tier entry was less likely in the linear than modular system for GCSEs in science and languages, but more likely for one mathematics GCSE. This pattern contrasts with concerns that linear assessment may encourage general risk‐aversion, and instead indicates that effects on tiering decisions are more complicated, varying by subject and student factors.
Meta-analysis of the prognostic value of CpG island methylator phenotype in gastric cancer
Authors: Powell A G M T , Soul S , Christian A , Lewis W G
Published: January 2018

Background

CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) has been identified as a distinct molecular subtype of gastric cancer, yet associations with survival are conflicting. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prognostic significance of CIMP.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central and Cochrane databases were searched systematically for studies related to the association between CIMP and survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for gastric cancer.

Results

A total of 918 patients from ten studies were included, and the median proportion of tumours with CIMP-high (CIMP-H) status was 40·9 (range 4·8–63) per cent. Gene panels for assessing CIMP status varied between the studies. Pooled analysis suggested that specimens exhibiting CIMP-H were associated with poorer 5-year survival (odds ratio (OR) for death 1·48, 95 per cent c.i. 1·10 to 1·99; P = 0·009). Significant heterogeneity was observed between studies (I2 = 88 per cent, P < 0·001). Subgroup analysis according to whether studies showed a tendency towards poor (5 studies) or improved (5) outcomes for patients with CIMP-H tumours, revealed that CIMP-H was associated with both poor (OR for death 8·15, 4·65 to 14·28, P < 0·001; heterogeneity I2 = 52 per cent, P = 0·08) and improved (OR 0·42, 0·27 to 0·65; P < 0·001, heterogeneity I2 = 0 per cent, P = 0·960) survival.

Conclusion

There was heterogeneity in the gene panels used to identify CIMP, which may explain the survival differences.
Outcomes after prophylactic gastrectomy for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: van der Kaaij R T , van Kessel J P , van Dieren J M , Snaebjornsson P , Balagué O , van Coevorden F , van der Kolk L E , Sikorska K , Cats A , van Sandick J W
Published: January 2018

Background

Patients with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and a CDH1 mutation have a 60–80 per cent lifetime risk of developing diffuse gastric cancer. Total prophylactic gastrectomy eliminates this risk, but is associated with considerable morbidity. The effectiveness (removal of all gastric mucosa) and outcomes of this procedure were evaluated retrospectively.

Methods

All consecutive individuals undergoing a prophylactic gastrectomy for a CDH1 mutation or gastric signet ring cell foci at the authors' institute between 2005 and 2017 were included.

Results

In 25 of 26 patients, intraoperative frozen-section examination (proximal resection margin) was used to verify complete removal of gastric mucosa. All definitive resection margins were free of gastric mucosa, but only after the proximal margin had been reresected in nine patients. In the first year after surgery, five of the 26 patients underwent a relaparotomy for adhesiolysis (2 patients) or jejunostomy-related complications (3 patients). Six patients were readmitted to the hospital within 1 year for nutritional and/or psychosocial support (4 patients) or surgical reintervention (2 patients). Mean weight loss after 1 year was 15 (95 per cent c.i. 12 to 18) per cent. For the 25 patients with a follow-up at 1 year or more, functional complaints were reported more frequently at 1 year than at 3 months after the operation: bile reflux (15 versus 11 patients respectively) and dumping (11 versus 7 patients). The majority of patients who worked or studied before surgery (15 of 19) had returned fully to these activities within 1 year.

Conclusion

The considerable morbidity and functional consequences of gastrectomy should be considered when counselling individuals with an inherited predisposition to diffuse gastric cancer. Intraoperative frozen-section examination is recommended to remove all risk-bearing gastric mucosa.
Patients' experiences of cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing as treatments for obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Marsden Zoe , Teahan Alexander , Lovell Karina , Blore David , Delgadillo Jaime
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based on exposure and response prevention principles; although eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) has also been proposed as a potentially helpful treatment.

Aim

To investigate patients’ experiences of the process and outcome of CBT and EMDR.

Method

We conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews with 24 (EMDR = 14; CBT = 10) patients who participated in a randomised controlled trial. Interviews were conducted after the end of therapy, transcribed verbatim and interpreted using thematic analysis.

Results

Three superordinate themes were identified, including (1) common experiences and specific experiences of (2) CBT and (3) EMDR. Common experiences of therapy included difficulties in disclosing OCD problems; perceptions about therapists as approachable and nonjudgemental; sudden symptomatic improvements; difficulties in engaging with treatment; general satisfaction with therapy; and viewing OCD as a long‐term condition. Some differences between these interventions were also found in patients’ understanding of the treatment rationale, their experiences and difficulties with specific treatment procedures.

Conclusions

Common process factors were especially prominent in patients’ accounts, although it is possible that these interact with more specific change mechanisms such as desensitisation.
Investigating Nucleosome Accessibility for MNase, FeII Peplomycin, and Duocarmycin B2 by Using Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Zou Tingting , Kizaki Seiichiro , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Capillary electrophoresis, coupled with DNA 5′ Texas Red labeling, was used to investigate the ability of MNase, FeII peplomycin, and duocarmycin B2 to access the nucleosome. Distinct accessibility patterns of these species to the nucleosome were observed. MNase was completely prevented from approaching the nucleosome core and exhibited a higher site specificity for targeting DNA sites located close to the core region. Intercalation of peplomycin in the nucleosomal core region was highly suppressed, but reaction sites located at the ends of the nucleosomal core remained accessible, which implied flexibility of the core DNA end. Duocarmycin B2 was able to enter and react in the core region, although its alkylating efficiency decreased significantly.
Saponin Versus Rhamnolipids for Remediation of Cd Contaminated Soils
Authors: Gusiatin Zygmunt M. , Radziemska Maja
Published: January 2018

Cadmium should be effectively removed from soil because it is one of the most toxic soil pollutants. Thus, the present study compared a plant (saponin, SAP) and a microbial (rhamnolipids, RAM) biosurfactant for Cd removal from three different types of soil. Batch washing was tested under different operational conditions: Biosurfactant concentration, 0.1–10% SAP, 0.01–1% RAM; washing time, 0.1–6 h; soil dosage, 12.5–100 g L−1; biosurfactant pH, 2–9 for SAP, 5.5–12 for RAM; washing number, three with SAP, four with RAM. SAP removed Cd from the soils more effectively than RAM because it can be used at a higher concentration and a more acidic pH. Soil washing with SAP also has a shorter equilibrium time (10–90 min.) than washing with RAM (50–300 min), and higher kinetic rate constants (0.23–4.9 kg mg · h−1 for SAP, 0.12–0.25 kg mg · h−1 for RAM). With an increase in soil dosage, Cd removal from all soils decreased significantly with both SAP and RAM. Multiple soil washings improved Cd removal. The predicted optimum number of washes depended on the criteria for soil quality assessment, that is, total Cd concentration, Cd mobility or ecological risk. To meet all of these criteria, SAP needed fewer washes than RAM. SAP is more suitable than RAM for treatment of soils highly contaminated with Cd and containing various amounts of clay.
Throughput of cognitive radio networks with improved energy detector under security threats
Authors: Yadav Kuldeep , Dhar Roy Sanjay , Kundu Sumit
Published: January 2018

Spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is subjected to some security threats such as primary user emulation (PUE) attack and spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attack. In PUE attack, a malicious user (MUPUE) transmits an emulated primary signal throughout the spectrum sensing interval to secondary users (SUs) to forestall them from accessing the primary user (PU) spectrum bands. In SSDF attack, malicious users (MUSSDF) intentionally report false sensing decisions to the fusion center (FC) to influence the overall decision. While most of the existing literatures have studied the effects of these 2 types of attacks separately, the present paper evaluates the secondary network performance in terms of throughput under both the PUE and SSDF attacks with improved energy detectors (IEDs) where SU's spectrum access is hybrid, ie, either in overlay or in underlay mode. An analytical expression on throughput of SU under the simultaneous influence of both of these attacks is developed. Impact of several parameters such as IED parameter, attacker probabilities, and attacker strength on the throughput of SU is investigated. Performance of the present scheme is also compared with only PUE and only SSDF attacks. A simulation test bed is developed in MATLAB to validate our analytical results.
Does governance play a role in the distribution of invasive alien species?
Authors: Evans Thomas , zu Ermgassen Philine , Amano Tatsuya , Peh Kelvin S.‐H.
Published: January 2018

Invasive alien species (IAS) constitute a major threat to global biological diversity. In order to control their spread, a detailed understanding of the factors influencing their distribution is essential. Although international trade is regarded as a major force structuring spatial patterns of IAS, the role of other social factors remains unclear. Despite studies highlighting the importance of strong governance in slowing drivers of biodiversity loss such as logging, deforestation, and agricultural intensification, no study has yet analyzed its contribution to the issue of IAS. Using estimates of governance quality and comprehensive spatiotemporal IAS data, we performed multiple linear regressions to investigate the effect of governance quality upon the distribution of species listed under “100 of the worst” IAS in 38 Eurasian countries as defined by DASIE. Our model suggested that for countries with higher GDP, stronger governance was associated with a greater number of the worst IAS; in contrast, for the lowest GDP countries under analysis, stronger governance was associated with fewer of these IAS. We elucidate how the quality of governance within a country has implications for trade, tourism, transport, legislation, and economic development, all of which influence the spread of IAS. While our findings support the common assumption that strengthening governance benefits conservation interventions in countries of smaller economy, we find that this effect is not universal. Stronger governance alone cannot adequately address the problem of IAS, and targeted action is required in relatively high‐GDP countries in order to stem the influx of IAS associated with high volumes of trade.
Life‐history traits and physiological limits of the alpine fly Drosophila nigrosparsa (Diptera: Drosophilidae): A comparative study
Authors: Kinzner Martin‐Carl , Krapf Patrick , Nindl Martina , Heussler Carina , Eisenkölbl Stephanie , Hoffmann Ary A. , Seeber Julia , Arthofer Wolfgang , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Steiner Florian M.
Published: January 2018

Interspecific variation in life‐history traits and physiological limits can be linked to the environmental conditions species experience, including climatic conditions. As alpine environments are particularly vulnerable under climate change, we focus on the montane‐alpine fly Drosophila nigrosparsa. Here, we characterized some of its life‐history traits and physiological limits and compared these with those of other drosophilids, namely Drosophila hydei, Drosophila melanogaster, and Drosophila obscura. We assayed oviposition rate, longevity, productivity, development time, larval competitiveness, starvation resistance, and heat and cold tolerance. Compared with the other species assayed, D. nigrosparsa is less fecund, relatively long‐living, starvation susceptible, cold adapted, and surprisingly well heat adapted. These life‐history characteristics provide insights into invertebrate adaptations to alpine conditions which may evolve under ongoing climate change.
Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Two Series of 3d–4f Heterometallic Coordination Polymers Derived from Pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Zhang Ju‐Wen , Ren Yu‐Ning , Li Jia‐Xuan , Liu Bin‐Qiu , Dong Yan‐Ping
Published: January 2018

Twenty 3d–4f heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Ln2Co(2,3‐pzdc)4(H2O)6]·2H2O [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), Eu (5), Gd (6), Tb (7)], [Ln2Co(2,3‐pzdc)4(H2O)4]·4H2O [Ln = Dy (8), Er (9)], [Ln2Cu(2,3‐pzdc)4(H2O)6]·2H2O [Ln = La (10), Pr (11), Nd (12), Sm (13), Eu (14), Gd (15), Tb (16)], [Dy2Cu(2,3‐pzdc)4(H2O)4]·4H2O (17), and [Ln2Cu(2,3‐pzdc)4(H2O)4]·2H2O [Ln = Er (18), Yb (19), Lu (20)], are synthesized successfully by the reactions of 2,3‐H2pzdc with LnCl3·nH2O/Ln(NO3)3·nH2O and Co(NO3)2·3H2O/CuCl2·2H2O under hydrothermal conditions. CPs 1–20 are isostructural, and only the coordination and interstitial water molecules, as well as the coordination numbers of LnIII, are different from each other. In 1–20, the 2,3‐pzdc anions link the CoII/CuII and LnIII ions by two coordination modes to form a three‐dimensional (3D) framework with a 3,3,4,4‐connected (4·62)2(42·62·82)(63)2(65·8)2 topology. CPs 6 and 7 manifest the weak ferromagnetic interactions between CoII and LnIII in the low‐temperature range. CP 8 exhibits a field‐induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior. CP 16 shows a magnetic transition between short‐range ferromagnetic ordering at 60 K and long‐range ferromagnetic ordering below 26 K. CP 17 displays field‐induced single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, with a Ueff value of 102.4 K.
Analytical modeling of DRX with flexible TTI for 5G communications
Authors: Maheshwari Mukesh Kumar , Roy Abhishek , Saxena Navrati
Published: January 2018

Ever‐increasing growth in various types of devices with different requirements requires next‐generation wireless networks to deal with diverse type of traffic. The use of fixed transmission time interval (TTI) for transmission may not perform efficiently with various types of traffic. These requirements are attainable with a fifth‐generation flexible frame structure, which consists of flexible TTI for transmission. Short TTI could be used for ultrareliable low‐latency communication to meet the latency requirements, whereas long TTI is suitable for mobile broadband services. Long‐Term Evolution/Long‐Term Evolution Advanced uses discontinuous reception (DRX) for power saving. DRX saves the battery power of a device at the cost of an increase in latency. In this article, we explore DRX with flexible TTI for fifth‐generation communications. We model DRX with a semi‐Markov model to analyze the power‐saving factor and delay. Moreover, we proposed an algorithm for the TTI selection for various service requirements. Our numerical analysis results show that the delay attained by 0.2‐ms TTI is 76% less than that attained by 1‐ms TTI.
The effect of inhalation of essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis on scopolamine‐induced Alzheimer's type dementia model mice
Authors: Satou Tadaaki , Hanashima Yuki , Mizutani Iho , Koike Kazuo
Published: January 2018

Essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary essential oil, EORO) may improve cognitive function by activating the central nervous system. However, no scientific basis for the effect of EORO has been described. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EORO on Alzheimer's type dementia using model mice. Mice were administered EORO by inhalation. Then, scopolamine was used to prepare Alzheimer's type dementia model mice. To evaluate cognitive function, the Y‐maze test was used for assessment of short‐term memory. EORO produced a significant improvement in the rate of spontaneous alternation behavior. Furthermore, 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, and β‐pinene, the main components of EORO, were detected in the brain in a concentration‐dependent manner following inhalation of EORO. Thus, inhalation of EORO may improve cognitive function in a model of Alzheimer's type dementia. Components such as 1,8‐cineole and others are likely involved in the effects on the brain. Examination of the detailed mechanism of action of EORO is necessary for future clinical application.
The morpho‐textural signature of large bedforms in ephemeral gravel‐bed channels of various planforms
Authors: Storz‐Peretz Yael , Laronne Jonathan B.
Published: January 2018

This study adopts a fresh approach to find the similarities between river planforms in contrast to many previous studies that have presented distinguishing characteristics and thresholds. This new approach links textural and morphological attributes of bedforms, termed morpho‐texture, with process and hydrological regime thereby indicated. The study was carried out in depositional features of ephemeral rivers having a range of planforms and located in the Judean Desert. High‐resolution terrestrial laser scanning was undertaken to extract morphological and textural (roughness) characteristics. Results strongly indicate that bars are statistically coarser grained than the adjacent thalweg or anabranches where depositional processes occur. This suggests universal processes within ephemeral rivers regardless of their planform, where rapid flow recession causes the coarse tail of the bedload to be deposited as bars whereas the finer fractions deposit in the thalweg and thereby prevent the development of bed armour.
Arsenic Species in Solutions for Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Bohrer Denise , do Nascimento Paulo Cícero , Becker Emilene , de Carvalho Leandro Machado , Dessuy Morgana
Published: January 2018

Background: In spite of its high toxicity, arsenic is a common contaminant in pharmaceuticals. This is stated by pharmacopoeias' monographs where it is not generically included with other heavy metals, but has its own specifications. Arsenic should not exceed 0.1 mg/L in most pharmaceutical products for IV administration. This limit, however, was established without taking into consideration the specific arsenic species which contribute to this amount. In this work, the presence of arsenite and arsenate species in solutions of amino acids, salts, vitamins, and lipids commercialized for IV administration was investigated. Methods: The measurements were done by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The results showed that all commercial formulations contain both arsenic species in some level; however, the total arsenic content exceeded the allowed limit in only a few samples. Calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, heparin, and vitamin solutions were the most contaminated, presenting total arsenic concentration ranging from 62 to 249 μg/L. The most important finding, however, was the different ratios As(V)/As(III) among the formulations. Whereas practically only As(V) was found in ampoules containing water for injection and salt solutions (NaCl, KCl, phosphates), As(III) predominated in solutions of vitamins, gluconate, and glucose. As these are reducing substances, we investigated the possibility of their reaction with As(V) and its conversion into As(III). The heating of As(V) in the presence of gluconate, glucose, ascorbic acid, methionine, isoleucine, sodium chloride, and pure water, in autoclave for 15 minutes, showed that, whereas no As(III) was found in pure water and sodium chloride solution, approximately 50% of As(V) was converted into As(III) in the remainder of the solutions. Conclusions: The results showed that As(V), the main species in these formulations, may be converted into As(III), depending on the presence of reducing substances among the formulation constituents.
The Effect of Preventive Use of Alanyl‐Glutamine on Diaphragm Muscle Function in Cecal Ligation and Puncture–Induced Sepsis Model
Authors: Doruk Nurcan , Buyukakilli Belgin , Atici Sebnem , Cinel Ismail , Cinel Leyla , Tamer Lulufer , Avlan Dincer , Bilgin Egemen , Oral Ugur
Published: January 2018

Background: Low muscle glutamine levels during sepsis are associated with reduced protein synthesis and elevated protein breakdown, in particular myofibrillar protein breakdown. Thus, in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis model in the rat, we hypothesized that glutamine pretreatment would protect the diaphragm muscle function. Methods: Eighty‐four male Wistar rats weighing between 180 g and 200 g received standard amino acid solution 1.2 g kg−1 per day intraperitoneally (IP) or standard amino acid solution 1.2 g kg−1 per day plus alanyl‐glutamine (GLN) 0.25 g kg−1 per day (IP) during the first 6 days of the experiment. On the seventh day, CLP or sham procedures were applied. The sham and CLP groups were equally divided into 3 subgroups according to the termination of the experiment, which took place at either the 24th hour, 48th hour, or 72nd hour. After the compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were recorded from the diaphragms of the rats at these selected times, they were decapitated under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia, and diaphragms were harvested for biochemical and histopathological examination. Results: The mean area and amplitude of CMAP were significantly larger in sham+GLN groups when compared with CLP and CLP+GLN groups at all times (p < .05). Diaphragm Ca+2‐ATPase levels were found to be significantly decreased in CLP group at all times compared to sham groups (p < .05). Diaphragm reduced glutathione levels were significantly higher in sham+GLN groups when compared with CLP and CLP+GLN groups at all times (p < .05). In histopathologic assessment, moderate neutrophil infiltration, which was observed in CLP48, was significantly reduced with alanyl‐glutamine supplementation in CLP+GLN48 group (p < .05). Conclusions: This study showed that glutamine pretreatment did not improve diaphragm muscle function, but prevented the biochemical and histopathological changes in diaphragmatic muscle in CLP‐induced sepsis. However, further studies are needed to clarify whether a higher dose of glutamine supplementation might protect the diaphragmatic muscle functions.
Recombinant collagen scaffolds as substrates for human neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Que Richard A. , Arulmoli Janahan , Da Silva Nancy A. , Flanagan Lisa A. , Wang Szu‐Wen
Published: January 2018

Adhesion to the microenvironment profoundly affects stem cell functions, including proliferation and differentiation, and understanding the interaction of stem cells with the microenvironment is important for controlling their behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of the integrin binding epitopes GFOGER and IKVAV (natively present in collagen I and laminin, respectively) on human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs). To test the specificity of these epitopes, GFOGER or IKVAV were placed within the context of recombinant triple‐helical collagen III engineered to be devoid of native integrin binding sites. HNSPCs adhered to collagen that presented GFOGER as the sole integrin‐binding site, but not to IKVAV‐containing collagen. For the GFOGER‐containing collagens, antibodies against the β1 integrin subunit prevented cellular adhesion, antibodies against the α1 subunit reduced cell adhesion, and antibodies against α2 or α3 subunits had no significant effect. These results indicate that hNSPCs primarily interact with GFOGER through the α1β1 integrin heterodimer. These GFOGER‐presenting collagen variants also supported differentiation of hNSPCs into neurons and astrocytes. Our findings show, for the first time, that hNSPCs can bind to the GFOGER sequence, and they provide motivation to develop hydrogels formed from recombinant collagen variants as a cell delivery scaffold. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1363–1372, 2018.