bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of various issues on extending the useful life of a product through product recovery options
Authors: Mukherjee Kampan , Mondal Sandeep , Chakraborty Kaustov
Published: July 2017

Due to the growing consciousness towards environment and stringent governmental legislations, manufacturers are incorporating product recovery activities in their business processes. In product recovery process, used products are collected after their end-of-use from the customers and their retained usable values are recovered through value additive operations. The product recovery options not only reduce the disposal of wastes but also extend the useful life of product. In this paper, we try to identify various issues from literature review, which influence the extension of useful life of products through product recovery options. These issues are further classified into five major decision areas namely product design issues, operational issues, market related issues, governmental rules and legislations, and societal issues. The contextual relationships among these set of issues are studied by using Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modelling (FISM), which reflects different levels of influence. Two case studies are highlighted here to compare the contextual relationships among these decision-making issues. The issues in the highest-level act as the prime enablers which trigger the extension of product life and help in formation of corporate strategies. The issues in the lower level generally act as operational issues.
Hessian surfaces and local Lagrangian embeddings
Authors: Han Qing , Wang Guofang
Published: July 2017

In this paper we prove that any smooth surfaces can be locally isometrically embedded into

\mathbb{C}^{2}

as Lagrangian surfaces. As a byproduct we obtain that any smooth surfaces are Hessian surfaces.
Taurine supplementation to anti-seizure drugs as the promising approach to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy: A pre-clinical study
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Goel Rajesh
Published: July 2017

Background Pharmacoresistance leads to severe, irreversible disabilities and premature death in ∼30% cases of epilepsy despite adequate and appropriate treatment with available anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) without any underlying cause. In light of the large body of evidence which suggests the anti-seizure action of taurine in experimental animals and its wide safety margins in human, supplementation of this inhibitory amino-sulfonic acid to available ASDs seems promising to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Methods We examined the anti-seizure effect of lamotrigine (15 mg/kg), levetiracetam (40 mg/kg), carbamazepine (40 mg/kg), phenytoin (35 mg/kg) & taurine (50, 100 & 200 mg/kg) in lamotrigine pre-treated pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice (LPK) which mimic core features of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, either alone ASDs or in combinations whereby three different doses of taurine were supplemented with tested ASDs.

Results Both, the ASDs and the taurine were failed to suppress generalized tonic-clonic seizures in LPK mice. However, taurine supplementation clearly restored the anti-seizure effect of tested ASDs. Further neurochemical studies revealed that higher levels of taurine in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex restored the imbalance between major excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate & its inhibitory counterpart GABA.

Conclusions These findings emphasize that supplementation of taurine with ASDs may be useful to treat pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Thus, further clinical validation is encouraged.
Acid-induced experimental muscle pain and hyperalgesia with single and repeated infusion in human forearm
Authors: Wang Kelun , Luo Yi , Asaki Toshiyuki , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Cairns Brian E. , Arendt-Nielsen Thomas , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

Acid has long been thought to play an important role in the pain process. Animal study showed that repeated acid stimulation induced central sensitization. The purpose of the study is to investigate muscle pain and hyperalgesia evoked byintramuscular infusion of saline at different pH levels, and to compare the effect of a single versus repeated acid infusions.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects received infusions of buffered saline (pH 5.0, 6.0, and 7.4) into the brachioradialis muscle in a randomized order. Twelve of the subjects received repeated infusions. The subjects rated the pain intensity on visual analogue scale (VAS). Thermal pain sensitivity, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed in both arm before, during, immediately after, one hour after, and one day after the infusion. A McGill Pain Questionnaire and pain mapping were completed after each infusion.

Results

The pH 5 solution caused significantly higher pain and larger areas than pH 6.0 or 7.4. The local PPTs were significantly decreased (hyperalgesia) during and immediately after infusion of all three solutions. No significant differences were detected between the first and second infusion.

Conclusions

The intensity of acid-induced muscle pain is pH-dependent. All three solutions induced pressure hyperalgesia at the infusion site. Repeated infusions did not induce increased pain or prolonged hyperalgesia as compared with a single injection. Human intramuscular acidic saline infusion could not produce chronic pain model.

Implications

The acid-induced pain model may reflect the early stage responses to tissue injury of clinical conditions. Repeated intramuscular acidic saline injection model of prolonged hyperalgesia in rodents could not be translated into a human for modelling chronic musculoskeletal pain.
How Do Foreign Institutional Investors Enhance Firm Innovation?
Authors: Luong Hoang , Moshirian Fariborz , Nguyen Lily , Tian Xuan , Zhang Bohui
Published: July 2017

We examine the effect of foreign institutional investors on firm innovation. Using firm-level data across 26 non-U.S. economies between 2000 and 2010, we show that foreign institutional ownership has a positive, causal effect on firm innovation. We further explore three possible underlying mechanisms through which foreign institutions affect firm innovation: Foreign institutions act as active monitors, provide insurance for firm managers against innovation failures, and promote knowledge spillovers from high-innovation economies. Our article sheds new light on the real effects of foreign institutions on firm innovation.
Canavangard, Udo Kasemets'sTrigon, and Marshall McLuhan: Graphic Notation in the Electronic Age
Authors: STRACHAN JEREMY
Published: July 2017

Composer Udo Kasemets (1919–2014) emigrated to Canada in 1951 from Estonia following the Second World War, and during the 1960s undertook a number of initiatives to mobilize experimental music in Toronto. This article investigates Canavangard, Kasemets's publication series of graphic scores which appeared between 1967 and 1970. Influenced by Marshall McLuhan's spatial theory of media, Kasemets saw the transformative potential of non-standard notational practices to recalibrate the relationships between composer, performer, and listener. Kasemets's 1963 compositionTrigon, which was frequently performed by his ensemble during the decade, illuminates the connections between McLuhan and experimental music. In my analysis of the work, I argue thatTrigonmanifestly puts into performance many of the rhetorical strategies used by McLuhan to describe the immersive, intersensory environments of post-typographic media ecologies. Kasemets believed that abandoning standard notation would have extraordinary ramifications for musical practice going forward in the twentieth century, similar to how McLuhan saw the messianic power of electronic media to destabilize the typographic universe. Canavangard, as much more than a short-lived publication series of graphic scores, maps the convergences of music, culture, and technology in post-war Canada.
Magical Serialism: Modernist Enchantment in Elisabeth Lutyens'sO Saisons, O Châteaux!
Authors: FORKERT ANNIKA
Published: July 2017

Elisabeth Lutyens's music of the 1940s and 1950s provides one important, but frequently overlooked, link between British music and modernism before the so-called Manchester School. I argue that the main reason that the composer and her music have not yet received much attention is that early twentieth-century modernism, as it is commonly understood, has been gendered masculine. This article engages with the composition, texts, and reception of Lutyens's 1946 cantataO saisons, ô châteaux!in the context of other Lutyens pieces in order to argue that the composer sought to transcend what she perceived as a complex of disadvantages in the reception of her music (both regarding her gender and composition technique): the Cantata is an essentially melodic piece of ‘magical serialism’. Rather than ‘taming’ or ‘feminizing’ her serial music, Lutyens thus carves out a place for herself as Arthur Rimbaud's magician, reflecting on the set text ofO saisons, ô châteaux!and anticipating her later ‘credo’, in which she declares her music's allegiance with secret science rather than note counting or personal branding.
Growing Old Together: Pop Studies and Music Sociology Today
Authors: PERCHARD TOM
Published: July 2017

Popular music and society had been thought inseparable long before the union was made official, at first in the title of pop's original academic journal (1971), later in that of a much-taught textbook (1995). In many minds at late century, sociologies of music were sociologies of pop: Western art music's true believers could still easily imagine that repertoire existing on another plane – the historical literature was devoted to the minute detailing of its mucky creative contexts, but that didn't have to matter – and critically minded, social science-trained pop scholars usually didn't care enough to argue. Yet music sociology's first, halting steps had actually been taken in approaching the classical canon, and the movement of the 1980s and 1990s that was the New Musicology seemed radical precisely because it opened so many doors onto the social. That, then, was the situation twenty years ago, at least in the Anglophone countries: a popular music studies reaching maturity but still largely embedded in sociology and media/communications departments, and a musicology gradually transforming into a discipline in which music was much more openly reconciled with the worlds of its making.
Theorizing Cross-Cultural Migrations: The Case of Eurasia since 1500
Authors: Lucassen Jan , Lucassen Leo
Published: July 2017

In this article we plead for a less state-centered definition of migration that allows us to understand better the relationship between cross-cultural migrations and social change and social development in the long run. Therefore, we developed a method that enables us to systematically compare CCMRs (cross-cultural migrations per capita) through time and space. This CCMR method puts issues of state policies and citizenship in a much broader social context. We conclude that the presentist approach to migration in the social sciences is highly myopic, as it privileges migrations crossing state borders over internal moves, and favors migrants who have the intention to settle for good. In itself this is a legitimate choice, especially if the core explanandum is the way migrants’ long-term settlement process in another (modern) state evolves. In the more empirical parts of this article however we have concentrated on the effects of Eurasian societies since 1500 that have received migrants. Sending societies and individual migrants and nonmigrants in sending and receiving societies have been largely left out. Finally, and paradoxically, integration and assimilation in the long run leads to diminishing opportunities of social development by cross-cultural experiences, because one could argue that due to globalizing migrations cultures converge further and thus cultural boundaries (as is already the case in migration to cities within culturally homogenous nation-states in the twentieth century) become less salient or disappear entirely. Logically speaking, this is also an implication of the model, presently to be developed further.
A peptide-based viral inactivator inhibits Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and fetuses
Authors: Yu Yufeng , Deng Yong-Qiang , Zou Peng , Wang Qian , Dai Yanyan , Yu Fei , Du Lanying , Zhang Na-Na , Tian Min , Hao Jia-Nan , Meng Yu , Li Yuan , Zhou Xiaohui , Fuk-Woo Chan Jasper , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Qin Cheng-Feng , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu
Published: July 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging flavivirus associated with neurological disorders, has spread rapidly to more than 70 countries and territories. However, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. Here we report that a synthetic peptide derived from the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, designated Z2, potently inhibits infection of ZIKV and other flaviviruses in vitro. We show that Z2 interacts with ZIKV surface protein and disrupts the integrity of the viral membrane. Z2 can penetrate the placental barrier to enter fetal tissues and is safe for use in pregnant mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Z2 inhibits vertical transmission of ZIKV in pregnant C57BL/6 mice and protects type I or type I/II interferon receptor-deficient mice against lethal ZIKV challenge. Thus, Z2 has potential to be further developed as an antiviral treatment against ZIKV infection in high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women.
Structures and transport dynamics of a Campylobacter jejuni multidrug efflux pump
Authors: Su Chih-Chia , Yin Linxiang , Kumar Nitin , Dai Lei , Radhakrishnan Abhijith , Bolla Jani Reddy , Lei Hsiang-Ting , Chou Tsung-Han , Delmar Jared A. , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta R. , Zhang Qijing , Shin Yeon-Kyun , Yu Edward W.
Published: July 2017

Resistance-nodulation-cell division efflux pumps are integral membrane proteins that catalyze the export of substrates across cell membranes. Within the hydrophobe-amphiphile efflux subfamily, these resistance-nodulation-cell division proteins largely form trimeric efflux pumps. The drug efflux process has been proposed to entail a synchronized motion between subunits of the trimer to advance the transport cycle, leading to the extrusion of drug molecules. Here we use X-ray crystallography and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging to elucidate the structures and functional dynamics of the Campylobacter jejuni CmeB multidrug efflux pump. We find that the CmeB trimer displays a very unique conformation. A direct observation of transport dynamics in individual CmeB trimers embedded in membrane vesicles indicates that each CmeB subunit undergoes conformational transitions uncoordinated and independent of each other. On the basis of our findings and analyses, we propose a model for transport mechanism where CmeB protomers function independently within the trimer.
How gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and αvβ3 integrin expression reflect reorganization features of tumors after hyperthermia treatments
Authors: Hallasch Sandra , Frick Sindy , Jung Maximilian , Hilger Ingrid
Published: July 2017

The outcome of tumor treatment via hyperthermia in the clinic has been reported to be heterogeneous. Here, we assessed how the presence of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and αvβ3 integrin together with the morphology of the vascularization reflects the growth behavior of tumors after hyperthermia treatment. MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing mice were treated either with high (46 °C) or low dose (42 °C) water hyperthermia for 60 min. Changes of GRPR and αvβ3 integrin expression were assessed via multiplexed optical imaging. Vascularization was reconstructed and quantified by µCT imaging after contrast agent injection. We found that high dose hyperthermia is capable of increasing the expression of GRPR, αvβ3 integrin, CD31, and Ki67 in tumors. Also the morphology of tumor vasculature changed (increased relative blood volume and small-diameter vessel density, decreased expression of α-SMA). Low dose hyperthermia induced comparatively moderate effects on the investigated protein expression pattern and vascular remodeling. We conclude that under defined circumstances, specific temperature doses affect the reorganization of tumor regrowth, which is triggered by residual “dormant” cells even though tumor volumes are transiently decreasing. Further on, GRPR, αvβ3 integrin expression are versatile tools to surveil potential tumor regrow during therapy, beyond the conventional determination of tumor volumes.
Fungal community succession and major components change during manufacturing process of Fu brick tea
Authors: Li Qin , Huang Jianan , Li Yongdi , Zhang Yiyang , Luo Yu , Chen Yuan , Lin Haiyan , Wang Kunbo , Liu Zhonghua
Published: July 2017

Fu brick tea is a unique post-fermented tea product which is fermented with microorganism during the manufacturing process. Metabolic analysis showed that most metabolites content were decreased during the manufacturing process of Fu brick tea, except GA (gallic acid). Illumina MiSeq sequencing of ITS gene amplicons was applied to analyze the fungal community succession. The genera Aspergillus, Cyberlindnera and Candida were predominant at the early stage of manufacturing process (from “primary dark tea” to “fermentation for 3 days”), but after the stage of “fermentation for 3 days” only Aspergillus was still dominated, and maintain a relatively constant until to the end of manufacturing process. The effects of metabolites on the structure of the fungal community were analyzed by redundancy analysis (RDA) and variation partitioning analysis (VPA). The results indicated that GCG (gallocatechin gallate), EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and GA as well as the interactions among them were the most probably ones to influence, or be influenced by the fungal communities during the fermentation process of Fu brick tea. This study revealed fungal succession, metabolite changes and their relationships, provided new insights into the mechanisms for manufacturing process of Fu brick tea.
Modeling Dominant and Recessive Forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa by Editing Three Rhodopsin-Encoding Genes in Xenopus Laevis Using Crispr/Cas9
Authors: Feehan Joanna M. , Chiu Colette N. , Stanar Paloma , Tam Beatrice M. , Ahmed Sheikh N. , Moritz Orson L.
Published: July 2017

The utility of Xenopus laevis, a common research subject for developmental biology, retinal physiology, cell biology, and other investigations, has been limited by lack of a robust gene knockout or knock-down technology. Here we describe manipulation of the X. laevis genome using CRISPR/Cas9 to model the human disorder retinitis pigmentosa, and to introduce point mutations or exogenous DNA sequences. We introduced and characterized in-frame and out-of-frame insertions and deletions in three genes encoding rhodopsin by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA, eGFP mRNA, and single guide RNAs into fertilized eggs. Deletions were characterized by direct sequencing and cloning; phenotypes were assessed by assays of rod opsin in retinal extracts, and confocal microscopy of cryosectioned and immunolabeled contralateral eyes. We obtained germline transmission of editing to F1 offspring. In-frame deletions frequently caused dominant retinal degeneration associated with rhodopsin biosynthesis defects, while frameshift phenotypes were consistent with knockout. We inserted eGFP or point mutations into rhodopsin genes by co-injection of repair fragments with homology to the Cas9 target sites. Our techniques can produce high frequency gene editing in X. laevis, permitting analysis in the F0 generation, and advancing the utility of X. laevis as a subject for biological research and disease modeling.
Effects of chloride ions on corrosion of ductile iron and carbon steel in soil environments
Authors: Song Yarong , Jiang Guangming , Chen Ying , Zhao Peng , Tian Yimei
Published: July 2017

Chloride is reported to play a significant role in corrosion reactions, products and kinetics of ferrous metals. To enhance the understanding of the effects of soil environments, especially the saline soils with high levels of chloride, on the corrosion of ductile iron and carbon steel, a 3-month corrosion test was carried out by exposing ferrous metals to soils of six chloride concentrations. The surface morphology, rust compositions and corrosion kinetics were comprehensively studied by visual observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), weight loss, pit depth measurement, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. It showed that chloride ions influenced the characteristics and compositions of rust layers by diverting and participating in corrosion reactions. α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH and iron oxides were major corrosion products, while β-Fe8O8(OH)8Cl1.35rather than β-FeOOH was formed when high chloride concentrations were provided. Chloride also suppressed the decreasing of corrosion rates, whereas increased the difficulty in the diffusion process by thickening the rust layers and transforming the rust compositions. Carbon steel is more susceptible to chloride attacks than ductile iron. The corrosion kinetics of ductile iron and carbon steel corresponded with the probabilistic and bilinear model respectively.
All solution-processed micro-structured flexible electrodes for low-cost light-emitting pressure sensors fabrication
Authors: Shimotsu Rie , Takumi Takahiro , Vohra Varun
Published: July 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated the advantage of developing pressure-sensitive devices with light-emitting properties for direct visualization of pressure distribution, potential application to next generation touch panels and human-machine interfaces. To ensure that this technology is available to everyone, its production cost should be kept as low as possible. Here, simple device concepts, namely, pressure sensitive flexible hybrid electrodes and OLED architecture, are used to produce low-cost resistive or light-emitting pressure sensors. Additionally, integrating solution-processed self-assembled micro-structures into the flexible hybrid electrodes composed of an elastomer and conductive materials results in enhanced device performances either in terms of pressure or spatial distribution sensitivity. For instance, based on the pressure applied, the measured values for the resistances of pressure sensors range from a few MΩ down to 500 Ω. On the other hand, unlike their evaporated equivalents, the combination of solution-processed flexible electrodes with an inverted OLED architectures display bright green emission when a pressure over 200 kPa is applied. At a bias of 3 V, their luminance can be tuned by applying a higher pressure of 500 kPa. Consequently, features such as fingernails and fingertips can be clearly distinguished from one another in these long-lasting low-cost devices.
The relationships between serum fructosamine concentrations and lipid profiles in community-dwelling adults
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Wei Ye-Sheng
Published: July 2017

We examined the epidemiological associations between serum fructosamine and dyslipidemia indices in community-dwelling adults. Clinical characteristics and lipid profiles were analyzed in 1352 community-dwelling adults. The demographic characteristics and laboratory results were grouped according to the quartiles of serum fructosamine concentrations in all eligible individuals. From the bottom to the top quartile of serum fructosamine, there were graded increases in age, total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol/ high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Serum fructosamine was positive correlated with age, TC, FBG, TP, TG, TC/HDL-C and AIP in whole individuals. The positive correlations were then observed in both genders between serum fructosamine and TC, FBG, TP, TG. Two dominant factors were identified by principal component analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that the two factors were associated with increased serum fructosamine with adjustment for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), FBG and TP. The similar results were observed in males, but not in females. Dyslipidemia tends to contribute to increased serum fructosamine concentrations in study population, suggesting that elevated serum fructosamine may herald an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among community-dwelling adults, especially in males.
Control of pattern formation during phase separation initiated by a propagated trigger
Authors: Kurita Rei
Published: July 2017

Understanding pattern formation during phase separation is a key topic in materials science for the important role that patterns play in determining macroscopic physical properties. In this work, we show how pattern formation can be controlled using a phase-separation trigger propagating outwards from a point. We found a range of patterns, including a random droplet pattern, a concentric pattern and a dendritic pattern, depending on the speed at which the trigger propagates, while only the random droplet pattern is observed in a system with homogeneous cooling. We also found that the phase at the core of the concentric pattern periodically changes with time. In addition, we investigated pattern formation during phase separation induced by multiple propagated triggers. When we propagate the triggers from periodic points in space, a metastable regular hexagonal pattern is formed. We also found a bifurcation between a case where the majority phase becomes a droplet phase and a case where the minority phase adopts a droplet pattern. We also confirm the existence of a percolated, bicontinuous phase, even with an asymmetric composition.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of heparan sulfate mimicking glycopolymers for inhibiting heparanase activity
Authors: Loka Ravi S. , Yu Fei , Sletten Eric T. , Nguyen Hien M.
Published: July 2017

A glycopolymer with 12 repeating units is a tight-binding inhibitor with nanomolar inhibition and lacks anticoagulant activity.
B(C6F5)3-Promoted hydrogenations of N-heterocycles with ammonia borane
Authors: Ding Fangwei , Zhang Yiliang , Zhao Rong , Jiang Yanqiu , Bao Robert Li-Yuan , Lin Kaifeng , Shi Lei
Published: July 2017

A transition-metal-free method for the B(C6F5)3-promoted hydrogenations of N-heterocycles using ammonia borane under mild reaction conditions has been developed.
Morphology control of the NaGdF4:Yb,Tm@NaGdF4 core–shell nanostructure by tailoring the ratio of core to shell
Authors: Wu Suli , Meng Zhipeng , Sun Xiaoqian , Zhang Shufen
Published: July 2017

A method was developed to control the morphology of the NaGdF4:Yb3+,Tm3+@NaGdF4 core–shell nanostructure by tailoring the ratio of precursors in the core and shell forming process.
Metal-doped ceria nanoparticles: stability and redox processes
Authors: Figueroba Alberto , Bruix Albert , Kovács Gábor , Neyman Konstantin M.
Published: July 2017

In nanostructured ceria Ni, Pd, Pt and Cu dopants show energetic preference for atomic dispersion and surface locations.
The gas-phase structure of dimethyl peroxide
Authors: Ferchichi Olfa , Derbel Najoua , Jaidane Nejm-Eddine , Cours Thibaud , Alijah Alexander
Published: July 2017

To understand the spectroscopic properties of a molecule that performs large-amplitude motion, distinction must be made between the statical and dynamical structures.
Infrared study on the thermal evolution of solid state formamide
Authors: Urso Riccardo Giovanni , Scirè Carlotta , Baratta Giuseppe Antonio , Brucato John Robert , Compagnini Giuseppe , Kaňuchová Zuzana , Palumbo Maria Elisabetta , Strazzulla Giovanni
Published: July 2017

Formamide synthesized in interstellar ice analogues after energetic processing remains trapped in the refractory residue simultaneously produced.
Dislocation assisted crack healing in h-BN nanosheets
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Parashar Avinash
Published: July 2017

Interaction between dislocations and crack tip stress-fields drives the fracture toughness enhancement mechanisms in h-BN.
Ternary Ni–Co–P nanoparticles as noble-metal-free catalysts to boost the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane
Authors: Hou Chun-Chao , Li Qiang , Wang Chuan-Jun , Peng Cheng-Yun , Chen Qian-Qian , Ye Hui-Fang , Fu Wen-Fu , Che Chi-Ming , López Núria , Chen Yong
Published: July 2017

Ternary Ni–Co–P nanoparticles with optimized electronic structures strongly interact with ammonia-borane, resulting in the marked improvement of catalytic activity.
Vertical recrystallization for highly efficient and stable formamidinium-based inverted-structure perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xie Fengxian , Chen Chun-Chao , Wu Yongzhen , Li Xing , Cai Molang , Liu Xiao , Yang Xudong , Han Liyuan
Published: July 2017

Formamidinium (FA)-based perovskite materials show an extended absorption spectrum to 840 nm, which enables high power conversion efficiencies of over 20% compared with normal-structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Selective reductive amination of aldehydes from nitro compounds catalyzed by molybdenum sulfide clusters
Authors: Pedrajas E. , Sorribes I. , Junge K. , Beller M. , Llusar R.
Published: July 2017

A one-pot selective synthesis of secondary amines catalyzed by a well-defined Mo3S4 cluster using hydrogen as a benign reductant.
Highly porous graphitic biomass carbon as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Gong Youning , Li Delong , Luo Chengzhi , Fu Qiang , Pan Chunxu
Published: July 2017

3D porous graphitic biomass carbon as advanced supercapacitor electrode materials synthesized by a low-cost and effective one-step method.
Targeting βCys93 in hemoglobin S with an antisickling agent possessing dual allosteric and antioxidant effects
Authors: Kassa Tigist , Brad Strader Michael , Nakagawa Akito , Zapol Warren M. , Alayash Abdu I.
Published: July 2017

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by a β globin gene mutation of hemoglobin (HbS). TD-1 enhances oxygen affinity and prevents sickling of SS RBCs as well as providing protection against iron oxidation.
Injectable thermosensitive magnetic nanoemulsion hydrogel for multimodal-imaging-guided accurate thermoablative cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Haoan , Song Lina , Chen Ling , Huang Yixin , Wu Yang , Zang Fengchao , An Yanli , Lyu Hanbai , Ma Ming , Chen Jun , Gu Ning , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2017

A body temperature induced gelation strategy is constructed for accurate localized magnetic tumor regression based on a magnetic nanoemulsion hydrogel.
Thickness dependent semiconductor-to-metal transition of two-dimensional polyaniline with unique work functions
Authors: Li Weifeng , Dai Xing , Morrone Joseph , Zhang Gang , Zhou Ruhong
Published: July 2017

The semiconductor and metallic conductivities can be co-realized in homogeneous 2D-PANI simply by controlling the thickness.
An enhanced degree of charge transfer in dye-sensitized solar cells with a ZnO-TiO2/N3/Ag structure as revealed by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Li Peng , Han Xiao Xia , Kitahama Yasutaka , Zhao Bing , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: July 2017

The synergistic effect in ZnO-TiO2/N3/Ag can generate extra enhancements in the SERS intensity and degree of CT.
Highly stereoselective construction of the C2 stereocentre of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) by asymmetric addition of Grignard reagents to ketones
Authors: Bieszczad Bartosz , Gilheany Declan G.
Published: July 2017

Both C2-diastereomers of α-tocopherol can be prepared in three ways by asymmetric addition of Grignard reagents to ketones in up to 96 : 4 dr.
Facile functionalization of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for antisense and single nucleotide polymorphism detection
Authors: Gahtory Digvijay , Murtola Merita , Smulders Maarten M. J. , Wennekes Tom , Zuilhof Han , Strömberg Roger , Albada Bauke
Published: July 2017

In this report, we show how a convenient on-resin copper-click functionalization of azido-functionalized peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) allows various PNA-based detection strategies.
Biofilm formation and control strategies of foodborne pathogens: food safety perspectives
Authors: Zhao Xihong , Zhao Fenghuan , Wang Jun , Zhong Nanjing
Published: July 2017

Foodborne pathogens are the main factors behind foodborne diseases and food poisoning and thus pose a great threat to food safety.
Pharmacokinetics study of isorhamnetin in rat plasma by a sensitive electrochemical sensor based on reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Peng Huaping , Zhang Lingling , Cai Zhili , Wu Yanhong , Chen Namin , Gu Chao , Chen Yuanzhong , Lin Xinhua , Xia Xinghua , Liu Ailin
Published: July 2017

A sensitive voltammetric method was developed for the determination of isorhamnetin and its pharmacokinetics investigation.
Millifluidic synthesis of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles and their application in bioimaging
Authors: Hong Liying , Cheung Tai-Lok , Rao Nanxi , Ouyang Qingling , Wang Yue , Zeng Shuwen , Yang Chengbin , Cuong Dang , Chong Peter Han Joo , Liu Liwei , Law Wing-Cheung , Yong Ken-Tye
Published: July 2017

In this work, a miniature fluidic synthesis platform utilizing millimeter dimension channels yielding highly reproducible batch synthesis of luminescent cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots and nanocrystals is demonstrated.
Rational selection of halide ions for synthesizing highly active Au@Pd nanobipyramids
Authors: Liu Fangyan , Ni Jia , Hao Hui , Wang Wei , Chen Wei , Zhang Lijie , Zou Chao , Yang Yun , Huang Shaoming
Published: July 2017

Highly active Au@Pd nanobipyramids were synthesized using Br− ions as an appropriate growth modifier.
A high-resolution passive droplet-phase sample sorter using multi-stage droplet transfer
Authors: Yoon D. H. , Xie Z. , Tanaka D. , Sekiguchi T. , Shoji S.
Published: July 2017

A fully passive volume-dependent droplet sorter using repeated and multiple on-rail transfer of microdroplets in a cascade channel is presented in this research.
Self-assembled coronene nanofiber arrays: toward integrated organic bioelectronics for efficient isolation, detection, and recovery of cancer cells
Authors: Chen Po-Jung , Liu Rou-Zhen , Hsiao Yu-Sheng
Published: July 2017

Integrated coronene-based nanofiber array devices for circulating tumor cell isolation, detection, and recovery through electrical stimulation.
Coassembly and high ORR performance of monodisperse Pt nanocrystals with a mesopore-rich nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel
Authors: Xie Beibei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Renjie
Published: July 2017

Monodisperse Pt nanocrystals in NGA with a large specific surface area and high N content yield high ORR performance.
Hierarchical Ti1−xZrxO2−y nanocrystals with exposed high energy facets showing co-catalyst free solar light driven water splitting and improved light to energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Chattopadhyay Shreyasi , Mondal Swastik , De Goutam
Published: July 2017

Ti1−xZrxO2−y single crystals with exposed high energy facets and defects show co-catalyst free solar water splitting and high solar energy conversion in DSSCs.
A conductive porous organic polymer with superprotonic conductivity of a Nafion-type electrolyte
Authors: Kang Dong Won , Song Jeong Hwa , Lee Kyung Jin , Lee Han Geul , Kim Jeong Eun , Lee Hwa Young , Kim Jin Young , Hong Chang Seop
Published: July 2017

Postsulfonation of a porous organic polymer 1E afforded a sulfonated material (1ES), which showed an unprecedented superprotonic conductivity of 0.159 S cm−1 at 80 °C and 90% relative humidity.
Low-temperature-processed SnO2–Cl for efficient PbS quantum-dot solar cells via defect passivation
Authors: Khan Jahangeer , Yang Xiaokun , Qiao Keke , Deng Hui , Zhang Jian , Liu Zhiyong , Ahmad Waqar , Zhang Jihong , Li Dengbing , Liu Huan , Song Haisheng , Cheng Chun , Tang Jiang
Published: July 2017

Efficient PbS quantum-dot solar cells were achieved through SnO2–Cl interface passivation.
Copper dopants improved the hydrogen evolution activity of earth-abundant cobalt pyrite catalysts by activating the electrocatalytically inert sulfur sites
Authors: Zhang Jingyan , Xiao Baorui , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Peitao , Xi Pinxian , Xiao Wen , Ding Jun , Gao Daqiang , Xue Desheng
Published: July 2017

Cobalt pyrite (CoS2) is considered to be a promising catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to its intrinsic metallicity and high catalytic activity.
Retracted Article: One-pot synthesis of O-doped BN nanosheets as a capacitive deionization electrode for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from water
Authors: Chen Ming Ming , Wei Da , Chu Wei , Wang Tao , Tong Dong Ge
Published: July 2017

BNO nanosheets could capacitively remove multiple metal ions from water due to their unique structural characteristics and coordination ability.
Efficient separation of ethylene from acetylene/ethylene mixtures by a flexible-robust metal–organic framework
Authors: Li Libo , Lin Rui-Biao , Krishna Rajamani , Wang Xiaoqing , Li Bin , Wu Hui , Li Jinping , Zhou Wei , Chen Banglin
Published: July 2017

During the production of polymer-grade ethylene, trace amounts of acetylene (about 1%) in the ethylene feed need to be reduced to 40 parts per million (ppm).
A CNH monolayer: a direct gap 2D semiconductor with anisotropic electronic and optical properties
Authors: Yi Wen-cai , Hu Tao , Su Tan , Islam Rashed , Miao Mao-sheng , Liu Jing-yao
Published: July 2017

Recently, two-dimensional materials have received significant attention due to their superior transport and optical properties and their potential roles in future nanoscale devices.
Electrons on the surface of 2D materials: from layered electrides to 2D electrenes
Authors: Druffel Daniel L. , Woomer Adam H. , Kuntz Kaci L. , Pawlik Jacob T. , Warren Scott C.
Published: July 2017

We review layered and ultrathin electrides with exciting properties like high electrical mobility, high carrier concentrations, and low work functions.
Patternable transparent and conductive elastomers towards flexible tactile/strain sensors
Authors: Li Ren'ai , Chen Guangxue , He Minghui , Tian Junfei , Su Bin
Published: July 2017

3D patternable, transparent, stretchable, and conductive elastomers based on the photopolymerization of the acrylic-acid/choline-chloride deep eutectic solvent were prepared, which can serve as flexible tactile/strain sensors.
Buddleja thyrsoides Lam. crude extract presents antinociceptive effect on an arthritic pain model in mice
Authors: Fialho Maria Fernanda Pessano , Brusco Indiara , da Silva Brum Evelyne , Piana Mariana , Boligon Aline Augusti , Trevisan Gabriela , Oliveira Sara Marchesan
Published: July 2017

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease which reduces the life quality of affected individuals. Therapeutic tools used for treating inflammatory pain are associated with several undesirable effects. Buddleja thyrsoides Lam., known as ‘Barbasco’ or ‘Cambara’, is mostly used in several disorders and possesses antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Here, we investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the B. thyrsoides crude extract applied orally and topically in acute pain models and an arthritic pain model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) paw injection in male mice (25–30 g). The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the B. thyrsoides extract crude revealed the presence of the lupeol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol. The stability study of the B. thyrsoides gel did not show relevant changes at low temperatures. The oral treatment with the B. thrysoides extract prevented the capsaicin-induced spontaneous nociception and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, but did not alter the thermal threshold in the tail immersion test. The B. thyrsoides antinociceptive effect was not reversed by naloxone in the capsaicin test. The B. thyrsoides oral or topical treatment reversed the CFA-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia with maximum inhibition (Imax) of 69 ± 6 and 68 ± 5% as well as 78 ± 15 and 87 ± 12%, respectively. Moreover, the topical but not oral treatment inhibited the CFA-induced cell infiltration, but did not reduce the paw edema significantly. The oral treatment with B. thyrsoides did not cause adverse effects. These findings suggest that the oral or topical treatment with B. thyrsoides presents antinociceptive actions in an arthritic pain model without causing adverse effects.
Photochromic optical fibre for VIS spectrum range applications
Authors: Miluski P. , Kochanowicz M. , Zmojda J. , Dorosz D.
Published: July 2017

The photochromic effect in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibre doped by 1,4‐bis(2‐methylstyryl)benzene is presented. The reversible photochromic effect of PMMA specimen and fibre has been checked using Nd‐YAG (355 nm) laser. Under the UV, the photodimerisation process leads to switching into the coloured form and wide absorption band below 670 nm was observed. The kinetic of photoswitching process is also presented. Moreover, the high transparency observed in visible (VIS) spectrum range, small dimensions, and high flexibility of presented functional polymeric fibre can be applied for numerous applications in optoelectronics devices.
Multiple access wiretap channel with noiseless feedback
Authors: Dai Bin , Ma Zheng
Published: July 2017

The physical layer security in the up‐link of the wireless communication systems is often modelled as the multiple access wiretap channel (MAC‐WT), and recently it has received a lot attention. In this paper, the MAC‐WT has been re‐visited by considering the situation that the legitimate receiver feeds his received channel output back to the transmitters via two noiseless channels, respectively. This model is called the MAC‐WT with noiseless feedback. Inner and outer bounds on the secrecy capacity region of this feedback model are provided. To be specific, we first present a decode‐and‐forward (DF) inner bound on the secrecy capacity region of this feedback model, and this bound is constructed by allowing each transmitter to decode the other one's transmitted message from the feedback, and then each transmitter uses the decoded message to re‐encode his own messages, i.e. this DF inner bound allows the independent transmitters to co‐operate with each other. Then, we provide a hybrid inner bound which is strictly larger than the DF inner bound, and it is constructed by using the feedback as a tool not only to allow the independent transmitters to co‐operate with each other but also to generate two secret keys, respectively, shared between the legitimate receiver and the two transmitters. Finally, we give a sato‐type outer bound on the secrecy capacity region of this feedback model. The results of this paper are further explained via a Gaussian example, and from this example, we see that the noiseless feedback helps to enhance the achievable secrecy rate region of the Gaussian MAC‐WT without feedback.
Risk assessment for the cascading failure of electric cyber‐physical system considering multiple information factors
Authors: Liu Yanli , Lu Dongxu , Deng Liangchen , Bai Tianyuan , Hou Kai , Zeng Yuan
Published: July 2017

A risk assessment approach for the cascading failure of electric cyber‐physical system (ECPS) considering multiple information factors is proposed. First, considering hardware, software and personnel factors existing in the information system, the reliability model of the control function of the information system is established. Second, the reliability model of the physical component considering the control function of the information system is established. Finally, the risk assessment approach for the cascading failure of ECPS is introduced, and the probability of the cascading failure and the expected energy not supplied are used as the risk indices. Test results on an improved RTS‐79 system show the effectiveness and significance of the method for choosing the optimal power communication network topology and the measures to reduce the risk.
Short‐term risk assessment of botnet attacks on advanced metering infrastructure
Authors: Sgouras Kallisthenis I. , Kyriakidis Avraam N. , Labridis Dimitris P.
Published: July 2017

An ongoing evolution of the power grids into more intelligent and sophisticated ones has been taking place since the beginning of the 21st century. The underlying objective of the power systems is to deliver electrical energy with high‐security standards, i.e. to supply power to the consumers uninterruptedly. However, the integration of information technology into the smart grid introduces new vulnerabilities related to cyber‐security which the authors should address extensively. This study discusses the impact of coordinated cyber‐attacks on the advanced metering infrastructure. In this work, emulations of distributed denial‐of‐service attacks in a closed testbed environment using a topology of smart meters that participate in an electricity market are being performed. This study proposes a method to evaluate the impact on the reliability of such attacks. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can serve as a tool for the evaluation of the short‐term risk of botnet attacks during load shifting in smart distribution networks.
Trans‐oceanic remote power hardware‐in‐the‐loop: multi‐site hardware, integrated controller, and electric network co‐simulation
Authors: Lundstrom Blake , Palmintier Bryan , Rowe Daniel , Ward John , Moore Tim
Published: July 2017

Electric system operators are increasingly concerned with the potential system‐wide impacts of the large‐scale integration of distributed energy resources including voltage control, protection coordination, and equipment wear. This prompts a need for new simulation techniques that can simultaneously capture all the components of these large integrated smart grid systems. This study describes a novel platform that combines three emerging research areas: power systems co‐simulation, power hardware in the loop (PHIL) simulation, and lab–lab links. The platform is distributed, real‐time capable, allows for easy internet‐based connection from geographically‐dispersed participants, and is software platform agnostic. The authors demonstrate its utility by studying real‐time PHIL co‐simulation of coordinated solar photovoltaic (PV) firming control of two inverters connected in multiple electric distribution network models, prototypical of US and Australian systems. The novel trans‐pacific closed‐loop system simulation was conducted in real time using a power network simulator and physical PV/battery inverter at power at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO, USA and a physical PV inverter at power at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. This capability enables smart grid researchers throughout the world to leverage their unique simulation capabilities for multi‐site collaborations that can effectively simulate and validate emerging smart grid technology solutions.
Impact of reverse power flow on the optimal distributed generation placement problem
Authors: Sgouras Kallisthenis I. , Bouhouras Aggelos S. , Gkaidatzis Paschalis A. , Doukas Dimitrios I. , Labridis Dimitris P.
Published: July 2017

Integration of distributed generation (DG) in existing distribution networks has been studied thoroughly during the past years as a measure of reducing grid's power losses. However, the optimal DG placement, known as ODGP, toward loss minimisation, has not been studied in depth by considering the possible impact of the reverse power flow (RPF) caused by extended penetration of distributed energy resources. This study uses a constriction factor embedded local particle swarm optimisation algorithm along with the appropriate particle formulation that solves the ODGP problem by taking into account the impact of possible RPF. In this study, the idea of RPF modelling is introduced by providing extended versions of IEEE test systems. Modified versions of the IEEE 30‐bus and IEEE 33‐bus test systems are modelled and results are presented in order to highlight the impact of RPF on the ODGP problem solution. The mathematical formulation is given, results and analysis for both extended systems are presented, while the importance of RPF for different conditions is assessed.