bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Conductive Ni2P Nanoporous Composite with a 3D Structure Derived from a Metal–Organic Framework for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cheng Junhan , Zhao Dan , Fan Lishuang , Wu Xian , Wang Maoxu , Wu Hexian , Guan Bin , Zhang Naiqing , Sun Kening
Published: June 2018

Sulfur cathodes have attracted significant attention as next‐generation electrode material candidates due to their considerable theoretical energy density. The main challenge in developing long‐life Li–S batteries is to simultaneously suppress the shuttle effect and high areal mass loading of sulfur required for practical applications. To solve this problem, we have designed a novel nickel phosphide nanoporous composite derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as sulfur host materials. Homogeneous distribution of Ni2P nanoparticles significantly avoids soluble polysulfides migrating out of the framework through strong chemical interactions, and the conductive 3D skeleton offers an accelerating electron transport. As a result, S@Ni2P/NC has exhibited an enhanced performance of 1357 mAh g−1 initially at 0.2 C (1 C=1675 mA g−1) and remaining at 946 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. Even at an areal mass loading of sulfur as high as 4.6 mg cm−2, the electrode still showed an excellent specific capacity of 918 mAh g−1.
Phase‐Controlled Synthesis of Nickel Phosphide Nanocrystals and Their Electrocatalytic Performance for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Huiming , Lu Siqi , Sun Jingyao , Pei Jiajing , Liu Di , Xue Yanrong , Mao Junjie , Zhu Wei , Zhuang Zhongbin
Published: June 2018

The phase of nanocrystals has a key role in the modulation of catalytic properties. Uniform and well‐crystallized nickel phosphide nanocrystals with controlled phases (Ni5P4, Ni2P, and Ni12P5) and narrow size distributions are synthesized by a wet chemical method. The phases of the as‐synthesized nickel phosphide nanocrystals are controlled by the P/Ni precursor molar ratio, heating process, and time of reaction. Rarely reported nearly monodisperse 5.6 nm Ni5P4 nanocrystals are successfully synthesized and show superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. Only a low overpotential of 103 mV is required to achieve the HER current of 10 mA cm−2 at a low catalyst loading of 0.12 mg cm−2. The high HER activity is attributed to the high quality of the as‐obtained Ni5P4 nanocrystals, which have the electronic effect from the Ni5P4 phase and also high surface area owing to the small particle size. A systematic study of the controlled synthesis of nickel phosphide nanocrystals is shown in this paper, and the HER catalytic activity is improved through the phase‐ and size‐controlled synthesis of nanocrystals.
Exploring Fe‐Nx for Peroxide Reduction: Template‐Free Synthesis of Fe‐Nx Traumatized Mesoporous Carbon Nanotubes as an ORR Catalyst in Acidic and Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Najam Tayyaba , Cheng Chao , Peng Lishan , Xiang Rui , Zhang Ling , Deng Jianghai , Ding Wei , Wei Zidong
Published: June 2018

Fe‐based electrocatalysts are elegant due to their better performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction. Nevertheless, they commonly contain different moieties, for example Fe‐Nx, Fe, Fe3C and N‐doped carbon, primarily the debatable assistance of these components towards ORR electrocatalysis, specifically for intermediate peroxide reduction reactions (PRR). In this paper, to explore the role of Fe‐Nx centres for PRR, a Fe‐N‐C electrocatalyst rooted in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes with mesoporous structures was synthesized from a Fe/Zn‐dicyanoimidazolate framework. The use of dicyanoimidazole coordinated with iron can introduce the Fe‐Nx active sites as well as directional N‐doped carbon nanotubes, which is good for enhancing electronic conductance of the catalyst. The attained electrocatalyst shows tremendous enactment to ORR, being comparable to the activity of Pt/C in acidic and better in alkaline electrolytes. This study also reveals that Fe‐Nx active centres are responsible for less H2O2 production. Though the Fe‐Nx moieties and Fe3C/Fe particles encapsulated N‐doped carbon, both are active centres for ORR, however, Fe‐Nx sites are more active than others for peroxide reduction reaction. These perceptions suggest rational methodologies for more active and consequently further durable Fe‐N‐C catalysts.
Multiparameter Characterization of Aerosols
Authors: Babick Frank , Hillemann Lars , Stintz Michael , Dillenburger Tim , Pitz Michael , Hellmann Albert , Antonyuk Sergiy , Ripperger Siegfried , Huber Franz J. T. , Will Stefan , Wernet Ruth , Seipenbusch Martin , Gensch Manuel , Weber Alfred , Kiesler Dennis , Kruis Einar , Friehmelt Rainer , Sachweh Bernd
Published: June 2018

The performance of particle‐based products depends on a multiple set of particle properties. To monitor them during particle manufacturing, three novel aerosol measurement techniques were developed: wide‐angle light scattering (WALS), three‐dimensional laser scattering (3D‐LSS), and differential aerodynamic particle sizing (DAPS). They measure particle shape, aggregate structure, and particle size, i.e., radius of gyration and aerodynamic diameter. The techniques were tested for rod‐like organic pigments and partially sintered SiO2 aggregates, which were produced by two new aerosol generators.
A Measure and Model of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace that Reflects Canada's National Standard
Authors: Ivey Gary W. , Blanc J.‐R. Sébastien , Michaud Kathy , Dobreva‐Martinova Tzvetanka
Published: June 2018

To monitor workplace factors associated with well‐being and performance in the Department of National Defence, and embodying departmental efforts to create and maintain a healthy workplace, we assembled a comprehensive and psychometrically sound survey battery that reflects Canada's national standard for psychological health and safety. Moreover, for testing and understanding the relationships among the survey variables and national standard factors, we applied an evidence‐based framework to build a conceptual psychological health and safety model. In this article, we introduce our survey and model to other organizations and the wider academic community, we provide some preliminary support for the pattern of results illustrated in our climate profiles, and we discuss our future research agenda to address current limitations. © 2018 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of National Defence.
Removal of elemental mercury by Ce and Co modified MCM‐41 catalyst from simulated flue gas
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Tan Bojian , Wang Jinxin , Zhang Hang , Li Chengfeng , He Gaohong
Published: June 2018

Co and Ce based catalysts have been proven to possess a high Hg0 removal efficiency. However, these catalysts have a low dispersion of active components and low mass transfer rate, which limits their catalytic activity. MCM‐41 has a large surface area and a highly ordered mesoporous structure, which can improve the dispersion of Co and Ce, resulting in a high mass transfer rate. In this paper, different amounts of Co and Ce were loaded on MCM‐41 to synthesize Cox‐Cex/MCM‐41. The characteristic results of the catalyst showed that catalysts with a lower Co and Ce loading amount had a high dispersion and a low crystallinity, leading to more activity sites on the catalyst surface. Hence, the Hg0 removal efficiency of the catalysts first increased with the increase of the Co and Ce loading amount. However, with the further increase of the Co and Ce loading amount, the crystallinity of the catalysts increased, which might cause the blockage of the pores and the decrease of BET surface areas, leading to a low Hg0 removal efficiency. Along with the factors mentioned above, Co0.15‐Ce0.15/MCM‐41 had the best catalytic activity, which showed above 85 % Hg0 removal efficiency in the temperature range of 200–300 °C at 180 000 h−1. Flue gas components had different effects on catalytic activity. O2 and NO could promote, but H2O and SO2 inhibit the Hg0 removal efficiency. The simulated flue gas of 300 ppm SO2, 400 ppm NO, 6 % H2O, and 5 % O2 have serious effects on catalytic activity leading to a lower Hg0 removal efficiency of 20 % for Co0.15‐Ce0.15/MCM‐4.
Structure–Activity Relationship Studies on (R)‐PFI‐2 Analogues as Inhibitors of Histone Lysine Methyltransferase SETD7
Authors: Lenstra Danny C. , Damen Eddy , Leenders Ruben G. G. , Blaauw Richard H. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Wegert Anita , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: June 2018

SETD7 is a histone H3K4 lysine methyltransferase involved in human gene regulation. Aberrant expression of SETD7 has been associated with various diseases, including cancer. Therefore, SETD7 is considered a good target for the development of new epigenetic drugs. To date, few selective small‐molecule inhibitors have been reported that target SETD7, the most potent being (R)‐PFI‐2. Herein we report structure–activity relationship studies on (R)‐PFI‐2 and its analogues. A library of 29 structural analogues of (R)‐PFI‐2 was synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of recombinantly expressed human SETD7. The key interactions were found to be a salt bridge and a hydrogen bond formed between (R)‐PFI‐2′s NH2+ group and SETD7′s Asp256 and His252 residue, respectively.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Safety, and Tolerability of Mirogabalin When Coadministered With Lorazepam, Zolpidem, Tramadol, or Ethanol: Results From Drug‐Drug Interaction Studies in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Jansen Mendel , Mendell Jeanne , Currie Alexander , Dow James , He Ling , Merante Domenico , Dishy Victor , Ishizuka Hitoshi , Zahir Hamim
Published: June 2018

Four randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 4‐period drug‐drug interaction studies were conducted in healthy subjects to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions between mirogabalin and commonly used central nervous system depressants. Mirogabalin or placebo was administered alone or with single‐dose lorazepam, zolpidem, tramadol, ethanol, or interacting drug placebo. Safety was assessed and serial samples for pharmacokinetic parameters were collected for up to 48 hours postdose. PD assessments included body sway (except tramadol), digit symbol substitution test, vertigo symptom scale short form, brief ataxia rating scale, and the Bond and Lader visual analog scale. Coadministration of mirogabalin with any of the 4 drugs did not cause any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions. Peak mirogabalin concentration decreased by 28% (least squares mean ratio, 0.72; 90% confidence interval, [CI] 0.67, 0.76) following tramadol coadministration, and increased by 20% (least squares mean ratio, 1.20; 90%CI, 1.12, 1.28) following ethanol coadministration. Mirogabalin alone had little to no effect on PD parameters, but coadministration of mirogabalin with either lorazepam or ethanol increased the PD effects in body sway and digit symbol substitution test assays. Mirogabalin/lorazepam and mirogabalin/zolpidem increased occurrence of somnolence. Increased incidence of nausea and headache was noted with mirogabalin/tramadol and mirogabalin/ethanol, respectively.
A cost‐effective attack matrix based key management scheme with dominance key set for wireless sensor network security
Authors: Ahlawat Priyanka , Dave Mayank
Published: June 2018

To guarantee the proper functionality of wireless sensor network even in the presence of the potential threats, a well‐designed key management scheme is very important. The assumptions about attackers critically influence the performance of security mechanisms. This paper investigates the problem of node capture from adversarial view point in which the adversary intelligently exploits the different vulnerabilities of the network to establish a cost‐effective attack matrix. To counteract such attacks, the defender or the network designer constructs similar attack matrix. The defender will identify a set of critical nodes and use the key compromise relationship to assign a key dominance rank to each node of the network. The key dominance rank quantifies the possibility of attack on a particular node. It is used to determine the hash chain length. It is also used to improve the security of path key establishment as well as rekeying of the proposed scheme. The performance of the proposed scheme is analyzed with other existing schemes, and it is shown that it outperforms with increased resilience against node capture, reduced number of hash computations, reduced key compromise probability of proxy nodes, and reduced number of revoked links during rekeying process.
Contemporary evolution and scaling of 32 major cities in China
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Liu Shuguang , Xu Chunxue , Yuan Wenping , Sun Yan , Yan Wende , Zhao Meifang , Henebry Geoffrey M. , Fang Jingyun
Published: June 2018

Most of the planet's population currently lives in urban areas, and urban land expansion is one of the most dramatic forms of land conversion. Understanding how cities evolve temporally, spatially, and organizationally in a rapidly urbanizing world is critical for sustainable development. However, few studies have examined the coevolution of urban attributes in time and space simultaneously and the adequacy of power law scaling across cities and through time, particularly in countries that have experienced abrupt, widespread, political and economic changes. Here, we show the temporal coevolution of multiple physical, demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental attributes in individual cities, and the cross‐city scaling of urban attributes at six time points (i.e., 1978, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010) in 32 major Chinese cities. We found that power law scaling could adequately characterize both the cross‐city scaling of urban attributes across cities and the longitudinal scaling describing the temporal coevolution of urban attributes within individual cities. The cross‐city scaling properties demonstrated substantial changes over time signifying evolved social and economic forces. A key finding was that the cross‐city linear or superlinear scaling of urban area with population contradicts the theoretical sublinear power law scaling proposed between infrastructure and population. Furthermore, the cross‐city scaling between area and population transitioned from linear to superlinear over time, and the superlinear scaling in recent times suggests decreased infrastructure efficiency. Our results demonstrate a diseconomy of scale in urban areal expansion that indicates a significant waste of land resources in the urbanization process. Future planning efforts should focus on policies that increase urban land use efficiency before continuing expansion.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Florfenicol by Dynamic Reductive Kinetic Resolution with Ketoreductases
Authors: Zou Jie , Ni Guowei , Tang Jiawei , Yu Jun , Jiang Luobin , Ju Dianwen , Zhang Fuli , Chen Shaoxin
Published: June 2018

A chemoenzymatic synthesis of the veterinary antibiotic florfenicol is described. The key step involves the dynamic reductive kinetic resolution (DYRKR) of a keto ester by using a ketoreductase‐02 (KRED‐02) to afford the two contiguous stereocenters of the (2S,3R)‐cis‐1,2‐amino alcohol intermediate in >99 % ee and a diastereomeric ratio (dr) of 99 %. This green biocatalysis is environmental friendly with high enantioselectivity and product yields. Two methods for the nucleophilic fluorination step involved the use of aziridines and cyclic sulfates to safely prepare fluoroamines with high regioselectivity. Additional studies have indicated that KRED‐02 can also be used to afford chiral alcohol (S)‐21 in good yields with high enantioselectivity. This study shows that the integration of biocatalysis into organic synthesis can be useful and provide industrial opportunities for applications of florfenicol.
Complementarity of electrophoretic, mass spectrometric, and gene sequencing techniques for the diagnosis and characterization of congenital disorders of glycosylation
Authors: Bruneel Arnaud , Cholet Sophie , Drouin‐Garraud Valérie , Jacquemont Marie‐Line , Cano Aline , Mégarbané André , Ruel Coralie , Cheillan David , Dupré Thierry , Vuillaumier‐Barrot Sandrine , Seta Nathalie , Fenaille François
Published: June 2018

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are rare autosomal genetic diseases affecting the glycosylation of proteins and lipids. Since CDG‐related clinical symptoms are classically extremely variable and nonspecific, a combination of electrophoretic, mass spectrometric, and gene sequencing techniques is often mandatory for obtaining a definitive CDG diagnosis, as well as identifying causative gene mutations and deciphering the underlying biochemical mechanisms. Here, we illustrate the potential of integrating data from capillary electrophoresis of transferrin, two‐dimensional electrophoresis of N‐ and O‐glycoproteins, mass spectrometry analyses of total serum N‐linked glycans and mucin core1 O‐glycosylated apolipoprotein C‐III for the determination of various culprit CDG gene mutations. “Step‐by‐step” diagnosis pathways of four particular and new CDG cases, including MGAT2‐CDG, ATP6V0A2‐CDG, SLC35A2‐CDG, and SLC35A3‐CDG, are described as illustrative examples.
Anchoring K+ in Li+ Sites of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Cathode Material to Suppress its Structural Degradation During High‐Voltage Cycling
Authors: Zhao Junkai , Wang Zhixing , Wang Jiexi , Guo Huajun , Li Xinhai , Gui Weihua , Chen Ning , Yan Guochun
Published: June 2018

The rapid rise of electrode impedance and capacity decay of Ni‐rich layered cathode materials during high‐voltage cycling are rooted in their severe structural degradation. Here we present a feasible strategy, anchoring ∼1 % K+ into the Li+ sites of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 as an excellent structural stabilizer, to overcome aforementioned issues, and the similarities and differences in terms of modification mechanism is compared with Na+. Showing difference with Na+ that tends to migrate into electrolyte during high‐voltage cycling, K+ occupies in Li+ site firmly because of its larger ionic radius and lower migrating ability, which sustainably prevent the irreversible phase transition between two hexagonal phases (H2 and H3) and impede the cation migration in highly delithiated state, thus suppressing the structural degradation. Benefiting from these merits, Li0.99K0.01Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 delivers a large initial discharge capacity of 217 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains stable cycling at 1 C in a high voltage of 4.6 V (remaining 87.4 % of its initial capacity after 150 cycles). The mechanism proposed in this work, accounting for enhanced structural stability under high‐voltage cycling by K+ anchoring in Ni‐rich cathode materials, provides a vital hint for rational designing advanced cathode materials to pursue high energy density Li‐ion batteries.
Mapping and spatial‐temporal assessment of gully density in the Middle Volga region, Russia
Authors: Golosov Valentin , Yermolaev Oleg , Rysin Ivan , Vanmaercke Matthias , Medvedeva Regina , Zaytseva Mariya
Published: June 2018

A large‐scale mapping of gully density was carried out for the Middle Volga region of the Russian Plain (188 000 km2) based on the interpretation of aerial photographs (scale 1:17 000; surveys undertaken during 1956–1970). In addition, spatial‐temporal dynamic of gully density were assessed for some parts of the study area (the Udmurt Republic and the Mesha and Ulema River basins of Tatarstan), based on the interpretation of aerial photographs (survey 1986–1991) and high resolution satellite images (2012–2015). Information on factors potentially controlling gully formation and development were collected and a geographic information system (GIS) analysis was conducted. Results show the strong development of gullies in the study area over the 1956–1970 period with an average gully density of 0.21 km km−2. For the Udmurt region, we found that gully densities varied little in the period 1956–1986, during which the total active gully length reduced with only 2%. This period was characterized by low variable climatic conditions and a stable fraction of arable land with a relatively continuous crop rotation system. However, gully dynamics seems to have changed more strongly during recent decades. We found a strong (order of magnitude) reduction in active gully density for the period 2010–2015 as compared to 1986–1991. The main reason for this is likely the increasing winter air temperatures. This leads to a significant reduction in surface runoff during spring as a result of snowmelt. Nonetheless, in some regions (i.e. the Udmurt Republic in the taiga zone), the abandonment of arable land after 1991 likely plays a significant role. Likewise, a decline in the frequency of extreme rainfall events (> 50 mm) may have played a role. All of these factors contribute to a reduction of surface runoff to the gullies and their subsequent stabilization. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of liquid fuel boilover behavior in normal and low pressures
Authors: Chen Qinpei , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Xuehui , Zhao Jinfei , Zhou Tiannian , Ding Chao , Wang Jian
Published: June 2018

To elucidate the effect of pressure on liquid fuel boilover, a series of field experiments were carried out using a portable measuring setup at Hefei (Alt.: 0 m, P: 101 kPa) and Lhasa (Alt.: 3650 m, P: 64 kPa). It is found that for a given size of pan, the boilover premonitory onset time tp and the boilover onset time tb are delayed; the intensity of boilover is weaker in low pressure. For a given pressure, tp and tb in larger pan are shorter. In addition, the boiling point of water is still the critical of boilover premonitory period in low pressure, and the critical temperature at the interface is reduced as pressure drops when boilover occurs. Then a prediction equation was made to explain the effect of atmospheric pressure on tp and tb, which proves that the pan diameter has a negative correlation against with tp and tb, and there is a negative correlation between the boilover premonitory onset time tp and the low pressure PL when PL > 10 kPa.
Robust model rankings of forecasting performance
Authors: Bhattacharya Prasad Sankar , Thomakos Dimitrios D.
Published: June 2018

This paper investigates robust model rankings in out‐of‐sample, short‐horizon forecasting. We provide strong evidence that rolling window averaging consistently produces robust model rankings while improving the forecasting performance of both individual models and model averaging. The rolling window averaging outperforms the (ex post) “optimal” window forecasts in more than 50% of the times across all rolling windows.
Incorporating Suborganismal Processes into Dynamic Energy Budget Models for Ecological Risk Assessment
Authors: Murphy Cheryl A , Nisbet Roger M , Antczak Philipp , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Gergs Andre , Lika Konstadia , Mathews Teresa , Muller Erik B , Nacci Diane , Peace Angela , Remien Christopher H , Schultz Irvin R , Stevenson Louise M , Watanabe Karen H
Published: June 2018

A working group at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) explored the feasibility of integrating 2 complementary approaches relevant to ecological risk assessment. Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) models provide “bottom-up” mechanisms to predict specific toxicological effects that could affect an individual's ability to grow, reproduce, and/or survive from a molecular initiating event. Dynamic energy budget (DEB) models offer a “top-down” approach that reverse engineers stressor effects on growth, reproduction, and/or survival into modular characterizations related to the acquisition and processing of energy resources. Thus, AOP models quantify linkages between measurable molecular, cellular, or organ-level events, but they do not offer an explicit route to integratively characterize stressor effects at higher levels of organization. While DEB models provide the inherent basis to link effects on individuals to those at the population and ecosystem levels, their use of abstract variables obscures mechanistic connections to suborganismal biology. To take advantage of both approaches, we developed a conceptual model to link DEB and AOP models by interpreting AOP key events as measures of damage-inducing processes affecting DEB variables and rates. We report on the type and structure of data that are generated for AOP models that may also be useful for DEB models. We also report on case studies under development that merge information collected for AOPs with DEB models and highlight some of the challenges. Finally, we discuss how the linkage of these 2 approaches can improve ecological risk assessment, with possibilities for progress in predicting population responses to toxicant exposures within realistic environments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:615–624. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

Adverse outcome pathways and dynamic energy budgets both attempt to scale suborganismal processes to population, but they do so in different ways. Adverse outcome pathways employ a bottom-up approach, while dynamic energy budgets use a top-down approach. Linking these 2 approaches involves use of a damage variable and either changing feedbacks in DEB, applying modules to DEB, or correlating damage to DEB fluxes. Linking these 2 approaches improves both methods because more cellular and molecular information can be incorporated into an organismal model that handles energetic trade-offs between physiological processes.
Optical study of chemotherapy efficiency in cancer treatment via intracellular structural disorder analysis using partial wave spectroscopy
Authors: Almabadi Huda M. , Nagesh Prashanth K. B. , Sahay Peeyush , Bhandari Shiva , Eckstein Eugene C. , Jaggi Meena , Chauhan Subhash C. , Yallapu Murali M. , Pradhan Prabhakar
Published: June 2018

As cancer progresses, macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA or lipids, inside cells undergo spatial structural rearrangements and alterations. Mesoscopic light transport‐based optical partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) was recently introduced to quantify changes in the nanoscale structural disorder in biological cells. The PWS measurement is performed using a parameter termed as “disorder strength” (L
d), which represents the degree of nanoscale structural disorder inside the cells. It was shown that cancerous cells have higher disorder strength than normal cells. In this work, we first used the PWS to analyze the hierarchy of different types of prostate cancer cells, namely, C4‐2, DU‐145 and PC‐3, by quantifying their average disorder strengths. Results expectedly showed that L
d values increases in accordance with the increasing aggressiveness/tumorigenicity levels of these cells. Using the L
d parameter, we then analyzed the chemoresistance properties of these prostate cancer cells to docetaxel drug compared to their chemosensitivity. Results show that chemoresistant cancer cells have increased L
d values, that is, higher disorder strength, relative to chemosensitive cancer cells. Thus, use of the L
d metric can be effective in determining the efficacy of particular chemotherapy.
Application of induced pluripotent stem cell and embryonic stem cell technology to the study of male infertility
Authors: Mahabadi Javad Amini , Sabzalipour Hamed , Bafrani Hassan Hassani , Gheibi Hayat Seyed Mohammad , Nikzad Hossein
Published: June 2018

Stem cells (SCs) are classes of undifferentiated biological cells existing only at the embryonic, fetal, and adult stages that can divide to produce specialized cell types during fetal development and remain in our bodies throughout life. The progression of regenerative and reproductive medicine owes the advancement of respective in vitro and in vivo biological science on the stem cell nature under appropriate conditions. The SCs are promising therapeutic tools to treat currently of infertility because of wide sources and high potency to differentiate. Nevertheless, no effective remedies are available to deal with severe infertility due to congenital or gonadotoxic stem cell deficiency in prepubertal childhood. Some recent solutions have been developed to address the severe fertility problems, including in vitro formation of germ cells from stem cells, induction of pluripotency from somatic cells, and production of patient‐specific pluripotent stem cells. There is a possibility of fertility restoration using the in vitro formation of germ cells from somatic cells. Accordingly, the present review aimed at studying the literature published on the medical application of stem cells in reproductive concerns.
Quantifying the effects of embryonic phenotypic plasticity on adult phenotypes in reptiles: A review of current knowledge and major gaps
Authors: Mitchell Timothy S. , Janzen Fredric J. , Warner Daniel A.
Published: June 2018

Studies of reptiles have contributed greatly to understanding the impacts of developmental environments on offspring phenotypes. A major challenge for these studies, however, is quantifying the effects of embryonic environments on adult phenotypes and reproductive success. Such measurements may be necessary to gain full insight into the evolution of plasticity, as well as the long‐term consequences of plasticity under environmental change. Unfortunately, most studies of reptile developmental plasticity only measure phenotypic traits of offspring at hatching, and rarely evaluate effects on subsequent adult phenotypes. This lack of information highlights a major gap in this active field. In this review, we first discuss conceptual issues regarding the ecology and evolution of plasticity to provide justification for long‐term studies necessary to measure adult phenotypes. Second, we review case studies of reptiles that assessed the effects of developmental environments on adult phenotypes and/or reproduction, and we highlight the valuable insights that they provide. Importantly, we illustrate that terminating studies during early‐life stages can lead to incomplete or even misleading interpretations. Third, we discuss the pros and cons of different experimental approaches for quantifying long‐term effects of developmental environments. Overall, devoted long‐term studies on taxa with diverse ecologies and life histories will provide major advances in the field of developmental plasticity.
Impacts of artificial light at night on sleep: A review and prospectus
Authors: Aulsebrook Anne E. , Jones Therésa M. , Mulder Raoul A. , Lesku John A.
Published: June 2018

Natural cycles of light and darkness govern the timing of most aspects of animal behavior and physiology. Artificial light at night (ALAN)—a recent and pervasive form of pollution—can mask natural photoperiodic cues and interfere with biological rhythms. One such rhythm vulnerable to perturbation is the sleep–wake cycle. ALAN may greatly influence sleep in humans and wildlife, particularly in animals that sleep predominantly at night. There has been some recent evidence for impacts of ALAN on sleep, but critical questions remain. Some of these can be addressed by adopting approaches already entrenched in sleep research. In this paper, we review the current evidence for impacts of ALAN on sleep, highlight gaps in our understanding, and suggest opportunities for future research.
Purification and characterization of halophilic lipase of Chromohalobacter sp. from ancient salt well
Authors: Ai Li , Huang Yaping , Wang Chuan
Published: June 2018

A halophilic lipase (LipS2) was produced by Chromohalobacter canadensis strain which was isolated from ancient salt well of Zigong, China. LipS2 was purified to homogeneity and showed a single band with molecular mass of 58 kDa by SDS–PAGE. LipS2 preferred middle‐to‐long acyl chain esters with C14 triglycerides as optimum substrate. It was noteworthy that LipS2 displayed efficient hydrolysis activity to some vegetable oils which were composed of polyunsaturated fatty acid. LipS2 showed high activity in range of 2.5–3.5 M NaCl, no activity without salt. Optimum temperature and pH were 55 °C and pH 8.5, respectively. Notably, the thermostability and pH stability of LipS2, varying with salt concentration, reached optimum in the presence of 3.0 M NaCl. LipS2 was stimulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+, inhibited by Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, and Hg2+. Moreover, LipS2 displayed significant tolerance to organic solvents including methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetone, especially, LipS2 activity was enhanced markedly by the hexane and benzene. Non‐ionic surfactants increased LipS2 activity, while ionic surfactants decreased activity. This was the first report on halophilic lipase of Chromohalobacter from ancient salt well. The results suggested that LipS2 may have considerable potential for biotechnological applications.
Enzyme–Polymer Conjugates to Enhance Enzyme Shelf Life in a Liquid Detergent Formulation
Authors: Kübelbeck Sonja , Mikhael Jules , Keller Harald , Konradi Rupert , Andrieu‐Brunsen Annette , Baier Grit
Published: June 2018

Herein, the synthesis of enzyme–polymer conjugates is reported. Four different activated polymers (mPEG‐aldehyde, mPEG‐NHS, maltodextrin‐aldehyde, carboxymethyl cellulose aldehyde) are conjugated to the surface of protease, α‐amylase, and lipase using two different strategies (reductive amination and alkylation with NHS‐activated acid). Although the chemical modification of the enzymes is accompanied by losses in enzyme activity (maximum loss 40%), the covalent attachment of polymers increases the thermal stability and the stability in a standard detergent formulation compared to the unmodified enzymes. The enzyme–polymer conjugates are characterized by asymmetrical‐flow field‐flow fractionation and differential scanning microcalorimetry. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that conjugated enzymes still show performance in a real washing process. Enzyme–polymer conjugates show a potential as a stabilizing system for enzymes in detergents.
Exposition of sol‐gel alumina‐coated P92 steel to flue gas: Time‐resolved microstructure evolution, defect tolerance, and repairing of the coating
Authors: Wollschläger Nicole , Nofz Marianne , Dörfel Ilona , Schulz Wencke , Sojref Regine , Kranzmann Axel
Published: June 2018

Technically relevant P92 steel (9% Cr) was coated with a micron‐thick porous alumina layer prepared by sol‐gel technique and treated with flue gas (60 CO2‐30 H2O‐2 O2‐1 SO2‐7 N2 (mole fraction in %)) at 650 °C to mimic an oxyfuel‐combustion process. Local defects in the coating were marked using focused ion beam (FIB) technique and were inspected after exposition to hot flue gas atmosphere at 300, 800, and 1300 h, respectively. Local defects like agglomerated alumina sol particles tend to spall off from the coating uncovering the underlying dense chromia scale. Re‐coating was found to restore the protection ability from oxidation when repeatedly treated with hot flue gas. Cracks and voids did not promote the local oxidation due to the formation of crystalline Mn/S/O species within and on top of the coating. The protective character of the steel‐coating system is a result of (i) the fast formation of a dense chromia scale at the surface of sol‐gel alumina‐coated P92 steel bars in combination with (ii) the porous alumina coating acting as diffusion barrier, but also as diffusion partner in addition with (iii) fast Mn outward diffusion capturing the S species from flue gas.
Effect of spinodal decomposition on the pitting corrosion resistance of Z3CN20.09M duplex stainless steel
Authors: Chen Yuefeng , Chen Xudong , Dai Xin , You Ye , Yang Bin
Published: June 2018

The microstructural characterization and pitting corrosion behavior of Z3CN20.09M duplex stainless steel were investigated by TEM, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy after thermal aging at 475 °C for 0, 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 h. The results showed that the ferrite in the steel decomposes into coherent Cr‐rich, Fe‐rich, and G phases. No any precipitates were found in the austenite during the thermal aging process. It is revealed that the pitting resistance of this steel has a negative relationship with increasing aging time and the priority nucleation position changes before and after the thermal aging process. The composition fluctuation region adjacent to the G phase and the Cr‐depleted region around the Cr‐rich phase are preferential to form pits. Therefore the G phase precipitation and the formation of Cr‐depleted region are harmful to the pitting resistance of the steel.
Hydrolyzed Poly(2‐plenyl‐2‐oxazoline)s in Aqueous Media and Biological Fluids
Authors: Vlassi Eleni , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Pispas Stergios
Published: June 2018

Hydrolyzed poly(2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline)s (PPhOx) are synthesized by partial hydrolysis of PPhOx in order to produce self‐assembling copolymers with chargeable and hydrophobic units. The resulting poly(ethylene imine‐co‐2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline) [P(EI‐co‐PhOx)] amphiphilic copolymers contain phenyl‐oxazoline and ethylene imine segments in a random sequence and their chemical structure is confirmed by 1H NMR and attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Static and dynamic light scattering experiments show that in aqueous solutions the random copolymers associate into aggregates of sizes in the range between 50 and 200 nm depending on the solution conditions and hydrophobic content. The positive charge of the nanoaggregates that is caused by protonation of the amine nitrogen is confirmed by zeta potential measurements. Self‐assembly in phosphate buffered saline results in large aggregates. The aggregates are proved to interact with fetal bovine serum proteins. This investigation shows that hydrolyzed phenyl oxazoline‐based copolymers provide stable amphiphilic nanoparticles able to interact with biological macromolecules for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.
Overview of the Experimental Trends in Water‐Assisted Injection Molding
Authors: Liu Xianhu , Pan Yamin , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Hu , Chen Qiang , Dong Mengyao , Liu Chuntai , Zhang Jiaoxia , Wang Ning , Wujcik Evan K. , Li Tingxi , Shen Changyu , Guo Zhanhu
Published: June 2018

In recent years, a new and promising polymer processing technology known as water‐assisted injection molding (WAIM) has attracted attention not only for academic reasons but also for its industrial applications. WAIM technology provides a new way to fabricate hollow or other complicated products due to its faster cycling time and light weight. This paper aims to give an overview of the basic principles and applications of WAIM as well as the current research status in academia. The origin and development of WAIM technology are first described and then, their advantages and applications are given. This review focuses on the experimental trends of WAIM such as computer simulation, the effect of processing parameters on the WAIM samples, and the morphology as well as related WAIM–molded composites and polymer blends' work.
How complete is the information on preadmission psychotropic medications in inpatients with dementia? A comparison of hospital medical records with dispensing data
Authors: Pisa Federica Edith , Palese Francesca , Romanese Federico , Barbone Fabio , Logroscino Giancarlo , Riedel Oliver
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Reliable information on preadmission medications is essential for inpatients with dementia, but its quality has hardly been evaluated. We assessed the completeness of information and factors associated with incomplete recording.

Methods

We compared preadmission medications recorded in hospital electronic medical records (EMRs) with community‐pharmacy dispensations in hospitalizations with discharge code for dementia at the University Hospital of Udine, Italy, 2012–2014. We calculated: (a) prevalence of omissions (dispensed medication not recorded in EMRs), additions (medication recorded in EMRs not dispensed), and discrepancies (any omission or addition); (b) multivariable logistic regression odds ratio, with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), of ≥1 omission.

Results

Among 2,777 hospitalizations, 86.1% had ≥1 discrepancy for any medication (Kappa 0.10) and 33.4% for psychotropics. When psychotropics were recorded in EMR, antipsychotics were added in 71.9% (antidepressants: 29.2%, antidementia agents: 48.2%); when dispensed, antipsychotics were omitted in 54.4% (antidepressants: 52.7%, antidementia agents: 41.5%). Omissions were 92% and twice more likely in patients taking 5 to 9 and ≥10 medications (vs. 0 to 4), 17% in patients with psychiatric disturbances (vs. none), and 41% with emergency admission (vs. planned).

Conclusion

Psychotropics, commonly used in dementia, were often incompletely recorded. To enhance information completeness, both EMRs and dispensations should be used.
Modeling concrete exposed to high temperature: Impact of dehydration and retention curves on moisture migration
Authors: Dauti D. , Dal Pont S. , Weber B. , Briffaut M. , Toropovs N. , Wyrzykowski M. , Sciumé G.
Published: June 2018

High‐performance concrete is a widely used building material for tunnels, high‐rise buildings, nuclear plants etc. When these structures are exposed to fire, high‐performance concrete is prone to spalling. Moisture migration is believed to be one of the processes directly related to this phenomenon. In this paper, moisture profiles measured experimentally from neutron radiography on heated concrete are compared with results from a numerical model implemented in the finite element code Cast3M. The water loss measured experimentally, and the numerical results suggest that the commonly used constitutive laws for dehydration and water retention curves need to be reconsidered. The influence of these constitutive laws on the moisture migration is investigated. The dehydration constitutive law plays an important role on the dehydration front but has negligible effect on the moisture accumulation behind this front. By contrast, the water retention curves do not influence the dehydration front but affect the quantity and location of water condensation. The role of the permeability is also discussed.
Long‐acting opioid initiation in US nursing homes
Authors: Hunnicutt Jacob N. , Hume Anne L. , Ulbricht Christine M. , Tjia Jennifer , Lapane Kate L.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To estimate the proportion of residents newly initiating long‐acting opioids in comparison to residents initiating short‐acting opioids and examine variation in long‐acting opioid initiation by region and resident characteristics.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 182 735 long‐stay nursing home residents in 13 881 US nursing homes who were Medicare beneficiaries during 2011 to 2013 and initiated a short‐acting or long‐acting opioid (excluding residents <50 years old, those with cancer, or receiving hospice care). Medicare Part D prescription claims were used to identify residents as newly initiating short‐acting or long‐acting opioids, defined as having a prescription claim for an opioid with no prior opioid prescriptions in the preceding 60 days. We estimated the overall proportion of initiators prescribed long‐acting opioids. Regional variation was examined by mapping results by state and hospital referral regions. Logistic models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Two percent of opioid initiators were prescribed long‐acting opioids. State variation in long‐acting opioid initiation ranged from 0.6% to 7.5% (5th‐95th percentiles: 0.6‐6.4%). Resident characteristics associated with increased long‐acting opioid initiation included severe physical limitations (vs none/mild limitations; aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.92‐2.37) and pain (staff‐assessed vs no pain; aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.40‐1.80), whereas being non‐White was inversely associated (non‐Hispanic black vs non‐Hispanic white; aOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.79).

Conclusion

United States nursing home residents predominantly initiate short‐acting opioids in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Documented variation by geographic and resident characteristics suggests that improvements are possible.
Methodological challenges in assessment of current use of warfarin among patients with atrial fibrillation using dispensation data from administrative health care databases
Authors: Sinyavskaya Liliya , Matteau Alexis , Johnson Sarasa , Durand Madeleine
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Algorithms to define current exposure to warfarin using administrative data may be imprecise. Study objectives were to characterize dispensation patterns, to measure gaps between expected and observed refill dates for warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using administrative health care databases of the Régie de l'assurance‐maladie du Québec. We identified every dispensation of warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban for patients with AF initiating oral anticoagulants between 2010 and 2015. For each dispensation, we extracted date and duration. Refill gaps were calculated as difference between expected and observed dates of successive dispensation. Refill gaps were summarized using descriptive statistics. To account for repeated observations nested within patients and to assess the components of variance of refill gaps, we used unconditional multilevel linear models.

Results

We identified 61 516 new users. Majority were prescribed warfarin (60.3%), followed by rivaroxaban (16.4%), dabigatran (14.5%), apixaban (8.8%). Most frequent recorded duration of dispensation was 7 days, suggesting use of pharmacist‐prepared weekly pillboxes. The average refill gap from multilevel model was higher for warfarin (9.28 days, 95%CI:8.97‐9.59) compared with DOACs (apixaban 3.08 days, 95%CI: 2.96‐3.20, dabigatran 3.70, 95%CI: 3.56‐3.84, rivaroxaban 3.15, 95%CI: 3.03‐3.27). The variance of refill gaps was greater among warfarin users than among DOAC users.

Conclusions

Greater refill gaps for warfarin may reflect inadequate capture of the period covered by the number of dispensed pills recorded in administrative data. A time‐dependent definition of exposure using dispensation data would lead to greater misclassification of warfarin than DOACs use.
Elucidating potential‐induced degradation in bifacial PERC silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Luo Wei , Hacke Peter , Terwilliger Kent , Liang Tian Shen , Wang Yan , Ramakrishna Seeram , Aberle Armin G. , Khoo Yong Sheng
Published: June 2018

This paper elucidates the behavior and underlying mechanism of potential‐induced degradation (PID) on the rear side of p‐type monocrystalline silicon bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) photovoltaic modules. At 50°C, 30% relative humidity, and −1000 V bias to the solar cells with aluminium foil on the rear glass surface, the rear‐side performance of bifacial PERC modules at standard testing conditions degraded dramatically after 40 hours with a 40.4%, 36.2%, and 7.2% loss in maximum power (Pmpp), short‐circuit current (Isc), and open‐circuit voltage (Voc), respectively. The front‐side standard testing condition performance, on the other hand, showed less degradation; Pmpp, Isc, and Voc dropped by 12.0%, 5.2%, and 5.3%, respectively. However, negligible degradation was observed when the solar cells were positively biased. Based on I‐V characteristics, electroluminescence, external quantum efficiency measurements, and the effective minority‐carrier lifetime simulation, the efficiency loss is shown to be caused by the surface polarization effect; positive charges are attracted to the passivation/antireflection stack on the rear surface and reduce its field effect passivation performance. Extended PID testing to 100 hours showed an increase in device performances (relative to 40 hours) due to the formation of an inversion layer along the rear surface. In addition, replacing ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer with polyolefin elastomer films significantly slows down the progression of PID, whereas a glass/transparent backsheet design effectively protects the rear side of bifacial PERC modules from PID. Furthermore, PID on the rear side of bifacial PERC modules is fully recoverable, and light greatly promotes recovery of the observed PID.