bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esculentoside A suppresses breast cancer stem cell growth through stemness attenuation and apoptosis induction by blocking IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Chuanlan , Dong Lihua , Sun Zhen , Wang Li , Wang Qiaoping , Li Haiyan , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiujie
Published: August 2018

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) survive in inflammatory microenvironment, their survival are regulated by inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Esculentoside A (EsA), a triterpene saponin derived from the root of Phytolacca esculenta, possesses antiinflammation effects; but whether it has anticancer activity is unknown. The purpose of this study is to test the inhibitory effect of EsA on the growth of breast CSCs and to elucidate its probable mechanisms of action. The proliferation inhibitory effect of EsA on breast CSCs in vitro were determined by cytotoxicity, mammosphere formation inhibition, apoptotic cell detection assays, and in vivo tumor growth inhibition experiment. The possible molecular mechanisms elucidating the inhibitory effect of EsA on breast CSC growth were examined with western blotting. EsA caused proliferation and mammosphere formation inhibition of breast CSCs; induced breast CSCs apoptotic death; suppressed the growth of tumors generated from breast CSCs significantly; the expressions of stemness proteins including ALDH1A1, Sox2, and Oct4 were downregulated; proapoptotic proteins, Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 were upregulated, whereas the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 was reduced; IL‐6/STAT3 pathway proteins including IL‐6, phosphorylated STAT3 (Tyr705), and STAT3 (Ser727) were downregulated significantly in EsA‐treated breast CSCs and tumor tissues. EsA inhibited breast CSC growth in vitro and in vivo through stemness attenuation and apoptosis induction by blocking IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway; it might serve as a novel candidate agent for human breast cancer treatment and/or prevention.
A perspective view of top‐down proteomics in snake venom research
Authors: Ghezellou Parviz , Garikapati Vannuruswamy , Kazemi Seyed Mahdi , Strupat Kerstin , Ghassempour Alireza , Spengler Bernhard
Published: August 2018

The venom produced by snakes contains complex mixtures of pharmacologically active proteins and peptides which play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of snakebite diseases. The deep understanding of venom proteomes can help to improve the treatment of this “neglected tropical disease” (as expressed by the World Health Organization [WHO]) and to develop new drugs. The most widely used technique for venom analysis is liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)‐based bottom‐up (BU) proteomics. Considering the fact that multiple multi‐locus gene families encode snake venom proteins, the major challenge for the BU proteomics is the limited sequence coverage and also the “protein inference problem” which result in a loss of information for the identification and characterization of toxin proteoforms (genetic variation, alternative mRNA splicing, single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] and post‐translational modifications [PTMs]). In contrast, intact protein measurements with top‐down (TD) MS strategies cover almost complete protein sequences, and prove the ability to identify venom proteoforms and to localize their modifications and sequence variations.
Exogenous lipoid pneumonia: an important cause of interstitial lung disease in infants
Authors: Marangu Diana , Pillay Komala , Banderker Ebrahim , Gray Diane , Vanker Aneesa , Zampoli Marco
Published: August 2018

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP), an important cause of interstitial lung disease, often goes unrecognized. We conducted a retrospective study of children with histologically confirmed ELP at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, South Africa. Twelve children of Zimbabwean heritage aged 2.1–10.8 months were identified between 2012 and 2017. Repeated oral administration of plant‐based oil for cultural reasons was reported by 10 of 11 caregivers. Cough (12/12), tachypnoea (11/12), hypoxia (9/12), and diffuse alveolar infiltrates on chest radiography (12/12) were common at presentation. Chest computed tomography revealed ground‐glass opacification with lower zone predominance (9/9) and interlobular septal thickening (8/9). Bronchoalveolar lavage specimens appeared cloudy/milky, with abundant lipid‐laden macrophages and extracellular lipid on Oil‐Red‐O staining (12/12), with polymicrobial (6/12) and Mycobacterium abscessus (2/12) co‐infection. Antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids, and therapeutic lavage were interventions in all eight and five patients, respectively. Clinicians should consider ELP in children with non‐resolving pneumonia in settings with similar practices.
Virtual guidance versus virtual implant planning system in the treatment of distal radius fractures
Authors: Vetter Sven Yves , Magaraggia Jessica , Beisemann Nils , Schnetzke Marc , Keil Holger , Franke Jochen , Grützner Paul Alfred , Swartman Benedict
Published: August 2018

Background

A virtual guidance framework is used to assist the conventional method of virtual implant planning system (VIPS). The study null hypothesis was that its screw placement accuracy is equal to that of conventional VIPS.

Methods

In 34 distal radius sawbone models, 3D implant planning was performed. A camera attached to the surgical drill was used to support screw positioning. Differences of angles/tip distances between planned and placed screws were identified in intraoperative cone beam Computer tomography (CT) and compared with already existing data from 22 patients treated by conventional VIPS.

Results

The virtual guidance group showed tip distances of 1.02 ± 0.56 mm, azimuth of 3.69° ± 4.34°, and inclination of 1.75° ± 1.37°, whereas the VIPS group showed tip distances of 2.23 ± 0.99 mm (P < 0.001), azimuth of 23.17° ± 33.50° (P < 0.001), and inclination angle of 4.18° ± 6.29° (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The results reveal that using a guidance framework leads to a higher accuracy in screw placement compared with the conventional VIPS itself.
Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer after clinical complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Ngu James Chi‐Yong , Kuo Li‐Jen , Kung Ching‐Huei , Chen Chi‐Long , Kuo Chia‐Chun , Chang Sheng‐Wei , Chen Chia‐Che
Published: August 2018

Background

Full‐thickness local excision (FTLE) for rectal cancer showing clinical complete remission (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) is associated with good oncological results. The purpose of this study was to report the results of robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for such patients.

Methods

Patients were treated with a 5‐fluorouracil‐based NCRT regimen. The determination of cCR was based on digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Six patients underwent transanal FTLE using the da Vinci Xi surgical system. The median operative time was 106.5 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was minimal. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.2 days. After 18.2 months of follow‐up, none of the patients developed local recurrences or distant disease.

Conclusions

With the use of robotic technology, FTLE can be performed with relative ease and can be considered as a viable alternative to radical resection or a “Watch and Wait” strategy.
Optimal input design for uncertain max‐plus linear systems
Authors: Wang Cailu , Tao Yuegang , Yan Huaicheng
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates the optimal input design for uncertain max‐plus linear systems whose parameters are only known to belong to certain intervals. The exact interval input is introduced to minimize the regulating range of the input that ensures that the system can output at any specified value in the desired interval regardless of how the parameters vary in certain ranges. The optimal input design for uncertain max‐plus linear systems is formulated as an optimal control problem that finds the maximum element of the set of exact interval inputs with respect to the order of max‐plus interval vectors. This paper also considers the optimal approximate interval input of an uncertain max‐plus linear system that has no exact interval input. A polynomial algorithm is developed to find the optimal interval input and optimal approximate interval input of an uncertain max‐plus linear system. A data transmission system with parameter perturbations is employed as an example to demonstrate how the proposed results work in practical applications.
Mesoscale river restoration enhances the diversity of floodplain vegetation
Authors: Seer Franziska K. , Brunke Matthias , Schrautzer Joachim
Published: August 2018

Effective river restoration aims for the recovery of ecosystem functions by restoring processes and connectivity to the floodplain. At the straightened lowland river Stör in northern Germany, a sequence of 15 new meanders was created in 2008, with wavelengths up to 70 m. The newly created areas within the meander bends range in size from 215 to 1,115 m2 and function as a series of 15 restored floodplain sites, which are subject to succession. After 7 years of restoration measures, we investigated the vegetation dynamics on the (a) restored floodplains and compared them with adjacent floodplain sites that were used as (b) low‐intensity grazed grassland or as (c) abandoned grassland. We analysed the species diversity, functional vegetation parameters, and plant communities of 200 plots within the floodplain area of the three floodplain types and of 246 plots at their river banks.

Plant species diversity and composition differed with respect to restoration measure and site management. Restored floodplains revealed a higher coverage in species of wet grasslands and softwood forests and higher species diversity than abandoned grasslands. Grazed grasslands showed the highest species number and coverages of pioneer vegetation. The banks indicated fewer differences in species composition between floodplain types.

The construction of restored floodplains revealed greater overall plant diversity due to promoting the development of typical floodplain vegetation. Shallow meanders with increased flooding intensity and the creation of a varying microreliefs are recommended as combined river/floodplain measures in order to foster processes and connectivity between valley components.
Declining phosphorus as a potential driver for the onset of Didymosphenia geminata mats in North American rivers
Authors: Kunza Lisa A. , Gillis Carole‐Anne , Haueter Jaime Z. , Murdock Justin N. , O'Brien Jonathan M.
Published: August 2018

Didymosphenia geminata is a stalk‐forming diatom capable of creating thick benthic mats in low‐nutrient streams. There are two hypotheses to explain the rapid worldwide increase in occurrence of nuisance D. geminata mats: (a) Cells are spread among rivers and across broad ecoregions through natural and anthropogenic vectors, or (2) pre‐existing D. geminata populations are forming mats in response to changing environmental conditions within the habitat. Low phosphorus (P) concentrations are a major trigger for stalk production by D. geminata cells. Although the environmental change hypothesis is gaining support among researchers, long‐term data sets demonstrating declining P concentrations prior to reported mat formation have been essentially absent from the literature. Here, we present long‐term datasets for two case studies for which long‐term P and D. geminata data coincide: the Matapedia River in Eastern Canada and the Kootenai River below Libby Dam in Montana, United States. Both rivers had declining P levels over time. However, there was a 2‐ and 20‐year lag time, respectively, between mat development and reaching the previously proposed average 2 μg/L soluble reactive P threshold for development. Although the Matapedia River provides some support of the environmental change hypothesis, the Kootenai River data set suggests other environmental factors may play a role in mat development. The data presented do not rule out the environmental change hypothesis but do suggest there may be conditions in addition to low P that must be met for mats to form and the environmental change hypothesis can likely be refined to include more parameters to better understand and mitigate the influence of mats.
Leveraging multiuser diversity for adaptive hybrid satellite‐LTE downlink scheduler (H‐MUDoS) in emerging 5G‐satellite network
Authors: Zangar Nawel , Hendaoui Saloua
Published: August 2018

In order to achieve ubiquitous coverage and service continuity in future 5G network, satellite‐based access is the best solution to complement the terrestrial LTE‐A. In light of this, we introduce a channel‐aware hybrid scheduling technique on the basis of satellite‐LTE spectrum sharing. According to the user‐experienced channel, base stations (eNodeB) and the satellite will work cooperatively. The eNodeB mainly provides service in urban area for high density population. Meanwhile, the satellite will perform either offloading, providing service for under‐served users, or extra coverage for users in rural and remote areas having no coverage of eNodeB. Leveraging the multiuser diversity, we implement a new metrics computation method for hybrid satellite‐LTE downlink scheduler (H‐MUDoS). Compared with other existing schedulers, simulation results clearly demonstrate the high performance of H‐MUDoS in terms of spectral efficiency in addition to improvement of the quality‐of‐service requirements and capacity maximization.
The impact of urban compactness on urban sustainable development in China: The case of Nanjing
Authors: Tan Feifei , Lu Zhaohua
Published: August 2018

How China's city development takes the course of urban sprawl or urban compactness depends on how urban compactness affects urban sustainable development. Using the vector autoregression (VAR) model, this paper estimates the impact of urban compactness on the urban sustainable development of Nanjing in China during 2005–2015. The results of impulse response analysis show that the responses of social development levels continue to decline after shocks from population compactness and ecological environment coordination, the responses of economic development levels following shocks from public service and ecological environment coordination continue to increase at different speeds, and the responses of ecological environment level keep a slight upward trend following shocks from economic compactness. Moreover, the variance decomposition results demonstrate that most of social development is explained by its own shock, the economic development explained its largest variations, and the contribution from the ecological environment compactness first increases and then decreases.
Green consumption: Closing the intention‐behavior gap
Authors: Nguyen Hung Vu , Nguyen Cuong Hung , Hoang Thoa Thi Bao
Published: August 2018

Green consumption has become an important academic and practical topic. However, a recurring theme in the literature has been the attitude‐behavior gap in green consumption. Taking the cognitive view in studying consumer behaviors, this study theoretically developed and tested two key moderators to the relationship between green consumption intention and behavior, namely green product availability and perceived consumer effectiveness. Under high levels of the moderators, the relationship between the intention and the behavior were hypothesized to be stronger. Our data sample of 416 consumers in two large cities in Vietnam provided support for the hypotheses. Our study results thus contribute to the green consumption literature by explaining the attitude‐behavior gap. Our study also contributes to the broader literature by explaining the inconsistency in consumer behavior. Implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
ZnO superhydrophobic coating via convenient spraying and its biofouling resistance
Authors: Li Changquan , Xie Chan , Ou Junfei , Xue Mingshan , Wang Fajun , Lei Sheng , Fang Xinzuo , Zhou Haoyu , Li Wen
Published: August 2018

The attachment of microbial biomass on solid surfaces, also referred to as biofouling, is a universal phenomenon that occurs in natural and engineering systems. However, traditional antibiofouling surfaces based on either the release of biocidal compounds or surface chemical/physical design have some drawbacks, such as the high cost, the complicated process, the low accuracy, and the limitation to achieve coatings over large area. Herein, to overcome these problems, a superhydrophobic coating is fabricated via spraying the mixture of hydrophobized zinc oxide nanoparticles and epoxy resin. The zinc oxide nanoparticles form a multiscale roughness, and the epoxy resin promotes the robustness of the coating. The so‐formed superhydrophobic coating resists the attachment of protein, bacteria, and marine algae. It is expected that the so‐developed superhydrophobic coating can be applied in the fields of biomedical instruments, antimicrobial material, marine platform, and ships.
Unequal intra‐group variance in trajectory classification
Authors: Klich Amna , Ecochard René , Subtil Fabien
Published: August 2018

Classifying patients into groups according to longitudinal series of measurements (ie, trajectory classification) has become frequent in clinical research. Most classification models suppose an equal intra‐group variance across groups. This assumption is sometimes inappropriate because measurements in diseased subjects are often more heterogeneous than in healthy ones. We developed a new classification model for trajectories that uses unequal intra‐group variance across groups and evaluated its impact on classification using simulations and a clinical study. The classification and typical trajectories were estimated using the classification Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm to maximize the classification likelihood, the log‐likelihood being profiled during the Maximization (M) step of the algorithm. The simulations showed that assuming equal intra‐group variance resulted in a high misclassification rate (up to 50%) when the real intra‐group variances were different. This rate was greatly reduced by allowing intra‐group variances to be different. Similar classification was obtained when the real intra‐group variances were equal, except when the total sample size and the number of repeated measurements were small. In a randomized trial that compared the effect of low vs standard cyclosporine A dose on creatinine levels after cardiac transplantation, the classification model with unequal intra‐group variance led to more meaningful groups than with equal intra‐group variance and showed distinct benefits of low dose. In conclusion, we recommend the use of a classification model for trajectories that allows for unequal intra‐group variance across groups except when the number of repeated measurements and total sample size are small.
Facile Synthesis of Flower‐Like NiMnO3/Ni(OH)2 Grown on Multifunctional Nickel Foam with Superior Capacitive Performance
Authors: Ge Zhixin , Wang Xiangzhi , Huo Yuqiu , Fang Chaohe
Published: August 2018

The flower‐like NiMnO3/Ni(OH)2 growing on multifunctional nickel foam is designed for the first time though a facile, eco‐friendly and straightforward hydrothermal method, in which nickel foam acts as substrate, reductant and the nickel resource. The concentration of bivalent nickel ion plays a key role for the component and capacitive performance of composite. Without outside nickel resource, NiMnO3 are obtained, and their specific capacitance is 750 F g−1 at the current density of 1 mA cm−2. Under the high consistence of bivalent nickel ion, the flower‐like NiMnO3/Ni(OH)2 is produced. Its specific capacitance is up to 3800 F g−1 at the current density of 1 mA cm−2. Such exceptional capacitive performance is attributed to the unique flower‐like structure, excellent contact of active materials with nickel foam substrate and the synergistic effect of constituents. This method can be extended to the synthesis of other bimetallic oxides and other more extensive composites. And the flower‐like NiMnO3/Ni(OH)2 provides a feasible and potential candidate of practical applications of supercapacitor.
Versatility of a Nitrogen‐Containing Monolithic Porous Carbon for Lithium‐Based Energy Storage.
Authors: Tesio Alvaro Y. , Arias Analía N. , Morales Julián , Planes Gabriel A. , Caballero Alvaro
Published: August 2018

N‐containing monolithic porous carbon material with dual micro and mesoporous structures was synthesized using an innovative, cheap and easy synthesis route based on the classical resorcinol‐formaldehyde synthesis. A completely chemical, structural and morphological characterization was carried out. The N content in the carbonaceous material was 7.3% and XPS data showed that is present in two different surrounds, as N‐pyrrolic and N‐pyridinic atoms. Is known that, the last one, can acts as a catalyst at surface level in heterogeneous reactions. In addition, using this material, we were able to fabricate lithium‐ion and lithium‐sulfur batteries obtaining high values of discharge capacity and cycle stability and demonstrating the multifunctional character of this carbon in energy storage devices.
Hierarchical Zr‐MTW Zeolites Doped with Copper as Catalysts of Ethanol Conversion into 1,3‐Butadiene
Authors: Kurmach Mykhailo M. , Larina Olga V. , Kyriienko Pavlo I. , Yaremov Pavlo S. , Trachevsky Volodymyr V. , Shvets Oleksiy V. , Soloviev Sergiy O.
Published: August 2018

The hierarchical Zr‐MTW zeolites are prepared using NH4F and HF as mineralizing agents and structure‐directed agent like Gemini‐type surfactant and studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with pyridine, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine and CD3CN as probe molecules. Structural characteristics and acid‐base properties of the zeolites depend on concentration of fluorine precursor in the reaction medium (a ratio of Si/F). The hierarchical Zr‐MTW zeolites (included doped with copper) have been tested in ethanol conversion into 1,3‐butadiene by Lebedev method. The symbatical dependence of 1,3‐butadiene productivity with the concentration of Lewis acidic sites determined by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed CD3CN is observed. 1.3‐Butadiene selectivity of 68 % with ethanol conversion of 81 % are achieved in the presence of Cu/Zr‐MTW catalyst.
Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy via Transporting Endogenous Tumor Antigens to Lymph Nodes Mediated by Nano Fe3O4
Authors: Wang Binghua , An Jingyi , Zhang Huifang , Zhang Shudong , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Lei , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: August 2018

While immunotherapy has a tremendous clinical potential to combat cancer, immune responses generated by conventional cancer immunotherapy remain not enough to completely eliminate tumors, mainly due to the tumor's immunosuppressive microenvironment and heterogeneity of tumor immunogenicity. To improve antitumor immune responses and realize personalized immunotherapy, in this report, endogenous tumor antigens (ETAs) that dynamically present on tumor cells are transported to lymph nodes (LNs). Based on the hypothesis that nano Fe3O4 (≈10 nm) could serve as the nanocarrier for transporting ETAs from the tumor to LNs, we wondrously find that Fe3O4 has a tremendous potential to improve cancer immunotherapy, because of its excellent protein‐captured efficiency and LNs‐targeted ability. To ensure the optimal ETAs‐bound efficiency of Fe3O4, a core–shell formulation (denoted as Ce6/Fe3O4‐L) is developed and specific release of Fe3O4 in tumor is enabled. These findings provide a simple and general strategy for boosting cytotoxic T‐cell response and realizing personalized cancer immunotherapy simultaneously.
Laser‐Assisted Large‐Scale Fabrication of All‐Solid‐State Asymmetrical Micro‐Supercapacitor Array
Authors: Gao Jian , Shao Changxiang , Shao Shengxian , Wan Feng , Gao Chang , Zhao Yang , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti
Published: August 2018

The micro‐supercapacitors are of great value for portable, flexible, and integrated electronic equipments. Here, the large‐scale and integrated asymmetrical micro‐supercapacitor (AMSC) array is fabricated in virtue of the laser direct writing and electrodeposition technology. The AMSC shows the ideal flexibility, high areal specific capacitance (21.8 mF cm−2), and good rate capability. Moreover, its energy density reaches 12.16 µW h cm−2, outperforming most micro‐supercapacitors reported previously. Meanwhile, large‐scale series‐connected AMSCs are integrated on the flexible substrates (e.g., indium tin oxide‐polyethylene terephthalate film), which can power a veriety of the commercial electronics. The combination of AMSCs array, solar cell, and electronic device proves the feasibility for practical application in the portable, flexible, and integrated electronic equipments.
Multiresponsive Supramolecular Theranostic Nanoplatform Based on Pillar[5]arene and Diphenylboronic Acid Derivatives for Integrated Glucose Sensing and Insulin Delivery
Authors: Zuo Minzan , Qian Weirui , Xu Zuqiang , Shao Wei , Hu Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Dongmei , Jiang Juli , Sun Xiaoqiang , Wang Leyong
Published: August 2018

A closed‐loop “smart” insulin delivery system with the capability to mimic pancreatic cells will be highly desirable for diabetes treatment. This study reports a multiple stimuli‐responsive insulin delivery platform based on an explicit supramolecular strategy. Self‐assembled from a well‐designed amphiphilic host–guest complex formed by pillar[5]arene and a diphenylboronic acid derivative and loaded with insulin and glucose oxidase, the obtained insulin‐GOx‐loaded supramolecular vesicles can selectively recognize glucose, accompanied by the structure disruption and efficient release of the entrapped insulin triggered by the high glucose concentration as well as the in situ generated H2O2 and acid microenvironment during the GOx‐promoted specific oxidation of glucose into gluconic acid. Moreover, such a “smart” supramolecular theranostic nanoplatform is able to function as both a glucose sensor and a controlled insulin delivery actuator. In vivo experiments further demonstrate that this smart supramolecular nanocarrier shows fast response to hyperglycemic circumstances and can effectively regulate the glucose levels in a mouse model of type I diabetes.
Self‐Powered Multifunctional Transient Bioelectronics
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Zhou Zhitao , Fan Zhen , Zhang Shaoqing , Zheng Faming , Liu Keyin , Zhang Yulong , Shi Zhifeng , Chen Liang , Li Xinxin , Mao Ying , Wang Fei , Sun Yun‐Lu , Tao Tiger H.
Published: August 2018

Controllable degradation and excellent biocompatibility during/after a lifetime endow emerging transient electronics with special superiority in implantable biomedical applications. Currently, most of these devices need external power sources, limiting their real‐world utilizations. Optimizing existing bioresorbable electronic devices requires natural‐material‐based construction and, more importantly, diverse or even all‐in‐one multifunctionalization. Herein, silk‐based implantable, biodegradable, and multifunctional systems, self‐powered with transient triboelectric nanogenerators (T2ENGs), for real‐time in vivo monitoring and therapeutic treatments of epileptic seizures, are reported. These T2ENGs are of customizable in vitro/in vivo operating life and biomechanical sensitivity via the adjustments of silk molecular size, surface structuralization, and device configuration. Functions, such as drug delivery and structural‐integrity optical readout (parallel to electronic signals), are enabled for localized anti‐infection and noninvasive degradation indication, respectively. A proof‐of‐principle wireless system is built with mobile‐device readout and “smart” treatment triggered by specific symptoms (i.e., epilepsy), exhibiting the practical potential of these silk T2ENGs as self‐powered, transient, and multifunctional implantable bioelectronic platforms.
A Flexible Sulfur‐Enriched Nitrogen Doped Multichannel Hollow Carbon Nanofibers Film for High Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Sun Xizhen , Wang Changlai , Gong Yue , Gu Lin , Chen Qianwang , Yu Yan
Published: August 2018

Heteroatom doping is regarded as a promising method to enhance the sodium storage performance of carbon materials. In this work, a sulfur‐enriched N‐doped multichannel hollow carbon nanofiber (denoted as S‐NCNF) film is prepared through electrospinning technology and heat treatment with sublimed sulfur as the flexible anode for sodium ion batteries (NIBs). The S‐NCNF film displays outstanding electrochemical performance, particularly with a high rate capacity (132 mA h g−1 at the current density of 10 A g−1) and remarkable long cycling stability (reversible specific capacity of 187 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 over 2000 cycles). The improved sodium storage performance results from the unique 3D structure, abundant defects, and increased interlayer spacing of S‐NCNFs. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate that nitrogenous carbon nanofibers doping with sulfur could not only promote the adsorption of sodium but also favor electrons' transfer. This strategy has been demonstrated as a general process to design free‐standing carbon‐based thin film with other heteroatom doping.
Molten‐Salt‐Assisted Synthesis of 3D Holey N‐Doped Graphene as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Cui Huijuan , Jiao Menggai , Chen Ya‐Nan , Guo Yibo , Yang Leping , Xie Zhaojun , Zhou Zhen , Guo Shaojun
Published: August 2018

Development of efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is urgently needed for high‐performance rechargeable Zn–air batteries. However, sluggish oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER) kinetics and poor mass transport are two key issues that hinder the performance of Zn–air batteries. Herein, a facile strategy is reported to prepare 3D holey N‐doped graphene (3D HNG) with the aid of molten salts for boosting the performance of ORR/OER‐driven Zn–air batteries. The as‐prepared HNG shows a hierarchical porous framework structure with a 1:1 ratio of pyridinic to graphitic N. Owing to the matched N catalytic active sites and the special pore structure, 3D HNG displays super bifunctional electrocatalytic activity toward both ORR and OER. Specifically, rechargeable Zn–air batteries fabricated with this electrocatalyst show excellent discharge capacity, rechargeability, and round‐trip efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) computations further reveal that armchair–graphitic N and zigzag–pyridinic N are more favorable for ORR and OER, respectively. By combining these two components, the mixed structure displays the lowest overpotentials of 0.47 and 0.36 V for ORR and OER, respectively, comparable to the theoretical values of Pt and RuO2. This work provides a new strategy for optimizing N‐doped carbon materials for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.
Time dependent reliability analysis of railway sleepers subjected to corrosion
Authors: Soltanian Hanieh , Firouzi Afshin , Mohammadzadeh Saeed
Published: August 2018

Prestressed concrete sleepers, as a major component of railway infrastructure, are prone to many environmental deterioration or load induced damages during their service lives. Therefore, an accurate prediction of their remaining service life is of paramount importance for proper allocation of maintenance management budgets. In this study, the remaining cross sectional area of corrosion affected prestressing wires is modeled as a nonstationary Gaussian process while other time‐invariant uncertainties, that is, geometrical properties and load affects, are modeled as random variables. Hence, the timed‐dependent reliability of these assets are calculated using the first passage theory and the corresponding outcrossing rate of the stochastic process from the safe domain. The merit of this analytical method is its efficiency and accuracy in perdition of remaining service life. The applicability of this method is shown on a B70 PSC sleeper designed based on UIC‐713 code and it is found that pitting corrosion in chloride‐laden environment extremely diminishes the service life of these assets.
Striped Bass Early Life History in the Macrotidal Shubenacadie River
Authors: Duston J. , Manríquez‐Hernández J. , MacInnis G. M. , Reesor C. M. , Astatkie T.
Published: August 2018

This 9‐year study (2008–2016) on the Shubenacadie River estuary in Nova Scotia yielded new insight into the only confirmed nursery habitat for the Bay of Fundy population of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. In 7 of 9 years, the initial large spawning episode occurred between May 16 and June 1, after the accumulation of 11 to 20 degree‐days above 12°C. Most of the spawning occurred within about 3 weeks in May and June but could run into July. Egg abundance at river kilometer (rkm) 25 (measured from the estuary mouth) exceeded 1,000 eggs/m3 after the largest episodes due to the narrow estuary and high numbers of spawners. The pelagic eggs and prefeeding larvae were passively transported up and down the estuary by the strong tide, their distribution highly dependent on salinity. The salt front defined the upstream boundary of the nursery habitat, with the eggs and larvae normally distributed between 0.15‰ and 15‰ (above rkm 10). The abundance of first‐feeding larvae (5–7 mm TL) in the upper estuary (above rkm 25) was highest (>500/m3) during years when May–June was warm and dry and saltwater intrusion was high (above rkm 32). Heavy rain after spawning was an important lethal factor, limiting saltwater intrusion to rkm 25 and increasing the risk of advection of eggs and larvae into Cobequid Bay. During June, a lack of copepod prey caused larvae to fail to grow, suggesting that starvation is an important lethal factor. Growth from July onwards was limited by temperature but not food: mysids were highly abundant and an important prey for young of the year (>15 mm TL). By late August juvenile mean total length was >9 cm in warm summers but <5 cm in cooler years. Juveniles were widely dispersed in the estuary and Cobequid Bay through September; their apparent abundance each year was poorly related to larvae abundance.
Recent Advances in Chemical Tools for the Regulation and Study of Protein Lysine Methyltransferases
Authors: Hirano Tomoya , Mori Shuichi , Kagechika Hiroyuki
Published: August 2018

Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) are epigenetic regulators that modulate gene transcription and physiological functions by catalyzing the post‐translational methylation of specific lysine residues of substrate proteins, such as histones. They are considered to be candidate drugs for the treatment of various diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia, and in the past decade, potent and selective inhibitors of individual PKMTs have been developed. Some are currently under clinical trial. In this review, we will focus on some breakthrough PKMT inhibitors, and discuss chemistry‐based methods available for elucidation of the physiological functions of PKMTs and methylated proteins.
Waste‐to‐energy recovery potential: A case study at Jaipur railway station
Authors: Srivastava Shashank , Brighu Urmila , Rajput Hansa
Published: August 2018

A study was conducted at the Jaipur railway station in Jaipur, India, to give the perspectives of the actual waste management practices there. Required information was collected from the stakeholders by means of semi‐structured questionnaires, individual and group interviews, and recorded, official data regarding waste generation, collection, transportation, and disposal. Further quantitative and compositional analyses were performed by means of surveys and measurements. Field visits were made for collection of waste samples for quantification and for the study of its management. The field data were compiled and analyzed by sorting the waste into different components. It was found that 1.8 tons of solid waste is collected per day, and a considerable percentage of it comprises paper, plastic, and glass. Excluding the inerts, which are irrelevant from the point of view of energy saving and recovery potential, the average moisture content was found to be 3.38%. From the perspective of life cycle analysis, the option of composting or recycling would give savings of 28.33 gigajoules (GJ) per day over landfilling, while combustion would give savings of 2.97 GJ per day in comparison to landfilling. Analysis based on a compositional model gives a heat value of 8,157.87 kilojoules per kilogram, which amounts to 14.68 GJ of energy per day.
Transvaginal sonography with vs without bowel preparation in diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis: prospective study
Authors: Ferrero S. , Scala C. , Stabilini C. , Vellone V. G. , Barra F. , Leone Roberti Maggiore U.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) with vs without bowel preparation (BP) in detecting the presence of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Secondary objectives were to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the two techniques in estimating infiltration of the submucosa, length of the largest rectosigmoid nodules, distance of the nodules from the anal verge and presence of multifocal disease.

Methods

This was a prospective study of patients with symptoms of pelvic pain for more than 6 months and/or suspicion of endometriosis referred to our institution between October 2016 and April 2018. Participants underwent a first TVS without BP followed by TVS with BP within a time interval of 1 week to 3 months. The examinations were performed independently and blindly by two sonographers. Only patients who underwent laparoscopy within the 6 months following the second ultrasound examination were included. Ultrasound results using the two techniques were compared with surgical and histological findings.

Results

Of the 262 patients included in the study, 118 had rectosigmoid endometriosis confirmed at surgery. There was no significant difference in accuracy between TVS with and that without BP in diagnosing the presence of rectosigmoid endometriosis (93.5% vs 92.3%; P = 0.453). No significant difference was observed in accuracy between TVS with and that without BP in diagnosing submucosal infiltration (88.8% vs 84.6%; P = 0.238) and multifocal disease (97.2% vs 95.2%; P = 0.727) in patients diagnosed sonographically with rectosigmoid endometriosis. The accuracy of TVS with BP was similar to that of TVS without BP in estimating the maximum diameter of the largest nodule (P = 0.644) and the distance between the more caudal rectosigmoid nodule and the anal verge (P = 0.162).

Conclusion

BP does not improve the diagnostic performance of TVS in detecting rectosigmoid endometriosis and in assessing characteristics of endometriotic nodules. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation at local and regional scales: a case study of the Belgian coast
Authors: Montreuil Anne‐Lise , Chen Margaret
Published: August 2018

Together, large‐scale atmospheric circulation and local winds determine the occurrence of storm surges that may result in disastrous erosion. This study investigates the interrelationships between large‐scale atmospheric flow and local wind regimes as driving factors of erosion at the Belgian coast. The large‐scale atmospheric circulation is examined in terms of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, and it is analysed and compared with regional‐scale circulation patterns (i.e. circulation weather types) and local wind regimes, on both annual and seasonal timescales. The results indicate that a strengthening of the positive winter NAO phase can result in an increase in the frequencies of west (W), southwest (SW) and northwest (NW) directional weather types, leading to local wind speeds in excess of 8ms−1, propagating towards the coast. These conditions are likely to lead to erosive events at the coast. By contrast, a weakening of the winter NAO phase can favour the development of northeast (NE), north (N), east (E) and southeast (SE) weather types. The NE and E types generate particularly strong winds, which potentially worsen erosion at the coast. The E and SE types do not, however, affect wind at a local scale. Thus, the extent to which the wind regime at the Belgian coast is sensitive to the winter NAO is a function of the equilibrium between the NAO effects and the regional atmospheric flow direction. In this study, a downscaling conceptual model is developed which relates climate to large‐scale and local‐scale coastal erosion forcing factors. A better understanding of the variability of, and the interrelationships between, climate, meteorology and erosion can help us to adapt to the changes in coastal evolution driven by climate change, improving the prospects of long‐term coastal resilience.
On the accuracy of linear regression routines in some data mining packages
Authors: McCullough B. D. , Mokfi Taha , Almaeenejad Mahsa
Published: August 2018

While articles assessing the accuracy of traditional statistical packages are fairly commonplace, data mining software has escaped this important scrutiny. We apply the National Institute of Standards and Technology Statistical Reference Datasets tests for the numerical accuracy of statistical packages to 7 data mining packages: IBM Modeler, KNIME, Orange, Python, RapidMiner, Weka, and XLMiner. We find that one package has an unstable algorithm for the calculation of the sample variance and only two have reliable linear regression routines. Of these two packages that offer analysis of variance, one has a bad algorithm. The accuracy of statistical calculations in data mining packages cannot be taken for granted.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Statistics

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools
Probing the biological obstacles of nanomedicine with gold nanoparticles
Authors: Li Bin , Lane Lucas A.
Published: August 2018

Despite massive growth in nanomedicine research to date, the field still lacks fundamental understanding of how certain physical and chemical features of a nanoparticle affect its ability to overcome biological obstacles in vivo and reach its intended target. To gain fundamental understanding of how physical and chemical parameters affect the biological outcomes of administered nanoparticles, model systems that can systematically manipulate a single parameter with minimal influence on others are needed. Gold nanoparticles are particularly good model systems in this case as one can synthetically control the physical dimensions and surface chemistry of the particles independently and with great precision. Additionally, the chemical and physical properties of gold allow particles to be detected and quantified in tissues and cells with high sensitivity. Through systematic biological studies using gold nanoparticles, insights toward rationally designed nanomedicine for in vivo imaging and therapy can be obtained.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Use of artificial cavities by Humboldt marten
Authors: Delheimer Matthew S. , Slauson Keith M. , Szykman Gunther Micaela , Zielinski Willliam J.
Published: August 2018

Many species of wildlife require cavities in trees as locations for refuge or reproduction. In forests where the availability of cavities has been reduced, artificial cavities may provide surrogate locations. Artificial cavities are typically created using boxes and artificial cavity research has traditionally focused primarily on birds. However, there are numerous cavity‐dependent species of mammals that are of regional and global conservation concern, such as the Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis). Martens (Martes spp.) are small mustelids that often use cavities for daily resting and seasonal reproductive activities. During June 2013 to September 2015, we tested an artificial cavity design, modified from a design successfully used for European pine martens (M. martes), for the Humboldt marten in northwestern California, USA. We built and installed 16 artificial cavities (“marten” boxes) in marten‐occupied areas that have been managed for timber production and likely have reduced cavity availability. We monitored each box with a remote‐sensing camera for 2 years to evaluate visitation and use by martens and other cavity‐dependent species. Eleven mammal species visited ≥1 boxes and 4 species entered the box to use it. Martens had the greatest number of box‐use events, several martens used boxes for resting, and ≥1 female marten used a box for reproductive activities. Our results indicate that our boxes may provide artificial cavities for Humboldt martens in forests where natural cavities have been reduced due to timber harvest or severe wildfire. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Flächensparen zwischen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit. Zur Rolle von Akteuren und Steuerungsinstrumenten in Dorferneuerungsprozessen
Authors: Ritzinger Anne
Published: August 2018

Using the example of the Bavarian Village Renewal Programme, the article investigates which steps and instruments of the village renewal process are capable of steering actors towards a reduction of land take. Two case studies featuring different settlement pressures are analysed using methods of qualitative empirical social research. The continuing transformation of open spaces to built-up areas for settlement and transport is one of the core environmental and planning-related challenges of our time. The reduction of land take is a normative as well as a strategic goal. Particularly in rural areas, however, the divide between land take and population development continues to grow. This phenomenon is the result of decision-making processes of local and regional actors, who are actively zoning out new plots at low prices e.g. in order to achieve a competitive advantage in the intermunicipal struggle for residents and enterprises. Village renewal under the framework of the Federal Land Consolidation Act provides a broad range of instruments, including participation of local actors and landowners, expertise and planning concepts as well as funding and implementation of measures, among others through land readjustment. The article illustrates that while village-renewal processes provide various opportunities to reduce land take and to promote inner development, the objective to reduce land take is not incorporated in the instruments or existing instruments are not fully utilised to that end. The contrasting case studies illustrate how demographic, economic and institutional framework conditions are affecting the actors’ scope of action and rational. The aim of reducing land take is an aim that is desirable from a political and societal perspective. Yet when being weighed against other aims these perspectives often succumb to personal or political interests or to perspectives linked to the process of planning. Finally recommendations for the practice of village renewal and an outlook on future needs of research are given.
Diagnosis of Acrania Before 11 Weeks
Authors: Shah Deval
Published: August 2018

To review embryonic skull shape and brain anatomy by sonography during late embryonic and early fetal periods. We examined embryos/fetuses of 8–11 weeks between March 2015 and February 2018, the period corresponds to CRL 16–44 mm and also corresponds to late embryonic and early fetal periods by transvaginal and transabdominal sonography. We assessed shape of the skull and intracranial brain vesicles. Additionally, embryonic brain anatomy was also assessed by three-dimensional ultrasound. We found 12 abnormal cases, 5 cases between CRL 16–30 mm and 7 cases between CRL 31–44 mm. We followed all cases between 11 and 13 weeks and confirmed acrania with loss of variable amount of brain tissues. Acrania–Exencephaly–Anencephaly sequence can be diagnosed before 11 weeks. Sonographer should be familiar and proper knowledge of brain embryology and anatomy is key to diagnose.