bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ХИДРОГЕОТЕРМАЛНИ ПОТЕНЦИЈАЛИ У ФУНКЦИЈИ ОБНОВЉИВЕ ЕНЕРГИЈЕ У РЕПУБЛИЦИ СРПСКОЈ
Authors: Рајчевић Весна , Црногорац Чедомир
Published: December 2017

Ниво савремене технологије омогућава да се данас искоришћавају појаве водних тијела као штосу извори топле воде/водене паре. На многим локацијама, код бушења бунара (вјештачких извора топле воде)примјењује се и технологија као при проспекцији нафте. Низ је локација у свијету гдје се топли извори користекод снабдијевања насеља, али и објеката различите намјене. На географском простору Републике Српске честе супојаве љековитих минералних, термалних и термоминералних вода. Основни проблем валоризације извора топлеводе у Републици Српској је у чињеници што изучавани извори у бањама имају температуре воде, углавном, између20 – 42оС. Изузетак је Бања Дворови са температуром од око 76оС. Позната је чињеница да се већина подземнихстијена на дубини од 6 – 10000 m налазе у појасу литосфере гдје су температуре око 300оС . У случају контактаових стијена са водом која је идеална геокомпонента, хумана цивилизација располагала би са огромним бројемизвора топлоте. Нажалост, ни у XXI вијеку није пронађена адекватна технологија. Другим ријечима, истраживањапутем дубоких бушотина су екстремно скупа, а за сиромашне земље су још дуго времена неизвјесна.
ГЛОБАЛИЗАЦИЈА ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЕ ПРОСТОРНИХ ПОДАТАКА
Authors: Секуловић Драгољуб , Илић Александар , Дробњак Синиша
Published: December 2017

Претходне године су у многим државама донеле велики прогрес у развоју и имплементацији Географскихинформационих система (ГИС). Они који доносе одлуке, из разних сфера привредног и друштвеног живота, изјавног и приватног сектора, желе да виде даље од националних граница. Резултат овога јесте да све више држава иорганизација пристаје да дели „своје“ просторне податке са другима и користи просторне податке других о њимаи о себи самима. Пун потенцијал географских информационих система биће достигнут кроз инфраструктурупросторних података, када националне владе омогуће организовани приступ географским информацијама.
A comparative transcriptomic analysis of replicating and dormant liver stages of the relapsing malaria parasite Plasmodium cynomolgi
Authors: Voorberg-van der Wel Annemarie , Roma Guglielmo , Gupta Devendra Kumar , Schuierer Sven , Nigsch Florian , Carbone Walter , Zeeman Anne-Marie , Lee Boon Heng , Hofman Sam O , Faber Bart W , Knehr Judith , Pasini Erica , Kinzel Bernd , Bifani Pablo , Bonamy Ghislain M C , Bouwmeester Tewis , Kocken Clemens H M , Diagana Thierry Tidiane
Published: December 2017

Plasmodium liver hypnozoites, which cause disease relapse, are widely considered to be the last barrier towards malaria eradication. The biology of this quiescent form of the parasite is poorly understood which hinders drug discovery. We report a comparative transcriptomic dataset of replicating liver schizonts and dormant hypnozoites of the relapsing parasite Plasmodium cynomolgi. Hypnozoites express only 34% of Plasmodium physiological pathways, while 91% are expressed in replicating schizonts. Few known malaria drug targets are expressed in quiescent parasites, but pathways involved in microbial dormancy, maintenance of genome integrity and ATP homeostasis were robustly expressed. Several transcripts encoding heavy metal transporters were expressed in hypnozoites and the copper chelator neocuproine was cidal to all liver stage parasites. This transcriptomic dataset is a valuable resource for the discovery of vaccines and effective treatments to combat vivax malaria.
Destructive disinfection of infected brood prevents systemic disease spread in ant colonies
Authors: Pull Christopher D , Ugelvig Line V , Wiesenhofer Florian , Grasse Anna V , Tragust Simon , Schmitt Thomas , Brown Mark JF , Cremer Sylvia
Published: December 2017

In social groups, infections have the potential to spread rapidly and cause disease outbreaks. Here, we show that in a social insect, the ant Lasius neglectus, the negative consequences of fungal infections (Metarhizium brunneum) can be mitigated by employing an efficient multicomponent behaviour, termed destructive disinfection, which prevents further spread of the disease through the colony. Ants specifically target infected pupae during the pathogen’s non-contagious incubation period, utilising chemical ‘sickness cues’ emitted by pupae. They then remove the pupal cocoon, perforate its cuticle and administer antimicrobial poison, which enters the body and prevents pathogen replication from the inside out. Like the immune system of a metazoan body that specifically targets and eliminates infected cells, ants destroy infected brood to stop the pathogen completing its lifecycle, thus protecting the rest of the colony. Hence, in an analogous fashion, the same principles of disease defence apply at different levels of biological organisation.
Institutional transformation towards Open Science: Experiences from UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Authors: Ruud Kenneth
Published: December 2017

Watch the VIDEO here. Opening speech by Kenneth Ruud, prorector of research at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Petrophysical, Geochemical, and Hydrological Evidence for Extensive Fracture‐Mediated Fluid and Heat Transport in the Alpine Fault's Hanging‐Wall Damage Zone
Authors: Townend John , Sutherland Rupert , Toy Virginia G. , Doan Mai‐Linh , Célérier Bernard , Massiot Cécile , Coussens Jamie , Jeppson Tamara , Janku‐Capova Lucie , Remaud Léa , Upton Phaedra , Schmitt Douglas R. , Pezard Philippe , Williams Jack , Allen Michael John , Baratin Laura‐May , Barth Nicolas , Becroft Leeza , Boese Carolin M. , Boulton Carolyn , Broderick Neil , Carpenter Brett , Chamberlain Calum J. , Cooper Alan , Coutts Ashley , Cox Simon C. , Craw Lisa , Eccles Jennifer D. , Faulkner Dan , Grieve Jason , Grochowski Julia , Gulley Anton , Hartog Arthur , Henry Gilles , Howarth Jamie , Jacobs Katrina , Kato Naoki , Keys Steven , Kirilova Martina , Kometani Yusuke , Langridge Rob , Lin Weiren , Little Tim , Lukacs Adrienn , Mallyon Deirdre , Mariani Elisabetta , Mathewson Loren , Melosh Ben , Menzies Catriona , Moore Jo , Morales Luis , Mori Hiroshi , Niemeijer André , Nishikawa Osamu , Nitsch Olivier , Paris Jehanne , Prior David J. , Sauer Katrina , Savage Martha K. , Schleicher Anja , Shigematsu Norio , Taylor‐Offord Sam , Teagle Damon , Tobin Harold , Valdez Robert , Weaver Konrad , Wiersberg Thomas , Zimmer Martin
Published: December 2017

Fault rock assemblages reflect interaction between deformation, stress, temperature, fluid, and chemical regimes on distinct spatial and temporal scales at various positions in the crust. Here we interpret measurements made in the hanging‐wall of the Alpine Fault during the second stage of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP‐2). We present observational evidence for extensive fracturing and high hanging‐wall hydraulic conductivity (∼10−9to 10−7m/s, corresponding to permeability of ∼10−16to 10−14m2) extending several hundred meters from the fault's principal slip zone. Mud losses, gas chemistry anomalies, and petrophysical data indicate that a subset of fractures intersected by the borehole are capable of transmitting fluid volumes of several cubic meters on time scales of hours. DFDP‐2 observations and other data suggest that this hydrogeologically active portion of the fault zone in the hanging‐wall is several kilometers wide in the uppermost crust. This finding is consistent with numerical models of earthquake rupture and off‐fault damage. We conclude that the mechanically and hydrogeologically active part of the Alpine Fault is a more dynamic and extensive feature than commonly described in models based on exhumed faults. We propose that the hydrogeologically active damage zone of the Alpine Fault and other large active faults in areas of high topographic relief can be subdivided into an inner zone in which damage is controlled principally by earthquake rupture processes and an outer zone in which damage reflects coseismic shaking, strain accumulation and release on interseismic timescales, and inherited fracturing related to exhumation.
Inclusion of Solar Elevation Angle in Land Surface Albedo Parameterization Over Bare Soil Surface
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Wei Zhigang , Wen Zhiping , Dong Wenjie , Li Zhenchao , Wen Xiaohang , Zhu Xian , Ji Dong , Chen Chen , Yan Dongdong
Published: December 2017

Land surface albedo is a significant parameter for maintaining a balance in surface energy. It is also an important parameter of bare soil surface albedo for developing land surface process models that accurately reflect diurnal variation characteristics and the mechanism behind the solar spectral radiation albedo on bare soil surfaces and for understanding the relationships between climate factors and spectral radiation albedo. Using a data set of field observations, we conducted experiments to analyze the variation characteristics of land surface solar spectral radiation and the corresponding albedo over a typical Gobi bare soil underlying surface and to investigate the relationships between the land surface solar spectral radiation albedo, solar elevation angle, and soil moisture. Based on both solar elevation angle and soil moisture measurements simultaneously, we propose a new two‐factor parameterization scheme for spectral radiation albedo over bare soil underlying surfaces. The results of numerical simulation experiments show that the new parameterization scheme can more accurately depict the diurnal variation characteristics of bare soil surface albedo than the previous schemes. Solar elevation angle is one of the most important factors for parameterizing bare soil surface albedo and must be considered in the parameterization scheme, especially in arid and semiarid areas with low soil moisture content. This study reveals the characteristics and mechanism of the diurnal variation of bare soil surface solar spectral radiation albedo and is helpful in developing land surface process models, weather models, and climate models.
Probabilistic Design Storm Method for Improved Flood Estimation in Ungauged Catchments
Authors: Berk Mario , Špačková Olga , Straub Daniel
Published: December 2017

The design storm approach with event‐based rainfall‐runoff models is a standard method for design flood estimation in ungauged catchments. The approach is conceptually simple and computationally inexpensive, but the underlying assumptions can lead to flawed design flood estimations. In particular, the implied average recurrence interval (ARI) neutrality between rainfall and runoff neglects uncertainty in other important parameters, leading to an underestimation of design floods. The selection of a single representative critical rainfall duration in the analysis leads to an additional underestimation of design floods. One way to overcome these nonconservative approximations is the use of a continuous rainfall‐runoff model, which is associated with significant computational cost and requires rainfall input data that are often not readily available. As an alternative, we propose a novel Probabilistic Design Storm method that combines event‐based flood modeling with basic probabilistic models and concepts from reliability analysis, in particular the First‐Order Reliability Method (FORM). The proposed methodology overcomes the limitations of the standard design storm approach, while utilizing the same input information and models without excessive computational effort. Additionally, the Probabilistic Design Storm method allows deriving so‐called design charts, which summarize representative design storm events (combinations of rainfall intensity and other relevant parameters) for floods with different return periods. These can be used to study the relationship between rainfall and runoff return periods. We demonstrate, investigate, and validate the method by means of an example catchment located in the Bavarian Pre‐Alps, in combination with a simple hydrological model commonly used in practice.
Mixed and passive filtering for linear switched systems with average dwell time
Authors: Zheng Qunxian , Guo Xingzhong , Zhang Hongbin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a new performance index is proposed for switched systems. The new performance index can be viewed as the mixed weighted
and passivity performance. This new performance index covers the weighted
performance and the passivity performance as special cases. Based on this new performance index, the weighted
filtering problem and the passive filtering problem of linear switched systems with unstable subsystems are solved in a unified framework. The states of the filtering error system constructed by the augmentation technique will be divergent when unstable subsystems are activated. To overcome this problem, a set of mode‐dependent filters of a Luenberger‐like observer type is constructed. The multiple Lyapunov function approach and the average dwell‐time technique are employed to solve the mixed filtering problem. New sufficient conditions for the existence of mixed
and passive filters are developed, which ensure the filtering error system to be asymptotically stable with a prescribed mixed
and passivity performance index. Moreover, the desired mixed
and passive filters can be constructed by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability and advantage of the obtained results.
Self‐Healing Shape Memory PUPCL Copolymer with High Cycle Life
Authors: Ur Rehman Hafeez , Chen Yujie , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Li Hua , Xue Wenchao , Guo Yunlong , Guo Yiping , Duan Huanan , Liu Hezhou
Published: December 2017

New polyurethane‐based polycaprolactone copolymer networks, with shape recovery properties, are presented here. Once deformed at ambient temperature, they show 100% shape fixation until heated above the melting point, where they recover the initial shape within 22 s. In contrast to current shape memory materials, the new materials do not require deformation at elevated temperature. The stable polymer structure of polyurethane yields a copolymer network that has strength of 10 MPa with an elongation at break of 35%. The copolymer networks are self‐healing at a slightly elevated temperature (70 °C) without any external force, which is required for existing self‐healing materials. This allows for the new materials to have a long life of repeated healing cycles. The presented copolymers show features that are promising for applications as temperature sensors and activating elements.
Improving and Predicting Fluid Atomization via Hysteresis‐Free Thickness Vibration of Lithium Niobate
Authors: Collignon Sean , Manor Ofer , Friend James
Published: December 2017

Acoustically driven atomization from the broad perspective of materials choice, vibration mode, and fluid characteristics is considered to identify a simple method for improving both the understanding of the atomization phenomena and the overall efficiency of atomization. Whether by the definition of a “figure of merit” (a function of the transducer quality factor and electromechanical coupling coefficient), its output vibration displacement at a given input power, or the fluid flow rate during atomization, it is found that the combination of single‐crystal 127.86° Y‐rotated lithium niobate and thickness‐mode vibration produces an order of magnitude greater atomization flow rate and efficiency in comparison to all known atomizers, including classic lead zirconate‐based devices and newer, Rayleigh wave or Rayleigh/Lamb spurious‐mode‐based devices alike. By using this improved approach, for the first time, fluids with viscosities up to 48 cP are reported to be atomized, and an atomization Reynolds number ReA is defined which can be used to both predict the atomization flow rate for ReA ≳ 40 and the inability to atomize a given fluid at a particular vibration amplitude when ReA ≲ 40.
Simultaneously Achieved High Open‐Circuit Voltage and Efficient Charge Generation by Fine‐Tuning Charge‐Transfer Driving Force in Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Tang Ailing , Xiao Bo , Wang Yuming , Gao Feng , Tajima Keisuke , Bin Haijun , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Li Yongfang , Wei Zhixiang , Zhou Erjun
Published: December 2017

To maximize the short‐circuit current density (JSC) and the open circuit voltage (VOC) simultaneously is a highly important but challenging issue in organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, a benzotriazole‐based p‐type polymer (J61) and three benzotriazole‐based nonfullerene small molecule acceptors (BTA1‐3) are chosen to investigate the energetic driving force for the efficient charge transfer. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of small molecule acceptors can be fine‐tuned by modifying the end‐capping units, leading to high VOC (1.15–1.30 V) of OSCs. Particularly, the LUMO energy level of BTA3 satisfies the criteria for efficient charge generation, which results in a high VOC of 1.15 V, nearly 65% external quantum efficiency, and a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.25%. This is one of the highest VOC in the high‐performance OSCs reported to date. The results imply that it is promising to achieve both high JSC and VOC to realize high PCE with the carefully designed nonfullerene acceptors.
Self‐Powered Noncontact Electronic Skin for Motion Sensing
Authors: Wu Hanxiang , Su Zongming , Shi Mayue , Miao Liming , Song Yu , Chen Haotian , Han Mengdi , Zhang Haixia
Published: December 2017

The advancement of electronic skin envisions novel multifunctional human machine interfaces. Although motion sensing by detecting contact locations is popular and widely used in state‐of‐the‐art flexible electronics, noncontact localization exerts fascinations with unique interacting experiences. This paper presents a self‐powered noncontact electronic skin capable of detecting the motion of a surface electrified object across the plane parallel to that of the electronic skin based on electrostatic induction and triboelectric effects. The displacement of the object is calculated under the system of polar coordinates, with a resolution of 1.5 mm in the lengthwise direction and 0.76° in the angular direction. It can serve as a human machine interface due to its ability to sense noncontact motions. An additional self‐powered feature, enabled by its physical principles, solves the problem of power supply. This electronic skin consists of trilayers of polyethyleneterephthalate–indium tin oxide–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, and microstructured PDMS as the electrified layer, which can be achieved through simplified, low cost, and scalable fabrication. Transparency, flexibility, and less number of electrodes enable such electronic skin to be easily integrated into portable electronic devices, such as laptops, smart phones, healthcare devices, etc.
Malonitrile‐Functionalized Tetraphenylpyrazine: Aggregation‐Induced Emission, Ratiometric Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide, and Mechanochromism
Authors: Chen Ming , Chen Rui , Shi Yang , Wang Jianguo , Cheng Yanhua , Li Ying , Gao Xuedong , Yan Yun , Sun Jing Zhi , Qin Anjun , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2017

Development of new aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens has been a hot research topic because they thoroughly solve the notorious aggregation‐caused quenching effect confronted in conventional fluorogens and their promising applications in, for example, organic light‐emitting diodes, chemo‐ and biosensors and bioimaging. Many AIE luminogens (AIEgens) have been prepared but most of them are silole, tetraphenylethene, distyrylanthracene, and their derivatives. In this work, based on the skeleton of tetraphenylpyrazine (TPP), a new AIEgen, named TPP‐PDCV, is generated by functionalizing TPP with malonitrile group. TPP‐PDCV can serve as a sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting hydrogen sulfide with high speciality and low detection limit of down to 0.5 × 10−6m. The mechanism for such detection is fully investigated and deciphered. Unlike most reported mechanochromic AIEgens, which undergo turn‐off or ‐on emission or emission bathochromic shift in the presence of external stimuli, TPP‐PDCV exhibits an abnormal and reversible mechanochromism with hypsochromic effect. These indicate that TPP‐PDCV possesses a huge potential for high‐tech applications through rational modification of TPP core.
Porphyrin/SiO2/Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl Hybrid Nanoparticles Mimicking Chloroplast with Enhanced Electronic Energy Transfer for Biocatalyzed Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Ji Xiaoyuan , Wang Jie , Mei Lin , Tao Wei , Barrett Austin , Su Zhiguo , Wang Shaomin , Ma Guanghui , Shi Jinjun , Zhang Songping
Published: December 2017

A biocatalyzed artificial photosynthesis system (APS) based on porphyrin/SiO2/Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl hybrid nanoparticles (TCPP/SiO2/Rh HNPs) to mimic chloroplasts in green plant is reported. The TCPP/SiO2/Rh HNPs are fabricated via sol–gel reaction of silica precursors functionalized with photosensitizer (porphyrin, TCPP) and electron mediator (Cp*Rh(bpy)Cl, M); while the integration of enzyme and coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)(H), on the outer surface of the HNPs is achieved through electrostatic‐interaction‐driven assembling under the entanglement of a negatively charged polyelectrolyte. The chloroplast‐mimicking, highly integrated APS exhibits remarkably superior performance over a free system such that the regeneration of NADH is improved from 11% to 75%, and the synthesis of formic acid from CO2 increased from 15 to 100 µmol. Based on the detailed investigations into the photochemical and electrochemical properties, it is speculated that the covalent linking of the photosensitizer and electron mediator via silicon hydride bonds, and the formed SiO2 network through sol–gel reaction, may form intramolecular and intermolecular electron transfer chains to direct more efficient electron transfer from TCPP to M. Such intramolecular and intermolecular electrons and energy transfer, cooperated with the integrated biocatalytic process, lead to the significantly enhanced overall reaction efficiency. Moreover, the integrated APS also allows facile recycling of expensive M, enzymes, and cofactors.
Evaluating the Role of Nanostructured Current Collectors in Energy Storage Capability of Supercapacitor Electrodes with Thick Electroactive Materials Layers
Authors: Liu Long , Zhao Huaping , Wang Yi , Fang Yaoguo , Xie Jiale , Lei Yong
Published: December 2017

Electroactive materials (especially pseudocapacitive materials) are generally in the form of ultrathin conformal coating in supercapacitor electrodes based on nanostructured current collectors; thus, the resultant low mass loading of electroactive materials largely limits the applications of nanostructured current collectors. Here, supercapacitor electrodes with nickel nanorod arrays as nanostructured current collectors and MnO2 as electroactive materials are fabricated to study the role of nanostructured current collectors in determining the energy storage capability when electroactive materials are in thick layer rather than ultrathin conformal coating. Electrochemical analysis reveals that Ni nanorods could create numerous electrical conductive tunnels in the thick‐layer electrodes to dramatically alleviate the contact resistance at the electroactive‐material/current‐collector interface. With 1 µm thick MnO2 layer, the Ni nanorods based electrodes have much higher areal capacitance than those with Ni foils as current collectors, which is more than six times of that with the same MnO2 mass loading or more than 18 times of that with the same 1 µm thick MnO2 layer. Moreover, better rate capability and higher structural stability is maintained in Ni nanorods based electrodes even with 3 µm thick MnO2 layer. These results open up new opportunities for nanostructured current collectors to construct supercapacitors with superior energy storage capability.
Carbon Nanotube–Graphitic Carbon Nitride Hybrid Films for Flavoenzyme‐Catalyzed Photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Son Eun Jin , Lee Sahng Ha , Kuk Su Keun , Pesic Milja , Choi Da Som , Ko Jong Wan , Kim Kayoung , Hollmann Frank , Park Chan Beum
Published: December 2017

In green plants, solar‐powered electrons are transferred through sophistically arranged photosystems and are subsequently channelled into the Calvin cycle to generate chemical energy. Inspired by the natural photosynthetic scheme, a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) is constructed configured with protonated graphitic carbon nitride (p‐g‐C3N4) and carbon nanotube hybrid (CNT/p‐g‐C3N4) film cathode, and FeOOH‐deposited bismuth vanadate (FeOOH/BiVO4) photoanode for the production of industrially useful chiral alkanes using an old yellow enzyme homologue from Thermus scotoductus (TsOYE). In the biocatalytic PEC platform, photoexcited electrons provided by the FeOOH/BiVO4 photoanode are transferred to the robust and self‐standing CNT/p‐g‐C3N4 hybrid film that electrocatalytically reduces flavin mononucleotide (FMN) mediator. The p‐g‐C3N4 promotes a two‐electron reduction of FMN coupled with an accelerated electron transfer by the conductive CNT network. The reduced FMN subsequently delivers the electrons to TsOYE for the highly enantioselective conversion of ketoisophorone to (R)‐levodione. Under light illumination (>420 nm) and external bias, (R)‐levodione is synthesized with the enantiomeric excess value of above 83%, not influenced by the scale of applied bias, simultaneously exhibiting stable and high current efficiency. The results suggest that the biocatalytic PEC made up of economical materials can selectively synthesize high‐value organic chemicals using water as an electron donor.
Highly Efficient Gating of Electrically Actuated Nanochannels for Pulsatile Drug Delivery Stemming from a Reversible Wettability Switch
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Kang Jianxin , Xie Zhiqiang , Diao Xungang , Liu Zhaoyue , Zhai Jin
Published: December 2017

Many ion channels in the cell membrane are believed to function as gates that control the water and ion flow through the transitions between an inherent hydrophobic state and a stimuli‐induced hydration state. The construction of nanofluidic gating systems with high gating efficiency and reversibility is inspired by this hydrophobic gating behavior. A kind of electrically actuated nanochannel is developed by integrating a polypyrrole (PPy) micro/nanoporous film doped with perfluorooctanesulfonate ions onto an anodic aluminum oxide nanoporous membrane. Stemming from the reversible wettability switch of the doped PPy film in response to the applied redox potentials, the nanochannels exhibit highly efficient and reversible gating behaviors. The optimized gating ratio is over 105, which is an ultrahigh value when compared with that of the existing reversibly gated nanochannels with comparable pore diameters. Furthermore, the gating behavior of the electrically actuated nanochannels shows excellent repeatability and stability. Based on this highly efficient and reversible gating function, the electrically actuated nanochannels are further applied for drug delivery, which achieves the pulsatile release of two water‐soluble drug models. The electrically actuated nanochannels may find potential applications in accurate and on‐demand drug therapy.
Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks with Exceptionally High Working Capacities for Adsorption Heat Transformation
Authors: Mo Zong‐Wen , Zhou Hao‐Long , Zhou Dong‐Dong , Lin Rui‐Biao , Liao Pei‐Qin , He Chun‐Ting , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Jie‐Peng
Published: December 2017

Pore size is one of the most important parameters of adsorbents, and mesoporous materials have received intense attention for large guests. Here, a series of mesoporous coordination polymers underlying a new framework prototype for fast expansion of pore size is reported and the profound effect of pore size on adsorption heat transformation is demonstrated. Three isostructural honeycomb‐like frameworks are designed and synthesized by combining ditopic linear metal oxalate chains and triangular tris‐pyridine ligands. Changing the ligand bridging length from 5.5 to 8.6 and 9.9 Å gives rise to effective pore diameter from 20 to 33 and 37 Å, surface area from 2096 to 2630 and 2749 m2 g−1, and pore volume from 1.19 to 1.93 and 2.36 cm3 g−1, respectively. By virtue of the unique and tunable isotherm shape of mesopores, exceptionally large working capacity up to 1.19 g g−1 or 0.38 g cm−3 for adsorption heat transformation can be achieved using R‐134a (1,1,1,2‐tetrafluroethane) as a working fluid.
Bioinspired Flexible and Tough Layered Peptide Crystals
Authors: Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Arnon Zohar A. , Sui XiaoMeng , Azuri Ido , Cohen Hadar , Hod Oded , Kronik Leeor , Shimon Linda J. W. , Wagner H. Daniel , Gazit Ehud
Published: December 2017

One major challenge of functional material fabrication is combining flexibility, strength, and toughness. In several biological and artificial systems, these desired mechanical properties are achieved by hierarchical architectures and various forms of anisotropy, as found in bones and nacre. Here, it is reported that crystals of N‐capped diphenylalanine, one of the most studied self‐assembling systems in nanotechnology, exhibit well‐ordered packing and diffraction of sub‐Å resolution, yet display an exceptionally flexible nature. To explore this flexibility, the mechanical properties of individual crystals are evaluated, assisted by density functional theory calculations. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy reveals that the crystals are composed of layered self‐assembled structures. The observed combination of strength, toughness, and flexibility can therefore be explained in terms of weak interactions between rigid layers. These crystals represent a novel class of self‐assembled layered materials, which can be utilized for various technological applications, where a combination of usually contradictory mechanical properties is desired.
Highly Conductive, Light Weight, Robust, Corrosion‐Resistant, Scalable, All‐Fiber Based Current Collectors for Aqueous Acidic Batteries
Authors: Luo Wei , Hayden John , Jang Soo‐Hwan , Wang Yilin , Zhang Ying , Kuang Yudi , Wang Yanbin , Zhou Yubing , Rubloff Gary W. , Lin Chuan‐Fu , Hu Liangbing
Published: December 2017

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are integral parts of modern technology, but can raise safety concerns because of their flammable organic electrolytes with low flash points. Aqueous electrolytes can be used in LIBs to overcome the safety issues that come with organic electrolytes while avoiding poor kinetics associated with solid state electrolytes. Despite advances in aqueous electrolytes, current collectors for aqueous battery systems have been neglected. Current collectors used in today's aqueous battery systems are usually metal‐based materials, which are heavy, expensive, bulky, and prone to corrosion after prolonged use. Here, a carbon nanotube (CNT)–cellulose nanofiber (CNF) all‐fiber composite is developed that takes advantage of the high conductivity of CNT while achieving high mechanical strength through the interaction between CNT and CNF. By optimizing the CNT/CNF weight ratio, this all‐fiber current collector can be made very thin while maintaining high conductivity (≈700 S cm−1) and strength (>60 MPa), making it an ideal replacement for heavy metal current collectors in aqueous battery systems.
High Efficiency (>17%) Si‐Organic Hybrid Solar Cells by Simultaneous Structural, Electrical, and Interfacial Engineering via Low‐Temperature Processes
Authors: Yoon Sung‐Soo , Khang Dahl‐Young
Published: December 2017

Highly efficient organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells of Si‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) have been demonstrated by simultaneous structural, electrical, and interfacial engineering with low processing temperature. Si substrate has been sculpted into hierarchical structure to reduce light reflection loss and increase interfacial junction area at the same time. Regarding the electrical optimization, highly conductive organic PEDOT:PSS layer has been formulated with low sheet resistance. It is argued that the sheet resistance, rather than conductivity, is the primary parameter for the high efficiency hybrid cells, which leads to the optimization of thickness, i.e., thick enough to have low sheet resistance but transparent enough to pass the incident sunlight. Finally, siloxane oligomers have been inserted into top/bottom interfaces by contact‐printing at room ambient, which suppresses carrier recombination at interfaces and reduces contact resistance at bottom electrode. Contrary to high‐temperature doping (for the formation of front surface or back surface fields), wet solution processes or vacuum‐based deposition, the contact‐printing can be done at room ambient to reduce carrier recombination at the interfaces. The high efficiency obtained with low processing temperature can make this type of cells be a possible candidate for post‐Si photovoltaics.
Electroluminescence Caused by the Transport of Interacting Electrons through Parallel Quantum Dots in a Photon Cavity
Authors: Gudmundsson Vidar , Abdulla Nzar Rauf , Sitek Anna , Goan Hsi‐Sheng , Tang Chi‐Shung , Manolescu Andrei
Published: December 2017

We show that a Rabi‐splitting of the states of strongly interacting electrons in parallel quantum dots embedded in a short quantum wire placed in a photon cavity can be produced by either the para‐ or the dia‐magnetic electron‐photon interactions when the geometry of the system is properly accounted for and the photon field is tuned close to a resonance with the electron system. We use these two resonances to explore the electroluminescence caused by the transport of electrons through the one‐ and two‐electron ground states of the system and their corresponding conventional and vacuum electroluminescense as the central system is opened up by coupling it to external leads acting as electron reservoirs. Our analysis indicates that high‐order electron‐photon processes are necessary to adequately construct the cavity‐photon dressed electron states needed to describe both types of electroluminescence.
Integration of Plasmonic Effects and Schottky Junctions into Metal–Organic Framework Composites: Steering Charge Flow for Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Xiao Juan‐Ding , Han Lili , Luo Jun , Yu Shu‐Hong , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: December 2017

A wide range of light absorption and rapid electron–hole separation are desired for efficient photocatalysis. Herein, on the basis of a semiconductor‐like metal–organic framework (MOF), a Pt@MOF/Au catalyst with two types of metal–MOF interfaces integrates the surface plasmon resonance excitation of Au nanorods with a Pt‐MOF Schottky junction, which not only extends the light absorption of the MOF from the UV to the visible region but also greatly accelerates charge transfer. The spatial separation of Pt and Au particles by the MOF further steers the formation of charge flow and expedites the charge migration. As a result, the Pt@MOF/Au presents an exceptionally high photocatalytic H2 production rate by water splitting under visible light irradiation, far superior to Pt/MOF/Au, MOF/Au and other counterparts with similar Pt or Au contents, highlighting the important role of each component and the Pt location in the catalyst.
Quantum Machine Learning in Chemical Compound Space
Authors: von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: December 2017

Rather than numerically solving the computationally demanding equations of quantum or statistical mechanics, machine learning methods can infer approximate solutions, interpolating previously acquired property data sets of molecules and materials. The case is made for quantum machine learning: An inductive molecular modeling approach which can be applied to quantum chemistry problems.
Microemulsions, Micelles, and Functional Gels: How Colloids and Soft Matter Preserve Works of Art
Authors: Chelazzi David , Giorgi Rodorico , Baglioni Piero
Published: December 2017

Colloid science provides fundamental knowledge to fields such as the pharmaceutical, detergency, paint, and food industry. An exciting application is art conservation, which poses a challenge owing to the complex range of interfacial interactions involved in restoring artefacts. Currently, the majority of the most performing and environmentally safe cleaning and consolidation agents for artworks belong to soft matter and colloids. The development and application of increasingly complex systems, from microemulsions to semi‐interpenetrating hydrogels containing such fluids, is presented. These systems have been used on diverse artefacts, from Renaissance frescos to works by Picasso and Pollock. Chemical design can be implemented to meet the requirements of curators, and knowledge of the colloid structure and dynamics can overcome serendipitous approaches of traditional conservation practice. Future perspectives for soft matter and colloid science in the field of cultural heritage preservation are also summarized.
Photocontrolled Release of Chemicals from Nano‐ and Microparticle Containers
Authors: Englert Christoph , Nischang Ivo , Bader Cornelia , Borchers Philipp , Alex Julien , Pröhl Michael , Hentschel Martin , Hartlieb Matthias , Traeger Anja , Pohnert Georg , Schubert Stephanie , Gottschaldt Michael , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: December 2017

A benzoin‐derived diol linker was synthesized and used to generate biocompatible polyesters that can be fully decomposed on demand upon UV irradiation. Extensive structural optimization of the linker unit was performed to enable the defined encapsulation of diverse organic compounds in the polymeric structures and allow for a well‐controllable polymer cleavage process. Selective tracking of the release kinetics of encapsulated model compounds from the polymeric nano‐ and microparticle containers was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy in a proof‐of‐principle study. The physicochemical properties of the incorporated and released model compounds ranged from fully hydrophilic to fully hydrophobic. The demonstrated biocompatibility of the utilized polyesters and degradation products enables their use in advanced applications, for example, for the smart packaging of UV‐sensitive pharmaceuticals, nutritional components, or even in the area of spatially selective self‐healing processes.
Polymer Film Dewetting by Water/Surfactant/Good‐Solvent Mixtures: A Mechanistic Insight and Its Implications for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Baglioni Michele , Montis Costanza , Chelazzi David , Giorgi Rodorico , Berti Debora , Baglioni Piero
Published: December 2017

Aqueous nanostructured fluids (NSFs) have been proposed to remove polymer coatings from the surface of works of art; this process usually involves film dewetting. The NSF cleaning mechanism was studied using several techniques that were employed to obtain mechanistic insight on the interaction of a methacrylic/acrylic copolymer (Paraloid B72) film laid on glass surfaces and several NSFs, based on two solvents and two surfactants. The experimental results provide a detailed picture of the dewetting process. The gyration radius and the reduction of the Tg of Paraloid B72 fully swollen in the two solvents is larger for propylene carbonate than for methyl ethyl ketone, suggesting higher mobility of polymer chains for the former, while a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant was more effective than sodium dodecylsulfate in favoring the dewetting process. FTIR 2D imaging showed that the dewetting patterns observed on model samples are also present on polymer‐coated mortar tiles when exposed to NSFs.
Triplet Tellurophene‐Based Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Lei , Gu Wenxing , Lv Lei , Chen Yusheng , Yang Yufei , Ye Pan , Wu Jianfei , Hong Ling , Peng Aidong , Huang Hui
Published: December 2017

Triplet materials have been employed to achieve high‐performing organic solar cells (OSCs) by extending the exciton lifetime and diffusion distances, while the triplet non‐fullerene acceptor materials have never been reported for bulk heterojunction OSCs. Herein, for the first time, three triplet molecular acceptors based on tellurophene with different degrees of ring fusing were designed and synthesized for OSCs. Significantly, these molecules have long exciton lifetime and diffusion lengths, leading to efficient power conversion efficiency (7.52 %), which is the highest value for tellurophene‐based OSCs. The influence of the extent of ring fusing on molecular geometry and OSCs performance was investigated to show the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) continuously increased along with increasing the extent of ring fusing.
Monomer atomic configuration as key feature in governing the gas transport behaviors of polyimide membrane
Authors: Tan P. C. , Ooi B. S. , Ahmad A. L. , Low S. C.
Published: December 2017

Although the molecular design of polyimide has been extensively investigated, the role of monomer's atomic configuration in controlling the structure of polyimide membrane hence its gas transport behaviors remains relatively uncertain. Therefore, a series of polyimides with different monomer combinations were synthesized to determine the crucial features of monomer that can impose great influence on membrane properties such as the fractional free volume (FFV). The results showed that the polyimide chain length (Mw) depended strongly on the monomer reactivity, which was primarily controlled by the steric hindrance of monomers' substituent instead of their electronic nature. In addition, the polarity and atomic configuration of monomer were found to be the two dominant factors in governing the membrane FFV. A polyimide model was also constructed and validated by molecular dynamics simulation to predict the gas transport behaviors (solubility and diffusivity) of copolyimide membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46073.
Nonlinear disposition of lithium in rats and saturation of its tubular reabsorption by the sodium‐phosphate cotransporter as a cause
Authors: Uwai Yuichi , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Nabekura Tomohiro
Published: December 2017

We previously reported the contribution of sodium‐phosphate cotransporter to the tubular reabsorption of lithium in rats. In the present study, the dose dependency of the renal handling of lithium was examined in rats. When lithium chloride at 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg was intravenously injected as a bolus, the areas under the plasma concentration‐time curve of lithium until 60 minutes were calculated to be 6.23 mEq·min/l, 8.77 mEq·min/l and 64.6 mEq·min/l, respectively. The renal clearance of lithium and its fractional excretion increased with increments in the dose administered. The renal clearance of lithium strongly correlated with the urinary excretion rate of phosphate in the 1.25 mg/kg group (r = 0.840) and 2.5 mg/kg group (r = 0.773), whereas this correlation was weak in the 25 mg/kg group (r = 0.306). The infusion of foscarnet, a typical inhibitor of sodium‐phosphate cotransporter, decreased the fractional reabsorption of lithium in rats administered lithium chloride at 2.5 mg/kg, but did not affect it in rats administered 25 mg/kg. These results demonstrate the nonlinearity of the renal excretion of lithium in rats, with the saturation of lithium reabsorption by the sodium‐phosphate cotransporter potentially being involved.
The use of orientation/decision/do/discuss/reflect (OD3R) method to increase critical thinking skill and practical skill in biochemistry learning
Authors: Anwar Yunita Arian Sani , Senam Senam , Laksono Endang W.
Published: December 2017

We have developed an OD3R method that can be applied on Biochemistry learning. This OD3R consists of 5 phases: orientation, decision, do, discuss, and reflect to connect lessons in the class with practice in the laboratory. Implementation of OD3R method was done in 2 universities in Yogyakarta to increase critical thinking skill and practical skill of the students. The critical thinking skills were assessed using modified Hoyo rubric according to student's ability in writing laboratory work report. Practical skill was assessed using a rubric with 6 practical skill categories: procedural skill, manipulative skill, observation skill, drawing skill, interpretation skill, and presentation skill. Implementation result shows that OD3R method can increase critical thinking skill and practical skill of the students. OD3R method is a learning method that is centered on the students and can be recommended to train thinking skill and practical skill of students in University. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):107–113, 2018.
Enrichment of gamma‐aminobutyric acid in bean sprouts: Exploring biosynthesis of plant metabolite using common household reagents
Authors: Rojanarata Theerasak , Plianwong Samarwadee , Opanasopit Praneet , Ngawhirunpat Tanasait
Published: December 2017

The enrichment of plant foods with gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is currently an interesting issue in the field of nutraceuticals and can be used as an experiment for upper‐division undergraduate students. Here, an interdisciplinary hands‐on experiment to produce GABA‐enriched mung bean sprouts using common household reagents is described. Based on the GABA biosynthesis pathways, two key factors, being the availability of l‐glutamic acid and the acidification of the germination environment, were chosen for the study of the effects on the enhancement of GABA levels. The activities not only led students to a deeper understanding of biochemistry contents, but also gave the students the opportunity to work with experimental design, analytical chemistry, and statistical data analysis. Furthermore, since mung bean sprouts are familiar foods and the reagents used for germination are easily obtainable and generally recognized as safe, the optimal protocol investigated in the lab could be further applied to the production of bean sprouts with enhanced nutritional values in everyday life, promoting the transfer of knowledge learned in school to practical environments such as home and community. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):155–161, 2018.
Teaching practices at a Chilean university 3 years after conversion to competency‐based education
Authors: Pérez Carmen Gloria , Clem Samantha
Published: December 2017

Background

Over the last 10 years, most traditional Chilean universities have declared an institutional conversion to competency‐based education (CBE).

Objectives

This study seeks to determine if those systemic changes are reaching a practical level by analyzing the conceptualizations that university professors have of their teaching practice and whether or not they are in line with CBE guidelines.

Methods

Twenty‐two self‐written reports describing current teaching practices were taken from professors at a competency‐based university. The Content Analysis technique was used, analyzing the frequency and standardization in which certain words or phrases appeared in the text and their relation or counter‐relation to CBE, thus determining the conceptual patterns that regulate current teaching methods at the university.

Results

The results show that the most common words used to describe teaching practices were contrary with concepts that should be present in a competency system, including mainly teacher‐centered lecture classes that values passing exams over mastering skills.

Conclusion

Professors have not internalized their role in the CBE system in which they currently find themselves. A traditional model of education is still prominent, and if that is to change professors need to receive further training on what CBE is and what is their specific role within that system. If additional steps are not taken to change the conceptualizations on teaching practices that the professors have, the university's conversion into CBE will remain as merely rhetorical and not practical.