bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐Angle Invisibility Cloaking of Contact Fingers on Solar Cells by Refractive Free‐Form Surfaces
Authors: Schumann Martin F. , Langenhorst Malte , Smeets Michael , Ding Kaining , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Wegener Martin
Published: July 2017

This work demonstrates a performance improvement of state‐of‐the‐art silicon solar cells by cloaking their metal contact fingers. The cloaking free‐form surfaces are fabricated on silicon heterojunction solar cells using direct laser writing of polymers and subsequent soft imprinting. Cloaking performance is determined experimentally by measuring spatially resolved and angle‐resolved current generation and the spectral response of the cell. The short‐circuit current density of the cell increases by 7.3%; its power‐conversion efficiency is enhanced by 9.3%. Overcompensation of the shadowing loss is found to be caused by improved light‐gathering and light‐trapping in the polymer layer. The experimental findings are in good agreement to ray‐tracing simulations.
A Yellow Polariton Condensate in a Dye Filled Microcavity
Authors: Cookson Tamsin , Georgiou Kyriacos , Zasedatelev Anton , Grant Richard T. , Virgili Tersilla , Cavazzini Marco , Galeotti Francesco , Clark Caspar , Berloff Natalia G. , Lidzey David G. , Lagoudakis Pavlos G.
Published: July 2017

Polariton condensation in the yellow part of the visible spectrum from a planar organic semiconductor microcavity containing the molecular dye bromine‐substituted boron‐dipyrromethene is observed. This study provides experimental fingerprint of polariton condensation under nonresonant optical excitation, including the nonlinear dependence of the emission intensity and wavelength blueshift with increasing excitation density, single excitation pulse dispersion imaging, and real space interferometry. The latter two allow to visualize the collapse of the energy distribution and the long‐range coherence of the polariton condensate.
Group‐III Sesquioxides: Growth, Physical Properties and Devices
Authors: von Wenckstern Holger
Published: July 2017

The group‐III sesquioxides possess material properties that render them interesting for applications such as high‐power rectifiers and transistors, solar‐blind UV detectors and inter‐sub‐band infrared detectors. Technology for growing large, single‐crystalline bulk material and for wafer fabrication exists, enabling homoepitaxial growth of thin films with high crystalline quality. The bandgap can be tuned in an energy range from about 4 to 8 eV for the ternary alloys and allows growth of heterostructures with large band offset. Here, past results and recent investigations on the growth, the material properties, contact fabrication and the alloying of group‐III sesquioxides are reviewed, and an overview on demonstrator devices is provided.
Light‐Tunable Nonvolatile Memory Characteristics in Photochromic RRAM
Authors: Ling Haifeng , Tan Kangming , Fang Qiyun , Xu Xinshui , Chen Hao , Li Wenwen , Liu Yefan , Wang Laiyuan , Yi Mingdong , Huang Ru , Qian Yan , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: July 2017

Light‐tunable resistive switching (RS) characteristics are demonstrated in a photochromophore (BMThCE)‐based resistive random access memory. Triggered by nondestructive ultraviolet or visible light irradiation, two memory‐type RS characteristics can be reversibly modulated in the same device upon a narrow range of applied voltage (<6 V), accompanied by the photochromophores in the active layer reversibly changed between ring‐open state (namely, o‐BMThCE) and ring‐closed state (namely, c‐BMThCE). The o‐BMThCE‐based memory exhibits a write‐once‐read‐many characteristic with a high current on/off ratio of 105, while the c‐BMThCE‐based one shows a flash characteristic. Both of the RS characteristics present good nonvolatile stability with the resistance states maintained over 104 s without variation. This RS modulation is possibly related to the formation and rupture of conductive filaments, which formed along channels consisting of BMThCE trapping molecules. This work provides a new memory element for the design of light‐controllable high density storage and data encryption technology.
Low‐Cost Alternative High‐Performance Hole‐Transport Material for Perovskite Solar Cells and Its Comparative Study with Conventional SPIRO‐OMeTAD
Authors: Pham Hong Duc , Wu Zhifang , Ono Luis K. , Manzhos Sergei , Feron Krishna , Motta Nunzio , Qi Yabing , Sonar Prashant
Published: July 2017

This study reports two new, simple and cost‐effective hole transporting materials for perovskite solar cells. These novel structures namely N4,N4,N4′″,N4′″‐tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐[1,1′:4′,1″:4″,1′″‐quaterphenyl]‐4,4′″‐diamine (TPA‐BP‐TPA), and (E)‐4′,4′″‐(ethene‐1,2‐diyl)bis(N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐[1″,1′″‐biphenyl]‐4‐amine) (TPA‐BPV‐TPA) are based on linear π‐conjugated linkers and triphenylamine endcappers. These materials possess good solubility and appropriate highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels. Upon testing them as hole transporting materials in perovskite solar cells, in particular, the device with TPA‐BPV‐TPA exhibits a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.42%, which is almost equivalent to the PCE using the conventional expensive 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N′‐di‐pmethoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirbiuorene (SPIRO‐OMeTAD) compound under similar conditions. Additionally, the device stability measured using this newly developed low‐cost compound retains almost 87% of the initial performance after 10 days compared to standard SPIRO‐OMeTAD‐based devices. From this outstanding outcome it is revealed that simple triphenylamine‐based hole‐transporting materials with various kinds of π‐conjugated linkers can pave the way for developing a new generation of simple hole‐transporting materials for low‐cost perovskite solar cells.
Morphology–Function Relationship of Thermoelectric Nanocomposite Films from PEDOT:PSS with Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Saxena Nitin , Čorić Mihael , Greppmair Anton , Wernecke Jan , Pflüger Mika , Krumrey Michael , Brandt Martin S. , Herzig Eva M. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: July 2017

The relation of the thermoelectric figure of merit and the nanocomposite morphology is studied for thermoelectric thin films consisting of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with different amounts of silicon nanoparticles (Si‐NPs). An increase in the figure of merit of up to 150% is found for an Si‐NP concentration of 0.5 wt% as compared to pristine PEDOT:PSS films. The improvement originates from a disruption in the molecular ordering and therefore reduced electrical conductivity, which leads to an increased Seebeck coefficient, while also reducing thermal conductivity for higher concentrations through phonon scattering. The thermal conductivity is measured with steady‐state IR thermography on free‐standing PEDOT:PSS/Si‐NP composite films, enabling a full determination of the figure of merit. The morphology is investigated with grazing incidence resonant tender X‐ray scattering (GIR‐TeXS) around the sulfur K‐absorption edge. Without need for extrinsic labeling, GIR‐TeXS measurements have varying scattering contrast conditions for the components of the ternary system. By comparing the scattered intensities at different photon energies with the corresponding scattering contrast, the Si‐NPs are found to be preferentially dispersed in the large and medium‐sized PEDOT‐rich domains. The changes in size for the PEDOT‐rich domains as function of Si‐NP concentration cause improvement of the thermoelectric properties of the films.
Paal–Knorr Furan Synthesis Using TiCl4 as Dehydrating Agent: A Concise Furan Synthesis from α‐Haloketones and β‐Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Luo Juan , Lu Dan , Peng Yi , Tang Qiang
Published: July 2017

An efficient and facile method for the Paal–Knorr furan synthesis using titanium tetrachloride as dehydrating agent is described. Tricarbonyl compounds, prepared through the nucleophilic substitution of α‐halogenated ketones and β‐dicarbonyl compounds, are easily condensed to their corresponding polysubstituted furans. The reaction also occurs efficiently with tetracarbonyl compounds derived by dimerization of β‐dicarbonyl compounds.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cross‐Esterification of Aldehydes with Alcohols
Authors: Gao Meng , Chen Meng , Li Yang , Tang Hong , Ding Hao , Wang Kai , Yang Lingen , Li Cuiting , Lei Aiwen
Published: July 2017

In this work, a palladium‐catalyzed oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alcohols was developed by using oxygen as the terminal oxidant. Various aldehydes and alcohols were selectively converted into their corresponding esters in good yields.
Anderson Localization for Very Strong Speckle Disorder
Authors: Hilke M. , Eleuch H.
Published: July 2017

We evaluate the localization length of the wave (or Schrödinger) equation in the presence of a disordered speckle potential. This is relevant for experiments on cold atoms in optical speckle potentials. We focus on the limit of large disorder, where the Born approximation breaks down and derive an expression valid in the “quasi‐metallic” phase at large disorder. This phase becomes strongly localized and the effective mobility edge disappears.
Reader characteristics, behavior, and success in fiction book search
Authors: Anna Mikkonen , Pertti Vakkari
Published: July 2017

We examined the search behaviors of diverse fiction readers in different search scenarios. The aim was to understand how fiction readers with varied reading preferences are selecting interesting novels in library catalogs. We conducted a controlled user study with 80 participants. Two reader groups were elicited according to similar reading preference patterns. The readers enjoyed the entertainment, escape, and comfort that reading as a pleasurable activity offered. The aesthetic readers valued the artistic and aesthetic pleasures, widening vocabulary, and ability to express oneself through fiction books. We compared the search queries and search actions between the 2 reader groups. Our results demonstrated that preference patterns were associated with readers' search behavior, that is, the number of viewed search result pages, opened book pages, dwell time on book pages, and the type of search queries. Based on the findings, we present 3 search tactics for fiction books in library catalogs: i) focused querying, ii) topical browsing, and iii) similarity‐based tactic. The most popular search tactic in each search scenario was “focused querying” with known author in both reader groups.
Fabrication of Mesoporous‐Silica‐Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles with Ultrafast Photosensitizer Loading and 808 nm NIR‐Light‐Triggering Capability for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Han Renlu , Shi Junhui , Liu Zongjun , Wang Hao , Wang You
Published: July 2017

A novel photodynamic therapy nanoplatform based on mesoporous‐silica‐coated upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP) with electrostatic‐driven ultrafast photosensitizer (PS) loading and 808 nm near infrared (NIR)‐light‐triggering capabilities has been fabricated. By positively charging inner channels of the mesoporous silica shell with amino groups, a quantitative dosage of negatively charged PS, exemplified with Rose Bengal (RB) molecules, can be loaded in 2 min. In addition, the electrostatic‐driven technique simultaneously provides the platform with both excellent PS dispersity and leak‐proof properties due to the repulsion between the same‐charged molecules and the electrostatic attraction between different‐charged PS and silica channel walls, respectively. The as‐coated silica shell with an ultrathin thickness of 12±2 nm is delicately fabricated to facilitate ultrafast PS loading and efficient energy transfer from UCNP to PS. The outside surface of the silica shell is capped with hydrophilic β‐cyclodextrin, which not only enhances the dispersion of resulting nanoparticles in water but also plays a role of “gatekeeper”, blocking the pore opening and preventing PS leaking. The in vitro cellular lethality experiment demonstrates that RB molecules can be activated to effectively generate singlet oxygen and kill cancer cells upon 808 nm NIR light irradiation.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Deaminative Hydrogenation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Nitriles to Primary Alcohols
Authors: Molnár István Gábor , Calleja Pilar , Ernst Martin , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Schaub Thomas
Published: July 2017

The deaminative hydrogenation of nitriles towards alcohols is a useful reaction to transform nitriles into alcohols with NH3 as the sole byproduct. Using the simple and robust RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 complex as a catalyst, at low H2 pressures a series of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles could be transformed into the corresponding alcohols. Suitable solvent systems for these reactions were 1,4‐dioxane/water and EtOH/water mixtures. In most cases, the selectivity for the alcohols was excellent, and the corresponding amines were formed only in trace amounts.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Mesocarbon‐Microbeads‐Based Anodes through Air Oxidation for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Chao , Zhu Youyu , Zhao Pinyi , Yu Baojun , Li Qi , Wang Chengyang
Published: July 2017

Air oxidation is introduced as a simple and feasible method of modification for mesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs), which improves the electrochemical performance of MCMBs as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Optimal oxidation conditions are explored. Green MCMBs, initially oxidized at 360 °C then carbonized (OC‐MCMB360), exhibit a high reversible capacity up to 286 mAh g−1 at a current density of 25 mA g−1. In addition, the OC‐MCMB360 sample also presents an excellent rate performance with 79 mAh g−1 at a current density of 3.2 A g−1 and a considerable reversible capacity of 166 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1. The larger interlayer spacing and increased defect sites caused by oxidation contribute to the enhanced electrochemical performance of oxidized MCMBs in SIBs.
A Hollow NaGdF4/AFn Nanosystem Based on “Relay Race” Release for Therapy
Authors: Zhou Jie , Yao Hanchun , Meng Lingchang , Sun Chong , Ye Weiran , Du Qiuzheng
Published: July 2017

To develop a multifunctional nanomaterial for dual‐mode imaging and synergetic chemotherapy, curcumin (CUR) was physically entrapped into hollow upconversion NaGdF4 nanomaterial, then apoferritin (AFn) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) was attached to the NaGdF4 surface. Subsequent modification with the targeting reagent folic acid (FA) led to generation of the CUR/NaGdF4–DOX/AFn–FA conjugate for cancer treatment. X‐ray diffraction, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated the successful preparation of hexagonal‐phase NaGdF4 and NaGdF4–AFn–FA. Moreover, no toxicity was observed for NaGdF4–AFn–FA. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the two drugs are sequentially released from the nanocomposites. This two‐drug system showed strong growth inhibitory effects on MCF‐7 cells. Upconversion luminescence imaging and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of NaGdF4–AFn–FA were carried out. The results of this study show that NaGdF4–AFn–FA can be used for targeted anticancer drug delivery as well as imaging, a novel multi‐pronged theranostic system for tumor treatment.
Real‐life Use of Anticoagulants in Venous Thromboembolism With a Focus on Patients With Exclusion Criteria for Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Moustafa Farès , Pesavento Raffaele , di Micco Pierpaolo , González‐Martínez José , Quintavalla Roberto , Peris Maria‐Luisa , Porras José Antonio , Falvo Nicolas , Baños Pilar , Monreal Manuel ,   the RIETE Investigators
Published: July 2017

We assessed the real‐life use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and exclusion criteria for randomized trials. From 2013 to 2016, 3,578 of 18,853 patients (19%) had exclusion criteria. Irrespective of which anticoagulant was chosen, they had more VTE recurrences (hazard ratio (HR): 3.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.47–3.88), major bleeds (HR: 4.10; 95% CI: 3.38–4.96), and deaths (HR: 9.47; 95% CI: 8.46–10.6) than those without exclusion criteria. During initial therapy, no patient with exclusion criteria on DOACs (n = 115) recurred, but those on rivaroxaban bled less often (adjusted HR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04–0.79) than those on unfractionated heparin (n = 224) and similar to those (n = 3,172) on low‐molecular‐weight (LMWH) heparin. For long‐term therapy, patients on rivaroxaban (n = 151) had nonsignificantly fewer VTE recurrences (adjusted HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.08–1.32) and major bleeds (adjusted HR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.15–1.15) than those on LMWH (n = 2,071). The efficacy and safety of DOACs were similar to standard therapy.
Poly‐pharmacokinetic Study of a Multicomponent Herbal Medicine in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Xie Guoxiang , Wang Shouli , Zhang Hua , Zhao Aihua , Liu Jiajian , Ma Yueming , Lan Ke , Ni Yan , Liu Changxiao , Liu Ping , Chen Tianlu , Jia Wei
Published: July 2017

The advent of mass spectrometry‐based analytical technologies coupled with multivariate statistical methods offer tremendous new opportunities for understanding the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of multicomponent herbal medicines (HMs). We recently proposed a poly‐PK strategy to characterize the concentration‐time profile and the metabolic response profile of multicomponent HMs using an integrated phytochemical and metabolomics approach. Here, we provided the first example of the poly‐PK strategy, in which we simultaneously characterized the PK as well as the metabolic response profiles of a Chinese HM, Huangqi decoction (HQD, consisting of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae), in healthy Chinese volunteers. Using the poly‐PK approach, we identified 56 HQD‐derived compounds and 292 biotransformed HQD metabolites in human plasma. Additionally, we acquired the concentration‐time profiles of these plasma HQD metabolites and correlated them with a plasma metabolomics profile consisting of 166 human endogenous metabolites that were significantly altered in response to HQD intervention.
Formation of a Selenide‐Based Heterostructure From a Designed Precursor†
Authors: Falmbigl Matthias , Esters Marco , Johnson David C.
Published: July 2017

The formation of the ferecrystalline compound (SnSe)1.15VSe2 is studied utilizing complementary X‐ray diffraction techniques, differential scanning calorimetry, compositional analysis, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. A careful analysis unravels the formation mechanism, where a simultaneous crystallization of the individual constituents goes hand in hand with the formation of the superlattice structure. SnSe2 monolayers form along with SnSe and VSe2 units in the superlattice during the formation of (SnSe)1.15VSe2, with the SnSe2 monolayers coexisting up to 300°C. An annealing temperature of 400°C is required to fully self‐assemble the ferecrystalline compound (SnSe)1.15VSe2, composed of alternating rocksalt‐like SnSe bilayers and VSe2 trilayers. These results demonstrate a complex pathway along a multi‐valley energy landscape for these metastable compounds, which in turn offers a rich platform to synthesize targeted layering sequences by precisely controlling the composition of the precursors as well as the annealing conditions.
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly of the Composite La0.7Sr0.3MnO3@Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 as Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Aluminum–Air Batteries
Authors: Xue Yejian , Huang Heran , Miao He , Sun Shanshan , Wang Qin , Li Shihua , Liu Zhaoping
Published: July 2017

La1−xSrxMnO3 (LSM) has been proposed as one of the best oxygen reduction reaction catalysts (ORRCs) to substitute noble metals. It is well known that an improvement of the oxygen‐adsorption capacity is beneficial to the catalytic activity of LSM perovskites. Herein, the composite material La0.7Sr0.3MnO3@Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 (LSM@CZ) has been synthesized by a facile electrostatic self‐assembly method in a two‐step strategy. The CZ nanoparticles are well distributed on the surface of the LSM material. The LSM‐4CZ composite catalyst exhibits a good catalytic activity in alkaline solution. The onset potential, half‐wave potential, and electron transfer number of the LSM‐4CZ composite catalyst are 0.898 V, 0.695 V, and 4, respectively. The LSM‐4CZ composite catalyst has a good durability with current retention of 93.9 % after 80 000 s and it exhibits a much better stability than Pt/C, the retention of which is 83.5 %. If we used LSM‐CZ as the ORRC, the maximum power density of the Al–air battery reached 242.9 mW cm−2, which is approximately 40 % higher than that of the battery with LSM (177.3 mW cm−2). This indicates that the LSM@CZ composite material is a promising cathodic electrocatalyst for metal–air batteries.
Preparation and Properties of Stearic Acid–Acetanilide Eutectic Mixture/Expanded Graphite Composite Phase‐Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Ma Guixiang , Wang Zhao , Xie Shaolei , Sun Jinhe , Jia Yongzhong , Jing Yan , Du Guangwei
Published: July 2017

In this study, a series of binary mixtures of stearic acid (SA) and acetanilide (AA) at various mass fractions was prepared. A binary mixture of SA and AA with a ratio of 81.0:19.0 mol % is a eutectic mixture with a melting temperature of (342.45±0.25) K and a melting latent heat of (220.04±10.02) J g−1. To improve the thermal properties of the SA–AA eutectic mixture to obtain a composite phase‐change material (CPCM) with a high thermal conductivity, large heat storage capacity, and good thermal stability and reliability for heat energy storage, expanded graphite (EG) at different mass fractions was added into the SA–AA eutectic mixture. The resulting material exhibited a remarkable energy storage capacity with a latent heat of 176.14 J g−1. The thermal conductivity of the CPCM was enhanced by 14.5 times compared to that of the SA–AA eutectic mixture. The thermophysical properties of the SA–AA/EG CPCM after 100 accelerated thermal cycles were slightly decreased, which did not influence the heat storage. Thus, the prepared SA–AA/EG CPCM is a promising material for latent heat storage systems.
Formation and development of dunes in the northern Qarhan Desert, central Qaidam Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Zhengcai , Dong Zhibao , Qian Guangqiang , Li Jiyan , Luo Wanying
Published: July 2017

The Qarhan Desert in the Qaidam Basin is a high‐elevation geomorphic depression characterized by low temperatures, resulting in an environment similar to those predicted to exist on Mars. As a result, this desert has attracted many aeolian researchers. However, relatively little research has addressed the factors that control dune formation in this region. In this paper, we used observational wind data and sediment characteristics to analyze the formation and development of 3 dune types. The spatial distribution of the Qarhan Desert dune types is controlled by both wind regime and surface characteristics (primarily surface barriers, i.e., yardangs). Linear dunes formed on the leeside of yardangs and became elongated under a bimodal wind regime. The elongation direction of the linear dunes (295°) was similar to the direction of potential sand transport (290° to 296°). Linear dune development experienced different erosion and deposition processes under different climate regimes, and the dunes can be divided into developed and developing linear dunes at present. The movement of developed linear dunes included elongation and lateral movement; however, the movement of developing linear dunes was restricted to elongation. The mean elongation movement rate of the developing and developed linear dunes was approximately 16.87 and 4.84 m/yr, respectively.
Evaluation of a multifaceted postpartum hemorrhage‐management intervention in community hospitals in Southern Thailand
Authors: Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Palanukunwong Kanokporn , Chinduereh Anan , Oumudee Nurlisa
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess a multifaceted postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)‐management intervention in community hospitals in Southern Thailand.

Methods

The present prospective study was conducted from November 1, 2012 to April 30, 2015. The medical records of women with PPH were collected before (January 1, 2011, and October 31, 2012) and after (March 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014) the implementation of a multifaceted PPH‐management intervention at three community hospitals in Southern Thailand; these patients were compared with patients diagnosed with PPH at three control hospitals in the same provinces during the same time periods. The intervention, delivered to general practitioners and nurses, utilized previously developed PPH‐management guidelines. PPH management was compared between the intervention and control hospitals and factors associated with PPH management were evaluated using univariate and multiple logistic regressions.

Results

The post‐intervention median blood loss within 2 hours of delivery was lower in intervention hospitals (P<0.001) and post‐intervention indwelling bladder catheterization was higher (P=0.004). Increased odds of indwelling bladder catheterization were recorded among patients treated at intervention hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–5.55) and patients who experienced more than 500 mL of blood loss (501–1000 mL [aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.22–4.76] or >1000 mL [aOR 16.45, 95% CI 2.04–132.80]).

Conclusion

Implementation of the multifaceted intervention improved PPH management at community hospitals.
Economic and social distance: Perceived income inequality negatively predicts an interdependent self‐construal
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Ángel , Willis Guillermo B. , Rodríguez‐Bailón Rosa
Published: July 2017

Previous research has shown that economic inequality influences how people are related with others. In this article, we suggest that perceived economic inequality influences self‐construal. Specifically, we propose that higher economic inequality leads to an independent self‐construal, whereas lower economic inequality leads to an interdependent self‐construal. Correlational data from Studies 1a and 1b revealed that people who perceive lower levels of economic inequality tend to show higher levels of interdependent self‐construal, even after controlling for social class. In Study 2, using an experimental design, we found that perceived high economic inequality leads to a more independent and less interdependent self‐construal compared to the low economic inequality condition. These results expand the literature bridging the gap between a macro‐social factor, such as economic inequality, and a micro‐social factor, such as self‐construal.
Sustainability of Irrigation Schemes Transferred in Turkey
Authors: Koç Cengiz
Published: July 2017

Continuous maintenance, repair and rehabilitation are of great importance in the physical sustainability of irrigation schemes in Turkey. Maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes not only increase the sustainability of irrigation facilities, but they also increase the efficiency of water utilization and plant development in the region. The responsibility for the maintenance, repair and rehabilitation needs of transferred irrigation schemes lies with the beneficiaries of these irrigation systems. This study encompasses the effects of the management of irrigation schemes in Turkey for physical sustainability, as well as irrigation ratios, project irrigation efficiency, types of irrigation schemes and their ages. In addition, elimination of increasing needs due to untimely and inefficient execution of maintenance and repair works has been investigated, along with how its contribution to the economy can be strengthened is analysed in detail. Some other criteria discussed in the study include the improvement of conditions and utilization periods of the irrigation facilities of farmers, revitalization of maintenance and repair works which have been neglected after their transfer, source of the required financing, and implementation methods and conditions of repair and maintenance projects as well as rehabilitation and modernization projects, which have been developed for transferred irrigation schemes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How the Visual Rhetoric of Online Discussions Enables and Constrains Students’ Participation
Authors: Sherry Michael B.
Published: July 2017

Whole‐class discussions, in which students share and refine ideas with others, can now take place in online forums. In face‐to‐face classrooms, previous research has identified conversational techniques, such as open‐ended questions and uptake of what others have said, that can promote dialogic, whole‐class discussions. However, few studies have examined how students’ participation can be enabled and constrained by the visual design of online forums. This article evaluates three online conversations among students of different disciplines and geographic regions at secondary, postsecondary, and graduate levels, evaluating the success of each example based first on conversational techniques and then on the visual design of the online forum. Rhetorical principles such as contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity may help teachers evaluate and redesign potential online forums for more effective online discussions, including how classroom setup, routines, and multimedia can shape students’ participation.
Characterization of poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐grafted hyaluronan as a novel candidate medicine and biomedical device for intra‐articular injection
Authors: Muramatsu Kazuaki , Tajima Yuya , Kaneko Rin , Yanagita Yuta , Hirai Hiroyuki , Hiura Nana
Published: July 2017

A novel hyaluronan (HA) derivative, poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐grafted hyaluronan (PGA‐g‐HA), was synthesized to improve the durability of conventional HA products for intra‐articular injection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the novel HA derivative in terms of viscoelasticity, degradation behavior, non‐immunogenicity, and bioactivity using preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments. The storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of PGA‐g‐HA were similar to those of HA80 (approximately 8.0 × 105 Da) rather than those of original HA200 (approximately 2.0 × 106 Da). PGA‐g‐HA showed strong resistance against hyaluronidase hydrolysis compared to unmodified HA200. The immunogenicity resulting from grafting PGA to HA200 was not detected in bone marrow derived dendritic cells. The anti‐inflammatory activity of PGA‐g‐HA was confirmed in IL‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes. In addition, compared to unmodified HA200, the intra‐articular injection of PGA‐g‐HA produced greater chondroprotective effects on a monoiodoacetic acid‐induced model of rat knee osteoarthritis at two weeks after a single treatment. Therefore, PGA‐g‐HA is expected to be a promising medicine and biomedical device for intra‐articular injection. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3006–3016, 2017.
Nitrogen‐enriched compost application combined with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improves seed quality and nutrient use efficiency of sunflower
Authors: Arif Muhammad Saleem , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Yasmeen Tahira , Shahzad Tanvir , Akhtar Muhammad Javed , Bragazza Luca , Buttler Alexandre
Published: July 2017

Ecological benefits associated with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculants offer a promising integrated nutrient management option to counteract plant nitrogen (N) deficiency. We performed field experiments to evaluate the effect of integrated N fertilizer regime involving chemical N fertilizer (CNF) and N‐enriched compost (NEC), either alone or combined with selected PGPR (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on sunflower seed quality, N use efficiency (NUE) and soil fertility during 2014–2015. We found that integrated N biofertilizer application resulted in significantly higher seed oil concentration, fatty acid composition, and harvest index in both cropping years. Greater effects on N yield efficiency (NYE), N use efficiency (NUE), N physiological efficiency (NPE), and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) were recorded in nitrogen‐enriched compost+PGPR inoculant (NECPI) treatment followed by chemical N fertilizer+PGPR inoculant (CNFPI) treatment. Statistically significant differences were observed in linoleic and linolenic acid, NYE, and NUE for treatment × year interaction, thus, suggesting that the integrated N biofertilizer approach facilitates the efficient N use by sunflower for improving yield and seed quality. Moreover, we also found considerable enhancement of soil N fertility after two consecutive cropping years of sunflower. The enhancement of seed quality, N use efficiencies, and soil N fertility through integrated N biofertilizer application emphasizes the importance of balanced crop N nutrition, ensuring sufficient N supply to sunflower with adequate N balance in soil for the next crop. Overall, combination of PGPR with NEC amendment may optimize N uptake efficiency and reduce N fertilizer losses, which is necessarily required for the sustainable sunflower production.
Paltry past‐precipitation: Predisposing prairie dogs to plague?
Authors: Eads David A. , Biggins Dean E.
Published: July 2017

The plague bacterium Yersinia pestis was introduced to California in 1900 and spread rapidly as a sylvatic disease of mammalian hosts and flea vectors, invading the Great Plains in the United States by the 1930s to 1940s. In grassland ecosystems, plague causes periodic, devastating epizootics in colonies of black‐tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), sciurid rodents that create and maintain subterranean burrows. In doing so, plague inhibits prairie dogs from functioning as keystone species of grassland communities. The rate at which fleas transmit Y. pestis is thought to increase when fleas are abundant. Flea densities can increase during droughts when vegetative production is reduced and herbivorous prairie dogs are malnourished and have weakened defenses against fleas. Epizootics of plague have erupted frequently in prairie dogs during years in which precipitation was plentiful, and the accompanying cool temperatures might have facilitated the rate at which fleas transmitted Y. pestis. Together these observations evoke the hypothesis that transitions from dry‐to‐wet years provide conditions for plague epizootics in prairie dogs. Using generalized linear models, we analyzed a 24‐year dataset on the occurrence of plague epizootics in 42 colonies of prairie dogs from Colorado, USA, 1982–2005. Of the 33 epizootics observed, 52% erupted during years with increased precipitation in summer. For the years with increased summer precipitation, if precipitation in the prior growing season declined from the maximum of 502 mm to the minimum of 200 mm, the prevalence of plague epizootics was predicted to increase 3‐fold. Thus, reduced precipitation may have predisposed prairie dogs to plague epizootics when moisture returned. Biologists sometimes assume dry conditions are detrimental for plague. However, 48% of epizootics occurred during years in which precipitation was scarce in summer. In some cases, an increased abundance of fleas during dry years might compensate for other conditions that become less favorable for plague transmission. Global warming is forecasted to amplify the hydrological cycle in the Great Plains, causing an increased occurrence of prolonged droughts interceded by brief periods of intense precipitation. Results herein suggest these changes might affect plague cycles in prairie dogs. Both negative and positive consequences of dry conditions should be considered when managing plague. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Flexible Polythiophene with Disiloxane Side Chains
Authors: Shen Jian , Fujita Keisuke , Matsumoto Takuya , Hongo Chizuru , Misaki Masahiro , Ishida Kenji , Mori Atsunori , Nishino Takashi
Published: July 2017

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is widely shown to have considerable advantages in photovoltaic cells, including excellent electrical performance, but its fragility remains a challenge for material applications and processing of stretchable devices. Herein, high‐molecular‐weight and highly regioregular poly(3‐substituted thiophene) with disiloxane moieties in the side chains (P3SiT) is synthesized. An investigation of the molecular structure and physical properties of self‐supported cast films of P3SiT reveals excellent flexible mechanical properties derived from the disiloxane groups in the side chains. The larger fracture strain reaches over 200% compared with that of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (14%). In addition, its Young's modulus (43 MPa) and low glass transition temperature (−10 °C) result in a typical elastic mechanical property. For the electrical property, the sheet resistivity of the drawn thiophene polymer shows the value almost equal to that of poly(3‐hexylthiophene). The anisotropy of electrical resistivity is observed due to orientation of the drawn polymer.
Europium‐155 as a source for dual energy cone beam computed tomography in adaptive proton therapy: A simulation study
Authors: Zhu Jiahua , Penfold Scott N.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a 3D imaging system utilizing a 155Eu source and pixelated cadmium‐zinc‐telluride (CZT) detector for applications in adaptive radiotherapy. Specifically, to compare the reconstructed stopping power ratio (SPR) values of a head phantom obtained with the proposed imaging technique with theoretical SPR values.

Method

A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation was performed with the novel imaging system. The simulation was repeated with a typical 120 kV X‐ray tube spectrum while maintaining all other parameters. Dual energy 155Eu source cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were reconstructed with an iterative projection algorithm known as total variation superiorization with diagonally relaxed orthogonal projections (TVS‐DROP). Single energy 120 kV source CBCT images were also reconstructed with TVS‐DROP. Reconstructed images were converted to SPR with stoichiometric calibration techniques based on ICRU 44 tissues. Quantitative accuracy of reconstructed attenuation coefficient images as well as SPR images were compared.

Results

Images generated by gamma emissions of 155Eu showed superior contrast resolution to those generated by the 120 kV spectrum. Quantitatively, all reconstructed images correlated with reference attenuation coefficients of the head phantom within 1 standard deviation. Images generated with the 155Eu source showed a smaller standard deviation of pixel values. Use of a dual energy conversion into SPR resulted in superior SPR accuracy with the 155Eu source.

Conclusion

155Eu was found to display desirable qualities when used as a source for dual energy CBCT. Further work is required to demonstrate whether the simulation results presented here can be translated into an experimental prototype.
Im Nebel zum Dividendengipfel
Authors: Bug Thorsten
Published: July 2017

Die Chemieindustrie sieht ständig Risiken für ihre Geschäfte. Trotzdem stehen Aktienkurse und Dividenden auf Rekordhöhe. Unternehmen würden diese Situation gerne konservieren. Nutzen dazu Strategien, wie die Basischemie zu verkaufen, sich auf nichtzyklische Produkte zu fokussieren oder wie bisher auf China zu setzen?
Selbstverteidigung als Ausgangspunkt bioaktiver Naturstoffe
Authors: Herbst Rosa , Klapper Martin , Stallforth Pierre
Published: July 2017

Kleine Moleküle dienen in mikrobiellen Gemeinschaften der Kommunikation, sichern aber auch das Überleben, indem sie Fressfeinde abwehren oder Beuteorganismen anlocken. Die Räuber‐Beute‐Beziehung zwischen sozialen, aber gefräßigen Amöben und wehrhaften Bakterien ist Ursache für eine besonders reiche Quelle an Naturstoffen.
Gegenmittel bei Vergiftungen mit chemischen Kampfstoffen
Authors: Kubik Stefan
Published: July 2017

Makrocyclische Verbindungen können neurotoxische Organophosphonate entgiften. Besonders effektiv sind Verbindungen, die das Organophosphonat komplexieren, bevor sie mit ihm reagieren, und dadurch die Entgiftung einleiten. Solche Makrocyclen sind Leitstrukturen für Wirkstoffe, die für eine Behandlung von Vergiftungen mit phosphororganischen Kampfstoffen eingesetzt werden könnten.
Mal schnell was auf DNA und Glas brennen
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2017

Experten glauben, dass Magnetbänder, DVDs und Festplatten in der jetzigen Form bald überholt sind. Denn die Suche nach dem Speichermedium der Zukunft läuft.
Vom Verein zum Verlag
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: July 2017

Im Jahr 1887 gründete sich der Verein Deutscher Chemiker, die zweite Vorläuferorganisation der GDCh. Als wichtigstes Vermächtnis hinterließ die industrienahe Berufsgesellschaft: das Journal Angewandte Chemie.
Organische Elektronik als Lehrstoff
Authors: Banerji Amitabh
Published: July 2017

Ein Materialkoffer unterstützt Lehrende dabei, den Aufbau und die Funktionsweise organischer Leuchtdioden und organischer Solarzellen anhand von Experimenten und Lernmaterialien zu vermitteln.
Von Agrarchemie bis Zahnpasta
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: July 2017

2016 war ein durchwachsenes Jahr für die chemisch‐pharmazeutische Industrie. Der Umsatz ging wegen sinkender Herstellerpreise zurück, die Produktion stieg kaum. Allerdings waren einige besser dran als andere, und das Jahr 2017 begann für fast alle Chemiezweige freundlicher.
Azacitidine successfully maintained the second remission in an infant with KMT2A‐rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia who relapsed after unrelated cord blood transplantation
Authors: Chijimatsu Ikue , Imanaka Yusuke , Tomizawa Daisuke , Eguchi Mariko , Nishimura Shiho , Karakawa Shuhei , Miki Mizuka , Hamamoto Kazuko , Fujita Naoto
Published: July 2017

The outcome for infants with KMT2A (MLL)‐rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MLL‐r ALL) is dismal despite intensive therapy, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Epigenetic dysregulation is considered a key driver of MLL‐r leukemogenesis, which theoretically supports the use of epigenetic modifiers as a treatment option. We report an infant MLL‐r ALL case with post‐HSCT relapse. After achieving a second remission, which was maintained for 10 months using only the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, azacitidine, the patient successfully received the second HSCT. This report describes the clinical effectiveness of azacitidine for the treatment of infant MLL‐r ALL.
PD‐1 inhibition in congenital pigment synthesizing metastatic melanoma
Authors: Weyand Angela C. , Mody Rajen J. , Rabah Raja M. , Opipari Valerie P.
Published: July 2017

A newborn female child was born with a congenital pigment synthesizing melanoma of the scalp. Further workup revealed metastatic disease within the liver, lungs, and left tibia. Whole exome sequencing was performed on multiple samples that revealed one somatic mutation, lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), at low allelic frequency but no v‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF), NF‐1 mutation. Programmed death ligand 1 was moderately expressed. Treatment was initiated with the programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor nivolumab. The patient tolerated this treatment well with minimal toxicity. She is now over a year out from initial diagnosis, continuing on nivolumab, with stable disease.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in children with sickle cell disease in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era
Authors: Martin Olufunke O. , Moquist Kristin L. , Hennessy Jane M. , Nelson Stephen C.
Published: July 2017

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) can be devastating. We sought to assess the impact of IPD in children with SCD since licensure of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). We found 11 cases of IPD giving an incidence of 417 per 100,000 person‐years, much higher than that reported in children without SCD. Although all isolates were sensitive to penicillin, 89% of isolates were nonvaccine serotypes. Further study is needed to characterize the incidence of and risk factors for the development of IPD in SCD in the PCV era to help drive better prevention strategies.
Surface pressure distribution on patterned cylinders under simulated atmospheric boundary layer winds
Authors: Ferreira Larissa M. , Amirinia Gholamreza , Jung Sungmoon
Published: July 2017

Extensive research has been previously conducted on pressure distribution of cylindrical models under uniform and laminar flow conditions. However, typical civil structures such as high‐rise buildings or towers are under the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) conditions. Knowing this, the present research aims to quantify the effectiveness of surface patterns in reducing the suction zone under a simulated ABL condition. Two different surface patterns, U‐grooved and V‐grooved, were selected to be tested in wind tunnel. In addition to patterned cylinders, tests were also conducted on a smooth‐surfaced cylinder, serving as the control of the experiment. An array of roughness elements was placed at the upstream end of the test section with the purpose of inducing ABL winds within the test section. Without the ABL wind, the cylinder covered in V‐grooved riblets was most effective in reducing the suction zone followed by the U‐grooved cylinder. With the simulated ABL condition, V‐grooved cylinder continued to show decreased suction although the amount of decrease was less. Both grooved cylinders showed decreased peak pressure coefficients under the ABL condition compared to the non‐ABL condition.
Single‐Handed Helical Carbonaceous Nanotubes: Preparation, Optical Activity, and Applications
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Yonggang
Published: July 2017

Carbon‐based nanomaterials have been widely studied in the past decade. Three approaches have been developed for the preparation of single‐handed helical carbonaceous nanotubes. The first approach uses the carbonization of organopolymeric nanotubes, where the organic polymers are polypyrrole, 3‐aminophenol‐formaldehyde resin, and m‐diaminobenzene‐formaldehyde resin. The second approach uses the carbonization of aromatic ring‐bridged polybissilsesquioxane followed by the removal of silica. Micropores exist within the walls of the carbonaceous nanotubes. The third approach uses the carbonization of organic compounds within silica nanotubes. This hard‐templating approach drives the formation of helical carbonaceous nanotubes containing twisted carbonaceous nanoribbons. All of these helical carbonaceous nanotubes exhibit optical activity, which is believed to originate from the chiral π‐π stacking of aromatic rings. They can be used as chirality inducers, and for lithium‐ion storage.