bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Control of Solute Mass Fluxes and Concentrations Below Fields Irrigated With Low‐Quality Water: A Numerical Study
Authors: Russo David
Published: October 2017

The main goal of this study was to test the capability of irrigation water‐based and soil‐based approaches to control nitrate and chloride mass fluxes and concentrations below the root zone of agricultural fields irrigated with treated waste water (TWW). Using numerical simulations of flow and transport in relatively a fine‐textured, unsaturated, spatially heterogeneous, flow domain, scenarios examined include: (i) irrigating with TWW only (REF); (ii) irrigation water is substituted between TWW and desalinized water (ADW); (iii) soil includes a capillary barrier (CB) and irrigating with TWW only (CB + TWW); and (iv) combination of (ii) and a CB (CB + ADW). Considering groundwater quality protection, plausible goals are: (i) to minimize solute discharges leaving the root zone, and, (ii) to maximize the probability that solute concentrations leaving the root zone will not exceed a prescribed, critical value. Results of the analyses suggest that in the case of a seasonal crop (a corn field) subject to irrigations only, with respect to the first goal, the CB + TWW and CB + ADW scenarios provide similar, excellent results, better than the ADW scenario; with respect to the second goal, however, the CB + ADW scenario gave substantially better results than the CB + TWW scenario. In the case a multiyear, perennial crop (a citrus orchard), subject to a sequence of irrigation and rainfall periods, for both solutes, and, particularly, nitrate, with respect to the two goals, both the ADW and CB + ADW scenarios perform better than the CB + TWW scenario. As compared with the REF and CB + TWW scenarios, the ADW and CB + ADW scenarios substantially reduce nitrogen mass fluxes to the groundwater and to the atmosphere, and, essentially, did not reduce nitrogen mass fluxes to the trees. Similar results, even better, were demonstrated for a relatively coarse‐textured, spatially heterogeneous soil.
The SWEET gene family in Hevea brasiliensis – its evolution and expression compared with four other plant species
Authors: Sui Jin‐Lei , Xiao Xiao‐Hu , Qi Ji‐Yan , Fang Yong‐Jun , Tang Chao‐Rong
Published: October 2017

SWEET proteins play an indispensable role as a sugar efflux transporter in plant development and stress responses. The SWEET genes have previously been characterized in several plants. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of this gene family in the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. There are 36 members of the SWEET gene family in this species, making it one of the largest families in plant genomes sequenced so far. Structure and phylogeny analyses of these genes in Hevea and in other species demonstrated broad evolutionary conservation. RNA‐seq analyses revealed that SWEET2, 16, and 17 might represent the main evolutionary direction of SWEET genes in plants. Our results in Hevea suggested the involvement of HbSWEET1a, 2e, 2f, and 3b in phloem loading, HbSWEET10a and 16b in laticifer sugar transport, and HbSWEET9a in nectary‐specific sugar transport. Parallel studies of RNA‐seq analyses extended to three other plant species (Manihot esculenta, Populus trichocarpa, and Arabidopsis thaliana) produced findings which implicated MeSWEET10a, 3a, and 15b in M. esculenta storage root development, and the involvement of PtSWEET16b and PtSWEET16d in P. trichocarpa xylem development. RT‐qPCR results further revealed that HbSWEET10a, 16b, and 1a play important roles in phloem sugar transport. The results from this study provide a foundation not only for further investigation into the functionality of the SWEET gene family in Hevea, especially in its sugar transport for latex production, but also for related studies of this gene family in the plant kingdom.
Factor Structure, Internal Consistency and Criterion Validity of the Full‐form and Short‐form Versions of the Centrality of Events Scale in Young People
Authors: Galán Santiago , Castarlenas Elena , Racine Mélanie , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Elisabet , Tomé‐Pires Catarina , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi
Published: October 2017

The perceived centrality of a traumatic event has been hypothesized to impact subsequent responses to that event and shown to be positively associated to a number of psychological problems. In order to understand the role of this construct in adjustment to stress and trauma, reliable and valid measures are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency and convergent validity of the full‐form and short‐forms of the Centrality of Event Scale when used with young people. A sample of 262 undergraduate students completed this study. Confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach alpha coefficients and Pearson correlation coefficients were performed. The findings support a one‐factor structure of the full 20‐item and the short 7‐item versions. We also found that both versions provide reliable and valid scores when used with young people. We recommend the use of the 7‐item version to minimize assessment burden. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nationwide Experience With Off‐Label Use of Interleukin‐1 Targeting Treatment in Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients
Authors: Akar Servet , Cetin Pınar , Kalyoncu Umut , Karadag Omer , Sari Ismail , Cınar Muhammed , Yilmaz Sedat , Onat Ahmet Mesut , Kisacik Bunyamin , Erden Abdulsamet , Balkarli Ayse , Kucuksahin Orhan , Oner Sibel Yilmaz , Senel Soner , Tufan Abdurrahman , Direskeneli Haner , Oksuz Ferhat , Pehlivan Yavuz , Bayindir Ozun , Keser Gokhan , Aksu Kenan , Omma Ahmet , Kasifoglu Timucin , Unal Ali Ugur , Yildiz Fatih , Balci Mehmet Ali , Yavuz Sule , Erten Sukran , Ozgen Metin , Sayarlıoglu Mehmet , Dogru Atalay , Yildirim Gozde , Oner Fatma Alibaz , Tezcan Mehmet Engin , Pamuk Omer Nuri , Onen Fatos
Published: October 2017

Objective

Approximately 30–45% of patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) have been reported to have attacks despite colchicine treatment. Currently, data on the treatment of colchicine‐unresponsive or colchicine‐intolerant FMF patients are limited; the most promising alternatives seem to be anti–interleukin‐1 (anti–IL‐1) agents. Here we report our experience with the off‐label use of anti–IL‐1 agents in a large group of FMF patients.

Methods

In all, 21 centers from different geographical regions of Turkey were included in the current study. The medical records of all FMF patients who had used anti–IL‐1 treatment for at least 6 months were reviewed.

Results

In total, 172 FMF patients (83 [48%] female, mean age 36.2 years [range 18–68]) were included in the analysis; mean age at symptom onset was 12.6 years (range 1–48), and the mean colchicine dose was 1.7 mg/day (range 0.5–4.0). Of these patients, 151 were treated with anakinra and 21 with canakinumab. Anti–IL‐1 treatment was used because of colchicine‐resistant disease in 84% and amyloidosis in 12% of subjects. During the mean 19.6 months of treatment (range 6–98), the yearly attack frequency was significantly reduced (from 16.8 to 2.4; P < 0.001), and 42.1% of colchicine‐resistant FMF patients were attack free. Serum levels of C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and 24‐hour urinary protein excretion (5,458.7 mg/24 hours before and 3,557.3 mg/24 hours after) were significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Anti–IL‐1 treatment is an effective alternative for controlling attacks and decreasing proteinuria in colchicine‐resistant FMF patients.
Electrical Imaging: Investigating Cellular Function at High Resolution
Authors: Zeck Günther , Jetter Florian , Channappa Lakshmi , Bertotti Gabriel , Thewes Roland
Published: October 2017

Electrical imaging of extracellular potentials reveals the activity of electrogenic cells and of networks thereof over several orders of magnitude, both in space and time. On a spatial scale, electrical activity propagates in nanometer‐sized nerve fibers (axons, dendrites), which connect cells in a biological network over several millimeters. On a temporal scale, changes of the extracellular potential caused by action potentials occur on a sub‐millisecond scale, while network activity may be modulated over seconds. Here, different electrode arrays are described, which are designed to image modulations of the electrical potentials over a wide spatiotemporal range. In the second part, typical applications and scientific questions in neuroscience research addressed so far are reviewed. The review ends with an outlook on expected developments.
3‐D Printing and Development of Fluoropolymer Based Reactive Inks
Authors: Ruz‐Nuglo Fidel D. , Groven Lori J.
Published: October 2017

Engineering reactive materials is an ever present goal in the energetics community. The desire is to have energetics configured in such a manner that performance is tailored and energy delivery can be targeted. Additive manufacturing (3‐D printing) is one area that could significantly improve our capabilities in this area, if adequate formulations are developed. In this paper, fluoropolymer based reactive inks are developed with micron (mAl) and nanoscale aluminum (nAl) serving, as the fuel at high solids loading (up to 67 wt%) and their viscosity required for 3‐D printing is detailed. For the pen‐type technique and valves used in this work, it is required to have viscosities on the order of 104–105 cP. For printed traces with apparent diameters under <500 μm, the combustion velocities for both micron and nano scale aluminum formulations, are approximately identical: 30 ± 3 versus 32 ± 2 mm s−1, respectively. Further increasing the apparent diameter is shown to increase the combustion velocity in the case of the nanoscale aluminum formulation by four‐fold over that of the micron scale aluminum formulation, but it plateaus as it approaches an apparent diameter of 2 mm. The results suggest with proper architecture that tailorable combustion rates and energy delivery are feasible.
Optimization of Composite Foam Concept for Protective Helmets to Mitigate Rotational Acceleration of the Head in Oblique Impacts: A Parametric Study
Authors: Mosleh Yasmine , Pastrav Leonard , van Vuure Aart Willem , Depreitere Bart , Sloten Jos Vander , Ivens Jan
Published: October 2017

Rotational acceleration of the head is known to be the cause of traumatic brain injuries. It was hypothesized that by introducing anisotropy in a foam liner in head protection applications, for example, protective helmets, rotational acceleration transmitted to the head can be further mitigated. Therefore, composite foam with a cylinder/matrix configuration with anisotropy at “macro level” is proposed as a smart structural solution to replace single layer foam headliners of the same weight and thickness. In this paper, a parametric study on the cylinder/matrix configuration is performed and the results are compared with these of single layer expanded polystyrene foam. The structure is subsequently optimized for the best performance in mitigation of rotational acceleration and velocity. Oblique impact results show that the parameters such as the number of cylinders in a given structure, and the compliance of the matrix foam significantly affect the extent of rotational acceleration and velocity mitigation. Optimized composite foam configurations are subsequently proposed and they demonstrate a mitigation of rotational acceleration and velocity up to 44 and 19%, respectively. Moreover, relevant global head injury criteria such as HIC (Head Injury Criterion), RIC (Rotational Injury Criterion), HIPmax (Head Impact Power), GAMBIT (Generalised Acceleration Model for Brain Injury Threshold), and BrIC (Brain Injury Criterion) demonstrated reduction up to 27, 67, 31, 26, and 19%, respectively.
The Fabrication and Characterization of Bimodal Nanoporous Si with Retained Mg through Dealloying
Authors: Maxwell Tyler L. , Balk T. John
Published: October 2017

The fabrication and characterization of bimodal nanoporous silicon films with retained magnesium, achieved through a novel approach utilizing free corrosion dealloying of precursor Si–Mg films in distilled water, is studied. Investigation of film structure and chemical composition using various techniques reveals important characteristics potentially relevant to lithium‐ion battery applications. Dealloying of precursor films results in a hierarchal structure, where larger ligaments have an average width of 83 nm and smaller ligaments an average width of 19 nm. A thin, porous surface layer is present on most dealloyed films and is largely composed of magnesium and silicon oxides, as verified by XPS surface analysis. TEM studies reveal that as‐dealloyed films are amorphous, but nanocrystalline silicon grains form after vacuum annealing at 500 °C. EDS mapping and XPS reveal three distinct chemical composition regions through the film thickness, where residual magnesium generally increases as a function of film thickness, with the highest amount of retained magnesium at the surface. The ligament size, composition, and structure, combined with the simple, non‐hazardous nature of the dealloying method, make this an attractive material and processing technique for efficient and scalable production of lithium‐ion battery anode material.
CoS Quantum Dot Nanoclusters for High‐Energy Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Hong , Zhou Tengfei , Zheng Yang , Zhang Qing , Liu Yuqing , Chen Jun , Liu Huakun , Guo Zaiping
Published: October 2017

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries because potassium is an abundant natural resource. To date, PIBs are in the early stages of exploration and only a few anode materials have been investigated. This study reports a cobalt sulfide and graphene (CoS@G) composite as anode electrode for PIBs for the first time. The composite features interconnect quantum dots of CoS nanoclusters uniformly anchored on graphene nanosheets. The coexistence of CoS quantum dot nanoclusters and graphene nanosheets endows the composite with large surface area, highly conductive network, robust structural stability, and excellent electrochemical energy storage performance. An unprecedented capacity of 310.8 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1 is obtained after 100 cycles, with a rate capability better than an equivalent sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). This work provides the evidence that PIBs can be a promising alternative to SIBs, especially at high charge–discharge rates. The development of the CoS@G anode material also provides the basis of expanding the library of suitable anode materials for PIBs.
A Specific Groove Pattern Can Effectively Induce Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Kim Chang‐Su , Kim Jin‐Hee , Kim Bokyoung , Park Young‐Seok , Kim Hong‐Kyun , Tran Hieu Trung , Kim Sang Hoon , Jeon Hojeong , Kim Sangjib , Sim Ji Hyun , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Gwanghun , Baik Young Joo , Lee Kee‐Joon , Kim Hae‐Young , Yun Tae Jin , Kim Youn Sang , Kim Hang‐Rae
Published: October 2017

Little is known about the principles of surface structure design for orthopedic and dental implants. To find topographical groove patterns that could enhance osteoblast differentiation according to cell type, groove patterns are fabricated with ridges (0.35−7 µm) and grooves (0.65−6 µm) of various widths and explored their mechanisms in improving osteoblast differentiation. This study finds that a groove pattern enhancing osteoblast differentiation is associated with the ability of the cell to extend its length and that it is able to overcome the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation that takes place under inflammatory conditions. The groove pattern suppresses the generation of reactive oxygen species, a reaction that is increased in inflammatory conditions. It also modulates the expression of osteogenic factors according to differentiation time. Importantly, specific groove patterns AZ‐2 and AZ‐4, with ridge width of 2 µm and groove width of 2 or 4 µm, respectively, effectively promote bone regeneration in critical‐sized calvarial defects without additional factors. This knowledge of groove patterns can be applied to the development of orthopedic and dental devices.
pH‐Sensitive Dissociable Nanoscale Coordination Polymers with Drug Loading for Synergistically Enhanced Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wang Hairong , Yi Xuan , Chao Yu , Geng Yuehao , Xu Ligeng , Yang Kai , Liu Zhuang
Published: October 2017

Although various types of radiosensitizers based on nanoparticles are explored to enhance radiotherapy via different mechanisms, nanoscale radiosensitizers with full biodegradability, sensitive responsiveness to the tumor microenvironment, as well as the ability to greatly amplify radiation‐induced tumor destruction are still demanded. Herein, this study designs nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) based on acidic sensitive linker and high Z number element hafnium (Hf) ions. Chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) (TPPGC), a chemotherapeutic drug, is successfully loaded into those NCPs after they are coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Owing to the acid‐triggered cleavage of the organic linker, such formed NCP‐PEG/TPPGC nanoparticles would be dissociated under reduced pH within the tumor, leading to the release of TPPGC to induce mitochondrial damage and arrest the cell cycle of tumor cells into the radiosensitive phase (G1). Meanwhile, Hf ions are able to act as radiosensitizers by absorbing X‐ray and depositing radiation energy within tumors. With efficient tumor accumulation after intravenous injection, NCP‐PEG/TPPGC offers remarkable synergistic therapeutic outcome in chemoradiotherapy without appreciable toxic side effect. This work thus presents a biodegradable nano‐radiosensitizer with in vivo tumor‐specific decomposition/drug release profiles and great efficacy in chemoradiotherapy of cancer.
Selective Dispersion of Large‐Diameter Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes by Functionalized Conjugated Dendritic Oligothiophenes for Use in Printed Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Gao Wei , Xu Wenya , Ye Jun , Liu Tingting , Wang Junkai , Tan Hongwei , Lin Yi , Tange Masayoshi , Sun Dongfeng , Wu Liangzhuan , Okazaki Toshiya , Yang Yingjun , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhao Jianwen , Cui Zheng , Ma Chang‐Qi
Published: October 2017

Selective dispersion of semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes (s‐SWCNTs) by conjugated polymer wrapping is recognized as the most promising scalable method for s‐SWCNT separation. Despite a number of linear conjugated polymers being reported for use in s‐SWCNT separation, these linear polymers suffer batch‐to‐batch variation for their undefined molecular structure. Here, it is reported that conjugated dendritic oligothiophenes with multiple diketopyrrolopyrrole groups at the periphery have the capability of selectively dispersing large diameter s‐SWCNTs with high dispersion efficiency and certain chiral selectivity. Printed top‐gated thin film transistors using the dendrimer sorted s‐SWCNTs show high charge carrier mobility of up to 57 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off ratios of ≈106 with high reproducibility, which is ascribed to the defined and monodispersed molecular structure of dendrimers. Moreover, owing to the multiple peripheral anchoring groups of these dendritic molecules, these dendrimer‐s‐SWCNT dispersions display excellent stability. The current work proves that dendritic molecules are excellent dispersion reagents for s‐SWCNT separation.
An Ultrastable and High‐Performance Flexible Fiber‐Shaped Ni–Zn Battery based on a Ni–NiO Heterostructured Nanosheet Cathode
Authors: Zeng Yinxiang , Meng Yue , Lai Zhengzhe , Zhang Xiyue , Yu Minghao , Fang Pingping , Wu Mingmei , Tong Yexiang , Lu Xihong
Published: October 2017

Currently, the main bottleneck for the widespread application of Ni–Zn batteries is their poor cycling stability as a result of the irreversibility of the Ni‐based cathode and dendrite formation of the Zn anode during the charging–discharging processes. Herein, a highly rechargeable, flexible, fiber‐shaped Ni–Zn battery with impressive electrochemical performance is rationally demonstrated by employing Ni–NiO heterostructured nanosheets as the cathode. Benefiting from the improved conductivity and enhanced electroactivity of the Ni–NiO heterojunction nanosheet cathode, the as‐fabricated fiber‐shaped Ni–NiO//Zn battery displays high capacity and admirable rate capability. More importantly, this Ni–NiO//Zn battery shows unprecedented cyclic durability both in aqueous (96.6% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles) and polymer (almost no capacity attenuation after 10 000 cycles at 22.2 A g−1) electrolytes. Moreover, a peak energy density of 6.6 µWh cm−2, together with a remarkable power density of 20.2 mW cm−2, is achieved by the flexible quasi‐solid‐state fiber‐shaped Ni–NiO//Zn battery, outperforming most reported fiber‐shaped energy‐storage devices. Such a novel concept of a fiber‐shaped Ni–Zn battery with impressive stability will greatly enrich the flexible energy‐storage technologies for future portable/wearable electronic applications.
In Situ GIWAXS Analysis of Solvent and Additive Effects on PTB7 Thin Film Microstructure Evolution during Spin Coating
Authors: Manley Eric F. , Strzalka Joseph , Fauvell Thomas J. , Jackson Nicholas E. , Leonardi Matthew J. , Eastham Nicholas D. , Marks Tobin J. , Chen Lin X.
Published: October 2017

The influence of solvent and processing additives on the pathways and rates of crystalline morphology formation for spin‐coated semiconducting PTB7 (poly[[4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl][3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)‐carbonyl]‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl]]) thin films is investigated by in situ grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) and optical reflectance, to better understand polymer solar cell (PSC) optimization approaches. In situ characterization of PTB7 film formation from chloroform (CF), chlorobenzene (CB), and 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (DCB) solutions, as well as CB solutions with 1% and 3% v/v of the processing additives 1‐chloronapthalene (CN), diphenylether (DPE), and 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO), reveals multiple crystallization pathways with: (i) single‐solvent systems exhibiting rapid (<3 s) crystallization after a solvent boiling point‐dependent film thinning transition, (ii) solvent + additive systems exhibiting different crystallization pathways and crystallite formation times from minutes (CN, DPE) to 1.5 h (DIO). Identifying crystalline intermediates has implications for bulk‐heterojunction PSC morphology optimization via optimized spin‐casting processes.
Broadband Surface‐Enhanced Photoluminescence Based on Gold Nanocubic Self‐Assembly
Authors: Ding Yufeng , You Yunchang , Sang Yungang , Wang Yanrong , Zhao Man , Liang Chao , Lu Chenguang , Liu Dahe , Zhou Jing , Tang Zhiyong , Shi Jinwei
Published: October 2017

Low‐cost materials with large‐area, broadband, and strong photoluminescence are of great interest in many fields. Plasmonic enhancement structures, based on nanoparticle self‐assembly, are identified as promising candidates for achieving these requirements. This study fabricates Au nanocube assemblies and demonstrates photoluminescence enhancement of quantum dots (QDs) deposited on their surfaces. The enhancement factor of this large‐area ensemble is ≈3.5 with the use of a 532 nm pulse laser to excite red‐emissive QDs. Furthermore, the broadband response of this assembly is studied and enhanced broadband white‐light emission is found. Finally, a new optical information storage method based on this photoluminescence enhancement is demonstrated. The results have significance for applications, such as energy‐saving lighting and displays, solar energy harvesting, optical data storage, and anticounterfeiting measures.
Improved Optics in Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells with a Nanocrystalline Silicon Recombination Junction
Authors: Sahli Florent , Kamino Brett A. , Werner Jérémie , Bräuninger Matthias , Paviet‐Salomon Bertrand , Barraud Loris , Monnard Raphaël , Seif Johannes Peter , Tomasi Andrea , Jeangros Quentin , Hessler‐Wyser Aïcha , De Wolf Stefaan , Despeisse Matthieu , Nicolay Sylvain , Niesen Bjoern , Ballif Christophe
Published: October 2017

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are increasingly recognized as promi­sing candidates for next‐generation photovoltaics with performance beyond the single‐junction limit at potentially low production costs. Current designs for monolithic tandems rely on transparent conductive oxides as an intermediate recombination layer, which lead to optical losses and reduced shunt resistance. An improved recombination junction based on nanocrystalline silicon layers to mitigate these losses is demonstrated. When employed in monolithic perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem cells with a planar front side, this junction is found to increase the bottom cell photocurrent by more than 1 mA cm−2. In combination with a cesium‐based perovskite top cell, this leads to tandem cell power‐conversion efficiencies of up to 22.7% obtained from J–V measurements and steady‐state efficiencies of up to 22.0% during maximum power point tracking. Thanks to its low lateral conductivity, the nanocrystalline silicon recombination junction enables upscaling of monolithic perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem cells, resulting in a 12.96 cm2 monolithic tandem cell with a steady‐state efficiency of 18%.
High Energy Density Sodium‐Ion Battery with Industrially Feasible and Air‐Stable O3‐Type Layered Oxide Cathode
Authors: Deng Jianqiu , Luo Wen‐Bin , Lu Xiao , Yao Qingrong , Wang Zhongmin , Liu Hua‐Kun , Zhou Huaiying , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: October 2017

Extensive effort is being made into cathode materials for sodium‐ion battery to address several fatal issues, which restrict their future application in practical sodium‐ion full cell system, such as their unsatisfactory initial Coulombic efficiency, inherent deficiency of cyclable sodium content, and poor industrial feasibility. A novel air‐stable O3‐type Na[Li0.05Mn0.50Ni0.30Cu0.10Mg0.05]O2 is synthesized by a coprecipitation method suitable for mass production followed by high‐temperature annealing. The microscale secondary particle, consisting of numerous primary nanocrystals, can efficiently facilitate sodium‐ion transport due to the short diffusion distance, and this cathode material also has inherent advantages for practical application because of its superior physical properties. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 172 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and remarkable capacity retention of 70.4% after 1000 cycles at 20 C. More importantly, it offers good compatibility with pristine hard carbon as anode in the sodium‐ion full cell system, delivering a high energy density of up to 215 W h kg−1 at 0.1 C and good rate performance. Owing to the high industrial feasibility of the synthesis process, good compatibility with pristine hard carbon anode, and excellent electrochemical performance, it can be considered as a promising active material to promote progress toward sodium‐ion battery commercialization.
Dental microwear textural analysis as an analytical tool to depict individual traits and reconstruct the diet of a primate
Authors: Percher Alice M. , Merceron Gildas , Nsi Akoue Gontran , Galbany Jordi , Romero Alejandro , Charpentier Marie JE
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Dental microwear is a promising tool to reconstruct animals' diet because it reflects the interplay between the enamel surface and the food items recently consumed. This study examines the sources of inter‐individual variations in dietary habits in a free‐ranging population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) using a combination of feeding monitoring and in vivo dental microwear textural analysis (DMTA).

Methods

We investigated the impact of seasonality and individual traits on four DMTA parameters. In parallel, we further studied the influence of the physical properties of the food items consumed on these four parameters, using three proxies (mechanical properties, estimates of phytolith and external grit contents).

Results

We found that seasonality, age, and sex all impact DMTA parameters but those results differ depending on the facet analyzed (crushing vs. shearing facets). Three DMTA parameters (anisotropy, complexity, and heterogeneity of complexity) appear sensitive to seasonal variations and anisotropy also differs between the sexes while textural fill volume tends to vary with age. Moreover, the physical properties of the food items consumed vary seasonally and also differ depending on individual sex and age.

Conclusion

Considering the interplay between the tested variables and both dental microwear and diet, we reaffirm that food physical properties play a major role in microwear variations. These results suggest that DMTA parameters may provide valuable hints for paleoecological reconstruction using fragmentary fossil dental remains.
In Situ Spatial Complementation of Aptamer‐Mediated Recognition Enables Live‐Cell Imaging of Native RNA Transcripts in Real Time
Authors: Wang Zejun , Luo Yao , Xie Xiaodong , Hu Xingjie , Song Haiyun , Zhao Yun , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Glinsky Gennadi , Chen Nan , Lal Ratnesh , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2017

Direct cellular imaging of the localization and dynamics of biomolecules helps to understand their function and reveals novel mechanisms at the single‐cell resolution. In contrast to routine fluorescent‐protein‐based protein imaging, technology for RNA imaging remains less well explored because of the lack of enabling technology. Herein, we report the development of an aptamer‐initiated fluorescence complementation (AiFC) method for RNA imaging by engineering a green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐mimicking turn‐on RNA aptamer, Broccoli, into two split fragments that could tandemly bind to target mRNA. When genetically encoded in cells, endogenous mRNA molecules recruited Split‐Broccoli and brought the two fragments into spatial proximity, which formed a fluorophore‐binding site in situ and turned on fluorescence. Significantly, we demonstrated the use of AiFC for high‐contrast and real‐time imaging of endogenous RNA molecules in living mammalian cells. We envision wide application and practical utility of this enabling technology to in vivo single‐cell visualization and mechanistic analysis of macromolecular interactions.
“On‐Droplet” Chemistry: The Cycloaddition of Diethyl Azodicarboxylate and Quadricyclane
Authors: Bain Ryan M. , Sathyamoorthi Shyam , Zare Richard N.
Published: October 2017

Sharpless and co‐workers previously studied the [2σ+2σ+2π] cycloaddition of diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) and quadricyclane and reported that the addition of water to the neat reagents caused an acceleration in the reaction rate, giving birth to what has been called “on‐water” chemistry. We have examined the same reaction in aqueous microdroplets (ca. 5 μm diameter) and find that the cycloaddition reaction is accelerated even further (by a factor of 102) compared to that of the “on‐water” reaction reported previously. The trends of acceleration in solvents other than water demonstrated by Sharpless and colleagues were replicated in the corresponding microdroplet experiments. We also find that DEAD reacts with itself to form a variety of hydrazine carboxylates and intercept intermediates of this reaction in microdroplets to validate a mechanism proposed herein. We suggest that “on‐droplet” chemistry, similar to “on‐water” chemistry, may be a general process of synthetic interest.
Hydrogen Peroxide Insular Dodecameric and Pentameric Clusters in Peroxosolvate Structures
Authors: Grishanov Dmitry A. , Navasardyan Mger A. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Lev Ovadia , Prikhodchenko Petr V. , Churakov Andrei V.
Published: October 2017

Peroxosolvates of 2‐aminonicotinic acid (I) and lidocaine N‐oxide (II) including the largest insular hydrogen peroxide clusters were isolated and their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. An unprecedented dodecameric hydrogen peroxide insular cluster was found in I. An unusual cross‐like pentameric cluster was observed in the structure of II. The topology of the (H2O2)12 assembly was never observed for small‐molecule clusters. In I and II new double and triple cross‐orientational disorders of H2O2 were found. Cluster II is the first example of a peroxosolvate crystal structure containing H2O2 molecules with a homoleptic hydrogen peroxide environment. In II, a hydrogen bond between an H2O2 molecule and a peptide group ‐CONH⋅⋅⋅O2H2 was observed for the first time.
Combining Charge‐Transfer Pathways to Achieve Unique Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for High‐Performance Solution‐Processed, Non‐doped Blue OLEDs
Authors: Chen Xu‐Lin , Jia Ji‐Hui , Yu Rongmin , Liao Jian‐Zhen , Yang Ming‐Xue , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: October 2017

Two efficient blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence compounds, B‐oCz and B‐oTC, composed of ortho‐donor (D)–acceptor (A) arrangement were designed and synthesized. The significant intramolecular D–A interactions induce a combined charge transfer pathway and thus achieve small ΔEST and high efficiencies. The concentration quenching can be effectively inhibited in films of these compounds. The blue non‐doped organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on B‐oTC prepared from solution processes shows record‐high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.1 %.
Flexible Zirconium MOFs as Bromine‐Nanocontainers for Bromination Reactions under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Pang Jiandong , Yuan Shuai , Du Dongying , Lollar Christina , Zhang Liangliang , Wu Mingyan , Yuan Daqiang , Zhou Hong‐Cai , Hong Maochun
Published: October 2017

A series of flexible MOFs (PCN‐605, PCN‐606, and PCN‐700) are synthesized and applied to reversible bromine encapsulation and release. The chemical stability of these Zr‐MOFs ensures the framework's integrity during the bromine adsorption, while the framework's flexibility allows for structural adaptation upon bromine uptake to afford stronger host–guest interactions and therefore higher bromine adsorption capacities. The flexible MOFs act as bromine‐nanocontainers which elongate the storage time of volatile halides under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the bromine pre‐adsorbed flexible MOFs can be used as generic bromine sources for bromination reactions giving improved yields and selectivities under ambient conditions when compared with liquid bromine.
Universal one‐pot, one‐step synthesis of core–shell nanocomposites with self‐assembled tannic acid shell and their antibacterial and catalytic activities
Authors: Fang Yan , Tan Jiajun , Lan Tian , Foo Stanley Guo Feng , Pyun Do Gi , Lim Sierin , Kim Dong‐Hwan
Published: October 2017

Facile synthesis of metal@polymer nanocomposites were achieved using self‐assembled tannic acid (TA) shells without crosslinkers. The TA shell was assembled under mildly alkaline conditions in reaction time of 20 min under constant vortexing. Universal synthesis method was demonstrated by the synthesis of Ag@TA and Au@TA nanocomposites. We propose that the shell formation is due to TA undergoing oxidative self‐polymerization to poly(tannic acid) or a supramolecular aggregate of oxidized TA held together by charge transfer, hydrogen bond, and π–π interactions, similar to dopamine polymerization. Gibbs free energy calculations suggest that polymerization is energetically favorable. Synthesized Ag@TA exhibited antibacterial functionality with Escherichia coli minimum inhibitory concentration of 100 µg mL−1 up to 48 h. The population of E. coli was also reduced by 99% within 5 h when incubated with 100 µg mL−1 of Ag@TA nanocomposite. Au@TA also functions as a reduction catalyst. It reduces 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4 with a rate constant of k = 0.63 min−1 μmol−1. For comparison, using Au nanoparticles yields a rate constant of 0.14 min−1 μmol−1. The ease of synthesis renders the nanocomposites superior to others, with potential for large‐scale application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45829.
Familial Mediterranean Fever and Incidence of Cancer
Authors: Brenner Ronen , Ben‐Zvi Ilan , Shinar Yael , Liphshitz Irena , Silverman Barbara , Peled Nir , Levy Carmit , Ben‐Chetrit Eldad , Livneh Avi , Kivity Shaye
Published: October 2017

Objective

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease manifested as recurrent serosal inflammation. An association between FMF and malignancy has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to estimate cancer risk in a large cohort of FMF patients from a single institution.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 8,534 FMF patients registered at the National FMF Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel. We linked the study cohort to the database of the Israel National Cancer Registry using the national identity number. Cancer incidence in FMF patients was determined and then stratified by age and sex. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for cancers were calculated.

Results

Among 8,534 FMF patients (4,400 men, 4,134 women), 350 developed cancer during the years 1970–2011. The overall cancer risk among patients with FMF was significantly lower than was expected in specific sex and ethnic groups of the Israeli population: for males of Jewish ethnicity, SIR 0.66 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.55–0.77), P < 0.001; for females of Jewish ethnicity, SIR 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.86), P < 0.001; and for males of Arab ethnicity, SIR 0.34 (95% CI 0.07–0.99), P = 0.024.

Conclusion

FMF patients have a significantly lower incidence of cancer than the general population of Israel. This pattern was demonstrated in 2 ethnic populations: Jewish and Arab. We speculate that the lower cancer incidence could be attributed to a direct physiologic effect of FMF or to its treatment.
Arterial Inflammation Detected With 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Geraldino‐Pardilla Laura , Zartoshti Afshin , Bag Ozbek Ayse , Giles Jon T. , Weinberg Richard , Kinkhabwala Mona , Bokhari Sabahat , Bathon Joan M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

In addition to traditional risk factors, excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is attributed to enhanced vascular and/or systemic inflammation. In several small studies using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG–PET/CT) to directly assess vascular inflammation, FDG uptake was higher in RA patients than in controls. Using a substantially larger sample of RA patients, we sought to identify RA disease characteristics independently associated with vascular FDG uptake.

Methods

RA patients underwent cardiac FDG‐PET/CT, with aortic inflammation assessed by quantification of FDG uptake in the ascending aorta, calculated as the mean and maximum (max) standardized uptake value (SUV) of the entire ascending aorta and of its most diseased segment (SUV MDS). Univariate and multivariable regression models were constructed to model the associations of patient characteristics with aortic FDG uptake.

Results

Ninety‐one RA patients were scanned. In multivariable models, in addition to the independent associations of hypertension and body mass index with increased aortic FDG uptake, the prevalence of rheumatoid nodules correlated with the SUV mean and SUV MDS mean measures, while anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies correlated inversely with these measures and with the SUV max and SUV MDS max (P < 0.05). A significant association of RA disease activity with aortic FDG uptake was observed but was restricted to anti‐CCP seropositivity.

Conclusion

Traditional CV risk factors and RA disease characteristics (rheumatoid nodules and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level in anti‐CCP antibody–positive individuals) were independently associated with ascending aortic FDG uptake in RA patients without clinical CVD.
Green and Efficient Processing of Cinnamomum cassia Bark by Using Ionic Liquids: Extraction of Essential Oil and Construction of UV‐Resistant Composite Films from Residual Biomass
Authors: Mehta Mohit J. , Kumar Arvind
Published: October 2017

There is significant interest in the development of a sustainable and integrated process for the extraction of essential oils and separation of biopolymers by using novel and efficient solvent systems. Herein, cassia essential oil enriched in coumarin is extracted from Cinnamomum cassia bark by using a protic ionic liquid (IL), ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), through dissolution and the creation of a biphasic system with the help of diethyl ether. The process has been perfected, in terms of higher biomass dissolution ability and essential oil yield through the addition of aprotic ILs (based on the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium (C4mim) cation and chloride or acetate anions) to EAN. After extraction of oil, cellulose‐rich material and free lignin were regenerated from biomass–IL solutions by using a 1:1 mixture of acetone–water. The purity of the extracted essential oil and biopolymers were ascertained by means of FTIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and GC‐MS techniques. Because lignin contains UV‐blocking chromophores, the oil‐free residual lignocellulosic material has been directly utilized to construct UV‐light‐resistant composite materials in conjunction with the biopolymer chitosan. Composite material thus obtained was processed to form biodegradable films, which were characterized for mechanical and optical properties. The films showed excellent UV‐light resistance and mechanical properties, thereby making it a material suitable for packaging and light‐sensitive applications.
Event‐Triggered Consensus of Nonlinear Multi‐Agent Systems with Unknown External Disturbance
Authors: Dong Tao , Wang Aijuan
Published: October 2017

This paper addresses the consensus problem of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unknown external disturbance. First, a distributed observer is proposed to estimate the state and unknown disturbance of each agent simultaneously. Then, a novel event‐triggered control scheme based on the agent state estimation and disturbance estimation is proposed. Unlike the existing strategies, our event‐triggered conditions depend on agent state estimation and disturbance estimation, which are more effective and practical. Under this observer and control strategy, some sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the consensus of the multi‐agent system with unknown external disturbance. Moreover, the Zeno‐behavior of triggering time sequences is also excluded. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Hierarchical imputation of systematically and sporadically missing data: An approximate Bayesian approach using chained equations
Authors: Jolani Shahab
Published: October 2017

In health and medical sciences, multiple imputation (MI) is now becoming popular to obtain valid inferences in the presence of missing data. However, MI of clustered data such as multicenter studies and individual participant data meta‐analysis requires advanced imputation routines that preserve the hierarchical structure of data. In clustered data, a specific challenge is the presence of systematically missing data, when a variable is completely missing in some clusters, and sporadically missing data, when it is partly missing in some clusters. Unfortunately, little is known about how to perform MI when both types of missing data occur simultaneously. We develop a new class of hierarchical imputation approach based on chained equations methodology that simultaneously imputes systematically and sporadically missing data while allowing for arbitrary patterns of missingness among them. Here, we use a random effect imputation model and adopt a simplification over fully Bayesian techniques such as Gibbs sampler to directly obtain draws of parameters within each step of the chained equations. We justify through theoretical arguments and extensive simulation studies that the proposed imputation methodology has good statistical properties in terms of bias and coverage rates of parameter estimates. An illustration is given in a case study with eight individual participant datasets.
Randomized feasibility trial of high-intensity interval training before elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Tew G A , Batterham A M , Colling K , Gray J , Kerr K , Kothmann E , Nawaz S , Weston M , Yates D , Danjoux G
Published: October 2017

Background

This study assessed the feasibility of a preoperative high-intensity interval training (HIT) programme in patients awaiting elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods

In this feasibility trial, participants were allocated by minimization to preoperative HIT or usual care. Patients in the HIT group were offered three exercise sessions per week for 4 weeks, and weekly maintenance sessions if surgery was delayed. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes were: rates of screening, eligibility, recruitment, retention, outcome completion, adverse events and adherence to exercise. Data on exercise enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, PACES), cardiorespiratory fitness (anaerobic threshold and peak oxygen uptake), quality of life, postoperative morbidity and mortality, duration of hospital stay and healthcare utilization were also collected.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were allocated to HIT and 26 to usual care (controls). Screening, eligibility, recruitment, retention and outcome completion rates were 100 per cent (556 of 556), 43·2 per cent (240 of 556), 22·1 per cent (53 of 240), 91 per cent (48 of 53) and 79–92 per cent respectively. The overall exercise session attendance rate was 75·8 per cent (276 of 364), and the mean(s.d.) PACES score after the programme was 98(19) (‘enjoyable’); however, the intensity of exercise was generally lower than intended. The mean anaerobic threshold after exercise training (adjusted for baseline score and minimization variables) was 11·7 ml per kg per min in the exercise group and 11·4 ml per kg per min in controls (difference 0·3 (95 per cent c.i. –0·4 to 1·1) ml per kg per min). There were trivial-to-small differences in postoperative clinical and patient-reported outcomes between the exercise and control groups.

Conclusion

Despite the intensity of exercise being generally lower than intended, the findings support the feasibility and acceptability of both preoperative HIT and the trial procedures. A definitive trial is warranted. Registration number: ISRCTN09433624 (https://www.isrctn.com/).
A target and nontarget strategy for identification or characterization of the chemical ingredients in Chinese herb preparation Shuang‐Huang‐Lian oral liquid by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Xiang , Li Min , Yao Zhi‐Hong , Li Chang , Qiao Li‐Rui , Shen Xiu‐Yu , Yu Kate , Dai Yi , Yao Xin‐Sheng
Published: October 2017

A target and nontarget strategy based on in‐house chemical components library was developed for rapid and comprehensive analysis of complicated components from traditional Chinese medicine preparation Shuang‐Huang‐Lian oral liquid. The sample was analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry using generic acquisition parameters. Automated detection and data filtering were performed on the UNIFI™ software and the detected peaks were evaluated against an in‐house library. As a result, a total of 170 chemical components (110 target compounds and 60 nontarget ones) were identified or tentatively characterized, including 54 flavonoids, 30 phenylethanoid glycosides, 16 iridoid glycosides, 14 lignans, 32 organic acids, 19 triterpenoid saponins and five other types of compounds. Among them, 44 compounds were further confirmed by comparison with reference standards. It was demonstrated that this systematical approach could be successfully applied for rapid identification of multiple compounds in traditional Chinese medicine and its preparations. Furthermore, this work established the foundation for the further investigation on the metabolic fates of multiple ingredients in Shuang‐Huang‐Lian oral liquid.