bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Approach toward Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with High Volumetric Energy Density
Authors: Pang Quan , Liang Xiao , Kwok Chun Yuen , Kulisch Joern , Nazar Linda F.
Published: November 2016

A comprehensive approach is reported to construct stable and high volumetric energy density lithium–sulfur batteries, by coupling a multifunctional and hierarchically structured sulfur composite with an in‐situ cross‐linked binder. Through a combination of first‐principles calculations and experimental studies, it is demonstrated that a hybrid sulfur host composed by alternately stacking graphene and layered graphitic carbon nitride embraces high electronic conductivity as well as high polysulfide adsorptivity. It is further shown that the cross‐linked elastomeric binder empowers the hierarchical sulfur composites—multi‐microns in size—with the ability to form crack‐free and compact high‐loading electrodes using traditional slurry processing. Using this approach, electrodes with up to 14.9 mg cm−2 sulfur loading and an extremely low electrolyte/sulfur ratio as low as 3.5: 1 µL mg−1 are obtained. This study sheds light on the essential role of multifaceted cathode design and further on the challenges facing lithium metal anodes in building high volumetric energy density lithium–sulfur batteries.
High‐Performance Thermomagnetic Generators Based on Heusler Alloy Films
Authors: Gueltig Marcel , Wendler Frank , Ossmer Hinnerk , Ohtsuka Makoto , Miki Hiroyuki , Takagi Toshiyuki , Kohl Manfred
Published: November 2016

Recent developments on Heusler alloys including Ni–Mn–X and Ni–Co–Mn–X (X = Ga, In, Sn,…) demonstrate multiferroic phase transformations with large abrupt changes in lattice parameters of several percent and corresponding abrupt changes in ferromagnetic ordering near the transition temperatures. These materials enable a new generation of thermomagnetic generators that convert heat to electricity within a small temperature difference below 5 K. While thermodynamic calculations on this energy conversion method predict a power density normalized to material volume of up to 300 mW cm−3, experimental results have been in the range of µW cm−3. Challenges are related to the development of materials with bulk‐like single‐crystal properties as well as geometries with large surface‐to‐volume ratio for rapid heat exchange. This study demonstrates efficient thermomagnetic generation via resonant actuation of freely movable thin‐film devices of the Heusler alloy Ni–Mn–Ga with unprecedented power density of 118 mW cm−3 that compares favorably with the best thermoelectric generators. Due to the large temperature‐dependent change of magnetization of the films, a periodic temperature change of only 3 K is required for operation. The duration of thermomagnetic duty cycle is only about 12 ms, which matches with the period of oscillatory motion.
The association of low birth weight with serum C reactive protein in 3‐year‐old children living in Cuba: A population‐based prospective study
Authors: Josefina Venero‐Fernández Silvia , Fundora‐Hernández Hermes , Batista‐Gutierrez Lourdes , Suárez‐Medina Ramón , de la C. Mora‐Faife Esperanza , García‐García Gladys , del Valle‐Infante Ileana , Gómez‐Marrero Liem , Britton John , Fogarty Andrew W. ,   HINASIC (Historia Natural de la Sibilancia en Cuba/Natural History of Wheezing in Cuba) Study Group
Published: November 2016

Objective

Low birthweight is associated with a decreased risk of childhood leukemia and an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality in adult life. Possible biological mediators include systemic innate immunity and inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that birthweight was inversely associated with serum high sensitivity C reactive protein assay (hsCRP), a measure of both innate immunity and systemic inflammation.

Methods

Data on birthweight and current anthropometric measures along with a range of exposures were collected at 1 and 3 years of age in a population‐based cohort study of young children living in Havana, Cuba. A total of 986 children aged 3‐years‐old provided blood samples that were analyzed for serum hsCRP levels.

Results

Nearly 49% of children had detectable hsCRP levels in their serum. Lower birthweight was linearly associated with the natural log of hsCRP levels (beta coefficient −0.70 mg L−1 per kg increase in birthweight, 95% CI: −1.34 to −0.06). This was attenuated but still present after adjustment for the child's sex and municipality (−0.65 mg L−1 per kg birthweight; 95% CI: −1.38 to +0.08). There were no associations between growth from birth or anthropometric measures at 3 years and systemic inflammation.

Conclusions

Birthweight was inversely associated with serum hsCRP levels in children aged 3 years living in Cuba. These observations provide a potential mechanism that is present at the age of 3 years to explain the association between low birthweight and both decreased childhood leukemia and increased cardiovascular disease in adults.
Somatic overgrowth disorders of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway & therapeutic strategies
Authors: Keppler‐Noreuil Kim M. , Parker Victoria E.R. , Darling Thomas N. , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A.
Published: November 2016

The phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays an essential role in regulation of normal cell growth, metabolism, and survival. Somatic activating mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are among the most common mutations identified in cancer, and have been shown to cause a spectrum of overgrowth syndromes including PIK3CA‐Related Overgrowth Spectrum, Proteus syndrome, and brain overgrowth conditions. Clinical findings in these disorders may be isolated or multiple, including sporadic or mosaic overgrowth (adipose, skeletal, muscle, brain, vascular, or lymphatic), and skin abnormalities (including epidermal nevi, hyper‐, and hypopigmented lesions), and have the potential risk of tumorigenesis. Key negative regulators of the PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway include PTEN and TSC1/TSC2 and germline loss‐of function mutations of these genes are established to cause PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Mosaic forms of these conditions lead to increased activation of PI3K and mTOR at affected sites and there is phenotypic overlap between these conditions. All are associated with significant morbidity with limited options for treatment other than symptomatic therapies and surgeries. As dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been implicated in cancer, several small molecule inhibitors targeting different components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway are under clinical investigation. The development of these therapies brings closer the prospect of targeting treatment for somatic PI3K/AKT/mTOR‐related overgrowth syndromes. This review describes the clinical findings, gene function and pathogenesis of these mosaic overgrowth syndromes, and presents existing and future treatment strategies to reduce or prevent associated complications of these disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ambroxol effects in glucocerebrosidase and α‐synuclein transgenic mice
Authors: Migdalska‐Richards Anna , Daly Liam , Bezard Erwan , Schapira Anthony H. V.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Gaucher disease is caused by mutations in the glucocerebrosidase 1 gene that result in deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Both homozygous and heterozygous glucocerebrosidase 1 mutations confer an increased risk for developing Parkinson disease. Current estimates indicate that 10 to 25% of Parkinson patients carry glucocerebrosidase 1 mutations. Ambroxol is a small molecule chaperone that has been shown to increase glucocerebrosidase activity in vitro. This study investigated the effect of ambroxol treatment on glucocerebrosidase activity and on α‐synuclein and phosphorylated α‐synuclein protein levels in mice.

Methods

Mice were treated with ambroxol for 12 days. After the treatment, glucocerebrosidase activity was measured in the mouse brain lysates. The brain lysates were also analyzed for α‐synuclein and phosphorylated α‐synuclein protein levels.

Results

Ambroxol treatment resulted in increased brain glucocerebrosidase activity in (1) wild‐type mice, (2) transgenic mice expressing the heterozygous L444P mutation in the murine glucocerebrosidase 1 gene, and (3) transgenic mice overexpressing human α‐synuclein. Furthermore, in the mice overexpressing human α‐synuclein, ambroxol treatment decreased both α‐synuclein and phosphorylated α‐synuclein protein levels.

Interpretation

Our work supports the proposition that ambroxol should be further investigated as a potential novel disease‐modifying therapy for treatment of Parkinson disease and neuronopathic Gaucher disease to increase glucocerebrosidase activity and decrease α‐synuclein and phosphorylated α‐synuclein protein levels. Ann Neurol 2016;80:766–775
MnO2/graphene oxide: A highly efficient catalyst for imine synthesis from alcohols and amines
Authors: Cheng Shengxian , Ma Xiaoxia , Hu Yongke , Li Bindong
Published: November 2016

α‐MnO2 nanocrystals supported on graphene oxide (α‐MnO2/GO) was prepared through a soft chemical route and evaluated for the first time as a novel, eco‐friendly and efficient catalyst in the coupling reaction of alcohols and amines to imines. The well‐organized α‐MnO2/GO was characterized using various techniques. The results show that MnO2 nanocrystals are highly dispersed on the GO sheets and interconnected with each other, leading to large available surface area, which greatly enhances the catalytic performance of conventional MnO2. Under mild conditions, the catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and selectivity with O2 serving as terminal oxidant. Various imines can be smoothly obtained in good to excellent yield. Importantly, the catalyst is easily recovered and can be reused six times with no significant loss of activity.
Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon‐Encapsulated MoO2 Nanobelts as a High‐Capacity and Stable Host for Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Tan Xianjun , Cui Chuanfeng , Wu Shiqun , Qiu Bocheng , Wang Lingzhi , Zhang Jinlong
Published: November 2016

N‐doped mesoporous carbon‐capped MoO2 nanobelts (designated as MoO2@NC) were synthesized and applied to lithium‐ion storage. Owing to the stable core–shell structural framework and conductive mesoporous carbon matrix, the as‐prepared MoO2@NC shows a high specific capacity of around 700 mA h g−1 at a current of 0.5 A g−1, excellent cycling stability up to 100 cycles, and superior rate performance. The N‐doped mesoporous carbon can greatly improve the conductivity and provide uninhibited conducting pathways for fast charge transfer and transport. Moreover, the core–shell structure improved the structural integrity, leading to a high stability during the cycling process. All of these merits make the MoO2@NC to be a suitable and promising material for lithium ion battery.
Combined effect of pulsed electromagnetic field and sound wave on In vitro and In vivo neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Choi Yun‐Kyong , Urnukhsaikhan Enerelt , Yoon Hee‐Hoon , Seo Young‐Kwon , Cho Hyunjin , Jeong Jong‐Seob , Kim Soo‐Chan , Park Jung‐Keug
Published: November 2016

Biophysical wave stimulus has been used as an effective tool to promote cellular maturation and differentiation in the construction of engineered tissue. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and sound waves have been selected as effective stimuli that can promote neural differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of PEMFs and sound waves on the neural differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM–MSCs). In vitro, neural‐related genes in hBM–MSCs were accelerated by the combined exposure to both waves more than by individual exposure to PEMFs or sound waves. The combined wave also up‐regulated the expression of neural and synaptic‐related proteins in a three‐dimensional (3‐D) culture system through the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐related kinase. In a mouse model of photochemically induced ischemia, exposure to the combined wave reduced the infarction volume and improved post‐injury behavioral activity. These results indicate that a combined stimulus of biophysical waves, PEMFs and sound can enhance and possibly affect the differentiation of MSCs into neural cells. Our study is meaningful for highlighting the potential of combined wave for neurogenic effects and providing new therapeutic approaches for neural cell therapy. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:201–211, 2017
Impact of pectin esterification on the antimicrobial activity of nisin‐loaded pectin particles
Authors: Krivorotova Tatjana , Staneviciene Ramune , Luksa Juliana , Serviene Elena , Sereikaite Jolanta
Published: November 2016

The relationship between pectin structure and the antimicrobial activity of nisin‐loaded pectin particles was examined. The antimicrobial activity of five different nisin‐loaded pectin particles, i.e., nisin‐loaded high methoxyl pectin, low methoxyl pectin, pectic acid, dodecyl pectin with 5.4 and 25% degree of substitution were tested in the pH range of 4.0–7.0 by agar‐diffusion assay and agar plate count methods. It was found that the degree of esterification of carboxyl group of galacturonic acid in pectin molecule is important for the antimicrobial activity of nisin‐loaded pectin particles. Nisin‐loaded particles prepared using pectic acid or the pectin with low degree of esterification exhibit higher antimicrobial activity than nisin‐loaded high methoxyl pectin particles. Pectins with free carboxyl groups or of low degree of esterification are the most suitable for particles preparation. Moreover, nisin‐loaded pectin particles were active at close to neutral or neutral pH values. Therefore, they could be effectively applied for food preservation. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:245–251, 2017
Secondary primary malignancies during the lenalidomide–dexamethasone regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Kotchetkov Rouslan , Masih‐Khan Esther , Chu Chia‐Min , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Chen Christine , Kukreti Vishal , Trudel Suzanne , Tiedemann Rodger , Reece Donna E.
Published: November 2016

Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone (Len‐dex) represents a highly effective treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. However, an increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs), including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has been described in patients receiving lenalidomide. In order to assess the incidence and features of this complication, we reviewed 195 patients with RRMM treated with Len‐dex at our institution. The median follow‐up time from diagnosis of MM was 73 months (10–234 months) and from initiation of Len‐dex was 19 months (1–104 months). The median duration of Len‐dex for all patients was 7.8 months (range 1–90 months). The incidence rate (IR) for all SPMs from start of Len‐dex was 2.37 per 100 patient‐years, which reflected an IR of 1.29 for MDS/AML and 1.08 for nonhematologic malignancies (NHM). MDS was the most common SPM noted. The cumulative IR of SPM at 5 years was 1.54% from the time of MM diagnosis and 5.24% from starting Len‐dex. Multivariable cumulative incidence of SPM analysis identified older age (P = 0.005) and prior number of regimens (P = 0.026) as adverse risk factors. We found more concomitant G‐CSF use (P = 0.029) in patients with MDS/AML, however, causal association is not clear. The progression‐free survival after Len‐dex was the longest for patients in MDS/AML group, and the 5‐year overall survival did not differ among groups. Although the rate of SPM was relatively low with Len‐dex, concomitant G‐CSF should be used judiciously and patients receiving this regimen should be observed for the development of this complication.
Butanal Condensation Chemistry Catalyzed by Brønsted Acid Sites on Polyoxometalate Clusters
Authors: Yang Yifei , Lin Fan , Tran Honghi , Chin Ya‐Huei (Cathy)
Published: November 2016

The connection of active site structures and their catalytic chemistry during butanal deoxygenation on polyoxometalate clusters with varying H+ site densities and identity of central atoms [HxNa4−xSiW12O40 (x=0–4) and HyNa3−yPW12O40 (y=0–3)] was established with rate assessment, IR spectroscopic, and chemical titration methods. Butanal adsorbs on the H+ or Na+ ions on polyoxometalate clusters and forms RC=O⋅⋅⋅H+ or RC=O⋅⋅⋅Na+ complexes at 348 K. A portion of the adsorbed butanals on the H+ sites converts to surface acetates through their reactions with vicinal framework oxygen atoms, as confirmed from the detection of νas(OCO) band at approximately 1580 cm−1, and remains as the spectator species. Bimolecular reactions of butanals on the remaining H+ sites lead to 2‐ethyl‐2‐hexenal as the predominant products, within which a small fraction undergoes sequential cyclization–dehydration to produce aromatics. A trace amount of butanal converts through minor, competitive pathways that form light olefins and dienes. These findings on the connection between active sites and their catalytic chemistry provide mechanistic insights useful for tuning the rates of the various concomitant paths and thus yields towards the different products during deoxygenation reactions.
Fabrication of High‐Performance Aqueous Li‐Ion Hybrid Capacitor with LiMn2O4 and Graphene
Authors: Pazhamalai Parthiban , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Sudhakaran M. S. P. , Kim Sang Jae
Published: November 2016

In this study, we fabricated an aqueous Li‐ion hybrid capacitor (LHC) by using LiMn2O4 and sonochemically reduced graphene as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The X‐ray diffraction pattern and Raman analyses were performed to identify the phase, crystallinity, and bonding nature of the prepared LiMn2O4 and sonochemically reduced graphene. Electrochemical characterization, such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, for the LiMn2O4 and graphene was performed by using a three‐electrode configuration. Furthermore, asymmetric LiMn2O4∥graphene LHC was fabricated and tested for its device performance. The galvanostatic charge‐discharge analysis shows that the fabricated LiMn2O4∥graphene LHC device delivered a high specific capacitance of 59.45 F g−1 at a constant discharge current density of 0.4 A g−1 with a better coulombic efficiency of 97.9 %. The LiMn2O4∥graphene LHC device delivered a high specific energy of 39.96 Wh kg−1 at a power of 440 W kg−1 with better capacitance retention of 90.24 % even after 1000 cycles.
Electrodeposition of Ni/Ni(OH)2 Catalytic Films for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Produced by using Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Yuan Hao , Lunt Richard R. , Thompson Joseph I. , Ofoli Robert Y.
Published: November 2016

Effective artificial photosynthesis to produce hydrogen from water requires active, earth‐abundant, and low‐cost electrocatalysts. In this Communication, we present a novel electrodeposition method to produce Ni/Ni(OH)2 catalytic films in situ on conductive surfaces. The new method involves two cycles of cyclic voltammetry, and produces a catalytic film with a surface morphology consisting of a monolayer of firmly packed walnut‐shaped particles. It has superior catalytic activity compared to catalysts produced through traditional electrodeposition methods under constant current density. The method is a simpler and more cost‐effective way to fabricate highly effective hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts, creating large numbers of Ni(OH)2/Ni interfaces that shift the catalyst's performance significantly towards that of platinum.
Novel Ternary Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(lactic acid) from Sustainable Sources
Authors: Osada Irene , Hosseini S. Milad , Jeong Sangsik , Passerini Stefano
Published: November 2016

In search of energy storage solutions, polymer electrolytes are particularly interesting, owing to their high intrinsic safety. We show for the first time a lithium metal polymer battery working with a polymer electrolyte based on poly(lactic acid), exhibiting a remarkably low charge‐transfer resistance. This polymer is produced from lactic acid, which can be obtained from waste and renewable sources. Thus, a significant fraction of fossil‐based raw materials could be eliminated from the production of battery components. By incorporation of the ionic liquid N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethane‐sulfonyl) imide (Pyr14TFSI), fully amorphous, solvent‐free, very low‐volatile solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are obtained, which are shown to be thermally and electrochemically stable electrolytes in lithium metal polymer batteries. A lithium metal polymer battery with a composite lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode was successfully cycled with this electrolyte, showing its potential for applications. We conclude that alternatives to the benchmark poly(ethylene oxide), like ionic liquid plasticized polyester, are worthy of attention because of the low charge‐transfer resistance with lithium metal.
Diagnostics of calibration methods: model adequacy of UV‐based determinations
Authors: Erzengin Ömer Utku , Aktaş A. Hakan
Published: November 2016

Models such as ordinary least squares, independent component analysis, principle component analysis, partial least squares, and artificial neural networks can be found in the calibration literature. Linear or nonlinear methods can be used to explain the structure of the same phenomenon. Each type of model has its own advantages with respect to the other. These methods are usually grouped taxonomically, but different models can sometimes be applied to the same data set. Taxonomically, ordinary least square and artificial neural network use completely different analytical procedures but are occasionally applied to the same data set. The aim of the study of methodological superiority is to compare the residuals of models because the model with the minimum error is preferred in real analyses. Calibration models, in general, are based on deterministic and stochastic parts; in other words, the data are equal to the model + the error. Explaining a model solely using statistics such as the coefficient of determination or its related significance values is sometimes inadequate. The errors of a model, also called its residuals, must have minimum variance compared to its alternatives. Additionally, the residuals must be unpredictable, uncorrelated, and symmetric. Under these conditions, the model can be considered adequate. In this study, calibration methods were applied to the raw materials, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride hydrochloride, of a drug, as well as a sample of the drug tablet. The applied chemical procedure was fast, simple, and reproducible. The various linear and nonlinear calibration methods mentioned above were applied, and the adequacy of the calibration methods was compared according to their residuals.
Decarboxylation as the Key Step in C−C Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Patra Tuhin , Maiti Debabrata
Published: November 2016

C−C bond forming reactions incarnate the core of organic synthesis because of their fundamental applications to molecular diversity and complexity. In recent years, use of carboxylic acid as one of the coupling partners in place of conventional organometallic reagents has seen an upsurge due to its potency to generate similar organometallic intermediates after decarboxylation. This Review provides an overview on the most recent progress in the field of C−C bond formation involving decarboxylation as a key step. Different important developments, which are not included in earlier Reviews in this area, have been summarized with representative examples and discussions on their reaction mechanisms.
An atlas‐ and data‐driven approach to initializing reaction‐diffusion systems in computer cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Hoogendoorn Corné , Sebastian Rafael , Rodriguez José Félix , Lekadir Karim , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: November 2016

The cardiac electrophysiology (EP) problem is governed by a nonlinear anisotropic reaction‐diffusion system with a very rapidly varying reaction term associated with the transmembrane cell current. The nonlinearity associated with the cell models requires a stabilization process before any simulation is performed. More importantly, when used in a 3‐dimensional (3D) anatomy, it is not sufficient to perform this stabilization on the basis of isolated cells only, since the coupling of the different cells through the tissue greatly modulates the dynamics of the system. Therefore, stabilization of the system must be performed on the entire 3D model. This work develops a novel procedure for the initialization of reaction‐diffusion systems for numerical simulations of cardiac EP from steady‐state conditions. We exploit surface point correspondence to establish volumetric point correspondence. Upon introduction of a new 3D anatomy with surface point correspondence, a prediction of the cell model steady states is derived from the set of earlier biophysical simulations. We show that the prediction error is typically less than 10% for all model variables, with most variables showing even greater accuracy. When initializing simulations with the predicted model states, it is demonstrated that simulation times can be cut by at least two‐thirds and potentially more, which saves hours or days of high‐performance computing. Overall, these results increase the clinical applicability of detailed computational EP studies on personalized anatomies.
Aerosol transport throughout inspiration and expiration in the pulmonary airways
Authors: Oakes Jessica M. , Shadden Shawn C. , Grandmont Céline , Vignon‐Clementel Irene E.
Published: November 2016

Little is known about transport throughout the respiration cycle in the conducting airways. It is challenging to appropriately describe the time‐dependent number of particles entering back into the model during exhalation. Modeling the entire lung is not feasible; therefore, multidomain methods must be used. Here, we present a new framework that is designed to simulate particles throughout the respiration cycle, incorporating realistic airway geometry and respiration. This framework is applied for a healthy rat lung exposed to  ∼ 1μm diameter particles, chosen to facilitate parameterization and validation. The flow field is calculated in the conducting airways (3D domain) by solving the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations with experimentally derived boundary conditions. Particles are tracked throughout inspiration by solving a modified Maxey‐Riley equation. Next, we pass the time‐dependent particle concentrations exiting the 3D model to the 1D volume conservation and advection‐diffusion models (1D domain). Once the 1D models are solved, we prescribe the time‐dependent number of particles entering back into the 3D airways to again solve for 3D transport. The coupled simulations highlight that about twice as many particles deposit during inhalation compared to exhalation for the entire lung. In contrast to inhalation, where most particles deposit at the bifurcation zones, particles deposit relatively uniformly on the gravitationally dependent side of the 3D airways during exhalation. Strong agreement to previously collected regional experimental data is shown, as the 1D models account for lobe‐dependent morphology. This framework may be applied to investigate dosimetry in other species and pathological lungs.
A Simple and Low‐Cost Procedure for Growing Geobacter sulfurreducens Cell Cultures and Biofilms in Bioelectrochemical Systems
Authors: O'Brien J. Patrick , Malvankar Nikhil S.
Published: November 2016

Anaerobic microorganisms play a central role in several environmental processes and regulate global biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and minerals. Many anaerobic microorganisms are important for the production of bioenergy and biofuels. However, the major hurdle in studying anaerobic microorganisms in the laboratory is the requirement for sophisticated and expensive gassing stations and glove boxes to create and maintain the anaerobic environment. This appendix presents a simple design for a gassing station that can be used readily by an inexperienced investigator for cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms. In addition, this appendix also details the low‐cost assembly of bioelectrochemical systems and outlines a simplified procedure for cultivating and analyzing bacterial cell cultures and biofilms that produce electric current, using Geobacter sulfurreducens as a model organism. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Electrolyte for Reversible Cycling of Sodium Metal and Intercalation Compounds
Authors: Schafzahl Lukas , Hanzu Ilie , Wilkening Martin , Freunberger Stefan A.
Published: November 2016

Na battery chemistries show poor passivation behavior of low voltage Na storage compounds and Na metal with organic carbonate‐based electrolytes adopted from Li‐ion batteries. Therefore, a suitable electrolyte remains a major challenge for establishing Na batteries. Here we report highly concentrated sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI) in dimethoxyethane (DME) electrolytes and investigate them for Na metal and hard carbon anodes and intercalation cathodes. For a DME/NaFSI ratio of 2, a stable passivation of anode materials was found owing to the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface, which was characterized spectroscopically. This permitted non‐dentritic Na metal cycling with approximately 98 % coulombic efficiency as shown for up to 300 cycles. The NaFSI/DME electrolyte may enable Na‐metal anodes and allows for more reliable assessment of electrode materials in Na‐ion half‐cells, as is demonstrated by comparing half‐cell cycling of hard carbon anodes and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes with a widely used carbonate and the NaFSI/DME electrolyte.
A physical unclonable function based on a 2‐transistor subthreshold voltage divider
Authors: De Rose Raffaele , Crupi Felice , Lanuzza Marco , Albano Domenico
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a compact circuit solution for silicon‐based static physical unclonable functions (PUFs) is presented. The proposed solution exploits the variability of a simple voltage divider, implemented by two identical series‐connected nMOSFETs in a commercial 65‐nm CMOS process, to generate a random and stable nanokey. Both the transistors are biased in the subthreshold regime to enhance the output voltage dispersion and consequently the variability of the PUF response. The bit key generation is obtained by comparing the analog outputs of a pair of voltage dividers. Monte Carlo simulations on 10,000 samples have been performed to deduce the design guidelines for transistor sizing aimed at ensuring a high robustness of the PUF response against noise, supply voltage, and temperature variations. When compared with some state‐of‐the‐art PUF designs, the proposed circuit solution proves to be a promising and competitive candidate for implementing analog and static PUFs featuring small area occupancy, low‐power features, and high reliability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Template attacks exploiting static power and application to CMOS lightweight crypto‐hardware
Authors: Bellizia Davide , Djukanovic Milena , Scotti Giuseppe , Trifiletti Alessandro
Published: November 2016

A new class of template attacks aiming at recovering the secret key of a cryptographic core from measurements of its static power consumption is presented in this paper. These attacks exploit the dependence of the static current of Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor Integrated Circuits on the input vector and the maximum likelihood decision rule as a statistical distinguisher. In the proposed Template Attacks Exploiting Static Power (TAESP), we take advantage of the temperature dependence of static currents in order to build a new multivariate approach able to extract relevant information from cryptographic devices. As a validation case study, we consider the PRESENT‐80 block cypher algorithm and its implementation on a 40 nm Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor process. Monte Carlo and corner simulations at transistor level are used to show the effectiveness of the TAESP in the presence of die‐to‐die and intra‐die process variations. A real attack scenario is then built by adding Gaussian noise to current samples extracted from transistor‐level simulations. The univariate TAESP in which just one temperature is considered to build the templates is compared against the multivariate TAESP in which measurements at different controlled temperatures are exploited. This comparison shows that using just a few different temperatures to build multivariate templates allows to strongly increase the effectiveness of the attack. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 0.7 V, 2.7 μW, 12.9 ppm/° C over 180° C CMOS subthreshold voltage reference
Authors: Andreou Charalambos M. , Georgiou Julius
Published: November 2016

An all‐CMOS, low‐power, wide‐temperature‐range, curvature‐compensated voltage reference is presented. The proposed topology achieves a measured temperature coefficient of 12.9 ppm/°C for a wide temperature range of 180°C ( − 60 to 120°C) at a bias voltage of 0.7 V while consuming a mere 2.7 μW. The high‐order curvature compensation, which leads to a low‐temperature sensitivity of the reference voltage, is performed using a new, simple, but efficient methodology. The non‐linearities of an N‐type metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (NMOS) device operated in subthreshold are combined with the non‐linearities of two different kinds of polysilicon resistors, leading to the improved performance. The extended temperature range of this voltage reference gives it an important competitive advantage, especially at lower temperatures, where prior art designs' performance deteriorate abruptly. In addition, it utilizes an innovative trimming methodology whereby two trimmable resistors enable the tuning of both the overall slope and non‐linearities of the temperature sensitivity. The design was fabricated using TowerJazz Semiconductor's CMOS 0.18 μm technology, without using diodes or any external components such as compensating capacitors. It has an area of 0.023 mm2 and is suitable for high‐performance power‐aware applications as well as applications operating in extreme temperatures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved generalized spatial modulation via antenna selection
Authors: Pillay Narushan , Xu Hongjun
Published: November 2016

When a high spectral efficiency is needed, the cost of Euclidean distance‐based antenna selection for spatial modulation (EDAS‐SM) in terms of hardware, size, and computational complexity is significantly increased because of the large transmit antenna array required. In comparison, generalized spatial modulation (GSM) can match the spectral efficiency of EDAS‐SM, while using significantly fewer transmit antenna elements. However, the error performance of GSM is naturally limited because of the use of a predetermined and fixed set of transmit antenna combinations. By exploiting knowledge of the channel, the optimal set of transmit antenna combinations can be selected by maximizing the minimum Euclidean distance between transmit vectors. In this paper, an adaptive scheme for selection of the optimal set of transmit antenna combinations is proposed to improve the reliability of GSM. The computational overhead of the said scheme is relatively high; hence, a low‐complexity suboptimal scheme for selection of the set of transmit antenna combinations is further proposed. The improved GSM schemes address the spectral efficiency limitation of EDAS‐SM, while demonstrating superior error performance.
Restructure, reframe DS offices by implementing disability studies concepts
Authors: LoGiudice Joseph A.
Published: November 2016

The majority of postsecondary disability services offices in the United States operate under the values, assumptions, and knowledge gleaned from both disability laws and the medical model. Although some disability services directors have restructured their offices to serve the role of disability consultants by providing resources to their universities, the traditional philosophies on policy, procedures, and services are still rooted in medicalization. The ideas in this article derive from much contemplation and reading on disability studies, and I share them in the hopes of offering guidance to postsecondary disability services offices to adopt concepts from disability studies.
Learners with ADHD: Concerns and coping mechanisms in the clinic
Authors: Brown‐Weissmann Zoe , Carli Allison
Published: November 2016

ADHD often manifests as distractibility, lack of awareness of surroundings, inadequate organizational skills, and the inability to adapt to the new routines. This is especially difficult when trying to manage the responsibilities of a fast‐paced and challenging health science curriculum. Unmanaged ADHD symptoms can also lead to concern over professionalism (e.g., tardiness, keeping appointments, missing deadlines, and the inability to focus on the task). The aforementioned cognitive activities require excellent executive functioning and are essential for medical and other health science learners in the clinic.
UC may eliminate noncompliant free content
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2016

The University of California, Berkeley may eliminate free online content, including resources used for massive open online courses hosted on edX, YouTube, and iTunes University, rather than comply with mandates from the U.S. Justice Department to make the content accessible for students with disabilities. The content in question, which was found to be out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, is available completely free and for the general public. According to a statement issued by Cathy Koshland, vice chancellor for undergraduate education, on behalf of the university, “The department's findings do not implicate the accessibility of educational opportunities provided to our enrolled students.”
Warming mediates the relationship between plant nutritional properties and herbivore functional responses
Authors: Xu Meng , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Ricciardi Anthony , Fang Miao , Zhang Canyu , Gu Dangen , Mu Xidong , Luo Du , Wei Hui , Hu Yinchang
Published: November 2016

Quantifying the per capita effects of invasive alien species is crucial for assessing their ecological impact. A major challenge to risk assessment of invasive species was to understand the factors that cause per capita effects to vary in different ecological contexts, particularly in a warming world. By conducting functional response experiments, we estimated the per capita effects (attack rate and maximum feeding rate) of an invasive herbivorous snail,Pomacea canaliculata, toward ten host plant species. We tested whether variation in these effects is related to plant nutritional and physical properties (total N and dry matter content (DMC)) and examined how increasing temperature can shift these relationships. We observed stronger per capita effects (i.e., higher attack rate and maximum feeding rate) by the snail on plants with higher total N, but no direct relationship was found withDMC. A significant interaction effect of total N andDMCon the attack rate indicated thatDMCprobably adjusted the feeding indirectly. Warmer temperatures reduced correlations between snail functional responses and host plant nutritional properties (total N) by increasing maximum feeding rate for plants of low nutrition, but there was no such effect on attack rates. However, given the nonreplacement design used in our study, the nonsignificant effect of temperature on the attack rate should be caveated. Our result suggests that characterizing the per capita effects of herbivores using functional responses can reveal the mechanisms by which climate change may alter herbivore–plant interactions and, thus, the ecological impacts of introduced herbivores.
Natural areas as a basis for assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change
Authors: H. Massie Margaret , Wilson Todd M. , Morzillo Anita T. , Henderson Emilie B.
Published: November 2016

There are more than 580 natural areas in Oregon and Washington managed by 20 federal, state, local, and private agencies and organizations. This natural areas network is unparalleled in its representation of the diverse ecosystems found in the Pacific Northwest, and could prove useful for monitoring long‐term ecological responses to climate change. Our objectives were to (1) evaluate potential effects of climate change on these natural areas and (2) develop strategies for selecting and prioritizing sites for long‐term monitoring. Bioclimatic and Random Forest modeling were used to identify subsets of natural areas to prioritize for long‐term monitoring efforts based on the current and projected (2020s, 2050s, 2080s) outputs from 13 future climate models. Projection consensus suggest some of the largest effects of climate change on natural areas may be the result of a substantial range increase in suitable climate for warmer‐adapted forest types coupled with a reduction in habitat for cooler‐adapted forest types. We identify four strategies that could be used for prioritizing sites and help manage and protect biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest, especially given uncertainty over climate change effects.
Dual Catalysis for the Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols – Nitric Acid and Fluorinated Alcohol
Authors: Možina Štefan , Stavber Stojan , Iskra Jernej
Published: November 2016

Benzyl alcohols were oxidized with oxygen to aldehydes in excellent yields with high selectivities at room temperature. Dual catalysis was operative with HNO3 as the oxidant and precursor of the nitrogen oxides and with the use of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol as a template catalyst and solvent. Fluorinated alcohols also increased the selectivity by inhibiting further oxidation to benzoic acids. Activation of nitric acid catalyzed aerobic oxidation by the fluorinated solvent made the use of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) or a metal catalyst superfluous.
Conversion of Cyclohexanones to Alkyl Aryl Ethers by Using a Pd/C–Ethylene System
Authors: El‐Deeb Ibrahim Yussif , Tian Miaomiao , Funakoshi Tatsuya , Matsubara Ryosuke , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: November 2016

The conversion of cyclohexanone and substituted cyclohexanones into alkyl aryl ethers by using a Pd/C–ethylene system is discussed, with ethylene functioning as a hydrogen acceptor. The ether products are easily transformed into the corresponding phenols by treatment with BBr3. The direct conversion of cyclohexenone into phenol in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd/C under an ethylene atmosphere is also described.
Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Paracetamol, Codeine and Caffeine on Diamond‐like Carbon Porous Electrodes
Authors: Silva Tiago Almeida , Zanin Hudson , Corat Evaldo José , Fatibello‐Filho Orlando
Published: November 2016

A porous electrode material combining the features of vertically aligned multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (VAMWCNT) and diamond‐like carbon films (DLC) have been developed for a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor. For working electrode preparation, DLC has been grown onto VAMWCNT, forming a porous, conductive and stable composite. The electrochemical performance of this DLC:VAMWCNT electrode has been investigated toward detection and analysis of three well‐known molecules, namely paracetamol, codeine and caffeine. A ternary mixture of these analytes was simultaneously determined under optimum experimental conditions using square‐wave voltammetry. Wide linear concentration ranges and the limits of detection of 3.34×10−7 mol L−1, 1.57×10−7 mol L−1 and 3.67×10−7 mol L−1 were obtained for paracetamol, codeine and caffeine, respectively. We conclude that the proposed voltammetric method and the DLC:VAMWCNT electrode comprise a reliable methodology for simultaneous determination of paracetamol, codeine and caffeine in biological matrix samples.
Experimental characterization, design and modelling of the RBRL seismic‐isolation system for lightweight structures
Authors: Donà Marco , Muhr Alan Hugh , Tecchio Giovanni , da Porto Francesca
Published: November 2016

The Rolling‐Ball Rubber‐Layer (RBRL) system was developed to enable seismic isolation of lightweight structures, such as special equipment or works of art, and is very versatile, a great range of equivalent natural frequencies and coefficients of damping being achievable through choice of the system parameters.

The necessity to have a simple and effective design procedure has led to a new parametric experimentation at Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) on the rolling behaviour of the RBRL system and load–deflection behaviour of the recentering springs. The experimental results, together with theories for the rolling resistance of a loaded steel ball on a thin rubber layer and the lateral load–deflection behaviour of cylindrical rubber springs, are used to develop a general design method for the RBRL system, which allows the system to be tailored to the specific application.

Sinusoidal test results are presented for the small‐deflection behaviour of the system, influenced by the presence of a viscoelastic depression on the rubber tracks beneath each ball, and an amplitude‐dependent time‐domain model is proposed, based on these results and on the steady‐state behaviour of the system. The model is validated through comparison with previously performed shaking‐table tests. Attention is here restricted to uniaxial behaviour. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure simulation of shear‐critical RC columns with non‐ductile detailing under lateral load
Authors: Lucchini Andrea , Franchin Paolo , Kunnath Sashi
Published: November 2016

Reinforced concrete columns with non‐ductile detailing typically exhibit a softening behavior characterized by severe degradation when subjected to cyclic lateral loads. Whether the response is brittle or ductile, shear failure occurs with an inclined through crack along which sliding occurs coupled with loss of horizontal and vertical load‐bearing capacity of the member. The rapid loss of resistance after the peak strength is reached is because of one or more of the following local failure mechanisms: brittle failure of poorly confined concrete; buckling of longitudinal reinforcing bars because of lack of adequate transverse reinforcement or following opening of stirrups after spalling of cover concrete; bond failure. In this study, a modeling strategy to build a detailed 3D finite element model capable of capturing all of the above‐mentioned local failure mechanisms is presented. In particular, a steel–concrete interface model for representing the interaction within the member between concrete core, cover and longitudinal and transverse reinforcement is proposed. Comparison with results of an experimental test of a shear‐sensitive column demonstrates the effectiveness of the simulation up to failure of the element. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.