bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of the 3-dimensional wind and sonic temperature data from a sonic anemometer physically deformed away from manufacture geometrical settings
Authors: Zhou Xinhua , Yang Qinghua , Zhen Xiaojie , Li Yubin , Hao Guanghua , Shen Hui , Gao Tian , Sun Yirong , Zheng Ning
Published: June 2018

Abstract. A sonic anemometer (sonic) reports 3-dimensional wind and sonic temperature (Ts) by measuring the time of ultrasonic signals flying along each of its three sonic paths whose geometry of lengths and angles in the sonic coordinate system was precisely determined through production calibrations and was embedded into the sonic’s firmware. If the sonic path geometry is deformed, although correctly measuring the time, the sonic continues to use its embedded geometry data for internal computations, resulting in incorrect data. However, if the geometry is re-measured (i.e. recalibrated) to update sonic firmware, the sonic can resume reporting correct data. In some cases, where immediate recalibration is not possible, a deformed sonic can be used because ultrasonic signal-flying time is still correctly measured. For example, transportation of a sonic to Antarctica in 2015 resulted in a geometrically deformed sonic. Immediate deployment was critical, so the deformed sonic had been used until a replacement arrived in 2016. To recover data from this deformed sonic, equations and algorithms were developed and implemented into the post-processing software to recover wind data with/without transducer shadow correction and Ts data with crosswind correction. Using two geometric datasets, production calibration and recalibration, post-processing recovered the wind and Ts data from May 2015 to January 2016. The recovery reduced the difference of 9.60 to 8.93 °C between measured and calculated Ts to 0.81 to −0.45 °C, which is within the expected range due to normal measurement errors. The recovered data were further processed to derive fluxes. Since such data reacquisition is time-consuming and expensive, this data recovery approach is a cost-effective and time-saving option applicable to similar cases. The equation development can be a reference to the studies on related topics.
How concave are river channels?
Authors: Mudd Simon M. , Clubb Fiona J. , Gailleton Boris , Hurst Martin D.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. For over a century, geomorphologists have attempted to unravel information
about landscape evolution, and processes that drive it, using river profiles.
Many studies have combined new topographic datasets with theoretical models
of channel incision to infer erosion rates, identify rock types with
different resistance to erosion, and detect potential regions of tectonic
activity. The most common metric used to analyse river profile geometry is
channel steepness, or ks. However, the calculation of channel
steepness requires the normalisation of channel gradient by drainage area.
This normalisation requires a power law exponent that is referred to as the
channel concavity index. Despite the concavity index being crucial in
determining channel steepness, it is challenging to constrain. In this
contribution, we compare both slope–area methods for calculating the
concavity index and methods based on integrating drainage area along the
length of the channel, using so-called “chi” (χ) analysis. We present
a new χ-based method which directly compares χ values of tributary
nodes to those on the main stem; this method allows us to constrain the
concavity index in transient landscapes without assuming a linear
relationship between χ and elevation. Patterns of the concavity index
have been linked to the ratio of the area and slope exponents of the stream
power incision model (m∕n); we therefore construct simple numerical models
obeying detachment-limited stream power and test the different methods
against simulations with imposed m and n. We find that χ-based
methods are better than slope–area methods at reproducing imposed m∕n
ratios when our numerical landscapes are subject to either transient uplift
or spatially varying uplift and fluvial erodibility. We also test our methods
on several real landscapes, including sites with both lithological and
structural heterogeneity, to provide examples of the methods' performance and
limitations. These methods are made available in a new software package so
that other workers can explore how the concavity index varies
across diverse landscapes, with the aim to improve our understanding of the
physics behind bedrock channel incision.
The Brazilian Earth System Model version 2.5: Evaluation of its CMIP5 historical simulation
Authors: Veiga Sandro F. , Nobre Paulo , Giarolla Emanuel , Capistrano Vinicius , Baptista Jr. Manoel , Marquez André L. , Figueroa Silvio Nilo , Bonatti José Paulo , Kubota Paulo , Nobre Carlos A.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The performance of the coupled ocean-atmosphere component of the Brazilian Earth System Model version 2.5 (BESM-OA2.5) simulating the historical period 1850–2005 is evaluated. Following climate model validation procedure, in which the atmospheric and oceanic main variabilities are validated against observation and Reanalysis datasets, the evaluation particularly focuses the mean climate state and the most important large-scale climate variability patterns simulated in the historical run, which is forced by observed greenhouse gas concentration. The most significant upgrades in the model’s components are also presented briefly. BESM-OA2.5 is able to reproduce the most important large-scale variabilities, particularly over the Atlantic (e.g. the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Atlantic Meridional Mode and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation) and the extratropical modes that occur in both hemispheres. The model's ability in simulating large-scale variabilities indicates its usefulness for seasonal climate prediction and climate change studies.
A parsimonious transport model of emerging contaminants at the
river network scale
Authors: Diamantini Elena , Bellin Alberto
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Waters released from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a relevant source of pharmaceuticals and personal care products to the aquatic environment, since many of them are not effectively removed by the treatment system. The consumption of these products increased in the last decades and concerns have consequently risen about their possible adverse effects on the freshwater ecosystem. In this study, we present a simple, yet effective, analytical model of transport of contaminants released in surface waters by WWTPs. Transport of dissolved species is modeled by solving the Advection-Dispersion-Reaction Equation (ADRE) along the river network by using a Lagrangian approach. We applied this model to concentration data of five pharmaceuticals: diclofenac, ketoprofen, clarithromycin, sulfamethoxazole and irbesartan collected in two field campaigns, conducted in February and July 2015, in the Adige river, North-East of Italy. The model showed a good agreement with measurements and the successive application at the monthly time scale highlighted significant variations of the load due to the interplay between streamflow seasonality and variation of the anthropogenic pressure, chiefly due to the variability of touristic fluxes. Since the data required by the model are widely available, our model is suitable to large-scale applications.
Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Banking Profitabilty
Authors: Lutf Lutfullah , Omarkhil Hafizullah
Published: June 2018

This study comparatively focuses on the impact of macroeconomic determinants and the internal indicators on bank performance. It comparatively evaluates the differential effects of macroeconomic variables and bank specific variables. Thus, considering five-five banks from each system, a comparative performance investigation between conventional & Islamic banks is the aim of this paper. To determine the short-run and long-run impact of these factors, co-integration & general to specific approach are adopted. This study also considers bank specific and macroeconomic variables in two separate models (Return on Assets and Return on Equity). Our objective is to find whether or not Islamic banks are performing well in the country as compared to their conventional counterparts. The results indicate that in the long run, Gross Domestic Product, and inflation, is positively related to performance, while Interest rate has no effect on the performance of banking sector in Pakistan. Similarly, bank size, capital adequacy, expenses, interest income and non-interest income are the bank related factors that significantly influence the performance of financial sector.
Case report of acquired hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with progression of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)
Authors: Liu Li , Contis Lydia C , Palmer Octavia Melvina
Published: June 2018

Background: Acquired hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive hyperinflammatory syndrome. Without prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, it can be life-threatening. HLH is commonly present in the setting of other autoimmune disorders, infection, organ transplantation, and malignancy.  However, to our knowledge, HLH associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) has not been reported.Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman with an extensive history of MGUS and renal transplant presented with progressive fatigue, weight loss, intermittent fevers, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation identified a new monoclonal protein IgG lambda and a rapidly increasing pre-existing free kappa light chain. A bone marrow biopsy revealed focal clusters of kappa restricted plasma cells which comprised less than 10\% of marrow cellularity. Skeletal survey was negative for osteolytic lesions. She was also free of any end-organ damage.  Histological examination showed a prominent increase in histiocytes and macrophages, many of which show erythrophagocytosis and lymphophagocytosis. Together with her clinical presentation along with a hyperferritinemia, a diagnosis of HLH was confirmed utilizing the criteria of the Histiocyte Society. The patient underwent a splenectomy. Prompt treatment with etoposide and high dose dexamethasone eventually stabilized the patient and resulted in a full recovery, which coincided with the disappearance of the serum monoclonal IgG lambda.Conclusions: This report reveals a novel association of HLH with the progression of MGUS. Familiarity with this syndrome and its association with other conditions is indicated to ensure prompt diagnosis and appropriate patient treatment.
The Impact of Organisational Factors on Organizational Commitment at the Arab Bank in Jordan
Authors: Al-khrabsheh Abdullah Abbas , Muttar Ahmed Kh. , Mahdi Omar Rabeea , Nassar Islam A. , AL-Bazaiah Sakher A.I
Published: June 2018

This study aims to examine the impact of emotional intelligence and job satisfaction on organisational commitment. Data are collected from sample of 102 employees working in the Arab Bank which is a one of the most important bank in Jordan. The multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that emotional intelligence and job satisfaction have strong and positive impacts on organizational commitment. Lastly, the implications of this study provided support for the scholars of organizational factors, particularly in banking sector.
Holistic Management Design for Adult
Authors: Hardoko Aloysius
Published: June 2018

This study aims at collecting data on adults’ knowledge and behaviour on environmental degradation, government’s programs in resolving environmental degradation, and alternative solution to resolve the environmental degradation through holistic management design for adults.Qualitative research using interview guidelines as a reference for the interview was implemented in order to collect data on the adults’ knowledge; sample cases of environmental degradation completed with photos and interview guidelines were used to collect gather adults’ behaviour (response) toward environmental degradation; interview guidelines were used as a reference for FGD to collect data on government programs which were implemented to resolve environmental degradaion after coal mining The alternative solution to resolve environmental degradation was the outcome of research and development conducted by Hardoko et al. in 2016 in different districts; however, these disricts shared similar problem characteristics since they are located in the same province of East Kalimantan.The location of this research is Berau District, East Kalimantan Province. The research respondents were 10 adults who were above 40 years old and lived around the coal mining site. The respondents of government programs were 4 staff from Mining and Energy Agency and Environment Agency. It applied the descriptive analysis and categorisation in tables which was interpreted. The adults’ average knowledge on environmental degradation was in the category of good; while their behaviour on it was in the category of sufficient. The government programs which were implemented to resolve environmental degradation were in form of material assistance; however, there was not any non formal program to alter adults’ behaviour from destructive behaviour to protective behaviour.This study found that the government programs were not suitable to resolve the environmental degradation in which behaviour was the root cause for the problems.. Having found this, a solution was offered in form of the knowledge and behaviour management design based on holistic approach for adult learning program as an alternative solution for government in solving environment problems after coal mining activities. The design is holistic because it includes knowledge, attitude, and behaviour aspect with contextual environment media which is covered in three stages of learning activities.This research has never been conducted before; particularly on the topic of adults knowledge and behaviour after mining in Berau District, East Kalimantan Province. The three stages of learning in the holistic management design for adults in solving the environmental degradation were the outcomes of the developed research conducted by Hardoko et al. 2016.
Collaborative Strategy for Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Alzaghoul Esra F. , Fakhouri Sandi N.
Published: June 2018

Grey wolf Optimizer (GWO) is one of the well known meta-heuristic algorithm for determining the minimum value among a set of values. In this paper, we proposed a novel optimization algorithm called collaborative strategy for grey wolf optimizer (CSGWO). This algorithm enhances the behaviour of GWO that enhances the search feature to search for more points in the search space, whereas more groups will search for the global minimal points. The algorithm has been tested on 23 well-known benchmark functions and the results are verified by comparing them with state of the art algorithms: Polar particle swarm optimizer, sine cosine Algorithm (SCA), multi-verse optimizer (MVO), supernova optimizer as well as particle swarm optimizer (PSO). The results show that the proposed algorithm enhanced GWO behaviour for reaching the best solution and showed competitive results that outperformed the compared meta-heuristics over the tested benchmarked functions.
Jerusalem as Caelum Caeli in Augustine
Authors: Boersma Gerald P. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

The city of Jerusalem is the focal point of Augustine’s exegesis of the Psalms of Ascent. In Enarratio in Psalmum 121, Augustine presents Jerusalem as a collective unity contemplating God’s being. The city is thoroughly established in peace and love and participates intimately in the divine life. The essential features of the Jerusalem described in Enarratio in Psalmum 121 align neatly with the created intellectual realm of contemplation (the caelum caeli) outlined in Confessiones Book 12. Both texts envisage a city that participates in the divine idipsum. This city is a creature so intimate with God’s being that its creaturely mutability is checked. Both texts articulate this created intellectual realm as participating in God’s eternity. In both cases, this participation is realized in contemplation: through the constancy of its vision, it is conformed to that which it sees. Finally, both the aeterna Ierusalem and the caelum caeli are a communion—in fact, a city—united in love. In Enarratio in Psalmum 121, Augustine urges his congregants to join themselves to this edifice that is still under construction; in the Confessiones, he presents himself as a pilgrim groaning and longing with desire to be part of the Jerusalem that is above, his mother and patria.
Automatic discovery of transferable patterns in protein-ligand interaction networks
Authors: Mrzic Aida , Van Rompaey Dries , Naulaerts Stefan , De Winter Hans , Vanden Berghe Wim , Meysman Pieter , Laukens Kris
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has been confronted with rising R&D costs paired with decreasing productivity. Attrition rates for new molecules are tremendous, with a substantial number of molecules failing in an advanced stage of development. Repositioning previously approved drugs for new indications can mitigate these issues by reducing both risk and cost of development. Computational methods have been developed to allow for the prediction of drug-target interactions, but it remains difficult to branch out into new areas of application where information is scarce.

Here, we present a proof-of-concept for discovering patterns in protein-ligand data using frequent itemset mining. Two key advantages of our method are the transferability of our patterns to different application domains and the facile interpretation of our recommendations. Starting from a set of known protein-ligand relationships, we identify patterns of molecular substructures and protein domains that lie at the basis of these interactions. We show that these same patterns also underpin metabolic pathways in humans. We further demonstrate how association rules mined from human protein-ligand interaction patterns can be used to predict antibiotics susceptible to bacterial resistance mechanisms.
Range of Ankle Dorsiflexion in a Group of Adults with Ligamentous Laxity
Authors: Benhamu-Benhamu Salomon , Garcia-de-la-Peña Raquel , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel , Jimenez-Cristino Maria Dolores , Gordillo-Fernández Luis M. , Dominguez-Maldonado Gabriel
Published: June 2018

Background:

Ligamentous or joint laxity is a clinical entity characterized by increased joint mobility beyond the range of motion regarded as normal, and joint mobility is an effective indicator of the degree of laxity. We examined the influence of ligamentous laxity on the range of ankle dorsiflexion with the knee flexed and extended, comparing lax adults with a control (nonlax) group.

Methods:

The sample comprised 400 individuals: 200 in the control group (mean ± SD age, 32.49 ± 11.06 years) and 200 in the lax group (mean ± SD age, 29.82 ± 9.40 years). The Beighton criteria were applied to each participant to diagnose laxity or nonlaxity, and sex, age, and angle range of bilateral dorsiflexion with the knee extended and flexed were recorded.

Results:

The mean ± SD dorsiflexion range with the knee straight was 16.14° ± 5.29° left ankle and 21.21° ± 4.93° right ankle in the lax group and 12.94° ± 4.17° left ankle and 17.08° ± 4.40° right ankle in the control group. The respective values with the knee flexed were 15.84° ± 5.31° and 21.21° ± 4.80° in the lax group and 12.95° ± 3.95 and 17.23° ± 4.25° in the control group.

Conclusions:

In this sample, ankle dorsiflexion range in the lax group was 4° bigger than that in the control group in both knee positions.
Angioleiomyoma of the Plantar Foot
Authors: Lepoff Ariel , Makarov Vyacheslav , Williams Marie
Published: June 2018

A 68-year-old man with a slow-growing lesion in the distal medial band of the plantar fascia of the left foot is presented. Clinical photographs, ultrasound and magnetic resonance images, histologic results, and immunochemical staining are disclosed. This case study presentation aims to highlight the importance of including angioleiomyoma in the differential diagnosis of plantar foot soft-tissue masses.
Mechano-redox control of integrin de-adhesion
Authors: Passam Freda , Chiu Joyce , Ju Lining , Pijning Aster , Jahan Zeenat , Mor-Cohen Ronit , Yeheskel Adva , Kolšek Katra , Thärichen Lena , Aponte-Santamaría Camilo , Gräter Frauke , Hogg Philip J
Published: June 2018

How proteins harness mechanical force to control function is a significant biological question. Here we describe a human cell surface receptor that couples ligand binding and force to trigger a chemical event which controls the adhesive properties of the receptor. Our studies of the secreted platelet oxidoreductase, ERp5, have revealed that it mediates release of fibrinogen from activated platelet αIIbβ3 integrin. Protein chemical studies show that ligand binding to extended αIIbβ3 integrin renders the βI-domain Cys177-Cys184 disulfide bond cleavable by ERp5. Fluid shear and force spectroscopy assays indicate that disulfide cleavage is enhanced by mechanical force. Cell adhesion assays and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that cleavage of the disulfide induces long-range allosteric effects within the βI-domain, mainly affecting the metal-binding sites, that results in release of fibrinogen. This coupling of ligand binding, force and redox events to control cell adhesion may be employed to regulate other protein-protein interactions.
H3.3K27M mutant proteins reprogram epigenome by sequestering the PRC2 complex to poised enhancers
Authors: Fang Dong , Gan Haiyun , Cheng Liang , Lee Jeong-Heon , Zhou Hui , Sarkaria Jann N , Daniels David J , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: June 2018

Expression of histone H3.3K27M mutant proteins in human diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) results in a global reduction of tri-methylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3), and paradoxically, H3K27me3 peaks remain at hundreds of genomic loci, a dichotomous change that lacks mechanistic insights. Here, we show that the PRC2 complex is sequestered at poised enhancers, but not at active promoters with high levels of H3.3K27M proteins, thereby contributing to the global reduction of H3K27me3. Moreover, the levels of H3.3K27M proteins are low at the retained H3K27me3 peaks and consequently having minimal effects on the PRC2 activity at these loci. H3K27me3-mediated silencing at specific tumor suppressor genes, including Wilms Tumor 1, promotes proliferation of DIPG cells. These results support a model in which the PRC2 complex is redistributed to poised enhancers in H3.3K27M mutant cells and contributes to tumorigenesis in part by locally enhancing H3K27me3, and hence silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
Synergistic assembly of human pre-spliceosomes across introns and exons
Authors: Braun Joerg E , Friedman Larry J , Gelles Jeff , Moore Melissa J
Published: June 2018

Most human genes contain multiple introns, necessitating mechanisms to effectively define exons and ensure their proper connection by spliceosomes. Human spliceosome assembly involves both cross-intron and cross-exon interactions, but how these work together is unclear. We examined in human nuclear extracts dynamic interactions of single pre-mRNA molecules with individual fluorescently tagged spliceosomal subcomplexes to investigate how cross-intron and cross-exon processes jointly promote pre-spliceosome assembly. U1 subcomplex bound to the 5' splice site of an intron acts jointly with U1 bound to the 5' splice site of the next intron to dramatically increase the rate and efficiency by which U2 subcomplex is recruited to the branch site/3' splice site of the upstream intron. The flanking 5' splice sites have greater than additive effects implying distinct mechanisms facilitating U2 recruitment. This synergy of 5' splice sites across introns and exons is likely important in promoting correct and efficient splicing of multi-intron pre-mRNAs.
High prevalence of Lynx rufus gammaherpesvirus 1 in wild Vermont bobcats
Authors: Loisel Dagan A. , Troyer Ryan M. , VandeWoude Sue
Published: June 2018

Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) are host specific DNA viruses that infect a large range of mammalian species. These viruses preferentially target host lymphocyte cell populations and infection may lead to morbidity or mortality in immunocompromised, co-infected, or non-adapted hosts. In this study, we tested for the presence of Lynx rufus gammaherpesvirus 1 (LruGHV1) in a northeastern United States population of wild bobcats (L. rufus). We estimated prevalence of infection and viral load in infected individuals using quantitative real-time PCR analysis of spleen DNA from 64 Vermont bobcats. We observed an overall prevalence of 64% using this methodology. Bobcat age was significantly positively associated with GHV infection status, and we noted a trend for higher viral loads in young animals, but prevalence and viral load were similar in male and female bobcats. A single LruGHV1 variant was identified from the sequencing of the viral glycoprotein B gene of Vermont bobcats. This gene sequence was 100% similar to that reported in Florida bobcats and slightly variant from other isolates identified in the Western USA. Our work suggests broad geographic distribution and high prevalence of LruGHV1 in bobcat populations across the United States with infection attributes that suggest horizontal transmission of the agent. Geographic differences in viral genotype may reflect historical migration and expansion events among bobcat populations.
Spatio-temporal evolution of water-related ecosystem services: Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Chen Junyu , Cui Tao , Wang Huimin , Liu Gang , Gilfedder Mat , Bai Yang
Published: June 2018

Water-related ecosystem services (WESs) arise from the interaction between water ecosystems and their surrounding terrestrial ecosystems. They are critical for human well-being as well as for the whole ecological circle. An urgent service-oriented reform for the utilization and supervision of WESs can assist in avoiding ecological risks and achieving a more sustainable development in the Taihu Basin, China (THB). Spatially distributed models allow the multiple impacts of land use/land cover conversion and climate variation on WESs to be estimated and visualized efficiently, and such models can form a useful component in the toolbox for integrated water ecosystem management. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model is used here to evaluate and visualize the spatio-temporal evolution of WESs in the THB from 2000 to 2010. Results indicate that water retention service experienced a decline from 2000 to 2005 with a recovery after 2005, while there was ongoing water scarcity in urban areas. Both the water purification service and the soil retention service underwent a slight decrease over the study period. Nutrients export mainly came from developed land and cultivated land, with the hilly areas in the south of the THB forming the primary area for soil loss. The quantity and distribution of WESs were impacted significantly by the shrinkage of cultivated land and the expansion of developed land. These findings will lay a foundation for a service-oriented management of WESs in the THB and support evidence-based decision making.
Aspects of the Chemical Energetics of the Hypervalent Benzene‐Based Organohalogen Halosyl, Halyl, and Perhalyl Species
Authors: Ponikvar‐Svet Maja , Liebman Joel F.
Published: June 2018

In this chapter, we discuss the chemical energetics of the hypervalent benzene‐based organohalogen halosyl, halyl, and perhalyl species in its broadest sense. Our discussion includes calorimetric measurements, ionization potentials, equilibrium constants, and electrochemical quantities such as redox potentials.
Alkynylations and Vinylations
Authors: Hari Durga Prasad , Nicolai Stefano , Waser Jerome
Published: June 2018

Alkynes and alkenes are important building blocks in synthetic organic chemistry and related domains. Therefore, unceasing efforts have been invested to develop new methods to introduce these valuable functional groups. Traditionally, most alkynylation and alkenylation reactions have relied on the use of olefins and acetylenes as nucleophilic reacting species, limiting the accessible structural diversity. The discovery of the unique properties of hypervalent iodine has more recently significantly broadened the scope of electrophilic ethynylation and vinylation reactions. Alkynyl and alkenyl iodonium salts were first recognized as powerful reagents to install electrophilic acetylenes and olefins onto nucleophilic substrates under mild conditions. Their low stability has, however, narrowed the area of their applications. Since 2009, more stable cyclic benziodoxol(on)e reagents have shown their superiority as effective electrophilic alkynylating and alkenylating reagents in numerous metal‐free and metal‐catalyzed olefination and ethynylation reactions of carbon‐centered nucleophiles, radicals, and heteroatom nucleophiles. In this chapter, an overview of the progress in the field is presented, including a short summary of pioneering works, followed by a more in‐depth description of recent results.
Microporous Polypyrrole‐Coated Graphene Foam for High‐Performance Multifunctional Sensors and Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Park Heun , Kim Jung Wook , Hong Soo Yeong , Lee Geumbee , Kim Dong Sik , Oh Ju hyun , Jin Sang Woo , Jeong Yu Ra , Oh Seung Yun , Yun Jun Yeong , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: June 2018

This study reports on the fabrication of pressure/temperature/strain sensors and all‐solid‐state flexible supercapacitors using only polydimethylsiloxane coated microporous polypyrrole/graphene foam composite (PDMS/PPy/GF) as a common material. A dual‐mode sensor is designed with PDMS/PPy/GF, which measures pressure and temperature with the changes of current and voltage, respectively, without interference to each other. The fabricated dual‐mode sensor shows high sensitivity, fast response/recovery, and high durability during 10 000 cycles of pressure loading. The pressure is estimated using the thermoelectric voltage induced by simultaneous increase in temperature caused by a finger touch on the sensor. Additionally, a resistor‐type strain sensor fabricated using the same PDMS/PPy/GF could detect the strain up to 50%. Flexible, high performance supercapacitor used as a power supply is fabricated with electrodes of PPy/GF for its high surface area and pseudocapacitance. Furthermore, an integrated system of such fabricated multifunctional sensors and a supercapacitor on a skin‐attachable flexible substrate using liquid–metal interconnections operates well, whereas sensors are driven by the power of the supercapacitor. This study clearly demonstrates that the appropriate choice of a single functional material enables fabrication of active multifunctional sensors for pressure, temperature, and strain, as well as the supercapacitor, that could be used in wirelessly powered wearable devices.
Iron Fluoride–Carbon Nanocomposite Nanofibers as Free‐Standing Cathodes for High‐Energy Lithium Batteries
Authors: Fu Wenbin , Zhao Enbo , Sun Zifei , Ren Xiaolei , Magasinski Alexandre , Yushin Gleb
Published: June 2018

The development of low‐cost, high‐energy cathodes from nontoxic, broadly available resources is a big challenge for the next‐generation rechargeable lithium or lithium‐ion batteries. As a promising alternative to traditional intercalation‐type chemistries, conversion‐type metal fluorides offer much higher theoretical capacity and energy density than conventional cathodes. Unfortunately, these still suffer from irreversible structural degradation and rapid capacity fading upon cycling. To address these challenges, here a versatile and effective strategy is harnessed for the development of metal fluoride–carbon (C) nanocomposite nanofibers as flexible, free‐standing cathodes. By taking iron trifluoride (FeF3) as a successful example, assembled FeF3–C/Li cells with a high reversible FeF3 capacity of 550 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 (three times that of traditional cathodes, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide) and excellent stability (400+ cycles with little‐to‐no degradation) are demonstrated. The promising characteristics can be attributed to the nanoconfinement of FeF3 nanoparticles, which minimizes the segregation of Fe and LiF upon cycling, the robustness of the electrically conductive C network and the prevention of undesirable reactions between the active material and the liquid electrolyte using the composite design and electrolyte selection.
Temperature‐Induced Stacking to Create Cu2O Concave Sphere for Light Trapping Capable of Ultrasensitive Single‐Particle Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Shang Yang , Lin Jie , Li Anran , Wang Xiaotian , Li Bin , Guo Lin
Published: June 2018

The fabrication of bowl or concave particles with “asymmetric centers” has drawn considerable attentions, in which multiple scattering occurs inside the particles and the ability of light scattering is distinctly enhanced. However, the limited variety of templates, the uncontrollable dimensions such as the size of concavity and the complex growth process have posed serious limitations to the reproducible construction of concave particles with desired geometries and their light‐trapping properties. Herein, a “temperature‐induced stacking” strategy is proposed to create controllable concavity Cu2O spheres for the first time. Different sizes of F68 micelles can be formed through aggregation under different reaction temperatures, which can serve as soft template to tailor concave geometries of Cu2O spheres. The as‐prepared Cu2O concave sphere (CS) can serve as single‐particle (SP) surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for highly repeatable and consistent Raman spectra. The unique cavity of Cu2O CS entraps light effectively, which also enhances the scattering length owing to multiple light scattering. Combined with slightly increased surface area and charge‐transfer process, Cu2O CS exhibits remarkable single‐particle SERS performance, with an ultralow low detection limit (2 × 10−8 mol L−1) and metal comparable enhancement factor (2.8 × 105).
Transmission‐Reflection‐Integrated Multifunctional Coding Metasurface for Full‐Space Controls of Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wu Rui Yuan , Bai Guo Dong , Wu Hao Tian , Ma Qian , Chen Xiao Qing , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2018

Digital coding metasurfaces are aimed at simplifying the design and optimization procedures, and manipulating electromagnetic waves in digital manner. In this paper, a multilayered anisotropic coding metasurface is designed to realize multiple independent functionalities by changing the polarization and direction of incident waves. As a proof of concept, the beam deflection, diffuse scattering, and vortex beam generation are realized by using only a single transmission‐reflection‐integrated (TRI) coding metasurface. This design can achieve three different functionalities and simultaneous controls of transmitted and reflected wavefronts on a shared aperture with the TRI coding scheme. Both numerical and measured results verify the excellent performance of the multifunctional digital coding metasurface, which provides a simple way to extend the functionality of high‐efficiency metadevices.
Order Mesoporous Carbon Spheres with Precise Tunable Large Pore Size by Encapsulated Self‐Activation Strategy
Authors: Du Juan , Liu Lei , Hu Zepeng , Yu Yifeng , Qin Yuming , Chen Aibing
Published: June 2018

Order mesoporous carbon spheres (O‐MCS) have wide applications in catalysis, absorption, and energy storage/conversion due to their ordered mesoporous channels, large surface areas, and quantum effects in the nanoscale. However, realizing a precise control of large mesoporous size still remains a big challenge. Herein, an encapsulated self‐activation strategy to prepare highly ordered mesoporous carbon spheres with precise tunable large pore sizes is first reported. The large mesopore size is achieved by encapsulating mesoporous polymer sphere in compact silica shell for pyrolysis process. Moreover, the self‐activation mechanism endows the O‐MCS high surface area, large mesoporous size, and pore volume. In addition, simply increasing the amount of silica precursor will enlarge the pore sizes of O‐MCS from 3.1 to 10.0 nm with increased specific surface area from 696 to 1186 m2 g−1. The large order mesoporous structure of O‐MCS, which can facilitate diffusion of guest molecules in the channels exhibit great advantage in the adsorption and electrochemical applications.
Ferromagnet/Superconductor Hybridization for Magnonic Applications
Authors: Golovchanskiy Igor A. , Abramov Nikolay N. , Stolyarov Vasily S. , Bolginov Vitaly V. , Ryazanov Valery V. , Golubov Alexander A. , Ustinov Alexey V.
Published: June 2018

In this work, a new hybridization of superconducting and ferromagnetic orders is demonstrated, promising for magnonics. By measuring the ferromagnetic and spin wave resonance absorption spectra of a magnetostatically coupled permalloy/niobium bilayer at different temperatures, magnetostatic spin wave resonances with unconventional dispersion are observed. The mechanism behind the modified dispersion, confirmed with micromagnetic simulations, implies screening of the alternating magnetostatic stray fields of precessing magnetic moments in the ferromagnetic layer by the superconducting surface in the Meissner state.
Compartmentalization within Self‐Assembled Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Tandem Reactions
Authors: Xu Zhiling , Xiao Gengwu , Li Hongfeng , Shen Yu , Zhang Jing , Pan Ting , Chen Xinyi , Zheng Bing , Wu Jiansheng , Li Sheng , Zhang Weina , Huang Wei , Huo Fengwei
Published: June 2018

Compartmentalization is an essential feature found in living cells to ensure multiple biological processes occur without being affected by undesired external influences. Here, compartmentalized systems are developed based on the self‐assembly of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles into multifunctional MOF capsules (MOF‐Cs). Such MOF‐Cs have the capability of controlling molecular transportation and protecting interior microenvironment, thus making tandem reaction along trajectories to desired products. First of all, MOF‐Cs present controlled molecular transportation derived from molecular sieving property of MOFs. Second, MOF‐Cs can protect the encapsulated cargoes from denaturation and maintain their catalytic activity. Third, MOF‐Cs can provide spatial segregation for incompatible species and facilitate communication between these compartments to perform tandem reactions. These compartmentalized structures offer new views in the transportation, microreactor, and biotechnology.
Metal Ion/Dendrimer Complexes with Tunable Work Functions in a Wide Range and Their Application as Electron‐ and Hole‐Transport Materials of Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Zhimeng , Li Bichen , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: June 2018

The work functions of electrodes can be modified by adding charge transport layers to have good energy level matching with the active materials for organic solar cells (OSCs). Usually, a certain material gives rise to one definite work function of an electrode. In this work it is demonstrated that complexes of poly(amido amine) (generation 3) (PAMAM) with Cu2+ can continuously tune the work function of indium tin oxide (ITO) in a range of 4–5 eV by controlling the ratio of Cu2+ to PAMAM. PAMAM can lower the work function of ITO from 4.60 to 4.07 eV, while Cu2+‐PAMAM can increase the work function. The work function increase depends on the Cu2+‐to‐PAMAM molar ratio, and the work function can be up to 4.96 eV. The Cu2+ effect is ascribed the Cu2+‐caused change in the dipole moment of PAMAM. Moreover, this method can be used to continuously modify the work function of other materials, including Ag, Au, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate, and reduced graphene oxide. In addition, PAMAM and Cu2+‐PAMAM are investigated as the charge collection buffer materials of non‐fullerene OSCs of poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione))]: 3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone))‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene). The power conversion efficiency can reach 9.2%, which is comparable to that using conventional charge transport materials.
Harness the Power of Upconversion Nanoparticles for Spectral Computed Tomography Diagnosis of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Jin Yingying , Ni Dalong , Gao Lu , Meng Xianfu , Lv Yi , Han Fang , Zhang Hua , Liu Yanyan , Yao Zhenwei , Feng Xiaoyuan , Bu Wenbo , Zhang Jiawen
Published: June 2018

Osteosarcoma, as the most common primary bone cancer, is difficult to make a differentiation between tumor with contrast agents (CAs) accumulation and healthy bones using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) since they both display high attenuation of X‐ray. Recently, an advanced CT form, gemstone spectral CT (GSCT), has received extensive attention due to its significant ability of material decomposition and monochromatic images, which can overcome the above disadvantages of conventional CT. Herein, the lutecium (Lu)‐based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, polyethylene glycol (PEG)–NaLuF4:Yb/Er), which possess great spectral CT performance over clinical used iohexol, is investigated as a novel kind of spectral CT CAs in the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that Lu‐based UCNPs provided much more diagnostic interpretation, and can successfully distinguish the osteosarcoma from the surround bones with GSCT while the iohexol fails due to the different X‐ray attenuation characteristics of UCNPs (i.e., lutecium) and iohexol (e.g., iodine) under different energy. As a proof of concept, the Lu‐based UCNPs with excellent biocompatibility hold great potential for further clinical diagnosis of skeletal system diseases.
Rationally Designed Self‐Assembling Nanoparticles to Overcome Mucus and Epithelium Transport Barriers for Oral Vaccines against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Zhang Yuandong , Li Haibo , Wang Qin , Hao Xinyan , Li Hanmei , Sun Heqiang , Han Lu , Zhang Zhirong , Zou Quanming , Sun Xun
Published: June 2018

Helicobacter pylori infection is strongly associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori is an increasingly serious threat to global public health. Although oral vaccination is considered to be a promising strategy for protection against H. pylori infection, the poor efficacy of oral vaccines remains a major challenge due to their poor ability to penetrate mucus and cross transepithelial absorption barriers. This study reports the development of a well‐designed nanoparticle that is electrostatically self‐assembled with antigen and cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP), and then coated with a “mucus‐inert” PEG derivative. The nanoparticles have hydrophilic and slightly negative surface properties, which confers excellent mucus‐penetrating ability. Studies demonstrate that the self‐assembled PEG derivatives gradually dissociate from the nanoparticles in mucus, exposing the CPP‐rich cores that are efficiently transepithelial transported via intracellular and paracellular pathways. Nanoparticles containing recombination urease subunit B, a candidate vaccine against H. pylori, significantly enhance systemic and mucosal antibody levels in mice, and these immune responses protect the animals from H. pylori challenge. These results suggest that the CPP‐rich PEGylated nanoparticles may be a powerful platform for building an oral vaccine to protect against gastrointestinal infection by recalcitrant H. pylori or/and other pathogenic microorganisms.
Nanorobots Constructed from Nanoclay: Using Nature to Create Self‐Propelled Autonomous Nanomachines
Authors: Maric Tijana , Mayorga‐Martinez Carmen C. , Khezri Bahareh , Nasir Muhammad Zafir Mohamad , Chia Xinyi , Pumera Martin
Published: June 2018

Self‐propelled, autonomous micro and nanomachines are at the forefront of current nanotechnology. These micro and nanodevices move actively to perform desired tasks, usually using chemical energy from their surrounding environment. Typically, these structures are fabricated via clean room or template‐based electrodeposition methodologies, which yield relatively low numbers of these devices. To utilize these machines in industrial‐scale operations, one would need an inexpensive fabrication route for mass production of nanomachines. The use of naturally occurring nanotubes, Halloysite nanoclay, to fabricate functional nanomotors in great quantities is demonstrated. These nanotubes can be mined in ton quantities and used as base for the fabrication of nanomachines. In addition, it is well known that the surface groups of Halloysite nanoclay bind strongly with heavy metals, which makes it potentially useful in environmental remediation.
Interplay of Structural and Optoelectronic Properties in Formamidinium Mixed Tin–Lead Triiodide Perovskites
Authors: Parrott Elizabeth S. , Green Thomas , Milot Rebecca L. , Johnston Michael B. , Snaith Henry J. , Herz Laura M.
Published: June 2018

Mixed lead–tin triiodide perovskites are promising absorber materials for low bandgap bottom cells in all‐perovskite tandem photovoltaic devices. Key structural and electronic properties of the FAPb1−xSnxI3 perovskite are presented here as a function of lead:tin content across the alloy series. Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence and optical absorption measurements are used to identify changes in the bandgap and phase transition temperature. The large bandgap bowing parameter, a crucial element for the attainment of low bandgaps in this system, is shown to depend on the structural phase, reaching a value of 0.84 eV in the low‐temperature phase and 0.73 eV at room temperature. The parabolic nature of the bowing at all temperatures is compatible with a mechanism arising from bond bending to accommodate the random placement of unevenly sized lead and tin ions. Charge‐carrier recombination dynamics are shown to fall into two regimes. Tin‐rich compositions exhibit fast, monoexponential recombination that is almost temperature‐independent, in accordance with high levels of electrical doping. Lead‐rich compositions show slower, stretched‐exponential charge‐carrier recombination that is strongly temperature‐dependent, in accordance with a multiphonon assisted process. These results highlight the importance of structure and composition for control of bandgap bowing and charge‐carrier recombination mechanisms in low bandgap absorbers for all‐perovskite tandem solar cells.