bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structurable Gel‐Polymer Electrolyte for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Jin Il , Choi Yunah , Chung Kyung Yoon , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: July 2017

In this work, a structurable gel‐polymer electrolyte (SGPE) with a controllable pore structure that is not destroyed after immersion in an electrolyte is produced via a simple nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. This study investigates how the regulation of the nonsolvent content affects the evolving nanomorphology of the composite separators and overcomes the drawbacks of conventional separators, such as glass fiber (GF), which has been widely used in sodium ion batteries (SIBs), through the regulation of pore size and gel‐polymer position. The interfacial resistance is reduced through selective positioning of a poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexa fluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) gel‐polymer with the aid of NIPS, which in turn enhances the compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode. In addition, the highly porous morphology of the GF/SGPE obtained via NIPS allows for the absorption of more liquid electrolyte. Thus, a greatly improved cell performance of the SIBs is observed when a tailored SGPE is incorporated into the GF separator through charge/discharge testing compared with the performance observed with pristine GF and conventional GF coated with PVdF‐HFP gel‐polymer.
All‐Layered 2D Optoelectronics: A High‐Performance UV–vis–NIR Broadband SnSe Photodetector with Bi2Te3 Topological Insulator Electrodes
Authors: Yao Jiandong , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yang Guowei
Published: July 2017

Nanoelectronics is in urgent demand of exceptional device architecture with ultrathin thickness below 10 nm and dangling‐bond‐free surface to break through current physical bottleneck and achieve new record of integration level. The advance in 2D van der Waals materials endows scientists with new accessibility. This study reports an all‐layered 2D Bi2Te3‐SnSe‐Bi2Te3 photodetector, and the broadband photoresponse of the device from ultraviolet (370 nm) to near‐infrared (808 nm) is demonstrated. In addition, the optimized responsivity reaches 5.5 A W−1, with the corresponding eternal quantum efficiency of 1833% and detectivity of 6 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W−1. These figures‐of‐merits are among the best values of the reported all‐layered 2D photodetectors, which are several orders of magnitude higher than those of the previous SnSe photodetectors. The superior device performance is attributed to the synergy of highly conductive surface state of Bi2Te3 topological insulator, perfect band alignment between Bi2Te3 and SnSe as well as small interface potential fluctuation. Meanwhile, the all‐layered 2D device is further constructed onto flexible mica substrate and its photoresponse is maintained roughly unchanged upon 60 bending cycles. The findings represent a fundamental scenario for advancement of the next generation high performance and high integration level flexible optoelectronics.
Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets@Metal Organic Framework‐Derived N‐Doped Carbon Nanowall Arrays as Sodium Ion Battery Anode with Superior Cycling Life and Rate Capability
Authors: Ren Weina , Zhang Haifeng , Guan Cao , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: July 2017

This study reports the design and fabrication of ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets@metal organic framework‐derived N‐doped carbon nanowall array hybrids on flexible carbon cloth (CC@CN@MoS2) as a free‐standing anode for high‐performance sodium ion batteries. When evaluated as an anode for sodium ion battery, the as‐fabricated CC@CN@MoS2 electrode exhibits a high capacity (653.9 mA h g−1 of the second cycle and 619.2 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1), excellent rate capability, and long cycling life stability (265 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique 2D hybrid structures, in which the ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets with expanded interlayers can provide shortened ion diffusion paths and favorable Na+ insertion/extraction space, and the porous N‐doped carbon nanowall arrays on flexible carbon cloth are able to improve the conductivity and maintain the structural integrity. Moreover, the N‐doping‐induced defects also make them favorable for the effective storage of sodium ions, which enables the enhanced capacity and rate performance of MoS2.
3D MoS2 Aerogel for Ultrasensitive NO2 Detection and Its Tunable Sensing Behavior
Authors: Long Hu , Chan Leslie , Harley‐Trochimczyk Anna , Luna Lunet E. , Tang Zirong , Shi Tielin , Zettl Alex , Carraro Carlo , Worsley Marcus A. , Maboudian Roya
Published: July 2017

A high‐performance NO2 sensor based on the 3D MoS2 aerogel is presented. Compared to single‐ or few‐layer MoS2, 3D assemblies of 2D MoS2 provide more surface area per footprint with a simple and scalable synthesis. Integration of the 3D MoS2 aerogel on a low‐power microheater platform is demonstrated, and the sensing behavior of the 3D MoS2 aerogel is investigated. A two‐step sulfurization treatment is developed to obtain a high‐quality MoS2 aerogel with strong sensing performance. The aerogel exhibits low detection limit (50 ppb) toward NO2 at room temperature, while after the two‐step sulfurization treatment, it also exhibits fast response and recovery at low heater temperature of 200 °C, with no decrease in sensitivity. The observed p‐type sensing behavior of MoS2 aerogel is investigated and identified as being controlled by the defect state (as probed by the S:Mo ratio). It is demonstrated that annealing in a hydrogen environment changes the defect state of the MoS2 aerogel by creating more sulfur vacancies; concomitantly, a transition from p‐type sensing behavior to n‐type sensing is observed.
Copper Nanowire‐Filled Soft Elastomer Composites for Applications as Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Bhanushali Sushrut , Ghosh Prakash Chandra , Simon George P. , Cheng Wenlong
Published: July 2017

Efficient heat dissipation is a critical requirement for sustained performance and failure prevention of microelectronic components. Thermal interface materials are used to fill the voids at the solid interface between the device and the heat sink to create a thermally conducting pathway for heat dissipation. This work reports flexible elastomer composite embedded copper nanowires with high aspect ratios (2500–5000), leading to a thermal percolation network at very low volume filler loading fractions of ≈0.009Φ. In order to achieve a high thermal conductivity at ultralow filler fractions, the copper nanowires are freeze‐casted into a monolithic sponge, to create an interconnected network. The composites formed by subsequently embedding the nanowire sponge in elastomer matrix exhibit a thermal conductivity of 3.1 ± 0.2 W mK−1, a 19‐fold enhancement over the pristine matrix, in a temperature range between 20 and 80 °C. The effect of thermal contact resistance at nanowire junctions is substantially reduced by in situ microwave welding of the nanowires. The use of Ecoflex, an ultrasoft silicone elastomer as the matrix, along with very low filler loadings of copper nanowire networks, keeps the elastic modulus <250 kPa, retaining the high compliance of the composites.
Heterogeneous Two‐Phase Pillars in Epitaxial NiFe2O4‐LaFeO3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Comes Ryan B. , Perea Daniel E. , Spurgeon Steven R.
Published: July 2017

Self‐assembled epitaxial oxide nanocomposites have been explored for a wide range of applications, including multiferroic and magnetoelectric properties, plasmonics, and catalysis. These so‐called “vertically aligned nanocomposites” form spontaneously during the deposition process when segregation into two phases is energetically favorable as compared to a solid solution. However, there has been surprisingly little work understanding the driving forces that govern the synthesis of these materials, which can include point defect energetics, surface diffusion, and interfacial energies. To explore these factors, La‐Ni‐Fe‐O films have been synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy and it is shown that these phase segregate into spinel‐perovskite nanocomposites. Using complementary scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom‐probe tomography, the elemental composition of each phase is examined and found that Ni ions are exclusively found in the spinel phase. From correlative analysis, a model for the relative favorability of the Ni2+ and Ni3+ valences under the growth conditions is developed. It is shown that multidimensional characterization techniques provide previously unobserved insight into the growth process and complex driving forces for phase segregation.
Application of tree biochar in PDMS pervaporation membranes
Authors: Lan Yongqiang , Wang Weihong
Published: July 2017

In this study, three kinds of biomass materials (lodgepole pine bark, larch wood, larch bark) were used to prepare biochar (BB), and the prepared products as fillers were mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for preparing composite membranes which were used for separating ethanol from water by pervaporation (PV). In accordance with the experiment results, the lodgepole pine bark BB was the best filler for the selective membrane to ethanol. The silane coupling agents NH2(CH2)3Si(OC2H5)3 (KH‐550) and CH2=CH‐Si(OCH3)3 (YDH‐171) were applied in the modification of lodgepole pine bark BB. And the separation performances of the BB/PDMS composite membranes were researched in detail. The results showed that the permeability (flux and separation factor) of composite membranes has been significantly improved with the addition of modified BB. YDH‐171 was more effective than KH‐550. The optimum PV performances (the separation factor 11.3 and the corresponding flux 227.25 g m−2 h−1) were obtained by adding 3 wt. % modified BB for a 10 wt. % and 40°C ethanol solution. This study indicated the potential application of BB nanoparticles in preparing pervaporation separation membrane.
Recent Advances in Designing and Fabricating Self‐Supported Nanoelectrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Huaping , Liu Long , Vellacheri Ranjith , Lei Yong
Published: July 2017

Owing to the outstanding advantages as electrical energy storage system, supercapacitors have attracted tremendous research interests over the past decade. Current research efforts are being devoted to improve the energy storage capabilities of supercapacitors through either discovering novel electroactive materials or nanostructuring existing electroactive materials. From the device point of view, the energy storage performance of supercapacitor not only depends on the electroactive materials themselves, but importantly, relies on the structure of electrode whether it allows the electroactive materials to reach their full potentials for energy storage. With respect to utilizing nanostructured electroactive materials, the key issue is to retain all advantages of the nanoscale features for supercapacitors when being assembled into electrodes and the following devices. Rational design and fabrication of self‐supported nanoelectrodes is therefore considered as the most promising strategy to address this challenge. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in designing and fabricating self‐supported nanoelectrodes for supercapacitors towards high energy storage capability. Self‐supported homogeneous and heterogeneous nanoelectrodes in the forms of one‐dimensional (1D) nanoarrays, two‐dimensional (2D) nanoarrays, and three‐dimensional (3D) nanoporous architectures are introduced with their representative results presented. The challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed.
π‐Conjugated Organosilica Semiconductors: Toward Robust Organic Electronics
Authors: Roche Gilles H. , Thuau Damien , Valvin Pierre , Clevers Simon , Tjoutis Thomas , Chambon Sylvain , Flot David , Geerts Yves H. , Moreau Joël J. E. , Wantz Guillaume , Dautel Olivier J.
Published: July 2017

The use of novel organosilica materials embedding π‐conjugated moieties as semiconductor into field‐effect transistors is demonstrated. The chosen π‐conjugated core is a [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene that is modified with hydrolyzable and crosslinkable triethoxysilyl moieties. After polycondensation, this compound forms a hybrid material composed of charge transport pathways as well as insulating sublayers made of silicon oxide (SiOx). The hybrid material behaves as a semiconductor and is subsequently integrated as active layer into field‐effect transistors. These precursors show J‐type aggregation that evolves toward H‐type aggregates during the sol–gel process, which improve charge transport. Taking advantage of the sol–gel chemistry involved here, hybrid field‐effect transistors that are fully crosslinked with covalent bonds are built. Molecules are crosslinked to each other, covalently bonded to the silicon oxide dielectric, and also covalently bonded to the gold electrodes, thanks to the use of an appropriate additional interfacial monolayer. This is the first report of fully covalent transistors. Those devices with modest mobilities show impressive resilience against polar, aliphatic, and aromatics solvents even under sonication. This study opens the route toward a new class of hybrid materials to create highly robust electronic applications.
FeS2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Reduced Graphene Oxide toward Robust, High‐Performance Electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Yanan , Xu Shaomao , Li Yuanchang , Jacob Rohit Jiji , Kuang Yudi , Liu Boyang , Wang Yilin , Pastel Glenn , Salamanca‐Riba Lourdes G. , Zachariah Michael R. , Hu Liangbing
Published: July 2017

Developing low‐cost, highly efficient, and robust earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for the scalable production of clean and sustainable hydrogen fuel through electrochemical water splitting. This study presents a facile approach for the synthesis of nanostructured pyrite‐phase transition metal dichalcogenides as highly active, earth‐abundant catalysts in electrochemical hydrogen production. Iron disulfide (FeS2) nanoparticles are in situ loaded and stabilized on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through a current‐induced high‐temperature rapid thermal shock (≈12 ms) of crushed iron pyrite powder. FeS2 nanoparticles embedded in between RGO exhibit remarkably improved electrocatalytic performance for HER, achieving 10 mA cm−2 current at an overpotential as low as 139 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode with outstanding long‐term stability under acidic conditions. The presented strategy for the design and synthesis of highly active earth‐abundant nanomaterial catalysts paves the way for low‐cost and large‐scale electrochemical energy applications.
Long‐Lasting Nanophosphors Applied to UV‐Resistant and Energy Storage Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Cong , Li Hao , Jin Junjie , Chen Xu , Cheng Yu , Zheng Yan , Liu Dali , Xu Lin , Song Hongwei , Dai Qilin
Published: July 2017

Recently, considerable progress is achieved in lab prototype perovskite solar cells (PSCs); however, the stability of outdoor applications of PSCs remains a challenge due to the high sensitivity of perovskite material under moist and ultraviolet (UV) light conditions. In this work, the UV photostability of PSC devices is improved by incorporating a photon downshifting layer—SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ (SAED)—prepared using the pulsed laser deposition approach. Light‐induced deep trap states in the photoactive layer are depressed, and UV light‐induced device degradation is inhibited after the SAED modification. Optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.8% is obtained through the enhanced light harvesting and reduced carrier recombination provided by SAED. More importantly, a solar energy storage effect due to the long‐persistent luminescence of SAED is obtained after light illumination is turned off. The introduction of downconverting material with long‐persistent luminescence in PSCs not only represents a new strategy to improve PCE and light stability by photoconversion from UV to visible light but also provides a new paradigm for solar energy storage.
Multi‐criteria optimization for parameterization of SAFT‐type equations of state for water
Authors: Forte Esther , Burger Jakob , Langenbach Kai , Hasse Hans , Bortz Michael
Published: July 2017

Finding appropriate parameter sets for a given equation of state (EoS) to describe different properties of a certain substance is an optimization problem with conflicting objectives. Such problem is commonly addressed by single‐criteria optimization in which the different objectives are lumped into a single goal function. We show how multi‐criteria optimization (MCO) can be beneficially used for parameterizing equations of state. The Pareto set, which comprises a set of optimal solutions of the MCO problem, is determined. As an example, the perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC‐SAFT) EoS is used and applied to the description of the thermodynamic properties of water, focusing on saturated liquid density and vapor pressure. Different options to describe the molecular nature of water by the PC‐SAFT EoS are studied and for all variants, the Pareto sets are determined, enabling a comprehensive assessment. When compared to literature models, Pareto optimization yields improved models. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 226–237, 2018
Development of 3D polymer DFT and its application to molecular transport through a surfactant‐covered interface
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Honglai
Published: July 2017

We have developed a three‐dimensional polymer density functional theory (DFT) and applied it to predict the thermodynamic and structural information of molecular transport through a surfactant‐covered interface. The green recursive function method has been employed to consider the chain conformation effect. The reference ideal gas method has been developed, extending it from molecular DFT to polymer DFT, with a universal form to calculate thermodynamic properties such as the grand potential and free energy. We have demonstrated the accuracy of the theory by comparing it to available simulations. Furthermore, we have applied the theory to predict the free energy barrier and density profile of molecular transport through a surfactant‐covered interface. The free energy profile provides reasonable predictions of the transition velocity, while the density profile gives insight into the microstructural information of the transport process, which is consistent with the available molecular simulations. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 238–249, 2018
Sustainable and Site‐Selective C−H Sulfenylation of Aromatic Compounds with Thiol using Catalytic Graphene Oxide and NaI
Authors: Choudhury Prasun , Roy Babli , Basu Basudeb
Published: July 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) in combination with NaI is used as the catalytic system for site‐selective C−H sulfenylation of 1H‐indole, 2‐naphthol, resorcinol and 2‐naphthylamines with thiols. The reaction is usually achieved in the presence of metal catalysts as well as under metal‐free conditions using iodine and a strong oxidizing agent. The present protocol avoids the use of any metal catalysts, strong oxidizing agents and the use of thiols instead of other sulfur‐based reagents making it atom‐economic and environmentally benign. Broader tolerance to functional groups has been tested and a plausible mechanism is proposed. The recovered GO can be recycled without significant loss in catalytic activity up to four runs.
Synthesis of Chlorine‐Substituted Graphdiyne and Applications for Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Ning , He Jianjiang , Tu Zeyi , Yang Ze , Zhao Fuhua , Li Xiaodong , Huang Changshui , Wang Kun , Jiu Tonggang , Yi Yuanping , Li Yuliang
Published: July 2017

Chlorine‐substituted graphdiyne (Cl‐GDY) is prepared through a Glaser–Hay coupling reaction on the copper foil. Cl‐GDY is endowed with a unique π‐conjugated carbon skeleton with expanded pore size in two dimensions, having graphdiyne‐like sp‐ and sp2‐ hybridized carbon atoms. As a result, the transfer tunnels for lithium (Li) ions in the perpendicular direction of the molecular plane are enlarged. Moreover, benefiting from the bottom‐to‐up fabrication procedure of graphdiyne and the strong chemical tailorability of the alkinyl‐contained monomer, the amount of substitutional chlorine atoms with appropriate electronegativity and atom size is high and evenly distributed on the as‐prepared carbon framework, which will synergistically stabilize the Li intercalated in the Cl‐GDY framework, and thus generate more Li storage sites. Profiting from the above unique structure, Cl‐GDY shows remarkable electrochemical properties in lithium ion half‐cells.
Brief Report: Rare X Chromosome Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Sharma Rohan , Harris Valerie M. , Cavett Joshua , Kurien Biji T. , Liu Ke , Koelsch Kristi A. , Fayaaz Anum , Chaudhari Kaustubh S. , Radfar Lida , Lewis David , Stone Donald U. , Kaufman C. Erick , Li Shibo , Segal Barbara , Wallace Daniel J. , Weisman Michael H. , Venuturupalli Swamy , Kelly Jennifer A. , Pons‐Estel Bernardo , Jonsson Roland , Lu Xianglan , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Anaya Juan‐Manuel , Cunninghame‐Graham Deborah S. , Huang Andrew J. W. , Brennan Michael T. , Hughes Pamela , Alevizos Ilias , Miceli‐Richard Corinne , Keystone Edward C. , Bykerk Vivian P. , Hirschfield Gideon , Nordmark Gunnel , Bucher Sara Magnusson , Eriksson Per , Omdal Roald , Rhodus Nelson L. , Rischmueller Maureen , Rohrer Michael , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Witte Torsten , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta , Mariette Xavier , Lessard Christopher J. , Harley John B. , Ng Wan‐Fai , Rasmussen Astrid , Sivils Kathy L. , Scofield R. Hal
Published: July 2017

Objective

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are related by clinical and serologic manifestations as well as genetic risks. Both diseases are more commonly found in women than in men, at a ratio of ~10 to 1. Common X chromosome aneuploidies, 47,XXY and 47,XXX, are enriched among men and women, respectively, in either disease, suggesting a dose effect on the X chromosome.

Methods

We examined cohorts of SS and SLE patients by constructing intensity plots of X chromosome single‐nucleotide polymorphism alleles, along with determining the karyotype of selected patients.

Results

Among ~2,500 women with SLE, we found 3 patients with a triple mosaic, consisting of 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX. Among ~2,100 women with SS, 1 patient had 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX, with a triplication of the distal p arm of the X chromosome in the 47,XXX cells. Neither the triple mosaic nor the partial triplication was found among the controls. In another SS cohort, we found a mother/daughter pair with partial triplication of this same region of the X chromosome. The triple mosaic occurs in ~1 in 25,000–50,000 live female births, while partial triplications are even rarer.

Conclusion

Very rare X chromosome abnormalities are present among patients with either SS or SLE and may inform the location of a gene(s) that mediates an X dose effect, as well as critical cell types in which such an effect is operative.
Loss of SRY-box2 (SOX2) expression and its impact on survival of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: ten Kate F J C , van Olphen S H , Bruno M J , Wijnhoven B P L , van Lanschot J J B , Looijenga L H J , Fitzgerald R C , Biermann K
Published: July 2017

Background

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor survival, which is highly variable amongst patients with comparable conventional prognosticators. Therefore molecular biomarkers are urgently needed to improve the prediction of survival in these patients. SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2, also known as SOX2, is a transcription factor involved in embryonal development of the gastrointestinal tract as well as in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to see whether SOX2 expression is associated with survival in patients with OAC.

Methods

SOX2 was studied by immunohistochemistry in patients who had undergone potentially curative oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma. Protein expression of SOX2 was evaluated using tissue microarrays from resection specimens, and results were analysed in relation to the clinical data by Cox regression analysis. SOX2 was evaluated in two independent OAC cohorts (Rotterdam cohort and a multicentre UK cohort).

Results

Loss of SOX2 expression was independently predictive of adverse overall survival in the multivariable analysis, adjusted for known factors influencing survival, in both cohorts (Rotterdam cohort: hazard ratio (HR) 1·42, 95 per cent c.i. 1·07 to 1·89, P = 0·016; UK cohort: HR 1·54, 1·08 to 2·19, P = 0·017). When combined with clinicopathological staging, loss of SOX2 showed an increased effect in patients with pT1–2 tumours (P = 0·010) and node-negative OAC (P = 0·038), with an incrementally adverse effect on overall survival for stage I OAC with SOX2 loss (HR 3·18, 1·18 to 8·56; P = 0·022).

Conclusion

SOX2 is an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in OAC, especially in patients with stage I OAC.
Performance Testing of Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts Using a Single‐Pellet‐String Reactor
Authors: Moonen Roel , Alles Jeroen , Ras Erik-jan , Harvey Clare , Moulijn Jacob A.
Published: July 2017

Small‐scale parallel trickle‐bed reactors were used to evaluate the performance of a commercial hydrodesulfurization catalyst under industrially relevant conditions. Catalyst extrudates were loaded as a single string in reactor tubes. It is demonstrated that product sulfur levels and densities obtained with the single‐pellet‐string reactor are close to the results obtained in a bench‐scale fixed‐bed reactor operated under the same conditions. Moreover, parallel single‐pellet‐string reactors show high reproducibility. To study the hydrodynamic effects of the catalyst‐bed packing, the catalyst‐bed length was varied by loading different amounts of catalysts, and crushed catalyst was also loaded.
Hierarchically Porous Carbons Derived from Cotton Stalks for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Kang Xiaonan , Wang Chuanyi , Yin Jiao
Published: July 2017

In this work, cotton stalks (CSs), as an earth‐abundant biomass, were originally proposed as a new carbonaceous precursor to prepare hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs) with the activation of various concentrations of H3PO4 at high temperatures. A variety of measurements including SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, XPS and FTIR have been adopted to systemically investigate the micromorphology, pore structure, and surface chemistry of the HPCs. The CS‐derived HPCs (CSHPCs) have large specific surface areas up to 1403.123 m2 g−1 and a broad pore‐size distribution indicates their hierarchically porous structures. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry were used to evaluate the capacitance and rate performance of the HPCs. The investigations illustrated that CSHPCs possess a high specific capacitance up to 175 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 in 2 M KOH. In addition, CSHPCs have good long‐term cycling stability and more than 90 % of the initial capacity is retained after 10000 cycles at a large current density of 1 A g−1.
In Situ Autofluorescence Spectroelectrochemistry for the Study of Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer
Authors: Schmidt Igor , Pieper Alexander , Wichmann Hilke , Bunk Boyke , Huber Katharina , Overmann Jörg , Walla Peter Jomo , Schröder Uwe
Published: July 2017

Here, we propose the use of in situ autofluorescence spectroelectrochemistry to gain access to the mechanisms of the extracellular electron transfer (EET) of electrochemically active bacteria. By studying the spectroelectrochemical behavior of biofilms enriched with Geobacter anodireducens, we i) determine the chemical nature of the respective EET components, ii) address kinetic EET aspects, and iii) propose potential‐dependent structural changes of outer membrane cytochromes during EET.
Short Peptides Directing 1D Helical Arrays of Polyoxometalates with Controllable Pitches
Authors: Li Jingfang , Li Xiangyi , Jiang Fengrui , Li Xiaodong , Xie Xiaoming , Wu Lixin , Wang Liyan , Lee Myongsoo , Li Wen
Published: July 2017

A series of cationic peptides with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues were elaborately designed and synthesized. These kinds of short peptides with protonated lysine groups can interact with anionic polyoxometalate nanoclusters through multivalent ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of helical polyoxometalate arrays in aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were utilized to characterize the self‐assembled structures. TEM revealed that the polyoxometalate clusters form periodic arrays within the helical nanofibers. This work reports that the handedness of the helical fibers was attributed to the precise chirality expression of peptides. The l‐type peptide directed the formation of left‐handed polyoxometalate arrays, whereas right‐handed polyoxometalate arrays were observed when the peptide was constituted by d‐amino acids. It was also found that the pitch of the helical nanofibers is inversely proportional to the hydrophobicity of peptides with less hydrophobicity giving a larger helical pitch.
Cooperative Activation of Cobalt–Salen Complexes for Epoxide Hydration Promoted on Flexible Porous Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhong Mingmei , Li He , Chen Jian , Tao Lin , Li Can , Yang Qihua
Published: July 2017

Developing solid catalysts with multiple active sites working cooperatively is desirable for efficient chemical transformations. However, most solid catalysts are rigid and impede the cooperation between their spatially isolated active sites. Two flexible porous organic frameworks (POFs) with integrated Co(salen) as active sites have been successfully synthesized for mimicking the cooperative modes of enzymes. The POFs exhibit second‐order rate dependence on Co(salen) concentration in the network and afford much higher TOF (3300 versus 2670 h−1) than the homogeneous counterpart in the hydration of propylene epoxide. POFs with a flexible network thus not only facilitate but also enhance the cooperation of nearby Co(salen). Moreover, POFs could catalyze oversized substrates, have a wide substrate scope, and exhibit high stability.
Vitamin K antagonists with or without long‐term antiplatelet therapy in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation: Association with ischemic and bleeding events
Authors: Lemesle Gilles , Ducrocq Gregory , Elbez Yedid , Van Belle Eric , Goto Shinya , Cannon Christopher P. , Bauters Christophe , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steg Philippe Gabriel ,   for the REACH Investigators
Published: July 2017

Background

It remains uncertain whether patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requiring long‐term oral anticoagulation (OAC) and with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) should receive antiplatelet therapy (APT) in addition to OAC.

Hypothesis

APT in addition to OAC would be more effective than OAC alone in preventing ischaemic events in such patients.

Methods

In the international REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry including 68 236 outpatients with or at risk for atherothrombosis, we identified 2347 patients with stable CAD and AF receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Using propensity score matching, patients treated with VKA (n = 1481) were compared with those receiving VKA + APT at inclusion (n = 866). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 4 years (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke). Secondary outcomes were all‐cause death and bleeding leading to hospitalization and transfusion.

Results

Patients receiving VKA only were older (74 vs 72 years, P < 0.01), had less diabetes (37% vs 42%, P = 0.02), and less frequent history of percutaneous coronary intervention (28.7% vs 43.9%, P < 0.01). The mean CHA2DS2‐VaSc score was 4.9 in the VKA group vs 4.7 in the VKA + APT group (P < 0.01). After propensity score matching, the rate of MACE was similar between groups: hazard ratio = 1.01 (0.77‐1.33) (P = 0.94), whereas bleeding tended to be more frequent in the VKA + APT group: odds ratio = 1.87 (0.99‐3.50) (P = 0.051).

Conclusions

In this observational analysis, the use of APT in addition to OAC in patients with stable CAD and AF was not associated with lower risk of ischemic events but possibly with higher bleeding rates. Randomized trials are necessary to determine the optimal long‐term antithrombotic strategy.
Influence of the Water Phase State on the Thermodynamics of Aqueous‐Phase Reforming for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ripken Renée M. , Meuldijk Jan , Gardeniers Johannes G. E. , Le Gac Séverine
Published: July 2017

Hydrogen is a promising renewable energy source that can be produced from biomass using aqueous‐phase reforming (APR). Here, using data obtained from AspenPlus and the literature, we evaluated the phase state, temperature‐dependent enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy for the APR of small biomass model substrates. Phase equilibrium studies reveal that, under typical APR reaction conditions, the reaction mixture is in the liquid phase. Therefore, we show for the first time that the water‐gas shift reaction (WGSR), which is the second main reaction of APR, must be modeled in the liquid phase, resulting in an endothermic instead of an exothermic enthalpy of reaction. A significant implication of this finding is that, although APR has been introduced as more energy saving than conventional reforming methods, the WGSR in APR has a comparable energy demand to the WGSR in steam reforming (SR).
Simultaneous flow cytometric analysis of megakaryocyte polyploidy and a labile intracellular protein using zinc‐based fixation
Authors: Gertz Jacqueline M. , Meuser Megan , Bouchard Beth A.
Published: July 2017

Differentiating megakaryocytes undergo a unique endomitotic cell cycle leading to large polyploidal cells, which fragment to generate platelets, blood cells important for normal hemostasis. Simultaneous assessment of DNA content and cellular proteins by flow cytometry is a useful tool to study megakaryocyte differentiation and to define expression of proteins important for megakaryocyte development and platelet formation. The usefulness of zinc salt‐based fixation (ZBF), a non‐crosslinking method of cell fixation that permits downstream analysis of nucleic acids (Jensen et al., Cytometry A 2010;77A:798–804), in flow cytometric analysis of megakaryocyte ploidy in conjunction with extracellular and intracellular proteins was assessed. ZBF of a megakaryocyte‐like cell line resulted in preservation of proteins similar to paraformaldehyde fixation, and preservation of DNA content in a manner similar to methanol fixation. This is highlighted by experiments in which polyploidal megakaryocytes were analyzed simultaneously for endocytosis of a fluorescently‐labeled, endocytosed labile protein or expression of a cell surface integrin and DNA content. These studies demonstrate that ZBF will be a valuable tool to study the molecular events leading to platelet formation. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Interleaved coding and sequential transmission scheme for packet‐level forward error correction over burst loss channels
Authors: Weng Yung‐Tsung , Shih Chi‐Huang , Chou Yeh‐Kai
Published: July 2017

Burst packet loss is a common problem over wired and wireless networks and leads to a significant reduction in the performance of packet‐level forward error correction (FEC) schemes used to recover packet losses during transmission. Traditional FEC interleaving methods adopt the sequential coding‐interleaved transmission (SCIT) process to encode the FEC packets sequentially and reorder the packet transmission sequence. Consequently, the burst loss effect can be mitigated at the expense of an increased end‐to‐end delay. Alternatively, the reversed interleaving scheme, namely, interleaved coding‐sequential transmission (ICST), performs FEC coding in an interleaved manner and transmits the packets sequentially based on their generation order in the application. In this study, the analytical FEC model is constructed to evaluate the performance of the SCIT and ICST schemes. From the analysis results, it can be observed that the interleaving delay of ICST FEC is reduced by transmitting the source packets immediately as they arrive from the application. Accordingly, an Enhanced ICST scheme is further proposed to trade the saved interleaving time for a greater interleaving capacity, and the corresponding packet loss rate can be minimized under a given delay constraint. The simulation results show that the Enhanced ICST scheme achieves a lower packet loss rate and a higher peak signal‐to‐noise‐ratio than the traditional SCIT and ICST schemes for video streaming applications.
Crevasse‐splay and associated depositional environments of the hominin‐bearing lower Okote Member, Koobi Fora Formation (Plio‐Pleistocene), Kenya
Authors: Lepre Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

The Okote Member from the northeast Turkana Basin of Kenya represents an exceptionally good archive of Early Pleistocene archaeological and fossil sites. Field study of the lower Okote Member and underlying deposits was conducted in detail at two sets of outcrops (500 to 1000 m long) separated by some 22 km of modern landscape. The examined sections (10 to 15 m thick) preserve two facies: interbedded sandstones, tuffs and mudstones (crevasse splay) and ribbon‐like bodies of sandstone/tuff (crevasse channel). Mudstones are overprinted with small carbonate nodules and sparse slickensides that are interpreted as evidence of weak soil development after the cessation of suspension deposition in a floodplain. The immaturity of the ancient soils implies that sediment accumulation was fairly rapid, yet the nodules and slickensides indicate seasonal contrasts in moisture. Episodically rapid sedimentation is suggested by the types of depositional environments and their structures, and indications of soft‐sediment deformation. Crevassing may have been influenced by rivers that flooded in response to monsoonal rainfall variations and the voluminous influx of fluvially reworked volcaniclastics to the basin. A well‐developed palaeosol directly underlying the lower Okote Member suggests that the deposits accumulated following a significant depositional hiatus. This basal contact, in addition to the apparent pervasiveness and penecontemporaneousness of the sedimentary facies, resembles a crevasse‐splay system deposited by a sub‐delta lobe or river avulsion. A paucity of lacustrine/deltaic indicators might indicate that the studied deposits correspond better with an avulsion origin. Sedimentation rates calculated from prior radiometric dating of tuffs tend to overestimate the timeframe of accumulation for individual strata of the lower Okote Member. Many appear to have formed on the order of 100to 103 years, as suggested by facies, palaeosols and observations of modern crevasse splays. This cautions against using sedimentation rates alone to infer how much time a stratum preserving fossil/archaeological information represents.
Animal models of human type 1 diabetes for evaluating combination therapies and successful translation to the patient with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lenzen Sigurd
Published: July 2017

Animal models of human type 1 diabetes will be of a great importance for the evaluation of new combination therapies with curative potential. However, reliable predictive power for successful translation to patients with type 1 diabetes is crucial. This will be particularly important in the future when evaluating success of new combination therapies that show great promise for preservation and restoration of beta cell mass and thereby reverse the type 1 diabetic hyperglycaemia. But not all spontaneous animal models are equally well suited for this purpose. The advantages and disadvantages of the three spontaneous rat models (BioBreeding diabetes‐prone [BB] rat, Komeda [KDP] rat, and LEW.1AR1‐iddm [IDDM] rat) as well as the NOD mouse, compared with the characteristics of human type 1 diabetes, are considered in this review.
Detection of metabolites of the new synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA in authentic urine samples and human liver microsomes using high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Öztürk Yeter Erol , Yeter Oya , Öztürk Serkan , Karakus Goksun , Ates Ismail , Buyuk Yalçın , Yurdun Turkan
Published: July 2017

CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA(1‐(4‐cyanobutyl)‐N‐(2‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl)‐1H–indazole‐3‐carboxamide) is a recently introduced indazole‐3‐carboxamide‐type synthetic cannabinoid (SC) that was detected in herbal incense seized by of the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul Narcotics Department, in May 2016 in Turkey. Recently introduced SCs are not detected in routine toxicological analysis; therefore, analytical methods to measure these compounds are in demand. The present study aims to identify urinary marker metabolites of CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA by investigating its metabolism in human liver microsomes and to confirm the results in authentic urine samples (n = 80). In this study, 5 μM CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA was incubated with human liver microsomes (HLMs) for up to 3 hours, and metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). Less than 21% of the CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA parent compound remained after 3 hours of incubation. We identified 18 metabolites that were formed via monohydroxylation, dealkylation, oxidative decyanation to aldehyde, alcohol, and carboxylic acid formation, glucuronidation or reaction combinations. CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA N‐butanoic acid (M16) was found to be major metabolite in HLMs. In urine samples CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA was not detected; CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA N‐butanoic acid (M16) was major metabolite after β‐glucuronidase hydrolysis. Based on these findings, we recommend using M16 (CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA N‐butanoic acid), M8 and M11 (hydroxylcumyl CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA) as urinary marker metabolites to confirm CUMYL‐4CN‐BINACA intake.
Response to Intervention as a Predictor of Long‐Term Reading Outcomes in Children with Dyslexia
Authors: van der Kleij Sanne W. , Segers Eliane , Groen Margriet A. , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: July 2017

The goal of this study was to investigate how growth during a phonics‐based intervention, as well as reading levels at baseline testing, predicted long‐term reading outcomes of children with dyslexia. Eighty Dutch children with dyslexia who had completed a 50‐week phonics‐based intervention in grade 4 were tested in grade 5 on both word and pseudoword (following regular Dutch orthographic patterns) reading efficiency and compared to 93 typical readers. In grade 5 the children with dyslexia were still significantly slower in word and pseudoword reading than their typically developing peers. Results showed that long‐term pseudoword reading in the group with dyslexia was predicted by pseudoword reading at pretest and growth in pseudoword reading during the intervention, which was itself predicted by pseudoword reading at pretest. This was not the case for word reading. We found that long‐term word reading was directly predicted from pretest word reading, and indirectly via pretest pseudoword reading, via growth in pseudoword and word reading. It can be concluded that pseudoword reading is not only a good indicator of severity of reading difficulties in children with dyslexia, it is also an indicator of who will profit from intervention in the long‐term. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of photo‐matching algorithms commonly used for photographic capture–recapture studies
Authors: Matthé Maximilian , Sannolo Marco , Winiarski Kristopher , Spitzen ‐ van der Sluijs Annemarieke , Goedbloed Daniel , Steinfartz Sebastian , Stachow Ulrich
Published: July 2017

Photographic capture–recapture is a valuable tool for obtaining demographic information on wildlife populations due to its noninvasive nature and cost‐effectiveness. Recently, several computer‐aided photo‐matching algorithms have been developed to more efficiently match images of unique individuals in databases with thousands of images. However, the identification accuracy of these algorithms can severely bias estimates of vital rates and population size. Therefore, it is important to understand the performance and limitations of state‐of‐the‐art photo‐matching algorithms prior to implementation in capture–recapture studies involving possibly thousands of images. Here, we compared the performance of four photo‐matching algorithms; Wild‐ID, I3S Pattern+, APHIS, and AmphIdent using multiple amphibian databases of varying image quality. We measured the performance of each algorithm and evaluated the performance in relation to database size and the number of matching images in the database. We found that algorithm performance differed greatly by algorithm and image database, with recognition rates ranging from 100% to 22.6% when limiting the review to the 10 highest ranking images. We found that recognition rate degraded marginally with increased database size and could be improved considerably with a higher number of matching images in the database. In our study, the pixel‐based algorithm of AmphIdent exhibited superior recognition rates compared to the other approaches. We recommend carefully evaluating algorithm performance prior to using it to match a complete database. By choosing a suitable matching algorithm, databases of sizes that are unfeasible to match “by eye” can be easily translated to accurate individual capture histories necessary for robust demographic estimates.
Leaf and root litter decomposition is discontinued at high altitude tropical montane rainforests contributing to carbon sequestration
Authors: Marian Franca , Sandmann Dorothee , Krashevska Valentyna , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: July 2017

We investigated how altitude affects the decomposition of leaf and root litter in the Andean tropical montane rainforest of southern Ecuador, that is, through changes in the litter quality between altitudes or other site‐specific differences in microenvironmental conditions. Leaf litter from three abundant tree species and roots of different diameter from sites at 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 m were placed in litterbags and incubated for 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Environmental conditions at the three altitudes and the sampling time were the main factors driving litter decomposition, while origin, and therefore quality of the litter, was of minor importance. At 2,000 and 3,000 m decomposition of litter declined for 12 months reaching a limit value of ~50% of initial and not decomposing further for about 24 months. After 36 months, decomposition commenced at low rates resulting in an average of 37.9% and 44.4% of initial remaining after 48 months. In contrast, at 1,000 m decomposition continued for 48 months until only 10.9% of the initial litter mass remained. Changes in decomposition rates were paralleled by changes in microorganisms with microbial biomass decreasing after 24 months at 2,000 and 3,000 m, while varying little at 1,000 m. The results show that, irrespective of litter origin (1,000, 2,000, 3,000 m) and type (leaves, roots), unfavorable microenvironmental conditions at high altitudes inhibit decomposition processes resulting in the sequestration of carbon in thick organic layers.