bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the welding strength in hybrid polypropylene composites as a function of the forming and overmolding parameters
Authors: Giusti Ruggero , Lucchetta Giovanni
Published: December 2017

This work investigates the influence of the process parameters on the welding strength in hybrid polypropylene composites manufactured by injection overmolding. A hybrid T‐joint specimen was designed to evaluate the global performance of the welding by means of tensile tests. The effects of the process parameters were evaluated in accordance the design of experiments approach and the maximum strength (UTS) was assumed as response variable. The effects of melt temperature and holding pressure, combined to a variothermal mold‐control system, were investigated. The residual stresses induced by the process were considered by means of coupled thermo‐fluid dynamic/structural finite‐element analysis. Moreover, the topography of the laminate‐side surface was characterized and the process‐induced surface modification was related to the performance of the welding. Results show that the melt temperature contributes to increase the welding strength; conversely, the mold temperature counteracts this effect by increasing the residual stress at the interface. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:592–600, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improvement of compatibility and mechanical properties of the poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blends and films by reactive extrusion with chain extender
Authors: Li Xin , Yan Xiangyu , Yang Jia , Pan Hongwei , Gao Guanghui , Zhang Huiliang , Dong Lisong
Published: December 2017

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends and films were prepared by melt blending and blowing films technique in the presence of chain extender. The Joncryl ADR‐4370F (ADR) was used as the chain extender. The effect of ADR on the mechanical properties, rheological behavior, morphology, and thermal behavior of PLA/PBAT blends was investigated. The mechanical properties were markedly improved by incorporation of 0.15 phr ADR, for example, the elongation at break increased from 23.5% to 410.3% and the notched Izod impact strength increased from 7.5 to 33.4 KJ/m2 for the PLA/PBAT/ADR blends. The elongation at break increased from 17.7% to 264.6% and the tensile strength increased from 28.0 to 40.7 MPa for the PLA/PBAT/ADR films in the transverse direction. The tensile strength and tear strength of the films increased from 28.0 to 40.7 MPa and from 135.5 to 163.8 kN/m in the machine direction, respectively. Morphological observation through scanning electron microscopy revealed that the compatibility of the PLA/PBAT blends was greatly enhanced by the incorporation of ADR. The interfacial adhesion was improved between PLA phase and PBAT phase. These findings contributed new knowledge to the additives area and gave important implications for manufacturing biodegradable polymer packaging material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1868–1878, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Solid‐state polymerization process for the preparation of poly(cyclohexane‐1,4‐dimethylene cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylate) polymers with high melting temperature and crystallinity
Authors: Colonna Martino , Celli Annamaria , Marchese Paola , Sisti Laura , Gioia Claudio
Published: December 2017

Poly(cyclohexane‐1,4‐dimethylene cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylate) has been prepared by solid‐state polymerization using 1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or its di‐methylester and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol as monomers. The process consists in a first step in which a prepolymer with high crystallinity is prepared by melt polycondensation and then submitted to solid‐state polymerization (SSP) at a temperature below the melting temperature of the polymer. The use of the solid state process permits to minimize the isomerization from the trans to the cis form in the polymer chain and therefore a polyester with higher crystallinity and melting temperature, compared to those synthesized by the traditional polycondensation routes, can be obtained. For this reason, the SSP process allows to obtain materials with thermo‐mechanical properties that cannot be achieved using the standard polycondensation method. Moreover, the process does not involve a complex multi‐step temperature ramp as in the case of the polycondensation process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1981–1986, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Imatinib resistance was reversed by nilotinib in the acute transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia: A case report
Authors: Xiao Meng , Zhou Hongjing , Li Shuguo , Xin Chunlei , Zhao Tongfeng , Hao Yunliang , Li Shumei , Liang Yanyan
Published: December 2017

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal malignant hematopoietic disorder that arises in a hematopoietic stem cell. Its characteristic cytogenetic abnormality is an abnormal chromosome 22 called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. The BCR‐ABL1 fusion gene in this chromosome can encode a tyrosine protein kinase and is the molecular basis of CML pathogenesis. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib is the ‘gold standard’ therapy for the treatment of CML. However, around 30% of the patients develop imatinib resistance. In this report, we will illustrate a case of an adult female with acute transformation of CML whose imatinib resistance was reversed by nilotinib and has had a long‐term survival.
Role of postmastectomy radiation therapy in breast cancer patients with different pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Guo Huan , Kong Lingling , Xing Ligang
Published: December 2017

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients of clinical stage II–III with different pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 79 clinical stage II–III breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 2008 and 2013. According to the Miller–Payne grading system, we defined grades 1–2 as the poor response group, and grades 3–5 as the good response group. The 5‐year curves for locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), distant disease‐free survival, and overall survival were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and compared using the log–rank test.

Results

For all patients, the median age was 48 years (range 29–68 years). At a median follow up of 56 months, the 5‐year LRRFS was 97.8% and 81.8% (P = 0.01), the 5‐year distant disease‐free survival was 73.9% and 75.8% (P = 0.14), and the 5‐year overall survival for both was 84.8% (P = 0.96). In the subgroup analysis, the LRRFS, distant disease‐free survival, and overall survival of the subgroup with a good response did not benefit from PMRT. However, the LRRFS of the poor response subgroup can significantly benefit from PMRT (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

PMRT was effective in reducing the local‐regional recurrence rate for patients with a Miller–Payne grade 1–2; therefore, we suggest that PMRT should be considered for these patients.
Combined treatment with a selective PDE10A inhibitor TAK‐063 and either haloperidol or olanzapine at subeffective doses produces potent antipsychotic‐like effects without affecting plasma prolactin levels and cataleptic responses in rodents
Authors: Suzuki Kazunori , Harada Akina , Suzuki Hirobumi , Capuani Clizia , Ugolini Annarosa , Corsi Mauro , Kimura Haruhide
Published: December 2017

Activation of indirect pathway medium spiny neurons (MSNs) via promotion of cAMP production is the principal mechanism of action of current antipsychotics with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism. TAK‐063 [1‐[2‐fluoro‐4‐(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)phenyl]‐5‐methoxy‐3‐(1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)pyridazin‐4(1H)‐one] is a novel phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor that activates both direct and indirect pathway MSNs through increasing both cAMP and cGMP levels by inhibition of their degradation. The activation of indirect pathway MSNs through the distinct mechanism of action of these drugs raises the possibility of augmented pharmacological effects by combination therapy. In this study, we evaluated the potential of combination therapy with TAK‐063 and current antipsychotics, such as haloperidol or olanzapine after oral administration. Combined treatment with TAK‐063 and either haloperidol or olanzapine produced a significant increase in phosphorylation of glutamate receptor subunit 1 in the rat striatum. An electrophysiological study using rat corticostriatal slices showed that TAK‐063 enhanced N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid receptor‐mediated synaptic responses in both direct and indirect pathway MSNs to a similar extent. Further evaluation using pathway‐specific markers revealed that coadministration of TAK‐063 with haloperidol or olanzapine additively activated the indirect pathway, but not the direct pathway. Combined treatment with TAK‐063 and either haloperidol or olanzapine at subeffective doses produced significant effects on methamphetamine‐ or MK‐801‐induced hyperactivity in rats and MK‐801‐induced deficits in prepulse inhibition in mice. TAK‐063 at 0.1 mg/kg did not affect plasma prolactin levels and cataleptic response from antipsychotics in rats. Thus, TAK‐063 may produce augmented antipsychotic‐like activities in combination with antipsychotics without effects on plasma prolactin levels and cataleptic responses in rodents.
Natriuretic peptide receptor‐C‐mediated attenuation of vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy involves Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins and ROS‐associated signaling
Authors: Jain Ashish , Anand‐Srivastava Madhu B.
Published: December 2017

Hypertension is associated with vascular remodeling due to hyperproliferation and hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Recently, we showed the implication of enhanced expression of Gqα and PLCβ1 proteins in hypertrophy of VSMCs from 16‐week‐old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The aim of this study was to investigate whether C‐ANP4‐23, a natriuretic peptide receptor‐C (NPR‐C) ligand that was shown to inhibit vasoactive peptide‐induced enhanced protein synthesis in A10 VSMC could also attenuate hypertrophy of VSMC isolated from rat model of cardiac hypertrophy and to further explore the possible involvement of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins and ROS‐mediated signaling in this effect. The protein synthesis and cell volume, markers of hypertrophy were significantly enhanced in VSMC from 16‐week‐old SHR compared with age‐matched WKY rats and C‐ANP4‐23 treatment attenuated both to WKY levels. In addition, C‐ANP4‐23 treatment also attenuated the enhanced expression of AT1 receptor, Gqα, PLCβ1, Nox4, and p47phox proteins, the enhanced activation of EGFR, PDGFR, IGF‐1R, enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2/AKT and c‐Src in VSMC from SHR. Furthermore, the enhanced levels of superoxide anion and NADPH oxidase activity exhibited by VSMC from SHR were also attenuated to control levels by C‐ANP4‐23 treatment. These results indicate that C‐ANP4‐23 via the activation of NPR‐C attenuates VSMC hypertrophy through decreasing the overexpression of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins, enhanced oxidative stress, increased activation of growth factor receptors, and enhanced phosphorylation of MAPK/AKT signaling pathways. Thus, it can be suggested that C‐ANP4‐23 may be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of vascular complications associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Noronha Lizanne , Fox Adam , Du Toit George , Lack Gideon
Published: December 2017

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disease of childhood, and its impact on quality of life is often underestimated. This article discusses the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in children and the management options that can be tried, including allergen avoidance, pharmacological therapies and allergen immunotherapy.
Running educational outreach meetings in general practice
Authors: Petty Duncan , Wood Su , Glidewell Liz
Published: December 2017

Educational outreach meetings are an evidence‐based way of making long‐term behaviour changes, such as improving prescribing. This article discusses how to run educational outreach meetings to obtain the best possible outcomes in general practice.
Systems biology: transforming our understanding of disease
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2017

Systems biology ‐ the study of complex biological systems using computer modelling ‐ is beginning to transform our understanding of disease processes, which will in turn facilitate medical treatment and drug development. Mark Greener discusses how systems biology has already advanced our knowledge of conditions as diverse as cancer, pressure ulcers and sexually‐transmitted disease.
Mysterious fluctuations in blood pressure: a juicy tale
Authors: Thompson Angus
Published: December 2017

Angus Thompson describes the puzzling case of a man with apparently good compliance with his antihypertensive medication but who showed poor control with large fluctuations in blood pressure. After further investigation, the cause was identified as a fruit juice interaction ‐ but in this case, not grapefruit
juice.
Determination of Suitable Indicators of AlGaN/GaN HEMT Wafer Quality Based on Wafer Test and Device Characteristics
Authors: Zhong Yi‐Nan , Tang Shun‐Wei , Hsin Yue‐Ming
Published: December 2017

This study investigates various tests on AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) wafers, including photoluminescence spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Hall measurement. The AlGaN/GaN HEMT wafers are grown on low‐resistivity Si substrates with various growth conditions for the buffer and channel layers. Characteristics of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs including drain lag, dynamic RON, and current transients were measured and correlated with the results from the wafer level tests. Results indicate that epitaxial wafers with low yellow luminescence (YL) to band edge (BE) and blue luminescence (BL) to BE ratios as well as a low carbon concentration but a similar low full width at half maximum of XRD profiles can result in devices with significant suppression of current collapse and the same on‐state device characteristics. Therefore, both YL/BE and BL/BE values combined with the carbon concentration in wafer level tests are suitable indicators for estimating device performance.
Aspects of Epitaxial Design and Estimation of 2DEG Mobility in InAlN/AlN/InGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors
Authors: Singh Vikash K. , Nath Digbijoy N.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a epitaxial design of InAlN/AlN/InGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), considering the vital aspects related to its device exploration is proposed. Mobility of two dimensional electron gas in the proposed, practically viable structures of InxGa1−xN‐channel (0.1 < x < 0.4) HEMT is estimated. It is shown that 2DEG mobility is predominantly limited by alloy scattering rather than phonon scattering, unlike in conventional GaN‐channel HEMTs. Finally, room temperature mobility of 2DEG in InGaN‐channel HEMT is simulated on the basis of alloy scattering and phonon scattering only. Results are in close proximity with reported experimental results. We observe that, for ns ≈ 2 × 1013 cm−2, mobility drops rapidly from ≈900 to ≈550 cm2 V−1 · s−1 as ‘x’ is increased from 0.1 to 0.2 and thereafter it decreases at a relatively lesser rate. Severe degradation in mobility is predicted for x > 0.3.
Effects of Catalytic‐Electrode Thickness on a Hydrogen Sensor Based on Organic Thin‐Film Transistor
Authors: Li Bochang , Lai Pui To , Tang Wing Man
Published: December 2017

For a H2 sensor based on pentacene organic thin‐film transistor with palladium (Pd) source/drain (S/D) electrodes as sensing medium, the effects of the electrode thickness on its hydrogen sensing performance are studied. Since the lattice expansion of the S/D electrodes induced by H absorption is restrained by the underlying pentacene layer, the sensitivity of the sensor first increases with the electrode thickness. But then, it decreases with further increase in electrode thickness because larger stress generated at the Pd/pentacene interface by the larger thermal load of thicker electrode during fabrication can degrade the contact between the Pd and pentacene. As a result, experiments show that the sensor with 50‐nm Pd S/D electrodes realizes the highest sensitivity. Moreover, the response and recovery times increase with the electrode thickness because H atoms have to diffuse a longer distance between the electrode surface and the electrode/pentacene interface.
Research can help us understand the human condition
Authors: Kearon John
Published: December 2017

Can it go further, and help us to better it?
Comprehensive student support efforts lead to impressive outcomes
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

“In the last 40 years, if you are among the 25 percent of wealthiest Americans, you more than doubled your chance of getting a college degree,” said Timothy Renick, vice provost and vice president for enrollment management at Georgia State University. But there has been little change in the percentage of people in the bottom quartile who earn credentials, Renick said, speaking at a session at the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention.
A Schiff Base Macrocycle Ligand and Its Mg(II) and Cd(II) Complexes: Spectral Properties with Theoretical Understanding and Biological Activity
Authors: Halder Arijit , Mazumdar Swagata , Das Anamika , Karmakar Parimal , Ghoshal Debajyoti
Published: December 2017

Simple Schiff base condensation is employed to prepare a macrocyclic ligand (L1H4) with a support of intramolecular hydrogen templating effect. Reaction with Mg(II) and Cd(II) a total number of three complexes namely, [L14–(Mg2+)2] (1), [L14–(Cd2+)2(H2O)2] (2) and [H2L12–Cd2+] (3) is obtained under same reaction condition and same solvent. Ligand and the complexes are identified and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. Further the structural geometry and absorption spectra were analyzed by DFT (for ligand)/ semi‐empherical method (for complexes). Considering the involvement of metal ions in the regulation of cell proliferation we further explored the effect of these macrocycle confined metal complexes on human skin fibroblast cell line (GM00637) with or without the presence of fibroblasts stimulant (extracts fromCalendula officinalisandMorinda citrifolia). Also, same study has been performed with ligand and metal ion without mixing them. Among these Cd(II) complexes are found most promising. Luminescent property for the ligand and all the complexes are also examined and analyzed theoretically.
Catalytic Hydrotreatment of Jatropha Oil over Lanthanum Hydroxide Supported Noble Metals: Effect of Promotion with Cerium
Authors: Patil Shailesh J. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: December 2017

Catalytic hydrotreatment of jatropha oil is an attractive option for the production of diesel‐range hydrocarbons. Here, we synthesized and tested the performance of two novel La(OH)3 supported Pd and Ru catalysts promoted with Ce, viz. Pd−Ce/La(OH)3 and Ru−Ce/La(OH)3 (hereafter referred to as Pd−Ce and Ru−Ce). The deoxygenation of jatropha oil was performed in a fixed‐bed reactor. The reaction conditions were varied so: temperature 603 to 663 K, weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) 1 to 4 h−1, pressure 1.5 to 3 MPa and H2/oil ratio 200 to 1000 (v/v). The performance of our lab‐made materials was encouraging. Upon optimization of the hydrotreating process, the best performance of both Pd‐Ce and Ru−Ce was achieved at T=663 K, WHSV=1 h−1, P=3 MPa and H2/oil ratio=600 v/v. Oil conversion at these reaction conditions was 97.3 and 91.8% over Pd−Ce and Ru−Ce. The respective hydrocarbon yield was 81% (for Pd−Ce) and 75.3% (for Ru−Ce). The resilience of the lab‐made catalysts was tested by time‐on‐stream study. Both catalysts were stable for 40 hours of time‐on‐stream. Finally, reaction pathway for deoxygenation of triglycerides over the investigated catalysts was proposed.
Adsorption Behaviors of Rubidium and Cesium Ions from Aqueous Solution onto Sodium Tetraphenylborate ‐ Polyacrylonitrile (TPB‐PAN)
Authors: Bao Amin , Zheng Hong , Liu Zeyu , Huang Dongfang
Published: December 2017

In this study, a novel composite adsorbent of sodium tetraphenylborate – polyacrylonitrile (TPB–PAN) was prepared for investigating adsorption behaviors of rubidium (Rb) and cesium (Cs) ions from their aqueous solutions. Several experimental parameters such as pH, shaking time, initial concentration, and interference ions were routinely evaluated. The experimental results showed that the Rb(I) and Cs(I) were both adsorbed by the adsorbent of TPB‐PAN at pH 7.0, and the adsorption equilibriums were achieved within 2 h. The presence of co‐existing ions did not get involved with Rb(I) and Cs(I) adsorption, indicating the high selectivity of TPB‐PAN adsorbent toward Rb(I) and Cs(I) ions. Under optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities for Rb(I) and Cs(I) ions by the adsorbent of TPB‐PAN were 44.64 mg g−1and 118.48 mg g−1based on the langmuir sorption isotherm study. In addition, the adsorption processes of rubidium and cesium both are exothermic spontaneous process. Therefore, the proposed adsorbent of TPB‐PAN allowed the selective, sensitive, easy to use, cost‐effective, high efficiency, fast kinetics of preconcentration and separation (removal) Rb(I) and Cs(I) ions even in the presence of competing ions. As a consequence, the TPB‐PAN adsorbent can be used potentially for preconcentration and separation Rb(I) and Cs(I) ions from water samples in a wide range of practical applications for removal Rb(I) and Cs(I) ions in environmental aqueous resources.
Highly Fluorescent Peri‐functionalized Perylenemonoimide Derivatives with Tunable Optical Properties for Selective Sensing of Electron‐rich Aromatic Amines
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Sahoo Dhananjaya , Chandra Falguni , Koner Apurba L.
Published: December 2017

A series of peri‐functionalized perylenemonoimide dyes containing an electron donating aromatic and polyaromatic group via Suzuki‐coupling reaction has been synthesized. Photophysical properties of the synthesized dyes are extensively investigated using various spectroscopic techniques. Introduction of substituent's at peri‐position shows a pronounced effect on emission properties. Electrochemical measurements suggest that the peri‐functionalization of perylenemonoimide dyes make reduction much more facile compared to unsubstituted dyes. Thereafter, an efficient and selective fluorescence quenching strategy via photo‐induced electron transfer process from electron‐rich aromatic amines to the synthesized dyes has been investigated.
Rational Design of Polypeptide‐Based Block Copolymer for Nonviral Gene Delivery
Authors: Kalinova Radostina , Doumanov Jordan A. , Mladenova Kirilka , Janevska Dushica , Georgieva Milena , Miloshev George , Topouzova‐Hristova Tanya , Dimitrov Ivaylo
Published: December 2017

The present work describes the development, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of novel poly(L‐lysine)‐based polyplexes as nonviral gene delivery systems. Initially, a well‐defined hybrid block copolymer comprising poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (POEGMA) and poly(L‐lysine) (PLL) blocks was successfully synthesized and characterized. The hybrid copolymer shows high ability to condense DNA into stable polyplexes in aqueous media with sizes of approx. 100 nm. The nanoplexes were evaluated for cellular toxicity in A549 alveolar and HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma) cell lines. The nanoparticles cell internalization and transfection ability were assessed in HepG2 cells. The initial experiments showed that DNA was successfully transfected into the nucleus of human liver cancer cells and expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene with green fluorescence emission. These results revealed that the newly synthesized POEGMA‐b‐PLL diblock copolymer might be very attractive candidate as a nonviral gene delivery vector.
Zirconium Metal‐Organic Framework (UiO‐66) as a Robust Catalyst toward Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Remarkable Heterocyclic Rings
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Mohammadian Reza , Hooshmand Seyyed Emad , Hashemzadeh Alireza , Amini Mostafa M.
Published: December 2017

In the present paper, we report zirconium metal–organic framework (UiO‐66) as an efficient and robust catalyst for the straightforward synthesis of various nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic scaffolds, including imidazopyridine, pyridine and quinoxaline moieties. These compounds with potential drug value which exhibiting a broad spectrum biological and pharmacological activities were successfully accessed with MOF catalytic system under solvent‐free conditions. The main advantage of this protocol is reusability of catalyst, operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions and high‐yielding.
Mixed Self‐Assembled Monolayers with Internal Urea Group on Silica Surface
Authors: Meillan Matthieu , Buffeteau Thierry , Le Bourdon Gwenaëlle , Thomas Laurent , Degueil Marie , Heuzé Karine , Bennetau Bernard , Vellutini Luc
Published: December 2017

In this study, we report the successful grafting on silica surfaces by the coadsorption method, of mixed nitrobenzyl ester‐/methyl‐terminated self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), with ratios of two coupling agents (30/70) and (10/90). We show that the preparation of mixed monolayers using two organosilanes with internal urea groups in the alkyl chain seems to be appropriate to obtain a monolayer composition similar to the molar ratio of the two silanes in the deposition solution. This behavior could be due to the presence of the polar urea groups in the molecular structure of both organosilanes which allows them to have the same ability of self‐assembly by hydrogen‐bonding and also the same affinity with the hydrophilic surface. To locate the ester functions at the surface of the mixed monolayers, we investigated the covalent immobilization of amino functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as nanoscale marker. Polarization modulation infrared reflection‐adsorption spectroscopy (PM‐IRRAS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to monitor the chemical modifications of the silica surfaces and to demonstrate the successful attachment of gold nanoparticles onto the modified surfaces. Finally, we show that the mixed SAMs were grafted with a phase separation.
Crystallite Morphology‐Dependent Optical Temperature‐Sensing Properties of Eu3+‐Doped NaGd(WO4)2 Phosphor
Authors: Ming Xin , Meng Qingyu , Lü Shuchen , Sun Wenjun
Published: December 2017

NaGd(WO4)2: Eu3+ phosphors by using sodium citrate (Na3Cit, Na3C6H5O7) as chelating agent were synthesized via hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology were characterized and analyzed by the X‐ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Adding Na3Cit into the reaction solution can considerably influence the crystallite morphologies of the samples. The temperature dependent photoluminescence spectra of NaGd(WO4)2: Eu3+ phosphors with different ratios of Cit3−/Re3+ have been measured. It was found that, in the NaGd(WO4)2: Eu3+ phosphors, the optical temperature sensing can be achieved by following three temperature dependent parameters: the ratio of luminous intensity of thermally coupled energy levels (5D0 and 5D1); the emission intensities of Eu3+ 5D0‐7F2 transition; the Huang‐Rhys factor of Eu3+ 7F0‐5D2 transition absorption. And the temperature sensing sensitivities of all three methods increased with increase of the ratios of Cit3−/Re3+. This is mainly due to that the number of crystal defects increases with increase of the concentration of Cit3−, and the vibration modes and number of phonons increase, so the intensity of electron‐phonon coupling increases.
An Improved Synthetic Approach for Obtaining High‐Quality Terephthalic Acid: Eliminating the Need for Purification
Authors: Kuznetsova Nina I. , Bal'zhinimaev Bair S. , Bhattacharyya Alak , Walenga Joel T.
Published: December 2017

The large‐scale production of terephthalic acid (TPA) is currently based on the two‐step technology, with oxidation ofp‐xylene in an acetic acid solution containing a Co/Mn/Br catalyst, followed by the purification of the crude product containing the impurityp‐carboxybenzaldehyde (CBA). Here we offer a simple and robust route to the target product, which makes it possible to avoid the tedious and energy‐consuming hydropurification of TPA to remove CBA. We demonstrate that addition of ammonium acetate and ionic liquids to the acetic acid solution changes the reaction medium to improve solubility of TPA and CBA and accelerates oxidation of CBA to TPA. Efficient combinations of the additives and appropriate oxidation conditions have been selected to attain nearly complete oxidation of CBA to TPA over the reaction time and formation of the oxidation product with content of CBA less than 25 ppm without the hydropurification step.
Biological Evolution of New Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides: Anticancer, Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Studies
Authors: Dhanasekaran Thangavelu , Padmanaban Annamalai , Gnanamoorthy Govindan , Manigandan Ramadoss , Kumar Sivakumar Praveen , Stephen Arumainathan , Selvam Parasuram , Subaraja Mamangam , Narayanan Vengidusamy
Published: December 2017

In this work, we have synthesized a novel sodium‐3‐nitrobenzenesulfonate (SNBS) of organic moiety intercalated into Zn−Al layered double hydroxide nanoflakes (ZANF) via facile hydrothermal method. The structure, optical property, morphology, size and surface area of the as‐synthesized intercalated Zn−Al nanoflakes (i‐ZANF) were characterized by various techniques. The i‐ZANF was utilized as an anti‐cancer agent against MCF‐7 cell lines. The IC50 value of synthesized i‐ZANF against MCF‐7 cancer cell was found to be 30 μg/mL. Antibacterial activity against noxious bacteria such as, methicillin resistant staphylococcus areus and Acinetobacter baumannii has been examined. Photocatalytic activity of i‐ZANF was evaluated by using methylene blue (MB) as a toxic environmental pollutant. The obtained results showed that the i‐ZANF has notable antibacterial and anticancer activity, along with excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency (91.2% within 105 min). Hence, it can be proposed that the i‐ZANF with multifunctional applications has been developed to expand as large potential window for anticancer agents, antibaterial and photocatalytic field in upcoming days.
Photosensitizing Properties of 6H‐Dibenzo[b, h]xanthene Derivatives
Authors: Teixeira Rodolfo I. , dos Santos Iago C. , Garden Simon J. , Carneiro Paula F. , Ferreira Vitor F. , de Lucas Nanci C.
Published: December 2017

Dibenzoxanthenes are a class of compounds that have attracted attention due principally to their photochemical and photophysical properties. The absorption spectra of the dibenzo[b, h]xanthene derivatives revealed a blue shift in the absorption spectra on increasing the solvent polarity. The laser flash photolysis technique was used to study the reactivity of the triplet excited states of the dibenzo[b, h]xanthene‐5,6,8,13‐tetrone derivatives. Hydrogen atom or electron donors, including model biological compounds, led to quenching of the excited state and formation of a new transient, thus revealing type I photosensitizer reactivity. Further, energy transfer to oxygen to generate singlet oxygen was also observed demonstrating type II photosensitization. Additionally, the novel dibenzo[b, h]xanthene‐5,6,8,13‐tetrol acetates revealed fluorescence emission with maximum wavelengths between 350–360 nm.
Ionic Liquids as Micellar Agents in Perrhenate‐catalysed Olefin Epoxidation
Authors: Schäffer Johannes , Alber Monika , Korth Wolfgang , Cokoja Mirza , Jess Andreas
Published: December 2017

The perrhenate‐catalysed epoxidation of cyclooctene with aqueous H2O2was performed in micellar media using imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) as surfactants. The catalytic performance of perrhenate was greatly increased in micellar media compared to IL used as neat solvent which allows for efficient use both of catalyst and IL. The choice of the surfactant alkyl chain length (C6to C12) as well as the counterion (BF4−, TfO−, Cl−) is crucial for achieving high reaction rates. The positive effect of the addition of surfactants relies on formation of micelles. Best results are obtained for BF4−anion with long alkyl chain imidazolium cations, outperforming results for previously reported perrhenate ILs, while the use of Cl−anion leads only to similar reactivity. Cross‐over experiments revealed that the catalytically active micellar species forms in situ and that the BF4−anion promotes the reaction beyond a mere change in ionic strength. The use of Cl−anion as surfactant counterion bears potential as a novel approach for rapid screening of potentially catalytically active anions, which is exemplarily shown for tungstate anion.
Ultrahigh Reversibility of SnO2 in SnO2@C Quantum Dots/Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Pinjie , Wu Xianbin , Zhao Yiming , Wang Lianbang , Su Liwei , Wang Yuanhao , Ren Manman
Published: December 2017

Among promising substitutions for commercial graphite anodes for lithium ion batteries, SnO2 has a fourfold theoretical capacity of graphite (if the O element is completely reversible), while the oxygen reutilization is seriously hampered by poor conductivity of both the electron and Li+ ions. This work proposes a novel ternary architecture of SnO2@C quantum dots (QDs, with average diameter of 3.37 nm) grafted on graphene oxides, denoted as SnO2@C/G, via a facile and scalable one‐pot hydrothermal method. The SnO2@C/G show extraordinary long‐term cycling performance (1080 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g‐1 after 300 cycles) and rate capability (∼840 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1). If excluding the contribution of carbon, the specific capacity of SnO2 is 1447 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g‐1, 96.9% of its theoretical capacity. The extraordinary performance is ascribed to ultrahigh reversibility of SnO2 QDs, good structural stability, and much better ionic/electronic diffusions confirmed by XPS, TEM, EIS, respectively.
Quinine Thiourea Immobilized on SBA‐15 as an Efficient Recyclable Catalyst for Asymmetric Strecker Reaction of Isatin N‐protected Ketimines
Authors: Ansari Amamudin , Gupta Naveen , Jakhar Ajay , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Kureshy Rukhsana I.
Published: December 2017

Quinine thiourea organo‐catalyst immobilized on the SBA‐15 mesoporous material was synthesized by the post‐grafting method. First, the organothiol group was grafted over the SBA‐15 surface and which was anchored with quinine thiourea via. radical polymerization method. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by various physicochemical methods. The 13CP MAS solid‐state NMR confirms the successful grafting of quinine thiourea over the surface of SBA‐15. Thermogravimetric weight loss analysis confirms the successful anchoring of organo‐catalyst. The synthesized organo‐catalyst was used as heterogeneous catalyst for asymmetric Strecker reaction of N‐Boc isatin derived ketimines. The heterogeneous catalyst worked efficiently to give α‐amino nitriles in good yields and high enantiomeric excess up to 93% with 90% conversion in 85 h at –10 °C temperature. Furthermore, the catalyst was successfully reused up to five times without loss in yield and enantioselectivity of the product.
Race, Religion, and Spirituality for Asian American Students
Authors: Park Julie J. , Dizon Jude Paul Matias
Published: December 2017

This chapter describes how race, ethnicity, religion, and spirituality uniquely interact for Asian American college students, including a discussion of the diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds of this population.
Tools and Resources to Learn More About Asian American Students
Authors: Kodama Corinne M. , Maramba Dina C.
Published: December 2017

This chapter provides general resources to support readers in their reflections and incorporation of research and practice within their own contexts.
200 Years of Lithium and 100 Years of Organolithium Chemistry
Authors: Wietelmann Ulrich , Klett Jan
Published: December 2017

The element lithium has been discovered 200 years ago. Due to its unique properties it has emerged to play a vital role in industry, esp. for energy storage, and lithium‐based products and processes support sustainable technological developments. In addition to the many uses of lithium in its inorganic forms, lithium has a rich organometallic chemistry. The development of organometallic chemistry has been hindered by synthetic problems from the start. When Wilhelm Schlenk developed the basic principles to handle and synthesize air‐ and moisture‐sensitive compounds, the road was open to further developments. After more information was available about the stability and solubility of such compounds, they started to play an essential role in other fields of chemistry as alkyl or aryl transfer reagents.
Kevin E. Trenberth Receives 2017 Roger Revelle Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2017

Kevin E. Trenberth was awarded the 2017 Roger Revelle Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 13 December 2017 in New Orleans, La. The medal is for “outstanding contributions in atmospheric sciences, atmosphere–ocean coupling, atmosphere–land coupling, biogeochemical cycles, climate or related aspects of the Earth system.”
Chloroplast signaling and quality control
Authors: Rochaix Jean-David , Ramundo Silvia
Published: December 2017

Although chloroplasts contain their own genetic system and are semi-autonomous cell organelles, plastid biogenesis and homeostasis are heavily dependent on the nucleo-cytosolic compartment. These two cellular compartments are closely co-ordinated through a complex signaling network comprising both anterograde and retrograde signaling chains. Developmental changes or any perturbation in the chloroplast system induced by a particular stress resulting from changes in environmental conditions such as excess light, elevated temperature, nutrient limitation, pathogen infection, give rise to specific signals. They migrate out of the chloroplast and are perceived by the nucleus where they elicit changes in expression of particular genes that allow for the maintenance of plastid homeostasis toward environmental cues. These genes mainly include those of photosynthesis-associated proteins, chaperones, proteases, nucleases and immune/defense proteins. Besides this transcriptional response, a chloroplast quality control system exists that is involved in the repair and turnover of damaged plastid proteins. This system degrades aggregated or damaged proteins and it can even remove entire chloroplasts when they have suffered heavy damage. This response comprises several processes such as plastid autophagy and ubiquitin–proteasome mediated proteolysis that occurs on the plastid envelope through the action of the ubiquitin–proteasome system.
Sub‐optimal extremum seeking control for static maps
Authors: Labar Christophe , Garone Emanuele , Kinnaert Michel
Published: December 2017

In this study, the authors address the problem of reaching a given percentage of an optimal cost, so as to guarantee a known reserve with respect to the optimum. This reserve aims to counteract fast changes in the operating conditions. The authors assume that the analytical expression of the cost function is not available. To tackle this problem, they propose a novel extremum seeking scheme, the sub‐optimal extremum seeking, that is able to keep a given margin with respect to the estimated optimal cost. Stability properties of the control scheme are proved and the effectiveness of the approach is validated in simulation.
Modified predictive torque and flux control for open end winding induction motor drive based on ranking method
Authors: Ravi Eswar Kodumur Meesala , V. Praveen Kumar Kunisetti , Vinay Kumar Thippiripati
Published: December 2017

The emerging application of predictive torque and flux control (PTC) in induction motor (IM) drive technology is becoming more successful. The PTC scheme can be applied to open‐end winding IM (OEWIM) drive fed by dual inverter owing to its merits: high dynamic performance, simple control by involving regulation parameters into the control law. However, a conventional PTC offers single control law. To achieve controlling of multiple parameters, weighting factors need to be assigned to the respective parameters in the control law. The selection of weighting factors directly affects control performance of OEWIM. For an optimal selection of weighting factors, the empirical method has to be followed, which is time overwhelming and cumbersome process. To overcome this problem, this study introduces multi‐objective controlling and optimisation based on the ranking method rather than the minimisation of single control law as in the case of conventional methods. The proposed feature circumvents optimisation of weighting factors. To validate the proposed scheme, simulation using Matlab/Simulink and experimental analysis are performed for dual‐inverter fed OEWIM drive. By considering same control objectives (torque, flux ripple and switching frequency limitation), these results are examined with a conventional PTC scheme to accentuate merits of the proposed scheme.
Improvised predictive torque control strategy for an open end winding induction motor drive fed with four‐level inversion using normalised weighted sum model
Authors: Kunisetti Venkata Praveen Kumar , Kodumur Meesala Ravi Eswar , Thippiripati Vinay Kumar
Published: December 2017

Open end winding induction motor (OEWIM) drives are better alternate for multi‐level inverter fed induction motor drives. OEWIM drives can be used in industries and electric vehicles but they entail ripple‐free torque. Predictive torque control (PTC) strategy offers high dynamic performance and lesser ripple in torque, flux when compared with direct torque control. Classical PTC involves high switching frequencies and empirical methods to select weighting factors. The selection and tuning of weighting factors are cumbersome. In this article, a new normalised weighted sum model (WSM) based PTC of four‐level inverter fed OEWIM is introduced to curtail torque, flux ripples, switching frequency and enhance the selection of weighting factors. The proposed algorithm uses multi‐objective cost function and the optimisation of cost function is performed by using normalised WSM. The normalisation of individual cost function simplifies the selection of weighting factors to select optimal voltage vector. As a result, the proposed PTC offers all the features of classical PTC and overcomes the difficulties involved in classical PTC. Simulation and experimental studies are performed on dual inverter fed OEWIM with four‐level inversion. The effectiveness of proposed algorithm is verified by comparing proposed PTC algorithm with classical PTC algorithm.
Wind power curtailment sequence characteristic analysis
Authors: Qi Yongzhi , Zhang Nan , Huang Yuehui , Wang Yuefeng , Wang Weisheng , Liu Chun
Published: December 2017

As the wind power develops rapidly, the curtailment of wind power increases significantly. It is of vital importance to do more research on wind power curtailment characteristic which is the foundation for wind power operation and optimisation. A wind power curtailment sequence characteristic analysis method based on sequential simulation production model is proposed. Then, the ratio of curtailment frequency and ratio of curtailment generation proportion are presented and calculated based on plenty of simulated data, which can reflect the curtailment characteristic. The simulation shows the wind power curtailment generation increases significantly with the increase the wind power penetration. Under most circumstances, the curtailment last for a relative continuous short time, in which small scale of storage can be used to reduce the curtailment.
Low voltage ride‐through capability enhancement of grid‐connected permanent magnet synchronous generator driven directly by variable speed wind turbine: a review
Authors: Qais Mohammed H. , Hasanien Hany M. , Alghuwainem Saad
Published: December 2017

The large power penetration of wind farms into the power grids requires new regulations by transmission system operators to keep them connected to the grid as long as possible. Grid disturbances such as voltage dips cause islanding of wind farms on the way to protect its apparatus from damage due to a high current flowing. The grid stability will suffer due to the islanding of large‐scale wind farms. Wind farms should keep on connecting to the grid during low voltages for a specific time [low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability] to support the grid stability restoring. LVRT capability of permanent magnet synchronous generator driven directly by a variable speed wind turbine (PMSG‐VSWT) can be realised by modifying the control of grid side converter (GSC), machine side converter (MSC), pitch angle control, or using the existing energy storage system. This study presents a review of recent proposed improvements to enhance the LVRT capability of PMSG‐VSWT. Many artificial intelligence and conventional controllers are used to enhance the control performance during voltage sags to keep the wind farms connected to the grid according to the recent grid codes.
Magnetic field evolution in dwarf and Magellanic-type galaxies
Authors: Siejkowski H. , Soida M. , Chyży K. T.
Published: December 2017

Aims. Low-mass galaxies radio observations show in many cases surprisingly high levels of magnetic field. The mass and kinematics of such objects do not favour the development of effective large-scale dynamo action. We attempted to check if the cosmic-ray-driven dynamo can be responsible for measured magnetization in this class of poorly investigated objects. We investigated how starburst events on the whole, as well as when part of the galactic disk, influence the magnetic field evolution.

Methods. We created a model of a dwarf/Magellanic-type galaxy described by gravitational potential constituted from two components: the stars and the dark-matter halo. The model is evolved by solving a three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic equation with an additional cosmic-ray component, which is approximated as a fluid. The turbulence is generated in the system via supernova explosions manifested by the injection of cosmic-rays.

Results. The cosmic-ray-driven dynamo works efficiently enough to amplify the magnetic field even in low-mass dwarf/Magellanic-type galaxies. The e-folding times of magnetic energy growth are 0.50 and 0.25 Gyr for the slow (50 km s−1) and fast (100 km s−1) rotators, respectively. The amplification is being suppressed as the system reaches the equipartition level between kinetic, magnetic, and cosmic-ray energies. An episode of star formation burst amplifies the magnetic field but only for a short time while increased star formation activity holds. We find that a substantial amount of gas is expelled from the galactic disk, and that the starburst events increase the efficiency of this process.
Intention as action under development: why intention is not a mental state
Authors: Russell Devlin
Published: December 2017

This paper constructs a theory according to which an intention is not a mental state but an action at a certain developmental stage. I model intention on organic life, and thus intention stands to action as (e.g.) tadpole stands to frog. I then argue for this theory by showing how it overcomes three problems: intending while (1) merely preparing, (2) not taking any steps, and (3) the action is impossible. The problems vanish when we see that not all actions are mature. Just as some frogs (such as tadpoles) are immature frogs, some actions (such as intentions) are immature actions.