bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Organic “Polyurea” Thin Film for Ultralong‐Life Lithium‐Metal Anodes via Molecular‐Layer Deposition
Authors: Sun Yipeng , Zhao Yang , Wang Jiwei , Liang Jianneng , Wang Changhong , Sun Qian , Lin Xiaoting , Adair Keegan R. , Luo Jing , Wang Dawei , Li Ruying , Cai Mei , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: December 2018

Metallic Li is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for next‐generation batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, its commercialization has been impeded by the severe safety issues associated with Li‐dendrite growth. Non‐uniform Li‐ion flux on the Li‐metal surface and the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the Li plating/stripping process lead to the growth of dendritic and mossy Li structures that deteriorate the cycling performance and can cause short‐circuits. Herein, an ultrathin polymer film of “polyurea” as an artificial SEI layer for Li‐metal anodes via molecular‐layer deposition (MLD) is reported. Abundant polar groups in polyurea can redistribute the Li‐ion flux and lead to a uniform plating/stripping process. As a result, the dendritic Li growth during cycling is efficiently suppressed and the life span is significantly prolonged (three times longer than bare Li at a current density of 3 mA cm−2). Moreover, the detailed surface and interfacial chemistry of Li metal are studied comprehensively. This work provides deep insights into the design of artificial SEI coatings for Li metal and progress toward realizing next‐generation Li‐metal batteries.
Lanthanide‐Based Thermometers: At the Cutting‐Edge of Luminescence Thermometry
Authors: Brites Carlos D. S. , Balabhadra Sangeetha , Carlos Luís D.
Published: December 2018

Present technological demands in disparate areas, such as microfluidics and nanofluidics, microelectronics and nanoelectronics, photonics and biomedicine, among others, have reached to a development such that conventional contact thermal probes are not accomplished anymore to perform accurate measurements with submicrometric spatial resolution. The development of novel noncontact thermal probes is, then, mandatory, contributing to an expansionary epoch of luminescence thermometry. Luminescence thermometry based on trivalent lanthanide ions has become very popular since 2010 due to the unique versatility, stability, and narrow emission band profiles of the ions that cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum with relatively high emission quantum yields. Here, a perspective overview on the field is given from the beginnings in the 1950s until the most recent cutting‐edge examples. The current movement toward usage of the technique as a new tool for thermal imaging, early tumor detection, and as a tool for unveiling the properties of the thermometers themselves or of their local neighborhoods is also summarized.
In‐Plane Optical Anisotropy of Low‐Symmetry 2D GeSe
Authors: Yang Yusi , Liu Shun‐Chang , Wang Yang , Long Mingsheng , Dai Chen‐Min , Chen Shiyou , Zhang Bo , Sun Zhe , Sun Zhaoyang , Hu Chunguang , Zhang Shishu , Tong Lianming , Zhang Gengmin , Xue Ding‐Jiang , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: December 2018

As a new member of 2D materials, GeSe has attracted considerable attention recently due to its fascinating in‐plane anisotropic vibrational, electrical, and optical properties originating from the low‐symmetry crystal structure. Among these anisotropic properties, the anisotropic optical property, as a new degree of freedom to manipulate optoelectronic properties in 2D materials, is of great importance for practical applications. However, the fundamental understanding of the optical anisotropy of GeSe is still under exploration, severely restricting its utility in polarization‐sensitive optical systems. Here, a systematic study about the in‐plane optical anisotropy of GeSe is reported, including its anisotropic optical absorption, reflection, extinction, and refraction. The anisotropic band structure of GeSe is experimentally observed for the first time through angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, explaining the origin of the optical anisotropy. The anisotropic reflection and refraction of GeSe are further directly visualized through the angle‐dependent optical contrast of GeSe flakes by azimuth‐dependent reflectance difference microscopy and polarization‐resolved optical microscopy, respectively. Finally, GeSe‐based photodetectors exhibit a polarization‐sensitive photoresponsivity due to the intrinsic linear dichroism. This study provides fundamental information for the optical anisotropy of GeSe, forcefully stimulating the exploration of novel GeSe‐based optical and optoelectronic applications.
20+ Years and alive with primary myelofibrosis: Phenotypic signature of very long‐lived patients
Authors: Penna Domenico , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Vallapureddy Rangit R. , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pardanani Animesh , Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: December 2018

In the last decade, several prognostic models for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) have been introduced and shown to be effective in predicting overall survival. The main objective for this study was to identify clinical and genetic markers of very long (20+ years) survival in PMF. A total of 1282 patients with PMF were considered (median age 65 years, range 19‐92; 63% males); 26 (2%) patients (median age 51 years, range 28‐71; 38% males) survived their disease for at least 20 years (long‐lived patients) and 626 (49%) patients (median age 68 years, range 27‐92; 66% males) died within 5 years of their diagnosis (short‐lived patients). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified 7 variables that were associated with survival beyond 20 years: age ≤ 70 years (P = .002); female sex (P = .03); hemoglobin level ≥ 10 g/dL for women and ≥ 11 g/dL for men (P = .03), leukocyte count ≤25 × 109/L (P = .009), platelet count ≥100 × 109/L (P = .002), circulating blasts <2% (P = .03) and absence of constitutional symptoms (P = .04). Five‐year mortality was independently predicted by high‐molecular risk mutations (P < .001); unfavorable or very high risk karyotype (P < .001); absence of type 1/like CALR mutation (P < .001); age > 70 years (P < .001); constitutional symptoms (P < .001); hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL for women and < 11 g/dL for men (P < .001); leukocyte count >25 × 109/L (P = .004); and circulating blasts ≥2% (P = .001). This study suggests that genetic risk factors in PMF are associated with early mortality while survival beyond 20 years could be predicted by easily accessible clinical variables, including age, sex, blood counts, and symptoms.
Peripheral blood biomarkers of early immune reconstitution in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Binder Moritz , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Dispenzieri Angela , Hwa Yi L. , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Hayman Suzanne R. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Leung Nelson , Kapoor Prashant , Go Ronald S. , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: December 2018

Peripheral blood biomarkers of tumor microenvironment and immune surveillance are independent prognostic factors in multiple myeloma. The timing and prognostic impact of immune reconstitution has been studied after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, less is known about its significance in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. We studied absolute lymphocyte (ALC) and absolute monocyte (AMC) counts at the time of treatment initiation and 1 month thereafter in 771 newly diagnosed patients. Two hundred and thirty‐four patients (31%) had evidence of immune dysregulation at baseline (abnormal biomarkers). Eighty‐seven of these patients (37%) recovered normal biomarkers at 1 month (early immune reconstitution). The absence of immune dysregulation at baseline (compared to the presence thereof) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61‐0.97,P = 0.025, n = 771). The absence of immune dysregulation at 1 month (compared to the persistence or development thereof) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50‐0.80,P < 0.001, n = 771). Early immune reconstitution (compared to the persistence or development of immune dysregulation) was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43‐0.92,P = 0.016, n = 771). Cytogenetic high‐risk disease was negatively, and treatment with immunomodulators positively, associated with early immune reconstitution. The presence or development of immune dysregulation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma is an independent risk factor. The favorable impact of early immune reconstitution suggests immune dysregulation to be a potentially modifiable risk factor that may be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
Complex variation of trabecular bone structure in the proximal humerus and femur of five modern human populations
Authors: Doershuk Lily J. , Saers Jaap P. P. , Shaw Colin N. , Jashashvili Tea , Carlson Kristian J. , Stock Jay T. , Ryan Timothy M.
Published: December 2018

Objective

This project investigates trabecular bone structural variation in the proximal humerus and femur of hunter‐gatherer, mixed‐strategy agricultural, medieval, and human groups to address three questions: (a) What is the extent of trabecular bone structural variation in the humerus and femur between populations with different inferred activity levels? (b) How does variation in the proximal humerus relate to variation in the proximal femur? (c) Are trabecular bone microstructural variables sexually dimorphic?

Methods

The proximal humerus and femur of 73 adults from five human groups with distinct subsistence strategies were scanned using a micro‐computed tomography system. Centralized volumes of interest within the humeral and femoral heads were extracted and analyzed to quantify bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, connectivity density, degree of anisotropy, and bone surface density.

Results

In the humerus and femur, groups with the highest inferred activity levels have higher bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness, and lower bone surface density than those with lower inferred activity levels. However, the humeral pattern does not exactly mirror that of the femur, which demonstrates a steeper gradient of difference between subsistence groups. No significant differences were identified in trabecular separation. No consistent patterns of sexual dimorphism were present in the humerus or femur.

Conclusions

Reduced skeletal robusticity of proximal humeral and femoral trabecular bone corresponds with reduced activity level inferred from subsistence strategy. However, human trabecular bone structural variation is complex and future work should explore how other factors (diet, climate, genetics, disease load, etc.), in addition to activity, influence bone structural variation.
Wisdom: A Key Option on the ADR Menu?
Authors: Samuel Adam
Published: December 2018

So, what is dispute resolution really about?
Economic valuation of biodiversity in South Asia: The case of Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir (India)
Authors: Bhat Mohammad Younus , Bhatt Mohammad Sultan
Published: December 2018

Biodiversity needs our attention because humans receive a wide range of direct and indirect benefits. Valuation of biodiversity is important to establish the importance of use and non‐use values of biological resources and cost of ignoring them. Against this backdrop, the aim of this study is to capture the recreational value of the national park biodiversity while employing travel cost method. To this end, the value of the economic benefits generated by sustainable management of Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir (India) is estimated using data from 301 visitors from different parts of the country. Data are analysed using count data models, and results reveal that travel cost method is suitable for valuation of various use values generated by environmental resources such as national parks. Estimated results show that consumer surplus per visitor per visit in present study is equal to Rs. 12,470 (US$197), which translates into an annual monetary recreational value of about Rs. 247,614,828 (approximately US$3,930,395). Demand for tourism services is also found to be fairly insensitive to travel cost/price. Therefore, an increase in entry fee and redistribution of proceeds can improve the physical and financial management of the park.
Adenosine 2a Receptor Signal Blockade of Murine Autoimmune Arthritis via Inhibition of Pathogenic Germinal Center–Follicular Helper T Cells
Authors: Schmiel Shirdi E. , Kalekar Lokesh A. , Zhang Na , Blankespoor Thomas W. , Robinson Londyn J. , Mueller Daniel L.
Published: December 2018

Objective

CD4 germinal center (GC)–follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. Previous studies have shown that adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR; Adora2a) signaling can divert CD4 T cells away from the GC‐Tfh cell lineage during the primary response to foreign antigens. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of A2aR signaling on CD4 T cells during the recognition of self antigen in a murine model of autoimmune arthritis.

Methods

Wild‐type and Adora2a‐deficient mouse KRN T cell receptor–transgenic CD4 T cells specific for glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (GPI)/I‐Ag7 were transferred into immunodeficient Tcra−/− I‐Ag7–expressing mice to induce arthritis. Recipients were then treated with either the selective A2aR agonist CGS‐21680 (CGS) or phosphate buffered saline alone. Severity of disease, autoantibody titers, KRN T cell numbers and phenotype, and GPI‐specific isotype class–switched plasmablasts were tracked.

Results

CGS treatment inhibited the development of arthritis and differentiation of KRN GC‐Tfh cells, blocked the appearance of high‐affinity GPI‐specific and IgG1 isotype class–switched polyclonal plasmablasts, and led to a reduction in serum titers of anti‐GPI IgG1. In addition, therapeutic administration of CGS after the onset of arthritis blocked further disease progression in association with reductions in the number of KRN GC‐Tfh cells and anti‐GPI IgG1 serum titers.

Conclusion

Strong A2aR signaling diverts autoreactive CD4 T cell differentiation away from the GC‐Tfh cell lineage, thus reducing help for the differentiation of dangerous autoreactive B cells that promote arthritis. These data in a mouse model of autoimmune arthritis suggest that A2aR and its downstream signaling pathways in CD4 T cells may be promising therapeutic targets for interfering with potentially dangerous autoreactive GC‐Tfh cell differentiation.
Construction of a Luminogen Exhibiting High Contrast and Multicolored Emission Switching through Combination of a Bulky Conjugation Core and Tolyl Groups
Authors: Duan Yuxin , Ma Huili , Tian Haiyan , Liu Jing , Deng Xuebin , Peng Qian , Dong Yong Qiang
Published: December 2018

Stimuli‐responsive luminogens may find application in highly sensitive sensors, memories and security inks. However, few examples exhibiting both high contrast and multi‐colored emission switching have been reported due to the absence of a molecular design strategy. Through combination of large conjugation core and peripheral phenyl rings, we obtained ditolyldibenzofulvene (1). Luminogen 1 is AIE active and exhibits tetracolored emission depending on its morphology. Its three single crystals emit blue, yellow and dark orange light upon excitation, exhibiting a maximal emission of 461 nm, 545 nm and 586 nm, respectively, and its amorphous solid emits at 557 nm. All the four aggregates exhibit enhanced emission intensity at lower temperature, but only the orange‐emissive crystals exhibit blue‐shifted emission. The emission of 1 can be switched reversibly between any two of the four states through morphology tuning. Finally, the potential application of 1 in optical data storage was also investigated.
Integration of Derivative Control on SIPIC in Motor Speed Control
Authors: Hoo Choon Lih , Wong Jien
Published: December 2018

The proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is the most commonly used controller in control application due to its simplicity. However, the control output may exceed the plant input limit which eventually deteriorates the system performance. This is known as a windup phenomenon, which causes large overshoot, long settling time and instability in the control system. Various anti‐windup methods have been introduced to overcome the windup phenomenon such as the Steady‐State Integral Proportional‐Integral Controller (SIPIC). Due to the coupling of the proportional, integral and derivative tuning gains, it is difficult to tune for non‐overshoot and short settling time to coexist in a PID. With decoupling, a greater range of tuning gains can be applied to control the rising slope without disturbing the damping state. Currently, SIPIC with decoupling effect has only been studied for the proportional and integral tuning gains. This paper presents the effect of integrating derivative control on SIPIC in motor speed control. SIPIC+D shows better speed control on a direct current motor under no‐load and loading conditions compared with other existing anti‐windup added with derivative control.
SOX11 regulates apoptosis and cell cycle in hepatocellular carcinoma via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhong Yang , Chen Yu Jian , Chen Hui
Published: December 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with high mortality. Identifying key molecules involved in the regulation of HCC development is of great clinical significance. SOX11 is a transcription factor belonging to group C of Sry‐related high mobility group box family whose abnormal expression is frequently seen in many kinds of human cancers. Here, we noted that the expression of SOX11 was decreased in human HCC tumors compared with that in matched normal tissues. Overexpression of SOX11 promoted growth inhibition and apoptosis in HCC cell line HuH‐7. Mechanistically, SOX11 enhanced the expression of nemo‐like kinase and the phosphorylation of TCF4, thereby blunting the activation of oncogenic Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in HuH‐7 cells. Finally, SOX11 was also found to sensitize HuH‐7 cells to chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and 5‐fluorouraci. Therefore, our study identifies SOX11 as a potential tumor suppressor in HCC and may hopefully be beneficial for the clinical diagnosis or treatment of HCC.
Structured representation of monitored occupancy data
Authors: Taheri Mahnameh , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: December 2018

Strukturierte Darstellung von nutzerbezogenen Gebäudedaten. Ingenieure und Bauphysiker benötigen qualitativ hochwertige und detaillierte Daten für die systematische Unterstützung von Gebäudeentwurf und ‐betrieb. Derartige Daten werden unter anderem benötigt, um die für die Gebäudesimulation notwendigen Modelle der Nutzerpräsenz und des Nutzerverhaltens entwickeln und validieren zu können. Dabei ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung für den Datenaustausch das Vorhandensein geeigneter Ontologien und standardisierter Datenformate. Der vorliegende Beitrag präsentiert eine Ontologie sowie ein hierarchisches Datenformat zur Darstellung multipler nutzerbezogener Gebäudedaten beliebiger Größe und Komplexität.
The arrogance of teratology: A brief chronology of attitudes throughout history
Authors: DeSesso John M.
Published: December 2018

While the discipline of Teratology has existed for about 60 years, there has been a deep interest in the causes of human malformations for millennia. Absent the scientific method and acting on fervent beliefs that made sense to ancient/medieval populations, “mechanisms” were described and prognostications of future events were assigned to terata resulting in tragic (and unwarranted) sequelae. This article examines the collective beliefs and thinking within various eras in the hope of providing lessons to inform future behavior. The eugenics movement is an informative, recent example. Science of the 19th century had unraveled some of the mysteries of development and the role of genetics in determining birth outcomes. There was, however, a deep misunderstanding about the enormous amount of information that had yet to be uncovered. Based on immature science and faulty assumptions, it was suggested that “unfit” individuals be euthanized and their parents sterilized. Such “solutions” would be considered deplorable today. Surprisingly, such a reprehensible program was supported (at least in part) by many intelligent and highly regarded individuals. Today, it is imperative that we enter into the era of molecular biology and gene editing cautiously and perspicaciously. The history of teratology has elucidated our inability to understand where our new technologies and actions might take us and how unintended consequences could disrupt even our most carefully thought‐out plans.
Honokiol induces apoptosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma by targeting FGF2‐FGFR1 autocrine loop
Authors: Cen Mengyuan , Yao Yinan , Cui Luyun , Yang Guangdie , Lu Guohua , Fang Liangjie , Bao Zhang , Zhou Jianying
Published: December 2018

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for a considerable proportion of lung cancer cases, but there is still a lack of effective therapies. FGFR1 amplification is generally considered a promising therapeutic target. Honokiol is a chemical compound that has been proven to be effective against various malignancies and whose analog has been reported to target the mitogen‐activated protein kinase family, members of a downstream signaling pathway of FGFR1. This was an explorative study to determine the mechanism of honokiol in lung SCC. We found that honokiol induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lung SCC cell lines in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Honokiol also restricted cell migration in lung SCC cell lines. Moreover, the expression of FGF2 and the activation of FGFR1 were both downregulated by honokiol. Pharmacological inhibition and siRNA knockdown of FGFR1 induced apoptosis in lung SCC cells. Our in vivo study indicated that honokiol could suppress the growth of xenograft tumors, and this effect was associated with the inhibition of the FGF2‐FGFR1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, honokiol induced cell apoptosis in lung SCC by targeting the FGF2‐FGFR1 autocrine loop.
The Accumulation of Risk and Essential Elements in Edible Mushrooms Chlorophyllum rhacodes, Suillus grevillei, Imleria badia, and Xerocomellus chrysenteron Growing in the Czech Republic
Authors: Šíma Jan , Vondruška Jan , Svoboda Lubomír , Šeda Martin , Rokos Lukáš
Published: December 2018

Risk and essential elements were determined in fruiting bodies of wild growing edible mushrooms Chlorophyllum rhacodes, Suillus grevillei, Imleria badia, and Xerocomellus chrysenteron collected in an unpolluted site in South Bohemia, the Czech Republic. The elements were also determined in underlying soils and the bioconcentration factors were calculated. The analyses revealed that C. rhacodes accumulated Ag, Cu, Rb, Se, Zn, As, Cd, and Tl. On the other hand, S. grevillei accumulated Cd, Rb, Ag, Se, and Cs. I. badia and X. chrysenteron strongly accumulated Rb, Cs, and Ag; these species showed the ability to accumulate Cu and Zn as well. Contents of detrimental CrVI were in all cases below the quantification limit (0.003 mg kg−1 dry matter). Studied mushroom species (mainly C. rhacodes) accumulated some toxic elements. However, no considerable effect on human health is expected since they are usually consumed as a delicacy and do not represent a major component of diet.
Immunologic characterization of patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease
Authors: Khalsa Kiranjit K. , Yang Qi , Shen Xiaofei , Pasha M. Asghar , Celestin Jocelyn
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

Even if initial immunologic screen is normal, a high index of suspicion for immunodeficiency should guide the evaluation and management of patients with recurrent episodes of mucocutaneous candidiasis. Although rare, a diagnosis of chronic mucocutaneous disease should always be considered in order to improve their outcome.
Separation of eight bedaquiline analogue diastereomers by HPLC on an immobilized polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase
Authors: Jiang Shenmeng , Wu Chengjun , Yu Jia , Sun Tiemin , Guo Xingjie
Published: December 2018

The high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a powerful method in the area of stereoisomer separation. In this study, separation of eight bedaquiline analogue diastereomers (compounds 1‐8) was first examined on a cellulose tris‐(3,5‐dichlorophenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase, ie, Chiralpak IC in the normal phase mode. The influences of organic modifier types, alcohol content, and column temperature on diastereoseparation were evaluated. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, all the analyte stereoisomers were successfully separated. The experimental results revealed the great influence of analytes' structures on the diastereoseparation with Chiralpak IC. In addition, thermodynamic parameters were calculated by Van't Hoff plots, and correlative chiral recognition mechanisms were discussed further.
Experimental Methods in Chemical Engineering: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Rigamonti Marco G. , Gatti Francesco G. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: December 2018

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measures free induction decay (FID) signals that atomic nuclei emit when excited by a radio‐frequency (RF) pulse in a static magnetic field. The Fourier‐transformed spectrum shows chemically shifted peaks, area intensity, and multiplicity, which give information on molecular structure, bonds, functional groups, and purity. Web of Science Core Collection indexed 46 000 articles that mentioned NMR in 2016 and 2017. The VosViewer software grouped the research into 5 clusters: solid‐state analysis including metabolomics; biology with in‐vitro and antibacterial applications; coupled analytical techniques to identify crystal structure for which x‐ray diffraction and density functional theory figure prominently; liquid‐state analysis for polymers, aqueous solutions, nano‐particles, and drug delivery; and chemosensors. Researchers publishing in The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering focus most on: liquid‐state NMR to characterize polymers, branching, and monomers; quantify conformation, reaction kinetics, and equilibrium; and assess surfactant stability, ionic liquids, and composition. We introduce the theory behind NMR spectroscopy and common applications in chemistry and material science. We highlight the strength and limitations, sources of error, and the detection limit for this analytical technique, as manufacturers develop massive magnets for high‐resolution spectra (1 GHz), and benchtop NMR for real‐time, in‐situ analysis (80 MHz).
Process optimization for effective bio‐decolourization of methyl orange by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 23N1 using chemometric methodology
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Maiti Abhijit
Published: December 2018

Development of low‐cost and efficient treatment processes to remove dyes from dye‐laden industrial wastewaters is currently an important topic of research. This study aims to investigate the bio‐decolouration of methyl orange (MO) dye by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 23N1 and to optimize the process parameters for efficient removal of MO. The regular two‐level factorial analysis technique is used to screen out the operational factors and to select their upper and lower limits for further optimization using central composite design (CCD). The result revealed that the peptone, yeast extract, and salt are the vital nutrients required by the bacteria to achieve high dye decolourization. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in CCD indicates (correlation coefficient (R2) as 0.999 with predicted Rpre2 = 0.996 and adjusted Radj2 = 0.998) a strong correlation between the predicted response and the experimental response under identical experimental conditions. ANOVA in CCD exhibits high positive coefficients of estimate, 21.86 and 17.75, for dye and yeast extract concentration, respectively, suggests their major influences on decolourization performance. Higher decolourization is achieved at higher initial dye concentration due to the utilization of dye molecules as a preferable food supplement for bacteria. Model validation analyses show 98.23 ±0.4 %, and 98.60 ±0.5 % decolourization for initial 50 and 150 mg/L dye solution, respectively, which are in agreement with the model predicted dye decolourization percentages of 98.44 and 98.34 %, respectively. The disappearance of the maximum absorption peak of the MO dye in the UV‐visible spectra indicates that decolourization of dye is either through the bioaccumulation or biodegradation mechanism.
Visualization of the secondary phase in LiFePO4 ingots with advanced mapping techniques
Authors: Liu Yulong , Banis Mohammad Norouzi , Xiao Wei , Li Ruying , Wang Zhiqiang , Adair Keegan R. , Rousselot Steeve , Sauriol Pierre , Dollé Mickaël , Liang Guoxian , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: December 2018

LiFePO4 has been widely used as a cathode material in lithium ion batteries. However, some impurity phases existing in LiFePO4 have a significant influence on its electrochemical performance. Therefore, detection of the impurity phases is necessary for the manufacturer in order to improve the quality of LiFePO4. In particular, visualization of the impurity and secondary phase distributions immersed in the bulk LiFePO4 crystal can help to understand the origin of the impurity and secondary phases, providing clear guidance towards the synthesis of high purity LiFePO4. The results show that with the combination of Raman and EDS, we are capable of identifying the low melting lithium phosphate phase in LFP ingot. Through micro XRF mapping, more detailed information about the LFP materials after carbon coating are observed. The secondary phases are easily defined due to the high sensitivity of this technology.
Modelling of phase equilibria of LiFePO4‐FePO4 olivine join for cathode material
Authors: Phan Anh Thu , Gheribi Aïmen E. , Chartrand Patrice
Published: December 2018

A thermodynamic model for the FePO4‐LiFePO4 olivine join has been developed in order to provide support for the understanding of the charge transport behaviour within the cathode material during the battery operation. The Gibbs energy model for the olivine solution is based on the compound energy formalism with long‐range‐order and has been calibrated using the CALPHAD method, permitting the computation of phase equilibria by Gibbs energy minimization techniques. The model can simultaneously reproduce the reported eutectoid reaction, the 3 low‐temperature miscibility gaps, the enthalpy of mixing, and the change of the voltage plateau with temperature during the delithiation process, in agreement with the available experimental data. The spinodal decomposition, which is possibly associated with fast charge transport within the cathode material, involves up to two sub‐spinodal decompositions. Hence, the unique low‐temperature miscibility gap of this system is considered as a blend of the two sub‐miscibility gaps.
Selective separation of copper and nickel ions from aqueous solutions containing calcium by emulsion liquid membranes using central composite design
Authors: Ma Hao , Kökkılıç Ozan , Langlois Raymond , Song Xuejuan , Qin Yong , Waters Kristian E.
Published: December 2018

The emulsion liquid membrane technique was utilized to selectively extract copper and nickel from a synthetic aqueous solution containing calcium, which was used to mimic a tailings stream found in the Sudbury region of Canada. The results showed copper and nickel ions were successively extracted from the synthetic solution. Two central composite designs and an analysis of the experiments were used to optimize the process and determine the main effects and interactions of experimental factors. In the first stage, copper was extracted with a minimum removal of nickel and calcium. It was found that under optimum conditions 98 % of the copper was extracted, with only 0.9 % of the nickel and 1.3 % of the calcium being extracted. The subsequent copper stripping efficiency was 95.7 %. In the second stage, the remaining aqueous solution was treated to remove nickel with minimum calcium removal. During this stage, the corresponding nickel and calcium removal percentages were 99.0 and 0.55 %, respectively, with a nickel stripping efficiency of 84.1 %. Laboratory bench‐scale tests using a two‐stage mixer‐settler showed a good correlation with these results when moving to a semi‐continuous process, which extracted 99.7 % of the copper and 98.2 % of the nickel, with only 2.2 % calcium extraction.
Using Electronic Health Records To Generate Phenotypes For Research
Authors: Pendergrass Sarah A. , Crawford Dana C.
Published: December 2018

Electronic health records contain patient‐level data collected during and for clinical care. Data within the electronic health record include diagnostic billing codes, procedure codes, vital signs, laboratory test results, clinical imaging, and physician notes. With repeated clinic visits, these data are longitudinal, providing important information on disease development, progression, and response to treatment or intervention strategies. The near universal adoption of electronic health records nationally has the potential to provide population‐scale real‐world clinical data accessible for biomedical research, including genetic association studies. For this research potential to be realized, high‐quality research‐grade variables must be extracted from these clinical data warehouses. We describe here common and emerging electronic phenotyping approaches applied to electronic health records, as well as current limitations of both the approaches and the biases associated with these clinically collected data that impact their use in research. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rapid Synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazole Frameworks in Laser‐Induced Graphene Microreactors
Authors: Xie Yunchao , Zhang Chi , Su Jheng‐Wun , Deng Heng , Zhang Cheng , Lin Jian
Published: December 2018

Various approaches to synthesize zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) have been developed, such as solvothermal, sonochemical, microfluidic, and mechanochemical reactions. However, most of them are time consuming and involve complex processing steps, thus they cannot rapidly screen potential candidates to obtain ZIFs on demand. Such a challenge calls for efficient synthetic approaches. Herein, this challenge is overcome by employing two nonconventional heating strategies, that is, microwave and Joule heating, which are induced by laser‐induced graphene (LIG) microreactors, to rapidly synthesize ZIFs. In the first reaction, the LIG acts as a susceptor that absorbs electromagnetic energy, which is converted into heat. In the latter one, LIG acts an electrical conductor that converts electrical energy to heat. Both of them can rapidly heat up the reactor, accelerating the crystal growth for synthesizing ZIFs with well‐controlled morphology and crystallinity. To demonstrate a conceptual application, a ZIF‐67/LIG composite was converted into Co/CoNC/LIG by a CO2 laser‐induced process. It showed excellent performance in the oxygen reduction reaction with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.798 V, and superior methanol tolerance and long‐term stability. These rapid and facile synthesis methodologies will enable quick optimization of reaction conditions and fast screening of compound libraries for searching new materials, paving the way to high‐throughput and autonomous nanomanufacturing.
On the passivity of the quasi‐static partial element equivalent circuit method
Authors: Ferranti Francesco , Romano Daniele , Antonini Giulio
Published: December 2018

The partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) electromagnetic method has attracted a lot of attention for its capability to give a circuit interpretation to Maxwell's equations. The PEEC equivalent circuits are usually connected with terminations such as drivers and receivers in a time‐domain circuit simulator.

Passivity is a fundamental property for the time‐domain simulations of circuit models connected to terminations at their electrical ports. Stable, but nonpassive, models can produce unstable systems when connected to other stable, even passive, loads.

The so‐called quasi‐static PEEC formulations leads to a descriptor state‐space circuital representation of the electromagnetic phenomena. Multiple state‐space representations are possible.

In this paper, we study the passivity property of different quasi‐static PEEC representations in detail. A novel analytical additive decomposition is proposed concerning the admittance formulation, which allows extracting the polynomial part of the transfer function that represents the behavior at infinity in the Laplace domain. This decomposition is discussed from a mathematical and a physical point of view. Such a detailed study for the passivity of quasi‐static PEEC models and the novel analytical decomposition is not available in the literature. Numerical results support the theoretical analysis.
Glucose homeostasis in statin users—The LIFESTAT study
Authors: Morville Thomas , Dohlmann Tine , Kuhlman Anja B. , Monberg Tine , Torp Mimmi , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Larsen Steen , Helge Jørn W. , Dela Flemming
Published: December 2018

Background

Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol concentrations in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The treatment increases the risk of muscle pain (myalgia) and of type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain disputed.

Methods

We investigated whether statin induced myalgia is coupled to impaired glucose homeostasis using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), and the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. We performed a cross‐sectional study of statin users without CVD (primary prevention) stratified into a statin myalgic (M; n = 25) and a non‐myalgic (NM; n = 39) group as well as a control group (C; n = 20) consisting of non‐statin users.

Results

A reduction in the insulin secretion rate during the OGTT was observed in the myalgic group compared with the non‐myalgic group (AUC ISROGTT, C: 1032 (683 ‐ 1500); M: 922 (678 ‐ 1091); NM: 1089 (933 ‐ 1391) pmol·L−1·min (median with 25%‐75% percentiles), but no other measurements indicated impaired β‐cell function. We found no other differences between the three groups for other measurements in the OGTT, IVGTT, and euglycemic clamp. Muscle protein content of GLUT4 and hexokinase II was similar between the three groups.

Conclusions

We conclude that statin users in primary prevention experiencing myalgia do not have impaired glucose homeostasis compared with other statin users or non‐users. We consider this an important aspect in the dialogue between physician and patient regarding statin treatment and adverse effects.
Highly sensitive multiplex protein detection by droplet‐free digital ELISA
Authors: Akama Kenji , Shirai Kentaro , Suzuki Seigo
Published: December 2018

Digital enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a single molecule counting technology and is one of the most sensitive immunoassay methods. The key aspect of this technology is to concentrate enzyme reaction products from a single target molecule in femtoliter droplets. On the other hand, we have developed a novel Digital ELISA that does not require droplets; instead, enzyme reaction products are concentrated using a tyramide signal amplification system. In this study, we present a method that enables the multiplex detection of proteins based on Droplet‐free Digital ELISA. First, two types of paramagnetic beads immobilized with antibodies specific to different target proteins were incubated with a sample solution, and target proteins were captured on their specific beads. Then, these beads were labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and tyramide substrate reacted with HRP on beads, resulting in products of this reaction deposited on those beads. This signal amplification on beads makes it possible to count the number of labeled beads digitally. We used this approach to simultaneously detect IL‐6 and HBs Ag with single molecule resolution. The obtained limit of detections were 0.1 pg/mL and 0.013 IU/mL, respectively. Our method has potential applications in simple in vitro diagnostic systems for simultaneous and high‐sensitive detection of protein biomarkers.
Belowground plant parts are crucial for comprehensively estimating total plant richness in herbaceous and woody habitats
Authors: Träger Sabrina , Öpik Maarja , Vasar Martti , Wilson Scott D.
Published: December 2018

Most studies consider aboveground plant species richness as a representative biodiversity measure. This approach inevitably assumes that the partitioning of total plant species richness into above‐ and belowground components is constant or at least consistent within and across vegetation types. However, with studies considering belowground plant richness still scarce and completely absent along vegetation gradients, this assumption lacks experimental support. Novel DNA sequencing techniques allow economical, high‐throughput species identification of belowground environmental samples, enabling the measurement of the contributions of both above‐ and belowground plant components to total plant richness. We investigated above‐ and belowground plant species richness in four vegetation types (birch forest, heath, low alpine tundra, high alpine tundra) at the scale of herbaceous plant neighborhoods (dm) using 454 sequencing of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron to determine the plant species richness of environmental root samples and combined it with aboveground data from vegetation surveys to obtain total plant species richness. We correlated the measured plant species richness components with each other and with their respective plant biomass components within and across vegetation types. Total plant species richness exceeded aboveground richness twice on average and by as much as three times in low alpine tundra, indicating that a significant fraction of belowground plant richness cannot be recorded aboveground. More importantly, no consistent relationship among richness components (above‐ and belowground) was found within or across vegetation types, indicating that aboveground richness alone cannot predict total plant richness in contrasting vegetation types. Finally, no consistent relationship between plant richness and the corresponding biomass component was found. Our results clearly show that aboveground plant richness alone is a poor estimator of total plant species richness within and across different vegetation types. Consequently, it is crucial to account for belowground plant richness in future plant ecological studies in order to validate currently accepted plant richness patterns, as well as to measure potential changes in plant community composition in a changing environment.
Economic analysis of operating reserve using forecasted variable renewable generation
Authors: Izumida Yuki , Asano Hiroshi , Bando Shigeru
Published: December 2018

The installed capacity of variable renewable generation (VRG) has been rapidly increasing in Japan. Consequently, there is concerned shortage of operating reserve, which compensates demand and supply imbalance. In this study, we analyze the economy of operating reserve by supply‐demand simulation in Tohoku area. First, we use historical weather data to calculate forecast and actual output of VRG, and analyze characteristics of prediction errors. Second, we calculate operating cost (fuel cost and start‐up cost and sodium‐sulfur battery cost and lithium‐ion battery cost) by using of unit commitment and economic load dispatch. Finally, operating reserve cost is derived by operating cost, and analyze economic characteristics. As a result, it became clear that operating reserve cost is (1) having different cost for each month, (2) depends on fleet of thermal generation on grid, and (3) amount of VRG prediction error and characteristic of overprediction/underprediction.
Consequences of global shipping traffic for marine giants
Authors: Pirotta Vanessa , Grech Alana , Jonsen Ian D , Laurance William F , Harcourt Robert G
Published: December 2018

Shipping routes in the ocean are analogous to terrestrial roads, in that they are regularly used thoroughfares that concentrate the movement of vessels between multiple locations. We applied a terrestrial road ecology framework to examine the ecological impacts of increased global shipping on “marine giants” (ie great whales, basking sharks [Cetorhinus maximus], and whale sharks [Rhincodon typus]). This framework aided in identifying where such “marine roads” and marine giants are likely to interact and the consequences of those interactions. We also reviewed known impacts of shipping routes on these species, and then applied the road ecology framework to detect unknown and potentially threatening processes. In the marine environment, such a framework can be used to incorporate knowledge of existing shipping impacts into management practices, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of future expansion of shipping routes on marine giants.
Development trends in mechanised tunnelling
Authors: Wehrmeyer Gerhard
Published: December 2018

This article reports on the development of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the past decades and the current state of the art. The development is presented with a look back and a look forward into the near future. Starting with the questions on the development of diameter and operating pressure of closed tunnelling machines, the perspective is expanded to general developments and current trends in machine technology for soft ground and hard rock. Finally, the possibilities and potentials arising from environmental requirements, further increases in performance and digitalization in mechanized tunnelling are shown.
Revision of the Austrian Standard ON B 2203‐1 for work contracts in conventional tunnelling (NATM)
Authors: Leitner Andreas , Goger Gerald
Published: December 2018

The works contract for cyclic driving ÖNORM B 2203‐1 has made a significant contribution to the successful completion of numerous tunnel construction projects in the last four decades. As part of a required update in the industry, no reason was seen to change the set of rules of the present classification system and the essential principles of the existing standard. The focus of the revision has therefore been – on the basis of the experience of the last decades in the implementation of tunnelling projects – on the one hand in the analysis and rating of support elements and additional measures and on the other hand in the provisions of the standard for water implications. Through these updates, in good old tunnel construction tradition, cooperative project management on a high constructional level will continue to be ensured.
Management of Sepsis in Patients With Cirrhosis: Current Evidence and Practical Approach
Authors: Simonetto Douglas A. , Piccolo Serafim Laura , Gallo de Moraes Alice , Gajic Ognjen , Kamath Patrick S.
Published: December 2018

Sepsis in patients with cirrhosis is associated with high mortality. An impaired immune response accounts for the increased infection risk observed in these patients. Hemodynamic and systemic changes suggestive of sepsis may be observed in patients with cirrhosis in the absence of infection; therefore, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis may be delayed. The optimal management of the critically ill patient with sepsis and cirrhosis has not been well established and is generally extrapolated from consensus guidelines and expert recommendations made for management of patients without cirrhosis with sepsis. Despite the lack of strong evidence, we propose a contemporary pragmatic approach to sepsis management in patients with cirrhosis, including the choice of fluids, vasopressors, and antibiotics.