bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Spatial Dependence of Rainfall Extremes Across Multiple Durations
Authors: Le Phuong Dong , Leonard Michael , Westra Seth 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDetermining the probability of a flood event in a catchment given that another flood has occurred in a nearby catchment is useful in the design of infrastructure such as road networks that have multiple river crossings. These conditional flood probabilities can be estimated by calculating conditional probabilities of extreme rainfall and then transforming rainfall to runoff through a hydrologic model. Each catchment's hydrological response times are unlikely to be the same, so in order to estimate these conditional probabilities one must consider the dependence of extreme rainfall both across space and across critical storm durations. To represent these types of dependence, this study proposes a new approach for combining extreme rainfall across different durations within a spatial extreme value model using max‐stable process theory. This is achieved in a stepwise manner. The first step defines a set of common parameters for the marginal distributions across multiple durations. The parameters are then spatially interpolated to develop a spatial field. Storm‐level dependence is represented through the max‐stable process for rainfall extremes across different durations. The dependence model shows a reasonable fit between the observed pairwise extremal coefficients and the theoretical pairwise extremal coefficient function across all durations. The study demonstrates how the approach can be applied to develop conditional maps of the return period and return level across different durations.
Analysis of Proteins andDNAsUsing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Elemental Tagging
Authors: Zhang Shixi , Zhang Sichun , Zhang Xinrong , Liu Rui 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is one of the most powerful techniques allowing multielement and/or isotope quantification over broad linear dynamic range with very low detection limit. Combining with elemental tagging strategies, ICP‐MS has facilitated multiplexed analysis of both proteins and nucleic acids, which contributes to bioanalytical science.This article describes different types of bioanalytical applications for detecting these biomolecules. Common conjugation approaches and elemental tags used in these assays are reviewed. Analysis of more than 30 proteins and DNAs of 15 different sequences has been achieved using elemental tags combined with ICP‐MS. ICP‐MS‐based biomolecules assay will undoubtedly be developed in the future for biological research.
In Situ Tracking of Composition and Morphology of a Diblock Copolymer Film with GISAXS during Exchange of Solvent Vapors at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Berezkin Anatoly V. , Jung Florian , Posselt Dorthe , Smilgies Detlef‐M. , Papadakis Christine M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSolvothermal vapor annealing at elevated temperature is applied to a thin film from a cylinder‐forming polystyrene‐block‐poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PS‐b‐PDMS) diblock copolymer. At this, the film is swollen in the vapor of n‐heptane (highly selective for PDMS). This vapor is stepwise replaced by the vapor of toluene (weakly selective for PS). The morphologies are investigated using in situ, real‐time grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS). The initial cylindrical morphology is transformed into, among others, the lamellar one. This novel type of experiments allows probing a trajectory in the state diagram of the PS‐b‐PDMS/n‐heptane/toluene mixture. To corroborate the morphologies, they are generated by molecular simulations, and the 2D GISAXS maps are calculated using the distorted‐wave Born approximation. To relate the morphologies to the solvent distribution in the two types of nanodomains, the latter is estimated from the intensities of the Bragg reflections in the 2D GISAXS maps along with the swelling ratio of the film. Comparison with the results from a similar experiment carried out at room temperature results in the same sequence of morphologies; however, at elevated temperature, more well‐ordered structures are obtained. This new approach proves to be efficient to achieve a block copolymer thin film having a desired morphology and orientation.
Thermo‐Responsive Actuation of a DNA Origami Flexor
Authors: Turek Vladimir A. , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Cormier Sean , Stockham Bill , Ding Tao , Keyser Ulrich F. , Baumberg Jeremy J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNanomachines capable of controlled programmable work at the nanoscale promise to revolutionize a vast range of research and eventually should impact on daily lives. Due to the ease of design and modification, DNA origami is emerging as a natural platform to build such machines. However, one essential challenge is the controlled and rapid actuation of DNA origami using an external biocompatible stimulus. Here, actuation based on temperature‐induced phase transitions of the thermo‐responsive polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is reported. By incorporating this polymer into DNA origami structures on either side of a flexible region, a “DNA origami flexor” is created that uses the tunable PNIPAM hydrophobicity to reversibly open and close the DNA structures. Such a mechanism has the advantage of being versatile and biocompatible, and possessing strong response to temperature changes of a few degrees Kelvin.
Low‐Dose X‐ray Activation of W(VI)‐Doped Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles for Deep‐Tissue Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Song Liang , Li Pei‐Pei , Yang Wen , Lin Xia‐Hui , Liang Hong , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Liu Gang , Li Juan , Yang Huang‐Hao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough photodynamic therapy (PDT) has served as an important strategy for treatment of various diseases, it still experiences many challenges, such as shallow penetration of light, high‐dose light irradiation, and low therapy efficiency in deep tissue. Here, a low‐dose X‐ray‐activated persistent luminescence nanoparticle (PLNP)‐mediated PDT nanoplatform for depth‐independent and repeatable cancer treatment has been reported. In order to improve therapeutic efficiency, this study first synthesizes W(VI)‐doped ZnGa2O4:Cr PLNPs with stronger persistent luminescence intensity and longer persistent luminescence time than traditional ZnGa2O4:Cr PLNPs. The proposed PLNPs can serve as a persistent excitation light source for PDT, even after X‐ray irradiation has been removed. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that low‐dose (0.18 Gy) X‐ray irradiation is sufficient to activate the PDT nanoplatform and causes significant inhibitory effect on tumor progression. Therefore, such PDT nanoplatform will provide a promising depth‐independent treatment mode for clinical cancer therapy in the future.
Flexible Normal‐Tangential Force Sensor with Opposite Resistance Responding for Highly Sensitive Artificial Skin
Authors: Mu Chunhong , Song Yuanqiang , Huang Wutong , Ran Ao , Sun Rujie , Xie Weihua , Zhang Huaiwu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAn electronic skin (e‐skin) that can detect both normal and tangential forces with a differentiable signals output is essential for wearable electronics. A flexible, stretchable, and highly sensitive tactile sensor is presented that enables the detection of both normal and tangential forces, with specific opposite and thus easily being differentiated resistance changing outputs. The e‐skin, which is based on two‐sublayered carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid 3D conductive networks, that are anchored on a thin porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer, is synthesized via a porogen (GO wrapped NaCl) assisted self‐assembling process. The fabricated CNTs/GO@PDMS‐based e‐skin shows superior sensitivity (gauge factor of 2.26 under a pressure loading of 1 kPa) to tangential force, moderate sensitivity (−0.31 kPa−1 at 0.05–3.8 kPa, and −0.03 kPa−1 at 3.8–6.3 kPa, respectively) to normal force, and a high‐reproducible response over 5000 loading cycles including stretching, bending, and shearing. For applications, the e‐skin can not only detect wrist pulsing, discriminating different roughness of surfaces, but also produce an obvious responding to an extremely slight ticking (<20 mg) from a feather, and even can real‐timely monitor human's breath and music in rhythm.
Advanced Characterization Techniques in Promoting Mechanism Understanding for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Enyue , Nie Kaihui , Yu Xiqian , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Wang Fangwei , Xiao Jie , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDue to their numerous advantages, such as high specific capacity, lithium–sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries) have attracted much attention as next‐generation energy storage systems. To meet future needs for commercial application, Li–S batteries will require both improved cycle life and high energy density. It is of critical importance to understand the fundamental mechanisms in Li–S systems to further improve the overall battery performance. Various advanced characterization techniques, over the past few years, have proven their important role in promoting the mechanism understanding for Li–S batteries. Here, the recent progress of mechanism understanding, including redox reactions, Li polysulfides dissolution, etc., in Li–S systems based on the advanced characterization techniques is reviewed. Special focus is placed on how these advanced characterization techniques are being employed and what characteristic or capability they possess. The importance of the combination of multiple characterization techniques, differences between ex situ and in situ experimental methods, as well as effects of characterization conditions in Li–S batteries are also discussed.
High Crystal Quality 2D Manganese Phosphorus Trichalcogenide Nanosheets and their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Shifa Tofik Ahmed , Wang Fengmei , Cheng Zhongzhou , He Peng , Liu Yang , Jiang Chao , Wang Zhenxing , He Jun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTransition metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3, X = S, Se) are layered materials possessing high chemical diversity and wide range of applications in a broad wave length spectrum. Theoretical studies reveal that auspicious activity of photocatalytic water splitting can be realized from them. However, experimental efforts have so far been challenged with the synthesis bottleneck. Described herein is the general chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth method and photocatalytic activity of these materials. A novel route to systematically grow MnPX3 nanosheets on flexible carbon fiber substrate is reported. The temperature profile of the CVD process is carefully optimized that confer a facile and successful conversion of oxide precursor to phospho‐trichalcogenide with high crystallinity. Moreover, the obtained manganese‐based phosphorus trichalcogenide nanosheets demonstrate promising activity in sacrificial agent‐free photocatalytic water splitting under simulated solar light (AM 1.5G). This study provides a significant stepping stone in exploring the fascinating world of functional 2D materials and pursuing performance enhancement.
From Nanostructural Evolution to Dynamic Interplay of Constituents: Perspectives for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hwang Taehyun , Lee Byungho , Kim Jinhyun , Lee Sangheon , Gil Bumjin , Yun Alan Jiwan , Park Byungwoo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMoving away from the high‐performance achievements in organometal halide perovskite (OHP)‐based optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, intriguing features have been reported in that photocarriers and mobile ionic species within OHPs interact with light, electric fields, or a combination of both, which induces both spatial and temporal changes of optoelectronic properties in OHPs. Since it is revealed that the transport of photocarriers and the migration of ionic species are affected not only by each other but also by the inhomogeneous character, which is a consequence of the route selected to deposit OHPs, understanding the nanostructural evolution during OHP deposition, in terms of the resultant structural defects, electronic traps, and nanoscopic charge behaviors, will be valuable. Investigation of the film‐growth mechanisms and strategies adopted to realize OHP films with less‐defective large grains is of central importance, considering that single‐crystalline OHPs have exhibited the most beneficial properties, including carrier lifetimes. Critical factors governing the behavior of photocarriers, mobile ionic species, and nanoscale optoelectronic properties resulting from either or all of them are further summarized, which may potentially limit or broaden the optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications of OHPs. Through inspection of the recent advances, a comprehensive picture and future perspective of OHPs are provided.
A Metal–Organic Framework with Optimized Porosity and Functional Sites for High Gravimetric and Volumetric Methane Storage Working Capacities
Authors: Wen Hui‐Min , Li Bin , Li Libo , Lin Rui‐Biao , Zhou Wei , Qian Guodong , Chen Banglin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractExtensive research has been devoted to developing new porous materials with high methane storage capacity. While great progress has been made in recent years, it still remains very challenging to target simultaneously high gravimetric and volumetric methane (CH4) working capacities (deliverable amount between 5.8 and 65 bar) in a single material. Here, a novel metal–organic framework (termed as UTSA‐110a) constructed by an extended linker containing a high density of functional nitrogen sites, exhibiting both very high gravimetric and volumetric working capacities of 317 cm3 (STP: 273.15 K, 1 atm) g−1 and 190 cm3 (STP) cm−3, respectively, for robust MOFs, is reported. Both of these values are higher than those of two benchmark materials: HKUST‐1 (207 cm3 (STP) g−1 or 183 cm3 (STP) cm−3) and UTSA‐76a (267 cm3 (STP) g−1 or 187 cm3 (STP) cm−3). Computational studies reveal that it is the combination of optimized porosity and favorable binding sites that leads to the simultaneously high gravimetric and volumetric working capacities in this material.
It's Not a Bug, It's a Feature: Functional Materials in Insects
Authors: Schroeder Thomas B. H. , Houghtaling Jared , Wilts Bodo D. , Mayer Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOver the course of their wildly successful proliferation across the earth, the insects as a taxon have evolved enviable adaptations to their diverse habitats, which include adhesives, locomotor systems, hydrophobic surfaces, and sensors and actuators that transduce mechanical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and chemical signals. Insect‐inspired designs currently appear in a range of contexts, including antireflective coatings, optical displays, and computing algorithms. However, as over one million distinct and highly specialized species of insects have colonized nearly all habitable regions on the planet, they still provide a largely untapped pool of unique problem‐solving strategies. With the intent of providing materials scientists and engineers with a muse for the next generation of bioinspired materials, here, a selection of some of the most spectacular adaptations that insects have evolved is assembled and organized by function. The insects presented display dazzling optical properties as a result of natural photonic crystals, precise hierarchical patterns that span length scales from nanometers to millimeters, and formidable defense mechanisms that deploy an arsenal of chemical weaponry. Successful mimicry of these adaptations may facilitate technological solutions to as wide a range of problems as they solve in the insects that originated them.
Ultrathin Hierarchical Porous Carbon Nanosheets for High‐Performance Supercapacitors and Redox Electrolyte Energy Storage
Authors: Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Dubal Deepak P. , Nagar Bhawna , Ranc Vaclav , Tomanec Ondrej , Petr Martin , Datta Kasibhatta Kumara Ramanatha , Zboril Radek , Gómez‐Romero Pedro , Fischer Roland A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe design of advanced high‐energy‐density supercapacitors requires the design of unique materials that combine hierarchical nanoporous structures with high surface area to facilitate ion transport and excellent electrolyte permeability. Here, shape‐controlled 2D nanoporous carbon sheets (NPSs) with graphitic wall structure through the pyrolysis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are developed. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the obtained NPSs are used as the electrode material for a supercapacitor. The carbon‐sheet‐based symmetric cell shows an ultrahigh Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)‐area‐normalized capacitance of 21.4 µF cm−2 (233 F g−1), exceeding other carbon‐based supercapacitors. The addition of potassium iodide as redox‐active species in a sulfuric acid (supporting electrolyte) leads to the ground‐breaking enhancement in the energy density up to 90 Wh kg−1, which is higher than commercial aqueous rechargeable batteries, maintaining its superior power density. Thus, the new material provides a double profits strategy such as battery‐level energy and capacitor‐level power density.
Methanolysis of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) catalyzed by ferric chloride
Authors: Song Xiuyan , Wang Chan , Shen Yong , Liu Fusheng , Yu Shitao , Ge Xiaoping 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMethanolysis of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was investigated using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as catalyst. The structures of the obtained product were characterized by FT‐IR and 1H NMR, and it was indicated that the main product was methyl 3‐hydroxybutyrate (M3HB). The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, and the amounts of methanol and catalyst on the conversion of PHB and yield of M3HB were investigated. Under optimum conditions, the conversion of PHB and yield of M3HB were 91.1% and 88.3%, respectively. The catalyst could be reused six times with no apparent decrease in its catalytic activity. Kinetic study indicated that this reaction was a first‐order kinetic reaction with activation energy of 34.17 kJ/mol. Moreover, the possible mechanism of the reaction was proposed.
Integrated Microfluidic Device for Drug Studies of Early C. Elegans Embryogenesis
Authors: Dong Li , Jankele Radek , Cornaglia Matteo , Lehnert Thomas , Gönczy Pierre , Gijs Martin A. M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSmall molecules inhibitors are powerful tools for studying multiple aspects of cell biology and stand at the forefront of drug discovery pipelines. However, in the early Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) embryo, which is a powerful model system for cell and developmental biology, the use of small molecule inhibitors has been limited by the impermeability of the embryonic eggshell, the low‐throughput manual embryo isolation methods, and the lack of well‐controlled drug delivery protocols. This work reports a fully integrated microfluidic approach for studies of C. elegans early embryogenesis, including the possibility of testing small molecule inhibitors with increased throughput and versatility. The setup enables robust on‐chip extraction of embryos from gravid adult worms in a dedicated pillar array chamber by mechanical compression, followed by rapid fluidic transfer of embryos into an adjacent microtrap array. Parallel analysis of ≈100 embryos by high‐resolution time‐lapse imaging from the one‐cell stage zygote until hatching can be performed with this device. The implementation of versatile microfluidic protocols, in particular time‐controlled and reversible drug delivery to on‐chip immobilized embryos, demonstrates the potential of the device for biochemical and pharmacological assays.
Polar auxin transport is implicated in vessel differentiation and spatial patterning during secondary growth in Populus
Authors: Johnson Dan , Eckart Phoebe , Alsamadisi Noah , Noble Hilary , Martin Celia , Spicer Rachel 
Published: March 2018

Premise of the StudyDimensions and spatial distribution of vessels are critically important features of woody stems, allowing for adaptation to different environments through their effects on hydraulic efficiency and vulnerability to embolism. Although our understanding of vessel development is poor, basipetal transport of auxin through the cambial zone may play an important role.MethodsStems of Populus tremula ×alba were treated with the auxin transport inhibitor N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) in a longitudinal strip along the length of the lower stem. Vessel lumen diameter, circularity, and length; xylem growth; tension wood area; and hydraulic conductivity before and after a high pressure flush were determined on both NPA‐treated and control plants.Key ResultsNPA‐treated stems formed aberrant vessels that were short, small in diameter, highly clustered, and angular in cross section, whereas xylem formed on the untreated side of the stem contained typical vessels that were similar to those of controls. NPA‐treated stems had reduced specific conductivity relative to controls, but this difference was eliminated by the high‐pressure flush. The control treatment (lanolin + dimethyl sulfoxide) reduced xylem growth and increased tension wood formation, but never produced the aberrant vessel patterning seen in NPA‐treated stems.ConclusionsThese results are consistent with a model of vessel development in which basipetal polar auxin transport through the xylem‐side cambial derivatives is required for proper expansion and patterning of vessels and demonstrate that reduced auxin transport can produce stems with altered stem hydraulic properties.
A comparative prospective observational study of children and adults with immune thrombocytopenia: 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Schifferli Alexandra , Holbro Andreas , Chitlur Meera , Coslovsky Michael , Imbach Paul , Donato Hugo , Elalfy Mohsen , Graciela Elena , Grainger John , Holzhauer Susanne , Riccheri Cecilia , Rodeghiero Francesco , Ruggeri Marco , Tamary Hannah , Uglova Tatjana , Wu Runhui , Kühne Thomas ,   Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group (ICIS)
Published: March 2018

AbstractComparative clinical studies of children and adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are poorly covered in the literature. However, the accepted classification of ITP—childhood ITP and adult ITP—results in considerable differences in treatment protocols and practice guidelines. The analysis of the Pediatric and Adult Registry on Chronic ITP (PARC‐ITP) of patients at first presentation demonstrated fewer differences in clinical and laboratory findings at initial diagnosis between children and adults than expected. The present report of 2‐year follow‐up data supports the hypothesis that there are common aspects of childhood and adult ITP. Data of 3360 children and 420 adults were collected during the time of 2004 until 2015 at initial diagnosis. Follow‐up information was available for 51% and 33% of children and 66% and 49% of adults at 12‐ and 24‐months, respectively. Similarities were found in unexpected areas of ITP, such as the rate of late remission at 12 and 24 months, reported bleeding sites, platelet count in bleeders, and the frequency of treated patients with persistent or chronic ITP. Differences were confirmed for the overall rate of remission and treatment modalities. Unexpected differences were found in the percentage of nonbleeders, with more adults in the nonbleeder group. More studies are needed to investigate different age groups with the aim to optimize their management.