bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing Lithium–Sulfur Batteries through Control of Sulfur Aggregation and Polysulfide Dissolution
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Jianhua , He Shu‐Ang , Zou Rujia , Xu Chaoting , Cui Zhe , Huang Xiaojuan , Guan Guoqiang , Zhang Wenlong , Xu Kaibing , Hu Junqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are investigated intensively as a promising large‐scale energy storage system owing to their high theoretical energy density. However, the application of Li–S batteries is prevented by a series of primary problems, including low electronic conductivity, volumetric fluctuation, poor loading of sulfur, and shuttle effect caused by soluble lithium polysulfides. Here, a novel composite structure of sulfur nanoparticles attached to porous‐carbon nanotube (p‐CNT) encapsulated by hollow MnO2 nanoflakes film to form p‐CNT@Void@MnO2/S composite structures is reported. Benefiting from p‐CNTs and sponge‐like MnO2 nanoflake film, p‐CNT@Void@MnO2/S provides highly efficient pathways for the fast electron/ion transfer, fixes sulfur and Li2S aggregation efficiently, and prevents polysulfide dissolution during cycling. Besides, the additional void inside p‐CNT@Void@MnO2/S composite structure provides sufficient free space for the expansion of encapsulated sulfur nanoparticles. The special material composition and structural design of p‐CNT@Void@MnO2/S composite structure with a high sulfur content endow the composite high capacity, high Coulombic efficiency, and an excellent cycling stability. The capacity of p‐CNT@Void@MnO2/S electrode is ≈599.1 mA h g−1 for the fourth cycle and ≈526.1 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of ≈87.8% at a high current density of 1.0 C.
Co9S8 Nanoparticles‐Embedded N/S‐Codoped Carbon Nanofibers Derived from Metal–Organic Framework‐Wrapped CdS Nanowires for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Lan‐Lan , Wang Qi‐Shun , Li Jian , Long Yan , Liu Yu , Song Shu‐Yan , Zhang Hong‐Jie 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunable compositions and morphologies are recognized as efficient self‐sacrificial templates to achieve function‐oriented nanostructured materials. Moreover, it is urgently needed to develop highly efficient noble metal‐free oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts to accelerate the development of overall water splitting green energy conversion systems. Herein, a facile and cost‐efficient strategy to synthesize Co9S8 nanoparticles‐embedded N/S‐codoped carbon nanofibers (Co9S8/NSCNFs) as highly active OER catalyst is developed. The hybrid precursor of core–shell ZIF‐wrapped CdS nanowires is first prepared and then leads to the formation of uniformly dispersed Co9S8/N, S‐codoped carbon nanocomposites through a one‐step calcination reaction. The optimal Co9S8/NSCNFs‐850 is demonstrated to possess excellent electrocatalytic performance for OER in 1.0 m KOH solution, affording a low overpotential of 302 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 54 mV dec−1, and superior long‐term stability for 1000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. The favorable results raise a concept of exploring more MOF‐based nanohybrids as precursors to induce the synthesis of novel porous nanomaterials as non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion.
Encapsulation and Release of Functional Nanodroplets Entrapped in Nanofibers
Authors: Thongchaivetcharat Kusuma , Jenjob Ratchapol , Crespy Daniel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA method is presented for preserving the structural integrity of nanodroplets produced by emulsification. Droplets of different hydrophobic liquids such as essential oils or monomers are produced by the miniemulsion process. The miniemulsions are then electrospun to yield dextran nanofibers entrapping the hydrophobic nanodroplets. The nanodroplets are then successfully redispersed by dissolving the nanofibers in water. Furthermore, it is shown that nanofibers can be used to store a monomer and a catalyst as healing agents for ring‐opening metathesis polymerization. After dissolution, the healing agents are released and a self‐healing reaction takes place. Embedding, storage, and release of emulsion nanodroplets is a promising method that avoids potential destabilization of droplets by coalescence or Ostwald ripening.
Double‐Targeting Explosible Nanofirework for Tumor Ignition to Guide Tumor‐Depth Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Kang , Wang Xiao‐Gang , Zhu Jing‐Yi , Liu Miao‐Deng , Li Chu‐Xin , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study reports a double‐targeting “nanofirework” for tumor‐ignited imaging to guide effective tumor‐depth photothermal therapy (PTT). Typically, ≈30 nm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) are enveloped with a hybrid corona composed of ≈4 nm CuS tethered hyaluronic acid (CuS‐HA). The HA corona provides active tumor‐targeted functionality together with excellent stability and improved biocompatibility. The dimension of UCNP@CuS‐HA is specifically set within the optimal size window for passive tumor‐targeting effect, demonstrating significant contributions to both the in vivo prolonged circulation duration and the enhanced size‐dependent tumor accumulation compared with ultrasmall CuS nanoparticles. The tumors featuring hyaluronidase (HAase) overexpression could induce the escape of CuS away from UCNP@CuS‐HA due to HAase‐catalyzed HA degradation, in turn activating the recovery of initially CuS‐quenched luminescence of UCNP and also driving the tumor‐depth infiltration of ultrasmall CuS for effective PTT. This in vivo transition has proven to be highly dependent on tumor occurrence like a tumor‐ignited explosible firework. Together with the double‐targeting functionality, the pathology‐selective tumor ignition permits precise tumor detection and imaging‐guided spatiotemporal control over PTT operation, leading to complete tumor ablation under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. This study offers a new paradigm of utilizing pathological characteristics to design nanotheranostics for precise detection and personalized therapy of tumors.
Electronic Structure Control of Tungsten Oxide Activated by Ni for Ultrahigh‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Meng Tian , Kou Zongkui , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Hong Xufeng , Li Qingwei , Tang Yongfu , Zhao Yufeng , Liu Shaojun , Mai Liqiang , Mu Shichun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTuning the electron structure is of vital importance for designing high active electrode materials. Here, for boosting the capacitive performance of tungsten oxide, an atomic scale engineering approach to optimize the electronic structure of tungsten oxide by Ni doping is reported. Density functional theory calculations disclose that through Ni doping, the density of state at Fermi level for tungsten oxide can be enhanced, thus promoting its electron transfer. When used as electrode of supercapacitors, the obtained Ni‐doped tungsten oxide with 4.21 at% Ni exhibits an ultrahigh mass‐specific capacitance of 557 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 and preferable durability in a long‐term cycle test. To the best of knowledge, this is the highest supercapacitor performance reported so far in tungsten oxide and its composites. The present strategy demonstrates the validity of the electronic structure control in tungsten oxide via introducing Ni atoms for pseudocapacitors, which can be extended to other related fields as well.
Timely Visualization of the Collaterals Formed during Acute Ischemic Stroke with Fe3O4 Nanoparticle‐based MR Imaging Probe
Authors: Wang Ting , Hou Yi , Bu Bo , Wang Wenxin , Ma Tiancong , Liu Chunyan , Lin Lan , Ma Lin , Lou Xin , Gao Mingyuan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIschemic stroke is one of the major leading causes for long‐term disability and mortality. Collateral vessels provide an alternative pathway to protect the brain against ischemic injury after arterial occlusion. Aiming at visualizing the collaterals occurring during acute ischemic stroke, an integrin αvβ3‐specific Fe3O4–Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) nanoprobe is prepared for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the collaterals. Rat models are constructed by occluding the middle cerebral artery for imaging studies of cerebral ischemia and ischemia–reperfusion on 7.0 Tesla MRI using susceptibility‐weighted imaging sequence. To show the binding specificity to the collaterals, the imaging results acquired with the Fe3O4–RGD nanoprobe and the Fe3O4 mother nanoparticles, respectively, are carefully compared. In addition, an RGD blocking experiment is also carried out to support the excellent binding specificity of the Fe3O4–RGD nanoprobe. Following the above experiments, cerebral ischemia–reperfusion studies show the collateral dynamics upon reperfusion, which is very important for the prognosis of various revascularization therapies in the clinic. The current study has, for the first time, enabled the direct observation of collaterals in a quasi‐real time fashion and further disclosed that the antegrade flow upon reperfusion dominates the blood supply of primary ischemic tissue during the early stage of infarction, which is significantly meaningful for clinical treatment of stroke.
Empirical study of software process improvement in Malaysian small and medium enterprises: The human aspects
Authors: Almomani Malek Ahmad , Basri Shuib , Gilal Abdul Rehman 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSoftware Process Improvement (SPI) aims to achieve quality software products in software companies. Ignoring human factors can cause several types of damage in the software development process. Because, Software development is not a purely technical task, but rather it is a relationship between technical and human factors that interact with each other constantly. Currently, Small Medium Enterprises' (SMEs) software development companies in Malaysia still struggle to implement SPI successfully. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the empirical evidence based on the human factor perspective for helping Malaysian SMEs' software development companies to implement SPI strategies. A questionnaire‐based survey method was used for gathering information from 79 practitioners. The results indicate that 9 factors (employee awareness, leadership involvement, employee involvement, customer involvement, senior management support, staff experience, staff learning, staff skills, and client support) are considered important for implementing SPI in Malaysian SME software development companies. The involvement of both leadership and employees, and getting support from management are the most important human factors that should be considered during the design process of SPI strategies.
A microservice‐based architecture for (customisable) analyses of Docker images
Authors: Brogi Antonio , Neri Davide , Soldani Jacopo 
Published: April 2018

SummaryWe introduce DockerAnalyser, a microservice‐based tool that permits building customised analysers of Docker images. The architecture of DockerAnalyser is designed to crawl Docker images from a remote Docker registry, to analyse each image by running an analysis function, and to store the results into a local database. Users can build their own image analysers by instantiating DockerAnalyser with a custom analysis function and by configuring the architecture. More precisely, the steps needed to obtain new analysers are (1) replacing the analysis function used to analyse crawled Docker images, (2) setting the policy for crawling Docker images, and (3) setting the scalability options for obtaining a scalable architecture. In this paper, we also present 2 different use cases, ie, 2 different analysers of Docker images created by instantiating DockerAnalyser with 2 different analysis functions and configuration options. The 2 use cases show that DockerAnalyser decreases the effort required to obtain new analysers versus building them from scratch.
Optimal load distribution for multiple classes of applications on heterogeneous servers with variable speeds
Authors: Li Keqin 
Published: April 2018

SummaryPerformance and power are 2 significant issues in cloud computing. It is a critical issue on how to provide the best quality of service by consuming certain available power resource. For a given application environment and a given group of servers, optimal load distribution and optimal server speed setting can be an effective way to deal with the power‐performance tradeoff. The technique of variable and task‐type–dependent server speed management can be explored to optimize the server performance and to minimize the power consumption of a server with mixed applications. In this paper, we consider the problem of optimal load distribution for multiple classes of applications on heterogeneous servers with variable speeds. Given several classes of applications characterized by their arrival rates and expected execution requirements, several heterogeneous servers characterized by their power consumption parameters, and certain power supply, our problem is formulated as a multivariable optimization problem, ie, finding an optimal load distribution and an optimal server speed setting, such that the average task response time is minimized. To study the problem analytically, each server is treated as an M/G/1 queueing system with mixed classes of tasks such that both the average response time and the average power consumption can be calculated analytically. We define a power constrained performance optimization problem and develop a numerical algorithm to solve our optimization problem by solving a system of nonlinear equations. We also demonstrate numerical examples to show the effectiveness of our model and method. To the best of our knowledge, such analytical study of optimal load distribution and optimal server speed setting for multiple classes of applications on heterogeneous servers with variable speeds has not been available in the existing literature.
Application of Generalised Beam Theory to curved members with circular axis
Authors: Gonçalves Rodrigo , Camotim Dinar , Peres Nuno 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDedicated to Prof. Dr.‐Ing. habil. Joachim Lindner on the occasion of his 80th birthdayThis paper reports the latest developments concerning the application of Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) to thin‐walled members with deformable cross‐section and whose undeformed axis is a circular arc, with no pre‐twist. Initially, the fundamental equations and relations are presented, leading to the first‐order equilibrium equations and associated boundary conditions, which can be written in terms of GBT modal matrices or stress resultants. Then, the procedure to obtain the cross‐section deformation modes is explained. Arbitrary (open, closed or ”mixed“) flat‐walled cross‐sections are covered, even though the kinematic constraints employed to subdivide the modes are much more complex than for prismatic members – in particular, the mode shapes become dependent on the curvature of the beam axis. Using a displacement‐based GBT finite element, a set of illustrative examples is presented, involving complex local‐distortional‐global deformation. These examples show that very accurate results are obtained with the proposed GBT formulation and that the modal solution provides in‐depth insight into the structural behaviour of naturally curved members.
Designing Liquid‐Crystalline Oligomers to Exhibit Twist‐Bend Modulated Nematic Phases
Authors: Mandle Richard J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractArguably the most active area in liquid crystal research presently, the twist‐bend modulated nematic phase (TB) exhibits a nanoscale helical structure and therefore exhibits bulk chirality despite being formed of typically achiral materials. After a short introduction we address the structure‐property relationship that exists for this unique mesophase before introducing recent advances in strategies employed to prepare oligomeric materials that exhibit this state of matter. These methods afford fine control over the molecular substructure and potentially over the nanostructure of the exhibited mesophases.
From professional knowledge to professional performance: The impact of CK and PCK on teaching quality in explaining situations
Authors: Kulgemeyer Christoph , Riese Josef 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn recent years, many studies have researched the impact of teachers' professional knowledge on teaching quality. Those findings are still ambiguous providing unclear evidence for supporting teacher education programs that aim at developing professional knowledge. In this study, we followed a new approach and used a “performance test” to take a closer look at the impact of professional knowledge on teaching quality. We simulated one particular teaching situation in a controlled, standardized setting in which student teachers (N = 109) enrolled in physics teacher training courses at five German universities had to explain given phenomena to high‐school students. These high‐school students were trained to behave in a standardized way and to ask standardized questions. Videos of these situations were analyzed using an established model of explaining physics. The validity, reliability, and objectivity of these performance tests for explaining physics were examined in previous studies. In this article, we report on the analysis and interpretation of the results of our study concerning the impact of physics content knowledge (CK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and two groups of beliefs (specific aspects of (i) self‐efficacy and (ii) teaching and learning) that mediate the effect of CK and PCK on student teachers' explaining performance. Using path analysis, we can show that student teachers' PCK mediates the influence of their CK on explaining performance in that CK only has a positive influence if PCK has also increased as well. Our findings stress the key role of PCK. For one particular teaching situation, we can show the positive influence of student teachers' CK and their PCK they acquired in academic teacher education on their teaching quality.
The effects of hexachloronaphthalene on selected parameters of heme biosynthesis and systemic toxicity in female wistar rats after 90‐day oral exposure
Authors: Klimczak Michal , Darago Adam , Bruchajzer Elzbieta , Domeradzka‐Gajda Katarzyna , Stepnik Maciej , Kuzajska Katarzyna , Kilanowicz Anna 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHexachloronaphthalenes (HxCNs) are the most toxic congeners of polychlorinated naphthalenes, a group of compounds lately included into the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This study presents the effects of 90‐day intragastric administration of HxCN to female Wistar rats at doses of 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg body weight. The study examined selected parameters of the heme synthesis pathway, oxidative stress, hepatic cytochromes level, and basic hematology indicators. A micronucleus test was also performed. The subchronic exposure of rats to HxCN resulted in disruption of heme biosynthesis, hematological disturbances, and hepatotoxicity. The highest dose of HxCN inhibited aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA‐D) and uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO‐D). Accumulation of higher carboxylated porphyrins in the liver and increased excretion of 5‐aminolevulinic acid in the urine was observed after a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. The most sensitive effect of HxCN in rats was very strong induction of hepatic CYP1A1 activity, which was observed after the lowest dose. The highest dose of HxCN induced significant thrombocytopenia, thymic atrophy and hepatotoxicity, expressed as hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis.
Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)‐induced testicular toxicity through Nrf2‐mediated Notch1 signaling pathway in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Tang Xiangliang , Wu Shengde , Shen Lianju , Wei Yi , Cao Xining , Wang Yangcai , Long Chunlan , Zhou Yue , Li Dian , Huang Fangyuan , Liu Bo , Wei Guanghui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDi‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an environmental endocrine disruptor widely used in China that is harmful to the male reproductive system. Many studies have shown that DEHP causes testicular toxicity through oxidative stress, but the specific mechanism is unknown. Because the Notch pathway is a key mechanism for regulating cell growth and proliferation, we investigated whether Notch is involved in DEHP‐induced testicular toxicity and whether vitamins E and C could rescue testicular impairment in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Compared with the control group, we found that DEHP exposure induced testicular toxicity through oxidative stress injury, and it decreased the testosterone level (P < .01) and upregulated nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 related factor (Nrf2) expression (P < .01). Therefore, because oxidative stress might be the initiating factor of DEHP‐induced testicular toxicity, treatment with the antioxidant vitamins E and C activated the Notch1 signaling pathway in the testis and in Leydig cells. Treatment with vitamins E and C normalized the oxidative stress state after DEHP exposure and restored testicular development to be similar to the control group. In summary, antioxidant vitamins E and C may be used to treat DEHP‐induced testicular toxicity.
7,12‐Dimethylbenz[α]anthracene increases cell proliferation and invasion through induction of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and EMT process
Authors: Kwon Yeo‐Jung , Ye Dong‐Jin , Baek Hyoung‐Seok , Chun Young‐Jin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract7,12‐Dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA) is a hazardous component present in polluted environments. DMBA has been used as an experimental tool for in vivo tumor formation owing to its carcinogenic effects, but the detailed molecular mechanism of DMBA has not been fully established. To comprehend the carcinogenic mechanism of DMBA, we explored its effects in the breast cancer cell lines, MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231, and the cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Cell viability assay and measurement of a proliferation marker showed that DMBA markedly increased cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, morphological observations and wound healing assays in nontumorigenic MCF‐10A cells and trans‐well invasion assays in cancer cells following DMBA treatment revealed that DMBA induced cell migration and invasion. To reveal the molecular mechanism of DMBA, we investigated the effects of DMBA on the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, a critical pathway for cell proliferation that was reported to correlate with the EMT process, by using quantitative RT‐PCR (qPCR), western blot analysis, and confocal microscopy. Consequently, we found that DMBA increased cancer cell proliferation and invasion through the promotion of EMT‐inducing factors and β‐catenin. Especially, it was revealed in promoter activity assay using mutated luciferase vectors on transcription factor‐binding sites that TWIST1 is promoted by DMBA through induction of STAT3‐mediated promoter activation. To further elucidate the detailed mechanism of DMBA, we aimed to identify the key regulator of its carcinogenic action. DMBA was shown to significantly upregulate the expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), a transcription factor, and the carcinogenic effects of DMBA were blocked via the suppression or interruption of Sp1 activity. In conclusion, our data suggested that DMBA induced carcinogenic effects through activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and the EMT process by upregulating Sp1 activity.