bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of variation of steric repulsion between multiwall carbon nanotubes and anionic surfactant in epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Sumdani M. G. , Islam M. R. , Yahaya A. N. A. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThe aim of this research is to investigate the effects of the variation of the steric repulsion force among multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) while dispersed in epoxy. Different amounts (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 wt %) of MWCNTs were used to prepare nanocomposites in the presence of an anionic surfactant, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (LABSA), to examine the effect of loading MWCNTs into the epoxy composites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed by tensile, flexural, and impact testing. The structural and crystalline properties were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The thermal properties were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, whereas dispersion and surface morphology were examined by scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that MWCNTs enhanced the tensile strength (TS) and flexural strength (FS) of the composites. The TS and FS of the composites were improved by 75.0% and 91.6%, respectively, with the inclusion of 0.50 wt % MWCNTs. The thermal properties of the composites were enhanced significantly with the addition of MWCNTs. LABSA improved the steric repulsion of MWCNTs as a consequence of homogeneous dispersion in the composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46883.
A Zn0.5Cd0.5S Photocatalyst Modified by 2D Black Phosphorus for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution from Water
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Liu Heyuan , Sun Ranran , Chen Yanli , Li Xiyou 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this work, a photocatalyst composited of Zn0.5Cd0.5S and 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets was successfully constructed for high‐efficient hydrogen evolution. The structure, morphology and chemical composition of BPx/Zn0.5Cd0.5S photocatalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Remarkably, the hydrogen production rate of optimal BP15.2/Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocomposite achieves as high as 137.17 mmol/g/h under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm), which is 5 times of that of pristine Zn0.5Cd0.5S. The corresponding apparent quantum efficiency (QE) is measured to be 36.3 % at 420 nm. Moreover, the hydrogen production rate reaches 26.96 mmol/g/h for BP15.2/Zn0.5Cd0.5S under the irradiation of light with wavelength longer than 510 nm. The improved photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the interfacial contact between BP and Zn0.5Cd0.5S, which efficiently promotes electron‐hole pair separation. Moreover, 2D black phosphorus has successfully extended the absorption spectrum of BPx/Zn0.5Cd0.5S to the wavelength longer than 510 nm. Our result highlights the significance of BP as co‐catalyst in the development of new photocatalysis for hydrogen production from water.
Development of a 3D Hybrid Intelligent‐Mechanistic Model for Simulation of Multiphase Chemical Reactors
Authors: Rezakazemi Mashallah , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA novel intelligent‐mechanistic model was developed to understand the behavior of multiphase chemical reactors. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and an intelligent algorithm were combined to predict different levels of 3D cylindrical bubble‐column reactors. An adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used as the intelligence algorithm, and different ANFIS parameters were evaluated. With about one third of the training data the method can predict the overall behavior of the gas fraction in the reactor. A number of rules significantly influence the accuracy of the ANFIS method. After finding appropriate parameters, the method is applied for prediction of points which are not simulated with CFD, representing ANFIS mesh refinement. Also, bubble‐column reactors without training of exact values of measured data or numerical results can be predicted. Main advantages are time savings and reduction of computational expenses.
Patient‐specific CFD modelling in the thoracic aorta with PC‐MRI–based boundary conditions: A least‐square three‐element Windkessel approach
Authors: Romarowski Rodrigo M. , Lefieux Adrien , Morganti Simone , Veneziani Alessandro , Auricchio Ferdinando 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe increasing use of computational fluid dynamics for simulating blood flow in clinics demands the identification of appropriate patient‐specific boundary conditions for the customization of the mathematical models. These conditions should ideally be retrieved from measurements. However, finite resolution of devices as well as other practical/ethical reasons prevent the construction of complete data sets necessary to make the mathematical problems well posed. Available data need to be completed by modelling assumptions, whose impact on the final solution has to be carefully addressed. Focusing on aortic vascular districts and related pathologies, we present here a method for efficiently and robustly prescribing phase contrast MRI–based patient‐specific data as boundary conditions at the domain of interest. In particular, for the outlets, the basic idea is to obtain pressure conditions from an appropriate elaboration of available flow rates on the basis of a 3D/0D dimensionally heterogeneous modelling. The key point is that the parameters are obtained by a constrained optimization procedure. The rationale is that pressure conditions have a reduced impact on the numerical solution compared with velocity conditions, yielding a simulation framework less exposed to noise and inconsistency of the data, as well as to the arbitrariness of the underlying modelling assumptions. Numerical results confirm the reliability of the approach in comparison with other patient‐specific approaches adopted in the literature.
Phase‐Controlled Synthesis of High‐Bi‐Ratio Ternary Sulfide Nanocrystals of Cu1.57Bi4.57S8 and Cu2.93Bi4.89S9
Authors: Ren Xiaoru , Yuan Long , Liang Qingshuang , Xie Renguo , Geng Zhibin , Sun Yu , Wang Lei , Huang Keke , Wu Tianli , Feng Shouhua 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHigh Bi‐ratio ternary sulfides have been recently reported as superior thermoelectric materials. However, the synthesis of high Bi‐ratio Cu−Bi−S nanocrystal remains a challenge. Reported here are the synthesis and characterization of three‐phase Cu−Bi−S nanocrystals with the nominal chemical formulae of Cu1.57Bi4.57S8, Cu2.93Bi4.89S9 and Cu3BiS3. The samples were prepared using a Bi2S3 precursor by varying the amount and type of Cu2‐xS (i. e. Cu2S or Cu7.2S4) reactants. TEM images reveal that two new samples crystalized having nanorod morphology with radii of approximately 50 nm and lengths of 200 nm. XPS results indicate that the valence states of Bi in both the two new phases are +3 with viable oxidation states for Cu. UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy reveals that narrow direct bandgaps are 1.12 and 1.27 eV for Cu1.57Bi4.57S8 and Cu2.93Bi4.89S9, respectively. Besides, this method could also be applied to synthesize the Cu3BiS3 phase with a new nanoplate morphology. The as‐synthesized Cu−Bi−S samples show Cu/Bi ratio‐dependent photoresponsive properties. This study not only reports the structure and bandgap of two ternary sulfides, which have only been discovered in the mineral previously, but also provides an efficient method for synthesizing Bi‐rich ternary chalcogenide nanocrystals.
Comparing environmental flow scenarios from hydrological methods, legislation guidelines, and hydrodynamic habitat models downstream of the Marathon Dam (Attica, Greece)
Authors: Theodoropoulos Christos , Georgalas Spyridon , Mamassis Nikolaos , Stamou Anastasios , Rutschmann Peter , Skoulikidis Nikolaos 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn their effort to balance anthropogenic water demand and ecosystem conservation within a sustainable water resources management framework, water managers and stakeholders need sound scientific guidance. In this study, we applied a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic habitat model using benthic macroinvertebrates as the target aquatic community and carried out an environmental flow (eflow) assessment downstream of the Marathon Reservoir (Attica, Central Greece). Hydrology‐based eflow scenarios were additionally developed over an 11‐year period, and the lowest acceptable ecosystem‐based eflow was compared with the hydrology‐based eflow predictions. We found that the hydrological methods tend to underestimate the eflows required to ensure functional aquatic ecosystems. The results showed that (a) the different hydrological methods developed highly variable eflow scenarios, ranging from 0.0006 to 0.18 m3/s, (b) the ecosystem‐based eflow was up to 183% higher than the hydrology‐based ones and 26% to 465% higher than those defined by the national legislation, and (c) the probability of agreement between hydrological and ecological predictions was 12.5%, as only one out of the eight hydrology‐based scenarios coincided with the ecosystem‐based eflows. We conclude that hydrological methods should be used with caution in the absence of ecological information. Their use as stand‐alone tools seems problematic and bears a high risk of producing inappropriate eflow scenarios. Integrative frameworks combining hydrological–ecological methods could be useful to provide information on what is ecologically acceptable and hydrologically socially feasible, but because the two methods comprise structurally different, noninteracting concepts, they are inherently insufficient to increase the confidence of predicting and selecting eflows.
The role played by environmental concern and institutional trust in changing public preferences for water management
Authors: Lafuente Regina , Paneque Pilar , Vargas Jesús 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEfforts to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems in areas which suffer from water scarcity have often failed to reduce water demand owing to the constant expansion of irrigation. Andalusia, in southern Spain, is a clear case in point, as the publicly funded programs aimed at improving irrigation put forward since the 1990s after recurrent episodes of drought have not been able to meet agrarian demand. This situation has generated an active debate among stakeholders and public managers. This study aims to investigate the role of public opinion in this debate, as demanded by new water governance models, embodied in the Water Framework Directive. We use the results of a representative annual survey in Andalusia between 2004 and 2013. First, we analyze the evolution of public support for the two most costly public measures: constructing reservoirs and improving irrigation. Second, we analyze some attitudes that may have affected a change in public opinion, including institutional trust and environmental concern. The results suggest that the public legitimizes the administration's bid for more efficient irrigation systems, essentially for environmental reasons. However, should attempts to control water demand continue to fail, support for this measure may be withdrawn.
How does expansion of public health insurance affect risk pools and premiums in the market for private health insurance? Evidence from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces
Authors: Sen Aditi P. , DeLeire Thomas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPrivate insurance market risk pools are likely to be directly affected by expansions of public insurance, in turn affecting premiums. We investigate the effects of Medicaid expansion on private health insurance markets using data on the plans offered through the health insurance “Marketplaces” (also known as Exchanges) established by the Affordable Care Act. We employ geographic matching to compare premiums for private plans in neighboring counties that straddle expansion and nonexpansion states and find that premiums of Marketplace plans are 11% lower in Medicaid expansion states, controlling for demographic and health characteristics as well as measures of health care access. These results are consistent with evidence on the composition of the private insurance risk pool in expansion versus nonexpansion states and associated differences in expected health spending.
Ice margin oscillations during deglaciation of the northern Irish Sea Basin
Authors: Chiverrell R. C. , Smedley R. K. , Small D. , Ballantyne C. K. , Burke M. J. , Callard S. L. , Clark C. D. , Duller G. A. T. , Evans D. J. A. , Fabel D. , van Landeghem K. , Livingstone S. , Ó Cofaigh C. , Thomas G. S. P. , Roberts D. H. , Saher M. , Scourse J. D. , Wilson P. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTWe present a new chronology to constrain ice‐margin retreat in the northern Irish Sea Basin. Estimates on the timing of ice thinning derived from surface exposure ages for boulders from the summits of the Isle of Man and south‐west Cumbria suggest that ice thinning was commensurate with the rapid retreat that followed the short‐lived advance of the Irish Sea Ice Stream (ISIS) to maximum limits in the Celtic Sea. This ice retreat in the northern Irish Sea Basin was fastest at 20 ka in response to a wider calving margin, but slowed as ice stabilized and oscillated against the Isle of Man. We provide the first age constraints for the Scottish Readvance (19.2–18.2 ka) and demonstrate that it was a potentially regional event across the Isle of Man and Cumbrian lowlands not linked with Heinrich Event 1. After the Scottish Readvance, the ice front retreated northwards towards the Southern Uplands of Scotland at the same time as climate north of ∼45°N warmed in response to summer insolation. This sequence demonstrates the importance of internal dynamics in controlling ice retreat rates in the Irish Sea, but also that deglaciation of the northern Irish Sea Basin was a response to climate warming.
Molecular‐sieve‐based matrix solid‐phase extraction combined with field‐amplified sample stacking in capillary electrophoresis for the determination of three organic acids in a complex solid matrix
Authors: Wei Mengmeng , Liu Caijing , Zhang Huan , Jiang Luyi , Yan Jizhong , Chu Chu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA simple, convenient, and sensitive method that involves combining matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction with field‐amplified sample stacking in capillary electrophoresis has been developed for the determination of organic acids in a complex solid matrix. Mesoporous molecular sieve, MCM‐48, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and selected as the adsorbent in matrix solid‐phase dispersion. After fast extraction, the enriched analytes were back‐extracted into a basic aqueous solution for field‐amplified sample stacking in capillary electrophoresis. Parameters that affect extraction efficiency and sample stacking were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, approximately 42‐, 49‐, and 56‐fold sensitivity enhancements were achieved for danshensu, protocatechuic acid, and cinnamic acid, respectively, when compared to normal injection. A satisfactory correlation coefficient (r > 0.99) was obtained. Both intra‐ and interday precision were lower than 2.53%. And the limits of detection of the three organic acids ranged between 0.01 and 0.029 μg/mL. Finally, the newly proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of organic acids in Fufang Danshen tablets, which indicates its great potential in analyzing organic acids in a complex matrix.
Electrochromic Os(II)‐Based Metallo‐Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Bera Manas Kumar , Chakraborty Chanchal , Rana Utpal , Higuchi Masayoshi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis work presents the preparation of a series of novel Os(II)‐based metallo‐supramolecular polymers (polyOss: linear polyOsL1100% and hyperbranched polyOsL1x%L2y%) that show a broad absorption spanning 312 to 677 nm and a low Os(II)/(III) redox potential of 0.94 V. The electrochromic properties of a polyOs film cast on an ITO substrate is investigated. The change in transmittance (ΔT) of polyOsL1100% is 49.9%, and the switching times for coloration (t
c) and bleaching (t
b) are 0.70 and 0.82 s, respectively. The introduction of a 10% branching structure (polyOsL190%L210%) further enhanced the electrochromic performance with ΔT = 59.4%, t
c = 0.41 s, and t
b = 0.54 s. The coloration efficiency (η) increased from 396.1 to 467.5 cm2 C−1 upon branching. A solid‐state electrochromic device with polyOsL1100% is successfully fabricated to use the polymer for potential applications.
Pulmonary metastatic colonisation and granulomas in NOX2‐deficient mice
Authors: van der Weyden Louise , Speak Anneliese O , Swiatkowska Agnieszka , Clare Simon , Schejtman Andrea , Santilli Giorgia , Arends Mark J , Adams David J 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMetastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients, and successful colonisation of a secondary organ by circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is the rate‐limiting step of this process. We used tail‐vein injection of B16‐F10 melanoma cells into mice to mimic the presence of CTCs and to allow for the assessment of host (microenvironmental) factors that regulate pulmonary metastatic colonisation. We found that mice deficient for the individual subunits of the NADPH oxidase of myeloid cells, NOX2 (encoded by Cyba, Cybb, Ncf1, Ncf2, and Ncf4), all showed decreased pulmonary metastatic colonisation. To understand the role of NOX2 in controlling tumour cell survival in the pulmonary microenvironment, we focused on Cyba‐deficient (Cybatm1a) mice, which showed the most significant decrease in metastatic colonisation. Interestingly, histological assessment of pulmonary metastatic colonisation was not possible in Cybatm1a mice, owing to the presence of large granulomas composed of galectin‐3 (Mac‐2)‐positive macrophages and eosinophilic deposits; granulomas of variable penetrance and severity were also found in Cybatm1a mice that were not injected with melanoma cells, and these contributed to their decreased survival. The decreased pulmonary metastatic colonisation of Cybatm1a mice was not due to any overt defects in vascular permeability, and bone marrow chimaeras confirmed a role for the haematological system in the reduced metastatic colonisation phenotype. Examination of the lymphocyte populations, which are known key regulators of metastatic colonisation, revealed an enhanced proportion of activated T and natural killer cells in the lungs of Cybatm1a mice, relative to controls. The reduced metastatic colonisation, presence of granulomas and altered immune cell populations observed in Cybatm1a lungs were mirrored in Ncf2‐deficient (Ncf2tm1a) mice. Thus, we show that NOX2 deficiency results in both granulomas and the accumulation of antitumoural immune cells in the lungs that probably mediate the decreased pulmonary metastatic colonisation. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Polyamines delay leaf maturation in low‐alkaloid tobacco varieties
Authors: Nölke Greta , Volke Daniel , Chudobová Ivana , Houdelet Marcel , Lusso Marcos , Frederick Jesse , Adams Andrew , Kudithipudi Chengalrayan , Warek Ujwala , Strickland James A. , Xu Dongmei , Schinkel Helga , Schillberg Stefan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe development of low‐alkaloid (LA) tobacco varieties is an important target in the tobacco breeding industry. However, LA Burley 21 plants, in which the Nic1 and Nic2 loci controlling nicotine biosynthesis are deleted, are characterized by impaired leaf maturation that leads to poor leaf quality before and after curing. Polyamines are involved in key developmental, physiological, and metabolic processes in plants, and act as anti‐senescence and anti‐ripening regulators. We investigated the role of polyamines in tobacco leaf maturation by analyzing the free and conjugated polyamine fractions in the leaves and roots of four Burley 21 varieties: NA (normal alkaloid levels, wild‐type control), HI (high intermediates, nic2−), LI (low intermediates, nic1−), and LA (nic1−nic2−). The pool of conjugated polyamines increased with plant age in the roots and leaves of all four varieties, but the levels of free and conjugated putrescine and spermidine were higher in the LI and LA plants than NA controls. The increase in the polyamine content correlated with delayed maturation and senescence, i.e., LA plants with the highest polyamine levels showed the most severe impaired leaf maturation phenotype, characterized by higher chlorophyll content and more mesophyll cells per unit leaf area. Treatment of LA plants with inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis and/or the growth regulator Ethephon® reduced accumulation of polyamines, achieving a partial amelioration of the LA phenotype. Our data show that the regulation of polyamine homeostasis is strongly disrupted in LA plants, and that free and conjugated polyamines contribute to the observed impairment of leaf maturation.
Nanoparticles to mediate X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy and Cherenkov radiation photodynamic therapy
Authors: Cline Benjamin , Delahunty Ian , Xie Jin 
Published: July 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an attractive option for cancer treatment. However, conventional PDT is activated by light that has poor tissue penetration depths, limiting its applicability in the clinic. Recently the idea of using X‐ray sources to activate PDT and overcome the shallow penetration issue has garnered significant interest. This can be achieved by external beam irradiation and using a nanoparticle scintillator as transducer. Alternatively, research on exploiting Cherenkov radiation from radioisotopes to activate PDT has also begun to flourish. In either approach, the most auspicious success is achieved using nanoparticles as either a scintillator or a photosensitizer to mediate energy transfer and radical production. Both X‐ray induced PDT (X‐PDT) and Cherenkov radiation PDT (CR‐PDT) contain a significant radiation therapy (RT) component and are essentially PDT and RT combination. Unlike the conventional combination, however, in X‐PDT and CR‐PDT, one energy source simultaneously activates both processes, making the combination always in synchronism and the synergy potential maximized. While still in early stage of development, X‐PDT and CR‐PDT address important issues in the clinic and hold great potential in translation.This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Morbus Parkinson
Authors: Borsche Max , Klein Christine 
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung
Monogene, also auf einem einzelnen Gendefekt beruhende Parkinson-Syndrome (PS), machen ca. 5 % aller Parkinson-Erkrankungen aus. Hierbei konnten in den letzten 20 Jahren drei autosomal-dominant (SNCA, LRRK2, VPS35) und drei autosomal-rezessiv (Parkin, PINK1, DJ-1) vererbte kausale Parkinson-Gene identifiziert und validiert werden. Während pathogene Veränderungen in SNCA sehr selten sind, früh beginnen und mit einer dementiellen Entwicklung einhergehen können, sind pathogene Varianten in LRRK2 unter den monogenen PS am häufigsten und Patienten klinisch nicht vom idiopathischen PS zu unterscheiden. Bei Patienten mit Erkrankungsbeginn vor dem 40. Lebensjahr sollte zunächst an Veränderungen im Parkin- und PINK1-Gen gedacht werden und, ebenso wie bei Patienten mit positiver Familienanamnese, eine genetische Beratung erfolgen. In jüngerer Zeit haben die dynamischen Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der Parkinson-Genetik zu neuen therapeutischen Ansätzen und ersten aktuell durchgeführten genspezifischen klinischen Studien geführt. Neben den etablierten monogenen PS existieren zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch nicht validierte Parkinson-Kandidatengene und gut charakterisierte genetische Risikofaktoren. Da monogene PS auch für das idiopathische PS Modellerkrankungen darstellen, sind in der Zukunft sowohl für monogene PS als auch für das idiopathische PS weitere Fortschritte auf dem Weg zur personalisierten Medizin zu erwarten.