bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Polysulfides for Oil Spill Remediation: Repurposing Industrial Waste for Environmental Benefit
Authors: Worthington Max J. H. , Shearer Cameron J. , Esdaile Louisa J. , Campbell Jonathan A. , Gibson Christopher T. , Legg Stephanie K. , Yin Yanting , Lundquist Nicholas A. , Gascooke Jason R. , Albuquerque Inês S. , Shapter Joseph G. , Andersson Gunther G. , Lewis David A. , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , Chalker Justin M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCrude oil and hydrocarbon fuel spills are a perennial threat to aquatic environments. Inexpensive and sustainable sorbents are needed to mitigate the ecological harm of this pollution. To address this need, this study features a low‐density polysulfide polymer that is prepared by the direct reaction of sulfur and used cooking oils. Because both sulfur and cooking oils are hydrophobic, the polymer has an affinity for hydrocarbons such as crude oil and diesel fuel and can rapidly remove them from seawater. Through simple mechanical compression, the oil can be recovered and the polymer can be reused in oil spill remediation. The polysulfide is unique because it is prepared entirely from repurposed waste: sulfur is a by‐product of the petroleum industry and used cooking oil can be used as a comonomer. In this way, sulfur waste from the oil industry is used to make an effective sorbent for combatting pollution from that same sector.
Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers Encapsulated with NiCoP: A Multifunctional Electrode for Supercapattery and Oxygen Reduction, Oxygen Evolution, and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Surendran Subramani , Shanmugapriya Sathyanarayanan , Sivanantham Arumugam , Shanmugam Sangaraju , Kalai Selvan Ramakrishnan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFunctionalizing nanostructured carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with bimetallic phosphides enables the material to become an active electrode for multifunctional applications. A facile electrospinning technique is utilized for the first time to develop NiCoP nanoparticles encapsulated CNFs that are used as an energy storage system of supercapattery, and as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reaction in KOH electrolyte. Evolving from the inclusion of bimetallic phosphide nanoparticles, the NiCoP/CNF electrode unveils superior‐specific capacitance (333 Fg−1 at 2 Ag−1) and rate capability (87%). The fabricated supercapattery device offers a voltage of 1.6 V that supplies a remarkable energy density (36 Wh kg−1) along with an improved power density (4000 W kg−1) and unwavering cyclic stability (25 000 cycles). Meanwhile, the NiCoP/CNF electrode has simultaneously performed well as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction at a half‐wave potential of 0.82 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and can attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a very low overpotential of 268 and 130 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively. Thus, the NiCoP/CNF with all its inimitable electrode properties has profoundly proved its proficiency at handling multifunctional challenges in terms of both storage and conversion.
Early Fetal Development of the Otic and Pterygopalatine Ganglia with Special Reference to the Topographical Relationship with the Developing Sphenoid Bone
Authors: Yamamoto Masahito , Ho Cho Kwang , Murakami Gen , Abe Shinichi , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Jose Francisco 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe otic and pterygopalatine ganglia are located close to the greater wing (alisphenoid) of the sphenoid bone and many researchers have noted nerves connecting these ganglia in human embryos. The greater wing (alisphenoid) arises from the cartilaginous ala temporalis independently of the lesser wing, but no topographical changes between this cartilage and nerve elements have been demonstrated. We examined histological sections of 20 human embryos and fetuses from 6 to 15 weeks of development (WD). At 6 WD, the ala temporalis, the alar process and ganglia were all identified as a single, undifferentiated cell mass. Subsequently, the two ganglia became identifiable, but were continuous on the superior side of the initial ala temporalis. The temporal, superior spine of the ala temporalis was surrounded by the part that connected the ganglia. At 7 WD, the superior spine of the ala temporalis was reduced in size and the continuity of these ganglia was lost. At this point, a secondarily‐formed communicating branch between the ganglia, the nervus sphenoidalis was first identifiable. At 9 WD, the ala temporalis and the alar process had clearly become cartilages, and the anterior end of the otic ganglion was separated from the ala temporalis. The nervus sphenoidalis became longer. At 15 WD, the otic and pterygopalatine ganglia were clear separated from the alisphenoid, which consisted of the cartilaginous ala temporalis and membranous bone. Consequently, the separation between the otic and pterygopalatine ganglia seemed to be due to the developing ala temporalis. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights into the N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization of Aldimines: General Mechanism and Role of Catalyst
Authors: Li Xue , Tang Mingsheng , Wang Yanyan , Wang Yang , Li Zhongjun , Qu Ling‐Bo , Wei Donghui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOne of the most challenging questions in the Lewis base organocatalyst field is how to predict the most electrophilic carbon for the complexation of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and reactant. This study provides a valuable case for this issue. Multiple mechanisms (A, B, C, D, and E) for the intramolecular cyclization of aldimine catalyzed by NHC were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT). The computed results reveal that the NHC energetically prefers attacking the iminyl carbon (AIC mode, which is associated with mechanisms A and C) rather than attacking the olefin carbon (AOC mode, which is associated with mechanisms B and D) or attacking the carbonyl carbon (ACC mode, which is associated with mechanism E) of aldimine. The calculated results based on the different reaction models indicate that mechanism A (AIC mode), which is associated with the formation of the aza‐Breslow intermediate, is the most favorable pathway. For mechanism A, there are five steps: (1) nucleophilic addition of NHC to the iminyl carbon of aldimine; (2) [1,2]‐proton transfer to form an aza‐Breslow intermediate; (3) intramolecular cyclization; (4) the other [1,2]‐proton transfer; and (5) regeneration of NHC. The analyses of reactivity indexes have been applied to explain the chemoselectivity, and the general principles regarding the possible mechanisms would be useful for the rational design of NHC‐catalyzed chemoselective reactions.
Eco‐innovation strategies: A panel data analysis of Spanish manufacturing firms
Authors: Jové‐Llopis Elisenda , Segarra‐Blasco Agustí 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the determinants of eco‐innovation strategy in Spanish manufacturing firms. Using panel data of 3,201 Spanish firms for the period 2008–14, we specify a dynamic random probit model controlling for sample selection. The empirical results confirm that public regulations and R&D efforts encourage firms to place eco‐innovation activities among their strategic priorities, although subsidies are not found to be a distinctive driver. Furthermore, we find that eco‐innovation is highly persistent at the firm level, past eco‐innovation behavior being clearly of key importance in explaining the current state of a firm's eco‐innovation orientation. In contrast, market factors are not found to be a key driver for eco‐innovative firms.
Effects of Different Copper Loadings on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2‐SiO2 Prepared at a Low Temperature for the Oxidation of Organic Pollutants in Water
Authors: Čižmar Tihana , Lavrenčič Štangar Urška , Fanetti Mattia , Arčon Iztok 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe objective of this research is to examine how Cu modification can improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2‐SiO2, to explain the correlation between the Cu concentration and the chemical state of Cu cations in the TiO2‐SiO2 matrix, and the photocatalytic activity under UV/solar irradiation. The Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by a low‐temperature sol–gel method from organic Cu, Si and Ti precursors with various Cu concentrations (0.05–3 mol %). The sol–gels were dried at 150 °C to obtain the photocatalysts in a powder form. The photocatalytic activity was determined by using a fluorescence‐based method of terephthalic acid decomposition. An up to three times increase in photocatalytic activity is obtained if the TiO2‐SiO2 matrix is modified with Cu in a narrow concentration range from 0.05 to 0.1 mol %. At higher Cu loadings, the photocatalytic activity of the Cu‐modified photocatalysts is lower than that of the un‐modified reference TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalyst. XRD was used to show that all Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 composites with different Cu concentrations have the same crystalline structure as un‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 composites. The addition of Cu does not change the relative ratio between the anatase and brookite phases or unit cell parameters of the two TiO2 crystalline structures. We used Cu K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses to determine the valence state and local structure of Cu cations in the Cu‐modified TiO2‐SiO2 photocatalysts. The results elucidate the mechanism responsible for the improved photocatalytic activity. In samples with a low Cu content, which exhibit the highest activity, Cu−O−Ti connections are formed, which suggests that the activity enhancement is caused by the attachment of CuII cations on the surface of the photocatalytically active TiO2 nanoparticles, so CuII cations may act as free‐electron traps, which reduce the intensity of recombination between electrons and holes at the TiO2 photocatalyst surface. At higher Cu loadings no additional Cu−O−Ti connections are formed, instead only Cu−O−Cu connections are established. This indicates the formation of amorphous or nanocrystalline copper oxide, which hinders the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.
Modelling dispersion of immiscible fluids in a turbulent Couette flow
Authors: Eskin Dmitry , Vikhansky Alexander 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDispersion of immiscible fluids in a Couette device, in which the inner cylinder rotates whereas the outer one is immobile, is modelled. The developer's version of the STARCCM+ commercial CFD code is employed for simulations. The CFD‐population balance technique, recently implemented into the code, is a basis for the computations. The Reynolds stress turbulence model along with the Daly and Harlow transport model are employed for modelling two‐dimensional axisymmetric flow field. Formation of a stable emulsion (no coalescence) is considered. Computational results are compared with experimental data available in the literature. A low‐rate coalescence is formally introduced for accurately fitting these data. Effects of both the Couette device height and the inner to outer radius ratio on droplet size distributions are also studied using the STAR‐CCM+ CFD code. Different physical phenomena influencing the dispersion process are discussed.
Flocculation‐assisted dewatering of fluid fine tailings using a volute screw press
Authors: Wang Chen , Najafi Aref , Masliyah Jacob , Liu Qingxia , Xu Zhenghe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA flocculation‐assisted process to continuously dewater oil sands fluid fine tailings using a volute screw press was developed. An anionic‐cationic flocculant scheme was applied first to flocculate essentially all suspended solids in the fluid fine tailings. The concept of elastic and plastic deformations for metallic solids was extended and successfully applied to describing compression and subsequent water release characteristics of the flocculated sediments. The newly‐developed “controlled vertical strain test” (CVST) provided a good measure of the impact of flocculants on the compressive dewaterability of flocculated sediments. A new empirical parameter named “compression dewatering index” (CDI) was obtained from the sediment compression response curve of the CVST. Field tests at Canadian Natural Resources Limited with a prototype volute screw press showed a linear correlation between the CDI and the filter cake dry solids content produced by the volute screw press. Under process conditions in this study, a stackable cake containing 55–60 wt% solids at a 5–7 kg dry solids/h production rate was achieved by applying the volute screw press to the flocculated fluid fine tailings.The novel findings from this study could serve as a useful theoretical framework for future research on flocculation‐assisted dewatering of fluid fine tailings by elevated external mechanical forces, as encountered in centrifuge and filtration.
A Combined 25Mg Solid‐State NMR and Ab Initio DFT Approach to Probe the Local Structural Differences in Magnesium Acetate Phases Mg(CH3COO)2 ⋅ nH2O (n=0, 1, 4)
Authors: Seymour Valerie R. , Day Stephen P. , Scholz Gudrun , Scheurell Kerstin , Iuga Dinu , Griffin John M. , Kemnitz Erhard , Hanna John V. , Smith Mark E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMultinuclear (1H, 13C, 25Mg) solid‐state NMR data is reported for a series of magnesium acetate phases Mg(CH3COO)2 ⋅ nH2O (n=0 (two polymorphs), 1, 4). The central focus here is 25Mg as this set of compounds provides an expanded range of local magnesium coordinations compared to what has previously been reported in the literature using NMR. These four compounds provide 10 distinct magnesium sites with varying NMR interaction parameters. One of the anhydrous crystal structures (α) has an MgO7 site which is reported, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. For those phases with a single crystal structure, a combination of magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR at high magnetic field (20 T) and first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrates the value of including 25Mg in NMR crystallography approaches. For the second anhydrate phase (β), where no single crystal structure exists, the multinuclear NMR data clearly show the multiplicity of sites for the different elements, with 25Mg satellite transition (ST) MAS NMR revealing four inequivalent magnesium environments, which is new information constraining future refinement of the structure. This study highlights the sensitivity of 25Mg NMR to the local environment, an observation important for several sub‐disciplines of chemistry where the structural chemistry of magnesium is likely to be crucial.
High‐Quality Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Film for Lead‐Free Inverted Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells with 2.2 % Efficiency
Authors: Gao Weiyin , Ran Chenxin , Xi Jun , Jiao Bo , Zhang Wenwen , Wu Mincai , Hou Xun , Wu Zhaoxin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAll‐inorganic double‐metal perovskite materials have recently gained much attention due to their three dimensionality (3D) and non‐toxic nature to replace lead‐based perovskite materials. Among all those double perovskite materials, theoretical works have demonstrated that Cs2AgBiBr6 shows high stability and possesses a suitable band gap for solar‐cell applications. However, the film‐forming ability of Cs2AgBiBr6 is found to be the utmost challenge hindering its development in thin‐film solar‐cell devices. In this work, a high‐quality Cs2AgBiBr6 film with ultra‐smooth morphology, micro‐sized grains, and high crystallinity is realized via anti‐solvent dropping technology and post‐annealing at high temperature. After optimization, the first example of an inverted planar heterojunction solar‐cell device based on Cs2AgBiBr6 exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 2.23 % with VOC=1.01 V, JSC=3.19 mA/cm2, and FF=69.2 %. Besides, the device shows no hysteresis and a high stability.
An Electricity Price Forecasting Model with Fuzzy Clustering Preconditioned ANN
Authors: ITABA SATOSHI , MORI HIROYUKI 
Published: April 2018

SUMMARYIn this paper, a hybrid model of fuzzy clustering and ANN (Artificial Neural Network) is proposed for electricity price forecasting. Due to the complicated behavior of electricity price in power markets, market players are interested in maximizing profits while minimizing risks. As a result, more accurate models are required to deal with electricity price forecasting. This paper proposes a new method that makes use of fuzzy clustering preconditioned GRBFN (Generalized Radial Basis Function Network) to provide more accurate predicted prices. Fuzzy clustering plays a key role to prevent the number of learning data from decreasing at each cluster. GRBFN is one of efficient ANNs to approximate nonlinear systems. Furthermore, a modified GRBFN model is developed to improve the performance of GRBFN with the use of DA (Deterministic Annealing) clustering for the parameters initialization and EPSO (Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization) for optimizing the parameters of GRBFN. The proposed method is successfully applied to real data of ISO New England, USA.
Voltage Regulation Utilizing Electric Vehicle Rapid Chargers in a Distribution System
Authors: NAKAMURA YUTA , HARA RYOICHI , KITA HIROYUKI , TANAKA EIICHI 
Published: April 2018

SUMMARYFrom growing interests in the environment issues, promotion of photovoltaic power generation (PV) is accelerated in the world. Meanwhile, rapid chargers (RCs) for popularized electric vehicles are being installed in urban areas. These two trends in distribution system might cause severer voltage fluctuation problems. On the other hand, a RC can provide the reactive power support, which is capable of voltage regulation. Based on this viewpoint, this paper proposes a new framework of voltage regulation, in which the reactive power compensation by RCs is actively utilized. The proposed voltage regulation method combines two different control functions with consideration for over‐compensation avoidance. This paper ascertains the validity of proposed voltage regulation method through numerical simulations.
How do administrative borders affect accessibility to hospitals? The case of Sweden
Authors: Meng Xiangli , Carling Kenneth , Håkansson Johan , Rebreyend Pascal 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAn administrative border might hinder the optimal allocation of a given set of resources by restricting the flow of goods, services, and people. In this paper, we address the question: Do administrative borders lead to poor accessibility to public service? In answering the question, we have examined the case of Sweden and its regional administrative borders and hospital accessibility. We have used detailed data on the Swedish road network, its hospitals, and its geo‐coded population. We have assessed the population's spatial accessibility to Swedish hospitals by computing the inhabitants' distance to the nearest hospital. We have also elaborated several scenarios ranging from strongly confining regional borders to no confinements of borders and recomputed the accessibility. Our findings imply that administrative borders are only marginally worsening the accessibility.
The glutathione cycle: Glutathione metabolism beyond the γ‐glutamyl cycle
Authors: Bachhawat Anand Kumar , Yadav Shambhu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGlutathione was discovered in 1888, over 125 years ago. Since then, our understanding of various functions and metabolism of this important molecule has grown over these years. But it is only now, in the last decade, that a somewhat complete picture of its metabolism has emerged. Glutathione metabolism has till now been largely depicted and understood by the γ‐glutamyl cycle that was proposed in 1970. However, new findings and knowledge particularly on the transport and degradation of glutathione have revealed that many aspects of the γ‐glutamyl cycle are incorrect. Despite this, an integrated critical analysis of the cycle has never been undertaken and this has led to the cycle and its errors perpetuating in the literature. This review takes a careful look at the γ‐glutamyl cycle and its shortcomings and presents a “glutathione cycle” that captures the current understanding of glutathione metabolism. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(7):585–592, 2018
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA SNHG14 contributes to gastric cancer development through targeting miR‐145/SOX9 axis
Authors: Liu Zhao , Yan Yan , Cao Sizhe , Chen Yi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to elucidate the roles of long non‐coding RNA SNHG14 in gastric cancer development. LncRNA SNHG14 was markedly up‐regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of SNHG14 significantly inhibited SGC‐7901 cell viability, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, miR‐145 was negatively regulated by SNHG14 and the effects of SNHG14 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins and EMT‐markers were reversed by inhibition of miR‐145 at the same time. Furthermore, SOX9 was verified as a functional target of miR‐145, and miR‐145 regulated tumor malignant behaviors through regulating SOX9. Besides, knockdown of SNHG14 inhibited the expression of p‐PI3 K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR and promoted PTEN expression, where miR‐145 inhibition had opposite effects. Moreover, the activated PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway caused by miR‐145 inhibition was counteracted after knockdown of SOX9. Our findings indicate that up‐regulation of lncRNA SNHG14 may contribute to gastric cancer development via targeting miR‐145/SOX9 axis and involving in PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway. SNHG14‐miR‐145/SOX9 axis may be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer treatment.
HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype and perioperative blood transfusion are not conducive to the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Shen‐Kang , Yang Lei‐Lei , Chen Rui , Lu Yong , Zheng Yong‐Hua 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a disease associated with a higher incidence and mortality, and some host genetic polymorphisms have been reported as potential factors contributing to the development of GC. In view of this, the study was conducted to investigate the effects of HLA‐DQB1 gene polymorphisms and perioperative blood transfusion on prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC).MethodsA total of 142 patients with GC (case group) and 150 healthy controls (control group) were enrolled. Relationship between HLA‐DQB1 gene polymorphisms, perioperative blood transfusion, and clinical pathological parameters of patients with GC after operation was analyzed. Kaplan‐Meier curve was applied for analyzing survival rate of patients with GC, and Cox multivariate regression analysis for prognostic factors of patients with GC.ResultsThe frequency of HLA‐DQB1*03 gene was increased in patients with GC. Patients with GC with HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype had higher number of tumor size >6 cm, deeper depth of infiltration, higher LNM rate, and later stage of disease. Patients with HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype had lower survival rate compared with other genotypes. Anemia before operation, depth of infiltration in T3 stage and T4 stage, LNM in N1 stage and N2 stage, and HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype were regarded as independent risk factors for patients with GC.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that HLA‐DQB1*03 genotype and perioperative blood transfusion are not conducive to the prognosis of patients with GC, which could provide a reference for the treatment of GC.