bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid Metal‐Conductive Thermoplastic Elastomer Integration for Low‐Voltage Stiffness Tuning
Authors: Rich Steven , Jang Sung‐Hwan , Park Yong‐Lae , Majidi Carmel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn electrically responsive composite is introduced that exhibits muscle‐like changes in elastic stiffness (≈1–10 MPa) when stimulated with moderate voltages (5–20 V). The stiffness‐tuning element contains an embedded layer of conductive thermoplastic elastomer (cTPE), composed of a propylene–ethylene copolymer and a percolating network of carbon black. Two opposite surfaces of the cTPE layer are coated with a ≈20 µm thin film eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) liquid metal alloy. When a voltage is applied to these EGaIn electrodes, electric current passes through the cTPE. This causes internal Joule heating, which induces a phase transition that changes the composite from its stiff state (E = 10.4 MPa) to its compliant state (E = 0.7 MPa). Differential scanning calorimetry is performed to show that this state change is governed by a solid–liquid transition. Voltage‐dependent activation times are demonstrated that can be reduced to below 2 s and show the ability of the composite to recover its original shape after large strains. To illustrate its applicability in robotics, the composite is incorporated into an underactuated robotic finger, providing it with two different bending modes. The ability to use the composite as a moldable stiffness‐tuning splint is also demonstrated.
Intrinsic Nanodomains in Triplite LiFeSO4F and Its Implication in Lithium‐Ion Diffusion
Authors: Seo Dong‐Hwa , Park Kyu‐Young , Kim Haegyeom , Jung Sung‐Kyun , Park Min‐Sik , Kang Kisuk 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTriplite‐type LiFeSO4F has attracted considerable attention as a promising cathode for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries because of its high redox potential based on earth‐abundant Fe2+/3+. However, successful extraction/reinsertion of all the lithium ions in triplite host is challenging even at a low current rate, resulting in a low specific capacity. These experimental findings contrast with previous theoretical works that predicted that the triplite structure would be a fast ionic conductor with low activation barriers for lithium‐ion hopping. Origin of this discrepancy is elusive to date. Herein, combined first‐principles calculations and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that typical triplite structure is composed of nanodomains consisting of corner‐shared FeO4F2 octahedra, whereas their domain boundaries are regions of mixed corner/edge‐shared FeO4F2 octahedra. More importantly, these locally disordered domain boundaries significantly reduce the overall lithium diffusivity of the materials. Inspired by these findings, this study redesigns triplite structure with sufficiently small sizes to avoid local bottlenecks arising from the domain boundaries, successfully achieving nearly full lithium extraction/reinsertion with high power and energy density. This work represents the first direct observation of the presence of domain boundaries within a crystalline structure playing a critical role in governing the lithium diffusivity in a battery electrode.
Allergen immunotherapy: exploring areas for further inquiry
Authors: Ramsey Tam , Lai Wanda , Svider Peter F. , Hojjat Houmehr , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundAllergy‐related illness impacts millions of individuals worldwide. Our objectives were to characterize current trends of clinical trials research relating to allergen immunotherapy and to describe the landscape of allergen immunotherapy in National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐supported research inquiry.MethodsOn ClinicalTrials.gov, the following terms were searched: allergen immunotherapy OR allergy immunotherapy. Variables, including completion status, dates, design, study population, funder, location, and allergen were recorded. The NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORTER) system was also used to gather relevant variables.ResultsA total of 372 clinical trials met inclusion criteria. The proportion of industry‐funded clinical trials has declined over 15 years. There has been a slow decline in pollen allergy immunotherapy research, with an increase in both food and animal allergy immunotherapy research. Otolaryngologists comprised only 6.4% of clinical trials principal investigators (PIs). There was a total adjusted NIH funding of $74,986,125 for the 118 total funding years.ConclusionDespite an immense interest in allergen immunotherapy, this analysis demonstrates that otolaryngologists represented a small proportion of PIs leading associated clinical trials and basic science inquiry. The proportion of trials with industry sponsorship has declined considerably in recent decades. These trends could help direct future resource allocation for allergen immunotherapy.
In vitro safety evaluation of human nasal epithelial cell monolayers exposed to carrageenan sinus wash
Authors: Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Murphy Jae , Smith Jason L.P. , Vreugde Sarah , Psaltis Alkis James 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundCarrageenans have shown to reduce the viral load in nasal secretions and lower the incidence of secondary infections in children with common cold. Despite the widespread use of carrageenans in topical applications, the effect of carrageenans on the sinonasal epithelial barrier has not been elucidated. We investigate the effect of different carrageenans on the sinonasal epithelial barrier and inflammatory response in vitro.MethodsIota and Kappa carrageenan delivered in saline irrigation solutions applied to air‐liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human nasal epithelial cells from chronic rhinosinusitis patients and controls. Epithelial barrier structure was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and immunolocalization of F actin. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF), toxicity, and inflammatory response was studied.ResultsKappa or Iota carrageenan in the different solutions was not toxic, did not have detrimental effects on epithelial barrier structure and CBF. Rather, application of Kappa carrageenan significantly increased TEER and suppressed interleukin 6 (IL‐6) secretion in ALI cultures from CRS patients.ConclusionKappa or Iota carrageenan solution was safe and did not negatively affect epithelial barrier function. Kappa carrageenan increased TEER and decreased IL‐6 production in CRS patients, indicating positive effects on epithelial barrier function in vitro.
Isolated sphenoid sinus opacifications: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moss William J. , Finegersh Andrey , Jafari Aria , Panuganti Bharat , Coffey Charles S. , DeConde Adam , Husseman Jacob 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundIsolated sphenoid sinus opacifications (ISSOs) represent a relatively uncommon disease with the potential for serious complications. To better understand this disease, we performed a systematic review to further characterize the underlying pathologies, associated symptoms, and treatment outcomes of patients with ISSOs.MethodsA systematic review of ISSO case series was performed utilizing the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases in accordance with guidelines established by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses). Data of interest included disease pathology, associated symptoms, and treatment outcomes.ResultsOf the initial 1051 hits from the 4 databases, 17 articles, with a combined 1133 ISSO patients, were ultimately included in the review. On a weighted analysis, the underlying pathologies were classified as chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (28.3%), mucoceles (20.3%), fungal sinusitis (12.5%), malignant neoplasms (7.7%), intracranial lesions (7.0%), benign neoplasms (5.7%), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (3.4%), and other lesions (4.7%). Cranial neuropathies were present in 16.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.1‐22.5%) of ISSO patients. A favorable surgical complication rate of 1.5% (95% CI, −0.1% to 3.2%) was found in patients undergoing surgery for an ISSO.ConclusionISSOs are caused by diverse pathologies. Given the considerable rates of neoplastic disease and cranial neuropathies, patients affected by an ISSO should be monitored closely and treated aggressively. Prompt surgical intervention, with either diagnostic or therapeutic intent, is often indicated.
Biocatalytic Routes to Enantiomerically Enriched Dibenz[c,e]azepines
Authors: France Scott P. , Aleku Godwin A. , Sharma Mahima , Mangas‐Sanchez Juan , Howard Roger M. , Steflik Jeremy , Kumar Rajesh , Adams Ralph W. , Slabu Iustina , Crook Robert , Grogan Gideon , Wallace Timothy W. , Turner Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBiocatalytic retrosynthetic analysis of dibenz[c,e]azepines has highlighted the use of imine reductase (IRED) and ω‐transaminase (ω‐TA) biocatalysts to establish the key stereocentres of these molecules. Several enantiocomplementary IREDs were identified for the synthesis of (R)‐ and (S)‐5‐methyl‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[c,e]azepine with excellent enantioselectivity, by reduction of the parent imines. Crystallographic evidence suggests that IREDs may be able to bind one conformer of the imine substrate such that, upon reduction, the major product conformer is generated directly. ω‐TA biocatalysts were also successfully employed for the production of enantiopure 1‐(2‐bromophenyl)ethan‐1‐amine, thus enabling an orthogonal route for the installation of chirality into dibenz[c,e]azepine framework.
Diastereoselective C−H Bond Amination for Disubstituted Pyrrolidines
Authors: Iovan Diana A. , Wilding Matthew J. T. , Baek Yunjung , Hennessy Elisabeth T. , Betley Theodore A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe report herein the improved diastereoselective synthesis of 2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidines from aliphatic azides. Experimental and theoretical studies of the C−H amination reaction mediated by the iron dipyrrinato complex (AdL)FeCl(OEt2) provided a model for diastereoinduction and allowed for systematic variation of the catalyst to enhance selectivity. Among the iron alkoxide and aryloxide catalysts evaluated, the iron phenoxide complex exhibited superior performance towards the generation of syn 2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidines with high diastereoselectivity.
Feedback Kinetics in Mechanochemistry: The Importance of Cohesive States
Authors: Hutchings Benjamin P. , Crawford Deborah E. , Gao Lei , Hu Peijun , James Stuart L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlthough mechanochemical synthesis is becoming more widely applied and even commercialised, greater basic understanding is needed if the field is to progress on less of a trial‐and‐error basis. We report that a mechanochemical reaction in a ball mill exhibits unusual sigmoidal feedback kinetics that differ dramatically from the simple first‐order kinetics for the same reaction in solution. An induction period is followed by a rapid increase in reaction rate before the rate decreases again as the reaction goes to completion. The origin of these unusual kinetics is found to be a feedback cycle involving both chemical and mechanical factors. During the reaction the physical form of the reaction mixture changes from a powder to a cohesive rubber‐like state, and this results in the observed reaction rate increase. The study reveals that non‐obvious and dynamic rheological changes in the reaction mixture must be appreciated to understand how mechanochemical reactions progress.
Ligand‐ and Solvent‐Controlled Regio‐ and Chemodivergent Carbonylative Reactions
Authors: Peng Jin‐Bao , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe development of highly selective procedures is one of the core goals in organic chemistry. Among the known organic transformations, carbonylation reactions present an ideal choice for the preparation of carbonyl‐containing compounds. In this review, the recent achievements on the control of the selectivity for carbonylation reactions have been summarized. The effects of ligands, solvents, and bases on the selectivity are been discussed.
Predictive Validity of Radiographic Trabecular Bone Texture in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kraus Virginia Byers , Collins Jamie E. , Charles H. Cecil , Pieper Carl F. , Whitley Lawrence , Losina Elena , Nevitt Michael , Hoffmann Steve , Roemer Frank , Guermazi Ali , Hunter David J. ,   the OA Biomarkers Consortium
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate radiographic subchondral trabecular bone texture (TBT) as a predictor of clinically relevant osteoarthritis (OA) progression (combination of symptom and structural worsening).MethodsThe Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) OA Biomarkers Consortium undertook a study of progressive knee OA cases (n = 194 knees with both radiographic and pain progression over 24–48 months) and comparators (n = 406 OA knees not meeting the case definition). TBT parameters were extracted from a medial subchondral tibial region of interest by fractal signature analysis of radiographs using validated semiautomated software. Baseline TBT and time‐integrated values over 12 and 24 months were evaluated for association with case status and separately with radiographic and pain progression status, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, race, baseline Kellgren/Lawrence grade, baseline joint space width, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score, and pain medication use. C statistics were generated from receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsRelative to comparators, cases were characterized by thinner vertical and thicker horizontal trabeculae. The summed composite of 3 TBT parameters at baseline and over 12 and 24 months best predicted case status (odds ratios 1.24–1.43). The C statistic for predicting case status using the TBT composite score (0.633–0.649) was improved modestly but statistically significantly over the use of covariates alone (0.608). One TBT parameter, reflecting thickened horizontal trabeculae in cases, at baseline and over 12 and 24 months, predicted risk of any progression (radiographic and/or pain progression).ConclusionAlthough associations are modest, TBT could be an attractive means of enriching OA trials for progressors since it can be generated from screening knee radiographs already standard in knee OA clinical trials.
Analyse des Ressourceneinsatzes und der Umweltwirkung von detailliert modellierten Außenwandaufbauten
Authors: Schwede Dirk , Störl Elke 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFünf Außenwandkonstruktionen unterschiedlicher Bauweisen mit gleichem U‐Wert (konform zur EnEV 2014) werden hinsichtlich des Ressourcenbedarfs (Primärenergie) und der Umweltwirkung (Treibhausgaspotenzial) analysiert. Die Bauteilaufbauten wurden detailliert modelliert, sodass die Analyse neben den funktionsbestimmenden Bauteilschichten auch den Einfluss der Befestigungsmittel und der Sekundärkonstruktionselemente abbildet. Bauteilaufbauten werden getrennt nach Material‐ und Funktionsgruppen ökologisch bewertet.Zum einen wird gezeigt, dass einzelne Materialgruppen und besonders auch Elemente der Sekundärkonstruktion, Befestigungsmittel und Kleinteile in der Konstruktion zwar in der Massenbilanz marginale Bedeutung haben, aber doch überdurchschnittlich zum Ressourceneinsatz und zur Umweltwirkung beitragen. Auf der anderen Seite wird gezeigt, dass zusätzliche Dämmschichtdicken (über das heute übliche Maß hinaus) in der Gesamtbilanz des Gebäudes nur einen geringen Anteil am Ressourceneinsatz und der Umweltwirkung hätten. So wird argumentiert, dass die Analyse des Ressourceneinsatzes und der Umweltwirkungen und die entsprechende Optimierung von Bauelementen parallel zur bauphysikalischen und konstruktiven Durchbildung durchgeführt werden sollte. Die Gesamtbilanzierung des Gebäudes im Lebenszyklus hingegen liefert bei erheblichem Aufwand für die Planer nur einen geringen Nutzen für die Optimierung von nachhaltigen Gebäuden.
Selection of composite binary endpoints in clinical trials
Authors: Bofill Roig Marta , Gómez Melis Guadalupe 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe choice of a primary endpoint is an important issue when designing a clinical trial. It is common to use composite endpoints as a primary endpoint because it increases the number of observed events, captures more information and is expected to increase the power. However, combining events that have no similar clinical importance and have different treatment effects makes the interpretation of the results cumbersome and might reduce the power of the corresponding tests. Gómez and Lagakos proposed the ARE (asymptotic relative efficiency) method to choose between a composite or one of its components as primary endpoint comparing the efficacy of a treatment based on the times to each of these endpoints. The aim of this paper is to expand the ARE method to binary endpoints. We show that the ARE method depends on six parameters including the degree of association between components, event proportion, and effect of therapy given by the corresponding odds ratio of the single endpoints. A case study is presented to illustrate the methodology. We conclude with efficient guidelines for discerning which could be the best suited primary endpoint given anticipated parameters.
Synthesis of carbon‐based quantum dots from starch extracts: Optical investigations
Authors: Al‐Douri Y. , Badi N. , Voon C. H. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCarbon‐based quantum dots (C‐QDs) were synthesized through microwave‐assisted carbonization of an aqueous starch suspension mediated by sulphuric and phosphoric acids. The as‐prepared C‐QDs showed blue, green and yellow luminescence without the addition of any surface‐passivating agent. The C‐QDs were further analyzed by UV−vis spectroscopy to measure the optical response of the organic compound. The energy gaps revealed narrow sizing of C‐QDs in the semiconductor range. The optical refractive index and dielectric constant were investigated. The C‐QDs size distribution was characterized. The results suggested an easy route to the large scale production of C‐QDs materials.
Gas Sparger Orifice Sizes and Solid Particle Characteristics in a Bubble Column – Relative Effect on Hydrodynamics and Mass Transfer
Authors: Wongwailikhit Kritchart , Warunyuwong Passaworn , Chawaloesphonsiya Nattawin , Dietrich Nicolas , Hébrard Gilles , Painmanakul Pisut 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe relative effects of the size of gas sparger orifices and properties of solid particles on gas‐liquid mass transfer are not yet fully understood. Here, the impact of sparger orifice sizes, solid particle shapes, and their loading amounts in a bubble column reactor on the absorption of oxygen in tap water was investigated. Their influence on the mass transfer coefficient and bubble hydrodynamic parameters was evaluated. The results show that the addition of solid particles can have both positive and negative effects on hydrodynamics and mass transfer, depending on the orifice size of the gas sparger. The introduction of ring‐shaped solid particles can improve the mass transfer rate by up to 28 % without requiring any significant additional power.
Li2NH‐LiBH4: a Complex Hydride with Near Ambient Hydrogen Adsorption and Fast Lithium Ion Conduction
Authors: Wang Han , Cao Hujun , Zhang Weijin , Chen Jian , Wu Hui , Pistidda Claudio , Ju Xiaohua , Zhou Wei , Wu Guotao , Etter Martin , Klassen Thomas , Dornheim Martin , Chen Ping 
Published: October 2017

AbstractComplex hydrides have played important roles in energy storage area. Here a complex hydride made of Li2NH and LiBH4 was synthesized, which has a structure tentatively indexed using an orthorhombic cell with a space group of Pna21 and lattice parameters of a=10.121, b=6.997, and c=11.457 Å. The Li2NH‐LiBH4 sample (in a molar ratio of 1:1) shows excellent hydrogenation kinetics, starting to absorb H2 at 310 K, which is more than 100 K lower than that of pristine Li2NH. Furthermore, the Li+ ion conductivity of the Li2NH‐LiBH4 sample is about 1.0×10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature, and is higher than that of either Li2NH or LiBH4 at 373 K. Those unique properties of the Li2NH‐LiBH4 complex render it a promising candidate for hydrogen storage and Li ion conduction.
A NiCo2O4 Shell on a Hollow Ni Nanorod Array Core for Water Splitting with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Luyu , Gu Changdong , Ge Xiang , Zhang Jialei , Zhu Hongyi , Tu Jiangping 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanostructures have been considered as promising bifunctional electrocatalyst materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte. However, the activity of these materials toward overall water splitting is still unsatisfactory because a larger voltage is needed to drive the reactions. This study shows that more‐efficient bifunctional catalysts based on NiCo2O4 materials can be obtained by adopting an integrated composite electrode with robust hollow structures. This novel electrode is constructed by the growth of hollow Ni@NiCo2O4 nanorod arrays on three‐dimensional (3D) Ni foam. The interlayer of Ni hollow nanorods is conformally covered by NiCo2O4 nanosheets, providing large surface area and fast electron transport. Benefiting from these integrated characteristics, the hollow Ni@NiCo2O4 electrode as an oxygen evolution electrocatalyst can deliver a low overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and present excellent electrochemical durability. Meanwhile, the HER performance also impressive, with an overpotential of about 87 mV at 10 mA cm−2. As a result, the hollow Ni@NiCo2O4 electrode as a bifunctional catalyst can achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a voltage of only 1.58 V, showing promise for high performance yet cheap electrocatalysts for the overall water splitting reactions.
Determinants of Corporate Climate Change Disclosure for European Firms
Authors: Giannarakis Grigoris , Zafeiriou Eleni , Arabatzis Garyfallos , Partalidou Xanthi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study identifies the determinants of climate change disclosure under the prism of sustainable development in European context. The selected variables involve environmental performance, ownership structure, and verification of climate change initiatives. Cross‐sectional data derived from the Bloomberg terminal of the European 500 index concerning 215 firms in the year 2014 are employed. The novelty of the present study stands on the use of proxies for climate change disclosure by adopting the Climate Performance Leadership Index (CPLI). The results reveal that better environmental performance positively affects the level of climate change disclosure. In addition, governmental ownership and independent verification of environmental data determine climate change disclosure. Thus, climate change disclosure is thought to be an effective managerial tool for shareholders and stakeholders to superintend corporate management limiting information asymmetry level; furthermore, higher environmental performers prefer actual climate change disclosure providing a plausible signal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment