bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Recent Local Moisture Recycling on the Northwestern Tibetan Plateau Deduced From Ice Core Deuterium Excess Records
Authors: An Wenling , Hou Shugui , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Wangbin , Wu Shuangye , Xu Hao , Pang Hongxi , Wang Yetang , Liu Yaping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLocal moisture recycling plays an essential role in maintaining an active hydrological cycle of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Previous studies were largely limited to the seasonal time scale due to short and sparse observations, especially for the northwestern TP. In this study, we used a two‐component mixing model to estimate local moisture recycling over the past decades from the deuterium excess records of two ice cores (i.e., Chongce and Zangser Kangri) from the northwestern TP. The results show that on average almost half of the precipitation on the northwestern TP is provided by local moisture recycling. In addition, the local moisture recycling ratio has increased evidently on the northwestern TP, suggesting an enhanced hydrological cycle. This recent increase could be due to the climatic and environmental changes on the TP in the past decades. Rapid increases in temperature and precipitation have enhanced evaporation. Changes of land surface of plateau have significantly increased evapotranspiration. All of these have intensified local moisture recycling. However, the mixing model used in this study only includes a limited number of climate factors. Some of the extreme values of moisture recycling ratio could be caused by large‐scale atmospheric circulation and other climatic and weather events. Moreover, the potential mechanisms for the increase in local recycling need to be further examined, since the numeric simulations from climate models did not reproduce the increased contribution of local moisture recycling in precipitation.
Use of Tethered Hydrogel Microcoatings for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Equilibrium, Differentiation, and Self‐Organization into Microtissues
Authors: Green David W. , Watson Gregory S. , Watson Jolanta A. , Lee Jong‐Min , Jung Han‐Sung 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTherapeutic adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) lose multipotency and multilineage specialization in culture and after transplantation due to the absence of complex biological architecture. Here, it is shown that a transient ultrathin covering of permeable biomaterial can be differentially formulated to either preserve multipotency or induce multidifferentiation. Accordingly, populations of single, spherical MSCs in suspended media with high selectivity and specificity can be coated. Assembly of single, double, and triple hydrogel layers at MSC membranes is initiated by first attaching MSC‐specific immunoglobulins onto CD90 or Stro‐1 receptors and UEA‐1 and soybean lectins. A secondary biotinylated immunoglobulin is targeted for avidin binding, which becomes an attractor for biotinylated alginate or hyaluronate, which are subsequently stiffened and gelled, in situ around the entire cell surface. Alginate microcoatings permeated with mobile BMP‐2‐induced osteospecialized tissue, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced microcapillary formation, while microcoatings, with selected basement membrane proteins, preserve the multipotent phenotype of MSCs, for continuing rounds of culture and directed specialization. Furthermore, forced packing of microcoated MSC populations creates prototypical tissue compartments: the coating partially simulating the extracellular matrix structures. Remarkably, microcoated MSC clusters show a tremendous simulation of a common embryological tissue transformation into the epithelium. Thus, confinement of free morphology exerts another control on tissue specialization and formation.
Conductive Nanocrystalline Niobium Carbide as High‐Efficiency Polysulfides Tamer for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cai Wenlong , Li Gaoran , Zhang Kailong , Xiao Guannan , Wang Can , Ye Kefen , Chen Zhongwei , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRational design of functional interlayer is highly significant in pursuit of high‐performance Li‐S batteries. Herein, a nanocrystalline niobium carbide (NbC) is developed via a facile and scalable autoclave technology, which is, for the first time, employed as the advanced interlayer material for Li‐S batteries. Combining the merits of strong polysulfides (PS) anchoring with high electric conductivity, the NbC‐coated membrane enables efficiently tamed PS shuttling and fast sulfur electrochemistry, achieving outstanding cyclability with negligible capacity fading rate of 0.037% cycle−1 over 1500 cycles, superb rate capability up to 5 C, high areal capacity of 3.6 mA h cm−2 under raised sulfur loading, and reliable operation even in soft‐package cells. This work offers a facile and effective method of promoting Li‐S batteries for practical application.
Directional Scattering in a Germanium Nanosphere in the Visible Light Region
Authors: Ma Churong , Yan Jiahao , Huang Yingcong , Yang Guowei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPrevious designs of photonic nanoantennas are based on noble metal plasmonic structures, suffering from large ohmic loss and only possessing dipolar plasmon modes. This has driven the intense search for all‐dielectric materials (ADMs) beyond noble metals. Here, for the first time, a strong scattering anisotropy in a Ge nanosphere is demonstrated in the visible and near‐infrared regions. The forward‐to‐backward scattering ratio for an individual Ge nanosphere (150 nm) can reach a maximum value of ≈20 theoretically and ≈8 experimentally. This scattering behavior derives from the special real part and imaginary part of refractive index of Ge. Differing form other high‐index ADMs such as Si and GaAs, the electric dipole and magnetic dipole resonances of Ge nanospheres are closer to each other in the spectrum due to the non‐negligible imaginary part of refractive index. The spectral overlap between electric dipole and magnetic dipole resonances endows Ge nanospheres with efficient directional scattering near the scattering peak. Fano resonances with strong directivity are observed in Ge nanosphere dimers, which is the result of a broad electric gap mode coupled with a hybrid magnetic mode. These findings make Ge nanospheres a promising candidate for nanoantennas, directional sources, and optical switches.
Feasible D1–A–D2–A Random Copolymers for Simultaneous High‐Performance Fullerene and Nonfullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Jeong Mingyu , Chen Shanshan , Lee Sang Myeon , Wang Zhiwei , Yang Yankang , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Zhang Chunfeng , Xiao Min , Li Yongfang , Yang Changduk 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA series of PBDB‐TTn random donor copolymers is synthesized, consisting of an electron‐deficient benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD) unit and different ratios of two electron‐rich benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) and thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) units, with intention to modulate the intrachain and/or interchain interactions and ultimately bulk‐heterojunction morphology evolution. A comparative study using 4 × 2 polymer solar cell (PSC) performance maps and each of the [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and the fused‐aromatic‐ring‐based molecule (m‐ITIC) acceptors are carried out. Given the similarities in their absorption ranges and energy levels, the PBDB‐TTn copolymers clearly reveal a change in the absorption coefficients upon optimization of the BDT to TT ratio in the backbone. Among the given acceptor combination sets, superior performances are observed in the case of PBDB‐TT5 blended with PC71BM (8.34 ± 0.10%) or m‐ITIC (11.10 ± 0.08%), and the dominant factors causing power conversion efficiency differences in them are found to be distinctly different. For example, the performances of PC71BM‐based PSCs are governed by size and population of face‐on crystallites, while intermixed morphology without the formation of large phase‐separated aggregates is the key factor for achieving high‐performance m‐ITIC‐based PSCs. This study presents a new sketch of structure–morphology–performance relationships for fullerene‐ versus nonfullerene‐based PSCs.
Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Cheng Xunliang , Pan Jian , Zhao Yang , Liao Meng , Peng Huisheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWith the booming development of flexible and wearable electronics, their safety issues and operation stabilities have attracted worldwide attentions. Compared with traditional liquid electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are preferred due to their higher safety and adaptability to the design of flexible energy storage devices. This review summarizes the recent progress of GPEs with enhanced physicochemical properties and specified functionalities for the application in electrochemical energy storage. Functional GPEs that are capable to achieve unity lithium‐ion transference number and offer additional pseudocapacitance to the overall capacitance are carefully discussed. The smart GPEs with self‐protection, thermotolerant, and self‐healing abilities are particularly highlighted. To close, the future directions and remaining challenges of the GPEs for application in electrochemical energy storages are summarized to provide clues for the following development.
Uncertainty of food contamination origin and liability rules: Implications for bargaining power
Authors: Boutouis M.Z. , Hammoudi A. , Benhassine W. , Perito M.A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe propose an industrial organization model to analyze the role of bargaining power and liability rules in creating incentives for downstream and upstream supply chain operators to invest in good practices. We investigate the case in which either upstream production practices or downstream distribution may cause product contamination resulting in noncompliance with the authorized thresholds of residues (maximum residue limit [MRL]). We provide a comparative analysis of the retailers’ liability rule‐based accountability and the liability rule “polluter pays,” which penalizes an operator who is directly responsible for a noncompliant product. We show that choosing the optimal liability rule is a complex problem, as the choice depends on the effectiveness of food safety controls and on the magnitude of the fine associated with rejecting noncompliant products. Moreover, the choice of the liability rule can change the negotiating power of both operators and, according to the rule chosen, the retailer will have to pay a higher or lower input price. [EconLit citations: L15, L22, Q18].
Association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and a criterion measure of obesity among adults
Authors: Mun Junbae , Kim Youngdeok , Farnsworth James L. , Suh Sunghyeok , Kang Minsoo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveResults of published studies on the association between sedentary behavior (SB) and obesity are inconsistent, possibly due to reliance on subjective measures of SB and inappropriate measures of obesity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between objectively measured SB and criterion‐measured obesity among adults.MethodsA total of 2284 adults (≥18 years) from the 2003 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analysis. The participants were categorized into tertiles of SB time measured by accelerometry. Obesity was determined using body fat percentage measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.ResultsIncreased SB was significantly associated with obesity when controlling for covariates related to demographics, health behaviors, energy intake, and physical activity (P for trends = .025).ConclusionsThis finding suggests that avoiding SB may be beneficial for lowering the risk of obesity in adults.
Echogenic bowel in the second trimester – Where to from here?
Authors: Chung Kimberly , Thayalan Krishanthy , Kothari Alka 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEchogenic bowel is a ‘soft marker’ on prenatal ultrasound, which can be associated with a variety of conditions including chromosomal disorders, intrapartum infections, antepartum events and cystic fibrosis. Identification of this marker should prompt a further search for other soft markers, structural defects and placental abnormalities. We explore three cases of echogenic bowel identified on routine ultrasound scan. The first case highlights the potential for echogenic bowel to be a benign feature. Echogenic bowel was identified at eighteen weeks, which was attributed to intra‐amniotic haemorrhage and consequent fetal ingestion of blood products. In contrast, the next two cases highlight the pathological causes of echogenic bowel. In case 2, echogenic bowel was identified at seventeen weeks with associated cystic hygromas. The fetus had positive testing for Turner syndrome, and notably, there was a family history of cystic fibrosis. The third case discusses a case of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, which was diagnosed with amniocentesis and maternal serology testing when echogenic bowel was identified. A review of the literature suggests that the risk of adverse outcomes is increased with the presence of multiple soft markers, associated deformities, poor growth, persistent echogenic bowel in the third trimester and increased echogenic resolution. Despite these factors, it is important to note the poor ultrasonographic sensitivity of less than 50% in neonates with congenital cytomegalovirus infection and the consequent importance of invasive testing. Therefore, we aim to propose an action plan for clinicians who identify echogenic bowel on prenatal scans in order to critically exclude detrimental pathology.
Atropoenantioselective Redox‐Neutral Amination of Biaryl Compounds through Borrowing Hydrogen and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report herein a novel atropoenantioselective redox‐neutral amination of biaryl compounds triggered by a cascade of borrowing hydrogen and dynamic kinetic resolution under the cooperative catalysis of a chiral iridium complex and an achiral Brønsted acid. This protocol features broad substrate scope and good functional‐group tolerance, and allows the rapid assembly of axially chiral biaryl compounds in good to high yields and with high to excellent enantioselectivity.
Impact of lignin extraction methods on microstructure and mechanical properties of lignin‐based carbon fibers
Authors: Shi Xiaojuan , Wang Xing , Tang Biao , Dai Zhong , Chen Kefu , Zhou Jinghui 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn order to optimize the use of residues of enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stalk (REHCS) and explore the low‐cost and sustainable raw material substitute for carbon fibers, three types of lignin samples were extracted from REHCS by various extraction methods, and then they were converted into carbon fibers (CFs) by electrospinning, thermostabilization, and carbonization under the same process conditions. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the three types of carbonized fibers were different. The CFs from the ethanol organosolv lignin were actually smooth and brittle carbon films. The CFs from the formic acid/acetic acid organosolv lignin had microscopic pores, causing poor mechanical properties. Comparatively, the CFs from the alkaline lignin demonstrated preferable microstructure and mechanical properties. The reasons for the differences were analyzed by characterizing the lignin samples, precursor fibers, and resultant CFs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45580.
Infrared laser‐ignited horizontal frontal polymerization of versatile unsaturated polyester resins
Authors: Tsegay Nigus Mesele , Du Xiang‐Yun , Ma Kangzhe , Li Qing , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTInfrared laser‐ignited horizontal frontal polymerization is applied for the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin (UPER) by copolymerizing unsaturated polyester with styrene (St), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) monomers. Dependence of frontal velocity and temperature on the initiator and monomer concentration is discussed for St‐based UPER. These resins have also been characterized by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal St‐based resins have superior crosslinked networks. Besides, the thermo‐pH responsiveness behaviors of DMAEMA‐based resins are demonstrated by swelling measurements under the conditions of different temperatures and pH values. Moreover, by introducing CdSe@ZnS quantum dots and CsPbBr3 perovskites into St‐ and MMA‐based resins, respectively, we realize the in situ generation of CdSe@ZnS‐UPER and CsPbBr3‐UPER composites with good fluorescence properties and fluorescent stability, which have potential application in optoelectronic devices such as light‐emitting diode and perovskite solar cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45935.
Quaternized poly(2.6 dimethyl‐1.4 phenylene oxide)/polysulfone blend composite membrane doped with ZnO‐nanoparticles for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Msomi Phumlani Fortune , Nonjola Patrick , Ndungu Patrick Gathura , Ramonjta James 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA series of quaternized poly(2.6 dimethyl‐1.4 phenylene oxide)/polysulfone (QPPO/PSF) blend anion exchange membrane (AEM) were successfully fabricated and characterized for alkaline fuel cell application. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were introduced in the polymer matrix to enhance the intrinsic properties of the AEM. To confirm successful fabrication, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) were used. The membrane properties were enhanced by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles resulted to a higher ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 3.72 mmol g−1, increase of ion conductivity (IC) up to 52.34 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, enhancement of water uptake, and reduced methanol permeability. The QPPO/PSF/2% ZnO composite retained over 80% of its initial IC at room temperature and also retained over 50% of its initial IC at 80 °C when evaluated for alkaline stability. The maximum power output reached for the membrane electrode assembly constructed with QPPO/PSF/2%ZnO was 69 mW cm−2 at room temperature, which is about three times more than the parent QPPO membrane. The above results indicate that QPPO/PSF/ZnO is a good candidate as an AEM for fuel cell application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45959.
Fabrication of a functionally graded and magnetically responsive shape memory polymer using a 3D printing technique and its characterization
Authors: Hassan Rizwan Ul , Jo Soohwan , Seok Jongwon 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, a three‐dimensional printing technique is applied for the fabrication of novel functionally graded magnetic shape memory polymers (SMPs) to create high‐resolution multimaterial shape memory architectures. This approach is applied to a copolymer network of photocurable methacrylate using high projection stereolithography. Carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) were physically embedded in a polymer matrix to add magnetic functions to the SMPs. The glass transition characteristics and shape memory effect were also investigated by varying the composition of the SMP. The microstructured, lightweight SMPs showed interesting shape memory behaviors, as observed in hot environment. The almost perfect strain recovery rate of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate was measured (99.95% using a tension set bar). The results of dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis reveal an increment in the thermal conductivity after embedding the CIPs. Further, the results of dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy reveal close interaction between the particles and matrix. X‐ray diffraction was used to characterize the iron particles and polymer structure. These results, along with the electrical and magnetic tests, strongly support the remote controllability of the material properties of the present functionally graded magnetic SMPs for a broad range of temperature and/or magnetically responsive material applications by using eddy current heating and/or magnetorheological polymeric effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45997.
Synthesis of phosphorus‐ and phenyl‐based ROMP polymers and investigation of their effects on the thermomechanical and flammability properties of a polypropylene–IFR system
Authors: Turgut Gizem , Işıksel Ecem , Kahraman Gizem , Eren Tarik , Özkoç Güralp 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, we present an approach for the synthesis of novel phosphorous‐ or phenyl‐ containing polymers, 2phenyl, 3phospho, and 2phenyl‐co‐3phospho, derived from ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), to reduce the flammability of polypropylene (PP). The composites were processed by melt‐blending ROMP polymers and octaphenyl–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with PP/intumescent flame retardant (IFR) compounds at different compositions. The composites were characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and mechanical tests as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The molecular structures of phosphorous‐ and phenyl‐containing polymers were proved by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The online rheological measurements indicated that the addition of additives to the PP/IFR system increased the melt viscosity of the compounds regardless of the type. The DSC analysis showed that the addition of ROMP polymers to the PP/IFR system influenced the crystal perfection and degree of crystallization. TGA analysis of the composites revealed that the addition of ROMP polymers to PP/IFR compounds deteriorated the thermal stability as the amount of phosphorus increased in the matrix. Dynamic mechanical properties such as storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) of the composites were lowered by the addition of ROMP polymers. The LOI and UL‐94 rating of PP/IFR were enhanced by the addition of ROMP polymers. It was successfully demonstrated that the novel phosphorous‐ or phenyl‐containing polymers were highly potent additives in optimizing the flammability of PP composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45998.