ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Per Morten Hansen, André Vagner Gaathaug, Dag Bjerketvedt, Knut Vaagsaether〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study discusses the rapid expansion and phase transition of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) in vertical ducts. Results from small-scale experiments in three test setups (A, B, and C) were compared with a Rankine-Hugoniot model that treats the phase transition as an adiabatic evaporation wave of constant thickness. The model calculates the fluid properties behind the evaporation wave. The motivation was to identify hazards and quantify the energy-release in tank explosions such as a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion. The experimental results corresponded with a Chapman Jouguet (CJ) solution. The contributions include a mapping of CJ solutions calculated from a range of pre-rupture conditions. The puncture of a diaphragm (setup A, and B), or complete test section rupture (setup C) initiated the tests. The three test setups provided a range of pressures for the model. Evaporation waves were observed, propagating with velocities of 35–42 ms〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (setup A, and B), and ∼ 10 ms〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (setup C) into the superheated liquid. The calculated vapor mass fraction behind of the evaporation wave was in the range 0.21-0.23. The study presents a strategy, which incorporates the calculated vapor mass fraction, to predict the energy released in a tank explosion.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Esther Gomez-Herrero, Montserrat Tobajas, Alicia Polo, Juan J. Rodriguez, Angel F. Mohedano〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, we assessed the potential of combining Fenton´s reagent and biological oxidation for removing the imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EmimCl). Fenton-like oxidation was conducted at variable H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 doses from 20 to 100% the stoichiometric value as calculated from the theoretical chemical oxygen demand (COD). The stoichiometric H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 dose afforded Total Organic Carbon (TOC) conversion and COD removal of 50 and 62%, respectively. Identifying the reaction by-products formed at low hydrogen peroxide doses allowed a plausible pathway for EmimCl oxidation to be proposed. The effluents from Fenton-like oxidation at substoichiometric H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 doses were less ecotoxic and more biodegradable than was the parent ionic liquid. The effluent from Fenton-like oxidation with the 60% H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 dose (TOC conversion ≅ 41%, COD removal ≅ 31%) was subsequently subjected to an effective biological treatment that allowed complete removal of the starting compound, increased its ecotoxicity to a low–moderate level and rendered it acceptably biodegradable. Biological oxidation was performed in 8-h and 12-h cycles in a sequencing batch reactor. Combining Fenton and biological oxidation of EmimCl afforded TOC conversion and COD removal of around 90%.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438941831015X-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 364〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiyong Liu, Shu Zhang, Dan Hu, Yunsheng Zhang, Henglin Lv, Cheng Liu, Yidong Chen, Juan Sun〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composites were fabricated at 4 mix proportions with paraffin to red mud ratios of 0.4:0.6, 0.45:0.55, 0.5:0.5, and 0.55:0.45 by a mixed mill-heating method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) results reveal that paraffin flows well into red mud pores and has good compatibility. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results reveal that the melting temperatures of the paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite vary from 75℃ to 85℃, and the latent heat value is approximately 25–40J/g. High thermal stability is observed by the thermogravimetric analysis (TG) method. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) isotherms, laser particle sizer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and laser Raman spectrograph (LRS) show that the phase change energy storage composite does not produce a new material from the raw materials and that the material has a stable performance. Furthermore, the paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite was incorporated into the cement-based and gypsum-based materials at 10%, 20%, and 30% weight. The heat storage performance can be improved remarkably with an increase in the addition of phase change energy storage composite replacement. The compressive strength change is minimal with the addition of 10% and 20%, and the compressive strength decreases by nearly 40% with the addition of 30%. The paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite has a large influence on the flexural strength.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xing-Wei Xiang, Jin-Xing Xiao, Yu-Fang Zhou, Bin Zheng, Zheng-Shun Wen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The black seabream (〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉) is an economically pivotal aquaculture species cultured in China and Southeast Asian countries. To understand the molecular immune mechanisms underlying the response to 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉, a comparative gene transcription analysis were performed with utilized fresh livers of 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉-immunized 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 with a control group through RNA-Seq technology. A total of 256663 contigs were obtained after excluded the low-quality sequences and assembly. The average length of contigs collected from this research is 1066.93 bp. Furthermore, blast analysis indicates 30747 contigs were annotated based on homology with matches in the NT, NR, gene, and string databases. A gene ontology analysis was employed to classify 21598 genes according to three major functional categories: molecular function, cellular component, and biological process. A total of 14470 genes were discovered in 303 KEGG pathways. RSEM and EdgeR were introduced to estimate 3841 genes significantly different expressed (False Discovery Rate〈0.001) which includes 4072 up-regulated genes and 3771 down-regulated genes. A significant enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes and isogenes were conducted to reveal the major immune-related pathways which refer to the toll-like receptor, complement, coagulation cascades, and chemokine signaling pathways. In addition, 92175 potential simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 121912 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and identified sequencely in the 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 liver transcriptome. This research characterized a gene expression pattern for normal and the 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 -immunized 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 for the first time and not only sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 interaction but contribute to facilitate future studies on 〈em〉Sparus macrocephlus〈/em〉 gene expression and functional genomics.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yi-Hong Chen, Jian-Guo He〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The shrimp aquaculture industry is plagued by disease. Due to the lack of deep understanding of the relationship between innate immune mechanism and environmental adaptation mechanism, it is difficult to prevent and control the diseases of shrimp. The shrimp innate immune system has received much recent attention, and the functions of the humoral immune response and the cellular immune response have been preliminarily characterized. The role of environmental stress in shrimp disease has also been investigated recently, attempting to clarify the interactions among the innate immune response, the environmental stress response, and disease. Both the innate immune response and the environmental stress response have a complex relationship with shrimp diseases. Although these systems are important safeguards, allowing shrimp to adapt to adverse environments and resist infection, some pathogens, such as white spot syndrome virus, hijack these host systems. As shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, immunization therapy cannot be used to prevent and control shrimp disease. However, shrimp diseases can be controlled using ecological techniques. These techniques, which are based on the innate immune response and the environmental stress response, significantly reduce the impact of shrimp diseases. The object of this review is to summarize the recent research on shrimp environmental adaptation mechanisms, innate immune response mechanisms, and the relationship between these systems. We also suggest some directions for future research.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 4, Issue 10〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): J.M. Lázaro-Guevara, B.J. Flores-Robles, K. Garrido, V. Pinillos-Aransay, A. Elena-Ibáñez, L. Merino-Meléndez, J.A. López-Martínez, R. Victoriano-Lacalle〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Retinal diseases associated with the dysfunction or death of photoreceptors are a major cause of blindness around the world, improvements in genetics tools, like next generation sequencing (NGS) allows the discovery of genes and genetic changes that lead to many of those retinal diseases. Though, there very few databases that explores a wide spectrum of retinal diseases, phenotypes, genes, and proteins, thus creating the need for a more comprehensive database, that groups all these parameters.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Multiple open access databases were compiled into a new comprehensive database. A biological network was then crated, and organized using Cytoscape. The network was scrutinized for presence of hubs, measuring the concentration of grouped nodes. Finally, a trace back analysis was performed in areas were the power law reports a high r-squared value near one, that indicates high nodes density.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉This work leads to creation of a retinal database that includes 324 diseases, 803 genes, 463 phenotypes, and 2461 proteins. Four biological networks (1) a disease and gene network connected by common phenotypes, (2) a disease and phenotype network connected by common genes, (3) a disease and gene network with shared disease or gene as the cause of an edge, and (4) a protein and disease network. The resulting networks will allow users to have easier searching for retinal diseases, phenotypes, genes, and proteins and their interrelationships.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉These networks have a broader range of information than previously available ones, helping clinicians in the comprehension of this complex group of diseases.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 3 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Sediment Research〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pil Jae Kim, Jong Hyeon Lee, In Ae Huh, DongSoo Kong〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sediment quality has been evaluated in a variety of ways since the early 1990s in studies from Europe. In South Korea, most studies have used an indicator value for benthic macroinvertebrates based on water quality, not sediment quality. To date, few studies have examined the biological integrity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in South Korea. In the current study, the tolerance valency and value in samples and the indicator weight values were measured for 43 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa from 73 sampling units in South Korea from 2014 to 2016. Total organic carbon, the amount of heavy metals, and total ammonia nitrogen were analyzed. The average grade for each pollutant was used as the sediment quality index. A benthic macroinvertebrates sediment index was developed for bioassessment of freshwater sediment. The benthic macroinvertebrates sediment index, which is based on the relative frequency of occurrence of macroinvertebrates, was highly correlated with pollution levels in the sediment. This index can be used in the field to assess the contamination of freshwater sediment. As the sample size was small in the current study and there were taxonomic limitations of Chironomidae larvae, further research is needed to improve the reliability of the benthic macroinvertebrates sediment index.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 364〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Muhammad Humayun, Zhewen Hu, Abbas Khan, Wei Cheng, Yang Yuan, Zhiping Zheng, Qiuyun Fu, Wei Luo〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Herein, we report for the first time the highly efficient degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) over CeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 composites (xCeO/CN) prepared via wet-chemical solution method. It is shown that the resultant nanocomposites with a proper mass ratio percentage (15%) of CeO coupled exhibit greatly enhanced visible-light activity for 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation compared to the bare g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉. From photoluminescence (PL) and Fluorescence (FL) results, it is suggested that enhanced photo-degradation is attributed to the significantly improved charge separation and transfer as a result of the proper band alignments between g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and CeO components. Further, from radical trapping experiments, it is confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH) are the predominant oxidants involved in the degradation of 2,4-DCP over CeO/CN composites. Furthermore, a possible reaction pathway and detailed photocatalytic mechanism for 2,4-DCP degradation is proposed mainly based on the detected liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS) intermediate products, that readily transform into CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O. This work would help researchers to deeply understand the reaction mechanism of 2,4-DCP and would provide feasible routes to fabricate g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉-based highly efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304389418310069-ga1.jpg" width="264" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lei Yang, Lu Xu, Xue Bai, Pengkang Jin〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, a novel TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO-PS-Vis process was developed, which utilizes the TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO (Ti〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 and oxygen vacancies self-doped TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 coupled with reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposite as a promising and efficient activator of persulfate (PS) for the enhanced oxidation of micropollutants under visible -light irradiation. TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO exhibited a significantly high activity for PS activation to produce more sulfate radicals (SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) and hydroxyl radicals (〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH). Therefore, almost 100% BPA (10 mg/L) and 80% TOC can be removed just within 12 min with 1.0 g/L TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO and 2 mM PS under visible light. Moreover, it was found that many other typical micropollutants, such as phenol, acetaminophen and sulfamethoxazole can also be effectively degraded by this process. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical quenching experiments indicated that both SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and 〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH contribute to the degradation of organics, and the radical process was the main degradation pathway. In addition, the effects of PS concentration, catalyst dosage, initial solution pH and inorganic anions were investigated systematically. Experiments carried out in the real background of water matrix with low-concentration of BPA indicated that the proposed TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO-PS-Vis process has strong non-selective photo-oxidative ability for the removal of micropollutants in water.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304389418310082-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarah M. Elliott, William T. Route, Laura A. DeCicco, David D. VanderMeulen, Steven R. Corsi, Brett R. Blackwell〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Several organic contaminants (OCs) have been detected in bald eagle (〈em〉Haliaeetus leucocephalus)〈/em〉 nestling (eaglet) plasma in the upper Midwestern United States. Despite frequent and relatively high concentrations of OCs in eaglets, little is understood about potential biological effects associated with exposure. We screened an existing database of OC concentrations in eaglet plasma collected from the Midwestern United States against bioactivity information from the ToxCast database. ToxCast bioactivity information consists of concentrations expected to elicit responses across a range of biological space (e.g. cellular, developmental, etc.) obtained from a series of high throughput assays. We calculated exposure—activity ratios (EAR) by calculating the ratio of plasma concentrations to concentrations available in ToxCast. Bioactivity data were not available for all detected OCs. Therefore, our analysis provides estimates of potential bioactivity for 19 of the detected OCs in eaglet plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) EAR values were consistently the highest among all study areas. Maximum EAR values were ≥1 for PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, and bisphenol A in 99.7, 0.53 and 0.26% of samples, indicating that some plasma concentrations were greater than what may be expected to elicit biological responses. About 125 gene targets, indicative of specific biological pathways, were identified as potentially being affected. Inhibition of several CYP genes, involved in xenobiotic metabolism, were most consistently identified. Other identified biological responses have potential implications for motor coordination, cardiac functions, behavior, and blood circulation. However, it is unclear what these results mean for bald eagles, given that ToxCast data are generated using mammalian-based endpoints. Despite uncertainties and limitations, this method of screening environmental data can be useful for informing future monitoring or research focused on understanding the occurrence and effects of OCs in bald eagles and other similarly-positioned trophic species.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118329166-fx1.jpg" width="246" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sustainable Cities and Society, Volume 44〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hye Soo Suh, Daeung Danny Kim〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The study demonstrated a systematic approach to achieve the nearly zero energy community building through the assessment of energy performance of the combined passive and active design solutions and renewable energy systems. Among 16 community buildings, four buildings were selected and the parameters that had an impact on energy consumption were identified through the analysis of electricity and gas consumption. After the validation with the measured data of electricity and gas, the energy simulation was used to model the newly constructed community building. A combined passive and active design strategy was applied to improve the energy performance. To offset the energy use for the domestic hot water, possible renewable energy systems such as the PV system, the solar thermal system, and the geothermal heat pump system were reviewed and their efficiency was analyzed. As a result, the combination of the PV system with additional PV modules and the geothermal system was chosen for the achievement of the nearly zero energy target.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sustainable Cities and Society, Volume 44〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiqiang John Zhai, Jacob Michael Helman〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Climate change is a widely acknowledged major environmental problem whose impacts on building energy use however are not fully understood. Various climate models have been developed and used to project climate changes; however most of existing studies on climate change impacts only use few model outcomes, providing narrow predictions on the influences. This study analyzed a large number (i.e., 56) of models and scenarios. The obtained future climate data showed a wider range of potential changes and thus impacts on building energy. Four reference climate models were identified to cover the full range of the 56 models for three time periods and seven climate zones. The accuracy of model projections was validated using historical data. The study predicted the potential energy implications of climate changes to a campus building stock. Influences of these changes on utility and economics were analyzed. The study further explored the potential impacts of climate change to the current climate zones that directly relate to building energy consumption.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Sustainable Cities and Society, Volume 44〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jorge Navarro-Rubio, Paloma Pineda, Antonio García-Martínez〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Eco-efficiency and building optimization potential of prefabricated structures to be used in new buildings are studied, focusing on the analysis of a novel dry precast beam-column connection under different durability and re-using scenarios. The analyses include structural response (via numerical models), optimization potential (material take off, building schedule and economic cost) and environmental impact (via Life Cycle Assessment, LCA). The connection is applied to a case study which is representative of common buildings: a seven-story concrete structure with frames and deck slabs. The structural response of the connection accomplishes the Eurocode safety prescriptions. Man-hours and task duration decrease around 80%, and the global schedule undergoes 60% diminution. Focusing on economic issues, when the prefabricated structural elements are reused the accumulated economic cost significantly decreases. LCA shows that durability, in terms of service life, is directly related to the environmental impact. However, other design options, such us re-using, have less repercussion in the impact categories (i.e. Global Warming Potential and Embodied Energy), and in the global cost. Results from this research could contribute to the implementation of prefabricated elements in the building stock promoting eco-efficiency.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 84〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yinnan Mu, Shimin Zhou, Ning Ding, Jingqun Ao, Xinhua Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chemokines are a superfamily of structurally related chemotactic cytokines exerting significant roles in regulating cell migration and activation. Currently, five subgroups of fish specific CXC chemokines, named CXCL_F1-CXCL_F5, have been identified in teleost fish. However, understanding of the functions of these fish specific CXC chemokines is still limited. Here, a new member of fish specific CXC chemokines, 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6, was cloned from large yellow croaker 〈em〉Larimichthys crocea〈/em〉. Its open reading frame (ORF) is 369 nucleotides long, encoding a peptide of 122 amino acids (aa). The deduced 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 protein contains a 19-aa signal peptide and a 103-aa mature polypeptide, which has four conserved cysteine residues (C〈sup〉28〈/sup〉, C〈sup〉30〈/sup〉, C〈sup〉56〈/sup〉, and C〈sup〉72〈/sup〉), as found in other known CXC chemokines. Phylogenetic analysis showed 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 formed a separate clade with sequences from other fish species, tentatively named CXCL_F6, distinct from the clades formed by fish CXCL_F1-5 and mammalian CXC chemokines. The 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 transcripts were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues and significantly up-regulated in the spleen and head kidney tissues by poly (I:C) and 〈em〉Vibrio alginolyticus〈/em〉. Its transcripts were also detected in primary head kidney leukocytes (HKLs), peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs), and large yellow croaker head kidney (LYCK) cell line, and significantly up-regulated by poly(I:C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and peptidoglycan (PGN) in HKLs. Recombinant 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 protein (r〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6) could not only chemotactically attract monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes from PBLs, but also enhance NO release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and CXCL8) in monocytes/macrophages. These results indicate that 〈em〉Lc〈/em〉CXCL_F6 plays a role in mediating the inflammatory response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 138〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jae-Woong Min, Nicholas S. Vonortas, YoungJun Kim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study explores the factors that contribute to the commercialization of technologies transferred from universities and public research institutes (U&PRIs) to companies. We take a step further than the established literature focusing on technology transfer to examine factors that also affect the chances of the successful commercialization of the transferred technologies through an empirical analysis of 669 technology transfer cases in Korea. The study shows that the intensity of market competition is a key factor in moderating the effects of partnership and absorptive capacity on the successful commercialization of transferred technologies. While collaboration with U&PRIs exerts a positive effect on commercialization success, this effect is weakened by the intensity of market competition. The intensity of market competition boosts the importance of company absorptive capacity for the commercialization success of the transferred technology. We conclude that strategic management of the absorptive capacities of companies and their partnership with U&PRIs are necessary ingredients of the success of technology transfer in concordance with the intensity of competition that the company faces in the market.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Omega〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shih-Sian (Sherwin) Jhang, Joseph P. Ogden, Nallan C. Suresh〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper develops and tests a stylized model of a manufacturing firm's operational and financial configuration that integrates the effects of market competition and integration abilities of firms. Market power is predicted to drive trade credit balances of suppliers and customers, capital structure, and firm value. These predicted relationships are tested using data for publicly traded U.S. manufacturing firms for the period 1984–2014. A two-step procedure is adopted wherein, in the first step, the model variables of profitability, asset turnover, inventory, and cash are subjected to a factor analysis to determine the existence of a common factor based on theoretical arguments. In the second step, scores of the major factor (MPscore) are used in regressions with accounts receivable, accounts payable, market leverage, and Tobin's 〈em〉Q〈/em〉 as alternative dependent variables. Evidence from cross-sectional and time series analyses provides strong support for the hypothesized relationships. Market power is not otherwise explained by firm size and asset tangibility. Additional results indicate that U.S. manufacturers generally increased their market power over this timeframe. We also find that firms with high market power tend to have higher survival rates.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Computers in Industry, Volume 104〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jacques Bahi, Wiem Elghazel, Christophe Guyeux, Mourad Hakem, Kamal Medjaher, Noureddine Zerhouni〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Monitoring activities in industry may require the use of wireless sensor networks, for instance due to difficult access or hostile environment. But it is well known that this type of networks has various limitations like the amount of disposable energy. Indeed, once a sensor node exhausts its resources, it will be dropped from the network, stopping so to forward information about maybe relevant features towards the sink. This will result in broken links and data loss which impacts the diagnostic accuracy at the sink level. It is therefore important to keep the network's monitoring service as long as possible by preserving the energy held by the nodes. As packet transfer consumes the highest amount of energy comparing to other activities in the network, various topologies are usually implemented in wireless sensor networks to increase the network lifetime. In this paper, we emphasize that it is more difficult to perform a good diagnostic when data are gathered by a wireless sensor network instead of a wired one, due to broken links and data loss on the one hand, and deployed network topologies on the other hand. Three strategies are considered to reduce packet transfers: (1) sensor nodes send directly their data to the sink, (2) nodes are divided by clusters, and the cluster heads send the average of their clusters directly to the sink, and (3) averaged data are sent from cluster heads to cluster heads in a hop-by-hop mode, leading to an avalanche of averages. Their impact on the diagnostic accuracy is then evaluated. We show that the use of random forests is relevant for diagnostics when data are aggregated through the network and when sensors stop to transmit their values when their batteries are emptied. This relevance is discussed qualitatively and evaluated numerically by comparing the random forests performance to state-of-the-art PHM approaches, namely: basic bagging of decision trees, support vector machine, multinomial naive Bayes, AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting. Finally, a way to couple the two best methods, namely the random forests and the gradient boosting, is proposed by finding the best hyperparameters of the former by using the latter.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Scripta Materialia, Volume 162〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cong-Yu Zhang, Hao Chen, Jia-Ning Zhu, Wen-Bo Liu, Geng Liu, Chi Zhang, Zhi-Gang Yang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The steady-state assumption in the classical solute drag (SD) models is not always valid in treating the complex interaction between alloying elements and migrating interfaces (grain/phase boundaries) in steels. In this study, a general treatment based on phase-field theory is proposed to capture the SD effects of alloying elements without the steady state assumption, while it reduces to the SD models under steady-state assumption. This new treatment can predict the interaction between migrating interfaces and alloying elements with strong segregation tendencies, which cannot be captured by the classical SD models.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1359646218306535-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jessica Purswani, Isabel M. Guisado, Julio Coello-Cabezas, Jesús González-López, Clementina Pozo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Methyl 〈em〉tert〈/em〉-butyl ether (MTBE) degradation technologies based on two-phase partitioning systems such as extractive membrane biofilm reactors (EMBFR) permit separation of biological and contaminant compartments, thus allowing optimization of the biological section. In this study, we set-up an EMBFR with three MTBE-degrading and cooperating strains (termed social biofilm: 〈em〉Agrobacterium〈/em〉 sp. MS2, 〈em〉Paenibacillus etheri〈/em〉 SH7〈sup〉T〈/sup〉 and 〈em〉Rhodococcus ruber〈/em〉 EE6). The removal efficiency of the social-biofilm EMBFR was 80%, and functional stability was observed in the reactor, i.e. more efficient than previous studies (single-strain inoculated EMBFR, 〈50% removal efficiency and unstable function). Metabolite 〈em〉tert〈/em〉-butyl alcohol was not observed, and the EC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 values were higher than those observed in single-strain EMBFRs. Comparative analysis of the MTBE enzymatic pathway and the social-biofilm was performed, where the mechanism of cooperation observed within the social-biofilm is likely due to enzymatic redundancy. Functional outcomes were equal to previous batch tests, hence 100% scalability was obtained. Overall, higher functional and stability outcomes are obtained with the use of the social-biofilm in an MTBE-EMBFR.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118334353-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 10 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Electrochimica Acta, Volume 296〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Saheed Bukola, Stephen E. Creager〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Transmission rates for protons and deuterons across single-layer graphene embedded in Nafion | graphene | Nafion sandwich structures are measured as a function of temperature in electrochemical hydrogen pump cells. Rates of ion transmission through graphene are obtained in the form of area-normalized ion-transfer resistances, and are interpreted in terms of ion-exchange current densities and standard heterogeneous ion-transfer rate constants. An encounter pre-equilibrium model for the ion-transfer step is then used to provide rate constants for the fundamental microscopic step of ion (proton or deuteron) transmission across graphene. Application of this rate model to interpret variable-temperature data on proton and deuteron transmission rates provides values for the activation energy and pre-exponential factor for the fundamental ion transmission step across graphene. Activation energies obtained from the Arrhenius plots for proton and deuteron transmission are as follows; for proton, E〈sub〉act〈/sub〉 = 48 ± 2 kJ/mole (0.50 ± 0.02 eV) and for deuteron, E〈sub〉act〈/sub〉 = 53 ± 5 kJ/mole (0.55 ± 0.05 eV). The difference between these two values of approximately 5 kJ/mole is in good agreement with the expected difference in vibrational zero-point energies for O〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉H and O-D bonds, albeit with some uncertainty given the uncertainties in the activation energy values. Pre-exponential frequency factor values of 8.3 ± 0.4 × 10〈sup〉13〈/sup〉 s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and is 4.7 ± 0.5 × 10〈sup〉13〈/sup〉 s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 were obtained for proton and deuteron transmission respectively across graphene. These pre-factor values are both quite large, on the order of the values predicted from the Eyring – Polanyi equation with a transmission coefficient near one. The ratio of 1.8 for the rate pre-factors (H/D) is in reasonable agreement with the value of 1.3 for the ratio of bond vibrational frequencies for O〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉H and O-D stretching, respectively. Taken together, these data support a model in which proton and deuteron transmission across graphene are largely adiabatic processes for which the differences in transmission rate at room temperature are due largely to differences in activation energies.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Volume 131〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): P.V. Bruyns, P. Hanáček, C. Klak〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The Crassulaceae is an important family in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa and is the seventh largest family in the arid Succulent Karoo Biome. After the Aizoaceae it is the largest group of leaf-succulents in southern Africa.〈/p〉 〈p〉This is the first investigation of a broad selection (68%) of the ±170 species of 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉. We used data from three chloroplast and two nuclear gene-regions, which yielded many informative characters and provided good resolution among the species.〈/p〉 〈p〉We show that only five of the 20 sections in 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉 are monophyletic. However, the clades recovered show close correlation with the two subgenera that were once recognized. 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉 contains more than 25 succulent annual species which are not closely related to each other but form early-diverging branches in each of the three major clades. One of these major clades contains far more perennial species than the others and is the greatest diversification within 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉. This diversification mostly arose within the last 10 million years (my) and spread across much of southern Africa. Members of the smaller two major clades are often soft- and flat-leaved perennials (many with basic chromosome number x = 8, with high levels of polyploidy). Those in the largest diversification (where a basic chromosome number of x = 7 predominates) show other arid-adaptations (more highly succulent leaves with a dense covering of hairs or papillae or a smooth xeromorphic epidermis). Their flowers are also more variable in shape and bee-, moth- and butterfly-pollinated species are known among them.〈/p〉 〈p〉We establish that 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉 arose in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa. While much of its diversity has evolved in the last 10 my, 〈em〉Crassula〈/em〉 nevertheless contains species that are much older and itself arose ±46 my ago. Since all its species are succulent it is possible that they are part of an early arid-adapted flora that contributed to the Succulent Karoo Biome in the western part of southern Africa. Consequently this Biome may not be assembled only from ‘young lineages’ as is usually thought to be the case.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1055790318303567-ga1.jpg" width="104" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yi Ren, Fang Cheng, Xiaoying Zhou, Kai Chang, Guanghui Zhou〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Two-dimensional (2D) polyaniline with C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N stoichiometry, is a newly fabricated layered material that has been expected to possess fascinating electronic, thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. The nature of its counterpart nanoribbons offering even more tunability in properties because of the unique quantum confinement and edge effect, however, has not been revealed yet. Here we systemically study the mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties for various nanoribbons cutting from a monolayer C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N sheet along the typical crystallographic orientations. By the first-principles calculations we find that C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N nanoribbons exhibit sensitive responses to the externally applied electric field and strain. Specifically, the spin-selective half-metallicity depends on the external electric field or strain, as well as the ribbon width. For the asymmetric zigzag-edged ribbon, the spin-polarization rate approaches −100% at electric field strength −0.2 V/Å. Interestingly, an applied strain can transform a symmetric zigzag-carbon-edge ribbon from a magnetic semiconductor to a half-metal. And the half-metal property remains unchanged when the strain increases from 8 to 15%, while the spin-up subband gap further increases to 0.46 eV. These numerical results may be useful to engineer and design magnetic-field-free spintronic devices based on the 2D C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318309333-fx1.jpg" width="256" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 142〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sivabrata Sahu, Mihir Ranjan Sahoo, Anoop Kumar Kushwaha, G.C. Rout, S.K. Nayak〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We have investigated here, the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene–nickel system by tight-binding mean-field approach. Strong hybridization between the 2p〈sub〉z〈/sub〉 orbital of graphene and 3d〈sub〉z2〈/sub〉 orbital of nickel occurs when monolayer graphene is placed over a single layer of ferromagnetically ordered Ni (111) metal due to the excellent lattice matching between the two layers. This hybridization greatly affects the electronic and magnetic properties of the bilayer system, resulting in a significantly reduced local magnetic moment of the nickel layer and an enhanced induced spin polarization on the graphene layer. The calculated Hamiltonian revealed critical information regarding the first-, second-and third-nearest-neighbour hopping integrals of 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉π〈/mi〉〈mo〉−〈/mo〉〈/mrow〉〈/math〉 electrons of graphene besides the Coulomb correlation of electrons in nickel (111). The Hubbard type Coulomb interactions present in nickel lattices were treated within the mean-field approximation. Zubarev's technique was employed to calculate electronic Green's functions and subsequent investigation of the temperature dependent ferromagnetic magnetization of nickel (111)was carried out through self-consistent calculation. Further calculations regarding the induced magnetization in the graphene, total magnetization in bilayer layer system, electronic band dispersion, spin resolved density of states (DOS) and spin polarization efficiency have been carried out. The results were corroborated by experimental observations.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318309977-egi10LZ69G4T53.jpg" width="283" alt="Image" title="Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lihua Lin, Hongzhe Pan, Yanhuan Chen, Xiaoying Song, Jun Xu, Huibiao Liu, Shaolong Tang, Youwei Du, Nujiang Tang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Pristine graphdiyne (pGDY) with high quality was prepared by annealing as-prepared GDY in hydrogen, and its stacking style, bandgap and magnetism were studied. The results show that pGDY is ABC-stacked, has a direct bandgap of ca. 0.64 eV, and shows spin-half paramagnetism at 2 K which may result from the residual hydroxyl groups on the chains of GDY sheet. The hybrid functional calculations show that ABC-stacked GDY is a semiconductor with a direct bandgap of 0.73 eV and is intrinsically nonmagnetic.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318309126-fx1.jpg" width="350" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): A. Yadav, M. Yadav, S. Gupta, Y. Popat, A. Gangan, B. Chakraborty, L.M. Ramaniah, R. Fernandes, A. Miotello, M.R. Press, N. Patel〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composites are prepared using photo-reduction method by varying GO to TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 weight ratio from low (rGOT-0.001, 0.01, & 0.1) to high (rGOT-1, 3 & 10) range and its effect on morphological, optical and mechanism of fast charge dynamics at the interface are investigated. Experimental analysis confirm that reduction process improves as TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 amount increases in rGO-TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 but leads to aggregation of TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticles. rGOT-3 composite displayed the highest photocatalytic activity for degradation of phenols compared to TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, GO and other composites. This was achieved due to uniform dispersion of TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticles over rGO surface, which enables distinct formation of Ti〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉O〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉C bond between each TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticle and rGO surface, and results in slight red shift in the band edge. This Ti〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉O〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉C bond facilitates fast electron transfer from TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 to rGO and reduces recombination rate as revealed by photoluminescence and time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The experimental findings were further investigated using density functional theory simulations. Band structure calculation confirms high mobility states induced within the band gap due to formation of Ti〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉O〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉C bond in rGO-TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 model which assists in fast electron transfer from TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 to rGO during the photocatalytic process and hence reduces recombination rate.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318310091-fx1.jpg" width="477" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rebecca F. Albers, Rafael A. Bini, João B. Souza, Derik T. Machado, Laudemir C. Varanda〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉There is great interest in new materials that synergistically combine properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nanoparticles (NP) generating rGO-nanoparticles hybrid materials (NPHM). Based on the modified polyol process (MPP), we developed a new and versatile method to synthesize rGO and rGO-NPHM in one-pot route. rGO sheets with small defects number were reduced from graphene oxide by the MPP, and experimental parameters were varied to evaluate the method robustness, and adjusted to prepare rGO-NPHM, for instance, rGO/Au, rGO/Ag, rGO/CdSe, rGO/FePt and rGO/Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 inferring the versatility of our methodology. NPHM were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and Raman, UV–Vis, and FTIR spectroscopies. All synthesized NPHM shown size-controlled monodisperse-like NP homogeneously distributed onto the rGO sheets, except for the Ag-NP where a bimodal size distribution was observed. Plasmon (rGO/Au and rGO/Ag) and typical absorption and emission (rGO/CdSe) by UV–Vis, whereas paramagnetic-like (rGO/FePt) and superparamagnetic (rGO/Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉) behavior was observed by the magnetic NPHM. The MPP is already efficient for NP preparation and here, we showed that its might successful for rGO and rGO-NPHM synthesis in a simple and versatile one-pot route, which can be scaled up to allow mass production and easily tuned for other NP kinds.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318310066-fx1.jpg" width="404" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 142〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yaochen Song, Jiaxuan Liao, Cheng Chen, Jian Yang, Jinchen Chen, Feng Gong, Sizhe Wang, Ziqiang Xu, Mengqiang Wu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Self-assembled nano-honeycomb WS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 modified by graphene doping were prepared by improved one step hydrothermal method. In this hybrid structure, graphene plays a key role of transferring the morphology from the nanowire microporous spheres to graphene-supported nano-honeycomb plane structure, which has the larger the specific surface area and higher conductivity. This anode delivers the superb electrochemical performances of lithium/sodium ion batteries with high specific charge capacity (953.1/522.3 mAh·g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 at 0.1 A·g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), long cycling life (more than 350/200 cycles at 1 A·g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), and high charge/discharge rates (up to 10/5 A·g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). This nano-honeycomb structure WS〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composite anode with facile hydrothermal process, as well as superb electrochemical performances, makes it attractive for the potential applications in lithium/sodium ion batteries.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318307103-fx1.jpg" width="299" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ll.M. Evans, L. Margetts, P.D. Lee, C.A.M. Butler, E. Surrey〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Functional materials' properties are influenced by microstructures which can be changed during manufacturing. A technique is presented which digitises graphite foam via X-ray tomography and converts it into image-based models to determine properties in silico. By simulating a laser flash analysis its effective thermal conductivity is predicted. Results show ∼1% error in the direction the foam was ‘grown’ during manufacturing but is significantly less accurate in plane due to effective thermal conductivity resulting from both the foam's microstructure and graphite's crystalline structure. An empirical relationship is found linking these by using a law of mixtures. A case study is presented demonstrating the technique's use to simulate a heat exchanger component containing graphite foam with micro-scale accuracy using literature material properties for solid graphite. Compared against conventional finite element modelling there is no requirement to firstly experimentally measure the foam's effective bulk properties. Additionally, improved local accuracy is achieved due to exact location of contact between the foam and other parts of the component. This capability will be of interest in design and manufacture of components using graphite materials. The software used was developed by the authors and is open source for others to undertake similar studies.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318309461-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 143〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ke Chu, Jing Wang, Ya-ping Liu, Yuan-bo Li, Cheng-chang Jia, Hu Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In-situ formation of appropriate interfacial carbides by matrix-alloying with carbide-forming elements offers an efficient approach to improve the interfacial bonding of graphene/CuX composites. However, the carbide formation commonly occurs at graphene edge/matrix interface, which is not enough to achieve the sufficient interfacial bonding because the vast majority of graphene/matrix interface is basal-plane/matrix interface rather than edge/matrix interface. To alleviate this limitation, we reported a new design of 〈em〉creating defects on graphene basal-plane〈/em〉 (CDGB) to optimize the interface and mechanical properties of graphene/CuCr composites. Plasma treatment was employed to create the structural defects (∼7 nm nanopores) on graphene basal-plane. When incorporating the plasma-treated graphene into the CuCr matrix, the Cr〈sub〉7〈/sub〉C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 carbides were found to be in-situ formed at both basal-plane/matrix and edge/matrix interfaces. Ex-situ and in-situ tensile tests both demonstrated that the plasma-treated graphene led to the composite that showed a larger strength enhancement and a higher load transfer capability than untreated counterpart, which was ascribed to the largely improved interfacial bonding contributed by the Cr〈sub〉7〈/sub〉C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 formed at basal-plane/matrix interface. This study suggests that the CDBG via plasma treatment affords a feasible solution for the interface optimization of graphene/CuX composites with enhanced mechanical properties.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318310145-fx1.jpg" width="477" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 142〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dalsu Choi, Hyun-Sig Kil, Sungho Lee〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Recently restricted greenhouse gas emission regulations for commercial vehicles have initiated a significant interest of an automotive industry in carbon fibers (CFs), which are excellent lightweight structural materials. However, the high production cost of CFs has limited their use in a selected number of applications including military, aircraft, and aerospace industries. Therefore, to satisfy a huge demand from the automotive industry and to translate an exotic technology into commercial applications, tremendous research efforts have focused on developing low-cost CFs. As the precursor cost takes more than 50% of an entire cost for CFs production, adopting low-cost precursors for CFs have been utilized as one of the main strategies. In this article, we review series of previous achievements which incorporated low-cost precursors into CFs fabrication including novel acrylic polymers, polyethylene (PE), lignin, and pitch. Furthermore, looking toward the future, prospective processing technologies which might be beneficial for reducing manufacturing cost of CFs are also reviewed.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318309436-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 17 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Paolo Restuccia, M.C. Righi〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 7 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Theoretical Biology, Volume 462〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rani Anupama, Sajitha Lulu, Rout Madhusmita, Sundararajan Vino, Amitava Mukherjee, Subramanian Babu〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Pseudomonas aeruginosa〈/em〉 is a pathogenic biofilm forming bacteria which exist in wide range of environments such as water, soil and human body. In an earlier study, we used a system biology approach based analysis of biofilm forming genes of 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉 and their possible role in TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticle binding. The major protein of 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉 targeted by TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 was found to be KatA, a major catalase required for H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 resistance and acute virulence and the direct interacting protein partners of KatA were found to be DnaK, Hfq, RpoA and RpoS. To understand the protein-protein physical interaction characteristic of these key proteins involved in biofilm related processes, homology modeling, docking and molecular dynamic simulation were performed. For all these proteins, physical and chemical properties, amino acid composition, nest and cleft analysis were performed using online tools. The interactions between TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉NPs–KatA and four protein–protein complexes such as KatA–DnaK, KatA–Hfq, KatA–RpoA and KatA–RpoS were studied. Our results indicate that all four key proteins and TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉NPs can have stable complexation with KatA. The study has given enough clues to understand the interaction of TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉NPs with 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉 biofilm in natural environment. Further investigations could lead to development of TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉NPs based therapeutic and sanitary interventions to combat this pathogenic bacterium.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Liming Wen, José Badal, Jiafu Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉P receiver functions (PRFs) and the 〈em〉H-k〈/em〉 stacking technique are tools often used to constrain the thickness of the crust and the ratio between the velocities of P and S waves. Both the crustal depth and the Poisson's ratio are very important parameters to study the tectonic evolution of the lithosphere, but they can be significantly affected by the presence of crustal anisotropy. In order to address this problem, we have extended the isotropic stacking approach to include six converted P-to-S phases that are generated in the anisotropic case, instead of only three phases considered in the isotropic case, and we have examined the feasibility of the stacking technique using synthetic and real data. Based on PRFs acquired by 108 permanent broadband seismic stations deployed in the southeastern margin of Tibet including the Sichuan and Yunnan areas, we have applied the anisotropic 〈em〉H-k〈/em〉 stacking scheme to investigate the crustal thickness and Poisson’s ratio. The results reveal that the crustal thickness varies from ∼60 km in the Songpan-Ganzi fold system and the northern part of the Sichuan-Yunnan diamond-shaped block, near the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, to ∼33 km in southern Yunnan, and that the Poisson’s ratio varies mostly from 0.24 to 0.32. The highest values of 0.28–0.30 are found along the axis formed by the Longmenshan fault, the Lijiang-Jinhe fault and the Xiaojiang fault, and are attributed to the accumulation of lower crustal flow in front of the Sichuan Basin. The highest value of ∼0.32 is observed at the Tengchong volcano area to the north of the Indochina block, and is attributed to the upwelling of hot mantle associated to the eastward subduction of the Indian plate, rather than to the expansion of east Tibet. Comparing with the results provided by the isotropic stacking scheme, it is appreciated that the crustal depth determined by the anisotropic stacking method well adjusts the observed pattern of gravity anomaly. We conclude that the results obtained by anisotropic stacking yield a much better constraint on the estimation of the crustal depth and Poisson's ratio when compared to those achieved by isotropic stacking.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1367912018302979-fx1.jpg" width="333" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongxia Zhao, Tianpeng Yuan, Jia Gao, Xinli Wang, Jia Yan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Both conventional and advanced exergy analysis methods were adopted to compare parallel and series compression-ejection hybrid refrigeration system for a two-temperature R290 refrigerator. The calculation was performed through Matlab and CoolProp. The results over typical design conditions showed that the exergy efficiency of the series system is 5.17% higher than the parallel system, and the exergy destructions of the compressor (30.59% for parallel and 31.22% for series) and the ejector (19.36% for parallel and 22.65% for series) are the biggest of the total system. Results from advanced exergy analysis showed that the compressor possesses highest improvement priority as its avoidable exergy destruction rate is the biggest, 42.76% of the total for parallel system and 41.28% for series system. The endogenous avoidable exergy destruction rates of the compressor and the ejector are larger than their exogenous parts in both systems, indicating it is most important to improve their own efficiency. However, the condenser’s endogenous avoidable exergy destruction rates are smaller than their exogenous part, so it is more effective by improving other system components rather than itself. The influence of the interactions among the components on the system performance was also evaluated based on their mexogenous exergy destruction.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yikai Jia, Sha Yin, Binghe Liu, Hui Zhao, Huili Yu, Jie Li, Jun Xu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Dynamic mechanical loading, e.g. impact, is one of the major catastrophic factors that trigger short-circuit, thermal runaway, or even fire/explosion consequences of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the mechanical integrity and electrical coupling behaviors of lithium-ion pouch cells under dynamical loading were investigated. Two types of experiments, namely compression and drop-weight tests, are designed and conducted. The state-of-charge (SOC) and loading rate dependencies of batteries, as well as their coupling effect, are examined. Furthermore, the interaction between force response and electrical behavior of battery is investigated through real-time monitoring of voltage change during loading. Experiments on LiCoO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 lithium-ion pouch cells show that the higher SOC and loading rates increases battery structure stiffness. In addition, loading rate intensifies battery structure stiffening with the SOC effect. Results indicate that the deformation and material failure of battery component together determine the electrical behavior of battery. Higher loading rate leads to faster voltage drop and more severe internal short-circuit. This short-circuit discharging process in turn affects the force response in dynamic loading. Results may provide useful insights into the fundamental understanding of electrical and mechanical coupled integrity of LIBs and lay a solid basis for their crash safety design.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Lithos, Volumes 324–325〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): R. Johannes Giebel, Michael A.W. Marks, Christoph D.K. Gauert, Gregor Markl〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉A detailed electron microprobe study has been carried out on the compositional variations of mica and apatite from carbonatites, phoscorites and associated pyroxenites (and fenites) of the Loolekop deposit, Palabora Carbonatite Complex (South Africa). Mica in pyroxenites and fenites is Mg-rich biotite, whilst micas in carbonatites and phoscorites are compositionally diverse including phlogopite, Ba-rich phlogopite (up to 30% kinoshitalite component), 〈sup〉IV〈/sup〉Al-rich phlogopite (up to 30% eastonite component) and tetraferriphlogopite. The various types of phlogopites are interpreted as orthomagmatic phases, whereas tetraferriphlogopite precipitation was a late-magmatic to hydrothermal process that additionally introduced REE into the system. Orthomagmatic apatite is generally REE- and Sr-poor fluorapatite and does not show large compositional differences between rock types. Apatite associated with the late-stage tetraferriphlogopite mineralization reaches higher levels of REE (up to 4.9 wt%), Si (up to 1.5 wt% SiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉), Sr (up to 2.6 wt% SrO) and Na (up to 1.0 wt% Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O).〈/p〉 〈p〉The compositional variation of micas and apatites, which is affiliated with distinct rock types, reflects the multi-stage evolution of the Loolekop deposit and provides detailed insight into the relationships of the carbonatite-phoscorite assemblage. The obtained data support the separation of phoscorite and carbonatite by immiscibility from a common parental magma, which may happen due to a decrease of temperature and/or pressure during the ascent of the magma. This results in a density contrast between the carbonatitic and phoscoritic components that will lead to descending phoscorite accumulations at the outer zones of the magma channel and a jet-like ascent (further promoted by its extremely low viscosity) of the carbonatite magma. The genetic model deduced here explains the peculiar association of carbonatites, phoscorites and silicate rocks in many alkaline complexes worldwide.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tao Yu, Guoqing Guan, Abuliti Abudula, Akihiro Yoshida, Dayong Wang, Yongchen Song〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The 2013/2017 Nankai Trough (Japan) and 2017 Shenhu Area (China) offshore methane hydrate production tests showed the world the possibility and feasibility of the oceanic methane hydrate production by depressurization. However, the relatively low gas production rate still remained as one of the critical bottlenecks for the economical utilization. This study chose the Nankai Trough as a target area, and aimed at the gas recovery enhancement from the methane hydrate reservoir using vertical wells. A traditional single-vertical-well system and a new dual-vertical-well system were proposed, and special production strategies of the aggressive depressurization and permeability improvement were applied to these two systems for the effectiveness verification. Based on the 15-year simulation results, it was found that the middle low-permeability silt-dominated layers in the reservoir held the key to the gas recovery enhancement, and for the single-vertical-well system, the permeability improvement in this sublayer seemed more reliable and feasible than the aggressive depressurization. On the other hand, the dual-vertical-well system significantly exceeded the single-vertical-well system due to the synergistic effect of the two wellbores, and could raise the average gas production rate (9.5 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day) by one order of magnitude (to 7.9 × 10〈sup〉4〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day). Moreover, if this new system was combined with the aggressive depressurization, the average gas production rate could be further raised by one order of magnitude (to 3.4 × 10〈sup〉5〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day).〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Cell, Volume 72, Issue 3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lorea Blazquez, Warren Emmett, Rupert Faraway, Jose Mario Bello Pineda, Simon Bajew, Andre Gohr, Nejc Haberman, Christopher R. Sibley, Robert K. Bradley, Manuel Irimia, Jernej Ule〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Recursive splicing (RS) starts by defining an “RS-exon,” which is then spliced to the preceding exon, thus creating a recursive 5′ splice site (RS-5ss). Previous studies focused on cryptic RS-exons, and now we find that the exon junction complex (EJC) represses RS of hundreds of annotated, mainly constitutive RS-exons. The core EJC factors, and the peripheral factors PNN and RNPS1, maintain RS-exon inclusion by repressing spliceosomal assembly on RS-5ss. The EJC also blocks 5ss located near exon-exon junctions, thus repressing inclusion of cryptic microexons. The prevalence of annotated RS-exons is high in deuterostomes, while the cryptic RS-exons are more prevalent in 〈em〉Drosophila〈/em〉, where EJC appears less capable of repressing RS. Notably, incomplete repression of RS also contributes to physiological alternative splicing of several human RS-exons. Finally, haploinsufficiency of the EJC factor 〈em〉Magoh〈/em〉 in mice is associated with skipping of RS-exons in the brain, with relevance to the microcephaly phenotype and human diseases.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1097276518308323-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Energy, Volumes 233–234〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zia Wadud, Sarah Royston, Jan Selby〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Among the various sustainability goals of higher education institutions (HEIs), reducing energy use and carbon emissions are particularly important. However, not much is known about energy demand from the higher education sector – especially since there is a lack of robust models of energy demand in this sector. This paper, the first to utilize a panel dataset and advanced panel econometric techniques in order to model energy use in higher education, investigates variations in energy use between HEIs (cross-sectional analysis), and also changes in energy use over time (temporal analysis), using the UK as a case study. We argue that panel dataset and methods are more useful for understanding growth (and reduction) in energy use within the HE sector than the methods used within previous cross-sectional studies. Results show that, over time and also across the sector, energy consumption in the HEIs increases with increases in income and floor space, but at a slower rate. As HEIs grow overall (in terms of income, floor space, student and staff number) over time, they become more 'energy efficient' (using less energy per unit of area, population or income), indicating economies of scale in the temporal dimension. Results also show that after controlling for income and size, research intensive HEIs consume more energy. We also find a small but statistically significant effect of energy prices on energy consumption, as might be expected. Simulation using the model parameters for an example scenario suggests that energy consumption will continue to increase unless there is a significant change in the policies driving income growth and spatial expansion in the HE sector in the UK.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Cell, Volume 72, Issue 3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jodi Bubenik, Maurice S. Swanson〈/p〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this issue of 〈em〉Molecular Cell〈/em〉, Yap et al. (2018) identify a novel lncRNA (PNCTR) that contains short tandem repeats that trap the RNA splicing factor PTBP1 in the perinucleolar compartment and link this sequestration activity to cancer cell development.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Cell, Volume 72, Issue 3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Timothy R. Abbott, Lei S. Qi〈/p〉 〈div〉〈p〉In a recent issue of 〈em〉Nature〈/em〉, Halperin et al. (2018) develop a new technology to continuously diversify specific genomic loci by combining CRISPR-Cas9 with error-prone DNA polymerases.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Cell, Volume 72, Issue 4〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sandro Baldi, Dhawal S. Jain, Lisa Harpprecht, Angelika Zabel, Marion Scheibe, Falk Butter, Tobias Straub, Peter B. Becker〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Regular successions of positioned nucleosomes, or phased nucleosome arrays (PNAs), are predominantly known from transcriptional start sites (TSSs). It is unclear whether PNAs occur elsewhere in the genome. To generate a comprehensive inventory of PNAs for 〈em〉Drosophila〈/em〉, we applied spectral analysis to nucleosome maps and identified thousands of PNAs throughout the genome. About half of them are not near TSSs and are strongly enriched for an uncharacterized sequence motif. Through genome-wide reconstitution of physiological chromatin in 〈em〉Drosophila〈/em〉 embryo extracts, we uncovered the molecular basis of PNA formation. We identified Phaser, an unstudied zinc finger protein that positions nucleosomes flanking the motif. It also revealed how the global activity of the chromatin remodelers CHRAC/ACF, together with local barrier elements, generates islands of regular phasing throughout the genome. Our work demonstrates the potential of chromatin assembly by embryo extracts as a powerful tool to reconstitute chromatin features on a global scale 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1097276518308037-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Molecular Cell, Volume 72, Issue 3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Thomas Gonatopoulos-Pournatzis, Mingkun Wu, Ulrich Braunschweig, Jonathan Roth, Hong Han, Andrew J. Best, Bushra Raj, Michael Aregger, Dave O’Hanlon, Jonathan D. Ellis, John A. Calarco, Jason Moffat, Anne-Claude Gingras, Benjamin J. Blencowe〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Alternative splicing is crucial for diverse cellular, developmental, and pathological processes. However, the full networks of factors that control individual splicing events are not known. Here, we describe a CRISPR-based strategy for the genome-wide elucidation of pathways that control splicing and apply it to microexons with important functions in nervous system development and that are commonly misregulated in autism. Approximately 200 genes associated with functionally diverse regulatory layers and enriched in genetic links to autism control neuronal microexons. Remarkably, the widely expressed RNA binding proteins Srsf11 and Rnps1 directly, preferentially, and frequently co-activate these microexons. These factors form critical interactions with the neuronal splicing regulator Srrm4 and a bi-partite intronic splicing enhancer element to promote spliceosome formation. Our study thus presents a versatile system for the identification of entire splicing regulatory pathways and further reveals a common mechanism for the definition of neuronal microexons that is disrupted in autism.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1097276518308402-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 31 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 European Polymer Journal〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ali Behnood, Mahsa Modiri Gharehveran〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Asphalt binders play an integral role in the performance and properties of asphalt mixtures. Increased traffic-related factors on the roadways such as heavier loads, higher traffic volume, and higher tire pressure combined with substantial variation in daily and seasonal temperatures of the pavement have been responsible for the asphalt pavements failure. To prevent or mitigate these failures, many attempts have been made by polymer scientists and civil engineers to improve the performance of asphalt pavements by modifying the properties of asphalt binders. A good modifier changes the failure properties such that binder yields more stresses and strains before failure. Modification of asphalt binders through the addition of a polymer to improve their rheological and physical properties has a long history in asphalt industry. Once the polymer is properly mixed with the asphalt binder, a swallowed polymer network is formed, which contributes to the changes in viscoelastic behavior. However, polymer-modified asphalt binders may have some drawbacks related to the poor solubility of polymers. Understanding the internal structure of polymer-modified asphalt binders has been the subject of numerous research studies.〈/p〉 〈p〉Available studies regarding the affecting parameters on the properties of the polymer-modified asphalt binders are reviewed here. Various types of polymers used in asphalt industry and their effects on the rheological, morphological, physical and mechanical properties of polymer-modified asphalt binders are also discussed in this paper. In addition, this paper provides a review on the techniques used to overcome/mitigate the shortcomings of conventional polymer-modified asphalt binders.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0014305718318019-ga1.jpg" width="341" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Acta Materialia, Volume 164〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bernard Gaskey, Ian McCue, Alyssa Chuang, Jonah Erlebacher〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A major challenge in the synthesis of high surface area metals via subtractive processes such as dealloying is maintaining the mechanical integrity of the resulting porous materials. This problem is especially apparent in liquid metal dealloying, in which high-temperature selective dissolution in a molten metal bath leads to bicontinuous porosity formation. In liquid metal dealloying of polycrystalline alloys, grain boundary separation leads to the detachment of individual grains. In this work, we show that addition of small amounts of silicon to Nb〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉Ti or Ta〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉Ti parent alloys leads to the generation of self-assembled arrays of intermetallic (niobium silicide or tantalum silicide) plates that are structurally merged with the usual bicontinuous porosity seen in dealloying. These silicide plates pass through grain boundaries and hold the niobium or tantalum network intact without strongly affecting the microstructural evolution during dealloying. Our approach yields a mechanically robust porous metal-intermetallic composite, which can be further processed to form tertiary materials via re-impregnation by a new third phase. The materials design strategy introduced here can be generalized to serve as a platform to form dense multiphase nanocomposites.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S135964541830867X-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 19 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Neuron, Volume 100, Issue 6〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Giacomo Benvenuti, Yuzhi Chen, Charu Ramakrishnan, Karl Deisseroth, Wilson S. Geisler, Eyal Seidemann〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Humans have remarkable scale-invariant visual capabilities. For example, our orientation discrimination sensitivity is largely constant over more than two orders of magnitude of variations in stimulus spatial frequency (SF). Orientation-selective V1 neurons are likely to contribute to orientation discrimination. However, because at any V1 location neurons have a limited range of receptive field (RF) sizes, we predict that at low SFs V1 neurons will carry little orientation information. If this were the case, what could account for the high behavioral sensitivity at low SFs? Using optical imaging in behaving macaques, we show that, as predicted, V1 orientation-tuned responses drop rapidly with decreasing SF. However, we reveal a surprising coarse-scale signal that corresponds to the projection of the luminance layout of low-SF stimuli to V1’s retinotopic map. This homeomorphic and distributed representation, which carries high-quality orientation information, is likely to contribute to our striking scale-invariant visual capabilities.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 19 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Current Biology, Volume 28, Issue 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ignacio E. Schor, Giovanni Bussotti, Matilda Maleš, Mattia Forneris, Rebecca R. Viales, Anton J. Enright, Eileen E.M. Furlong〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can often function in the regulation of gene expression during development; however, their generality as essential regulators in developmental processes and organismal phenotypes remains unclear. Here, we performed a tailored investigation of lncRNA expression and function during 〈em〉Drosophila〈/em〉 embryogenesis, interrogating multiple stages, tissue specificity, nuclear localization, and genetic backgrounds. Our results almost double the number of annotated lncRNAs expressed at these embryonic stages. lncRNA levels are generally positively correlated with those of their neighboring genes, with little evidence of transcriptional interference. Using fluorescent 〈em〉in situ〈/em〉 hybridization, we report the spatiotemporal expression of 15 new lncRNAs, revealing very dynamic tissue-specific patterns. Despite this, deletion of selected lncRNA genes had no obvious developmental defects or effects on viability under standard and stressed conditions. However, two lncRNA deletions resulted in modest expression changes of a small number of genes, suggesting that they fine-tune expression of non-essential genes. Several lncRNAs have strain-specific expression, indicating that they are not fixed within the population. This intra-species variation across genetic backgrounds may thereby be a useful tool to distinguish rapidly evolving lncRNAs with as yet non-essential roles.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Neuron, Volume 100, Issue 5〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Brian E. Kalmbach, Anatoly Buchin, Brian Long, Jennie Close, Anirban Nandi, Jeremy A. Miller, Trygve E. Bakken, Rebecca D. Hodge, Peter Chong, Rebecca de Frates, Kael Dai, Zoe Maltzer, Philip R. Nicovich, C. Dirk Keene, Daniel L. Silbergeld, Ryder P. Gwinn, Charles Cobbs, Andrew L. Ko, Jeffrey G. Ojemann, Christof Koch〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Gene expression studies suggest that differential ion channel expression contributes to differences in rodent versus human neuronal physiology. We tested whether h-channels more prominently contribute to the physiological properties of human compared to mouse supragranular pyramidal neurons. Single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing revealed ubiquitous 〈em〉HCN1〈/em〉-subunit expression in excitatory neurons in human, but not mouse, supragranular layers. Using patch-clamp recordings, we found stronger h-channel-related membrane properties in supragranular pyramidal neurons in human temporal cortex, compared to mouse supragranular pyramidal neurons in temporal association area. The magnitude of these differences depended upon cortical depth and was largest in pyramidal neurons in deep L3. Additionally, pharmacologically blocking h-channels produced a larger change in membrane properties in human compared to mouse neurons. Finally, using biophysical modeling, we provide evidence that h-channels promote the transfer of theta frequencies from dendrite-to-soma in human L3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, h-channels contribute to between-species differences in a fundamental neuronal property.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 19 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Current Biology, Volume 28, Issue 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhenli Huang, Luhai Wang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Dams are considered to be a serious threat to migratory fish on a global scale. Most of the world's rivers have been dammed, including those containing hotspots of fish diversity [1, 2, 3]. The mechanism by which dams affect fish is unclear and has often led to an underestimation of their cumulative and far-reaching adverse effects. Remedial measures of fish rescue for existing dams, including fish passage facilities and restocking, are insufficient or inefficient [1]. Although small and old dams are increasingly being removed, it is clearly unrealistic to demolish large, multi-section dams [4]. Hence, designing environmental flow to rescue fish is a complex challenge [5] and requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanism. Here, we propose an essential theory to reveal the relationship between dams and fish and discover novel insights into the migration behaviors, gonadal degeneration, and population dynamics of the Chinese sturgeon. We show that since 1981, the Gezhouba Dam has reduced the migration distance by 1,175 km, resulting in gonadal development being delayed by 37 days, resulting in the effective breeding population size and environmental capacity of the new spawning ground respectively reduced to 24.1% and 6.5% of the original. Even worse, subsequently built dams, particularly the Three Gorges Dam and Xiluodu Dam, have further reduced the effective breeding quantity to 0%–4.5% by elevating the water temperature to inhibit breeding activity during the breeding season. The cumulative effect of the cascade dams has led to an ongoing decline in adult abundances in the Yangtze River and the sea.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0960982218312272-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 The American Journal of Human Genetics, Volume 103, Issue 5〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Serge Bonnefoy, Christopher M. Watson, Kristin D. Kernohan, Moara Lemos, Sebastian Hutchinson, James A. Poulter, Laura A. Crinnion, Ian Berry, Jennifer Simmonds, Pradeep Vasudevan, Chris O’Callaghan, Robert A. Hirst, Andrew Rutman, Lijia Huang, Taila Hartley, David Grynspan, Eduardo Moya, Chunmei Li, Ian M. Carr, David T. Bonthron〈/p〉 〈div〉〈p〉Primary defects in motile cilia result in dysfunction of the apparatus responsible for generating fluid flows. Defects in these mechanisms underlie disorders characterized by poor mucus clearance, resulting in susceptibility to chronic recurrent respiratory infections, often associated with infertility; laterality defects occur in about 50% of such individuals. Here we report biallelic variants in 〈em〉LRRC56〈/em〉 (known as 〈em〉oda8〈/em〉 in 〈em〉Chlamydomonas〈/em〉) identified in three unrelated families. The phenotype comprises laterality defects and chronic pulmonary infections. High-speed video microscopy of cultured epithelial cells from an affected individual showed severely dyskinetic cilia but no obvious ultra-structural abnormalities on routine transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further investigation revealed that LRRC56 interacts with the intraflagellar transport (IFT) protein IFT88. The link with IFT was interrogated in 〈em〉Trypanosoma brucei.〈/em〉 In this protist, LRRC56 is recruited to the cilium during axoneme construction, where it co-localizes with IFT trains and is required for the addition of dynein arms to the distal end of the flagellum. In 〈em〉T. brucei〈/em〉 carrying 〈em〉LRRC56〈/em〉-null mutations, or a variant resulting in the p.Leu259Pro substitution corresponding to the p.Leu140Pro variant seen in one of the affected families, we observed abnormal ciliary beat patterns and an absence of outer dynein arms restricted to the distal portion of the axoneme. Together, our findings confirm that deleterious variants in 〈em〉LRRC56〈/em〉 result in a human disease and suggest that this protein has a likely role in dynein transport during cilia assembly that is evolutionarily important for cilia motility.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 19 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Current Biology, Volume 28, Issue 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Johannes Larsch, Herwig Baier〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Collective behavior, such as shoaling in teleost fish, is driven by the perceptual recognition of conspecific animals. Because social interactions are mutual, it has been difficult to disentangle the exact sensory cues that trigger affiliation in the first place from those that are emitted by receptive and responsive shoal mates. Here, we overcome this challenge in a virtual reality assay in zebrafish. We discovered that simple visual features of conspecific biological motion provide a potent shoaling cue. Individual juvenile fish shoal for hours with circular black dots projected onto a screen, provided these virtual objects mimic the characteristic kinetics of zebrafish swim bouts. Other naturalistic cues previously implicated in shoaling, such as fish-like shape, pigmentation pattern, or non-visual sensory modalities are not required. During growth, the animals’ stimulus preferences shift gradually, matching self-like kinetics, and this tuning exists even in fish raised in isolation. Virtual group interactions and our multi-agent model implementation of this perceptual mechanism demonstrate that kinetic cues can drive assortative shoaling, a phenomenon commonly observed in field studies. Coordinated behavior can emerge from autonomous interactions, such as collective odor avoidance in 〈em〉Drosophila〈/em〉, or from reciprocal interactions, such as the codified turn-taking in wren duet singing. We found that individual zebrafish shoal autonomously without evidence for a reciprocal choreography. Our results reveal individual-level, innate perceptual rules of engagement in mutual affiliation and provide experimental access to the neural mechanisms of social recognition.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Video Abstract〈/h6〉 〈p〉〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0960982218312090-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Volume 122〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): 〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 31 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 European Journal of Operational Research〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alexandre M. Florio, Richard F. Hartl, Stefan Minner〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We present a model for the single-vehicle routing problem with stochastic demands (SVRPSD) with optimal restocking. The model is derived from a characterization of the SVRPSD as a Markov decision process (MDP) controlled by a certain class of policies, and is valid for general discrete demand probability distributions. We transform this MDP into an equivalent mixed-integer linear model, which is then used to solve small instances to optimality. By doing so, we are able to quantify the drawbacks associated with the detour-to-depot restocking policy, an assumption of many exact approaches for the (multivehicle) VRPSD. We also examine the tradeoff between the deterministic a priori cost and the stochastic restocking cost for varying route load scenarios. Finally, a wait-and-see model for the SVRPSD is proposed, and is used within a parallel heuristic to solve larger literature instances with up to 150 nodes and Poisson distributed demands. Computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the heuristic approach, and also indicate under which circumstances near-optimal solutions can be obtained by the myopic strategy of a priori route cost minimization.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pablo Quero García, Javier García Sanabria, Juan Adolfo Chica Ruiz〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In recent years the European Union has firmly committed itself to energy from oceans as a means of decarbonising the European energy system. Despite a favourable political landscape, the development of offshore renewables still faces economic and technological barriers, which are coupled with the inherent difficulties of an increasingly industrialised marine environment, such as complex evolving regulation, lack of knowledge regarding the possible environmental impact of such an activity, as well as spatial conflicts with other traditional and emerging uses. Most of the coastal Member States have adopted Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a fundamental tool for integrated and sustainable management of human activities in the marine environment. MSP is capable of definitively driving the use of offshore renewable facilities. Its proper application supports decision making, simplifies and accelerates the process of obtaining permits, improves compatibility of uses, integrates stakeholders in planning, prevents environmental deterioration of sensitive areas, enhances the availability of information and promotes cross-border co-operation. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of maritime spatial planning processes on the advance of blue energy within the framework of the European Union. The results show positive relationships between MSP and the development of offshore renewable energy in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0308597X1830304X-fx1.jpg" width="477" alt="fx1" title="fx1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 167〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Uxío Labarta, M〈sup〉a〈/sup〉 José Fernández-Reiriz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The mussels industry with a production that accounts for more than twenty five percent of the fresh product landings from the sea, and the full-time employment of more than 8000 people, is by far the largest productive activity of the Galician sea.〈/p〉 〈p〉In the 1980s was noticed an increase in productivity related to processes of innovation in the industry of mussel. Together with it, the first organizational forms of the Galician-based production sector was constituted, with a spatial and administrative reordering for mussel rafts and crops. A new reality of the sector was maintained in both the marketing guidelines and the fact of initiating a vertical integration between the mussel industry and the commercialization. Everything was accompanied by changes in markets and strong tensions: derived from red tides that limit the operating cycle and even its profitability and also from the conflicts between the producing and transforming organizations, added to the competition in the markets of other countries, mainly Chile.〈/p〉 〈p〉The reality of mussel culture and markets leads to a reformulation in the industry, with strategies for territorial diversification of suppliers, new technological improvements in production and even organizational, economic, and bioecological innovations.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Electrochimica Acta, Volume 295〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kaili Jin, Man Zhou, Hong Zhao, Shixiong Zhai, Fengyan Ge, Yaping Zhao, Zaisheng Cai〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉With the large theoretical capacity and environmental benignity, copper sulfide (CuS) becomes a prospective candidate electrode material for supercapacitors. In this work, electroconductive mesoporous carbonized clothes (Cc) was obtained by carbonizing the waste cotton fabrics. Then the CuS was galvanostatic electrodeposited on 〈em〉Cc〈/em〉 to prepare the binder-free 〈em〉g〈/em〉-CuS/Cc electrode. In the galvanostatic electrodeposition process, CuS grew along the crystal surface to form regular nanosheets, and a part of Cu〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 were reduced to Cu〈sup〉1.1+〈/sup〉. In addition, on account of the synergistic effect of electrochemical double layer capacitance with pseudocapacitance and the high specific surface area (450.76 m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), the 〈em〉g〈/em〉-CuS/Cc composite displayed not only outstanding areal specific capacitance (4676 mF cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 at 2 mA cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉) but also excellent cycling performance (89.8% retention after 10000 cycles). Meanwhile, the symmetrical flexible supercapacitor (SC) based on 〈em〉g〈/em〉-CuS/Cc electrodes with PVA-KOH gel electrolyte (〈em〉g〈/em〉-CuS/Cc-SC) accomplished a high specific capacitance of 1333 mF cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 at 2 mA cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 as well as ultrahigh energy density of 0.96 Wh cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 at the power density of 4.36 W cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉. Therefore, 〈em〉g〈/em〉-CuS/Cc shows a great potential for applications in the next generation of flexible energy storage devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0013468618324447-fx1.jpg" width="384" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Electrochimica Acta, Volume 295〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kang Li, Zhanwei Xu, Xuetao Shen, Kai Yao, Jianshe Zhao, Ronglan Zhang, Jun Zhang, Li Wang, Jianfeng Zhu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Commercial lithium/thionyl chloride (Li/SOCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) batteries cannot meet the 3.15 V platform required for most instruments. A 〈em〉hovenia acerba〈/em〉-like assembly constructed with cobalt tetrapyridinoporphyrazine of thickness of 5–15 nm is anchored on acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CoTAP/MWCNTs), which were prepared using an 〈em〉in situ〈/em〉 solid synthesis process. The discharge time of Li/SOCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 batteries with a voltage greater than 3.15 V catalyzed by CoTAP/MWCNTs is found to be 11 min longer than batteries without catalysts and 4 min longer than those catalyzed by CoTAP alone. The energy of Li/SOCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 batteries with a voltage greater than 3.15 V catalyzed by CoTAP/MWCNTs is discovered to be 11.44-times higher than batteries with AF-MWCNTs and 6.17-times higher than those catalyzed by bulk CoTAP. This is due to the fact that more CoTAP ultrafine nanoparticulates are anchored on the AF-MWCNTs. These nanoparticulates provide more active sites for the catalytic reaction of SOCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. The assemblies are shown to have an adsorption-coordination effect on Li ions and to delay the deposition of lithium chloride passive films enhancing battery voltage platforms.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A 〈em〉hovenia acerba〈/em〉-like assembly constructed with cobalt tetrapyridinoporphyrazine of thickness of 5–15 nm is anchored on acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CoTAP/MWCNTs), which were prepared using an 〈em〉in situ〈/em〉 solid synthesis process. The discharge time of Li/SOCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 batteries with a voltage greater than 3.15 V catalyzed by CoTAP/MWCNTs is found to be 11 min longer than batteries without catalysts and 4 min longer than those catalyzed by CoTAP alone.〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0013468618324319-fx1.jpg" width="270" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Volume 28, Issues 23–24〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): J.S. Dileep Kumar, Francesca Zanderigo, Jaya Prabhakaran, Harry Rubin-Falcone, Ramin V. Parsey, J. John. Mann〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Overexpression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is associated with the pathogenesis of inflammation, cancers, stroke, arthritis, and neurological disorders. Because of the involvement of COX-2 in these diseases, quantification of COX-2 expression using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) may be a biological marker for early diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and an indicator of effective treatment. At present there is no target-specific or validated PET tracer available for in vivo quantification of COX-2. The objective of this study is to evaluate [〈sup〉11〈/sup〉C]TMI, a selective COX-2 inhibitor (Ki ≤ 1 nM) in nonhuman primates using PET imaging. PET imaging in baboons showed that [〈sup〉11〈/sup〉C]TMI penetrates the blood brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in brain in a somewhat heterogeneous pattern. Metabolite analyses indicated that [〈sup〉11〈/sup〉C]TMI undergoes no significant metabolism of parent tracer in the plasma for baseline scans, however a relative faster metabolism was found for blocking scan. All the tested quantification approaches provide comparable tracer total distribution volume (V〈sub〉T〈/sub〉) estimates in the range of 3.2–7 (mL/cm〈sup〉3〈/sup〉). We observed about 25% lower V〈sub〉T〈/sub〉 values in blocking studies with meloxicam, a nonselective COX-2 inhibitor, compared to baseline [〈sup〉11〈/sup〉C]TMI binding. Our findings indicate that [〈sup〉11〈/sup〉C]TMI may be a suitable PET tracer for the quantification of COX-2 in vivo. Further experiments are needed to confirm the potential of this tracer in COX-2 overexpressing models for brain diseases.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0960894X18308515-ga1.jpg" width="487" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 16 April 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 European Journal of Operational Research, Volume 274, Issue 2〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Damiano Brigo, Marco Francischello, Andrea Pallavicini〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the banking industry has been using valuation adjustments to account for default risk and funding costs. These adjustments are computed separately and added together by practitioners as if the valuation equations were linear. This assumption is too strong and does not allow to model market features such as different borrowing and lending rates and replacement default closeout. Hence we argue that the full valuation equations are nonlinear, and this paper is devoted to studying the nonlinear valuation equations introduced in Pallavicini et al (2011).〈/p〉 〈p〉We illustrate all the cash flows exchanged by the parties involved in a derivative contract, in presence of default risk, collateralisation with re-hypothecation and funding costs. Then we show how to obtain semi-linear PDEs or Forward Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDEs) from present-valuing said cash flows in an arbitrage-free setup, and we study the well-posedness of these PDEs and FBSDEs in a viscosity and classical sense.〈/p〉 〈p〉Moreover, from a financial perspective, we discuss cases where classical valuation adjustments (XVA) can be disentangled. We show how funding costs are offset by treasury valuation adjustments when one takes a whole-bank perspective in the valuation, while the same costs are not offset by such adjustments when taking a shareholder perspective. We show that although we use a risk-neutral valuation framework based on a locally risk-free bank account, our final valuation equations do not depend on the risk-free rate. Finally, we show how to consistently derive a netting set valuation from a portfolio level one.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Energy, Volumes 233–234〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rong Gu, Jing Ding, Yarong Wang, Qinquan Yuan, Weilong Wang, Jianfeng Lu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Steam methane reforming is suitable for thermochemical energy storage because of its large reaction enthalpy and high hydrogen content in reaction products. In this paper, heat transfer and storage performance of steam methane reforming in a tubular reactor heated by focused solar simulator is experimental demonstrated and numerically analyzed. According to experimental results, methane conversion remarkably decreases with inlet flow rate rising, while thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increases for more reactants and then decreases with methane conversion dropping. As incident energy flux rises, methane conversion increases with bed temperature rising, and the thermochemical energy storage efficiency reaches its maximum of 11.3% with central heat flux of 285.6 kW/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉. Three-dimensional transport and volumetric reaction model with concentrated energy flux boundary condition is established and validated, and local and integral energy transport and storage performance are further analyzed. Along flow direction, the maximum reaction rate appears before the focal point with maximum energy flux. The tendencies of methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency are very similar under different inlet conditions, and higher inlet temperature and appropriate steam to methane ratio benefit thermochemical energy storage. The structures of catalyst bed and reactor are critical important for thermochemical energy storage process. As bed length increases, the methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increase with the increase of positive reaction and then decrease with the increase of reverse reaction, and the optimal length is a little larger than focal spot diameter. When bed porosity is increased, the methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increases with the flow resistance decreasing and then decreases with catalyst amount decreasing, and optimal porosity is 0.45. Heat loss in heating side of bed region play major role in heat storage, and the thermochemical energy storage efficiency can be improved to 34.8% by using insulation and coating.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bong-Tae Kim, Christopher L. Brown, Do-Hoon Kim〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We assess the vulnerability to climate change of Korean aquaculture based on predicted changes in seawater temperature and salinity in adjacent sea areas of the Korean Peninsula according to representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios. Unlike previous studies that have been conducted mostly on a national scale, we classify 14 farming species in major production regions of the Republic of Korea, and assess their vulnerability for each region, using the indicator-based method and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition of vulnerability in order to overcome limitations in developing specific adaptation strategies within a country. First, for each exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, specific and proper indicators are selected. Subsequently, these indicators are estimated and weighted to analyze vulnerability to climate change. The results show that the absolute level of vulnerability is high in a long-term period of RCP8.5 in which exposure becomes severe, whereas the relative vulnerability is similar among farming species and regions. Specifically, vulnerability is at the highest level in seaweed, such as laver and sea mustard, while fish, shrimp, and abalone are relatively less vulnerable to climate change.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 13 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Cell, Volume 175, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zheng Shi, Zachary T. Graber, Tobias Baumgart, Howard A. Stone, Adam E. Cohen〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The fluid-mosaic model posits a liquid-like plasma membrane, which can flow in response to tension gradients. It is widely assumed that membrane flow transmits local changes in membrane tension across the cell in milliseconds, mediating long-range signaling. Here, we show that propagation of membrane tension occurs quickly in cell-attached blebs but is largely suppressed in intact cells. The failure of tension to propagate in cells is explained by a fluid dynamical model that incorporates the flow resistance from cytoskeleton-bound transmembrane proteins. Perturbations to tension propagate diffusively, with a diffusion coefficient 〈em〉D〈/em〉〈sub〉σ〈/sub〉 ∼0.024 μm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/s in HeLa cells. In primary endothelial cells, local increases in membrane tension lead only to local activation of mechanosensitive ion channels and to local vesicle fusion. Thus, membrane tension is not a mediator of long-range intracellular signaling, but local variations in tension mediate distinct processes in sub-cellular domains.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0092867418313059-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mohammed Kharbach, Tarik Chfadi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉This paper investigates the impact of oil prices on a single public utility's electricity production by using a cointegration approach. We estimate the elasticity of the electricity produced, by different fuel sources (coal, oil, and water) in the Moroccan power system, to oil prices.〈/p〉 〈p〉We find that, in the long run, the elasticities of the electricity produced by coal and oil to oil prices are similar. On the contrary, significant differences exist in the short-term elasticity of the electricity produced by coal and oil to oil prices. We also find that hydropower could substitute the electricity produced by coal in the short run but not in the long run.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mehmet Melikoglu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Coal is the primary energy source for electricity generation around the globe and it is projected that this dominance will continue for at least a few more decades. However, coal combustion for power generation generates significant greenhouse gas emissions as well as NO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉/SO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉 and particulates emissions. Therefore, future consumption of coal for electricity generation must be cleaner and efficient. This can be achieved by utilizing different processes and technologies also known as clean coal technologies. In this study, global development in clean coal technologies is scrutinized and an up to date review about the subject is prepared. In addition, potential utilization of clean coal technologies in Turkey is assessed based on the government's recent energy policy decision of increasing lignite based installed capacity from nearly 10,000 MW to 30,000 MW. As a result, an up to date review about the past, present and future of clean coal technologies in Turkey is prepared. Detailed analysis showed that research & development studies on clean coal technologies are at early stages in Turkey. This means that there won't be enough time to locally develop clean coal technologies while fulfilling the Vision 2023 lignite based installed capacity target in the next 5–6 years. As a result, it is suggested that Turkey should first purchase clean coal technologies from developed countries with know-how and technology transfer clauses in order to increase lignite-fired coal power plant capacity without skyrocketing Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions. In the meantime, local research & development studies must be fostered in order to develop indigenous clean coal technologies. Finally, it is believed that the discussion in this study could help the researchers around the globe broaden their knowledge about clean coal technologies and help the authorities in Turkey to design the country's coal based energy future in a more sustainable manner.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Carbon, Volume 142〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Baoyin Jin, Ding-Bang Xiong, Zhanqiu Tan, Genlian Fan, Qiang Guo, Yishi Su, Zhiqiang Li, Di Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Corrosion protection of metals is of great importance due to their widespread use. Graphene (Gr) has shown promising corrosion resistance as a coating for metals, however, its excellent strengthening effect that has been widely shown is suppressed in such coating applications. Here, inspired by positive anti-corrosion role of graphene coating for metal macro-foils, graphene encapsulated Cu (Cu@Gr) micro-/nano-flakes are designed and fabricated, and then used as building blocks for assembling bulk Gr/Cu composites. Thanks to its protective role and strengthening effect of uniformly dispersed graphene in Cu matrix, as compared to bare copper, corrosion rate of the as-fabricated bulk Gr/Cu composites is reduced by 50% in NaCl solution and its yield strength is increased by ∼180% (2.5 vol% Gr) simultaneously, without deterioration on electrical conductivity. The anti-corrosion mechanisms are understood by studying etching behavior of the Cu@Gr flakes in FeCl〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 solution, and surface morphology evolution in the samples subjected to salt spray corrosion, and electrochemical corrosion tests. Graphene's anti-corrosion effect is also reflected by an anisotropic corrosion behavior of the Gr/Cu composite because of a “brick-and-mortar” microstructure. The results presented here shed light on expanding metal matrix composite's applications to a wider range and more complex situation by incorporating graphene.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0008622318310078-fx1.jpg" width="239" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Transport Geography, Volume 73〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chengxi Liu, Yusak O. Susilo, Dimas B.E. Dharmowijoyo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The activity space of an individual is defined as the activity-travel environment which a traveller is using for his or her activities (Axhausen et al., 2002). It is limited by this individual's ability and resources, such as available time for travel as well as his or her anchor points. However, most existing studies have focused on single individual activity space, ignoring the fact that individuals' activities often interact with that of his or her family members'. In this paper a multivariate model is proposed where the correlation between travel time of fathers and mothers, and the correlation between the activity space and travel time are modelled explicitly. The estimated correlations from these joint distributions provide insights into both the intra-household interactions in daily travel and the intrinsic relationships of the hidden limits in the dimensions of space and time. The travel time limits are modelled using a stochastic frontier model component, which can estimate an unobserved upper or lower limit for travel time expenditure. This limit usually refers to the maximum travel time budget or minimum travel time need, which denotes the maximum or minimum amount of travel time that an individual is willing or able to allocate per day. The concept of the confidence ellipse is used as a measure of activity space constructed from the multi-day travel diary data. It is hypothesised that the unobserved travel time limits and activity space sizes of fathers and mothers are correlated with each other, due to a similar spatial knowledge and accessibility to various facilities. The daily variations in the travel time expenditure of parents are also assumed to be correlated because of daily household task allocation and joint household travel. Data collected from a three-week household travel diary in the Bandung Metropolitan Area in Indonesia are used for estimation in this study. The estimated frontier model component shows that neither parent has reached their maximum travel time budget and/or minimum travel time need that they inherently must spend. Compared with other attributes, the perceived accessibility attributes play the most important role in influencing the activity space limits. For households with fully employed fathers, a trade-off mechanism is found in travel time expenditure between parents, which is likely due to the redistribution of household tasks. On the other hand, for households with fathers who are not fully employed, a complementary effect is found, arising from the joint travel among household members. The travel time budget and activity space limits of fathers are positively correlated with those of mothers. These findings call for the formulation of transport policies that consider the household as a unit, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia, to fulfil the mobility needs of different market segments, e.g., households with fully employed fathers and those with fathers who are not fully employed.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): X.Y. Wang, S.L. Zhang, S.D. Feng, L. Qi, R.P. Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The structures of the Ti〈sub〉75〈/sub〉Al〈sub〉25〈/sub〉 alloy during rapid-quenching with and without external pressure are investigated by using molecular dynamic techniques. The amorphous phase can be obtained at the cooling rate 10.0 K/ps without pressure. The alloy is composed of crystal and amorphous phase at the cooling rate 0.1 and 1.0 K/ps without pressure, but the pure amorphous phase can be formed when the pressure exceeds the critical value. The critical pressure is about 20 and 30 GPa when the cooling rate is 0.1 and 1.0 K/ps, respectively. H-A indices analysis indicates that high pressure favors the formation of the ideal icosahedral structures in the amorphous Ti〈sub〉75〈/sub〉Al〈sub〉25〈/sub〉 alloy, and the content of 1551 bond-type can reach near to 50% when the pressure is 30 GPa. The amorphous state can be maintained if the external pressure is removed from the alloy step-by-step. The content of 1551 bond-type decreases with the deceasing of the pressure, but the 1541 and 1431 bond-types increase in this process.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Volume 124〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): 〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): 〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yunli Zhang, Song Hu, Yingli Liu, Zhengjuan Wang, Wei Ying, Guohong Zhou, Shiwei Wang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A series of red-emitting Mn〈sup〉4+〈/sup〉 doped Lu〈sub〉3〈/sub〉Al〈sub〉5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉12〈/sub〉 (LuAG) ceramic phosphors were successfully prepared by a simple solid-state reaction method in a high-temperature muffle. MgO was co-doped as sintering aids and Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 ions helped to realize the charge balance. The relations between the luminescence properties, crystal structures and the microstructures were well established. Results indicated that MgO promoted the densification of the ceramics as the specimens’ relative densities were up to 99%. Moreover, the substitution of Al〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 with Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 have changed crystal structures and further affected the luminescent properties. Overall, the obtained ceramic phosphors showed strong red-light emission under excitation of ultraviolet and blue light. By optimizing the Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 and Mn〈sup〉4+〈/sup〉 concentration, a quantum efficiency (QE) as high as 47.8% can be achieved under the excitation of 460 nm light, indicating that the LuAG: Mn〈sup〉4+〈/sup〉 ceramic phosphors are promising candidates for WLEDs applications.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): GuoShuai Qin, Xin Zhang, MingHao Zhao, Gang Wang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Herein, three-point bending testing of an edge-cracked specimen and finite element analysis were used to determine the fracture toughness of GaN piezoelectric semiconductive ceramics, and the effect of an applied electric current on the fracture properties of the GaN ceramics was investigated. The results indicated that an electric current has a significant effect on the fracture behavior of piezoelectric semiconductive ceramics. Specifically, the application of a relatively low electric current density (1.67 × 10〈sup〉4〈/sup〉 A m〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉) increased the fracture toughness by 36.8%, while further increases in electric current density reduced the fracture toughness. In addition, the electric current can lead to the ductile fracture of brittle GaN ceramics. Finally, the mechanisms behind these results were systematically analyzed. These findings are useful for designing more reliable GaN electromechanical devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Daniel Marinha, Manuel Belmonte〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Composites of 8 mol% Yttria-stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) containing 0, 7, 10 and 14 vol.% of graphene nano-platelets (GNP) were fully densified by Spark Plasma Sintering. The effect of GNP on the electrical performance of the composites was analyzed by impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature (150–800 °C) and oxygen partial pressure (0.21–10〈sup〉−20〈/sup〉 atm). Results show that below GNP percolation threshold (7.1 vol.%), the electrical behavior is dominated by the matrix oxygen-ion conductivity. Above the threshold, the conductivity is predominantly electronic provided by the GNP network. The total conductivity of composites was used as an indicator of GNP stability in different atmospheres. YSZ/GNP composites remain stable in inert conditions up to 600 °C, and in reducing conditions up to 800 °C, making them good alternatives to perovskite-based materials used for electrochemical applications.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): T. Kolodiazhnyi, T. Charoonsuk, M. Spreitzer, N. Vittayakorn〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We report on magnetism, charge transport, dielectric properties and specific heat of Ce〈sub〉1−〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉Sb〈sub〉〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 ceramics sintered at 1650 〈sup〉∘〈/sup〉C with a final antimony content of 0 ≤ 〈em〉x〈/em〉 ≤ 0.0017. In contrast to other donor dopants, such as Nb, Ta, U and W, charge compensation of antimony in Ce〈sub〉1−〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉Sb〈sub〉〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 does not involve the formation of the Ce〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 ions as revealed by the magnetic susceptibility data. Therefore, we conclude that antimony is mainly present as Sb〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 ion and acts as an acceptor dopant in Ce〈sub〉1−〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉Sb〈sub〉〈em〉x〈/em〉〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. This conclusion is also supported by a very low electrical conductivity of the Sb-doped ceria that shows an activation energy 〈em〉E〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉σ〈/em〉〈/sub〉 ∼ 0.97 eV. This activation energy is close to that observed in oxygen conducting acceptor-doped ceria and is significantly higher than the typical 〈em〉E〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉σ〈/em〉〈/sub〉 ∼ 0.1–0.3 eV values reported for 〈em〉n〈/em〉-type CeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. Below 10 K, both an anomaly in the dielectric loss and a small specific heat surplus in Sb-doped ceria indicate a low-energy dipolar relaxation probably associated with a local dynamics of the off-centered Sb〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 point defects.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fei Zhang, Jérôme Chevalier, Christian Olagnon, Shuigen Huang, Wout Veulemans, Kim Vanmeensel, Jef Vleugels〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of four zirconia-based composites reinforced with 40 vol% WC, TiC, NbC or TiCN were studied by means of double-torsion testing. Compared to monolithic zirconia, the composites had a higher resistance to fast fracture, i.e., higher fracture toughness. The extent of toughening depended on the reinforcement type, shifting the V-K〈sub〉I〈/sub〉 (crack velocity versus stress intensity factor) curve parallel to higher K〈sub〉I〈/sub〉 values. More importantly, these composites were less sensitive to SCG. Identical V-K〈sub〉I〈/sub〉/K〈sub〉IC〈/sub〉 curves with steeper slopes compared to monolithic zirconia were observed for the investigated composites, independent on the reinforcement type. No rising R-curve was measured, at least in the crack-size domain investigated by SCG. Therefore, the higher SCG resistance of the composites was due to the intrinsic stress-assisted corrosion resistance of the covalent non-oxide secondary phase.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Christian Thieme, Michael Kracker, Christian Patzig, Katrin Thieme, Christian Rüssel, Thomas Höche〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Glasses with the base composition 8 BaO·8 SrO·34 ZnO·50 SiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 were studied with respect to the crystallization of a phase with the composition Ba〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Sr〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Zn〈sub〉2〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉7〈/sub〉. Some glasses were doped with gold and/or antimony oxide. All glasses exhibited solely surface crystallization. If the glasses contained both antimony and gold, they showed red coloration after different heat treatments and the crystal growth velocities were enhanced, depending on the chosen temperature, by around a factor of 30. Crystals were proven to be oriented statistically, while in all other glasses of the system under consideration, i.e., in those which did not contain both gold and antimony, an orientation of the crystals with their c-axes perpendicular to the surface was obtained. This effect is explained by a continuous nucleation in front of the growing crystals.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dries Van Laethem, Johan Deconinck, Annick Hubin〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The ionic conductivity of acceptor doped ceria is strongly influenced by grain boundaries and interfaces. Most experiments show a decrease in ionic conductivity and an increase in electronic conductivity in these regions. Classical models explain this observation by the formation of space charge layers that are depleted of mobile ionic charge carriers and enriched in small polarons. However, some experiments demonstrate an increase in ionic conductivity and recent models show that the space charge layers can also be enriched in mobile ionic species. Because of these contradictions, it is still not clear whether nanocrystalline or thin film ceria can offer superior ionic conductivity or not. To aid this debate, we calculate the ionic conductivity of yttrium doped ceria in regions of net charge density using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Through an appropriate choice of the charge densities, these calculations allow to demarcate the possible conductivity gains from space charge layers.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Cell, Volume 175, Issue 4〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Moshe Sade-Feldman, Keren Yizhak, Stacey L. Bjorgaard, John P. Ray, Carl G. de Boer, Russell W. Jenkins, David J. Lieb, Jonathan H. Chen, Dennie T. Frederick, Michal Barzily-Rokni, Samuel S. Freeman, Alexandre Reuben, Paul J. Hoover, Alexandra-Chloé Villani, Elena Ivanova, Andrew Portell, Patrick H. Lizotte, Amir R. Aref, Jean-Pierre Eliane, Marc R. Hammond〈/p〉 〈h5〉Summary〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Treatment of cancer has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Despite the high rate of response in advanced melanoma, the majority of patients succumb to disease. To identify factors associated with success or failure of checkpoint therapy, we profiled transcriptomes of 16,291 individual immune cells from 48 tumor samples of melanoma patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Two distinct states of CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T cells were defined by clustering and associated with patient tumor regression or progression. A single transcription factor, 〈em〉TCF7〈/em〉, was visualized within CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T cells in fixed tumor samples and predicted positive clinical outcome in an independent cohort of checkpoint-treated patients. We delineated the epigenetic landscape and clonality of these T cell states and demonstrated enhanced antitumor immunity by targeting novel combinations of factors in exhausted cells. Our study of immune cell transcriptomes from tumors demonstrates a strategy for identifying predictors, mechanisms, and targets for enhancing checkpoint immunotherapy.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0092867418313941-fx1.jpg" width="375" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nikolas Grünwald, Yoo Jung Sohn, Xiaoyan Yin, Norbert H. Menzler, Olivier Guillon, Robert Vaßen〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Dense protective layers are needed to reduce chromium-related degradation in SOFC stacks. In particular, atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) Mn〈sub〉1.0〈/sub〉Co〈sub〉1.9〈/sub〉Fe〈sub〉0.1〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 (MCF) coatings demonstrated low degradation rates in stack tests. We show that short-term annealing in air induces crack healing within these coatings. Parallel to this effect, a phase transformation is observed originating from oxidation that proceeds by solid state-diffusion. The present contribution reveals the basic mechanisms of the microstructural and phase changes of coatings in long-term annealing tests of up to 10,000 h at 700 °C. The layer develops differently at the air-facing surface and in the bulk. Due to cation deficiency, oxidation is dominated by cation outward diffusion, leading to a Co-enriched surface layer. The bulk displays a fine distribution of the initial (rock salt) and the final (spinel) phases. Understanding the mechanisms leading to these irreversible changes enables predictions to be made concerning durable protectivecoatings in SOFCs.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sana Algharaibeh, Anthony J. Ireland, Bo Su〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Highly aligned lamellar ceramic scaffolds were produced using a bi-directional freeze casting technique. A specially designed, sloped copper mould was covered with a polymer to modulate the temperature field. Effects of different processing parameters (cooling rate, mould slope angle, ceramic solid loading and binder concentration) on lamellar orientation were systematically studied. The results showed that freezing under a dual temperature gradient produced highly aligned ceramic scaffolds. Increasing both the cooling rate and the mould slope angle increased the size of the ordered ceramic region. Using different alumina solid loadings in the initial suspension had little effect on the aligned lamellar structure. Increasing the binder concentration affected ice crystal growth in a highly aligned direction. Therefore, freeze casting using a dual temperature gradient can be used to fabricate highly aligned porous materials.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jörg Exner, Michael Schubert, Dominik Hanft, Jaroslaw Kita, Ralf Moos〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Aerosol deposition features the formation of dense and well adhering ceramic films directly at room temperature, without the need of any heat treatment during or after the deposition. While these claims are true for a 〈em〉suitable〈/em〉 ceramic powder, the success of the film deposition is highly dependent on the 〈em〉right〈/em〉 choice of the powder. Beside the commonly stated particle size that should be in the sub-micrometer to micrometer range, other influencing powder parameters exist, some of which have not yet been fully identified.〈/p〉 〈p〉In this work, ceria nanopowders were thermally pretreated and the quality of subsequent sprayed films was observed. A minimum crystallite size in the powder was determined in order to enable the underlying deposition mechanism. Furthermore, the conversion of kinetic particle energy to the formation of surface energy during impact was estimated. A first universal behavior is found leading to a recommendation for a suitable AD powder preparation.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhijian Sun, Lei Liu, Yuxiao Lu, Guangyue Shi, Jiajun Li, Lei Ma, Jie Zhao, Hongli An〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉NASION-type Li〈sub〉1.5〈/sub〉Al〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Ge〈sub〉1.5〈/sub〉(PO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉)〈sub〉3〈/sub〉(LAGP) is prepared by a novel sol-gel method using low cost inorganic germanium (GeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) as the precursor. The composition and phase transformation during the heating of the LAGP precursors are analyzed using thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The structures and morphologies of the LAGP are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the LAGP annealed at 900 ℃ is partially crystallized and consists of a large number of nanoscale grains surrounded by amorphous regions. The LAGP particles present an irregular morphology with a large size distribution over a range of 0.2–1 μm. In addition, ionic conductivities of the prepared LAGP first increase and then decrease with an increase in the sintering temperature and time. A high ionic conductivity (4.18 × 10〈sup〉−4〈/sup〉Scm〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉) with an activation energy of 0.30 eV are obtained for the LAGP sample sintered at 900 °C for 8 h.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Surface Science, Volumes 467–468〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): S.P. Sun, J.L. Zhu, S. Gu, X.P. Li, W.N. Lei, Y. Jiang, D.Q. Yi, G.H. Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The surface stability and equilibrium morphology of MoO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 were investigated by the first principles calculations. The thermodynamic energies of the stoichiometric surfaces of MoO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 are in the order (0 1 0) 〈 (1 0 1) 〈 (0 0 1) 〈 (1 0 0). It is found that the (0 1 0) surface has a lowest surface energy, which agrees well with the previous calculations. The energies of the non-stoichiometric surfaces were evaluated as functions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The results show that the energies of Mo-terminated surfaces decrease with temperatures, and increase with oxygen partial pressures, while the energies of O-terminated surfaces show the opposite rule. The equilibrium morphology of MoO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 was predicted by using the Gibbs-Wulff model, and then was compared with the other’s experiments and theoretical results.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Surface Science, Volumes 467–468〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sanju Gupta, Nicholas Dimakis〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The interfacial interactions between transition metal oxides (vanadium oxide VO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, vanadium pentoxide V〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉, cobalt oxide CoO and Co〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉, manganese oxide MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and water adsorbates on graphene supports as solvated interfaces and influence of defects in graphene are studied using periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations in view of their significance for applied electrochemistry. DFT complemented and synergized our experimental work. The optimized metal oxide adatom-graphene geometries identified the preferred adatom sites, whereas metal oxide-graphene strengths are correlated with the adatom distance from the graphene plane, the Metal-C overlap populations, and the adsorption energies. The presence of finite electronic density of states (DOS) near Fermi level and charge transfers between the adatom top layer and graphene supports reflect primarily covalent bonding nature. The presence of small orbital overlap integral of bonds between the s and p (and d) orbitals of the nearest carbon (graphene), carbon oxide (graphene oxide) and metal oxide atoms reveal localized orbital re-hybridization resulting in changes in DOS yielding high electrochemical activity. Moreover, for increased adatom coverage the extent of charge transfer reverses resulting in limited electroactivity. In fact, DFT calculations are corroborated with experimental findings, where graphene-based supports decorated with optimal mass loaded nanostructured Co〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and MnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 (as well as V〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉5〈/sub〉) were capable of delivering maximum specific energy storage capacity (C〈sub〉s〈/sub〉) 〉 550 F·g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (Gupta et al. J. Mater. Res. 32, 301 (2017)) in contrast to higher or lower loading. The presence of defects in graphene materials results in new electronic states to endow unique functionalities that is not otherwise possible in the bulk and with adsorbed water molecules besides optimum C/O ratio in graphene oxide nanosheets that show redshift thus a decreasing bandgap and finite charge transfer from graphene to water molecules. The case examples studied in this work represent a first glimpse of what may become routine and integral step in materials design and discovery for alternative energy and sustainable environmental technologies.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 25 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Catalysis A: General, Volume 570〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wooyoung Kim, Wookyun Shin, Kyoung Jun Lee, YongSeok Cho, Hyung Soon Kim, Igor N. Filimonov〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Characterization of acid-base centers and catalytic dehydration of 2,3-butanediol (BDO) was performed over a wide range of silica-supported alkali phosphates (M_P/SiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉; M = Na, K, Cs; M:P = 0.5–3 mol:mol). Selectivity to 1,3-butadiene (BD) and 3-butene-2-ol (3B2OL) formed by elimination correlates with the densities of conjugated acid-base pairs and increases in the order Na 〈 K ≈ Cs. Selectivity to 2,3-epoxybutane (BTO) formed by dehydrative epoxidation increases with the M/P ratio in the order Na 〈 K ≤ Cs. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and isobutyraldyde (IBA) formed by the rearrangement are produced by isolated Brønsted acid centers. Conjugated acid-base pairs are probably composed of the end groups of polyphosphates having both acid P-OH and base P〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉O〈sup〉−〈/sup〉⋯M〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 moieties. Isolated Brønsted acid centers are probably silica grafted phosphoric acid molecules at low M/P and 〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉PO(OH)〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 end groups of oligophosphates at M/P 〉 1.5.〈/p〉 〈p〉Deactivation rate increases with the increase of M/P ratio in order Na 〈 K 〈 Cs. Deactivation patterns imply that sites responsible for elimination are active in dehydrative epoxidation. Dehydration of 3B2OL smoothly proceeds to BD, but the catalysts deactivate faster compared to BDO dehydration.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0926860X18304095-ga1.jpg" width="491" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Anne-Isabelle Bidegaray, Andrea Ceglia, Maria Rita Cicconi, Van-Thai Pham, Amandine Crabbé, El Amine Mernissi Cherigui, Karin Nys, Herman Terryn, Daniel R. Neuville, Stéphane Godet〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The analysis of iron, manganese and antimony in silicate glass is of great interest in chemistry, materials science, earth sciences and archaeological sciences. Yet, conclusions from different fields appear to be contradictory and many questions about redox reactions in glass remain. The purpose of this study is thus to discuss whether and how these multivalent elements interact in glass. Soda-lime silicate melts containing iron along with manganese and/or antimony have been analysed at different high temperatures under argon atmosphere. Using 〈em〉in-situ〈/em〉 XANES at the Fe K-edge, redox thermodynamics, kinetics and diffusivities have been assessed for the different compositions. The data obtained show that antimony is more efficient at oxidising iron compared to manganese at all temperatures. The oxidising power trend would thus be Sb 〉 Sb + Mn 〉 Mn. Furthermore, hypotheses on the formation of Fe-Mn complexes are also reported in glasses with stoichiometric proportions of iron and manganese. Based on the determination of redox diffusivities, it appears that presence of other multivalent elements does not significantly affect the iron redox mechanisms and that diffusivity is essentially controlled by the mobility of calcium.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wentao Zhang, Feng He, Junlin Xie, Xiaoqing Liu, De Fang, Hu Yang, Zhihong Luo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Glass ceramics from modified molten blast furnace (BF) slag were prepared. The crystallization behavior of the modified BF slag was characterized using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The crystallization kinetics results indicated that the crystallization activation energy initially decreased and subsequently increased with increasing CaO/SiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. The crystallization temperature and the crystallization index (n) decreased from 916 to 867 °C, and 5.66–1.13, respectively. The crystallization mechanism transformed from bulk crystallization to surface crystallization. By XRD analyzing, Melilite was developed as the main crystal phase, and the transformation of crystal from akermanite to gehlenite was observed. The rapid surface crystallization was beneficial for maintaining the shape of glass ceramics. The complex replacement in melilite crystals resulted in the micro cracks in glass ceramics, therefore led to the decrease of flexural strength of glass ceramics〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): B.C. Jamalaiah〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Different amounts of GeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 activated tellurite tungstate glasses were prepared by melt quenching technique. Thermal stability and glass forming ability were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The chemical composition, homogeneity and amorphous nature of studied glasses were investigated. The phonon energy was estimated to be 721.34 cm〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. Experimentally determined refractive indices were compared with those determined from optical band gap (E〈sub〉g〈/sub〉) and optical electronegativity (Δ〈em〉χ〈/em〉〈sup〉∗〈/sup〉). The dielectric constant (K) and electronic polarizability (α) were determined using refractive index value. The presence of disorder was estimated in terms of Urbach energy (E〈sub〉U〈/sub〉). The average electronegativity (〈em〉χ〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉ave〈/em〉〈/sub〉), oxide ion polarizability (〈em〉α〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉O〈/em〉〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−〈/sup〉) and covalent character (C〈sub〉cov〈/sub〉) were determined. The content of GeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 was optimized to be 10.0 mol% to design a novel host material for solid state lasers and fiber devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chunhe Jiang, Kejiang Li, Jianliang Zhang, Qinghua Qin, Zhengjian Liu, Minmin Sun, Ziming Wang, Wang Liang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉SiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉-Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-CaO-MgO is the most significant slag system in the blast furnace ironmaking process and it is very important to investigate the microstructure and viscosity of the system. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to explore the effects of MgO/Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 ratio on structure and properties of the system. Based on the self-diffusion coefficients, the viscosities were calculated by Einstein-Stokes equation and compared with the experimental value and the Factsage value. The results showed that with the increase of MgO/Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 ratio, the stability of [SiO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉]〈sup〉4−〈/sup〉 and [AlO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉]〈sup〉5−〈/sup〉 tetrahedron became weaken and the relative proportions of bridge and non-bridge oxygen showed a decrease. And due to the increase of MgO, more Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 ions are used as network modifiers to reduce the degree of polymerization of the system, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity, which is consistent with experimental results. Finally, based on the present study, in the case of increasing Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 content of blast furnace slag, the fluidity of slag could be adjusted by controlling MgO/Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 ratio, thereby providing a basis for stable operation of blast furnace ironmaking.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): A.I. Popov〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The definition of glassy state presented by the authors of the article “The glassy state of matter: Its definition and ultimate fate” E. Zanotto and J. Mauro is considered. The importance of the contribution to the glassy state problem made in the article is emphasized. At the same time consideration of the glassy state as unstable state of matter causes definite objections. It is more correctly to consider the glassy state as metastable state of matter.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M.G. Syamala Rao, M.A. Pacheco-Zuñiga, L.A. Garcia-Cerda, G. Gutiérrez-Heredia, J.A. Torres Ochoa, M.A. Quevedo López, R. Ramírez-Bon〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, we developed a novel inorganic-organic hybrid gate dielectric by combining zirconium and hafnium components to form zirconium hafnium oxide strongly linked with polymethyl methacrylate (ZrHfO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉-PMMA) and deposited at low temperature (200 °C) by sol-gel method. The obtained 108 nm thick, high-quality hybrid gate dielectric showed an exceptionally low surface roughness (0.9-nm), a low leakage current density (7.7 × 10〈sup〉−6〈/sup〉 A/cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉) and reasonable dielectric properties such as gate capacitance along with dielectric constant (77 nF/cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 & 9.4 @1 kHz) respectively. To examine the ZrHfO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉-PMMA hybrid dielectric electrical properties we constructed thin-film transistors (TFTs) with room temperature r.f sputtered n-type metal oxide semiconductors, a-IGZO and ZnO, as active channels. The bottom gate fabricated a-IGZO TFTs driving at as low as below 6 V, with extracted field effect mobility of 2.45 cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/V. s, a low threshold voltage of 1.2 V with large ON/OFF current ratio 10〈sup〉7〈/sup〉 respectively. On the other hand, for comparison we employed ZnO TFTs by applying same hybrid dielectric system, the obtained parameters of bottom gate ZnO TFTs were good field effect saturation mobility of 12.8 cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/V. s, threshold voltage of 1.8 V and ON/OFF current ratio of 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Weidi Zhu, Mark Lockhart, Bruce Aitken, Sabyasachi Sen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The viscoelastic properties of supercooled As〈sub〉x〈/sub〉Se〈sub〉100-x〈/sub〉 (0 ≤ x ≤ 30) and As〈sub〉x〈/sub〉Se〈sub〉100-x-y〈/sub〉I〈sub〉y〈/sub〉 (x = 20, 30 and y = 10, 20) liquids are studied using oscillatory parallel plate rheometry. In addition to the α-relaxation process, the shear relaxation of liquids with selenium chains longer than ~ 3 atoms is also characterized by a low-frequency polymeric mode. The temporal decoupling of this low-frequency soft/floppy relaxation mode from that of the α-relaxation mode is a unique function of the average selenium chain length. The floppy mode abruptly vanishes for liquids with average chain lengths shorter than ~ 3 Se atoms, thus implying a dynamical rigidity transition. When taken together, these results indicate that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, the pertinent structural variable associated with such transition in the viscoelastic behavior is not the average coordination number but instead the intermediate-range structural elements such as the average selenium chain length.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Volume 502〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M.S.A. Mohd Saidi, S.K. Ghoshal, K. Hamzah, R. Arifin, M.F. Omar, M.K. Roslan, E.S. Sazali〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We report the influence of silver (Ag) and titania (TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) nanoparticles (ATNPs) co-embedment on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of dysprosium ions (Dy〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉) doped zinc-magnesium tellurite glass system prepared using conventional melt quenching method. Both up- and down- converted PL spectra of glasses revealed three emission bands located at 482 (blue: 〈sup〉4〈/sup〉F〈sub〉9/2〈/sub〉 → 〈sup〉6〈/sup〉H〈sub〉15/2〈/sub〉), 574 (yellow: 〈sup〉4〈/sup〉F〈sub〉9/2〈/sub〉 → 〈sup〉6〈/sup〉H〈sub〉13/2〈/sub〉) and 664 nm (weak red: 〈sup〉4〈/sup〉F〈sub〉9/2〈/sub〉 → 〈sup〉6〈/sup〉H〈sub〉11/2〈/sub〉), where the band intensities were enhanced with the inclusion of ATNPs. Glasses with 0.2 mol% of ANPs and up to 0.3 mol% of TNPs disclosed highest PL intensity enhancement, which was majorly attributed to the ATNPs mediated localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and large field enhancement (called hot spot) effects in the proximity of Dy〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 ions. Absorption spectra of glasses displayed two plasmon bands characteristics of each type of nanoparticle. It was inferred that the superposition of localized SP modes from ATNPs could generate new hybridized modes (strong local field in the vicinity of Dy〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 ions) shifted with respect to the single type of NPs resonance. HRTEM images showed the existence of both Ag and titania NPs inside the glass matrix. Glasses containing ATNPs exhibited anatase phase with (103) and (112) nanocrystalline lattice plane orientation. Proposed glass system may be useful for the development of solid state laser and photonic devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dapeng Zhou, Jürgen Malzbender, Yoo Jung Sohn, Olivier Guillon, Robert Vaßen〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉During the last decade, Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS) attracted a lot of interest as an alternative process to produce columnar Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs). In this study, columnar TBCs were deposited with SPS. After spraying, samples were isothermally annealed at 1373 K for 1 h, 3 h, 10 h and 50 h, respectively. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the ceramic coatings were investigated as a function of annealing time. Annealing resulted in healing of micro-cracks, coarsening of pores, growth of domain size, companied with a decrease of porosity within columns. The change of coating microstructure led to change of mechanical properties. In addition, residual stress in SPS coatings was also investigated. Furthermore, as-sprayed coatings and pre-annealed coatings were subjected to burner rig tests. Short time pre-annealing allowed to enhance thermal cycling lifetime of such SPS coatings. The thermal cycling results were related to microstructure modifications of coatings.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xuejin Yang, Bin Li, Duan Li, Changwei Shao, Changrui Zhang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In order to improve the high-temperature performance of wave-transparent materials especially for the high-speed aircrafts application, filament winding combined with sol-gel method was adopted to the fabrication of unidirectional silicon nitride fiber reinforced silica matrix composites. The mechanical properties and the interface evolution at high temperatures were investigated. The results show that the composite sintered in N〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 maintains a flexural strength of 210MPa at up to 1200°C, while its counterpart prepared in air experiences a dramatic reduction to about 73MPa. The degradation is due to the partial oxidation of silicon nitride fibers at the fiber matrix interface. Besides, it is also notable that the bending strength of these two composites undergoes a similar growth from about 160 to 210MPa when tested under 900°C, which can be explained by the release of thermal stress on the silicon nitride fibers.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Volume 474〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Muhammad Arshad, M. Asghar, Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Farooq Warsi, M. Naveed Rasheed, M. Hashim, M.A. Al-Maghrabi, Muhammad Azhar Khan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study Co-Ni co-doped nanocrystalline manganese ferrites were fabricated via co-precipitation method. The annealing of as prepared nanoferrites was done at 950 °C for 7 h. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that all samples possessed cubic spinel structure. The crystallite size was determined by Scherrer’s equation that lies in the range of 27–35 nm. The spectral analysis confirmed bending and stretching of bonds at octahedral (B) and tetrahedral (A) sites. The spectral bands were shifted towards the longer wavelength side and these indicate the incorporation of dopants cations (Co-Ni). The magnetic parameters were measured from the M-H loops of nanoferrites. With the increase of Co-Ni contents, the saturation magnetization (Ms) increased up to x = 0.15 and then it decreased. The dielectric properties of all compositions were studied in 1 MHz–3 GHz range and were discussed in the light of Debye-type reduction phenomenon by following the Koop’s theory. The dielectric and magnetic behavior evaluation suggested that synthesized ferrites are suitable for microwave devices fabrication.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304885318319127-ga1.jpg" width="282" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wei Hao, Qihui Zhang, Chen Xing, Fangwei Guo, Meiyu Yi, Xiaofeng Zhao, Ping Xiao〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Y〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SiO〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 is a promising material for the thermal barrier coatings due to its low thermal conductivity, high temperature stability and exceptional resistance for molten silicate attack. However, it suffers low fracture toughness and low coefficient of thermal expansion compared with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). In this study, a composite coating approach, i.e., incorporating YSZ into Y〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SiO〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 coating, was employed to overcome those limitations. The double-layered Y〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SiO〈sub〉5〈/sub〉-YSZ/YSZ coatings were fabricated using atomospheric plasma spraying and tested under thermal cycling at 1150 °C. The phase compositions, microstructure, mechanical properties and the failure behavior were evaluated. It was found that the amorphous phase during spraying would crystallize at high temperature accompanied by volume shrinkage, leading to cracks and spallation in the coating. With YSZ addition, the composite coatings exhibited a much longer lifetime than the single phase Y〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SiO〈sub〉5〈/sub〉 coating due to a lower volume shrinkage and enhanced toughness.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jian Xu, Baofu Hu, Chao Xu, Jian Wang, Bingguo Liu, Hui Li, Xinliang Wang, Baoli Du, Yuxuan Gong〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Good thermal dispersion is essential for phosphors used in laser-lighting applications. Luminescent films naturally show better thermal dispersion than bulk phosphor because the distance to the supporting substrate is shorter, which facilitates heat dissipation. However, the underlying mechanism for luminescence saturation in films is still unclear. In addition, the synthesis of luminescent films always involves the use of carbon-rich organic materials, which can introduce both pores and carbon residues. Here, we present a facile sol–gel route to synthesize YAG:Ce thick films suitable for laser lighting applications. Inorganic aluminum hydroxides are used as gelling agent, which solves the carbon residue problem. A series of YAG:Ce films of different thicknesses was produced at relatively low temperature (975 °C). The YAG:Ce film shows no luminescence saturation under 4.1 W blue laser excitation. This means this approach represents a strong potential candidate for applications like automotive headlamps and many other devices.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): João Vitor Campos, Isabela Reis Lavagnini, Rafael Vieira de Sousa, Julieta Adriana Ferreira, Eliria Maria de Jesus Agnolon Pallone〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Heterogeneous grain size distributions due to cathodic reduction of samples sintered by flash sintering (FS) are a recurring problem. Herein, we present an experimental setup for FS with refined control of the process parameters, especially the electric current density, to control the power peak that could reduce the grain size heterogeneity of sintered materials. The real-time control of the equipment enabled the development of a Multi-Step Flash Sintering (MSFS) process. This technique involves varying the maximum current density at the onset of the abrupt shrinkage of the sample during the flash phenomenon, smoothing the shrinkage and power density curves, avoiding power peak and allowing its control in real time. Tetragonal stabilised zirconia (3YSZ) was sintered in this equipment by both FS and MSFS. Preliminary results of this study were promising in terms of density control and improvement of grain size homogeneity.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kang Guan, Haitao Ren, Qingfeng Zeng, Zhiqiang Feng, Jianqing Wu, Zhenya Lu, Pinggen Rao, Yangfang Cheng, Zhenyuan Gong, Yougen Yu〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Porous ceramics are numerically constructed based on the convexity of the void phase: microstructures with convex pores are representative of isolated or randomly overlapping spherical pores, while particulate materials with non-convex pores are composed of randomly overlapping, partial overlapping or partially sintered solid spheres. Finite element simulations show that, given the porosity, thermal conductivities and elastic moduli for convex porosity are larger than the values for non-convex pores. These conditions are not well described by solely porosity. By contrast, this study proposes a new microstructural parameter, 〈lp2〉/(〈ls2〉+〈lp2〉), to estimate thermal conductivities and elastic moduli for both convex and non-convex pores. 〈ls2〉 and 〈lp2〉 are respectively mean-square solid chord length and mean-square pore chord length of cross-sections, which can be conveniently extracted from SEM images combined with chord length distributions of solid and void.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February–March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Volume 39, Issues 2–3〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tianrang Yang, Hailei Zhao, Mengya Fang, Konrad Świerczek, Jie Wang, Zhihong Du〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉6-x〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉x〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26.5-x〈/sub〉 (LSC, x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) are synthesized by a citric-nitrate method. Substitution Si with Cu promotes the densification process of silicate apatite. Unit cell parameters and volume increase linearly with Cu content. The Rietveld refinement reveals a much more distorted (Si,Cu)O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 tetrahedra in the oxygen stoichiometric La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉5.5〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26〈/sub〉 sample. The structural observation from high temperature XRD implies a second-order phase transition in La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉5.5〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26〈/sub〉. Cu-doping decreases the activation energy of oxygen ion conduction and increases the conductivity of LSC materials in the temperature range of 550–800 °C. La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉5.5〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26〈/sub〉 shows the conductivity values of 29.3 and 12.3 mS cm〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 at 800 °C and 650 °C, respectively. The oxygen ion transference number of La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉5.5〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26〈/sub〉 is higher than 0.99. These attractive properties make the La〈sub〉9.67〈/sub〉Si〈sub〉5.5〈/sub〉Cu〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉26〈/sub〉 a promising oxygen ion conducting electrolyte for applications of solid oxide fuel cells, oxygen sensors, oxygen separation membranes, 〈em〉etc.〈/em〉〈/p〉〈/div〉