bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Means (ANOM) as a Tool for Comparison of Sample Treatment Methods: Testing Various Mineralization Procedures for Selenium Determination in Biological Materials
Authors: Prokeš Lubomir , Hegrová Jitka , Kanický Viktor
Published: January 2017

Several mineralization methods for the determination of selenium using hydride generation optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma in biological samples (whole egg powder and pork liver) were compared using the analysis of means (ANOM) method. This statistical tool is suitable for graphical representation of testing on simple comparative experiments. The results yielded by ANOM are identical with those obtained with the commonly used analysis of variance (ANOVA) method; however, the graphical output of ANOM is more illustrative in comparison to ANOVA. Both methods indicated a significant discrepancy between theresults obtained using muffle furnace ashing mineralization and the results provided by other mineralization methods. This is probably dueto the loss of volatile selenium compounds during the decomposition of organic matter.
Can Authority be Sustained while Balancing Accessibility and Formality?
Authors: Hashimzade Nigar , Myles Georgina A. , Myles Gareth D.
Published: January 2017

Economics has developed into a quantitative discipline that makes extensive use of mathematical and statistical concepts. When writing a dictionary for economics undergraduates it has to be recognised that many users will not have sufficient training in mathematics to benefi t from formal definitions of mathematical and statistical concepts. In fact, it is more than likely that the user will want the dictionary to provide an accessible version of a definition that avoids mathematical notation. Providing a verbal description of a mathematical concept has the risk that the outcome is both verbose (compared to a definition using appropriate mathematical symbols) and imprecise. For the author of a dictionary this raises the question of how to resolve this conflict between accessibility and formal correctness. We use a range of examples from the Oxford Dictionary of Economics to illustrate this conflict and to assess the extent to which a non-formal definition can be viewed as authoritative.
Simultaneous Interpreting: A Functionalist Perspective
Authors: Pöchhacker Franz
Published: January 2017

The paper discusses a number of theoretical and methodological issues which arise when professional simultaneous conference interpreting (SI) is studied in light of the basic tenets of the functionalist theory of translation and interpreting (T&I) proposed by Hans J. Vermeer (skopos theory). Based on a multi-level model of SI as a professional course of action the paper applies such functionalist notions as skopos, target culture, target-textual autonomy, and “coherence” to a case study of a three-day technical conference with professional SI between English and German.In essence, it is argued that, on a general conceptual level, modelling SI in the framework of the general functionalist theory of Vermeer serves to bring into focus the crucial translational issues of situation, text, and culture. On the other hand, applying skopos-theoretical concepts to the study of a corpus of authentic professional SI reveals some limitations of the extent to which the general functionalist notions fit the specific practice of SI.
Photomechanical modification of ZnS microcrystal to enhance electroluminescence by ultrashort-pulse laser processing
Authors: Nabesaka Kyohei , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Hosokawa Yoichiroh , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: January 2017

A ZnS microcrystal was treated with an ultrashort-pulse laser and applied to an inorganic electroluminescence (EL) phosphor. We found that the emission intensity of the EL phosphor was increased by laser-induced photomechanical modification. The pulse duration dependence of the emission enhancement and structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the structural modification was induced inside the ZnS microcrystal, although a mechanical grinding would induce the structural modification mainly on the crystal surface. The results suggested a new way of enhancing the emission of inorganic EL devices.
High-resolution mirror temperature mapping in GaN-based diode lasers by thermoreflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Pierścińska Dorota , Marona Łucja , Pierściński Kamil , Wiśniewski Przemysław , Perlin Piotr , Bugajski Maciej
Published: January 2017

In this paper accurate measurements of temperature distribution on the facet of GaN-based diode lasers are presented as well as development of the instrumentation for high-resolution thermal imaging based on thermoreflectance. It is shown that thermoreflectance can be successfully applied to provide information on heat dissipation in these devices. We demonstrate the quantitative measurements of the temperature profiles and high-resolution temperature maps on the front facet of nitride lasers and prove that thermoreflectance spectroscopy can be considered as the accurate and fast nondestructive tool for investigation of thermally induced degradation modes of GaN lasers.
A sub-0.5 V operating RF low noise amplifier using tunneling-FET
Authors: Jhon Hee-Sauk , Jeon Jongwook , Kang Myunggon , Choi Woo Young
Published: January 2017

60 nm tunneling FET (TFET) based low noise amplifier (LNA) with a sub-0.5 V supply voltage for 2.4 GHz WSN application has been evaluated systematically from device level up to circuit level design. With the help of TFET’s unique property of high subthreshold swing, it shows that substantial increase of gain performance was confirmed compared to that of conventional LNA using 60 nm bulk MOSFET at ultra-low voltage (ULV) condition. From the simulation study, TFET LNA at 0.4 V operating voltage has the gain of 15.1 dB and noise figure 50 of 3.5 dB while dissipating DC power consumption of 0.41 mW.
Electronic structure of worm-eaten graphene
Authors: Negishi Hayato , Takeda Kyozaburo
Published: January 2017

We theoretically study the electronic structure of graphenes having several kinds of imperfections such as atomic vacancies and heteroatom replacements. We consider 12 different configurations of vacancies and 39 different geometries of heteroatom replacements in order to approximately take into account the random conformations of imperfections. To systematically provide a perspective understanding of the defect π and σ states caused by atomistic voids and/or vacancies and heteroatom replacements, we have carried out a tight-binding (TB) calculation. We study the orbital hybridization to clarify the origin and formation of π and σ defect states arising from such imperfections. We also discuss the electronic structure around the Fermi level through the TB band calculation.
The Different Types of Ethnic Affiliation in M. G. Vassanji's No New Land
Authors: Ali Abbas Hussein , Mani Manimangai , Roselezam Wan Yahya Wan , Kaur Jujar Singh Hardev
Published: January 2017

Establishing a sense of affiliation to ethnicity is one of the most controversial issues for people who are displaced in  countries that are far away from their motherland.  The colonisation of the British over Asia and Africa in the nineteenth century resulted in the mass movement of Indian workers from India to Africa. These workers were brought in to build railways that connected the British colonies in East Africa namely Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. While the arrival of the Indian workers is considered as a kind of colonial practice, but their deportation in the post-independence years is seen as a part of decolonization. These Indians were forced to leave Africa as they were blamed for being non supportive of the Africans who were then engaged in armed struggles against the British colonialists.  This study is based on the lives of these deported Indians as depicted in the novel titled No New Land by M.G. Vassanji. M.G. Vassanji is a Canadian novelist whose family was also deported from Dar Esslaam, Tanzania. He also describes how the Indian Shamses were strict in affiliating with the different social and cultural background they found in their new home, Canada. This research examines the theme of affiliation and the experiences of these migrants. This study will show that South Asians in Canada are strict in their affiliation to their ethnic values. Secondly, it will expose the three types of affiliation and finally show how the author deals with affiliation as a part of the community’s ethnic record that must be documented.
Trapping of light with angular orbital momentum above the light cone
Authors: Bulgakov E. , Sadreev A.
Published: January 2017

We consider bound states in the radiation continuum (BSC) above the light cone in an one-dimensional periodic array of dielectric spheres in air. The BSCs are classified by orbital angular momentum m, Bloch wave vector β directed along the array, and polarization. The most simple symmetry protected BSCs have m = 0, β = 0 and occur in a wide range of the radius of spheres and dielectric constant. More sophisticated BSCs with m ̸= 0, β = 0 exist only for a selected radius of the spheres at a fixed dielectric constant. We also show the existence of robust Bloch BSCs with β ̸=0, m = 0. The BSCs with m = 0 can be easily detected by the collapse of Fano resonance in scattering of a plane wave. In response to a plane wave with circular polarization the BSCs with m ̸= 0 give rise to Poynting vector spiralling around the array.
Mechanisms responsible for high N2O emissions from subarctic permafrost peatlands studied via stable isotope techniques
Authors: Gil J. , Pérez T. , Boering K. , Martikainen P. J. , Biasi C.
Published: January 2017

Recent field studies have shown that there are habitats in the subarctic tundra emitting N2O at exceptionally high rates. In this study, stable isotope techniques were applied to characterize the processes responsible for these high N2O emissions which have been found from bare peat surfaces in permafrost peatlands. The results include the first data on the nitrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of N2O emitted from arctic tundra. The emission‐weighted average δ15Nbulk value for N2O of −13.0‰ ± 2.0‰ (mean ± SD; n = 8) from the bare peat surfaces falls within the range of the emission‐weighted average values from other natural ecosystems but is distinct from those for managed/agricultural ecosystems. This implies that if in the future, a smaller rate in the overall decreasing trend of δ15Nbulk N2O tropospheric isotopic composition is found, it cannot be attributed only to agricultural N2O emission reductions from mitigation actions but also to soils in natural ecosystems that may be emitting more N2O to the atmosphere due to warmer conditions. The site preference (SP) values from emitted N2O range from −30‰ to 58‰, indicating a temporal shift of microbial production and consumption of N2O during the sampling period. Soil emission SP data suggest that the N2O emission in subarctic tundra are more likely to be produced by nitrifier denitrification in the drier study year, but due to variable published SP values for N2O production processes in soils, this interpretation has to be taken with caution. According to SP values at depth, denitrification was the main N2O production pathway. To better address the usefulness of SP in partitioning microbial mechanisms in soils, further studies in soils mesocosms are required.
Organic matter remineralization in marine sediments: A Pan‐Arctic synthesis
Authors: Bourgeois Solveig , Archambault Philippe , Witte Ursula
Published: January 2017

Climate change in the Arctic is ongoing and causes drastic modification on the ecosystem functioning. In soft‐bottom environments, organic matter remineralization is considered an important ecosystem function. Here we provide a large‐scale assessment of the current knowledge on the benthic organic matter remineralization and its potential response to climate change. Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) values (n = 1154), measured throughout the Arctic, were gathered from 30 publications and 16 databases, and nutrient flux values, available in a far lesser extent (n < 80), were also compiled. Generalized additive models were used to estimate the influence of explanatory variables on benthic oxygen fluxes and for interpolating SOD to the whole Arctic region. This first Pan‐Arctic review of the distributions of SOD showed that oxygen fluxes strongly depended on water depth, i.e., followed the general trend observed for other regions, and also on the availability of labile organic matter. The continental shelves (representing ~50% of Arctic Ocean's total area) were characterized by the highest SOD values (10.5 ± 7.9 mmol O2 m−2 d−1), and differences among shelves were observed; SOD values in inflow, interior, and outflow shelves were 11.8 ± 8.0, 6.2 ± 5.6, and 3.9 ± 3.5 mmol O2 m−2 d−1, respectively. Moreover, seasonal variation in SOD changed significantly among areas. The interpolation based on the best fitted model showed high respiration in the inflow and interior shelves. In the inflow shelves, characterized by productive waters, benthic activities replenish bottom water with nutrients which may augment primary productivity, whereas sediments from the interior shelves, e.g., under the direct influence of the Mackenzie River, consume nutrients.
Influence of biological carbon export on ocean carbon uptake over the annual cycle across the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Palevsky Hilary I. , Quay Paul D.
Published: January 2017

We evaluate the influences of biological carbon export, physical circulation, and temperature‐driven solubility changes on air‐sea CO2 flux across the North Pacific basin (35°N–50°N, 142°E–125°W) throughout the full annual cycle by constructing mixed layer budgets for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pCO2, determined on 15 container ship transects between Hong Kong and Long Beach, CA, from 2008 to 2012. Annual air‐sea CO2 flux is greatest in the western North Pacific and decreases eastward across the basin (2.7 ± 0.9 mol C m−2 yr−1 west of 170°E, as compared to 2.1 ± 0.3 mol C m−2 yr−1 east of 160°W). East of 160°W, DIC removal by annual net community production (NCP) more than fully offsets the DIC increase due to air‐sea CO2 flux. However, in the region west of 170°E influenced by deep winter mixing, annual NCP only offsets ~20% of the DIC increase due to air‐sea CO2 flux, requiring significant DIC removal by geostrophic advection. Temperature‐driven solubility changes have no net influence on pCO2 and account for <25% of annual CO2 uptake. The seasonal timing of NCP strongly affects its influence on air‐sea CO2 flux. Biological carbon export from the mixed layer has a stronger influence on pCO2 in summer when mixed layers are shallow, but changes in pCO2 have a stronger influence on air‐sea CO2 flux in winter when high wind speeds drive more vigorous gas exchange. Thus, it is necessary to determine the seasonal timing as well as the annual magnitude of NCP to determine its influence on ocean carbon uptake.
Attribution of the local Hadley cell widening in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Hee , Min Seung‐Ki , Son Seok‐Woo , Choi Jung
Published: January 2017

This study conducts an attribution analysis of long‐term changes in the southern edge of the local Hadley cell (HC) during austral summer for the past three decades (1979–2009). The southern edges of the local overturning circulations (local HC) are defined as the latitudes of maximum sea level pressure in the Southern Hemisphere subtropics, and the long‐term variations of local HC edges from multireanalyses are compared with those from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) multimodel simulations by using the optimal fingerprinting technique. The observed local HC exhibits a poleward expansion in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, which is successfully reproduced by the CMIP5 models including anthropogenic forcing (ANT) but with a weaker amplitude. The detection analyses further show that ANT signals are detected robustly in both Atlantic and Indian HC trends. More importantly, anthropogenic forcings other than greenhouse gas forcing are found to be clearly detected in isolation, indicating a possible attribution of the observed local HC widening over these regions to stratospheric ozone depletion.
Two‐Step Sequential Deposition of Organometal Halide Perovskite for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Chen Haining
Published: January 2017

Organometal halide perovskite materials have become a superstar in the photovoltaic (PV) field because of their advantageous properties, which boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) from about 3.8% to above 22% in just seven years. Most importantly, such promising achievement is mainly based on its low‐cost and solution‐processed fabrication technique. One of the most promising and famous approaches to fabricating perovskite is a two‐step sequential deposition method because precursor (e.g., PbI2) deposition is controllable, versatile, and flexible. Due to tremendous efforts, great progress has been achieved on the two‐step sequential deposition method, which helps to promote the development of PSCs. Herein, the progresses on the two‐step sequential deposition method of perovskite layers is reviewed thoroughly. At first, the reaction process and principle is introduced and discussed. Then, the research on the deposition techniques, structures, and compositions of precursors (the first step) is presented. Subsequently, the developments on the conversion techniques, conversion solutions, and growth of large crystals at the second step are introduced. Finally, four important issues on the two‐step sequential deposition method will be stated, accompanied with proposed solutions.
Nonempirical Calculation of Superconducting Transition Temperatures in Light‐Element Superconductors
Authors: Arita Ryotaro , Koretsune Takashi , Sakai Shiro , Akashi Ryosuke , Nomura Yusuke , Sano Wataru
Published: January 2017

Recent progress in the fully nonempirical calculation of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is reviewed. Especially, this study focuses on three representative light‐element high‐Tc superconductors, i.e., elemental Li, sulfur hydrides, and alkali‐doped fullerides. Here, it is discussed how crucial it is to develop the beyond Migdal‐Eliashberg (ME) methods. For Li, a scheme of superconducting density functional theory for the plasmon mechanism is formulated and it is found that Tc is dramatically enhanced by considering the frequency dependence of the screened Coulomb interaction. For sulfur hydrides, it is essential to go beyond not only the static approximation for the screened Coulomb interaction, but also the constant density‐of‐states approximation for electrons, the harmonic approximation for phonons, and the Migdal approximation for the electron–phonon vertex, all of which have been employed in the standard ME calculation. It is also shown that the feedback effect in the self‐consistent calculation of the self‐energy and the zero point motion considerably affect the calculation of Tc. For alkali‐doped fullerides, the interplay between electron–phonon coupling and electron correlations becomes more nontrivial. It has been demonstrated that the combination of density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory with the ab initio downfolding scheme for electron–phonon coupled systems works successfully. This study not only reproduces the experimental phase diagram but also obtains a unified view of the high‐Tc superconductivity and the Mott–Hubbard transition in the fullerides. The results for these high‐Tc superconductors will provide a firm ground for future materials design of new superconductors.
Active Edge Sites Engineering in Nickel Cobalt Selenide Solid Solutions for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xia Chuan , Liang Hanfeng , Zhu Jiajie , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: January 2017

An effective multifaceted strategy is demonstrated to increase active edge site concentration in Ni0.33Co0.67Se2 solid solutions prepared by in situ selenization process of nickel cobalt precursor. The simultaneous control of surface, phase, and morphology result in as‐prepared ternary solid solution with extremely high electrochemically active surface area (Cdl = 197 mF cm−2), suggesting significant exposure of active sites in this ternary compound. Coupled with metallic‐like electrical conductivity and lower free energy for atomic hydrogen adsorption in Ni0.33Co0.67Se2, identified by temperature‐dependent conductivities and density functional theory calculations, the authors have achieved unprecedented fast hydrogen evolution kinetics, approaching that of Pt. Specifically, the Ni0.33Co0.67Se2 solid solutions show a low overpotential of 65 mV at −10 mV cm−2, with onset potential of mere 18 mV, an impressive small Tafel slope of 35 mV dec−1, and a large exchange current density of 184 µA cm−2 in acidic electrolyte. Further, it is shown that the as‐prepared Ni0.33Co0.67Se2 solid solution not only works very well in acidic electrolyte but also delivers exceptional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance in alkaline media. The outstanding HER performance makes this solid solution a promising candidate for mass hydrogen production.
Freestanding and Sandwich‐Structured Electrode Material with High Areal Mass Loading for Long‐Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yu Mingpeng , Ma Junsheng , Xie Ming , Song Hongquan , Tian Fuyang , Xu Shanshan , Zhou Yun , Li Bei , Wu Di , Qiu Hong , Wang Rongming
Published: January 2017

Freestanding cathode materials with sandwich‐structured characteristic are synthesized for high‐performance lithium–sulfur battery. Sulfur is impregnated in nitrogen‐doped graphene and constructed as primary active material, which is further welded in the carbon nanotube/nanofibrillated cellulose (CNT/NFC) framework. Interconnected CNT/NFC layers on both sides of active layer are uniquely synthesized to entrap polysulfide species and supply efficient electron transport. The 3D composite network creates a hierarchical architecture with outstanding electrical and mechanical properties. Synergistic effects generated from physical and chemical interaction could effectively alleviate the dissolution and shuttling of the polysulfide ions. Theoretical calculations reveal the hydroxyl functionization exhibits a strong chemical binding with the discharge product (i.e., Li2S). Electrochemical measurements suggest that the rationally designed structure endows the electrode with high specific capacity and excellent rate performance. Specifically, the electrode with high areal sulfur loading of 8.1 mg cm−2 exhibits an areal capacity of ≈8 mA h cm−2 and an ultralow capacity fading of 0.067% per cycle over 1000 discharge/charge cycles at C/2 rate, while the average coulombic efficiency is around 97.3%, indicating good electrochemical reversibility. This novel and low‐cost fabrication procedure is readily scalable and provides a promising avenue for potential industrial applications.
Trehalose‐based hydrogel potentially useful for the skin burn treatment
Authors: Cassano Roberta , Trombino Sonia
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this work is the preparation of trehalose hydrogel for dermatological applications, particularly, for skin burn treatment. Trehalose is a disaccharide compound containing hydroxyl groups in its structure susceptible to derivatization. The obtained hydrogel was loaded once with hyaluronic acid, a fundamental component of connective tissue, and again with silver nitrate, an ingredient with antibacterial properties. The trehalose hydrogel was characterized by FTIR spectrometry and 1H‐NMR. The hydrogel swelling characteristics and release studies of entrapped hyaluronic acid or silver nitrate were evaluated at two pH values: pH 4.5 mimicking physiological conditions and pH 6.5 simulating the burned skin condition. The antioxidant activity of not loaded hydrogel in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation was performed in rat‐liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tert‐BOOH). The results confirm the possibility that the trehalose hydrogel can find use in the treatment of various skin lesions, particularly in burn therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44755.
Improved interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber/epoxy composites through a waterborne epoxy resin sizing agent
Authors: Yuan Xiaomin , Zhu Bo , Cai Xun , Liu Jianjun , Qiao Kun , Yu Junwei
Published: January 2017

A series of self‐emulsified waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) emulsions were used as surface sizing for carbon fibers (CFs) to improve the interfacial adhesion between the CF and epoxy matrix. In this work, the hydrogenated bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (HBPAE) was modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weights of 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, and 6000 g/mol. The properties of the WEP emulsion were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The surface characteristics of sized CFs were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Afterwards, CF/EP composites were prepared and their fracture surface and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were examined. The results indicated that PEG2000 modified HBPAE sizing had the optimum emulsion stability and film‐forming ability. Meanwhile, the results also demonstrated that a continuous and uniform sizing layer was formed on the surface of CFs and the surface sizing was excellent in improving the chemical activity of CFs. Compared with unsized CFs, the O1s/C1s composition ratio was observed to increase from 11.51% to 33.17% and the ILSS of CF/EP composites increased from 81.2 to 89.7 MPa, exhibiting better mechanical property than that of commercial Takemoto S64 sized CFs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44757.
Hard wood‐composites made of rice straw and recycled polystyrene foam wastes
Authors: Tawfik Magda Emil , Eskander S. B. , Nawwar G. AM.
Published: January 2017

The submitted work discussed the possibility of using two of the most problematic wastes to formulate an added‐value hard wood‐composite (HWC). The lignocellulosic rice straws (RS) fibers (as reinforced filler) and recycled expanded polystyrene foam (PS) wastes (as dispersed polymer matrix), were used to formulated the hard wood product applying the hot press technique. The air dried RS was added to the molten PS at increasing ratios (30–70% mass:mass), and the reached HWC sheet was subjected to tensile strength, water absorption and acoustic resistance characterizations. Based on the experimental data, it was found that increasing the RS contents accompanied with a diminish in the tensile strength value by about 50% at 70% RS compare to that at 30% RS. To improve the adhesion between the hydrophilic filler RS and the hydrophobic PS matrix, maleated PS graft (PS‐g‐MA) was prepared and added at the expanse of the PS content, to formulate an additional wood‐composite (HWCg) aiming to have better mechanical and dimensional stability features. Results obtained indicated that increasing the coupling agent content, keeping the RS added constant, enhance the tensile strength feature in addition, reduced the water absorption for the final products by more than 45%. The data obtained suggested that, it can create added‐value hard wood composites entirely from the two nominated problematic wastes. In addition to the value gained by the environment, the reached hard wood products record acceptable mechanical characterization, dimensional stability and sound resistance properties that qualified it to replace the natural wood in many daily applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44770.
Fluorescence‐based logic gate for sensing of Ca2+ and F− ions using PVP crowned chrysene nanoparticles in aqueous medium
Authors: Mahajan Prasad G. , Kolekar G.B. , Patil Shivajirao R.
Published: January 2017

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) crowned chrysene nanoparticles (CHYNPs) were prepared by using a reprecipitation method. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies indicate that the monodispersed spherical nanoparticles bear a negative charge on their surfaces. The bathochromic spectral shift in the UV–visible and fluorescence spectrum of CHYNPs from chrysene (CHY) in acetone solution supports the J‐ type aggregation of nanoparticles. The aggregation‐induced enhanced emission of CHYNPs at 486 and 522 nm decreases by increasing the concentration of the Ca2+ ion solution. It can display an ON–OFF type fluorescence response with high selectivity towards Ca2+ ions aqueous medium. Furthermore, the in situ generated PVP–CHYNPs–Ca2+ ensemble could recover the quenched fluorescence upon the addition of fluoride anions resulting in an OFF–ON type sensor. The present method has a correlation coefficient R2 = 0.988 with a detection limit of 1.22 μg/mL for Ca2+ in the aqueous medium. The fluorescence changes of PVP crowned CHYNPs upon the addition of Ca2+ and F− can be utilized as an INHIBIT logic gate at the molecular level, using Ca2+ and F− chemical inputs and the fluorescence intensity signal as output.
Determination of a natural DNMT1 inhibitor, peperomin E, in rat plasma by UFLC‐MS/MS and method application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Xin‐zhi , Wen Hong‐mei , Chai Chuan , Zhang Wen‐ying , Gao Ming , Liu Rui , Wu Hao , Liang Jing‐yu
Published: January 2017

Peperomin E (PepE), a naturally occurring secolignan isolated from Peperomia dindygulensis, has drawn much attention recently owing to its anticancer and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitory activity. Here, a simple and sensitive ultra‐fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of PepE in rat plasma for the first time. Samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation. Separation was performed on an XBridge™ C18 column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid. PepE and the internal standard arctigenin were detected in a positive‐ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring of the transitions at m/z 413.2 → 261.0 and 373.2 → 137.2, respectively. The calibration curve for PepE was linear over the range of concentrations of 1.46–6000 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantitation of 1.46 ng/mL. Both intra‐ and interday precisions were within 11.05%, and the accuracy ranged from −11.5 to 5.51%. The extraction recovery and matrix effect were within acceptable limits. Stability tests showed that PepE remained stable throughout the analytical procedure. The validated method was then used to analyze the pharmacokinetics of PepE administered to rats orally (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) or intravenously (6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg).
Overexpression of TNKS1BP1 in lung cancers and its involvement in homologous recombination pathway of DNA double‐strand breaks
Authors: Tan Wei , Guan Hua , Zou Lian‐Hong , Wang Yu , Liu Xiao‐Dan , Rang Wei‐Qing , Zhou Ping‐Kun , Pei Hua‐Dong , Zhong Cai‐Gao
Published: January 2017

TNKS1BP1 is a member of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) superfamily. Our previous studies have demonstrated that TNKS1BP1 plays an important role in DNA damage response. But whether and how TNKS1BP1 associates with cancer is still not clear. Here, we found that TNKS1BP1 was upregulated in human lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) tissues, and was associated with poor overall survival (OS) in LAC patients. Dysregulation of TNKS1BP1 affected the sensitivity of A549 cells to several DNA damage agents including cisplatin, bleomycin, and ionizing radiation. Mechanically, overexpression of TNKS1BP1 increased the accumulation of S phase cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in M phase cells. More importantly, we found TNKS1BP1 regulated genome stability, mainly through affecting the homologous recombination pathway of DNA double‐strand breaks by inhibiting the RAD51 foci formation. Overall, our study indicates that, in LAC, aberrant expressions of TNKS1BP1 are common events, and overexpression of TNKS1BP1 might affect outcomes of cancer patients to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The promise of molecular staging for the future
Authors: Maxwell George Larry , Mutch David G.
Published: January 2017

Molecular profiling is becoming increasingly powerful in characterizing cancers. This technology should be used to augment the traditional anatomic and histologic staging of all cancers and particularly of endometrial cancers. See also pages 802‐13.
A New Triazine‐Based Covalent Organic Framework for High‐Performance Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Bhanja Piyali , Bhunia Kousik , Das Sabuj K. , Pradhan Debabrata , Kimura Ryuto , Hijikata Yuh , Irle Stephan , Bhaumik Asim
Published: January 2017

The new covalent organic framework material TDFP‐1 was prepared through a solvothermal Schiff base condensation reaction of the monomers 1,3,5‐tris‐(4‐aminophenyl)triazine and 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol. Owing to its high specific surface area of 651 m2 g−1, extended π conjugation, and inherent microporosity, TDFP‐1 exhibited an excellent energy‐storage capacity with a maximum specific capacitance of 354 F g−1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1 and good cyclic stability with 95 % retention of its initial specific capacitance after 1000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The π‐conjugated polymeric framework as well as ionic conductivity owing to the possibility of ion conduction inside the micropores of approximately 1.5 nm make polymeric TDFP‐1 a favorable candidate as a supercapacitor electrode material. The electrochemical properties of this electrode material were measured through cyclic voltammetry, galvanic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the results indicate its potential for application in energy‐storage devices.
Metal–Phenolic Carbon Nanocomposites for Robust and Flexible Energy‐Storage Devices
Authors: Oh Jun Young , Jung Yeonsu , Cho Young Shik , Choi Jaeyoo , Youk Ji Ho , Fechler Nina , Yang Seung Jae , Park Chong Rae
Published: January 2017

Future electronics applications such as wearable electronics depend on the successful construction of energy‐storage devices with superior flexibility and high electrochemical performance. However, these prerequisites are challenging to combine: External forces often cause performance degradation, whereas the trade‐off between the required nanostructures for strength and electrochemical performance only results in diminished energy storage. Herein, a flexible supercapacitor based on tannic acid (TA) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a unique nanostructure is presented. TA was self‐assembled on the surface of the CNTs by metal–phenolic coordination bonds, which provides the hybrid film with both high strength and high pseudocapacitance. Besides 17‐fold increased mechanical strength of the final composite, the hybrid film simultaneously exhibits excellent flexibility and volumetric capacitance.
Langevin dynamcis simulations of driven polymer translocation into a cross‐linked gel
Authors: Sean David , Slater Gary W.
Published: January 2017

We investigate the dynamics of driving a polyelectrolyte such as DNA through a nanopore and into a cross‐linked gel. Placing the gel on the trans‐side of the nanopore can increase the translocation time while not negatively affecting the capture rates. Thus, this setup combines the mechanics of gel electrophoresis with nanopore translocation. However, contrary to typical gel electrophoresis scenarios, the effect of the field is localized in the immediate vicinity of the nanopore and becomes negligible inside the gel matrix. Thus, we investigate the process by which a semiflexible polymer can be pushed into a gel matrix via a localized field and we describe how the dynamics of gel penetration depends upon the field intensity, polymer stiffness, and gel pore size. Our simulation results show that a semiflexible polymer enters the gel region with two distinct mechanisms depending upon the ratio between the bending length scale and the gel pore size. In both regimes, the gel fibers cause a net increase in the mean translocation time. Interestingly, the translocation rate is found to be constant (a potentially useful feature for many applications) during the predominant part of the translocation process when the polymer is stiff over a length scale comparable to the gel pore size.
Comparison of three methods for analyzing loureirin B and human serum albumin interaction using capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Yuelin , Sha Yijie , Qian Kai , Chen Xu , Chen Qin
Published: January 2017

Loureirin B (LB), a bioactive drug, is widely used in the treatment of biological diseases. However, due to its poor solution in water, it is important to find the approach which helps LB to specific biological targets. As the most abundant protein in plasma, HSA plays the role of a carrier of numerous drug ligand. Thus, the interaction between LB and HSA was explored by ACE, CE frontal analysis, and pressure‐mediated ACE under simulated physiological conditions (pH 7.4). The binding constants were calculated as 13.14 × 104 L/mol, 7.00 × 104 L/mol, and 2.78 × 104 L/mol for each method, respectively. At the same time, the binding site number (n = 1.429) could be only calculated by the CE frontal analysis method. Furthermore, good experimental repeatability was obtained by pressure‐mediated ACE with RSDs for retention times and peak areas within 2.149 and 1.228, respectively.
Impact of ASD Traits on Treatment Outcomes of Eating Disorders in Girls
Authors: Stewart Catherine S. , McEwen Fiona S. , Konstantellou Anna , Eisler Ivan , Simic Mima
Published: January 2017

Evidence links high levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits in women with chronicity of anorexia nervosa. This study reports through clinical audit the impact of ASD traits on treatment outcomes of girls who were referred for treatment in a specialist eating disorder service. Presence of current, but not early childhood, ASD traits was elevated in comparison with previously reported community samples. Current ASD traits were correlated with emotional disorders and with need for treatment augmentation (psychiatric inpatient or day patient admission), but this relationship was not significant after the contribution of depression had been controlled for. There was no difference in Morgan Russell Outcomes at discharge for those with high and low current ASD traits. Parent‐reported ASD‐related developmental difficulties were associated with attenuated change in self‐reported cognitive symptoms of AN. This study highlights the need for further understanding of the aetiology, diagnostic significance and predictive utility for future relapse of elevated ASD traits in childhood eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Particle‐size evidence of barrier estuary regime as a new proxy for ENSO climate variability
Authors: Clarke David W. , Boyle John F. , Plater Andrew J.
Published: January 2017

We investigate a new proxy for ENSO climate variability based on particle‐size data from long‐term, coastal sediment records preserved in a barrier estuary setting. Corresponding ~4–8 year periodicities identified from Wavelet analysis of particle‐size data from Pescadero Marsh in Central Coast California and rainfall data from San Francisco reflect established ENSO periodicity, as further evidenced in the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI), and thus confirms an important ENSO control on both precipitation and barrier regime variability. Despite the fact that barrier estuary mean particle size is influenced by coastal erosion, precipitation and streamflow, balanced against barrier morphology and volume, it is encouraging that considerable correspondence can also be observed in the time series of MEI, regional rainfall and site‐based mean particle size over the period 1871–2008. This correspondence is, however, weakened after c.1970 by temporal variation in sedimentation rate and event‐based deposition. These confounding effects are more likely when: (i) accommodation space may be a limiting factor; and (ii) particularly strong El Niños, e.g. 1982/1983 and 1997/1998, deposit discrete >cm‐thick units during winter storms. The efficacy of the sediment record of climate variability appears not to be compromised by location within the back‐barrier setting, but it is limited to those El Niños that lead to barrier breakdown. For wider application of this particle size index of ENSO variability, it is important to establish a well‐resolved chronology and to sample the record at the appropriate interval to characterize deposition at a sub‐annual scale. Further, the sample site must be selected to limit the influence of decreasing accommodation space through time (infilling) and event‐based deposition. It is concluded that particle‐size data from back‐barrier sediment records have proven potential for preserving evidence of sub‐decadal climate variability, allowing researchers to explore temporal and spatial patterns in phenomena such as ENSO. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serpukhovian (Mississippian) foraminiferal zones from the Fenghuangshan section, Anhui Province, South China: implications for biostratigraphic correlations
Authors: Sheng Qingyi , Wang Xiangdong , Brenckle Paul , Huber Brian T.
Published: January 2017

In traditional Chinese Carboniferous zonal schemes, Serpukhovian foraminiferal zones were broadly defined by genera, long‐ranging species or local species, making it difficult to correlate to equivalent foraminiferal zones worldwide. The Serpukhovian Hezhou Formation at the Fenghuangshan section on the Lower Yangtze Platform was deposited in an open to restricted shallow‐water environment, in which foraminifers flourished. Four foraminiferal zones named for cosmopolitan species found in this formation are established. In ascending order, they are the Plectomillerella tortula Zone, Eostaffellina paraprotvae Zone, Bradyina cribrostomata Zone and Monotaxinoides transitorius Zone. These zones permit reasonable correlation of the regional Chinese Dewuan (Serpukhovian) Stage to regional Russian substages (Tarussian, Steshevian, Protvian and Zapaltjubian). Preliminary correlations are also proposed between the Dewuan Stage and western European regional Mississippian substages (late Brigantian, Pendleian and Arnsbergian) and Chesterian formations of the type Mississippian region in North America. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of maternal near miss and mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Maswime Salome , Buchmann Eckhart
Published: January 2017

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the principal direct cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Analysis of maternal near miss could increase understanding of survival among women with life‐threatening PPH.

Objectives

To determine the near‐miss ratio and maternal mortality index for PPH globally.

Search strategy

A prevalence systematic review was conducted of English‐language articles published from 1995 to 2014. Suitable articles were identified from the Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Grey Literature databases. The main search terms used were “maternal near‐miss” and “severe acute maternal morbidity.”

Selection criteria

Near‐miss studies and audits describing the severe maternal outcome rate for PPH were included.

Data collection and analysis

Data were extracted from eligible publications. Quantitative analysis and narrative synthesis were used.

Main results

For 26 included studies, the median near‐miss ratio for PPH was 3 per 1000 live births. The mortality index for PPH was 6.6% (range 0.0%–40.7%). The mortality index was highest in low‐income countries and lower middle‐income countries. Overall, PPH was the most frequent contributor to obstetric hemorrhage, with atonic uterus identified as the main cause.

Conclusions

Women in low‐income countries and lower middle‐income countries have an increased likelihood of severe PPH and of dying from PPH‐related consequences.
Levels of heavy metals and their binding protein metallothionein in type 2 diabetics with kidney disease
Authors: Raudenska Martina , Dvorakova Veronika , Pacal Lukas , Chalasova Katarina , Kratochvilova Monika , Gumulec Jaromir , Ruttkay‐Nedecky Branislav , Zitka Ondrej , Kankova Katerina , Adam Vojtech , Masarik Michal
Published: January 2017

Hyperglycemia, a major metabolic disturbance present in diabetes, promotes oxidative stress. Activation of antioxidant defense is an important mechanism to prevent cell damage. Levels of heavy metals and their binding proteins can contribute to oxidative stress. Antiradical capacity and levels of metallothionein (MT), metals (zinc and copper), and selected antioxidants (bilirubin, cysteine, and glutathione) were determined in 70 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects and 80 healthy subjects of Caucasian origin. Single nucleotide polymorphism (rs28366003) in MT gene was detected. Antiradical capacity, conjugated bilirubin, and copper were significantly increased in diabetics, whereas MT and glutathione were decreased. Genotype AA of rs28366003 was associated with higher zinc levels in the diabetic group. The studied parameters were not influenced by renal function. This is the first study comprehensively investigating differences in MT and metals relevant to oxidative stress in T2DM. Ascertained differences indicate increased oxidative stress in T2DM accompanied by abnormalities in non‐enzymatic antioxidant defense systems.
Orientation of the Mitotic Spindle in the Development of Tubular Organs
Authors: Zhong Tao , Zhou Jun
Published: January 2017

Formation of organs that consist primarily or exclusively of tubes is essential for metazoan development. Increasing evidence suggests that the morphogenesis and homeostasis of these tubular organs depend on proper orientation of the mitotic spindle during cell division. Consequently, improper spindle orientation can perturb spatial arrangement of daughter cells, resulting in congenital malformations or dysfunctions of tubular organs. Over the past decade, the association of spindle misorientation with brain diseases and cancer has been extensively studied. However, few studies have explored the effects of spindle misorientation on developmental disorders impacting tubular organs. Here, we examine and interpret recent literature that shows how tubular organ development relies on proper spindle orientation and discuss how defects in this cellular process are associated with the pathogenesis of tubular organ diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1630–1633, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized method for isolating highly purified and functional porcine aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Beigi Farideh , Patel Mitalben , Morales‐Garza Marco A. , Winebrenner Caitlin , Gobin Andrea S. , Chau Eric , Sampaio Luiz C. , Taylor Doris A.
Published: January 2017

Numerous protocols exist for isolating aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells from small animals. However, establishing a protocol for isolating pure cell populations from large animal vessels that are more elastic has been challenging. We developed a simple sequential enzymatic approach to isolate highly purified populations of porcine aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The lumen of a porcine aorta was filled with 25 U/ml dispase solution and incubated at 37°C to dissociate the endothelial cells. The smooth muscle cells were isolated by mincing the tunica media of the treated aorta and incubating the pieces in 0.2% and then 0.1% collagenase type I solution. The isolated endothelial cells stained positive for von Willebrand factor, and 97.2% of them expressed CD31. Early and late passage endothelial cells had a population doubling time of 38 hr and maintained a capacity to take up DiI‐Ac‐LDL and form tubes in Matrigel®. The isolated smooth muscle cells stained highly positive for alpha‐smooth muscle actin, and an impurities assessment showed that only 1.8% were endothelial cells. Population doubling time for the smooth muscle cells was ∼70 hr at passages 3 and 7; and the cells positively responded to endothelin‐1, as shown by a 66% increase in the intracellular calcium level. This simple protocol allows for the isolation of highly pure populations of endothelial and smooth muscle cells from porcine aorta that can survive continued passage in culture without losing functionality or becoming overgrown by fibroblasts.