bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of predispersal insect seed predation on the early life history stages of a rare cold sand-desert legume
Authors: Han Yi J. , Baskin Jerry M. , Tan Dun Y. , Baskin Carol C. , Wu Ming Y.
Published: February 2018

Seed predation by insects is common in seeds of Fabaceae (legume) species with physical dormancy (PY). However, the consequences of insect seed predation on the life history of legumes with PY have been little studied. In the largest genus of seed plants, Astragalus (Fabaceae), only one study has tested the effects of insect predation on germination, and none has tested it directly on seedling survival. Thus, we tested the effects of insect predation on seed germination and seedling growth and survival of Astragalus lehmannianus, a central Asian sand-desert endemic. Under laboratory conditions, seeds lightly predated in the natural habitat of this perennial legume germinated to a much higher percentage than intact seeds, and seedlings from predated and nonpredated seeds survived and grew about equally well. Further, in contrast to our prediction seedlings from predated seeds that germinated “out-of-season” under near-natural conditions in NW China survived over winter. The implication of our results is that individual plants from predated seeds that germinate early (in our case autumn) potentially have a fitness advantage over those from nonpredated seeds, which delay germination until spring of a subsequent year.
Rapid emergence of independent “chromosomal lineages” in silvered-leaf monkey triggered by Y/autosome translocation
Authors: Capozzi Oronzo , Stanyon Roscoe , Archidiacono Nicoletta , Ishida Takafumi , Romanenko Svetlana A. , Rocchi Mariano
Published: February 2018

Sex/autosome translocations are rare events. The only known example in catarrhines is in the silvered-leaf monkey. Here the Y chromosome was reciprocally translocated with chromosome 1. The rearrangement produced an X1X2Y1Y2 sex chromosome system. At least three chromosomal variants of the intact chromosome 1 are known to exist. We characterized in high resolution the translocation products (Y1 and Y2) and the polymorphic forms of the intact chromosome 1 with a panel of more than 150 human BAC clones. We showed that the translocation products were extremely rearranged, in contrast to the high level of marker order conservation of the other silvered-leaf monkey chromosomes. Surprisingly, each translocation product appeared to form independent “chromosome lineages”; each having a myriad of distinct rearrangements. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of the translocation products by comparing the homologous chromosomes of two other colobine species: the African mantled guereza and the Indian langur. The results showed a massive reuse of breakpoints: only 12, out of the 40 breaks occurred in domains never reused in other rearrangements, while, strikingly, some domains were used up to four times. Such frequent breakpoint reuse if proved to be a general phenomenon has profound implications for mechanisms of chromosome evolution.
Imaging of electrical activity in small diameter fibers of the murine peripheral nerve with virally-delivered GCaMP6f
Authors: Anderson Hans E. , Fontaine Arjun K. , Caldwell John H. , Weir Richard F.
Published: February 2018

Current neural interfaces are hampered by lack of specificity and selectivity for neural interrogation. A method that might improve these interfaces is an optical peripheral nerve interface which communicates with individual axons via optogenetic reporters. To determine the feasibility of such an interface, we delivered the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f to the mouse peripheral nerve by intramuscular injection of adenoassociated viral vector (AAV1) under the control of the CAG (chicken beta actin- cytomegalovirus hybrid promoter). Small diameter axons in the common peroneal nerve were transduced and demonstrated electrically inducible calcium transients ex vivo. Responses to single electrical stimuli were resolvable, and increasing the number of stimuli resulted in a monotonic increase in maximum fluorescence and a prolongation of calcium transient kinetics. This work demonstrates the viability of using a virally-delivered, genetically-encoded calcium indicator to read-out from peripheral nerve axons.
Vesicle-based secretion in schistosomes: Analysis of protein and microRNA (miRNA) content of exosome-like vesicles derived from Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Samoil Vitalie , Dagenais Maude , Ganapathy Vinupriya , Aldridge Jerry , Glebov Anastasia , Jardim Armando , Ribeiro Paula
Published: February 2018

Exosomes are small vesicles of endocytic origin, which are released into the extracellular environment and mediate a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Here we show that Schistosoma mansoni releases exosome-like vesicles in vitro. Vesicles were purified from culture medium by sucrose gradient fractionation and fractions containing vesicles verified by western blot analyses and electron microscopy. Proteomic analyses of exosomal contents unveiled 130 schistosome proteins. Among these proteins are common exosomal markers such as heat shock proteins, energy-generating enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, and others. In addition, the schistosome extracellular vesicles contain proteins of potential importance for host-parasite interaction, notably peptidases, signaling proteins, cell adhesion proteins (e.g., integrins) and previously described vaccine candidates, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), tetraspanin (TSP-2) and calpain. S. mansoni exosomes also contain 143 microRNAs (miRNA), of which 25 are present at high levels, including miRNAs detected in sera of infected hosts. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the presence of schistosome-derived miRNAs in exosomes purified from infected mouse sera. The results provide evidence of vesicle-mediated secretion in these parasites and suggest that schistosome-derived exosomes could play important roles in host-parasite interactions and could be a useful tool in the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
Small molecule metabolite biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus diagnosis
Authors: Tan Weifeng , He Jingquan , Deng Junliang , Yang Xinwei , Cui Longjiu , Ran Rongzheng , Du Guangwei , Jiang Xiaoqing
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is a malignant disease. The most commonly used diagnosis methods for BDTT are MRCP/ERCP, ultrasonic diagnosis or CT scan. However, BDTT is often misdiagnosed as other bile duct diseases, such as extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC), choledochal cyst (Cyst) and common bile duct stone (Stone). Diagnostic methods, which are more accurate and less destructive, are urgently needed. In this paper, we analyzed the small molecule metabolites in the serum of BDTT, Stone, Cyst and EHCC patients and normal people using untargeted GC-MS, and identified 21 metabolites that show different levels among different samples. Using targeted UHPLC-QQQ-MS analysis, we found that several metabolites are significantly changed. ROC curve analysis revealed two metabolites, L-citrulline and D-aspartic acid, as potential biomarkers that can distinguish BDTT from other bile duct diseases.
Genomic Variants in NEURL, GJA1 and CUX2 Significantly Increase Genetic Susceptibility to Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Pengxia , Qin Weixi , Wang Pengyun , Huang Yufeng , Liu Ying , Zhang Rongfeng , Li Sisi , Yang Qin , Wang Xiaojing , Chen Feifei , Liu Jingqiu , Yang Bo , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yuhua , Wu Yanxia , Ke Tie , Tu Xin , Ren Xiang , Yang Yanzong , Xia Yunlong , Luo Xiaoping , Liu Mugen , Li He , Liu Jingyu , Xiao Yi , Chen Qiuyun , Xu Chengqi , Wang Qing K.
Published: February 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. In 2014, two new meta-GWAS identified 5 AF loci, including the NEURL locus, GJA1 locus, CAND2 locus, and TBX5 locus in the European ancestry populations and the NEURL locus and CUX2 locus in a Japanese population. The TBX5 locus for AF was reported by us in 2013 in the Chinese population. Here we assessed the association between AF and SNPs in the NEURL, GJA1, CAND2 and CUX2 loci in the Chinese Han population. We carried out a large case-control association study with 1,164 AF patients and 1,460 controls. Significant allelic and genotypic associations were identified between NEURL variant rs6584555 and GJA1 variant rs13216675 and AF. Significant genotypic association was found between CUX2 SNP rs6490029 and AF. No association was found between CAND2 variant rs4642101 and AF, which may be due to an insufficient power of the sample size for rs4642101. Together with our previous findings, seven of fifteen AF loci (<50%) identified by GWAS in the European ancestry populations conferred susceptibility to AF in the Chinese population, and explained approximately 14.5% of AF heritability. On the other hand, two AF loci identified in the Japanese population were both replicated in the Chinese population.
Gray and white matter integrity influence TMS signal propagation: a multimodal evaluation in cocaine-dependent individuals
Authors: Kearney-Ramos Tonisha E. , Lench Daniel H. , Hoffman Michaela , Correia Brittany , Dowdle Logan T. , Hanlon Colleen A.
Published: February 2018

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can stimulate cortical and subcortical brain regions. However, in order to reach subcortical targets, intact monosynaptic connections are required. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the contribution of white matter integrity and gray matter volume to frontal pole TMS-evoked striatal activity in a large cohort of chronic cocaine users. 49 cocaine users received single pulses of TMS to the frontal pole while BOLD data were acquired – a technique known as interleaved TMS/fMRI. Diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based morphometry were used to quantify white matter integrity and gray matter volume (GMV), respectively. Stepwise regression was used to evaluate the contribution of clinical and demographic variables to TMS-evoked BOLD. Consistent with previous studies, frontal pole TMS evoked activity in striatum and salience circuitry. The size of the TMS-evoked response was related to fractional anisotropy between the frontal pole and putamen and GMV in the left frontal pole and left ACC. This is the first study to demonstrate that the effect of TMS on subcortical activity is dependent upon the structural integrity of the brain. These data suggest that these structural neuroimaging data types are biomarkers for TMS-induced mobilization of the striatum.
Identification and characterization of SSE15206, a microtubule depolymerizing agent that overcomes multidrug resistance
Authors: Manzoor Safia , Bilal Aishah , Khan Sardraz , Ullah Rahim , Iftikhar Sunniya , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Alazmi Meshari , Gao Xin , Jawaid Ali , Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Faisal Amir
Published: February 2018

Microtubules are highly dynamic structures that form spindle fibres during mitosis and are one of the most validated cancer targets. The success of drugs targeting microtubules, however, is often limited by the development of multidrug resistance. Here we describe the discovery and characterization of SSE15206, a pyrazolinethioamide derivative [3-phenyl-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide] that has potent antiproliferative activities in cancer cell lines of different origins and overcomes resistance to microtubule-targeting agents. Treatment of cells with SSE15206 causes aberrant mitosis resulting in G2/M arrest due to incomplete spindle formation, a phenotype often associated with drugs that interfere with microtubule dynamics. SSE15206 inhibits microtubule polymerization both in biochemical and cellular assays by binding to colchicine site in tubulin as shown by docking and competition studies. Prolonged treatment of cells with the compound results in apoptotic cell death [increased Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and Annexin V/PI staining] accompanied by p53 induction. More importantly, we demonstrate that SSE15206 is able to overcome resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in different cancer cell lines including multidrug-resistant KB-V1 and A2780-Pac-Res cell lines overexpressing MDR-1, making it a promising hit for the lead optimization studies to target multidrug resistance.
Comparative transcriptomics with self-organizing map reveals cryptic photosynthetic differences between two accessions of North American Lake cress
Authors: Nakayama Hokuto , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Okegawa Yuki , Kaminoyama Kaori , Fujie Manabu , Ichihashi Yasunori , Kurata Tetsuya , Motohashi Ken , Al-Shehbaz Ihsan , Sinha Neelima , Kimura Seisuke
Published: February 2018

Because natural variation in wild species is likely the result of local adaptation, it provides a valuable resource for understanding plant-environmental interactions. Rorippa aquatica (Brassicaceae) is a semi-aquatic North American plant with morphological differences between several accessions, but little information available on any physiological differences. Here, we surveyed the transcriptomes of two R. aquatica accessions and identified cryptic physiological differences between them. We first reconstructed a Rorippa phylogeny to confirm relationships between the accessions. We performed large-scale RNA-seq and de novo assembly; the resulting 87,754 unigenes were then annotated via comparisons to different databases. Between-accession physiological variation was identified with transcriptomes from both accessions. Transcriptome data were analyzed with principal component analysis and self-organizing map. Results of analyses suggested that photosynthetic capability differs between the accessions. Indeed, physiological experiments revealed between-accession variation in electron transport rate and the redox state of the plastoquinone pool. These results indicated that one accession may have adapted to differences in temperature or length of the growing season.
Ultrafast electron-phonon coupling and photo-induced strain in the morphotropic phase boundary of BixDy1−xFeO3 films
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , You Lu , Du Juan , Wang Junling , Jin Zuanming , Ma Guohong , Leng Yuxin
Published: February 2018

The interplay among ferroelectric, magnetic and elastic degrees of freedom in multiferroics is the key issues in condensed matters, which has been widely investigated by various methods. Here, using ultrafast two-color pump-probe spectroscopy, the picosecond electron-phonon and spin-lattice coupling process in Dysprosium doped-BiFeO3 (BDFO) films on SrTiO3 (STO) substrate have been investigated systematically. The Dy-doping induced structural transition and magnetic enhancement in BDFO is observed by ultrafast electron-phonon and spin-lattice interaction, respectively. The elastic anomalies in BDFO films are revealed by the photo-induced coherent acoustic phonon. With increasing the Dy doping ratio, the frequencies of the acoustic phonon in the films are modulated, and the phonon transmission coefficient between films and substrate is found to approach unity gradually. The ultrafast observation of the tunability of the ferroelectric, magnetic and the elastic properties in the morphotropic phase boundary of rare-earth doped BFO films provides new insights into the integration of BFO in next-generation high frequency electro-magnetic and electroacoustic devices.
Elements of the complete blood count associated with cardiovascular disease incidence: Findings from the EPIC-NL cohort study
Authors: Lassale Camille , Curtis Alyscia , Abete Itziar , van der Schouw Yvonne. T. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Lu Yunxia , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. B.
Published: February 2018

All blood cells (white blood cells [WBC], red blood cells [RBC] and platelets) can play a role in atherosclerosis. Complete blood count (CBC) is widely available in clinical practice but utility as potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain. Our aim was to assess the associations of pre-diagnostic CBC with incidence of CVD in 14,362 adults free of CVD and aged 47.8 (±11.7) years at baseline, followed-up for 11.4 years (992 incident cases). Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to estimate HRs and 95%CI. Comparing the top (T3) to bottom (T1) tertile, increased total WBC, lymphocyte, monocyte and neutrophil counts were associated with higher CVD risk: 1.31 (1.10; 1.55), 1.20 (1.02; 1.41), 1.21 (1.03; 1.41) and 1.24 (1.05; 1.47), as well as mean corpuscular volume (MCV: 1.23 [1.04; 1.46]) and red cell distribution width (RDW: 1.22 [1.03; 1.44]). Platelets displayed an association for count values above the clinically normal range: 1.49 (1.00; 2.22). To conclude, total and differential WBC count, MCV, RDW and platelet count likely play a role in the aetiology of CVD but only WBC provide a modest improvement for the prediction of 10-year CVD risk over traditional CVD risk factors in a general population.
Silencing SlMED18, tomato Mediator subunit 18 gene, restricts internode elongation and leaf expansion
Authors: Wang Yunshu , Hu Zongli , Zhang Jianling , Yu XiaoHui , Guo Jun-E. , Liang Honglian , Liao Changguang , Chen Guoping
Published: February 2018

Mediator complex, a conserved multi-protein, is necessary for controlling RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription in eukaryotes. Given little is known about them in tomato, a tomato Mediator subunit 18 gene was isolated and named SlMED18. To further explore the function of SlMED18, the transgenic tomato plants targeting SlMED18 by RNAi-mediated gene silencing were generated. The SlMED18-RNAi lines exhibited multiple developmental defects, including smaller size and slower growth rate of plant and significantly smaller compound leaves. The contents of endogenous bioactive GA3 in SlMED18 silenced lines were slightly less than that in wild type. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis indicated that expression of gibberellins biosynthesis genes such as SlGACPS and SlGA20x2, auxin transport genes (PIN1, PIN4, LAX1 and LAX2) and several key regulators, KNOX1, KNOX2, PHAN and LANCEOLATE(LA), which involved in the leaf morphogenesis were significantly down-regulated in SlMED18-RNAi lines. These results illustrated that SlMED18 plays an essential role in regulating plant internode elongation and leaf expansion in tomato plants and it acts as a key positive regulator of gibberellins biosynthesis and signal transduction as well as auxin proper transport signalling. These findings are the basis for understanding the function of the individual Mediator subunits in tomato.
Matched case-control study of the influence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms on avian influenza outbreaks in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Yumiko , Hayama Yoko , Yamamoto Takehisa , Murai Kiyokazu , Tsutsui Toshiyuki
Published: February 2018

To successfully control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), understanding the risk factors related to the incursion of the virus into poultry farms is essential. In this study, we focused on the presence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms as a potential risk factor of incursion of the virus. To evaluate the influence of inland waters surrounding poultry farms on HPAI outbreaks in Japan, a simple matched case-control study was conducted. The results of the conditional regression analyses indicated that the number of farms with neighbouring inland waters was significantly high among the affected farms during the 2016–2017 outbreak period. These results provide good grounds for strengthening biosecurity management at farms located near inland waters.
Clinical analysis of peri-operative hidden blood loss of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated by unreamed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation
Authors: Li Bohua , Li Jun , Wang Shanxi , Liu Lei
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to quantify the peri-operative blood loss of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated by unreamed proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and analyze whether the substantial hidden blood loss was induced by initial trauma or the operation. The clinical data of 123 patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated with unreamed PFNA from Jan 2013 to Apr 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Blood routine on admission day (ADM), pre-operative day one (PRE), post-operative days one and three (POD1 and POD3) and the visible blood loss (VBL) were obtained. The total blood loss (TBL) from ADM to POD1 and POD3 were 693.5 ± 359.6 ml and 863.8 ± 429.9 ml, of which the corresponding hidden blood loss (HBL) was 86.8% and 89.4% respectively. The mean TBL and HBL from ADM to PRE (375.5 ± 242.0 ml, 375.5 ± 242.0 ml) were higher than that from PRE to POD1 (318.0 ± 183.4 ml, 226.5 ± 163.2 ml), p < 0.001 respectively. There was no significant difference between HBL from ADM to PRE and HBL from PRE to POD3 (375.5 ± 242.0 ml, 396.7 ± 254.0 ml, p = 0.361). The majority of peri-operative HBL occurred before surgery, it was mainly associated with the initial trauma rather than the operation.
Catalytic coupling of biomass-derived aldehydes into intermediates for biofuels and materials
Authors: Zang Hongjun , Wang Kang , Zhang Mingchuan , Xie Ruirui , Wang Lu , Chen Eugene Y.-X.
Published: February 2018

Catalytic upgrading of biomass-based aldehydes into chain-extended intermediates for downstream applications in biofuels, fine chemicals, and renewable materials, is reviewed.
Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction, LC-MS/MS analysis and radiomodulating capability of autochthonous Italian sweet cherry fruits
Authors: Piccolella Simona , Crescente Giuseppina , Nocera Paola , Pacifico Francesca , Manti Lorenzo , Pacifico Severina
Published: February 2018

A ready-to-use functional food from cherry fruits exerts radiomodulating capabilities.
Density functional theory calculations for evaluation of phosphorene as a potential anode material for magnesium batteries
Authors: Han Xinpeng , Liu Cheng , Sun Jie , Sendek Austin D. , Yang Wensheng
Published: February 2018

Phosphorene adsorbs Mg to form a stable product MgP2, delivering a theoretical specific capacity of 865 mA h g−1.
Comparing the role of annealing on the transport properties of polymorphous AgBiSe2 and monophase AgSbSe2
Authors: Zou Minmin , Liu Qing , Wu Chao-Feng , Wei Tian-Ran , Tan Qing , Li Jing-Feng , Chen Fei
Published: February 2018

Annealing treatment has different impact on the transport properties of polymorphous AgBiSe2 and monophase AgSbSe2.
Characterizing the binding interaction of astilbin with bovine serum albumin: a spectroscopic study in combination with molecular docking technology
Authors: Liu Jianli , He Yonglin , Liu Dan , He Yin , Tang Zhipeng , Lou Hong , Huo Yapeng , Cao Xiangyu
Published: February 2018

The interaction of astilbin with bovine serum albumin was confirmed by multi-spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking methods.
Influence of a Lewis acid and a Brønsted acid on the conversion of microcrystalline cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in a single-phase reaction system of water and 1,2-dimethoxyethane
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wang Shurong , Lin Haizhou , Chen Jingping , Xu Hao
Published: February 2018

An advanced single-phase reaction system consisting of water–DMOE solvent, AlCl3 and H3PO4 for high-efficiency HMF production from cellulose.
Macrocyclic poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s by ring expansion metathesis polymerisation and their characterisation by single-molecule spectroscopy
Authors: Lidster Benjamin John , Hirata Shuzo , Matsuda Shoki , Yamamoto Takuya , Komanduri Venukrishnan , Kumar Dharam Raj , Tezuka Yasuyuki , Vacha Martin , Turner Michael L.
Published: February 2018

Ring expansion metathesis polymerisation (REMP) has proven to be a viable approach to prepare high purity macrocyclic phenylenevinylene polymers.
Room temperature olefination of methane with titanium–carbon multiple bonds
Authors: Kurogi Takashi , Won Joonghee , Park Bohyun , Trofymchuk Oleksandra S. , Carroll Patrick J. , Baik Mu-Hyun , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: February 2018

C–H activation of methane followed by dehydrocoupling at room temperature led ultimately to the formation of the olefin H2CCHtBu via the addition of redox-active ligands (L) such as thioxanthone or 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) to (PNP)TiCHtBu(CH3) (1).
Synergistic interfacial effects of ionic liquids as sizing agents and surface modified carbon fibers
Authors: Eyckens Daniel J. , Servinis Linden , Scheffler Christina , Wölfel Enrico , Demir Baris , Walsh Tiffany R. , Henderson Luke C.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents investigations into the use of ionic liquids as sizing agents for carbon fibers in epoxy matrices.
Li0.33La0.557TiO3 ceramic nanofiber-enhanced polyethylene oxide-based composite polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Zhu Pei , Yan Chaoyi , Dirican Mahmut , Zhu Jiadeng , Zang Jun , Selvan R. Kalai , Chung Ching-Chang , Jia Hao , Li Ya , Kiyak Yasar , Wu Nianqiang , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: February 2018

A polyethylene oxide-based composite solid polymer electrolyte filled with one-dimensional ceramic Li0.33La0.557TiO3 nanofibers was designed and prepared.
A NIR rhodamine fluorescent chemodosimeter specific for glutathione: Knoevenagel condensation, detection of intracellular glutathione and living cell imaging
Authors: Tong Lulu , Qian Ying
Published: February 2018

A new near-infrared probe for detecting glutathione based on conjugate addition and intramolecular amino induced spirolactam opening named RhAN was designed and synthesized. Its emission intensity enhance more than 90-fold upon addition of GSH. In addition, it also has high sensitivity with low detection limit of 0.1 μM.
An overview of metamaterials and their achievements in wireless power transfer
Authors: Sun Kai , Fan Runhua , Zhang Xihua , Zhang Zidong , Shi Zhicheng , Wang Ning , Xie Peitao , Wang Zhongyang , Fan Guohua , Liu Hu , Liu Chuntai , Li Tingxi , Yan Chao , Guo Zhanhu
Published: February 2018

The schematic of metamaterials applied in wireless power transfer.
An elastomer for epidermal electronics with adjustable adhesion force and stretchability obtained via a reverse-micelle-induced process
Authors: Kim Junhyung , Hwang Yujin , Jeong Sunho , Lee Su Yeon , Choi Youngmin , Jung Sungmook
Published: February 2018

A reverse-micelle-induced process for the filler–matrix composites proposed in this study can form and arrange the spots where the fillers are locally concentrated in the composite.
Polyoxometalates covalently combined with graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Zhao Shen , Zhao Xu , Ouyang Shuxin , Zhu Yongfa
Published: February 2018

The polyoxometalate (POM) cluster [SiW11O39]8− (SiW11) with photoreductive ability has been successfully covalently combined with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) through the organic linker strategy.
Cobalt lactate complex as a hole cocatalyst for significantly enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity over CdS nanorods
Authors: Wang Lu , Xu Nan , Pan Xiaoyang , He Yishan , Wang Xuxu , Su Wenyue
Published: February 2018

A cobalt lactate complex has been prepared in situ, which works as a molecular cocatalyst accelerating hole transfer for the enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution activity of CdS.
Sulphur tolerance of Au-modified Ni/GDC during catalytic methane steam reforming
Authors: Sapountzi F. M. , Zhao C. , Boréave A. , Retailleau-Mevel L. , Niakolas D. , Neofytidis C. , Vernoux P.
Published: February 2018

Au doping and high calcination temperatures improve the sulphur tolerance of Ni/GDC, a potential SOFC anode.
Bistable electrical switching and nonvolatile memory effects by doping different amounts of GO in poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)
Authors: Xin Ying , Zhao Xiaofeng , Jiang Xiankai , Yang Qun , Huang Jiahe , Wang Shuhong , Zheng Rongrong , Wang Cheng , Hou Yanjun
Published: February 2018

The device shows different conductive behavior: electric bistable nonvolatile flash memory behavior and conductor behavior.
Synthesis, characterization and olefin polymerization behaviors of phenylene-bridged bis-β-carbonylenamine binuclear titanium complexes
Authors: Luo Derong , Zeng Yi , Chen Xiong , Xia Ping , Xie Guangyong , You Qingliang , Zhang Li , Li Tingcheng , Li Xiangdan , Zhang Aiqing
Published: February 2018

Phenyl-bridged bis-β-carbonylenamine binuclear titanium complexes were synthesized, characterized and used to catalyze ethylene (co)polymerization with extremely high activity.
A coumarin Schiff's base two-photon fluorescent probe for hypochlorite in living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Wang Kangnan , Sun Pengzhen , Chao Xijuan , Cao Duxia , Mao Zongwan , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: February 2018

A coumarin Schiff's base compound can selectively recognize ClO− and can be successfully applied to the detection of ClO− in living cells and zebrafish by one- and two-photon fluorescence modes.
Structural and electronic properties of hydrogenated GaBi and InBi honeycomb monolayers with point defects
Authors: Zhang Yunzhen , Ye Han , Yu Zhongyuan , Gao Han , Liu Yumin
Published: February 2018

Vacancies, antisites and Stone–Wales defects in H2-Ga(In)Bi monolayer are investigated using first-principles calculations.
Chemical reaction characteristics, structural transformation and electrochemical performances of new cathode LiVPO4F/C synthesized by a novel one-step method for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Qiyuan , Wen Zheng , Fan Changling , Zeng Taotao , Han Shaochang
Published: February 2018

Uniform LiVPO4F/C primary particles and lattice coated with carbon layer forms at 800 °C. Larger impurity Li3V2(PO4)3/C particles are generated at 850 °C.
Generalised Marcus theory for multi-molecular delocalised charge transfer
Authors: Taylor Natasha B. , Kassal Ivan
Published: February 2018

Transfer of charges delocalised over multiple molecules can be described using the properties of the component molecules.
Photoirradiation-generated radicals in two-component supramolecular gel for polymerization
Authors: Jiang Hejin , Jin Qingxian , Li Jing , Chen Shuyu , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: February 2018

A supramolecular gel has been obtained and radicals have been generated in situ by photo-irradiation in the gel for polymerizations.
Metal–organic framework technologies for water remediation: towards a sustainable ecosystem
Authors: Mon Marta , Bruno Rosaria , Ferrando-Soria Jesus , Armentano Donatella , Pardo Emilio
Published: February 2018

Having access to clean water is a mandatory requirement for the proper development of living beings.
A cellular/intranuclear dual-targeting nanoplatform based on gold nanostar for accurate tumor photothermal therapy
Authors: Chen Si , Fan Jinxuan , Qiu Wenxiu , Liu Fan , Yan Guoping , Zeng Xuan , Zhang Xianzheng
Published: February 2018

A versatile GNS-NLS@HA nanoplatform was constructed for tumor cellular/intranuclear dual-targeting photothermal therapy. It displayed excellent tumor inhibition efficiency as well as anti-metastasis ability in vivo.
Markov decision‐based optimisation on bundle size for satellite disruption/delay‐tolerant network links
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Ye , Yuan Peng , Yang Zhihua
Published: February 2018

In a satellite disruption/delay‐tolerant network, bundle delivery is obviously affected by time‐varying parameters, i.e. bit error rate and propagation latency, due to constantly changing distance and connectivity between paired orbital nodes. The authors proposed a Markov decision‐based optimisation approach for bundle size, which could efficiently improve the expected time of delivery over a dynamic two‐hop inter‐satellite link. In particular, a group of optimal bundle sizes are adaptively selected according to current distance‐dependent channel parameters, leading to a full utilisation on intermediate node's memory. The simulation results verified the proposed method under different conditions with comparison.
Expandable two‐channel LED driver with galvanic isolation and automatic current balance
Authors: Hwu Kuo‐Ing , Jiang Wen‐Zhuang
Published: February 2018

Here, applying the coupled inductor and the capacitor to the isolated light‐emitting diode (LED) driving circuit is studied, and hence an isolated two‐channel LED driver featuring automatic current balance and zero dc magnetising inductance current is presented. In the proposed LED driver, each winding of the transformer has a capacitor connected in series. Therefore, the dc magnetising inductance current is zero, and hence the entire core B–H curve loop can be utilised, which can lower the core size. Moreover, due to the capacitor on the secondary side, the LED currents can be balanced naturally. The two‐channel isolated LED driver can be extended to a multi‐channel LED driver without increasing the output voltage. Therefore, the duty cycle of the multi‐channel LED driver is determined by the sum of the voltages of two LED strings. Finally, the detailed theoretical analyses and experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed LED driver.
Efficient PV‐grid system integration with PV‐voltage‐source converter reactive power support
Authors: Samir Ammar , Taha Mohamed , Sayed Mahmud Muhammad , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: February 2018

In this work, a complete model for the integration between the Photovoltaic Distributed Generation System (PV‐DGS) and the utility grid is simulated by MATLAB/SIMULINK. The aims of this study are to provide active power of a given feeder and to improve the output power quality from the PV‐DGS unit. To achieve these aims, Two PV‐arrays with total power yield equal to 200 KW are modeled. The maximum power point tracking based on the perturb and observe technique is used to control the DC‐DC converter. The voltage source converter is controlled to allow the system to operate in different modes. These modes are the unity output power factor and the reactive power compensation. Different control techniques have been applied including the conventional PI controller as well as the intelligent optimization tuning. A complete comparison between both techniques has been introduced and analyzed.
Accumulation and seasonal variation of toxic and trace elements in tissues of Cyprinus carpio from semi-intensive aquaculture ponds
Authors: Dulić Zorka , Živić Ivana , Pergal Marija , Živić Miroslav , Stanković Marko , Manojlović Dragan , Marković Zoran
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the accumulation and seasonal variations of 20 toxic and trace elements in the abdominal and dorsal muscle (DM), liver and gut contents (GCs) of Cyprinus carpio, and in the sediments and zooplankton from semi-intensive aquaculture ponds during a six-month production season (from May to October). Sediments showed the highest concentrations of the measured elements, followed by zooplankton, fish GCs and livers, while the lowest levels were present in fish muscles. Correspondence analysis revealed that the elemental composition of the fish GCs was mostly similar to that of the sediment and zooplankton. The element concentrations of carp liver and muscles were more similar to each other. Overall, the results indicate that fish liver was the main target organ accumulating Cu, Se and Zn, regardless of their initial amounts in the environment. A seasonal decrease of a range of elements in fish liver (Al, Co, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr) was evident towards the end of the investigation period. In addition, the fish DM showed a seasonal accumulation of Sr and Li. However, toxic elements i.e. As, B, Ba Hg and V did not show such a seasonal variation, and were evenly distributed between fish liver and muscles. The concentrations of some elements, such as As, in fish tissues were similar or even higher than in literature data from polluted sites, but none of them exceeded the maximum acceptable concentrations prescribed by Serbian legislation or by FAO or EU regulation.
Impact of subsampling and tree depth on random forests
Authors: Duroux Roxane , Scornet Erwan
Published: February 2018

Random forests are ensemble learning methods introduced by Breiman [Mach. Learn. 45 (2001) 5–32] that operate by averaging several decision trees built on a randomly selected subspace of the data set. Despite their widespread use in practice, the respective roles of the different mechanisms at work in Breiman’s forests are not yet fully understood, neither is the tuning of the corresponding parameters. In this paper, we study the influence of two parameters, namely the subsampling rate and the tree depth, on Breiman’s forests performance. More precisely, we prove that quantile forests (a specific type of random forests) based on subsampling and quantile forests whose tree construction is terminated early have similar performances, as long as their respective parameters (subsampling rate and tree depth) are well chosen. Moreover, experiments show that a proper tuning of these parameters leads in most cases to an improvement of Breiman’s original forests in terms of mean squared error.
Multi-station basis for Polar Cap (PC) indices: ensuring credibility and operational reliability
Authors: Stauning Peter
Published: February 2018

The Polar Cap (PC) indices, PCN (North) and PCS (South) are based on polar geomagnetic observations from Qaanaaq (Thule) and Vostok, respectively, processed to measure the transpolar plasma convection that may seriously affect space weather conditions. To establish reliable space weather forecasts based on PC indices, and also to ensure credibility of their use for scientific analyses of solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, additional sources of data for the PC indices are investigated. In the search for alternative index sources, objective quality criteria are established here to be used for the selection among potential candidates. These criteria are applied to existing PC index series to establish a quality scale. In the Canadian region, the data from Resolute Bay magnetometer are shown to provide alternative PCN indices of adequate quality. In Antarctica, the data from Concordia Dome-C observatory are shown to provide basis for alternative PCS indices. In examples to document the usefulness of these alternative index sources it is shown that PCN indices in a real-time version based on magnetometer data from Resolute Bay could have given 6 h of early warning, of which the last 2 h were “red alert”, up to the onset of the strong substorm event on 13 March 1989 that caused power outage in Quebec. The alternative PCS indices based on data from Dome-C have helped to disclose that presently available Vostok-based PCS index values are corrupted throughout most of 2011.
Halo coronal mass ejections during Solar Cycle 24: reconstruction of the global scenario and geoeffectiveness
Authors: Scolini Camilla , Messerotti Mauro , Poedts Stefaan , Rodriguez Luciano
Published: February 2018

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs),  in particular Earth-directed ones, are regarded as the main drivers of geomagnetic activity. In this study, we present a statistical analysis of a set of 53 fast (V ≥ 1000 km·s−1) Earth-directed halo CMEs observed by the SOHO/LASCO instrument during the period Jan. 2009–Sep. 2015, and we then use this CME sample to test the forecasting capabilities of a new Sun-to-Earth prediction scheme for the geoeffectiveness of Earth-directed halo CMEs. First, we investigate the CME association with other solar activity features such as solar flares, active regions, and others, by means of multi-instrument observations of the solar magnetic and plasma properties, with the final aim of identifying recurrent peculiar features that can be used as precursors of CME-driven geomagnetic storms. Second, using coronagraphic images to derive the CME kinematical properties at 0.1 AU, we propagate the events to 1 AU by means of 3D global MHD simulations. In particular, we use the WSA-ENLIL+Cone model to reconstruct the propagation and global evolution of each event up to their arrival at Earth, where simulation results are compared with interplanetary CME (ICME) in-situ signatures. We then use simulation outputs upstream of Earth to predict their impact on geospace. By applying the pressure balance condition at the magnetopause and the coupling function proposed by Newell et al. [J Geophys Res: Space Phys 113 (2008)] to link upstream solar wind properties to the global Kp index, we estimate the expected magnetospheric compression and geomagnetic activity level, and compare our predictions with global data records. The analysis indicates that 82% of the fast Earth-directed halo CMEs arrived at Earth within the next 4 days. Almost the totality of them compressed the magnetopause below geosynchronous orbits and triggered a minor or major geomagnetic storm afterwards. Among them, complex sunspot-rich active regions associated with X- and M-class flares are the most favourable configurations from which geoeffective CMEs originate. The analysis of related Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events shows that 74% of the CMEs associated with major SEPs were geoeffective, i.e. they triggered a minor to intense geomagnetic storm (Kp ≥ 5). Moreover, the SEP production is enhanced in the case of fast and interacting CMEs. In this work we present a first attempt at applying a Sun-to-Earth geoeffectiveness prediction scheme − based on 3D simulations and solar wind-geomagnetic activity coupling functions − to a statistical set of fast Earth-directed, potentially geoeffective halo CMEs. The results of the prediction scheme are promising and in good agreement with the actual data records for geomagnetic activity. However, we point out the need for future studies performing a fine-tuning of the prediction scheme, in particular in terms of the evaluation of the CME input parameters and the modelling of their internal magnetic structure.
Compressed gas combined single- and two-stage light-gas gun
Authors: Lamberson L. E. , Boettcher P. A.
Published: February 2018

With more than 1 trillion artificial objects smaller than 1 μm in low and geostationary Earth orbit, space assets are subject to the constant threat of space debris impact. These collisions occur at hypervelocity or speeds greater than 3 km/s. In order to characterize material behavior under this extreme event as well as study next-generation materials for space exploration, this paper presents a unique two-stage light-gas gun capable of replicating hypervelocity impacts. While a limited number of these types of facilities exist, they typically are extremely large and can be costly and dangerous to operate. The design presented in this paper is novel in two distinct ways. First, it does not use a form of combustion in the first stage. The projectile is accelerated from a pressure differential using air and inert gases (or purely inert gases), firing a projectile in a nominal range of 1–4 km/s. Second, the design is modular in that the first stage sits on a track sled and can be pulled back and used in itself to study lower speed impacts without any further modifications, with the first stage piston as the impactor. The modularity of the instrument allows the ability to investigate three orders of magnitude of impact velocities or between 101 and 103 m/s in a single, relatively small, cost effective instrument.
1952 physics model describes feather bud formation observed in vitro
Authors: Fillmore Randolph
Published: February 2018

Researchers investigate role of boundaries and self-organizing processes in feather bud formation.
Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 antagonism prevents experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Di Gennaro Antonio , Araújo Ana Carolina , Busch Albert , Jin Hong , Wågsäter Dick , Vorkapic Emina , Caidahl Kenneth , Eriksson Per , Samuelsson Bengt , Maegdefessel Lars , Haeggström Jesper Z.
Published: February 2018

Significance

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cys-LTs) are lipid mediators involved in human inflammatory diseases, in particular asthma. We have previously identified cys-LTs in tissue specimens of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and linked these mediators to increased metalloproteinase activity. Here we show in vivo that antagonism of the CysLT1 receptor by montelukast, an established antiasthma drug, protects against aneurysm in three mouse models of AAA at doses comparable to human medical practice. Together, these data support the role of cys-LTs in AAA and indicate a new potential therapeutic approach for treatment of this clinically silent and highly lethal disease.
The concept of complimenting in light of the Moore language in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Mahamadou
Published: February 2018

This paper sheds light on the concept of complimenting, based on its practice in the Moore language spoken in Burkina Faso, West Africa. It revisits Holmes’ (1986) definition of “compliments” and proposes a model which gives new insight into the concept of complimenting behaviour across languages and cultures. The proposed model may have implications for our understanding of politeness strategies as proposed by Brown and Levinson (1987), particularly with the urge to integrate third person in the model, as a close examination of data from Moore would suggest. The data analyzed were collected in naturally occurring discourse.
Taboo effects at the syntactic level
Authors: Pizarro Pedraza Andrea , De Cock Barbara
Published: February 2018

This paper analyses the linguistic resources used by speakers to profile the participants in taboo actions, focusing on expressions for the conceptabortar'to abort' in Spanish sociolinguistic interviews. The tokens referring to the action are analysed in terms of linguistic features that affect agentivity at the level of verbs, subjects and objects. The combination of different linguistic features is classified in three levels of agentivity (prototypical agents, non-prototypical agents and non-agents) with various sublevels. The presence of modals further contributes to reducing agentivity, causing the maximally agentive profiling to be rather infrequent. Second, though the direct construalabortaris generally preferred, the levels of agentivity interplay with onomasiological variation. Third, social variables are not significantly correlated with the levels of agentivity. The paper concludes that mitigating agentivity is a euphemistic strategy against the taboo of a fully agentive woman who aborts, based on the cultural conceptualization of unwanted abortion.
Diversity of γ- glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides, the “kokumi” taste enhancers, in seeds from soybean mini core collections
Authors: Shibata Masayuki , Hirotsuka Motohiko , Mizutani Yukiko , Takahashi Haruya , Kawada Teruo , Matsumiya Kentaro , Hayashi Yukako , Matsumura Yasuki
Published: February 2018

Soybeans (Glycine max (L,) Merr,) contain γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides, and these components play an important role in imparting the “kokumi” taste to foods. To gain insight into the genetic diversities and molecular mechanisms of accumulation of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides in soybean, we measured the contents of these components using the Japan and World mini core collections. Similar to other previously reported traits, wide variations were detected among the accessions in the core collections with respect to the content of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides. We found a positive relationship between the content of γ-glutamyl tyrosine and γ-glutamyl phenylalanine and between the content of raffinose and stachyose. Furthermore, there were unique accessions that included high levels of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides. These accessions may be helpful in understanding the accumulation mechanism of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides and to increase the “kokumi” taste components in soybean by performing a genetic analysis.
Comparison of the Standard of Air Leakage in Current Metal Duct Systems in the World
Authors: Di Yuhui , Wang Jiqian , Feng Lu , Li Xingwu , Hu Chunlin , Shi Junshe , Xu Qingsong , Qiao Leilei
Published: February 2018

Based on the requirements of air leakage of metal ducts in Chinese design standards, technical measures and construction standards, this paper compares the development history, the classification of air pressure levels and the air tightness levels of air leakage standards of current Chinese and international metal ducts, sums up the differences, finds shortage by investigating the design and construction status and access to information, and makes recommendations, hoping to help the majority of engineering and technical personnel.