bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Discussion of Christopher H. Achen and Larry M. Bartels' Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government
Authors: Schwennicke Antje
Published: March 2017

Liberal democracy is often viewed by its supporters as a system of government that responds to the informed and rational preferences of the public organized as voters. And liberal democracy is often viewed by its critics as a system that fails to respond to the informed and rational preferences of its citizens. In this book Larry Bartels and Chris Achen draw on decades of research to argue that a “realistic” conception of democracy cannot be centered on the idea of a “rational voter,” and that the ills of contemporary democracies, and especially democracy in the U.S., must be sought in the dynamics that link voters, political parties and public policy in ways that reproduce inequality. “We believe,” write the authors, “that abandoning the folk theory of democracy is a prerequisite to both greater intellectual clarity and real political change. Too many democratic reformers have squandered their energy on misguided or quixotic ideas.”
Sprayer Setup Affects Dislodgeable 2,4-D Foliar Residue in Hybrid Bermudagrass Athletic Fields
Authors: Jeffries Matthew D. , Gannon Travis W. , Brosnan James T. , Breeden Gregory K.
Published: March 2017

2,4-dimethylamine salt (2,4-D) is a selective broadleaf herbicide commonly applied to turfgrass systems, including athletic fields, which can dislodge from treated vegetation. Building on previous research confirming 2,4-D dislodgeability is affected by management inputs, field research was initiated in 2014 and 2015 in North Carolina and Tennessee to quantify the effects of sprayer setup on dislodgeable 2,4-D foliar residue from hybrid bermudagrass, which is the most common athletic field playing surface in subtropical and tropical climates. More specifically, research evaluated dislodgeable 2,4-D foliar residue following spray applications (2.1 kg ae ha−1) at varying carrier volumes (187, 374, or 748 L ha−1) and nozzles delivering varying droplet sizes (fine=extended range [XR], coarse=drift guard, or extra coarse=air induction extended range [AIXR]). Overall, data suggest minimal 2,4-D dislodge occurs via soccer ball roll (3.6 m) outside the day of application; however, increasing carrier volume and droplet size can further decrease dislodgeable 2,4-D foliar residue. At 2 d after treatment (DAT), 3.87% of applied 2,4-D dislodged when applied at 187 L ha−1compared to 2.05% at 748 L ha−1. Pooled over data from 1 to 6 DAT, 1.59% of applied 2,4-D dislodged following XR nozzle application compared to 1.13% with AIXR nozzle. While these are small numerical differences, dislodgeable residue was measured via one soccer ball roll, which is a repeated process within the sport and the additive effect of sprayer setup treatments can be employed by turfgrass managers to reduce potential human 2,4-D human exposure.
Stepping in the Shoes of Leaders of Populist Right-Wing	Parties
Authors: Jetten Jolanda , Ryan Rachel , Mols Frank
Published: March 2017

Abstract. What narrative is deemed most compelling to justify anti-immigrant sentiments when a country’s economy is not a cause for concern? We predicted that flourishing economies constrain the viability of realistic threat arguments. We found support for this prediction in an experiment in which participants were asked to take on the role of speechwriter for a leader with an anti-immigrant message (N = 75). As predicted, a greater percentage of realistic threat arguments and fewer symbolic threat arguments were generated in a condition in which the economy was expected to decline than when it was expected to grow or a baseline condition. Perhaps more interesting, in the economic growth condition, the percentage realistic entitlements and symbolic threat arguments generated were higher than when the economy was declining. We conclude that threat narratives to provide a legitimizing discourse for anti-immigrant sentiments are tailored to the economic context.
Relational Utility Affects Self-Punishment in Direct and Indirect	Reciprocity Situations
Authors: Zhu Ruida , Jin Tao , Shen Xueyi , Zhang Shen , Mai Xiaoqin , Liu Chao
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Previous studies of self-punishment focused on negative emotions and information transmission between wrongdoers and victims. We propose that self-punishment can be moderated by relational utility and can work not only in direct but also indirect reciprocity. In Studies 1 and 2, participants were more inclined to punish themselves when the victim could benefit the participants in future interactions than when the victim could not. In Study 3, participants were more inclined to punish themselves when the bystander could potentially offer lots of benefits to them in the future compared to when the bystander could only offer few or no benefits. These findings support our hypothesis, suggesting that wrongdoers strategically use self-punishment to pursue profits through repairing damaged relationships which are really conducive to achieve their personal goals. It helps us to understand self-punishment better in real life.
Glacial Outburst Flood near Mount Everest Caught on Video
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: March 2017

More than 2 million cubic meters of water, hidden deep within Lhotse Glacier, spilled down toward the village of Chukhung, Nepal, in 2016.
Evidence for C1q-mediated crosslinking of CD33/LAIR-1 inhibitory immunoreceptors and biological control of CD33/LAIR-1 expression
Authors: Son Myoungsun , Diamond Betty , Volpe Bruce T. , Aranow Cynthia B. , Mackay Meggan C. , Santiago-Schwarz Frances
Published: March 2017

C1q collagen-like region (CLR) engaging and activating the LAIR-1 inhibitory immunoreceptor represents a non-complement mechanism for maintaining immune quiescence. Given the binding promiscuity of C1q’s globular region (gC1q), we hypothesized that C1q concurrently associates with distinct inhibitory immunoreceptors to produce C1q-mediated modulatory networking. Like LAIR-1, CD33 inhibitory immunoreceptors are highly expressed on monocytes. Binding CD33 restricts cell activation/differentiation; however, natural ligands for CD33 remain elusive. CD33 has IgC2-like domains potentially recognized by gC1q. Thus, we asked whether C1q binds to CD33 and if C1q mediates CD33/LAIR-1 crosslinking. Our findings demonstrate that C1q and gC1q interact with CD33 to activate its inhibitory motifs, while CLR does not. Whole C1q is required to crosslink CD33 and LAIR-1 and concurrently activate CD33/LAIR-1 inhibitory motifs. While C1q binds CD33C2 domains, decreased C1q-CD33 interactions resulting from sialic acid masking of CD33C2 domains suggests a process for regulating C1q-CD33 activity. Consistent with defective self-tolerance, CD33/LAIR-1 expression is reduced in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) myelomonocytes. The anti-inflammatory cytokine M-CSF, but not DC growth factors, sustains CD33/LAIR-1 expression on both healthy and SLE cells suggesting further biological control of C1q-CD33/LAIR-1 processes.
Synergistic antibacterial mechanism of the Lactobacillus crispatus surface layer protein and nisin on Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Authors: Sun Zhilan , Li Pengpeng , Liu Fang , Bian Huan , Wang Daoying , Wang Xiaomeng , Zou Ye , Sun Chong , Xu Weimin
Published: March 2017

SlpB, a surface layer protein isolated from Lactobacillus crispatus, has the potential to enhance the antimicrobial activity of nisin. Previous research indicated that, when combined with nisin, SlpB acted synergistically to inhibit Staphylococcus saprophyticus growth, thus extending the shelf life of chicken meat. In order to understand how SlpB enhances the antibacterial activity of nisin, electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, flow cytometry and transmembrane electrical potential analysis were used to study cell wall organization and cell membrane integrity. No remarkable bacteriolytic effects were observed, indicating that cell death could not be attributed to cell lysis, although SlpB caused dramatic modifications of cell wall, thereby altering cell shape. The combination of SlpB and nisin also induced the release of ATP or UV-absorbing materials, as well as sudden dissipation of the transmembrane electrical potential by compromising membrane integrity. Considering that SlpB led to structural disorganization of the cell wall, and nisin access is enhanced to form a stable pore, cell death is a predictable outcome. SlpB significantly enhanced the effect of nisin at half of the minimum inhibitory concentration, which resulted in cell death by destroying the cell wall and cell membrane, therefore providing a new, feasible approach in food preservation.
Cordillera Zealandia: A Mesozoic arc flare-up on the palaeo-Pacific Gondwana Margin
Authors: Milan L. A. , Daczko N. R. , Clarke G. L.
Published: March 2017

Two geochemically and temporally distinct components of the Mesozoic Zealandia Cordilleran arc indicate a shift from low to high Sr/Y whole rock ratios at c. 130 Ma. Recent mapping and a reappraisal of published Sr-Nd data combined with new in-situ zircon Hf isotope analyses supports a genetic relationship between the two arc components. A reappraisal of geophysical, geochemical and P-T estimates demonstrates a doubling in thickness of the arc to at least 80 km at c. 130 Ma. Contemporaneously, magmatic addition rates shifted from ~14 km3/my per km of arc to a flare-up involving ~100 km3/my per km of arc. Excursions in Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic ratios of flare-up rocks highlight the importance of crust-dominated sources. This pattern mimics Cordilleran arcs of the Americas and highlights the importance of processes occurring in the upper continental plates of subduction systems that are incompletely reconciled with secular models for continental crustal growth.
A Quadruped Robot Exhibiting Spontaneous Gait Transitions from Walking to Trotting to Galloping
Authors: Owaki Dai , Ishiguro Akio
Published: March 2017

The manner in which quadrupeds change their locomotive patterns—walking, trotting, and galloping—with changing speed is poorly understood. In this paper, we provide evidence for interlimb coordination during gait transitions using a quadruped robot for which coordination between the legs can be self-organized through a simple “central pattern generator” (CPG) model. We demonstrate spontaneous gait transitions between energy-efficient patterns by changing only the parameter related to speed. Interlimb coordination was achieved with the use of local load sensing only without any preprogrammed patterns. Our model exploits physical communication through the body, suggesting that knowledge of physical communication is required to understand the leg coordination mechanism in legged animals and to establish design principles for legged robots that can reproduce flexible and efficient locomotion.
Visit-to-visit Variability of Blood Pressure and Risk of Stroke: Results of the Kailuan Cohort Study
Authors: Dai Haijiang , Lu Yao , Song Lu , Tang Xiaohong , Li Ying , Chen Ruifang , Luo Aijing , Yuan Hong , Wu Shouling
Published: March 2017

Uncertainty persists regarding the need to address blood pressure (BP) variability in the general population to reduce the heavy burden of stroke. In this cohort study, we prospectively recruited 57,927 participants from southeast of Beijing, who have completed all 3 health examinations between 2006 and 2010. BP variability was defined as the coefficient of variation (CV) across these 3 visits. Over a median follow-up of 3.0 years, we identified 582 first stroke cases. Of these, 489 (84.0%) were ischemic strokes and 94 (16.2%) were hemorrhagic strokes. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratios (HR) (95% Confidence Intervals, CI) of comparing participants in the highest versus lowest quartile of CV of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 1.44 (1.11, 1.87) for any stroke, 1.33 (1.00, 1.77) for ischemic stroke, and 2.17 (1.09, 4.35) for hemorrhagic stroke. Similar results were also observed when the CV of SBP was considered as a continuous exposure variable (per SD increase). Moreover, higher variability of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also significantly associated with the risk of any stroke and specifically with hemorrhagic stroke, but not with ischemic stroke. In conclusion, higher visit-to-visit BP variability might be an important target to reduce stroke risk, particularly for hemorrhagic stroke.
Lysosomal activity maintains glycolysis and cyclin E1 expression by mediating Ad4BP/SF-1 stability for proper steroidogenic cell growth
Authors: Syu Jhih-Siang , Baba Takashi , Huang Jyun-Yuan , Ogawa Hidesato , Hsieh Chi-Han , Hu Jin-Xian , Chen Ting-Yu , Lin Tzu-Chien , Tsuchiya Megumi , Morohashi Ken-Ichirou , Huang Bu-Miin , Lu Fu-l. , Wang Chia-Yih
Published: March 2017

The development and differentiation of steroidogenic organs are controlled by Ad4BP/SF-1 (adrenal 4 binding protein/steroidogenic factor 1). Besides, lysosomal activity is required for steroidogenesis and also enables adrenocortical cell to survive during stress. However, the role of lysosomal activity on steroidogenic cell growth is as yet unknown. Here, we showed that lysosomal activity maintained Ad4BP/SF-1 protein stability for proper steroidogenic cell growth. Treatment of cells with lysosomal inhibitors reduced steroidogenic cell growth in vitro. Suppression of autophagy did not affect cell growth indicating that autophagy was dispensable for steroidogenic cell growth. When lysosomal activity was inhibited, the protein stability of Ad4BP/SF-1 was reduced leading to reduced S phase entry. Interestingly, treatment of cells with lysosomal inhibitors reduced glycolytic gene expression and supplying the cells with pyruvate alleviated the growth defect. ChIP-sequence/ChIP studies indicated that Ad4BP/SF-1 binds to the upstream region of Ccne1 (cyclin E1) gene during G1/S phase. In addition, treatment of zebrafish embryo with lysosomal inhibitor reduced the levels of the interrenal (adrenal) gland markers. Thus lysosomal activity maintains steroidogenic cell growth via stabilizing Ad4BP/SF-1 protein.
Remote control of glucose homeostasis in vivo using photopharmacology
Authors: Mehta Zenobia B. , Johnston Natalie R. , Nguyen-Tu Marie-Sophie , Broichhagen Johannes , Schultz Peter , Larner Dean P. , Leclerc Isabelle , Trauner Dirk , Rutter Guy A. , Hodson David J.
Published: March 2017

Photopharmacology describes the use of light to precisely deliver drug activity in space and time. Such approaches promise to improve drug specificity by reducing off-target effects. As a proof-of-concept, we have subjected the fourth generation photoswitchable sulfonylurea JB253 to comprehensive toxicology assessment, including mutagenicity and maximum/repeated tolerated dose studies, as well as in vivo testing in rodents. Here, we show that JB253 is well-tolerated with minimal mutagenicity and can be used to optically-control glucose homeostasis in anesthetized mice following delivery of blue light to the pancreas. These studies provide the first demonstration that photopharmacology may one day be applicable to the light-guided treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disease states in vivo in humans.
Baseline-dependent effects of amphetamine on attention are associated with striatal dopamine metabolism
Authors: Turner Karly M. , Peak James , Burne Thomas H. J.
Published: March 2017

Psychostimulants, such as amphetamine, are widely used to treat attentional deficits. In humans, response to dopaminergic medications is complex with improvement often dependent on baseline performance. Our goal was to determine if attention in rats could be improved by low dose amphetamine in a baseline-dependent manner by examining the relationship between task performance, drug response and monoamine levels in corticostriatal tissue. Firstly, rats performed a signal detection task with varying signal durations before administration of saline, 0.1 or 0.25 mg/kg amphetamine. Following 0.1 mg/kg amphetamine, accuracy in poor performing individuals increased to that of high performing rats. Furthermore, baseline accuracy correlated with the magnitude of improvement after amphetamine. Secondly, neurochemical analysis of monoamine content and gene expression levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dorsal striatum (CPU) was conducted. CPU homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels were increased in poor performers with a significant correlation between the expression of the dopamine transporter gene and baseline accuracy. No changes were found in the PFC. These results indicated poor performance was associated with greater response to amphetamine and altered DA and 5-HT neurotransmitter systems in CPU. These results suggest striatal monoamine function may be fundamental to explaining individual differences in psychostimulant response.
Humans Conceptualize Victory and Defeat in Body Size
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Sun Zhongqiang , Zhou Jifan , Xu Chaoer , Shen Mowei
Published: March 2017

Size matters considerably for victory and defeat during competitive situations. Drawing on the embodied theory of cognition, we examined the reciprocal association between size and competition outcomes. To do so, we used the ‘rock-paper-scissors game’, whose outcome is not contingent on apparent physical size. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to judge whether the target gesture was a winning or a losing one. Compared to responses in the incompatible condition (small-winner and large-loser), those in the compatible condition (large-winner and small-loser) were quicker. In Experiment 2, we asked participants to adjust the size of gestures to correspond to gestures previously presented, and found that the winning gesture was estimated as much larger than the losing one. In line with our main hypothesis, size information can interfere with judgments about competition outcomes, and vice versa, even when the outcome is unrelated to body size.
Erratum: Cyclin I-like (CCNI2) is a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) activator and is involved in cell cycle regulation
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Zhai Xiaoyan , Zhao Bin , Wang Yanfei , Xu Zhigang
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 40979; published online: 23 January 2017; updated: 15 March 2017 This Article contains errors in the Reference list. Reference 33 is incorrectly listed as reference 26 and references 26–32 are incorrectly listed as references 27–33 respectively. The correct references are listed below:
Impact of Familial Loading on Prefrontal Activation in Major Psychiatric Disorders: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Study
Authors: Ohi Kazutaka , Shimada Takamitsu , Kihara Hiroaki , Yasuyama Toshiki , Sawai Kazuyuki , Matsuda Yukihisa , Oshima Kazuaki , Okubo Hiroaki , Nitta Yusuke , Uehara Takashi , Kawasaki Yasuhiro
Published: March 2017

Family history (FH) is predictive of the development of major psychiatric disorders (PSY). Familial psychiatric disorders are largely a consequence of genetic factors and typically exhibit more severe impairments. Decreased prefrontal activity during verbal fluency testing (VFT) may constitute an intermediate phenotype for PSY. We investigated whether familial PSY were associated with a greater severity of prefrontal dysfunction in accordance with genetic loading. We measured prefrontal activity during VFT using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ, n = 45), major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 26) or bipolar disorder (BIP, n = 22) and healthy controls (HC, n = 51). We compared prefrontal activity among patients with or without FH and HC. Patients in the SCZ, MDD and BIP patient groups had lower prefrontal activity than HC subjects. Patients with and without FH in all diagnostic groups had lower prefrontal activity than HC subjects. Moreover, SCZ patients with FH had lower prefrontal activity than SCZ patients without FH. When we included patients with SCZ, MDD or BIP in the group of patients with PSY, the effects of psychiatric FH on prefrontal activity were enhanced. These findings demonstrate the association of substantially more severe prefrontal dysfunction with higher genetic loading in major psychiatric disorders.
Global Insight into Lysine Acetylation Events and Their Links to Biological Aspects in Beauveria bassiana, a Fungal Insect Pathogen
Authors: Wang Zhi-Kang , Cai Qing , Liu Jin , Ying Sheng-Hua , Feng Ming-Guang
Published: March 2017

Lysine acetylation (Kac) events in filamentous fungi are poorly explored. Here we show a lysine acetylome generated by LC-MS/MS analysis of immunoaffinity-based Kac peptides from normal hyphal cells of Beauveria bassiana, a fungal entomopathogen. The acetylome comprised 283 Kac proteins and 464 Kac sites. These proteins were enriched to eight molecular functions, 20 cellular components, 27 biological processes, 20 KEGG pathways and 12 subcellular localizations. All Kac sites were characterized as six Kac motifs, including a novel motif (KacW) for 26 Kac sites of 17 unknown proteins. Many Kac sites were predicted to be multifunctional, largely expanding the fungal Kac events. Biological importance of identified Kac sites was confirmed through functional analysis of Kac sites on Pmt1 and Pmt4, two O-mannosyltransferases. Singular site mutations (K88R and K482R) of Pmt1 resulted in impaired conidiation, attenuated virulence and decreased tolerance to oxidation and cell wall perturbation. These defects were close to or more severe than those caused by the deletion of pmt1. The Pmt4 K360R mutation facilitated colony growth under normal and stressful conditions and enhanced the fungal virulence. Our findings provide the first insight into the Kac events of B. bassiana and their links to the fungal potential against insect pests.
Quantitative analysis of the impacts of terrestrial environmental factors on precipitation variation over the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone in Coastal Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Yinjun , Deng Qiyu , Lin Qing , Cai Chunting
Published: March 2017

Taking the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone as the study area, this paper utilizes the geographical detector model to quantify the feedback effects from the terrestrial environment on precipitation variation from 1985 to 2010 with a comprehensive consideration of natural factors (forest coverage rate, vegetation type, terrain, terrestrial ecosystem types, land use and land cover change) and social factors (population density, farmland rate, GDP and urbanization rate). First, we found that the precipitation trend rate in the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone is between −47 and 96 mm/10a. Second, forest coverage rate change (FCRC), urbanization rate change (URC), GDP change (GDPC) and population density change (PDC) have a larger contribution to precipitation change through land-surface feedback, which makes them the leading factors. Third, the human element is found to primarily account for the precipitation changes in this region, as humans are the active media linking and enhancing these impact factors. Finally, it can be concluded that the interaction of impact factor pairs has a significant effect compared to the corresponding single factor on precipitation changes. The geographical detector model offers an analytical framework to reveal the terrestrial factors affecting the precipitation change, which gives direction for future work on regional climate modeling and analyses.
High-resolution phenotypic profiling of natural products-induced effects on the single-cell level
Authors: Kremb Stephan , Voolstra Christian R.
Published: March 2017

Natural products (NPs) are highly evolved molecules making them a valuable resource for new therapeutics. Here we demonstrate the usefulness of broad-spectrum phenotypic profiling of NP-induced perturbations on single cells with imaging-based High-Content Screening to inform on physiology, mechanisms-of-actions, and multi-level toxicity. Our technology platform aims at broad applicability using a comprehensive marker panel with standardized settings streamlined towards an easy implementation in laboratories dedicated to natural products research.
Avoiding disentanglement of multipartite entangled optical beams with a correlated noisy channel
Authors: Deng Xiaowei , Tian Caixing , Su Xiaolong , Xie Changde
Published: March 2017

A quantum communication network can be constructed by distributing a multipartite entangled state to space-separated nodes. Entangled optical beams with highest flying speed and measurable brightness can be used as carriers to convey information in quantum communication networks. Losses and noises existing in real communication channels will reduce or even totally destroy entanglement. The phenomenon of disentanglement will result in the complete failure of quantum communication. Here, we present the experimental demonstrations on the disentanglement and the entanglement revival of tripartite entangled optical beams used in a quantum network. We experimentally demonstrate that symmetric tripartite entangled optical beams are robust in pure lossy but noiseless channels. In a noisy channel, the excess noise will lead to the disentanglement and the destroyed entanglement can be revived by the use of a correlated noisy channel (non-Markovian environment). The presented results provide useful technical references for establishing quantum networks.
Effects of GaN/AlGaN/Sputtered AlN nucleation layers on performance of GaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Hu Hongpo , Zhou Shengjun , Liu Xingtong , Gao Yilin , Gui Chengqun , Liu Sheng
Published: March 2017

We report on the demonstration of GaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) emitting at 375 nm grown on patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) with in-situ low temperature GaN/AlGaN nucleation layers (NLs) and ex-situ sputtered AlN NL. The threading dislocation (TD) densities in GaN-based UV LEDs with GaN/AlGaN/sputtered AlN NLs were determined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed that the TD density in UV LED with AlGaN NL was the highest, whereas that in UV LED with sputtered AlN NL was the lowest. The light output power (LOP) of UV LED with AlGaN NL was 18.2% higher than that of UV LED with GaN NL owing to a decrease in the absorption of 375 nm UV light in the AlGaN NL with a larger bandgap. Using a sputtered AlN NL instead of the AlGaN NL, the LOP of UV LED was further enhanced by 11.3%, which is attributed to reduced TD density in InGaN/AlInGaN active region. In the sputtered AlN thickness range of 10–25 nm, the LOP of UV LED with 15-nm-thick sputtered AlN NL was the highest, revealing that optimum thickness of the sputtered AlN NL is around 15 nm.
Neurophysiological and BOLD signal uncoupling of giant somatosensory evoked potentials in progressive myoclonic epilepsy: a case-series study
Authors: Storti Silvia F. , Del Felice Alessandra , Canafoglia Laura , Formaggio Emanuela , Brigo Francesco , Alessandrini Franco , Bongiovanni Luigi G. , Menegaz Gloria , Manganotti Paolo
Published: March 2017

In progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME), a rare epileptic syndrome caused by a variety of genetic disorders, the combination of peripheral stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can shed light on the mechanisms underlying cortical dysfunction. The aim of the study is to investigate sensorimotor network modifications in PME by assessing the relationship between neurophysiological findings and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation. Somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) obtained briefly before fMRI and BOLD activation during median-nerve electrical stimulation were recorded in four subjects with typical PME phenotype and compared with normative data. Giant scalp SSEPs with enlarger N20-P25 complex compared to normal data (mean amplitude of 26.2 ± 8.2 μV after right stimulation and 27.9 ± 3.7 μV after left stimulation) were detected. Statistical group analysis showed a reduced BOLD activation in response to median nerve stimulation in PMEs compared to controls over the sensorimotor (SM) areas and an increased response over subcortical regions (p < 0.01, Z > 2.3, corrected). PMEs show dissociation between neurophysiological and BOLD findings of SSEPs (giant SSEP with reduced BOLD activation over SM). A direct pathway connecting a highly restricted area of the somatosensory cortex with the thalamus can be hypothesized to support the higher excitability of these areas.
Solar-mediated thermo-electrochemical oxidation of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate by modulating the effective oxidation potential and pathway for green remediation of wastewater
Authors: Gu Di , Gao Simeng , Jiang TingTing , Wang Baohui
Published: March 2017

To match the relentless pursuit of three research hot points - efficient solar utilization, green and sustainable remediation of wastewater and advanced oxidation processes, solar-mediated thermo-electrochemical oxidation of surfactant was proposed and developed for green remediation of surfactant wastewater. The solar thermal electrochemical process (STEP), fully driven with solar energy to electric energy and heat and without an input of other energy, sustainably serves as efficient thermo-electrochemical oxidation of surfactant, exemplified by SDBS, in wastewater with the synergistic production of hydrogen. The electrooxidation-resistant surfactant is thermo-electrochemically oxidized to CO2 while hydrogen gas is generated by lowing effective oxidation potential and suppressing the oxidation activation energy originated from the combination of thermochemical and electrochemical effect. A clear conclusion on the mechanism of SDBS degradation can be proposed and discussed based on the theoretical analysis of electrochemical potential by quantum chemical method and experimental analysis of the CV, TG, GC, FT-IR, UV-vis, Fluorescence spectra and TOC. The degradation data provide a pilot for the treatment of SDBS wastewater that appears to occur via desulfonation followed by aromatic-ring opening. The solar thermal utilization that can initiate the desulfonation and activation of SDBS becomes one key step in the degradation process.
Geometrical properties of the manganese(iv)/iron(iii) cofactor of Chlamydia trachomatis ribonucleotide reductase unveiled by simulations of XAS spectra
Authors: Sproviero Eduardo M.
Published: March 2017

A combination of EXAFS simulations and DFT calculations, including a novel protocol to evaluate Debye–Waller factors, provide insights into the structure of the Mn(iv)/Fe(iii) cofactor ofCtR2.
Synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies on novel organic–inorganic hybrid ion–gel polymer thin films from a γ-Fe2O3doped polyvinylpyrrolidone–N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate composite via intramolecular thermal polymerization
Authors: Joseph Aswathy , Xavier Marilyn Mary , Żyła Gaweł , Nair P. Radhakrishnan , Padmanabhan A. S. , Mathew Suresh
Published: March 2017

Facile one-step synthesis and material study of novel PVP-ion gel thin film and improvement of ionic conductivity, specific conductance and charge density of it by doping high-dielectric γ-Fe2O3magnetic nanoparticles is presented here.
Metabolomics insights into diabetes nephropathy and protective effects of Radix Scutellariae on rats using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Men Lihui , Pi Zifeng , Zhou Yuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wei Mengying , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhongying
Published: March 2017

UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS based metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis for evaluating protective effects ofRadix Scutellariaeon DN rats.
Tuning the wettability of carbon nanotube arrays for efficient bifunctional catalysts and Zn–air batteries
Authors: Tian Weiliang , Li Haoyuan , Qin Bangchang , Xu Yuqi , Hao Yongchao , Li Yaping , Zhang Guoxin , Liu Junfeng , Sun Xiaoming , Duan Xue
Published: March 2017

The wettability of 3D carbon nanotube arrays (CNTAs) was tuned by controlling the nitrogen doping degree, and superhydrophilic nitrogen-doped CNTAs were obtained for anchoring transition metal oxides as bifunctional non-Pt electrocatalysts for high-performance zinc–air batteries.
Sn4+ self-doped hollow cubic SnS as an efficient visible-light photocatalyst for Cr(vi) reduction and detoxification of cyanide
Authors: Xie Qiying , Zhou Hang , Lv Zhaolin , Liu Hui , Guo Hong
Published: March 2017

self-doped hollow cubic SnS heterojunctions are prepared through a novel general designed strategy. The in situ self-doping generates more heterojunctions in SnSx. The hollow structure of sample makes multiple reflections of light within the chamber, allowing more efficient use of the light source. The products exhibit a remarkable photocatalytic activity.
Injectable MnSr-doped brushite bone cements with improved biological performance
Authors: Torres P. M. C. , Marote A. , Cerqueira A. R. , Calado A. J. , Abrantes J. C. C. , Olhero S. , da Cruz e Silva O. A. B. , Vieira S. I. , Ferreira J. M. F.
Published: March 2017

Combining Mn and Sr co-doping β-TCP powder with sucrose addition in the setting liquid enhances injectability, mechanical and biological performance of brushite-forming cements, renders them promising for minimally invasive surgery applications.
Stimuli-responsive biodegradable and gadolinium-based poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] copolymers: their potential as targeting and safe magnetic resonance imaging probes
Authors: Li Xue , Sun Ling , Wei Xiaoli , Luo Qiang , Cai Hao , Xiao Xueyang , Zhu Hongyan , Luo Kui
Published: March 2017

Functionalized and biodegradable block pHPMA copolymer–gadolinium conjugates demonstrated good biocompatibility, high T1 relaxivity, and enhanced tumor signal intensity for MRI.
Azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline polyester with π–π interactions: diverse thermo- and photo-responsive behaviours
Authors: Zhong Hai-Yi , Chen Li , Yang Rong , Meng Zhi-Ying , Ding Xiao-Min , Liu Xiao-Feng , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: March 2017

An azobenzene-containing thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester showing unique thermo- and photo-responsive behaviours was synthesized.
QSARs and computational chemistry methods in environmental chemical sciences
Authors: Fenner Kathrin , Tratnyek Paul G.
Published: March 2017

Guest editors Kathrin Fenner and Paul Tratnyek introduce the themed issue on “QSARs and computational chemistry methods in environmental chemical sciences” of Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.
Scaffold hopping via ANCHOR.QUERY: β-lactams as potent p53-MDM2 antagonists
Authors: Shaabani S. , Neochoritis C. G. , Twarda-Clapa A. , Musielak B. , Holak T. A. , Dömling A.
Published: March 2017

The discovery of a novel potent p53-MDM2 antagonistic small molecule scaffold using a mix of computational, chemistry and biophysical techniques.
Bimodal NdNiAl and NdFeB hybrid catalytic and magnetic nanoparticles laminated on Fe foam: catalytic conversion of CO + 3H2 to CH4
Authors: Kim Sang Hoon , Choi Joonphil , Yun Jaecheol , Jeong Eun-wook
Published: March 2017

For the production of CH4 from CO hydrogenation, a hybrid foam with high catalytic activity and strong magnetic bonding ability was fabricated by electrospraying and co-sintering NdNiAl and NdFeB nanoparticles over a Fe foam.
Copper-catalyzed oxidative C(sp3)–H/C(sp2)–H cross-coupling en route to carbocyclic rings
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Yan , Jin Ruo-Xing , Wang Xi-Sheng
Published: March 2017

Copper-catalyzed C(sp3)–H/C(sp2)–H cross-coupling via directed 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer has been developed to construct 6-membered carbocyclic rings.
Pentavalent lanthanide nitride-oxides: NPrO and NPrO−complexes with NPr triple bonds
Authors: Hu Shu-Xian , Jian Jiwen , Su Jing , Wu Xuan , Li Jun , Zhou Mingfei
Published: March 2017

The neutral molecule NPrO and its anion NPrO−are characterized to be linear pentavalent praseodymium nitride-oxides that possess PrN triple bonds and PrO double bonds.
High capacitance and rate capability of a Ni3S2@CdS core–shell nanostructure supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Shi Bo , Fang Yao , Rong Fang , Huang Feifei , Que Ronghui , Shao Mingwang
Published: March 2017

A hierarchical Ni3S2@CdS core–shell nanostructure exhibits an excellent capacitance of 3.15 F cm−2(2100 F g−1) at 2 mA cm−2current density.
The structure and unconventional dihydrogen bonding of a pressure-stabilized hydrogen-rich (NH3BH3)(H2)x (x = 1.5) compound
Authors: Lin Yu , Welchman Evan , Thonhauser Timo , Mao Wendy L.
Published: March 2017

Combining X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio simulations we characterize an extremely hydrogen-rich phase with the chemical formula (NH3BH3)(H2)x (x = 1.5).
Bridged-multi-octahedral cobalt oxide nanocrystals with a Co-terminated surface as an oxygen evolution and reduction electrocatalyst
Authors: Yiliguma Yiliguma , Wang Zhijie , Xu Wenhao , Wang Yuhang , Cui Xiaoqi , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Tang Yun , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: March 2017

Cobalt oxide nanocrystals with bridged-multi-octahedral structures and Co-terminated surfaces were prepared to exhibit good oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction performances.
Metal nanomaterials for optical anti-counterfeit labels
Authors: Smith Alison F. , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: March 2017

The global economic, security, and health challenges presented by counterfeit goods require new approaches toward anti-counterfeit labels.
Structure–property relationship of 4-substituted-spirobifluorenes as hosts for phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes: an overview
Authors: Poriel Cyril , Rault-Berthelot Joëlle
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present review is to report the state of the art of an emerging family of molecules, namely 4-substituted spirobifluorenes (SBFs).
Alternative linearisations for the operating cost function of UC problems
Authors: Geng Zhaowei , Conejo Antonio J. , Xia Qing
Published: March 2017

The cost of a generating unit as a function of its power output is generally non‐linear and discontinuous. Therefore, the objective function of a unit commitment (UC) problem is generally non‐linear and discontinuous as well. The authors describe two efficient piecewise‐linear formulations of the objective function of an UC problem that are not found in the power literature. These formulations allow representing non‐convexities and discontinuities. They compare these formulations with a common one in the power literature. They show the advantage of the proposed formulations for both deterministic and stochastic UC problems.
The Effect of First-Step Techniques from the Staggered Stance in American Football
Authors: Knudsen Nikolas , Andersen Thomas
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3 different starting techniques from the staggered stance with regards to sprint time, reaction time, linear impulse and power. 11 male amateur American football players volunteered to participate in a testing session consisting of twelve 5 m sprints, 4 in each technique (normal (NORM), backwards false step (BFS) and forwards false step (FFS)) in random order. Sprint starts were performed on force plates to investigate ground reaction forces, reaction time and total sprint time. Analysis showed significant differences in sprint times, with NORM (1.77±0.10 s) being faster than FFS (1.81±0.12 s) and BFS (2.01±0.13 s), and FFS being faster than BFS, although no differences were found in reaction time. In terms of mean force and power, NORM (331.1±39.2N, 542.2±72.3W) and FFS (320.8±43.2N, 550.9±81.4W) were significantly larger than BFS (256.9±36.2N, 443.5±61.1W). This indicates that when starting from a staggered stance, the BFS is inferior to the others and should be avoided. However, since the force profiles of the NORM and the FFS were similar, the differences in sprint time could arise from a technique bias towards the NORM start.
Spin resonance and spin fluctuations in a quantum wire
Authors: Pokrovsky V. L.
Published: March 2017

This is a review of theoretical works on spin resonance in a quantum wire associated with the spin-orbit interaction. We demonstrate that the spin-orbit induced internal “magnetic field” leads to a narrow spin-flip resonance at low temperatures in the absence of an applied magnetic field. An applied dc magnetic field perpendicular to and small compared with the spin-orbit field enhances the resonance absorption by several orders of magnitude. The component of applied field parallel to the spin-orbit field separates the resonance frequencies of right and left movers and enables a linearly polarized ac electric field to produce a dynamic magnetization as well as electric and spin currents. We start with a simple model of noninteracting electrons and then consider the interaction that is not weak in 1d electron system. We show that electron spin resonance in the spin-orbit field persists in the Luttinger liquid. The interaction produces an additional singularity (cusp) in the spin-flip channel associated with the plasma oscillation. As it was shown earlier by Starykh and his coworkers, the interacting 1d electron system in the external field with sufficiently large parallel component becomes unstable with respect to the appearance of a spin-density wave. This instability suppresses the spin resonance. The observation of the electron spin resonance in a thin wires requires low temperature and high intensity of electromagnetic field in the terahertz diapason. The experiment satisfying these two requirements is possible but rather difficult. An alternative approach that does not require strong ac field is to study two-time correlations of the total spin of the wire with an optical method developed by Crooker and coworkers. We developed theory of such correlations. We prove that the correlation of the total spin component parallel to the internal magnetic field is dominant in systems with the developed spin-density waves but it vanishes in Luttinger liquid. Thus, the measurement of spin correlations is a diagnostic tool to distinguish between the two states of electronic liquid in the quantum wire.
Energy spectra of counterflow quantum turbulence at different temperatures
Authors: Andryushchenko V. A. , Kondaurova L. P.
Published: March 2017

The spectrum of the energy generated by a vortex tangle in the counterflow of normal and superfluid components at different temperatures was obtained. The counterflow magnitude was varied from 0.3 cm/s to 1.2 cm/s and the temperature was varied from 1.3 K to 1.9 K. It was shown that at the distances of the order of intervortex separation, E(k) ∼ k−α, where 1.3 < α < 1.4 depending on the temperature. At larger distances, E(k) ∼ k−1. It was established that under the heat flux corresponding to the Gorter–Mellink regime, the density of energy dissipation is proportional to the cube of the counterflow of normal and superfluid components, i.e., the energy dissipation is due to the friction between the normal component of helium and the vortex tangle.
High-frequency resonances and weakly damped collective modes in highly anisotropic Q1D conductors
Authors: Kolesnichenko Yu. A. , Peschansky V. G. , Stepanenko D. I.
Published: March 2017

It is shown that weakly damped electromagnetic waves with polarization perpendicular to the direction of highest conductivity can propagate in highly anisotropic organic conductors of the quasi-one dimensional type in a magnetic field. The dispersion relations are analyzed numerically and simple analytic expressions are obtained for the spectrum of the collective modes in a number of limiting cases.
Thermoelectric phenomena in layered conductors near the Lifshitz electron topological transition
Authors: Peschansky V. G.
Published: March 2017

This is a theoretical study of the response of an electron system to nonuniform heating of layered conductors with a quasi-two dimensional charge carrier energy spectrum near the Lifshitz electron topological transition when external interactions with the conductor, such as pressure, cause a change in the connectivity of the Fermi surface. With a variety of dispersion relations for the conduction electrons as examples, it is shown that there is a great variety of electronic topological transitions in layered conductors, which are accompanied by unusual magnetic field dependences of the kinetic coefficients. The migration of conduction electrons over different cavities (sheets) of the Fermi surface owing to magnetic breakdown is analyzed for close proximity of individual cavities of the Fermi surface. The dependence of the thermoelectric coefficients on the magnitude and orientation of strong magnetic fields B, such that the cyclotron frequency ωc is much higher than the collision frequency 1/τ of the conduction electrons, is calculated. An experimental study of these effects yields important information on the energy spectrum of the charge carriers.
Perspective: Exchange reactions in thiolate-protected metal
clusters
Authors: Niihori Yoshiki , Hossain Sakiat , Kumar Bharat , Nair Lakshmi V. , Kurashige Wataru , Negishi Yuichi
Published: March 2017

Thiolate-protected metal clusters can exchange ligands or metal atoms with other substances such as coexisting ligands, complexes, and metal clusters in solution. Using these reactions, it is possible to synthesize metal clusters with new physical and chemical properties. Although the occurrence of such reactions was recognized nearly 20 years ago, their details were not well understood. In recent years, techniques for the precise synthesis of metal clusters and their characterization have progressed considerably and, as a result, details of these reactions have been clarified. In this perspective, we focus on the most-studied thiolate-protected gold clusters and provide a summary of recent findings as well as future expectations concerning the exchange reactions of these clusters.
The vortex structure of magnetic solitons
Authors: Kovalev A. S.
Published: March 2017

Soliton excitations in the general form are considered using the classical model, in a two-dimensional easy-plane ferromagnet. Equations are derived and solved for small-amplitude two-parameter dynamic solitons. It is demonstrated that they have a vortex structure and that as their amplitude increases, the excitations turn into coupled quadrupole vortex states that are characterized by two dynamic parameters: the soliton velocity and its internal precession frequency. The limit transitions of vortex solitons in the general form into vortex dipoles, magnetic lamps, and magnon droplets, are analyzed. The obtained results are compared against the corresponding information about solitons in one-dimensional magnetic systems.
A high-efficiency tunable TEM-TE11 mode converter for high-power microwave applications
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yu , Fan Yu-Wei , Shu Ting , Yuan Cheng-wei , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2017

The tunable high power microwave source (HPM’s) is considered to be an important research direction. However, the corresponding mode converter has been researched little. In this paper, a high-efficiency tunable mode converter (HETMC) is investigated for high-power microwave applications. The HETMC that is consisted of coaxial inner and outer conductors, with four metal plates arranged radially, at 90° in the coaxial gap, and matching rods can transform coaxial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode to TE11 coaxial waveguide mode. The results show that adjusting the length of the downstream plate, and the distance between the rods installed upstream and the closest edges of the plates, can improve the conversion efficiency and bandwidth remarkably. Moreover, when the frequency ranges from 1.63 GHz to 2.12 GHz, the conversion efficiency is above 95% between 1.63 GHz and 2.12 GHz with a bandwidth of 26.1%. Besides, the unwished reflection and transmission can be eliminated effectively in the HETMC.