bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution ofBertholletia excelsain selectively logged forests of the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Rockwell Cara A. , Guariguata Manuel R. , Menton Mary , Quispe Eriks Arroyo , Quaedvlieg Julia , Warren-Thomas Eleanor , Silva Harol Fernandez , Rojas Edwin Eduardo Jurado , Arrunátegui José Andrés Hideki Kohagura , Vega Luis Alberto Meza , Hancco Roger Quenta , Vera Olivia Revilla , Tito Jonatan Frank Valera , Panduro Betxy Tabita Villarroel , Salas Juan José Yucra
Published: January 2017

To date, the spatial distribution pattern and density of Brazil nut trees in logged forest stands is unclear across the Amazon basin. We asked the following questions: (1) What are the densities and spatial distributions of Brazil nut juveniles (10 ≤ dbh < 40 cm) and adults (≥ 40 cm dbh) in three selectively logged Brazil nut concessions (1413 ha sampled) in Madre de Dios, Peru; (2) What is the spatial relationship between adults and juveniles (10 ≤ dbh < 30 cm); and (3) What is the spatial relationship between juveniles (10 ≤ dbh <30 cm) and cut stumps (≥ 10 y)? Spatial analyses were conducted using statistics derived from Ripley's K function. Juveniles were aggregated in all three concessions. Results for adult populations rejected the null hypothesis of a random distribution among trees ≥ 40 cm dbh. We did not find an attraction between juveniles and cut-stump locations, nor between adults and juveniles. The strong peaks of aggregation for juveniles and adult Brazil nuts in this study occurred at long distances (300–900 m), suggesting multiple tree canopy gaps as drivers of spatial distribution patterns, either via natural or anthropogenic sources. Our data contribute to a more thorough understanding of Brazil nut population structure in disturbed forests in south-western Amazonia.
Are neotropical predictors of forest epiphyte–host relationships consistent in Indonesia?
Authors: Hayward Robin Martin , Martin Thomas Edward , Utteridge Timothy Michael Arthur , Mustari Abdul Haris , Marshall Andrew Robert
Published: January 2017

Epiphytes represent keystone resources for many arthropod and vertebrate species, however their ecology remains poorly explored, especially within the palaeotropics. Several recent studies have examined relationships between epiphyte richness and characteristics of local habitats, although these have all focused on neotropical forests. Here, we aim to determine whether predictors of neotropical epiphyte richness are consistent at a palaeotropical site. A total of 44 host trees (dbh range 25–288 cm) were sampled at two study sites on Buton Island, Indonesia. For each tree, epiphyte richness and seven variables relating to characteristics of the host tree and surrounding habitats were recorded: site (a proxy value for disturbance level and water availability), host above-ground biomass (agb), altitude, bark texture, exposure, emergence and crown area. Gaussian GLM analyses indicated that the percentage deviance explained in epiphyte richness per host was greatest for agb (20.9%), crown area (19.6%) and site (15.5%); similar to previous findings from the neotropics. Results therefore suggest that high epiphyte diversity within palaeotropical forests is most likely to be found in large tracts of undisturbed forest, supporting large, broad-crowned trees.
TEMPORAL SHAPING OF SIMULATED TIME SERIES WITH CYCLICAL SAMPLE PATHS
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Baveja Alok , Melamed Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Temporal shaping of time series is the activity of deriving a time series model with a prescribed marginal distribution and some sample path characteristics. Starting with an empirical sample path, one often computes from it an empirical histogram (a step-function density) and empirical autocorrelation function. The corresponding cumulative distribution function is piecewise linear, and so is the inverse distribution function. The so-called inversion method uses the latter to generate the corresponding distribution from a uniform random variable on [0,1), histograms being a special case. This paper shows how to manipulate the inverse histogram and an underlying marginally uniform process, so as to “shape” the model sample paths in an attempt to match the qualitative nature of the empirical sample paths, while maintaining a guaranteed match of the empirical marginal distribution. It proposes a new approach to temporal shaping of time series and identifies a number of operations on a piecewise-linear inverse histogram function, which leave the marginal distribution invariant. For cyclical processes with a prescribed marginal distribution and a prescribed cycle profile, one can also use these transformations to generate sample paths which “conform” to the profile. This approach also improves the ability to approximate the empirical autocorrelation function.
Predictors of immunodeficiency-related death in a cohort of low-income people living with HIV: a competing risks survival analysis
Authors: ALBUQUERQUE M. F. P. M. , ALVES D. N. , BRESANI SALVI C. C. , BATISTA J. D. L. , XIMENES R. A. A. , MIRANDA-FILHO D. B. , MELO H. R. L. , MARUZA M. , MONTARROYOS U. R.
Published: January 2017

We conducted a survival analysis with competing risks to estimate the mortality rate and predictive factors for immunodeficiency-related death in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in northeast Brazil. A cohort with 2372 PLWH was enrolled between July 2007 and June 2010 and monitored until 31 December 2012 at two healthcare centres. The event of interest was immunodeficiency-related death, which was defined based on the Coding Causes of Death in HIV Protocol (CoDe). The predictor variables were: sociodemographic characteristics, illicit drugs, tobacco, alcohol, nutritional status, antiretroviral therapy, anaemia and CD4 cell count at baseline; and treatment or chemoprophylaxis for tuberculosis (TB) during follow-up. We used Fine & Gray's model for the survival analyses with competing risks, since we had regarded immunodeficiency-unrelated deaths as a competing event, and we estimated the adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratios (SHRs). In 10 012·6 person-years of observation there were 3·1 deaths/100 person-years (2·3 immunodeficiency-related and 0·8 immunodeficiency-unrelated). TB (SHR 4·01), anaemia (SHR 3·58), CD4 <200 cells/mm3(SHR 3·33) and being unemployed (SHR 1·56) were risk factors for immunodeficiency-related death. This study discloses a 13% coverage by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in our state and adds that anaemia at baseline or the incidence of TB may increase the specific risk of dying from HIV-immunodeficiency, regardless of HAART and CD4.
Raptor and large soaring bird migration across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico: distribution, seasonality, and phenology
Authors: CABRERA-CRUZ SERGIO A. , CERVANTES-PASQUALLI JUAN A. , RUELAS INZUNZA ERNESTO , HERNÁNDEZ-MORALES TERESO , VILLEGAS-PATRACA RAFAEL
Published: January 2017

We present the first study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of raptors and large soaring birds from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico. Using systematic migration counts from multiple localities in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, as well as observations of their flight trajectories during eight consecutive years (2007–2014), we describe the magnitude of these movements, their geographic extent, and the phenology of the most abundant species in both spring and fall seasons. The most abundant species were Turkey VultureCathartes aura, Swainson’s HawkButeo swainsoni, Broad-winged HawkButeo platypterus, Wood StorkMycteria americana, American White PelicanPelecanus erythrothynchos, Franklin’s GullLeucophaeus pipixcan, and American KestrelFalco sparverius. In spring, the seasonal average magnitude of migration was over 28,000 birds, while in autumn the average was over one million. The aggregated seasonal phenologies recorded illustrate a variety of migration patterns. The inter-annual variation is lower in autumn than in spring. Migrating raptors and other soaring birds did not seem to use any topographical feature as a leading line for their movements in spring, while in autumn they did. We estimated the main axis of spring flights to run along a SE–NW vector, while autumn migration follows a WNW–ESE general trajectory. Our results place the isthmus as one of the five most important sites in the world for raptors and soaring migrants. Sustaining annual migration counts at these sites is of high importance to track substantial portions (> 90%) of the global population of Turkey Vulture and Swainson’s Hawk, as well as over 10% of the global population of Broad-winged Hawk. Autumn migration counts have the potential for long-term population monitoring.
On the brink: status and breeding ecology of Eleonora’s FalconFalco eleonoraein Algeria
Authors: TOUATI LAÏD , NEDJAH RIAD , SAMRAOUI FARRAH , ALFARHAN AHMED H. , GANGOSO LAURA , FIGUEROLA JORDI , SAMRAOUI BOUDJÉMA
Published: January 2017

This is the first study reporting the population status and reproductive biology of the Eleonora’s Falcon in Algeria. To determine the status, nest site selection, and breeding parameters, data were collected at Chetaïbi, north-east Algeria in 2010 and 2012. During this period, the number of breeding pairs decreased from 130 to 100, which represents an annual decrease rate of 12.29%. The mean clutch size was 2.6 ± 0.5 (n= 90) and 2.9 ± 0.4 (n= 34) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Clutches displayed a low rate of hatching (56% and 41%) and productivity decreased from 0.8 chicks/nest in 2010 to 0.4 chicks/nest in 2012. Breeding outcome and productivity were negatively related to sun exposure and were weakly linked to hatching date in 2012 but not in 2010. Although fluctuations in population size have been reported across the species’ breeding range, our results suggest that the Algerian population of Eleonora’s Falcon is experiencing a sharp decline in recent times that also involves the near extinction of a small neighbouring colony. Apart from the effect of environmental factors on breeding performance, this negative population trend is likely to be explained by increasing anthropogenic pressures associated with an upsurge of recreational activities on and around the island as well as the introduction of mammal predators. Active management across the country is urgently needed to mitigate such pressures and ensure the long-term persistence of a bird listed as a priority species for conservation.
Effect of Formal Education on Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke: A Meta-analysis and Study in Young-Stroke Patients
Authors: Kessels Roy P.C. , Eikelboom Willem Sake , Schaapsmeerders Pauline , Maaijwee Noortje A.M. , Arntz Renate M. , van Dijk Ewoud J. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: January 2017

Objectives: The extent of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) after stroke varies greatly across individuals, even when the same amount of brain damage is present. Education level is a potentially protective factor explaining these differences, but results on its effects on VCI are inconclusive. Methods: First, we performed a meta-analysis on formal education and VCI, identifying 21 studies (N=7770). Second, we examined the effect of formal education on VCI in young-stroke patients who were cognitively assessed on average 11.0 (SD=8.2) years post-stroke (the FUTURE study cohort). The total sample consisted of 277 young-stroke patients with a mean age at follow-up 50.9 (SD=10.3). Age and education-adjusted expected scores were computed using 146 matched stroke-free controls. Results: The meta-analysis showed an overall effect size (z') of 0.25 (95% confidence interval [0.18–0.31]), indicating that formal education level had a small to medium effect on VCI. Analyses of the FUTURE data showed that the effect of education on post-stroke executive dysfunction was mediated by age (β age −0.015; p<.05). Below-average performance in the attention domain was more frequent for low-education patients (χ2(2)=9.8; p<.05). Conclusions: While education level was found to be related to post-stroke VCI in previous research, the effects were small. Further analysis in a large stroke cohort showed that these education effects were fully mediated by age, even in relatively young stroke patients. Education level in and of itself does not appear to be a valid indicator of cognitive reserve. Multi-indicator methods may be more valid, but have not been studied in relation to VCI. (JINS, 2017, 23, 223–238)
Differential effects of dietary diversity and maternal characteristics on linear growth of children aged 6–59 months in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-country analysis
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A , Dimbuene Zacharie T , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W , Mberu Blessing , Ezeh Alex C
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate the differential effects of dietary diversity (DD) and maternal characteristics on child linear growth at different points of the conditional distribution of height-for-ageZ-score (HAZ) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from nationally representative cross-sectional samples of singleton children aged 0–59 months, born to mothers aged 15–49 years. The outcome variable was child HAZ. Quantile regression was used to perform the multivariate analysis.

Setting

The most recent Demographic and Health Surveys from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Subjects

The present analysis was restricted to children aged 6–59 months (n31 604).

Results

DD was associated positively with HAZ in the first four quantiles (5th, 10th, 25th and 50th) and the highest quantile (90th) in Nigeria. The largest effect occurred at the very bottom (5th quantile) and the very top (90th quantile) of the conditional HAZ distribution. In DRC, DD was significantly and positively associated with HAZ in the two lower quantiles (5th, 10th). The largest effects of maternal education occurred at the lower end of the conditional HAZ distribution in Ghana, Nigeria and DRC. Maternal BMI and height also had positive effects on HAZ at different points of the conditional distribution of HAZ.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that the association between DD and maternal factors and HAZ differs along the conditional HAZ distribution. Intervention measures need to take into account the heterogeneous effect of the determinants of child nutritional status along the different percentiles of the HAZ distribution.
The Short Demoralization Scale (SDS): A new tool to appraise demoralization in palliative care patients
Authors: Galiana Laura , Rudilla David , Oliver Amparo , Barreto Pilar
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The Demoralization Scale (DS) is the most widely used measure for assessing demoralization. Following the recent clamor for brief assessment tools, and taking into account that demoralization has proved to be a symptom that needs to be controlled and treated in the palliative care setting, a shorter scale is needed. The aim of the present research is to introduce and evaluate the Short Demoralization Scale (SDS).

Method:

We employed a cross-sectional design that included a survey of 226 Spanish palliative care patients from the Hospital General Universitario de Valencia. We employed the SDS, the DS, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results:

The confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the SDS (χ2(5) = 12.915; p = 0.024; CFI = 0.999; RMSEA = 0.084; CI95% = [0.028, 0.141]). The reliability was found to be appropriate, with a value of Cronbach's alpha (α) equal to 0.920. A cutoff criterion of 10 was established, which favored the interpretability of the instrument.

Significance of results:

The SDS corrects previous limitations, has a simple scoring system, is cost-effective, and is widely and fully available. In addition, our findings demonstrate that the SDS can be employed effectively in the clinical context.
Eternal friends and erstwhile enemies: The regional sporting community of the Southeast Asian Games
Authors: Creak Simon
Published: January 2017

A paradox lies at the heart of the biennial Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. On the one hand, the region's premier sporting event has consistently celebrated themes of regional friendship and cooperation; on the other, the SEA Games are synonymous with controversy and poor sportsmanship, especially over the strategic selection of sports by host nations. Yet the Games go on – every second year – just as they have done since 1959. In introducing sport to existing debates on regional community in Southeast Asia, this article seeks to understand the key features of the sporting community of the Southeast Asian Games, particularly the emergence and development of the institutions and norms that help this event to thrive in the face of national self-interest. Through this analysis, the article argues for a distinctive approach to regional community in Southeast Asia, based not on notions of unity but principles of reciprocity and exchange.
DDX59 promotes DNA replication in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: You Jin , Wang Xingshun , Wang Jiuling , Yuan Baolei , Zhang Yandong
Published: January 2017

DEAD box proteins are multifunctional proteins involved in every aspect in RNA metabolism and have essential roles in many cellular activities. Despite their importance, many DEAD box proteins remain uncharacterized. In this report, we found DDX59 overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma. DDX59 knockdown reduced cell proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth, and caused reduction of tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. In multiple lung cancer cells, we found that DDX59 knockdown inhibits DNA synthesis; wild-type DDX59 but not helicase-defective mutant of DDX59 enhances DNA synthesis. DDX59 knockdown caused reduction of MCM protein levels, decreased the loading of MCM ring protein onto chromatin, and therefore inhibited DNA replication. Our study reveals for the first time that DDX59 has an important role in lung cancer development through promoting DNA replication.
The exact Laplacian spectrum for the Dyson hierarchical network
Authors: Agliari Elena , Tavani Flavia
Published: January 2017

We consider the Dyson hierarchical graph "Equation missing", that is a weighted fully-connected graph, where the pattern of weights is ruled by the parameter σ ∈ (1/2, 1]. Exploiting the deterministic recursivity through which "Equation missing" is built, we are able to derive explicitly the whole set of the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors for its Laplacian matrix. Given that the Laplacian operator is intrinsically implied in the analysis of dynamic processes (e.g., random walks) occurring on the graph, as well as in the investigation of the dynamical properties of connected structures themselves (e.g., vibrational structures and relaxation modes), this result allows addressing analytically a large class of problems. In particular, as examples of applications, we study the random walk and the continuous-time quantum walk embedded in "Equation missing", the relaxation times of a polymer whose structure is described by "Equation missing", and the community structure of "Equation missing" in terms of modularity measures.
Autophagy-related protein MoAtg14 is involved in differentiation, development and pathogenicity in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hong , Zhao Ya-Hui , Zhu Xue-Ming , Zeng Xiao-Qing , Huang Lu-Yao , Dong Bo , Su Zhen-Zhu , Wang Yao , Lu Jian-Ping , Lin Fu-Cheng
Published: January 2017

Autophagy is the major intracellular degradation system by which cytoplasmic materials are delivered to and degraded in the vacuole/lysosome in eukaryotic cells. MoAtg14 inM. oryzae, a hitherto uncharacterized protein, is the highly divergent homolog of the yeast Atg14 and the mammal BARKOR. TheMoATG14deletion mutant exhibited collapse in the center of the colonies, poor conidiation and a complete loss of virulence. Significantly, the ΔMoatg14mutant showed delayed breakdown of glycogen, less lipid bodies, reduced turgor pressure in the appressorium and impaired conidial autophagic cell death. The autophagic process was blocked in the ΔMoatg14mutant, and the autophagic degradation of the marker protein GFP-MoAtg8 was interrupted. GFP-MoAtg14 co-localized with mCherry-MoAtg8 in the aerial hypha. In addition, a conserved coiled-coil domain was predicted in the N-terminal region of the MoAtg14 protein, a domain which could mediate the interaction between MoAtg14 and MoAtg6. The coiled-coil domain of the MoAtg14 protein is essential for its function in autophagy and pathogenicity.
Polydatin protects the respiratory system from PM2.5 exposure
Authors: Yan Xiao-Dan , Wang Qi-Ming , Tie Cai , Jin Hong-Tao , Han Yan-Xing , Zhang Jin-Lan , Yu Xiao-Ming , Hou Qi , Zhang Piao-Piao , Wang Ai-Ping , Zhang Pei-Cheng , Gao Zhonggao , Jiang Jian-Dong
Published: January 2017

Atmospheric particle is one of the risk factors for respiratory disease; however, their injury mechanisms are poorly understood, and prevention methods are highly desirable. We constructed artificial PM2.5 (aPM2.5) particles according to the size and composition of actual PM2.5 collected in Beijing. Using these artificial particles, we created an inhalation-injury animal model. These aPM2.5 particles simulate the physical and chemical characteristics of the actual PM2.5, and inhalation of the aPM2.5 in rat results in a time-dependent change in lung suggesting a declined lung function, injury from oxidative stress and inflammation in lung. Thus, this aPM2.5-caused injury animal model may mimic that of the pulmonary injury in human exposed to airborne particles. In addition, polydatin (PD), a resveratrol glucoside that is rich in grapes and red wine, was found to significantly decrease the oxidative potential (OP) of aPM2.5in vitro. Treating the model rats with PD prevented the lung function decline caused by aPM2.5, and reduced the level of oxidative damage in aPM2.5-exposed rats. Moreover, PD inhibited aPM2.5-induced inflammation response, as evidenced by downregulation of white blood cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammation-related lipids and proinflammation cytokines in lung. These results provide a practical means for self-protection against particulate air pollution.
Optical and THz investigations of mid-IR materials exposed to alpha particle irradiation
Authors: Sporea Dan , Mihai Laura , Sporea Adelina , Vâţã Ion
Published: January 2017

The paper is the first comprehensive study on alpha particle irradiation effects on four mid-IR materials: CaF2, BaF2, Al2O3(sapphire) and ZnSe. The measurements of the optical spectral transmittance, spectral diffuse reflectance, radioluminescent emission, terahertz (THz) spectral response, transmittance, absorbance, refractive index, real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant and THz imaging are used as complementary investigations to evaluate these effects. The simulations were run to estimate: (i) the penetration depth, (ii) the scattering of alpha particle beam, (iii) the amount of material affected by this interaction, and (iv) the number of vacancies produced by the radiation exposure for each type of material. The simulation results are compared to the off-line measurement outcomes. The delay and spectral composition change of the reflected THz signal highlight the modification induced in the tested materials by the irradiation process.
KANK1 inhibits cell growth by inducing apoptosis through regulating CXXC5 in human malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Cui Zhibin , Shen Yingjia , Chen Kenny H. , Mittal Suresh K. , Yang Jer-Yen , Zhang GuangJun
Published: January 2017

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a type of rare sarcomas with a poor prognosis due to its highly invasive nature and limited treatment options. Currently there is no targeted-cancer therapy for this type of malignancy. Thus, it is important to identify more cancer driver genes that may serve as targets of cancer therapy. Through comparative oncogenomics, we have found that KANK1 was a candidate tumor suppressor gene (TSG) for human MPNSTs. Although KANK1 is known as a cytoskeleton regulator, its tumorigenic function in MPNSTs remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that restoration of KANK1 in human MPNST cells inhibits cell growth both in human cell culture and xenograft mice by increasing apoptosis. Consistently, knockdown of KANK1 in neurofibroma cells promoted cell growth. Using RNA-seq analysis, we identified CXXC5 and other apoptosis-related genes, and demonstrated that CXXC5 is regulated by KANK1. Knockdown of CXXC5 was found to diminish KANK1-induced apoptosis in MPNST cells. Thus, KANK1 inhibits MPNST cell growth though CXXC5 mediated apoptosis. Our results suggest that KANK1 may function as a tumor suppressor in human MPNSTs, and thus it may be useful for targeted therapy.
Coexistence of topological Dirac fermions on the surface and three-dimensional Dirac cone state in the bulk of ZrTe5 single crystal
Authors: Pariari Arnab , Mandal Prabhat
Published: January 2017

Although, the long-standing debate on the resistivity anomaly in ZrTe5 somewhat comes to an end, the exact topological nature of the electronic band structure remains elusive till today. Theoretical calculations predicted that bulk ZrTe5 to be either a weak or a strong three-dimensional (3D) topological insulator. However, the angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy and transport measurements clearly demonstrate 3D Dirac cone state with a small mass gap between the valence band and conduction band in the bulk. From the magnetization and magneto-transport measurements on ZrTe5 single crystal, we have detected both the signature of helical spin texture from topological surface state and chiral anomaly associated with the 3D Dirac cone state in the bulk. This implies that ZrTe5 hosts a novel electronic phase of material, having massless Dirac fermionic excitation in its bulk gap state, unlike earlier reported 3D topological insulators. Apart from the band topology, it is also apparent from the resistivity and Hall measurements that the anomalous peak in the resistivity can be shifted to a much lower temperature (T < 2 K) by controlling impurity and defects.
Intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessel density both correlate with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Song , Yi Shanhong , Zhang Dong , Gong Mingfu , Cai Yuanqing , Zou Liguang
Published: January 2017

The status of lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor for breast cancer. However, the presence of intratumoral lymphatic vessels in primary tumor lesions and the relationship between lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) have not been firmly established. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis study to investigate these issues. According to the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies, involving 1029 breast cancer patients, were included in this study. Using immunohistochemical staining, intratumoral lymphatic vessels were detected in 40.07% of breast cancer patients (240/599), and peritumoral lymphatics were detected in 77.09% (397/515). All studies demonstrated that peritumoral LVD was higher than intratumoral LVD, with a pooled standard mean difference and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.75 (1.28 to 2.21). Both intratumoral LVD and peritumoral LVD positively correlated with LNM, with correlation coefficients of 0.14 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.23) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.49), respectively. In summary, our study reports the overall detection rate of intratumoral lymphatics and demonstrates the associations between intratumoral LVD, peritumoral LVD, and LNM in breast cancer. Additionally, controlled studies with a larger number of subjects are needed to establish these relationships.
Profiling metals in Cordyceps sinensis by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Wei Xin , Hu Hankun , Zheng Baogeng , Arslan Zikri , Huang Hung-Chung , Mao Weidong , Liu Yi-Ming
Published: January 2017

In this work an assay protocol based on the ICP-MS technique was developed and validated to simultaneously determine 24 essential, non-essential, and toxic metals for the first time in C. sinensis.
Detection of sulfide ions in the red-light region based on upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Er/NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Zhongling , Wang Lei , Wang Lun , Chen Hongqi
Published: January 2017

A turn-off/on luminescence system was developed for the detection of sulfide ions in the red-light region based on NaYF4:Yb,Er/NaGdF4 upconverting nanoparticles.
Continuous sample drop flow-microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography for determination of triazine herbicides from fruit juices
Authors: Ahmadi-Jouibari Toraj , Pasdar Yahya , Pirsaheb Meghdad , Fattahi Nazir
Published: January 2017

A simple, inexpensive, reliable, dispersive-solvent-free and environmentally friendly method based on CSDF-ME and HPLC-UV was developed for the determination of triazine herbicides in fruit juice samples.
Accelerated room-temperature crystallization of ultrahigh-surface-area porous anatase titania by storing photogenerated electrons
Authors: Su Juan , Zou Xiaoxin , Li Binghan , Chen Hui , Li Xinhao , Yu Qiuying , Mi Qixi , Chen Jie-Sheng
Published: January 2017

A technology for storing photogenerated electrons is for the first time applied for significantly accelerating the crystallization of amorphous TiO2 at room temperature (reducing the reaction time from 80 to 2 days). The resulting porous anatase titania exhibits ultrahigh surface areas up to 736 m2 g−1.
Layer-separable and gap-tunable topological insulators
Authors: Chang Kai-Wei , Ji Wei , Kaun Chao-Cheng
Published: January 2017

TlSe is predicted to be a layered topological insulator with rather weak interlayer coupling, and thus it can be exfoliated easily.
Thermodynamic and molecular origin of interfacial rate enhancements and endo-selectivities of a Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Beniwal Vijay , Kumar Anil
Published: January 2017

Organic reactions in general display large rate accelerations when performed under interfacial conditions, such as on water or at ionic liquid interfaces.
The effect of electrostatic boundaries in molecular simulations: symmetry matters
Authors: Pan Cong , Yi Shasha , Hu Zhonghan
Published: January 2017

Depending on the symmetry, corrections to simulated quantities might be necessary to reestablish consistency within continuum electrostatics.
Electron correlation effects in third-order densities
Authors: Rodriguez-Mayorga Mauricio , Ramos-Cordoba Eloy , Feixas Ferran , Matito Eduard
Published: January 2017

Three-electron harmonium is used as a calibration tool for third-order density matrices, putting forward several limitations of the currently most used approximations.
Ethane C–H bond activation on the Fe(iv)–oxo species in a Zn-based cluster of metal–organic frameworks: a density functional theory study
Authors: Impeng Sarawoot , Siwaipram Siwarut , Bureekaew Sareeya , Probst Michael
Published: January 2017

The generation of a Fe(iv)–oxo complex and its reactivity for C–H bond activation of ethane have been theoretically unraveled.
Characteristics of lateral and hybrid heterostructures based on monolayer MoS2: a computational study
Authors: Feng Li-ping , Su Jie , Liu Zheng-tang
Published: January 2017

Novel MoS2/(MX2)n lateral and (MoS2)/(MX2)n–BN hybrid heterostructures have been designed on monolayer MoS2 to extend its applications.
The role of tachysterol in vitamin D photosynthesis – a non-adiabatic molecular dynamics study
Authors: Cisneros Cecilia , Thompson Travis , Baluyot Noel , Smith Adam C. , Tapavicza Enrico
Published: January 2017

To investigate the role of tachysterol in the regulation of vitamin D photosynthesis, we studied its absorption properties and photodynamics byab initiomethods and non-adiabatic molecular dynamics.
Temperature-dependent ESR and computational studies on antiferromagnetic electron transfer in the yeast NADH dehydrogenase Ndi1
Authors: Wu Kaiqi , Li Wenfei , Yu Lu , Tong Wei , Feng Yue , Ling Shenglong , Zhang Longhua , Zheng Xiao , Yang Maojun , Tian Changlin
Published: January 2017

The electron transfer mechanism of Ndi1.
Mechanistic insights into CO2 reduction on Cu/Mo-loaded two-dimensional g-C3N4(001)
Authors: Li Penghui , Wang Fang , Wei Shiqian , Li Xinyu , Zhou Ying
Published: January 2017

Mechanisms of CO2 reduction on Cu/Mo-loaded g-C3N4(001).
Revisiting binding of plutonium to transferrin by CE-ICP-MS
Authors: Sauge-Merle Sandrine , Lemaire David , Evans Robert W. , Berthomieu Catherine , Aupiais Jean
Published: January 2017

The affinity of transferrin for tetravalent plutonium was determined by competing with nitrilotriacetic acid. The affinity of transferrin for plutonium at pH 6 was approximately 104times stronger than that of iron at pH 6.7.
A tubular nanoreactor directing the formation of in situ iron oxide nanorods with superior photocatalytic activity
Authors: Das Sankar , Jana Subhra
Published: January 2017

Selective modification of the halloysite lumen directs in situ growth of α-Fe2O3 nanorods which demonstrate solar light-induced photocatalytic activity.
Microsphere cytometry to interrogate microenvironment-dependent cell signaling
Authors: Ertsås Henriette Christie , Nolan Garry P. , LaBarge Mark A. , Lorens James B.
Published: January 2017

A novel microsphere-based flow cytometry approach to study adherent cell signaling responses in different microenvironmental contexts at the single cell level.
High efficiency hydrodynamic bacterial electrotransformation
Authors: Garcia Paulo A. , Ge Zhifei , Kelley Laura E. , Holcomb Steven J. , Buie Cullen R.
Published: January 2017

Synthetic biology holds great potential for addressing pressing challenges for mankind and our planet.
A vascularized and perfused organ-on-a-chip platform for large-scale drug screening applications
Authors: Phan Duc T. T. , Wang Xiaolin , Craver Brianna M. , Sobrino Agua , Zhao Da , Chen Jerry C. , Lee Lilian Y. N. , George Steven C. , Lee Abraham P. , Hughes Christopher C. W.
Published: January 2017

A vascularized, perfused organ-on-a-chip platform suitable for large-scale drug efficacy/toxicity screening.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation in microfluidic droplets: towards fast and cheap analyses
Authors: Teste Bruno , Champ Jerome , Londono-Vallejo Arturo , Descroix Stéphanie , Malaquin Laurent , Viovy Jean-Louis , Draskovic Irena , Mottet Guillaume
Published: January 2017

Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in droplets based on a microfluidic platform combining nanoliter droplets, magnetic beads and magnetic tweezers.
Iridium-based emitters containing pendant triphenylene moieties for bluish-green OLEDs with improved efficiency upon thermal annealing
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zhu Mengbing , Deng Jiyong , Xie Guohua , Baranoff Etienne
Published: January 2017

High hole mobility was obtained for iridium complexes bearing triphenylene units, and the annealed emitter shows the best device performance.
Oxidative decarbonylative coupling of aliphatic aldehydes with methacryloyl benzamides to generate isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones
Authors: Pan Changduo , Chen Chaoyue , Yu Jin-Tao
Published: January 2017

Alkyl-substituted isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones were prepared by coupling of N-alkyl-N-methacryloylbenzamides and aliphatic aldehydes through subsequent decarbonylation, radical addition and cyclization processes.
Reversal of the sense of enantioselectivity between 1- and 2-aza[6]helicenes used as chiral inducers of asymmetric autocatalysis
Authors: Matsumoto Arimasa , Yonemitsu Kento , Ozaki Hanae , Míšek Jiří , Starý Ivo , Stará Irena G. , Soai Kenso
Published: January 2017

Reversal of the sense of enantioselectivity was observed between 1-aza[6]helicene 2 and 2-aza[6]helicene 3 employed as chiral inducers of asymmetric autocatalysis of pyrimidyl alkanol.
Identification and characterization of a new intermediate to obtain high quality perovskite films with hydrogen halides as additives
Authors: Duan Bin , Ren Yingke , Xu Yafeng , Chen Wenyong , Ye Qing , Huang Yang , Zhu Jun , Dai Songyuan
Published: January 2017

Hydrogen halides as additives form a new intermediate to obtain high quality perovskite films.
Ultra-small and low crystalline CoMoO4 nanorods for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Dam Duc Tai , Huang Tan , Lee Jong-Min
Published: January 2017

Molybdenum and cobalt binary oxide (CoMoO4) nanowires, nanorods and micro-rhombohedra were synthesized by facile hydrothermal/solvothermal methods.
Free-standing hybrid films based on graphene and porous carbon particles for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Ferrero Guillermo A. , Sevilla Marta , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: January 2017

A novel route towards high-performance, free-standing and flexible hybrid papers made up of porous carbon particles combined with graphene sheets.
Colloidal dispersions of conducting copolymers of aniline and p-phenylenediamine for films with enhanced conductometric sensitivity to temperature
Authors: Li Yu , Bober Patrycja , Trchová Miroslava , Stejskal Jaroslav
Published: January 2017

Polyaniline colloids stabilized with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) were prepared by the oxidation of aniline with peroxydisulfate.
Correction: Hydrophilic phase transfer catalyst based on the sulfoacid group and polyoxometalate for the selective oxidation of sulfides in water with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Chunxia , Liu Kecheng , Yang Ying , Chang Tao
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Hydrophilic phase transfer catalyst based on the sulfoacid group and polyoxometalate for the selective oxidation of sulfides in water with hydrogen peroxide’ by Wei Zhao et al., New J. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6nj03218d.
Enhancing light transmission through a disordered waveguide with inhomogeneous scattering and loss
Authors: Sarma Raktim , Yamilov Alexey , Cao Hui
Published: January 2017

We enhanced the total transmission of light through a disordered waveguide with spatially inhomogeneous scattering and loss by shaping the incident wavefront of a laser beam. Using an on-chip tapered lead, we were able to access all input modes in the waveguide with a spatial light modulator. The adaptive wavefront shaping resulted in selective coupling of input light to high transmission channels, which bypassed the regions of higher scattering and loss in the waveguide. Spatial inhomogeneity in scattering and loss leads to the modification of the spatial structures of transmission eigenchannels, allowing wavefront shaping to redirect the energy flux to circumvent regions of higher scattering and loss and thereby enhancing the energy transported through the system. This work demonstrates the power of wavefront shaping in coherent control of light transport in inhomogeneous scattering media, which are common in real applications.
Quantitative atomic resolution at interfaces: Subtraction of the background in STEM images with the example of (Ga,In)P/GaAs structures
Authors: Han Han , Beyer Andreas , Belz Jürgen , König Alexander , Stolz Wolfgang , Volz Kerstin
Published: January 2017

The III/V semiconductor heterostructures are part of many devices. Often, interfaces play a crucial role as they influence charge carrier transport and recombination. The knowledge of the interface structure at an atomic level is vital for a controlled performance in the devices. In the present paper, to quantitatively evaluate the interface, high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is utilized. (Ga,In)P/GaAs has been chosen as an example material system, as this interface can be grown under many highly different conditions and as it is a lattice-matched interface. Moreover, as atoms with highly different atomic number form this interface, they can be used to study the influence of diffuse scattering in STEM HAADF on composition evaluation with atomic resolution. It is shown that the STEM HAADF image background intensity can significantly influence the characterization; therefore, a background intensity map subtraction method is also shown with the focus of applicability to the mixed III/V alloys and keeping atomic resolution. In this paper, we investigate four technologically relevant (Ga,In)P/GaAs interfaces grown at highly different conditions and correlate the revealed interfacial features as well as the chemical compositions with the growth conditions to optimize the growth processes. It is found that growth at 525 °C leads to sharper interfaces. A binary GaP interlayer between GaAs and (Ga,In)P can lead to more abrupt transitions at each sublattice, group III as well as group V; however, the interface becomes wider overall.
Direct measurement of thermoelectric properties of β-MnO2 in its powder form
Authors: Shen Shi-Peng , Chai Yi-Sheng , Wang Shou-Guo , Yang Chuan-Sen , Shang Da-Shan , Sun Young
Published: January 2017

Thermoelectric power of nanoscale materials could be greatly enhanced than that of their bulks, but its precise measurement becomes a challenging problem. A setup designed for directly characterizing the thermoelectric properties of powder samples was constructed. As a demonstration, we measured the thermoelectric potential of β-MnO2 sample in different powder forms around room temperature. The β-MnO2 powder ground in the air has a much larger thermopower than that in the as-bought sample or powder ground in the dry Ar atmosphere. It was concluded that the Seebeck coefficient of β-MnO2 powder can be greatly affected in the air due to a possible electrochemical reaction with H2O vapor.
Proton acceleration in a slow wakefield
Authors: Isaacs Joshua , Sprangle Phillip
Published: January 2017

We propose and analyze a mechanism to accelerate protons in a low-phase-velocity wakefield. The wakefield is shock-excited by the interaction of two counter-propagating laser pulses in a plasma density gradient. The laser pulses consist of a forward-propagating short pulse (less than a plasma period) and a counter-propagating long pulse. The beating of these pulses generates a slow forward-propagating wakefield that can trap and accelerate protons. The trapping and acceleration is accomplished by appropriately tapering both the plasma density and the amplitude of the backward-propagating pulse. An example is presented in which the trapping and accelerating wakefield has a phase velocity varying from Vph≈0  to ≈0.15 c   (∼10 MeV   proton  energy) over a distance of ∼1 cm. The required laser intensities, pulse durations, pulse energies, and plasma densities are relatively modest. Instabilities such as the Raman instability are mitigated because of the large plasma density gradients. Numerical solutions of the wakefield equation and simulations using turboWAVE are carried out to support our model.
Role of temperature inhomogeneity in experiments measuring M-shell or L-shell spectral opacity
Authors: Busquet M.
Published: January 2017

As the value of the Rosseland mean of solar mixtures and β-Cepheid envelops around the “opacity bump” has been questioned, experiments measuring spectral transmission (directly related to opacity) of transition metals (Iron, Nickel, etc.) are ongoing with laser or ion beams created plasmas. Some authors have claimed that the observed discrepancy between experimental spectra and theoretical spectra may be partially understood as the effect of temperature inhomogeneity. We demonstrate that the transmission of a L- or M-shell weakly inhomogeneous plasma is identical to the transmission of a one-temperature plasma, and then that the experimental transmission in such a spectral range is not sensitive to the existence of a gradient. Origin of discrepancy must be searched elsewhere.
Interfacial stability of ultrathin films of magnetite Fe3O4 (111) on Al2O3(001) grown by ozone-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Hong Hawoong , Kim Jongjin , Fang Xinyue , Hong Seungbum , Chiang T.-C.
Published: January 2017

The thin films of iron oxides including magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) have many important applications. Both forms of oxide can occur naturally during film growth by iron deposition under various oxidation environments; an important issue is to understand and control the process resulting in a single-phase film. We have performed the in-situ -time studies using X-ray diffraction of such film growth on sapphire (001) under pure ozone by monitoring the (00L) rod. Stable magnetite growth can be maintained at growth temperatures below 600 °C up to a certain critical film thickness, beyond which the growth becomes hematite. The results demonstrate the importance of interfacial interaction in stabilizing the magnetite phase.
Linear entropy and squeezing of the interaction between two quantum system described by su (1, 1) and su(2) Lie group in presence of two external terms
Authors: Abdalla M. Sebawe , Khalil E. M. , Obada A. S.-F. , Peřina J. , Křepelka J.
Published: January 2017

A Hamiltonian, that describes the interaction between a two-level atom (su(2) algebra) and a system governed by su(1,1) Lie algebra besides two external interaction, is considered. Two canonical transformations are used, which results into removing the external terms and changing the frequencies of the interacting systems. The solution of the equations of motion of the operators is obtained and used to discuss the atomic inversion, entanglement, squeezing and correlation functions of the present system. Initially the atom is considered to be in the excited state while the other systems is in the Perelomov coherent state. Effects of the variations in the coupling parameters to the external systems are considered. They are found to be sensitive to changing entanglement, variance and entropy squeezing.
Effects of fire radiative energy density dose on Pinus contorta and Larix occidentalis seedling physiology and mortality
Authors: Smith Alistair M. S. , Talhelm Alan F. , Johnson Daniel M. , Sparks Aaron M. , Kolden Crystal A. , Yedinak Kara M. , Apostol Kent G. , Tinkham Wade T. , Abatzoglou John T. , Lutz James A. , Davis Anthony S. , Pregitzer Kurt S. , Adams Henry D. , Kremens Robert L.
Published: January 2017

Climate change is projected to exacerbate the intensity of heat waves and drought, leading to a greater incidence of large and high-intensity wildfires in forested ecosystems. Predicting responses of seedlings to such fires requires a process-based understanding of how the energy released during fires affects plant physiology and mortality. Understanding what fire ‘doses’ cause seedling mortality is important for maintaining grasslands or promoting establishment of desirable plant species. We conducted controlled laboratory combustion experiments on replicates of well-watered nursery-grown seedlings. We evaluated the growth, mortality and physiological response of Larix occidentalis and Pinus contorta seedlings to increasing fire radiative energy density (FRED) doses created using natural fuels with known combustion properties. We observed a general decline in the size and physiological performance of both species that scaled with increasing FRED dose, including decreases in leaf-level photosynthesis, seedling leaf area and diameter at root collar. Greater FRED dose increased the recovery time of chlorophyll fluorescence in the remaining needles. This study provides preliminary data on what level of FRED causes mortality in these two species, which can aid land managers in identifying strategies to maintain (or eliminate) woody seedlings of interest.
Mechanical and corrosion behaviour of in situ intermetallic phases reinforced Mg-based glass composite
Authors: Zhang Xuliang , Sun Jingli , Luo Jian , Wang BaoBing , Cheng Jialin
Published: January 2017

A (Mg65Cu10Ni10Y10Zn5)91Zr9 bulk metallic glass matrix composite, reinforced by in situ formed intermetallic phase, has been fabricated. In contrast to the monolithic Mg-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), the composite showed much higher fracture strength of 1039 MPa and a significant plastic strain of more than 5%. Moreover, the effect of in situ formed intermetallic phase on the corrosion behaviour of the composite was also studied. The results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the composite was only slightly lower than that of the monolithic Mg-based BMGs, but still much higher than that of the AZ31 magnesium alloy. This finding gives us a new clue to enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg-based alloy by designing appropriate metallic glass composites.