bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes Toward Gender Equality and Opposition to Muslim Full-Face Veils
Authors: Sarrasin Oriane
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Often presented and perceived as incompatible with Western values, Muslim full-face veils meet strong opposition. Despite antiveil discourses often being based on concerns for gender equality, it is unclear whether those championing the equal treatment of men and women are also those who oppose full-face veils. Through two online studies conducted in French-speaking Switzerland, the present research aims to shed light on the complex relationship between attitudes toward gender equality and reactions to Muslim full-face veils. Study 1 showed that, as expected, people concerned about gender equality were less opposed to the public wearing of full-face veils because they supported Muslim minorities to a greater extent. Study 2 further revealed that people who believed that gender equality could be reached only by being enforced by all means opposed the wearing of full-face veils to a greater extent. Taken together, these results highlight both the complex underpinnings of attitudes toward the Muslim headscarf and the multidimensionality of positive attitudes toward gender equality.
The Effect of Facial Attractiveness on Facial Expression Identification
Authors: Taylor Alisdair J. G. , Bryant Louise
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Emotion perception studies typically explore how judgments of facial expressions are influenced by invariant characteristics such as sex or by variant characteristics such as gaze. However, few studies have considered the importance of factors that are not easily categorized as invariant or variant. We investigated one such factor, attractiveness, and the role it plays in judgments of emotional expression. We asked 26 participants to categorize different facial expressions (happy, neutral, and angry) that varied with respect to facial attractiveness (attractive, unattractive). Participants were significantly faster when judging expressions on attractive as compared to unattractive faces, but there was no interaction between facial attractiveness and facial expression, suggesting that the attractiveness of a face does not play an important role in the judgment of happy or angry facial expressions.
Perseverance in the Effort
Authors: Auzoult Laurent , Kubiszewski Violaine , Hardy-Massard Sandrine
Published: September 2016

Abstract. A study by Wiekens and Stapel (2010) highlights the existence of individualistic and social standards of self-regulation associated with a heightened level of self-awareness or self-consciousness. This study aimed to replicate one of the original studies and to introduce a new individualistic standard expressing perseverance in effort. A total of 247 students completed a questionnaire measuring these different standards and private and public self-consciousness. The results confirmed the relevance of the typology of standards of self-regulation introduced by Wiekens and Stapel. They also confirmed that a standard of perseverance in effort is associated with private self-consciousness.
Remote Sensing Regulations Come Under Congressional Scrutiny
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: September 2016

Republicans accused the administration of dragging its feet on recommending policy revisions. A federal advisory committee has a November deadline to provide recommendations.
Differential mucosal IL‐10‐induced immunoregulation of innate immune responses occurs in influenza infected infants/toddlers and adults
Authors: Verhoeven David , Perry Sheldon
Published: September 2016

Young children (<5 years of age but especially those <2‐year old) exhibit high rates of morbidity and frequently require hospitalizations due to complications from respiratory viral infections. This is also a population for which we understand less about how their unique level of immunological maturation affects their antiviral immune responses. However, we do know from prior studies that their T cells appear to apoptose in the lungs owing to limited interferon (IFN)γ autocrine signaling during infection. To begin to further understand additional limits, we utilized an infant/toddler murine model infected with influenza virus with an adult comparator. In our model, young mice exhibited lower interleukin (IL)‐10+IFNγ+ co‐producing CD4 T cells infiltrating the lungs that paralleled with a failed switch from an innate to adaptive immune response at the mid infection stage. Specifically, limited co‐IL‐10 production correlated with a lack of influenza‐specific antibodies and subsequent complement receptor signaling (complement receptor type‐1 related gene Y (CCRY)/p65) to the lung infiltrating CD4 T cells therefore limiting their IKAROs upregulation. Thus, limited IL‐10 production appeared to diminish signaling to lung macrophages to stop accumulating late into infection. Taken together, our results suggest a novel role for complement mediated signaling in CD4 T cells with respect to IL‐10 co‐production. Furthermore, a subsequent failure to shift from the unfocused innate immune response to the specific adaptive responses may be a principle cause in the enhanced morbidity common in respiratory viral infection of young children.
MBOAT7 rs641738 increases risk of liver inflammation and transition to fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Thabet Khaled , Asimakopoulos Anastasia , Shojaei Maryam , Romero-Gomez Manuel , Mangia Alessandra , Irving William L. , Berg Thomas , Dore Gregory J. , Grønbæk Henning , Sheridan David , Abate Maria Lorena , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Weltman Martin , Mollison Lindsay , Cheng Wendy , Riordan Stephen , Fischer Janett , Spengler Ulrich , Nattermann Jacob , Wahid Ahmed , Rojas Angela , White Rose , Douglas Mark W. , McLeod Duncan , Powell Elizabeth , Liddle Christopher , van der Poorten David , George Jacob , Eslam Mohammed ,   International Liver Disease Genetics Consortium, Gallego-Duran Rocio , Applegate Tanya , Bassendine Margaret , Rosso Chiara , Mezzabotta Lavinia , Leung Reynold , Malik Barbara , Matthews Gail , Grebely Jason , Fragomeli Vincenzo , Jonsson Julie R. , Santaro Rosanna
Published: September 2016

Cirrhosis likely shares common pathophysiological pathways despite arising from a variety of liver diseases. A recent GWAS identified rs641738, a polymorphism in the MBOAT7 locus, as being associated with the development of alcoholic cirrhosis. Here we explore the role of this variant on liver inflammation and fibrosis in two cohorts of patients with chronic hepatitis C. In 2,051 patients, rs641738 associated with severe hepatic inflammation and increased risk of fibrosis, as well as fast fibrosis progression. At functional level, rs641738 associated with MBOAT7 transcript and protein levels in liver and blood, and with serum inflammatory, oxidative stress and macrophage activation markers. MBOAT7 was expressed in immune cell subsets, implying a role in hepatic inflammation. We conclude that the MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism is a novel risk variant for liver inflammation in hepatitis C, and thereby for liver fibrosis.
Patient coping strategies in COPD across disease severity and quality of life: a qualitative study
Authors: Brien Sarah B , Lewith George T , Thomas Mike
Published: September 2016

Quality of life (QoL) has a weak relationship with lung function (LF) impairment in COPD; some cope well despite poor LF, whereas others suffer disproportionate QoL impairment despite well-preserved LF. Adjuvant non-pharmacological interventions such as rehabilitation and psychological/behavioural support may help if acceptable and targeted appropriately, but they are under-used and sometimes declined by patients. This study aimed to explore and understand variations in experiences and coping strategies in patients with different severities of disease and disease-specific QoL. Thirty-four participants were purposively sampled across a spectrum of LF and QoL impairment, to cover a grid of sub-groups (‘very severe LF, good QoL’, moderate LF, poor QoL’ and so on). Semi-structured interviews, digitally recorded, were analysed by thematic analysis. Data saturation was achieved. Four themes emerged: symptom impact, coping strategies, coping challenges and support needs. Most of them described using multiple coping strategies, yet over half reported significant challenges coping with COPD, including psychological impact, non-acceptance of diagnosis and/or disease progression, effects of co-morbidities and inadequate self-management skills. Approximately half of the participants wanted further help, ideally non-pharmacological, across all LF impairment groups but mainly with lower QoL. Those with lower QoL additionally reported greater psychological distress and greater use of non-pharmacological support strategies where accessible. Patients who develop effective coping strategies have a better QoL independent of objective LF, whereas others cope poorly, are aware of this and report more use of non-pharmacological approaches. This study suggests that severely impaired QoL, irrelevant of lung function, is a powerful patient-centred indication to explore the positive benefits of psychological and behavioural support for distressed COPD patients.
Saddle point localization of molecular wavefunctions
Authors: Mellau Georg Ch. , Kyuberis Alexandra A. , Polyansky Oleg L. , Zobov Nikolai , Field Robert W.
Published: September 2016

The quantum mechanical description of isomerization is based on bound eigenstates of the molecular potential energy surface. For the near-minimum regions there is a textbook-based relationship between the potential and eigenenergies. Here we show how the saddle point region that connects the two minima is encoded in the eigenstates of the model quartic potential and in the energy levels of the [H, C, N] potential energy surface. We model the spacing of the eigenenergies with the energy dependent classical oscillation frequency decreasing to zero at the saddle point. The eigenstates with the smallest spacing are localized at the saddle point. The analysis of the HCN ↔ HNC isomerization states shows that the eigenstates with small energy spacing relative to the effective (v1,v3,ℓ) bending potentials are highly localized in the bending coordinate at the transition state. These spectroscopically detectable states represent a chemical marker of the transition state in the eigenenergy spectrum. The method developed here provides a basis for modeling characteristic patterns in the eigenenergy spectrum of bound states.
Addition of P3HT-grafted Silica nanoparticles improves bulk-heterojunction morphology in P3HT-PCBM blends
Authors: Garg Mohit , Padmanabhan Venkat
Published: September 2016

We present molecular dynamics simulations of a ternary blend of P3HT, PCBM and P3HT-grafted silica nanoparticles (SiNP) for applications in polymer-based solar cells. Using coarse-grained models, we study the effect of SiNP on the spatial arrangement of PCBM in P3HT. Our results suggest that addition of SiNP not only alters the morphology of PCBM clusters but also improves the crystallinity of P3HT. We exploit the property of grafted SiNP to self-assemble into a variety of anisotropic structures and the tendency of PCBM to preferentially adhere to SiNP surface, due to favorable interactions, to achieve morphologies with desirable characteristics for the active layer, including domain size, crystallinity of P3HT, and elimination of isolated islands of PCBM. As the concentration of SiNP increases, the number of isolated PCBM molecules decreases, which in turn improves the crystallinity of P3HT domains. We also observe that by tuning the grafting parameters of SiNP, it is possible to achieve structures ranging from cylindrical to sheets to highly interconnected network of strings. The changes brought about by addition of SiNP shows a promising potential to improve the performance of these materials when used as active layers in organic photovoltaics.
Study of the effect of excited state concentration on photodegradation of the p3ht polymer
Authors: Peters V. N. , Alexander Rohan , Peters D’Angelo A. , Noginov M. A.
Published: September 2016

We have studied photoinduced reduction of absorption and emission in p3ht, a semiconducting polymer, and found that the rate of photodegradation (destruction of the constituent thiophene rings) does not correlate with the luminescence intensity and, correspondingly, does not depend on the excited state concentration. This conclusion rules out Purcell enhancement of radiative decay rate as a possible explanation of the recently discovered reduction of the p3ht photodegradation rate in the vicinity of metallic substrates and lamellar metal-dielectric metamaterials.
Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening: Association with Mechanical Index and Cavitation Index Analyzed by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic-Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chu Po-Chun , Chai Wen-Yen , Tsai Chih-Hung , Kang Shih-Tsung , Yeh Chih-Kuang , Liu Hao-Li
Published: September 2016

Focused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles can temporally open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the cavitation activities of microbubbles play a key role in the BBB-opening process. Previous attempts used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) to correlate the mechanical index (MI) with the scale of BBB-opening, but MI only partially gauged acoustic activities, and CE-MRI did not fully explore correlations of pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic behaviors. Recently, the cavitation index (CI) has been derived to serve as an indicator of microbubble-ultrasound stable cavitation, and may also serve as a valid indicator to gauge the level of FUS-induced BBB opening. This study investigates the feasibility of gauging FUS-induced BBB opened level via the two indexes, MI and CI, through dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI analysis as well as passive cavitation detection (PCD) analysis. Pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic parameters derived from DCE-MRI were characterized to identify the scale of FUS-induced BBB opening. Our results demonstrated that DCE-MRI can successfully access pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic BBB-opened behavior, and was highly correlated both with MI and CI, implying the feasibility in using these two indices to gauge the scale of FUS-induced BBB opening. The proposed finding may facilitate the design toward using focused ultrasound as a safe and reliable noninvasive CNS drug delivery.
Absence of localization in disordered two-dimensional electron gas at weak magnetic field and strong spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Su Ying , Wang C. , Avishai Y. , Meir Yigal , Wang X. R.
Published: September 2016

The one-parameter scaling theory of localization predicts that all states in a disordered two-dimensional system with broken time reversal symmetry are localized even in the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling. While at constant strong magnetic fields this paradigm fails (recall the quantum Hall effect), it is believed to hold at weak magnetic fields. Here we explore the nature of quantum states at weak magnetic field and strongly fluctuating spin-orbit coupling, employing highly accurate numerical procedure based on level spacing distribution and transfer matrix technique combined with one parameter finite-size scaling hypothesis. Remarkably, the metallic phase, (known to exist at zero magnetic field), persists also at finite (albeit weak) magnetic fields, and eventually crosses over into a critical phase, which has already been confirmed at high magnetic fields. A schematic phase diagram drawn in the energy-magnetic field plane elucidates the occurrence of localized, metallic and critical phases. In addition, it is shown that nearest-level statistics is determined solely by the symmetry parameter β and follows the Wigner surmise irrespective of whether states are metallic or critical.
Synergistic effect of tartaric acid with 2,6-diaminopyridine on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 0.5 M HCl
Authors: Qiang Yujie , Guo Lei , Zhang Shengtao , Li Wenpo , Yu Shanshan , Tan Jianhong
Published: September 2016

The inhibitive ability of 2,6-diaminopyridine, tartaric acid and their synergistic effect towards mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M HCl solution was evaluated at various concentrations using potentiodynamic polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss experiments. Corresponding surfaces of mild steel were examined by atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The experimental results are in good agreement and reveal a favorable synergistic effect of 2,6-diaminopyridine with tartaric acid, which could protect mild steel from corrosion effectively. Besides, quantum chemical calculations and Monte Carlo simulation were used to clarify the inhibition mechanism of the synergistic effect.
A novel insight into membrane fouling mechanism regarding gel layer filtration: Flory-Huggins based filtration mechanism
Authors: Lei Qian , Zhang Meijia , Shen Liguo , Li Renjie , Liao Bao-Qiang , Lin Hongjun
Published: September 2016

This study linked the chemical potential change to high specific filtration resistance (SFR) of gel layer, and then proposed a novel membrane fouling mechanism regarding gel layer filtration, namely, Flory-Huggins based filtration mechanism. A mathematical model for this mechanism was theoretically deduced. Agar was used as a model polymer for gel formation. Simulation of the mathematical model for agar gel showed that volume fraction of polymer and Flory-Huggins interaction parameter were the two key factors governing the gel SFR, whereas, pH and ionic strength were not related with the gel SFR. Filtration tests of gel layer showed that the total SFR value, effects of pH and ionic strength on the gel SFR well agreed with the perditions of model’s simulation, indicating the real occurrence of this mechanism and the feasibility of the proposed model. This mechanism can satisfactorily explain the extremely high SFR of gel layer, and improve fundamental insights into membrane fouling regarding gel layer filtration.
Simulation Study of CO2-EOR in Tight Oil Reservoirs with Complex Fracture Geometries
Authors: Zuloaga-Molero Pavel , Yu Wei , Xu Yifei , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Li Baozhen
Published: September 2016

The recent development of tight oil reservoirs has led to an increase in oil production in the past several years due to the progress in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, the expected oil recovery factor from these reservoirs is still very low. CO2-based enhanced oil recovery is a suitable solution to improve the recovery. One challenge of the estimation of the recovery is to properly model complex hydraulic fracture geometries which are often assumed to be planar due to the limitation of local grid refinement approach. More flexible methods like the use of unstructured grids can significantly increase the computational demand. In this study, we introduce an efficient methodology of the embedded discrete fracture model to explicitly model complex fracture geometries. We build a compositional reservoir model to investigate the effects of complex fracture geometries on performance of CO2 Huff-n-Puff and CO2 continuous injection. The results confirm that the appropriate modelling of the fracture geometry plays a critical role in the estimation of the incremental oil recovery. This study also provides new insights into the understanding of the impacts of CO2 molecular diffusion, reservoir permeability, and natural fractures on the performance of CO2-EOR processes in tight oil reservoirs.
Micro-bubble emission boiling with the cavitation bubble blow pit
Authors: Inada Shigeaki , Shinagawa Kazuaki , Illias Suhaimi Bin , Sumiya Hiroyuki , Jalaludin Helmisyah A.
Published: September 2016

The miniaturization boiling (micro-bubble emission boiling [MEB]) phenomenon, with a high heat removal capacity that contributes considerably to the cooling of the divertor of the nuclear fusion reactor, was discovered in the early 1980s. Extensive research on MEB has been performed since its discovery. However, the progress of the application has been delayed because the generation mechanism of MEB remains unclear. Reasons for this lack of clarity include the complexity of the phenomenon itself and the high-speed phase change phenomenon in which boiling and condensation are rapidly generated. In addition, a more advanced thermal technique is required to realize the MEB phenomenon at the laboratory scale. To the authors’ knowledge, few studies have discussed the rush mechanism of subcooled liquid to the heating surface, which is critical to elucidating the mechanism behind MEB. This study used photographic images to verify that the cavitation phenomenon spreads to the inside of the superheated liquid on the heating surface and thus clarify the mechanism of MEB.
Super flame-retardant lightweight rime-like carbon-phenolic nanofoam
Authors: Cheng Haiming , Hong Changqing , Zhang Xinghong , Xue Huafei , Meng Songhe , Han Jiecai
Published: September 2016

The desire for lightweight nanoporous materials with high-performance thermal insulation and efficient anti-ablation resistance for energy conservation and thermal protection/insulation has greatly motivated research and development recently. The main challenge to synthesize such lightweight materials is how to balance the relationship of low thermal conductivity and flame retardancy. Herein, we propose a new concept of lightweight “rime-like” structured carbon-phenolic nanocomposites to solve this problem, where the 3D chopped network-structured carbon fiber (NCF) monoliths are incorporated with nanoporous phenolic aerogel to retain structural and functional integrity. The nanometer-scaled porous phenolic (NP) was synthesized through polymerization-induced phase separation and ambient pressure drying using phenolic resin (PR) solution as reaction source, ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as catalyst. We demonstrate that the as-prepared NCF-NP nanocomposite exhibits with a low density of 0.25–0.35 g/cm3, low thermal conductivity of 0.125 Wm−1K−1 and outstanding flame retardancy exceeding 2000 °C under arc-jet wind tunnel simulation environment. Our results show that the synthesis strategy is a promising approach for producing nanocomposites with excellent high-temperature heat blocking property.
Chiral PCB 91 and 149 Toxicity Testing in Embryo and Larvae (Danio rerio): Application of Targeted Metabolomics via UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Chai Tingting , Cui Feng , Yin Zhiqiang , Yang Yang , Qiu Jing , Wang Chengju
Published: September 2016

In this study, we aimed to investigate the dysfunction of zebrafish embryos and larvae induced by rac-/(+)-/(−)- PCB91 and rac-/(−)-/(+)- PCB149. UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) was employed to perform targeted metabolomics analysis, including the quantification of 22 amino acids and the semi-quantitation of 22 other metabolites. Stereoselective changes in target metabolites were observed in embryos and larvae after exposure to chiral PCB91 and PCB149, respectively. In addition, statistical analyses, including PCA and PLS-DA, combined with targeted metabolomics were conducted to identify the characteristic metabolites and the affected pathways. Most of the unique metabolites in embryos and larvae after PCB91/149 exposure were amino acids, and the affected pathways for zebrafish in the developmental stage were metabolic pathways. The stereoselective effects of PCB91/149 on the metabolic pathways of zebrafish embryos and larvae suggest that chiral PCB91/149 exposure has stereoselective toxicity on the developmental stages of zebrafish.
Diverse ruthenium nitrides stabilized under pressure: a theoretical prediction
Authors: Zhang Yunkun , Wu Lailei , Wan Biao , Lin Yangzheng , Hu Qingyang , Zhao Yan , Gao Rui , Li Zhiping , Zhang Jingwu , Gou Huiyang
Published: September 2016

First-principles calculations were performed to understand the structural stability, synthesis routes, mechanical and electronic properties of diverse ruthenium nitrides. RuN with a new I-4m2 symmetry stabilized by pressure is found to be energetically preferred over the experimental NaCl-type and ZnS-type ones. The Pnnm-RuN2 is found to be stable above 1.1 GPa, in agreement with the experimental results. Specifically, new stoichiometries like RuN3 and RuN4 are proposed firstly to be thermodynamically stable, and the dynamical and mechanical stabilities of the newly predicted structures have been verified by checking their phonon spectra and elastic constants. A phase transition from P4/mmm-RuN4 to C2/c-RuN4 is also uncovered at 23.0 GPa. Drawn from bonding and band structure analysis, P4/mmm-RuN4 exhibits semi-metal-like behavior and becomes a semiconductor for the high-pressure C2/c-RuN4 phase. Meanwhile the P21/c-RuN3 shows metallic feature. Highly directional covalent N-N and Ru-N bonds are formed and dominating in N-enriched Ru nitrides, making them promising hard materials.
Analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Xue-Liang , Liu De-Jun , Yan Ting-Ting , Yang Jian-Yu , Yang Min-Wei , Li Jiao , Huo Yan-Miao , Liu Wei , Zhang Jun-Feng , Hong Jie , Hua Rong , Chen Hao-Yan , Sun Yong-Wei
Published: September 2016

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of non-protein-coding transcripts that have been implicated in cancer biogenesis and prognosis. By repurposing microarray probes, we herein analysed the lncRNA expression profiles in two public PDAC microarray datasets and identified 34 dysregulated lncRNAs in PDAC. In addition, the expression of 6 selected lncRNAs was confirmed in Ren Ji cohort and pancreatic cell lines, and their association with 80 PDAC patients’ clinicopathological features and prognosis was investigated. Results indicated that AFAP1-AS1, UCA1 and ENSG00000218510 might be involved in PDAC progression and significantly associated with overall survival of PDAC. UCA1 and ENSG00000218510 expression status may serve as independent prognostic biomarkers for overall survival of PDAC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis suggested that high AFAP1-AS1, UCA1 and low ENSG00000218510 expression were correlated with several tumorigenesis related pathways. Functional experiments demonstrated that AFAP1-AS1 and UCA1 were required for efficient invasion and/or proliferation promotion in PDAC cell lines, while ENSG00000218510 acted the opposite. Our findings provide novel information on lncRNAs expression profiles which might be beneficial to the precise diagnosis, subcategorization and ultimately, the individualized therapy of PDAC.
Difference in leaf water use efficiency/photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency of Bt-cotton and its conventional peer
Authors: Guo Ruqing , Sun Shucun , Liu Biao
Published: September 2016

This study is to test the effects of Bt gene introduction on the foliar water/nitrogen use efficiency in cotton. We measured leaf stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate under light saturation condition at different stages of a conventional cultivar (zhongmian no. 16) and its counterpart Bt cultivar (zhongmian no. 30) that were cultured on three levels of fertilization, based on which leaf instantaneous water use efficiency was derived. Leaf nitrogen concentration was measured to calculate leaf photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, and leaf δ13C was used to characterize long term water use efficiency. Bt cultivar was found to have lower stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rates and transpiration rates, but higher instantaneous and long time water use efficiency. In addition, foliar nitrogen concentration was found to be higher but net photosynthetic rate was lower in the mature leaves of Bt cultivar, which led to lower photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency. This might result from the significant decrease of photosynthetic rate due to the decrease of stomatal conductance. In conclusion, our findings show that the introduction of Bt gene should significantly increase foliar water use efficiency but decrease leaf nitrogen use efficiency in cotton under no selective pressure.
Tectonic and climatic impacts on the biota within the Red River Fault, evidence from phylogeography of Cycas dolichophylla (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Zheng Ying , Liu Jian , Gong Xun
Published: September 2016

Dramatic crustal deformation and river incision in Southwest China induced by the Indo-Asian collision have long been argued to contribute to the complicated landscapes, heterogeneous environment and abundant biodiversity in this region. However, biological impacts in promoting intraspecific phylogeographical subdivision and divergence along the Red River Fault zone (RRF) remain poorly understood. To investigate the possible biological effects of tectonic movements and environment variations within the RRF, the phylogeography of Cycas dolichophylla-an endemic but widely distributed Cycas in Southwest China and North Vietnam along the RRF were carried out based on four chloroplast DNA intergenic spacers (cpDNA), three nuclear DNA sequences (nDNA) and 16 simple sequence repeat variations (SSR). Two different phylogeographical patterns were detected: a Southwest-Northeast break across the RRF disclosed by chlorotypes and a China-Vietnam separation revealed by SSR. A Bayesian skyline plot from cpDNA data demonstrated a historical increasing, but a recent declining, dynamic in population size during the Pleistocene. Consequently, we infer it is the local environmental variation during Cenozoic that contributed to the complex landscape and microclimate mosaics, facilitating speciation and divergence of C. dolichophylla. Subsequently, the Quaternary climatic fluctuations coupled with human activities profoundly influenced the genetic structure and demographic history of this species.
Divergent Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Respiration in a Semiarid Grassland
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Ma Yiping , Wu Honghui , Sun Tao , La Pierre Kimberly J. , Sun Zewei , Yu Qiang
Published: September 2016

Nitrogen (N) deposition has been steadily increasing for decades, with consequences for soil respiration. However, we have a limited understanding of how soil respiration responds to N availability. Here, we investigated the soil respiration responses to low and high levels of N addition (0.4 mol N m−2 yr−1 vs 1.6 mol N m−2 yr−1) over a two-year period in a semiarid Leymus chinensis grassland in Inner Mongolia, China. Our results show that low-level N addition increased soil respiration, plant belowground biomass and soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), while high-level N additions decreased them. Soil respiration was positively correlated with plant belowground biomass, MBC, soil temperature and soil moisture. Together plant belowground biomass and MBC explained 99.4% of variation in mean soil respiration, with plant belowground biomass explaining 63.4% of the variation and soil MBC explaining the remaining 36%. Finally, the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration was not influenced by N additions. Overall, our results suggest that low levels of N deposition may stimulate soil respiration, but large increases in N availability may decrease soil respiration, and that these responses are driven by the dissimilar responses of both plant belowground biomass and soil MBC.
The fungicide triadimefon affects beer flavor and composition by influencing Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism
Authors: Kong Zhiqiang , Li Minmin , An Jingjing , Chen Jieying , Bao Yuming , Francis Frédéric , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: September 2016

Despite the fact that beer is produced on a large scale, the effects of pesticide residues on beer have been rarely investigated. In this study, we used micro-brewing settings to determine the effect of triadimefon on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and beer flavor. The yeast growth in medium was significantly inhibited (45%) at concentrations higher than 5 mg L−1, reaching 80% and 100% inhibition at 10 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. There were significant differences in sensory quality between beer samples fermented with and without triadimefon based on data obtained with an electronic tongue and nose. Such an effect was most likely underlain by changes in yeast fermentation activity, including decreased utilization of maltotriose and most amino acids, reduced production of isobutyl and isoamyl alcohols, and increased ethyl acetate content in the fungicide treated samples. Furthermore, yeast metabolic profiling by phenotype microarray and UPLC/TOF-MS showed that triadimefon caused significant changes in the metabolism of glutathione, phenylalanine and sphingolipids, and in sterol biosynthesis. Thus, triadimefon negatively affects beer sensory qualities by influencing the metabolic activity of S. cerevisiae during fermentation, emphasizing the necessity of stricter control over fungicide residues in brewing by the food industry.
Transient exposure to calcium ionophore enables in vitro fertilization in sterile mouse models
Authors: Navarrete Felipe A. , Alvau Antonio , Lee Hoi Chang , Levin Lonny R. , Buck Jochen , Leon Patricia Martin-De , Santi Celia M. , Krapf Dario , Mager Jesse , Fissore Rafael A. , Salicioni Ana M. , Darszon Alberto , Visconti Pablo E.
Published: September 2016

Mammalian sperm acquire fertilizing capacity in the female tract in a process called capacitation. At the molecular level, capacitation requires protein kinase A activation, changes in membrane potential and an increase in intracellular calcium. Inhibition of these pathways results in loss of fertilizing ability in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that transient incubation of mouse sperm with Ca2+ ionophore accelerated capacitation and rescued fertilizing capacity in sperm with inactivated PKA function. We now show that a pulse of Ca2+ ionophore induces fertilizing capacity in sperm from infertile CatSper1 (Ca2+ channel), Adcy10 (soluble adenylyl cyclase) and Slo3 (K+ channel) KO mice. In contrast, sperm from infertile mice lacking the Ca2+ efflux pump PMACA4 were not rescued. These results indicate that a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ can overcome genetic infertility in mice and suggest this approach may prove adaptable to rescue sperm function in certain cases of human male infertility.
Degassed PDMS pump for controlled extraction from dried filter samples in microfluidic devices
Authors: Feeny Rachel M. , Puissant Nicole L. , Henry Charles S.
Published: September 2016

Simplified sample collection methods can continue to advance the field of biosensors by decreasing the cost required to acquire and store samples and/or increasing the number of locations where the sensors can be used.
A label-free DNAzyme-based nanopore biosensor for highly sensitive and selective lead ion detection
Authors: Liu Guangchao , Zhang Ling , Dong Duo , Liu Yang , Li Jinghong
Published: September 2016

A single-molecule nanopore technique combined with a highly specific DNAzyme catalysis reaction has been employed to detect Pb2+.
Polycaprolactone–chitosan nanofibers influence cell morphology to induce early osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Jhala D. , Rather H. , Vasita R.
Published: September 2016

Bone ECM mimicking ultrafine nanofibers induce osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts without any biological supplementsviacell morphological changes.
Cooperative self-assembly of porphyrins with polymers possessing bioactive functions
Authors: Zhao Lizhi , Qu Rui , Li Ang , Ma Rujiang , Shi Linqi
Published: September 2016

This review covers recent research on design strategies for the cooperative self-assembly of porphyrins with polymers and its implementation as bioactive assembly.
Self-assembly of colloidal magnetic particles: energy landscapes and structural transitions
Authors: Hernández-Rojas J. , Chakrabarti D. , Wales D. J.
Published: September 2016

The self-assembly of colloidal magnetic particles is of particular interest for the rich variety of structures it produces and the potential for these systems to be reconfigurable.
Efficient one-pot fructose to DFF conversion using sulfonated magnetically separable MOF-derived Fe3O4 (111) catalysts
Authors: Fang Ruiqi , Luque Rafael , Li Yingwei
Published: September 2016

A highly efficient and recyclable non-noble heterogeneous catalyst is developed for one-pot conversion of fructose into 2,5-diformylfuran with extremely high yields (>99%).
Na+ and Zr4+ co-doped Li4Ti5O12 as anode materials with superior electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lu Peng , Huang Xiaobing , Ren Yurong , Ding Jianning , Wang Haiyan , Zhou Shibiao , Chen Yuandao , Ding Xiang
Published: September 2016

Na+ and Zr4+ co-doped lithium titanates were successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction in air. Particularly, Li3.97Na0.03Ti4.97Zr0.03O12 exhibits the best rate capability. Even at 20C, it delivers a discharge capacity of 140 mA h g−1.
Ultra-narrow-bandgap thienoisoindigo polymers: structure–property correlations in field-effect transistors
Authors: Kim Gyoungsik , Kim Hyoeun , Jang Moonjeong , Jung Yun Kyung , Oh Joon Hak , Yang Changduk
Published: September 2016

A systematic study on the microstructure-property relationship in thienoisoindigo (TIIG)-based polymers provides the guidance for the synthesis of high-performance polymers by tuning the polarity of charge carrier in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).
Loop‐handover technique for digitally controlled multiple‐output dc–dc converters
Authors: Hayder A.S. , Kim S.Y. , Abbasizadeh H. , Lee K.Y.
Published: September 2016

The loop‐handover (LHO) technique is proposed to overcome the problem of close‐loop performance in digitally controlled single‐inductor multiple‐output dc–dc boost converters during start‐up. The presented technique utilises an existing clock source and requires only a small number of blocks. It also occupies a smaller silicon area, thus consuming low power and increasing efficiency. The presented technique is validated with proposed on‐chip digital controller with multiple‐output boost converter architecture using segmented delay line digital pulse width modulation. Experimental results show a successful close loop with reduced transients by using the simpler LHO technique.
Arrester‐less DC fault current limiter based on pre‐charged external capacitors for half‐bridge modular multilevel converters
Authors: Elserougi Ahmed A. , Massoud Ahmed M. , Ahmed Shehab
Published: September 2016

The half‐bridge modular multilevel converter (HB‐MMC) is one of the most promising topologies for high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. Unlike full‐bridge MMC (FB‐MMC) and clamp double sub‐module MMC (CDSM‐MMC), HB‐MMCs are defenceless against DC side faults. Different types of DC circuit breakers (DC CBs) assisted with arrester banks/damping resistors such as solid‐state CB and hybrid DC CBs can be used to interrupt the DC fault current. Arrester banks are used to protect against overvoltage after interrupting the fault current and in turn to demagnetise the circuit inductors. The main disadvantage of the arresters is that they forcibly break apart when they are overloaded. In this study, an arrester‐less fault current limiter is proposed for HB‐MMC configuration, which provides an opposing voltage during the DC side fault. This is achieved by inserting external pre‐charged capacitors in the DC current path during the fault. The selection of these external capacitors, their suitable initial voltages, and their charging stations are also presented in this study. A comparison between the proposed scheme and the CDSM‐MMC has been held as well. The proposed protection scheme is assessed using a simulation study for a point‐to‐point nine‐level HB‐MMC‐based HVDC system.
Approach to setting gateway reactive power control band for distribution networks with wind power
Authors: Chen Xu , Yi Yingqi , Zhang Yongjun , Li Qinhao , Zhu Jianquan , Cai Zexiang
Published: September 2016

The integration of distributed wind farm leads to additional fluctuation of power flow in a high‐voltage distribution network, which has become a major concern in automatic voltage control. This study proposes a slack optimal control method to determine the tolerance band of gateway reactive power (GRP) which takes into account voltage constraints, energy loss and excessive operations of control devices. Analysis of network characteristics shows that the GRP control band should be set according to both load levels and the outputs of distributed wind farm. Based on the analysis, slack optimal active loss difference strategy is proposed to set the slack optimal band of GRP. A slack optimal band matrix is defined and a partitioning intersection strategy is proposed to implement the differential setting of the slack optimal control band parameters of GRP. Simulation studies are conducted on a practical distribution network in China and the results show that the proposed method performs well in energy saving, control device regulating, voltage profile keeping, and reactive power balancing in a simple and practical way.
Image denoising based on sparse representation and gradient histogram
Authors: Zhang Mingli , Desrosiers Christian
Published: September 2016

Various image priors, such as sparsity prior, non‐local self‐similarity prior and gradient histogram prior, have been widely used for noise removal, while preserving the image texture. However, the gradient histogram prior used for texture enhancement sometimes generates false textures in the smooth areas. In order to address these problems, the authors propose a robust algorithm combining gradient histogram with sparse representation to obtain good estimates of the sparse coding coefficients of the latent image and realising image denoising while preserving the texture. The proposed model is solved by having a balance between over‐enhancement and over‐smoothing of the texture in order to preserve the natural texture appearance. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Polarization splitter based on dual core liquid crystal-filled holey fiber
Authors: Wang Er-Lei , Jiang Hai-Ming , Xie Kang , Chen Chun , Hu Zhi-Jia
Published: September 2016

Through filling the liquid crystal into the air holes of a dual-core holey fiber with a simple structure, the transmission mechanism of the fiber is changed from total internal reflection to photonic bandgap (PBG), and a polarization splitter based on the liquid crystal-filled dual-core PBG holey fiber is investigated. The results demonstrate that, by setting appropriate geometrical parameters, the polarization splitter possesses a short length of 890.5 μm, and its wide bandwidth of ∼150 nm almost covers all the S, C, and L communication bands. Besides, it has an excellent electro-interference-resistance property and certain sensitivity to temperature.
A tunable fiber-coupled optical cavity for agile enhancement of detector absorption
Authors: Heath Robert M. , Tanner Michael G. , Kirkwood Robert A. , Miki Shigehito , Warburton Richard J. , Hadfield Robert H.
Published: September 2016

Maximizing photon absorption into thin active structures can be the limiting factor for photodetector efficiency. In this work, a fiber-coupled tunable cavity is demonstrated, designed to achieve close to unity absorption of photons into a thin film superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD). A technique for defining a stable cavity between the end of a telecommunications optical fiber and a reflective substrate is described and realized. Cavity resonances are demonstrated both through the tuning of input wavelength and cavity length. The resulting optical cavity can tune the resonant absorption in situ over a wavelength range of 100 nm. This technique is used to maximize the single photon absorption into both a back-side-coupled Au mirror SNSPD and a front-side-coupled distributed Bragg reflector cavity SNSPD. The system detection efficiency (SDE) is limited by imperfections in the thin films, but in both cases we demonstrate an improvement of the SDE by 40% over bare fiber illumination.
Numerical study of plasmonic absorption enhancement in semiconductor absorbers by metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Hornich Julian , Pflaum Christoph , Brabec Christoph , Forberich Karen
Published: September 2016

We are studying the influence of spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in absorbing media by numerically solving the Maxwell's equations. Our simulations show that the near-field absorption enhancement introduced by a single AgNP in the surrounding medium is increasing with the growing particle diameter. However, we observe that the relative absorption per particle volume is on a similar level for different particle sizes; hence, different numbers of particles with the same total volume yield the same near-field absorption enhancement. We also investigate the effect of non-absorbing shells around the AgNP with the conclusion that even very thin shells suppress the beneficial effects of the particles noticeably. Additionally, we include AgNP in an organic solar cell at different vertical positions with different particle spacings and observe the beneficial effects for small AgNP and the scattering dependent performance for larger particles.
Optimal parameters of gyrotrons with weak electron-wave interaction
Authors: Glyavin M. Yu. , Oparina Yu. S. , Savilov A. V. , Sedov A. S.
Published: September 2016

In low-power gyrotrons with weak electron-wave interaction, there is a problem of determining the optimal length of the operating cavity, which is found as a result of a tradeoff between the enhancement of the electron efficiency and the increase in the Ohmic loss share with increasing cavity length. In fact, this is the problem of an optimal ratio between the diffraction and Ohmic Q-factors of the operating gyrotron mode, which determines the share of the radiated rf power lost in the cavity wall. In this paper, this problem is studied on the basis of a universal set of equations, which are appropriate for a wide class of electron oscillators with low efficiencies of the electron-wave interaction.
Code-division-multiplexed readout of large arrays of TES microcalorimeters
Authors: Morgan K. M. , Alpert B. K. , Bennett D. A. , Denison E. V. , Doriese W. B. , Fowler J. W. , Gard J. D. , Hilton G. C. , Irwin K. D. , Joe Y. I. , O'Neil G. C. , Reintsema C. D. , Schmidt D. R. , Ullom J. N. , Swetz D. S.
Published: September 2016

Code-division multiplexing (CDM) offers a path to reading out large arrays of transition edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeters with excellent energy and timing resolution. We demonstrate the readout of X-ray TESs with a 32-channel flux-summed code-division multiplexing circuit based on superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifiers. The best detector has energy resolution of 2.28 ± 0.12 eV FWHM at 5.9 keV and the array has mean energy resolution of 2.77 ± 0.02 eV over 30 working sensors. The readout channels are sampled sequentially at 160 ns/row, for an effective sampling rate of 5.12 μs/channel. The SQUID amplifiers have a measured flux noise of 0.17 μΦ0/√Hz (non-multiplexed, referred to the first stage SQUID). The multiplexed noise level and signal slew rate are sufficient to allow readout of more than 40 pixels per column, making CDM compatible with requirements outlined for future space missions. Additionally, because the modulated data from the 32 SQUID readout channels provide information on each X-ray event at the row rate, our CDM architecture allows determination of the arrival time of an X-ray event to within 275 ns FWHM with potential benefits in experiments that require detection of near-coincident events.