bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of classroom assessment stakes on English language learners’ oral performance
Authors: Kermad Alyssa , Kang Okim
Published: July 2018

High‐stakes tasks may prevent language learners from performing successfully due to factors of “communicative stress” (Skehan, 1996, p. 52). Little research, however, has directly examined phonological patterns in learners’ performances on low‐stakes, medium‐stakes, and high‐stakes classroom tasks. The current study investigated the oral performance of 37 intensive English program students on a low‐stakes classroom presentation, a medium‐stakes classroom achievement assessment, and a high‐stakes end‐of‐term exit assessment. Suprasegmental measures of rate, fluency, prominence, and pitch were analyzed instrumentally. The researchers conducted mixed factorial analyses of variance and regression analyses to determine the effect of the stakes of the task on speech performance and scores. Findings reveal that students gave prominence to more words, had a decreased mean length of run, and had a narrower pitch range on the high‐stakes exit assessment. Furthermore, frequent phonological features significantly predicted task scores. The researchers discuss implications with regard to how teachers can implement a variety of tasks of different stakes in the classroom to allow opportunities for learners to improve their speech performance inside and outside of the classroom.
A sieve that does hold a little water – gambling advertising and protection of the vulnerable in the UK
Authors: Hörnle Julia , Carran Malgorzata A
Published: July 2018

The internet, social media and online profiling have fundamentally changed advertising, and the regulation of gambling advertising has not yet managed to address the challenges and opportunities arising from this technological shift. Furthermore, the regulation of gambling does not take into account sufficiently the needs of children and vulnerable persons. We review the empirical research on the impact of gambling advertising and show how regulatory standards firmly adhere to the transmission theory of communication that prioritises the communicative intent of the advertiser over how the advertising message is received by or impacts on vulnerable people. This article reviews the law on gambling advertising and argues that for gambling, the restrictions imposed by the largely co-regulatory system only have limited effect. We compare the regulation of gambling advertising, by way of analogy, to a sieve that holds only a little water, and make recommendations for legal reform.
ON THE SYMMETRIC SQUARES OF COMPLEX AND QUATERNIONIC PROJECTIVE SPACE – ADDENDUM
Authors: BOOTE YUMI , RAY NIGEL
Published: July 2018

The page numbers shown in Appendix B have been updated to reflect the final pagination of the article.
Oculostapedial synkinesis following idiopathic facial palsy: something to listen out for
Authors: Williams T , Tungland B , Stobbs N , Watson G
Published: July 2018

Objective

This paper presents a rare case of oculostapedial synkinesis.

Case report

After partial resolution of an idiopathic facial palsy, a male patient presented with persistent distortion of hearing when blinking and closing his eye. Audiometry findings were unremarkable, and cross-sectional imaging of the facial nerve revealed no abnormalities apart from an incidental contralateral meningioma. Initial conservative management, with referral to a specialist physiotherapist, failed to resolve the symptoms. The patient subsequently opted for surgical intervention, and underwent a transmeatal tympanotomy and transection of the stapedial tendon. Following this, he had complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion

Oculostapedial synkinesis is a rare complication of facial palsy, but is recognised in the literature. Given its unusual presentation, it can be overlooked, especially by more junior team members. This case highlights the need to pay careful attention to patients' symptoms and listen out for the description of hearing distortion on facial movement.
Tropes of entanglement and strange loops in the “Nine Avowals” of the Chuci
Authors: Williams Nicholas Morrow
Published: July 2018

The literary form and rhetorical structure of ancient Chinese poems have not been sufficiently studied. The “Jiu zhang” 九章 (Nine Avowals) attributed to Qu Yuan 屈原 contain distinctive formal features which are highly suggestive for interpretations of Qu Yuan's life and works. At the level of rhetoric, the protagonist frequently describes his own mental state using metaphors of knots and entanglement. At the level of form, the internal structure of the poems, and “Chou si” 抽思 (Unravelled Yearnings) in particular, involves series of overlapping, cross-referencing units that recall the “strange loop” discussed by Douglas Hofstadter as a model of human consciousness. Reading these poems is not just a matter of reconstructing their historical contexts but also of understanding their intended effects on the reader, who is effectively transported into a simulation of Qu Yuan's mind.
The Turn Away from Economic Explanations for Soviet Famines
Authors: WHEATCROFT STEPHEN G.
Published: July 2018

Anne Appelbaum's work is a very readable and accessible story about the famine. In her own words, her objective was to tell ‘what actually happened. . . . What chain of events, and what mentality, led to the famine? Who was responsible?’ (xv). Right from the beginning she indicates that she thinks that the famine was the result of someone's mentality, and that her objective is to find who should be blamed for it. Her's is a very simple story. It conforms to an increasingly popular trend in Soviet history to ignore or oversimplify complex economic explanations and to reduce everything to moral judgements.
Impact of modified techniques of transcatheter closure in large atrial septal defects (⩾30 mm) with anatomic complexities
Authors: Ananthakrishna Pillai Ajith , Upadhyay Amarnath , Gousy Saranya , Handa Amit
Published: July 2018

Objective

The outcome of transcatheter closure in ostium secundum atrial septal defects is determined by the morphology of the defects. Modified techniques such as balloon assistance, pulmonary vein deployment, left atrial roof technique, and so on are used for circumventing the anatomic complexities and increasing the success rates.

Methods

We planned a prospective study looking at the outcomes of transcatheter closure in secundum atrial septal defects with modified techniques in different anatomic complexities identified in transoesophageal echocardiography and their association with outcome of transcatheter closure.

Results

Transcatheter closure was successful in 295 out of 346 (82%) patients with modified techniques. Balloon-assisted technique offered a success rate of 87%. The mean defect size was 34.7±2.78 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 30.67–43.1 mm) with success and 40.16±4.5 mm (95% CI 32.16–44.7) with failure (p = 0.02). The mean total septal length was 38.11±0.63 (95% CI 35.21–40.56 mm) with success and 42.54±0.34 (95% CI 38.79–43.21 mm) with failure. The defect to septal ratios were 0.82 and 0.94 in success and failure groups, respectively (p=0.02). However, the absence of a retro-aortic margin, septal aneurysm, and multiple defects did not affect the success rate. Deficient inferior vena caval margin, deficient posterior margin, and size⩾40 mm had a high risk of failure with transcatheter closure. The odds ratio for procedural failure was 25.3 (4.3–143.8) in patients with malaligned septum, 8.3(1.4–48.5) with deficient inferior vena caval margin, and 4.1(2.5–19) for size⩾40 mm.

Conclusions

The modified techniques for device deployment offer substantial chances of success in transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects with anatomical complexity (82%). Variants such as defect size of⩾40 mm and deficient inferior and posterior margins have high failure rates with a modified technique.
First Aid Education Should be Expanded to Support the Learner to Develop Both the Skill and the Will to Help
Authors: Rottenberg Eric M.
Published: July 2018

RottenbergEM. First aid education should be expanded to support the learner to develop both the skill and the will to help. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(4):454–455.
Psychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive disorders in patients with extracranial cancers
Authors: Pravettoni Gabriella , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Bocci Tommaso , Cortese Francesca , Ferrucci Roberta , Lampis Valentina , Rosci Chiara , Priori Alberto
Published: July 2018

Patients with cancer may report neuropsychiatric abnormalities including cognitive impairment, behavioral disturbances, and psychiatric disorders that potentially worsen their quality of life, reduce their treatment response, and aggravate their overall prognosis. Neuropsychiatric disturbances have a different pathophysiology, including immuno-inflammatory and neuroendocrine mechanisms, as a consequence of oncologic treatments (chemo- and radio-therapy). Among clinicians involved in the management of such patients, psychiatrists need to pay particular attention in recognizing behavioral disturbances that arise in oncologic patients, and determining those that may be effectively treated with psychotropic medications, psychotherapeutic interventions, and an integration of them. Through the contribution of different clinicians actively involved in the management of oncological patients, the present review is ultimately aimed at updating psychiatrists in relation to the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the onset of cognitive, affective, and behavioral syndromes in these patients, along with epidemiologic and clinical considerations and therapeutic perspectives.
Quality assurance of intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment planning: a dosimetric comparison
Authors: Altaf Saima , Iqbal Khalid , Akram Muhammad , Buzdar Saeed A.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The purpose of this study was to analyse the comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy quality assurance (IMRT QA) using Gafchromic® EBT3 film, Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and MapCHECK®2.

Background

Pretreatment authentication is the main apprehension in advanced radiation therapy treatment plans such as IMRT.

Materials and methods

A total of 20 patients were planned on Eclipse treatment planning system using 6 and 15 MV separately.

Results

Gamma index of EBT3 film results shows the following average passing rates: 97% for 6 MV and 96·6% for 15 MV using criteria of ±5% of 3 mm, ±3% of 3 mm and ±3% of 2 mm for brain. However, by using ±5% of 3 mm and ±3% of 3 mm criteria, the average passing rates were 95·4% on 6 MV and 95·2% on 15 MV for prostate. For EPID, the results show the average passing rates as 97·8% for 6 MV and 97·2% for 15 MV in for brain. In cases in which ±5% of 3 mm and ±3% of 3 mm were used, the average passing rates were 96·6% for 6 MVand 96·1% for 15 MV for prostate. MapCHECK®2 results show average passing rates of 96·4% for 6 and 96·2% for 15 MV, respectively, for brain using criteria of ±5% of 3 mm, ±3% of 3 mm and ±3% of 2 mm, whereas for ±5% of 3 mm and ±3% of 3 mm the average rates are 95·2% for 6 and 94·7% for 15 MV in prostate.

Conclusions

The EPID results are better than the other methods, and hence EPID can be used effectively for IMRT pretreatment verifications.
Storm Impact on Morphological Evolution of a Sandy Inlet
Authors: Hopkins Julia , Elgar Steve , Raubenheimer Britt
Published: July 2018

Observations of waves, currents, and bathymetric change in shallow water (<10‐m depth) both inside and offshore of a migrating inlet with strong (2–3 m/s) tidal currents and complex nearshore bathymetry show over 2.5 m of erosion and accretion resulting from each of two hurricanes (offshore wave heights >8 m). A numerical model (Delft3D, 2DH mode) simulating waves, currents, and morphological change reproduces the observations with the inclusion of hurricane force winds and sediment transport parameters adjusted based on model‐data comparisons. For simulations of short hurricanes and longer nor'easters with identical offshore total time‐integrated wave energy, but different peak wave energies and storm durations, morphological change is correlated (R2 = 0.60) with storm intensity (total energy of the storm divided by the duration of the storm). Similarly, the erosion observed at the Sand Engine in the Netherlands is correlated with storm intensity. The observations and simulations suggest that the temporal distribution of energy in a storm event, as well as the total energy, impacts subsequent nearshore morphological change. Increased storm intensity enhances sediment transport in bathymetrically complex, mixed wave‐and‐tidal‐current energy environments, as well as at other wave‐dominated sandy beaches.
Thermal Regime and Properties of Soils and Ice‐Rich Permafrost in Beacon Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Liu Lu , Sletten Ronald S. , Hallet Bernard , Waddington Edwin D.
Published: July 2018

Subsurface temperatures in polar environments control geomorphic, hydrologic, and biologic processes and ground ice stability. Most studies of the thermal regime in permafrost areas have been developed for the Arctic where interest and concern focus on permafrost thawing. In contrast, this study focuses on soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica where conditions are much colder and drier, and long‐term persistence of ground ice is of interest including as an analog site for Mars. The soil temperature in Beacon Valley, one of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, has been modeled using the surface temperature, measured heat capacity, and temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity and compared to continuous, high‐resolution measurements of temperatures for a decade down to 19.6‐m depth. For the temperature range of −47.9 to 7.5 °C at our study site, the heat capacity of the dry soil ranges from 580 to 690 J · kg−1 · K−1, thermal conductivity from 0.22 to 0.27 W · m−1 · K−1, and the calculated thermal diffusivity from 0.23 to 0.25 mm2/s. Both the finite difference method and the finite volume method are used to solve the 1‐D heat diffusion equation; the finite volume method‐modeled temperature most closely approximates the measured temperature at all depths with average differences ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 °C. The latent heat contribution of documented episodic snowmelt events and of modeled changes in ice content due to condensation or sublimation is negligible. This study can be applied readily to thermal regimes of similar systems where subsurface temperature measurements are not available such as on Mars.
Estimating Snow Mass in North America Through Assimilation of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer Brightness Temperature Observations Using the Catchment Land Surface Model and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Xue Yuan , Forman Barton A. , Reichle Rolf H.
Published: July 2018

To estimate snow mass across North America, brightness temperature observations collected by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR‐E) from 2002 to 2011 were assimilated into the Catchment model using a support vector machine as the observation operator and a one‐dimensional ensemble Kalman filter. The performance of the assimilation system is evaluated through comparisons against ground‐based measurements and reference snow products. In general, there are no statistically significant skill differences between the domain‐averaged, model‐only (open loop, or OL) snow estimates and assimilation estimates. The assessment of improvements (or degradations) in snow estimates is difficult because of limitations in the measurements (or products) used for evaluation. It is found that assimilation estimates agree slightly better in terms of root‐mean‐square error and Nash‐Sutcliffe model efficiency with ground‐based snow depth measurements than OL estimates in 82% (56 out of 62) of pixels that are colocated with at least two ground‐based stations. Assimilation estimates tend to agree slightly better in terms of mean difference with reference snow products over tundra snow, alpine snow, maritime snow, and sparsely vegetated, snow‐covered pixels. Changes in snow mass via assimilation translate into improvements (e.g., by 22% on average in terms of root‐mean‐square error, relative to OL) in cumulative runoff estimates when compared against discharge measurements in 11 out of 13 snow‐dominated basins in Alaska. These results suggest that a support vector machine can potentially serve as an effective observation operator for snow mass estimation within a radiance assimilation system, but a better observational baseline is required to document a statistically significant improvement.
Estimating the Decoupling Degree of Subtropical Marine Stratocumulus Decks From Satellite
Authors: Zheng Youtong , Rosenfeld Daniel , Li Zhanqing
Published: July 2018

Abstracts

The decoupling degree of stratocumulus (Sc) decks is an important quantity dictating evolutions of Sc. In subtropical oceans, the Sc decoupling is a key intermediate process of the Sc‐to‐cumulus transitions, a persistent phenomenon that is not fully understood. This study introduces a new approach for estimating the degree of decoupling of subtropical Sc decks using passive satellite sensors. This method is limited to regions where Sc decks are advected over progressively warmer water. This is most common in the subtropics. The estimation concept is that decoupled Sc clouds under cold‐advection conditions are fed by spreading of the tops of cumulus clouds that are coupled. The cumulus clouds constitute a much larger liquid water path over small areas, which is identified by a positive skewness of the liquid water path, a quantity measurable from high‐resolution satellite data. The decoupling degree here is defined as the difference between the Sc cloud‐base height and lifting condensation level that is the cumulus cloud‐base height under cold‐advection conditions. This concept and the satellite‐based estimations are supported by ship measurements over the Northeast Pacific. One‐year climatology of the satellite‐inferred decoupling degree was generated over the same region, revealing a coherent pattern of offshore decoupling, consistent with previous theory and field‐campaign observations.
High‐Latitude Westward Jets in the Earth's Outer Core Due to Small‐Scale Convection
Authors: Afanasyev Y. D.
Published: July 2018

The general circulation of the Earth's outer core is driven by small‐scale convection. A model based on the dynamics of individual buoyant parcels is put forward to explain how the main features of the circulation are generated by the convection. The model predicts a distribution of buoyancy in the core such that the fluid is lighter/warmer at the poles and heavier/colder at the equator. Zonal velocity as a function of latitude is predicted by the model and compared with the previous observational data inferred from the variations of the Earth's magnetic field. The model demonstrates that the westward jets observed at the co‐latitude of approximately 210 are in a geostrophic balance with the dynamic pressure created by convecting parcels and with the excess hydrostatic pressure due to the redistribution of buoyancy in the meridional direction.
On the Role of Heterogeneous Chemistry in Ozone Depletion and Recovery
Authors: Wilka Catherine , Shah Kasturi , Stone Kane , Solomon Susan , Kinnison Douglas , Mills Michael , Schmidt Anja , Neely Ryan R.
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate that identification of stratospheric ozone changes attributable to ozone depleting substances and actions taken under the Montreal Protocol requires evaluation of confounding influences from volcanic eruptions. Using a state‐of‐the‐art chemistry‐climate model, we show that increased stratospheric aerosol loading from volcanic eruptions after 2004 impeded the rate of ozone recovery post‐2000. In contrast, eruptions increased ozone loss rates over the depletion era from 1980 to 1998. We also present calculations without any aerosol chemistry to isolate contributions from gas‐phase chemistry alone. This study reinforces the need for accurate information regarding stratospheric aerosol loading when modeling ozone changes, particularly for the challenging task of accurately identifying the early signs of ozone healing distinct from other sources of variability.
Relative Impacts of Local and Remote Forcing on Tropical Cyclone Frequency in Numerical Model Simulations
Authors: Chang Chuan‐Chieh , Wang Zhuo
Published: July 2018

Numerical experiments are carried out to explore the impacts of local and remote forcing on the interannual variability of tropical cyclone (TC) frequency. The first two groups of experiments focus on the regional simulations of Atlantic TCs, and the lateral boundary conditions and sea surface temperature (SST) are specified to investigate the relative importance of remote and local forcing. The results suggest that remote processes outside the North Atlantic, particularly extratropical processes, play an important role in modulating Atlantic TC frequency and that the remote impacts may exceed the impacts of local SST in some years. The total TC frequency in the northern tropics is explored in the third group of experiments. In contrast to the North Atlantic, tropical SST plays a dominant role in modulating the total TC frequency in the northern tropics. The difference may help to explain the uncertainties in the projections of future Atlantic TC frequency.
The Largest Electron Differential Energy Flux Observed at Mars by the Mars Express Spacecraft, 2004–2016
Authors: Frahm R. A. , Winningham J. D. , Coates A. J. , Gérard J.‐C. , Holmström M. , Barabash S.
Published: July 2018

The goal of this paper is to understand the processes by which solar wind electrons are energized in the Martian magnetosphere and how this compares to processes at Venus and Earth. Each is unique in the source of its magnetic field topology and how this influences electron energization. To achieve this goal, 24 million spectra spanning 13 years have been examined using the electron spectrometer from the Mars Express spacecraft between about 12,000 km and about 250 km altitude, and from all latitudes and local times. The top 10 largest differential energy flux at energies above the differential energy flux peak have been found: seven spectra from the magnetosheath near noon, three from the dark tail (the largest two from the middle and ionospheric edge of the magnetosheath). Spectral comparisons show a decade range in the peak of the electron distributions; however, all distributions show a similar energy maximum dictated by solar wind/planet interaction. Similarly derived, the largest Venus spectrum occurred near the magnetosheath bow shock and had the same shape as the most intense Mars inner magnetosheath spectrum. The Mars and Venus dayside spectra compared to the Mars nightside spectrum that included an enhanced optical signal attributed to discrete “auroral” precipitation show a similar shape. These spectra are also compared to a selected auroral zone electron spectra from the Earth. The Mars and Venus results suggest that there is no more energy needed to generate electrons forming the nightside precipitation than is gained during the solar wind/planet interaction.
Structure and Transport of the North Atlantic Current in the Eastern Subpolar Gyre From Sustained Glider Observations
Authors: Houpert L. , Inall M. E. , Dumont E. , Gary S. , Johnson C. , Porter M. , Johns W. E. , Cunningham S. A.
Published: July 2018

Repeat glider sections obtained during 2014–2016, as part of the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program, are used to quantify the circulation and transport of North Atlantic Current (NAC) branches over the Rockall Plateau. Using 16 glider sections collected along 58°N and between 21°W and 15°W, absolute geostrophic velocities are calculated, and subsequently the horizontal and vertical structure of the transport are characterized. The annual mean northward transport (± standard deviation) is 5.1 ± 3.2 Sv over the Rockall Plateau. During summer (May to October), the mean northward transport is stronger and reaches 6.7 ± 2.6 Sv. This accounts for 43% of the total NAC transport of upper‐ocean waters (σO<27.55 kg/m3) estimated by Sarafanov et al. (2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JC007572) along 59.5°N, between the Reykjanes Ridge and Scotland. Two quasi‐permanent northward flowing branches of the NAC are identified: (i) the Hatton Bank Jet (6.3 ±  2.1 Sv) over the eastern flank of the Iceland Basin (20.5°W to 18.5°W) and (ii) the Rockall Bank Jet (1.5 ±  0.7 Sv) over the eastern flank of the Hatton‐Rockall Basin (16°W to 15°W). Transport associated with the Rockall Bank Jet is mostly depth independent during summer, while 30% of the Hatton Bank Jet transport is due to vertical geostrophic shear. Uncertainties are estimated for each individual glider section using a Monte Carlo approach, and mean uncertainties of the absolute transport are less than 0.5 Sv. Although comparisons with altimetry‐based estimates indicate similar large‐scale circulation patterns, altimetry data do not resolve small mesoscale current bands in the Hatton‐Rockall Basin which are strongly needed for the right transport estimates.
Fingerprinting Sediment Transport in River‐Dominated Margins Using Combined Mineral Magnetic and Radionuclide Methods
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Zhang Weiguo , Baskaran Mark , Du Jinzhou , Zhou Feng , Wu Hui
Published: July 2018

Both magnetic properties and radionuclides are widely used to trace sediment transport in aquatic environments; however, these methods have not been used in combination. In this study, the East China Sea (ECS), a typical river‐dominated margin, was chosen to demonstrate the advantages of combining these two methods to track sediment movements on a seasonal to annual timescale. The ratios between saturation isothermal remnant magnetization and anhysteretic remnant magnetization (χARM/SIRM) and 7Be/210Pbex activity ratios as well as mass balance of 7Be provide information on the seasonal transport of sediment from the Changjiang Estuary to the neighboring shelf. Both 210Pb budget and SIRM distribution in the inner shelf of the ECS show that a small fraction (at most 14% of annual Changjiang sediment discharge) of particles could be transported offshore. Most of 7Be activities in inner shelf sediments of the ECS were below detection limit due to relatively lower residence times and dilution by the older sediment. The observation that radionuclide activities exhibit a better correlation with χARM/SIRM ratios than with grain size suggests that iron oxides are the primary carriers of 7Be, 210Pb, and 234Th. The absorption of radionuclides onto magnetic minerals further reinforces the reliability of this combined approach in tracing sediment transport. Our study indicates that radionuclides, with different half‐lives, can be utilized for quantifying sediment dynamics, whereas magnetic properties can yield more detailed information on sediment transport directions. The combined analysis of magnetic parameters and radionuclides offers a better understanding of sediment transport in river‐dominated areas.
High‐Frequency Geomagnetic Fluctuations at Auroral Oval and Polar Cap
Authors: Peitso P. , Tanskanen E. I. , Pulkkinen T. I. , Mursula K.
Published: July 2018

Rapid magnetic fluctuations are known to be closely linked to the high‐latitude geomagnetic activity, in particular, to geomagnetic pulsations and subtorms. Increasing amount of commercial activity in the arctic regions requires better monitoring capability and improved understanding on the effects of geomagnetic hazards to infrastructure. In this study, we analyze rapid, 1‐s fluctuations in Greenland. To measure high‐frequency geomagnetic fluctuations in the auroral oval and polar cap, we use high time resolution data of 1 s from 12 stations covering a large latitudinal range of 64 to 84 quasi‐dipole geomagnetic latitude (QDGMlat). We found out that the large magnetic field fluctuations exceeding 0.2 nT/s are observed 10–30% of the time in auroral oval latitudes, depending on the solar cycle phase and station location. The latitudinal differences are much larger in fluctuation coverage (fractional derivative rate, FDR) than in fluctuations amplitude (dH/dt). The highest |dH/dt| and FDRs at noon are observed at the northern stations from 72 to 84 QDGMlat, while in south Greenland from 72 to 65 QDGMlat, the highest |dH/dt| and FDRs are recorded at midnight. The largest differences in seasonal variation between noon and midnight are observed in the polar cap, where a summer increase is seen at noon and almost flat seasonal profile at midnight.
Fn14 deficiency ameliorates psoriasis-like skin disease in a murine model
Authors: Peng L. , Li Q. , Wang H. , Wu J. , Li C. , Liu Y. , Liu J. , Xia L. , Xia Y.
Published: July 2018

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a multifunctional cytokine that acts through its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14). Recent studies demonstrated that the TWEAK/Fn14 signals participate in the development of psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to further explore the effect of Fn14 inhibition on experimental psoriasis. Psoriasis-like skin disease was induced in the wild-type and Fn14-knockout BALB/c mice. We found that Fn14 deficiency ameliorates psoriasis-like lesion in this model, accompanied by less inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine production in lesional skin. The cutaneous expression of TNF receptor type 2 also decreased in the Fn14-deficient mice. Moreover, the topical application of TWEAK exacerbated psoriatic lesion in the wild-type but not in the Fn14-deficient mice. Furthermore, TWEAK promoted the expression of interleukin 8, keratin 17, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) but inhibited the expression of involucrin in psoriatic keratinocytes in vitro. Interestingly, such effect of TWEAK was abrogated by an EGFR inhibitor (erlotinib). TWEAK also enhances the proliferation and interleukin-6 production of dermal microvascular endothelial cells under psoriatic condition. In conclusion, TWEAK/Fn14 signals contribute to the development of psoriasis, and involves the modulation of resident cells and the transduction of the EGFR pathway. Fn14 inhibition might be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with psoriasis.
Strongly-coupled quantum critical point in an all-in-all-out antiferromagnet
Authors: Wang Yishu , Rosenbaum T. F. , Palmer A. , Ren Y. , Kim J.-W. , Mandrus D. , Feng Yejun
Published: July 2018

Dimensionality and symmetry play deterministic roles in the laws of Nature. They are important tools to characterize and understand quantum phase transitions, especially in the limit of strong correlations between spin, orbit, charge, and structural degrees of freedom. Here, using newly-developed, high-pressure resonant X-ray magnetic and charge diffraction techniques, we have discovered a quantum critical point in Cd2Os2O7 as the all-in-all-out antiferromagnetic order is continuously suppressed to zero temperature and, concomitantly, the cubic lattice structure continuously changes from space group Fd-3m to F-43m. Surrounded by three phases of different time reversal and spatial inversion symmetries, the quantum critical region anchors two phase lines of opposite curvature, with striking departures from a mean-field form at high pressure. As spin fluctuations, lattice breathing modes, and quasiparticle excitations interact in the quantum critical region, we argue that they present the necessary components for strongly-coupled quantum criticality in this three-dimensional compound.
Flexible high energy density zinc-ion batteries enabled by binder-free MnO2/reduced graphene oxide electrode
Authors: Huang Yuan , Liu Jiuwei , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian , Hiralal Pritesh , Zheng Fulin , Ozgit Dilek , Su Sikai , Chen Shuming , Tan Ping-Heng , Zhang Shengdong , Zhou Hang
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate a rechargeable zinc-ion battery with high energy density and cyclability using MnO2 and reduced graphene oxide (MnO2/rGO) electrode. The flexible and binder free electrode, with high MnO2 mass ratio (80 wt% of MnO2), is fabricated using vacuum filtration without any additional additives other than rGO. Compared to batteries with conventional MnO2 electrodes, the Zn–MnO2/rGO battery shows a significant enhanced capacity (332.2 mAh g-1 at 0.3 A g-1), improved rate capability (172.3 mAh g-1 at 6 A g-1) and cyclability. The capacity retention remains 96% after 500 charge/discharge cycles at 6 A g-1. The high MnO2 mass ratio makes MnO2/rGO electrode advantageous when the capacity is normalized to the whole electrode, particularly at high rates. The calculated gravimetric energy density of Zn–MnO2/rGO battery is 33.17 W h kg-1, which is comparable to the existing commercial lead-acid batteries (30–40 W h kg-1). Furthermore, the discharge profile and capacity of our Zn–MnO2/rGO battery shows no deterioration during bending test, indicating good flexibility. As a result, zinc-ion battery is believed to be a promising technology for powering next generation flexible electronics.
Defects engineering for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Feng , Bai Sai , Tress Wolfgang , Hagfeldt Anders , Gao Feng
Published: July 2018

Metal halide perovskites have achieved great success in photovoltaic applications during the last few years. The solar to electrical power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells has been rapidly improved from 3.9% to certified 22.7% due to the extensive efforts on film deposition methods, composition and device engineering. Further investigation on eliminating the defect states in perovskite absorbers is necessary to push forward the PCE of perovskite solar cells approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit. In this review, we summarize the defect properties in perovskite films and present methodologies to control the defects density, including the growth of large size crystals, photo-curing method, grain boundary and surface passivation, and modification of the substrates. We also discuss the defects-related stability and hysteresis issues and highlight the current challenges and opportunities in defects control of perovskite films.
Long-term Rescue of Photoreceptors in a Rodent Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with MERTK Mutation
Authors: Lorach H. , Kang S. , Dalal R. , Bhuckory M. B. , Quan Y. , Palanker D.
Published: July 2018

MERTK mutation reduces the ability of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to phagocytize the photoreceptor outer segments, which leads to accumulation of debris separating photoreceptors from RPE cells, resulting in their degeneration and loss of vision. In a rat model of Retinitis Pigmentosa due to MERTK mutation, we demonstrate that surgical removal of debris performed when about half of photoreceptors are lost (P38), allows the remaining photoreceptor cells to renew their outer segments and survive for at least 6 months – 3 times longer than in untreated eyes. In another set of experiments, patterned laser photocoagulation was performed before the debris formation (P19-25) to destroy a fraction of photoreceptors and thereby reduce the phagocytic load of shed outer segment fragments. This treatment also delayed the degeneration of the remaining photoreceptors. Both approaches were assessed functionally and morphologically, using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, and histology. The long-term preservation of photoreceptors we observed indicates that MERTK-related form of inherited retinal degeneration, which has currently no cure, could be amenable to laser therapy or subretinal surgery, to extend the visual function, potentially for life.
Radiomic analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound data
Authors: Theek Benjamin , Opacic Tatjana , Magnuska Zuzanna , Lammers Twan , Kiessling Fabian
Published: July 2018

Radiomics describes the use radiological data in a quantitative manner to establish correlations in between imaging biomarkers and clinical outcomes to improve disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prediction of therapy responses. In this study, we evaluated whether a radiomic analysis on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) data allows to automatically differentiate three xenograft mouse tumour models. Next to conventional imaging biomarker classes, i.e. intensity-based, textural, and wavelet-based features, we included biomarkers describing morphological and functional characteristics of the tumour vasculature. In total, 235 imaging biomarkers were extracted and evaluated. Dedicated feature selection allowed us to identify user-independent and stable imaging biomarkers for each imaging biomarker class. The selected radiomic signature, composed of median image intensity, energy of grey-level co-occurrence matrix, vessel network length, and run length nonuniformity of the grey-level run length matrix from the diagonal details, was used to train a linear support vector machine (SVM) to classify tumour phenotypes. The model was trained by using a four-fold cross-validation scheme and achieved 82.1% (95% CI [0.64 0.92]) correct classifications. In conclusion, our results show that a radiomic analysis can be successfully performed on CEUS data and may help to render ultrasound-based tumour imaging more accurate, reproducible and reliable.
User experience of instant blood pressure: exploring reasons for the popularity of an inaccurate mobile health app
Authors: Plante Timothy B. , O’Kelly Anna C. , Urrea Bruno , MacFarlane Zane T. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Charleston Jeanne , Miller Edgar R. , Appel Lawrence J. , Martin Seth S.
Published: July 2018

Instant blood pressure (IBP) is a top-selling yet inaccurate blood pressure (BP)-measuring app that underreports elevated BP. Its iTunes app store user ratings and reviews were generally positive. Whether underreporting of elevated BP improves user experience is unknown. Participants enrolled at five clinics estimated their BP, measured their BP with IBP, then completed a user experience survey. Participants were grouped based on how their IBP BP measurements compared to their estimated BP (IBP Lower, IBP Similar, or IBP Higher). Logistic regressions compared odds of rating “agree” or “strongly agree” on survey questions by group. Most participants enjoyed using the app. In the adjusted model, IBP Higher had significantly lower proportions reporting enjoyment and motivation to check BP in the future than IBP Similar. All three groups were comparable in perceived accuracy of IBP and most participants perceived it to be accurate. However, user enjoyment and likelihood of future BP monitoring were negatively associated with higher-than-expected reported systolic BP. These data suggest reassuring app results from an inaccurate BP-measuring app may have improved user experience, which may have led to more positive user reviews and greater sales. Systematic underreporting of elevated BPs may have been a contributor to the app’s success. Further studies are needed to confirm whether falsely reassuring output from other mobile health apps improve user experience and drives uptake.
Theory of Coulomb drag in spatially inhomogeneous 2D materials
Authors: Ho Derek Y. H. , Yudhistira Indra , Hu Ben Yu-Kuang , Adam Shaffique
Published: July 2018

Coulomb drag is a favored experimental probe of Coulomb interactions between layers of 2D materials. In reality, these layers display spatial charge density fluctuations known as puddles due to various imperfections. A theoretical formalism for incorporating density inhomogeneity into calculations has however not been developed, making the understanding of experiments difficult. Here, we remedy this by formulating an effective medium theory of drag that applies in all 2D materials. We show that a number of striking features at zero magnetic field in graphene drag experiment which have not been explained by existing literature emerge naturally within this theory. Applying the theory to a phenomenological model of exciton condensation, we show that the expected divergence in drag resistivity is replaced by a peak that diminishes with increasing puddle strength. Given that puddles are ubiquitous in 2D materials, this work will be useful for a wide range of future studies.
Non-invasive analysis of stored red blood cells using diffuse resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Gautam Rekha , Oh Joo-Yeun , Patel Rakesh P. , Dluhy Richard A.
Published: July 2018

A method to acquire the Raman spectra of sub-surface components using diffusely focused radiation in a microscope sampling configuration is described.
Tuning the spin-related transport properties of FePc on Au(111) through single-molecule chemistry
Authors: Li Ruoning , Li Na , Wang Hao , Weismann Alexander , Zhang Yajie , Hou Shimin , Wu Kai , Wang Yongfeng
Published: July 2018

Tuning the spin-related transport properties of FePc on Au(111) through single-molecule chemistry.
Precursors for PbTe, PbSe, SnTe, and SnSe synthesized using diphenyl dichalcogenides
Authors: Wang Zhongyong , Ma Yuanyu , Vartak Prathamesh B. , Wang Robert Y.
Published: July 2018

Alternative metal chalcogenide precursor syntheses (instead of hydrazine or thiol–amine approaches) along with corresponding thermoelectric properties of PbSexTe1−x films.
Switching the subcellular organelle targeting of atomically precise gold nanoclusters by modifying the capping ligand
Authors: Yang Ying , Wang Shuxin , Chen Shuang , Shen Yuhua , Zhu Manzhou
Published: July 2018

Here, we have achieved the target switching fluorescence imaging and photodynamic activity of hydrosoluble AuNCs from lysosomes to mitochondria through ligand exchange.
A post-synthetic approach triggers selective and reversible sulphur dioxide adsorption on a metal–organic framework
Authors: Mon Marta , Tiburcio Estefanía , Ferrando-Soria Jesús , Gil San Millán Rodrigo , Navarro Jorge A. R. , Armentano Donatella , Pardo Emilio
Published: July 2018

We report the application of a post-synthetic solid-state cation-exchange process to afford a novel 3D MOF with hydrated barium cations hosted at pores able to trigger selective and reversible SO2adsorption.
Tetrahedral DNAzymes for enhanced intracellular gene-silencing activity
Authors: Thai Hien Bao Dieu , Levi-Acobas Fabienne , Yum Soo-Young , Jang Goo , Hollenstein Marcel , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: July 2018

We prepared tetrahedral DNAzymes (TDzs) to overcome potential limitations such as insufficient serum stability and poor cellular uptake of single-stranded DNAzymes (ssDzs).
A low-temperature synthesis method for AnO2 nanocrystals (An = Th, U, Np, and Pu) and associate solid solutions
Authors: Popa Karin , Walter Olaf , Blanco Oliver Dieste , Guiot Antony , Bouëxière Daniel , Colle Jean-Yves , Martel Laura , Naji Mohamed , Manara Dario
Published: July 2018

Actinide oxalate decomposition under hot compressed water is proposed as a milder production route for nanometric sized (mixed) actinide oxides.
Insights on conformation in the solid state: a case study – s-cis and/or s-trans crystallization of 5(3)-aryl-3(5)-carboxyethyl-1-tert-butylpyrazoles
Authors: Zimmer Geórgia C. , Pagliari Anderson B. , Bender Caroline R. , Salbego Paulo R. S. , Orlando Tainára , Hörner Manfredo , Zanatta Nilo , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: July 2018

The conformation adopted by COOEt group in solid state were influenced by supramolecular environment and intramolecular interaction for 1,3- and 1,5-regioisomers, respectively.
Electron localization in niobium doped CaMnO3 due to the energy difference of electronic states of Mn and Nb
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Jian , Li Ji-Chao , Chen Yu-Fei , Zhang Xin-Miao , Wang Xue-Jin , Wang Fu-Ning , Su Wen-Bin , Zhao Lan-Ling , Wang Chun-Lei
Published: July 2018

The electron localization in Nb-doped CaMnO3 is analyzed in terms of the space and energy distribution of electronic states employing first-principles calculations.
Negative differential resistance, perfect spin-filtering effect and tunnel magnetoresistance in vanadium-doped zigzag blue phosphorus nanoribbons
Authors: Zhu Si-Cong , Peng Shun-Jin , Wu Kai-Ming , Yip Cho-Tung , Yao Kai-Lun , Lam Chi-Hang
Published: July 2018

We investigate the electronic and transport properties of vanadium-doped zigzag blue phosphorus nanoribbons by first-principles quantum transport calculations.
Multiporous sp2-hybridized boron nitride (d-BN): stability, mechanical properties, lattice thermal conductivity and promising application in energy storage
Authors: Cai Yingxiang , Zeng Li , Zhang Yu , Xu Xuechun
Published: July 2018

sp2-hybridized multiporous d-BN is used for solid electrolytes in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Supramolecular interaction of non-racemic benzimidazolium based ion pairs with chiral substrates
Authors: Mumtaz Salma , Cano Israel , Mumtaz Nargis , Abbas Ahmed , Dupont Jairton , Gondal Humaira Yasmeen
Published: July 2018

Benzimidazolium-based non-racemic ionic liquids as chiral recognition agents showed supramolecular interactions between H–C2 of cation and racemic Mosher's acid salts.
VS2: an efficient catalyst for an electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction in an acidic medium
Authors: Das Jiban K. , Samantara Aneeya K. , Nayak Arpan K. , Pradhan Debabrata , Behera J. N.
Published: July 2018

A single step scalable synthesis for vanadium disulphide (VS2) was developed and the resulting material shows a better electrocatalytic performance in terms of a low onset potential (15 mV), a lower Tafel slope (36 mV dec−1) and needs only 41 mV to deliver a state-of-the-art current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Probing steric influences on electrophilic phosphonium cations: a comparison of [(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3PF]+ and [(C6F5)3PF]+
Authors: LaFortune James H. W. , Szkop Kevin M. , Farinha Farah E. , Johnstone Timothy C. , Postle Shawn , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: July 2018

The electrophilic phosphonium cation (EPC) salt [(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)3PF][B(C6F5)4] (2) can display catalytic activity greater than its thermodynamic acidity would suggest. The role of steric factors is explored.
Production of cellulosic gasoline via levulinic ester self-condensation
Authors: Li Zheng , Otsuki Andrew L. , Mascal Mark
Published: July 2018

Levulinate ester self-condensation gives tetrasubstituted cyclopentadienes, the reduction and decarboxylation of which gives branched cycloalkanes that are high-octane substitutes for petroleum gasoline.
Metal-free, regioselective and stereoregular alternating copolymerization of monosubstituted epoxides and tricyclic anhydrides
Authors: Ji He-Yuan , Chen Xiao-Lu , Wang Bin , Pan Li , Li Yue-Sheng
Published: July 2018

A metal-free, highly regioselective and stereoregular ring-opening alternating copolymerization of monosubstituted epoxides with tricyclic anhydrides was achieved to yield well-defined polyesters.
Binary flux-promoted formation of trigonal ZnIn2S4 layered crystals using ZnS-containing industrial waste and their photocatalytic performance for H2 production
Authors: Hojamberdiev Mirabbos , Cai Yanfei , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Khan Mohammad Mansoob , Vargas Ronald , Yubuta Kunio , Yamakata Akira , Teshima Katsuya , Hasegawa Masashi
Published: July 2018

Trigonal ZnIn2S4 layered crystals were grown by a binary flux method using ZnS-containing industrial waste.
Recyclable and repolymerizable thiol–X photopolymers
Authors: Wang Chen , Goldman Trevor M. , Worrell Brady T. , McBride Matthew K. , Alim Marvin D. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: July 2018

Truly recyclable and repolymerizable photopolymers were achieved by utilizing thiol–ene polymerization and thiol–thioester exchange reactions.
Fabrication of amine and imine-functionalized isoreticular pillared-layer metal–organic frameworks for the highly selective detection of nitro-aromatics
Authors: Tarasi Somayeh , Azhdari Tehrani Alireza , Morsali Ali , Retailleau Pascal
Published: July 2018

Chemical sensors for the rapid and selective detection of explosives such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) are very important.
Protonated carbon nitride nanosheet supported IrO2 quantum dots for pure water splitting without sacrificial reagents
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Xinjun
Published: July 2018

A novel photocatalyst with IrO2 quantum dots anchored on g-C3N4 exhibits enhanced visible-light-driven overall water splitting.