bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis approaches to combine multiple gene set enrichment studies
Authors: Lu Wentao , Wang Xinlei , Zhan Xiaowei , Gazdar Adi
Published: October 2017

In the field of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), meta‐analysis has been used to integrate information from multiple studies to present a reliable summarization of the expanding volume of individual biomedical research, as well as improve the power of detecting essential gene sets involved in complex human diseases. However, existing methods, Meta‐Analysis for Pathway Enrichment (MAPE), may be subject to power loss because of (1) using gross summary statistics for combining end results from component studies and (2) using enrichment scores whose distributions depend on the set sizes. In this paper, we adapt meta‐analysis approaches recently developed for genome‐wide association studies, which are based on fixed effect and random effects (RE) models, to integrate multiple GSEA studies. We further develop a mixed strategy via adaptive testing for choosing RE versus FE models to achieve greater statistical efficiency as well as flexibility. In addition, a size‐adjusted enrichment score based on a one‐sided Kolmogorov‐Smirnov statistic is proposed to formally account for varying set sizes when testing multiple gene sets. Our methods tend to have much better performance than the MAPE methods and can be applied to both discrete and continuous phenotypes. Specifically, the performance of the adaptive testing method seems to be the most stable in general situations.
Irreversible Phase Transition of Bistetramethylammonium Hydrogencyclotriphosphate
Authors: Mangstl Martin , Celinski Vinicius R. , Pritzel Christian , Trettin Reinhard , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: October 2017

Crystalline α‐bistetramethylammonium hydrogencyclotriphosphate [N(CH3)4]2HP3O9 (Pcab), which were synthesized via a low‐temperature route (<60 °C) shows an irreversible first‐order phase transition to β‐[N(CH3)4]2HP3O9 (P212121), which was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray powder diffraction, and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The crystal structure of β‐bistetramethylammonium hydrogencyclotriphosphate was solved and refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method using constraints obtained by 31P, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The new compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group with a = 9.3828(1), b = 11.8196(1) and c = 16.0396(2) Å.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) induced by pazopanib, a multi-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Deguchi Shoichi , Mitsuya Koichi , Nakasu Yoko , Hayashi Nakamasa , Katagiri Hirohisa , Murata Hideki , Wasa Junji , Takahashi Mitsuru , Endo Masahiro
Published: October 2017

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical entity characterized by acute neurological symptoms such as severe headache, seizures, and visual disturbance, and by typical reversible lesion on brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. Since PRES is thought to be caused by vascular endothelial injury due to cytotoxic agents or acute systemic hypertension, the number of reports on PRES associated with angiogenesis inhibitors has been increasing. Although five cases that developed PRES due to pazopanib for renal cell carcinoma have already been reported, none of PRES due to pazopanib for soft-tissue sarcoma has been reported thus far. We describe a case of a 49-year-old woman with retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma who developed PRES during pazopanib administration. Pazopanib at 800 mg/day was administered as her third-line treatment at relapse. After 38 days of pazopanib, she was admitted to our hospital with severe headache, vomiting, and systemic hypertension. The next day, she developed consciousness deterioration and visual disturbance together with exacerbated systemic hypertension. Brain MR images revealed hyper-intense signals on FLAIR sequences in the bilateral occipital lobes and the left thalamus. Intravenous nicardipine injection was immediately started to control her blood pressure and pazopanib was discontinued. Her symptoms gradually improved and disappeared on the fifth hospital day. After 2 weeks, hyper-intense signals on a FLAIR sequence disappeared completely. She restarted a low dose of pazopanib under good blood pressure control and experienced no subsequent recurrence of PRES.
Effect of arc–current and spray distance on elastic modulus and fracture toughness of plasma-sprayed chromium oxide coatings
Authors: Kar Simanchal , Bandyopadhyay Partha Pratim , Paul Soumitra
Published: October 2017

In this experimental study, chromium oxide powder was sprayed on a low-carbon steel substrate using the atmospheric plasma spray process. The current and standoff distances (SODs) were varied to study their effect on the fracture toughness of the coatings. Theoretically, as the arc current increases, the melting of the ceramic oxide should increase and this in turn should lead to the formation of a dense coating. However, it was observed that if the arc power is too high and because the particle size of the powder is small (approximately 30 μm), the particles tend to fly away from the plasma core. Similarly, an appropriate SOD should provide the particles with more melting time, thus resulting in a dense coating. On the other hand, a larger SOD leads to the solidification of the molten particles before the droplets can reach the substrate. All these effects may lead to substantial variation in the fracture toughness of the coating. The present paper attempts to correlate the plasma spraying parameters and microstructure of the coating with the fracture toughness and other primary coating properties.
Leveraging leader–leader exchange to enrich the effect of leader–member exchange on team innovation
Authors: Yang Jaewan
Published: October 2017

In this study, I propose supervisors’ upward leader–leader exchange relationships as an important boundary condition for the relationship between average leader–member exchange (LMX) relationships and a climate for innovation support at the group level. Specifically, I argue that the effect of resource spillover to poor-LMX subordinates within a work group is an important mechanism that leads to the development of a climate that supports innovation. I test the hypothesized moderated-mediation model by using multisource and multiwave data collected from 590 employees and 75 supervisors. The findings indicate that the indirect effect of team LMX relationships on team effectiveness via a climate for innovation support is more positive under high conditions of leader–leader exchange, whereas the effect is less positive under low conditions of leader–leader exchange. Implications and limitations relevant to developing research around LMX and innovation are addressed.
Validation of analytical method and evaluation of clothianidin residues in rice in a typical Chinese field ecosystem
Authors: ZHANG Z. Y. , ZHENG Z. T. , ZHU G. Y. , YU X. Y. , WANG D. L. , LIU X. J.
Published: October 2017

A liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for determination of clothianidin in brown rice, straw, rice hull, paddy water and paddy sediment was developed and residue levels were determined in the different components. The limit of quantification was set at 0·01 mg/kg for the matrices studied. Clothianidin degradation in straw, paddy water and soil was studied, and clothianidin residues in brown rice, straw, hull and paddy soil were determined. Concurrent recoveries were between 85·6 and 92·5%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 1·3 to 6·8% at three fortification levels between 0·01 and 5·0 mg/kg. The half-lives in straw, paddy water and paddy sediment were found to be 1·9–4·9, 4·1–5·0 and 4·9–6·3 days, respectively. The maximum residues in brown rice, straw, hull and paddy soil samples were 0·38, 1·88, 1·38 and 0·14 mg/kg, respectively.
Polygenic risk for schizophrenia, transition and cortical gyrification: a high-risk study
Authors: Neilson E. , Bois C. , Clarke T.-K. , Hall L. , Johnstone E. C. , Owens D. G. C. , Whalley H. C. , McIntosh A. M. , Lawrie S. M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder, linked to several structural abnormalities of the brain. More specifically, previous findings have suggested that increased gyrification in frontal and temporal regions are implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Methods

The current study included participants at high familial risk of schizophrenia who remained well (n= 31), who developed sub-diagnostic symptoms (n= 28) and who developed schizophrenia (n= 9) as well as healthy controls (HC) (n= 16). We first tested whether individuals at high familial risk of schizophrenia carried an increased burden of trait-associated alleles using polygenic risk score analysis. We then assessed the extent to which polygenic risk was associated with gyral folding in the frontal and temporal lobes.

Results

We found that individuals at high familial risk of schizophrenia who developed schizophrenia carried a significantly greater burden of risk-conferring variants for the disorder compared to those at high risk (HR) who developed sub-diagnostic symptoms or remained well and HC. Furthermore, within the HR cohort, there was a significant and positive association between schizophrenia polygenic risk score and bilateral frontal gyrification.

Conclusions

These results suggest that polygenic risk for schizophrenia impacts upon early neurodevelopment to confer greater gyral folding in adulthood and an increased risk of developing the disorder.
TOWARDS A MULTI-SCALAR, MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO THE CLASSICAL GREEK CITY: THE OLYNTHOS PROJECT
Authors: Nevett Lisa C. , Tsigarida E. Bettina , Archibald Zosia H. , Stone David L. , Horsley Timothy J. , Ault Bradley A. , Panti Anna , Lynch Kathleen M. , Pethen Hannah , Stallibrass Susan M. , Salminen Elina , Gaffney Christopher , Sparrow Thomas J. , Taylor Sean , Manousakis John , Zekkos Dimitrios
Published: October 2017

Research on the cities of the Classical Greek world has traditionally focused on mapping the organisation of urban space and studying major civic or religious buildings. More recently, newer techniques such as field survey and geophysical survey have facilitated exploration of the extent and character of larger areas within urban settlements, raising questions about economic processes. At the same time, detailed analysis of residential buildings has also supported a change of emphasis towards understanding some of the functional and social aspects of the built environment as well as purely formal ones. This article argues for the advantages of analysing Greek cities using a multidisciplinary, multi-scalar framework which encompasses all of these various approaches and adds to them other analytical techniques (particularly micro-archaeology). We suggest that this strategy can lead towards a more holistic view of a city, not only as a physical place, but also as a dynamic community, revealing its origins, development and patterns of social and economic activity. Our argument is made with reference to the research design, methodology and results of the first three seasons of fieldwork at the city of Olynthos, carried out by the Olynthos Project.
INTERPOLATED SCHUR MULTIPLE ZETA VALUES
Authors: BACHMANN HENRIK
Published: October 2017

Inspired by the recent work of M. Nakasuji, O. Phuksuwan and Y. Yamasaki, we combine interpolated multiple zeta values and Schur multiple zeta values into one object, which we call interpolated Schur multiple zeta values. Our main result will be a Jacobi–Trudi formula for a certain class of these new objects. This generalizes an analogous result for Schur multiple zeta values and implies algebraic relations between interpolated multiple zeta values.
Can Large Electric Fields Power Jupiter’s X-ray Auroras?
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: October 2017

Electric fields with megavolt potentials in Jupiter’s polar region accelerate particles to 100 times more energy than Earth’s typical auroral particles, a new study finds.
The role of π-blocking hydride ligands in a pressure-induced insulator-to-metal phase transition in SrVO2H
Authors: Yamamoto Takafumi , Zeng Dihao , Kawakami Takateru , Arcisauskaite Vaida , Yata Kanami , Patino Midori Amano , Izumo Nana , McGrady John E. , Kageyama Hiroshi , Hayward Michael A.
Published: October 2017

Transition-metal oxyhydrides are of considerable current interest due to the unique features of the hydride anion, most notably the absence of valence p orbitals. This feature distinguishes hydrides from all other anions, and gives rise to unprecedented properties in this new class of materials. Here we show via a high-pressure study of anion-ordered strontium vanadium oxyhydride SrVO2H that H− is extraordinarily compressible, and that pressure drives a transition from a Mott insulator to a metal at ~ 50 GPa. Density functional theory suggests that the band gap in the insulating state is reduced by pressure as a result of increased dispersion in the ab-plane due to enhanced Vdπ-Opπ-Vdπ overlap. Remarkably, dispersion along c is limited by the orthogonal Vdπ-H1s-Vdπ arrangement despite the greater c-axis compressibility, suggesting that the hydride anions act as π-blockers. The wider family of oxyhydrides may therefore give access to dimensionally reduced structures with novel electronic properties.
The introduction of the Barbier reaction into polymer chemistry
Authors: Sun Xiao-Li , Liu Dong-Ming , Tian Di , Zhang Xiao-Yun , Wu Wei , Wan Wen-Ming
Published: October 2017

The Barbier reaction, a widely utilized reaction for carbon–carbon bond formation, has played important roles in modern organic chemistry for more than a century. Here, we show its successful introduction to polymer chemistry. Through one-pot Barbier polyaddition (both A2+B2 type and AB type) of monomers containing an organic halide and a benzoyl group, a series of phenylmethanol group containing polymers, including polymonophenylmethanol (PMPM), polydiphenylmethanol (PDPM), and polytriphenylmethanol (PTPM), have been synthesized. Para-PTPM exhibits interesting aggregation-induced emission, tunable thermo-responsive over a wide temperature range, sensory, luminescence enhancement of fluorescent dye in solid-state and processing properties. This significantly expands the libraries of monomer and polymer, and opens up an avenue for the design and application of functional polymer materials.
Circulating exosomes carrying an immunosuppressive cargo interfere with cellular immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hong Chang-Sook , Sharma Priyanka , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna S. , Simms Patricia , Jackson Edwin K. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Boyiadzis Michael
Published: October 2017

Exosomes, small (30–150 nm) extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carry leukemia-associated antigens and multiple inhibitory molecules. Circulating exosomes can deliver suppressive cargos to immune recipient cells, inhibiting anti-tumor activities. Pre-therapy plasma of refractory/relapsed AML patients contains elevated levels of immunosuppressive exosomes which interfere with anti-leukemia functions of activated immune cells. We show that exosomes isolated from pre-therapy plasma of the AML patients receiving adoptive NK-92 cell therapy block anti-leukemia cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells and other NK-92 cell functions. NK-92 cells do not internalize AML exosomes. Instead, signaling via surface receptors expressed on NK-92 cells, AML exosomes simultaneously deliver multiple inhibitory ligands to the cognate receptors. The signals are processed downstream and activate multiple suppressive pathways in NK-92 cells. AML exosomes reprogram NK-92 cells, interfering with their anti-leukemia functions and reducing the therapeutic potential of adoptive cell transfers. Plasma-derived exosomes interfere with immune cells used for adoptive cell therapy and may limit expected therapeutic benefits of adoptive cell therapy.
Highly N-doped microporous carbon nanospheres with high energy storage and conversion efficiency
Authors: Kim Cheolho , Kim Kiwon , Moon Jun Hyuk
Published: October 2017

Porous carbon spheres (CSs) have distinct advantages in energy storage and conversion applications. We report the preparation of highly monodisperse N-doped microporous CSs through the carbonization of polystyrene-based polymer spheres and subsequent activation. The N-doped microporous CSs have a remarkably high N-doping content, over 10%, and high BET surface area of 884.9 m2 g−1. We characterize the synergistic effects of the micropores and N doping on the energy storage performance of a supercapacitor electrode consisting of the CSs and on the performance in an electrocatalytic reaction of a CS counter electrode in a photovoltaic cell. The N-doped microporous CSs exhibit a maximum capacitance of 373 F g−1 at a current density of 0.2 Ag−1, a high capacitance retention up to 62% with a 10-fold increase in current density, and excellent stability over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. A counter electrode consisting of N-doped microporous CSs was found to exhibit superior electrocatalytic behavior to an electrode consisting of conventional Pt nanoparticles. These CSs derived from polymer spheres synthesized by addition polymerization will be new platform materials with high electrochemical performance.
Photocatalytic degradation of microcystin-LR with a nanostructured photocatalyst based on upconversion nanoparticles@TiO2 composite under simulated solar lights
Authors: Wu Shijia , Lv Jiajia , Wang Fang , Duan Nuo , Li Qian , Wang Zhouping
Published: October 2017

In this work, we prepared advanced upconversion nanoparticle coated with TiO2 photocatalysts (NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2) to utilize not only UV energy but also the large portion of NIR energy in order to improve the utilization efficiency of solar lights. The MC-LR (10 μg/mL) degradation rate can be approached 100% within 30 min at the concentration of NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2 0.4 mg/mL and initial pH value 4, while 61%, using pure TiO2 (P25) under simulated solar lights. The reaction processes were studied and fitted with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were found to be the major reactive species. Meanwhile, seven degradation intermediates of MC-LR were examined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and the degradation mechanism was analyzed. The main degradation pathways were proposed based on the molecular weight of the intermediates and the reaction mechanism are hydroxylation on the diene bonds and the aromatic ring of Adda. The products were evaluated to be nontoxic based on the construction of the intermediates. This study demonstrated that the NIR energy can be used as the driving source for photocatalysis besides the UV and the NIR-responsed photocatalysis had a high-efficiency and potential for MC-LR degradation.
A quantitative and non-contact technique to characterise microstructural variations of skin tissues during photo-damaging process based on Mueller matrix polarimetry
Authors: Dong Yang , He Honghui , Sheng Wei , Wu Jian , Ma Hui
Published: October 2017

Skin tissue consists of collagen and elastic fibres, which are highly susceptible to damage when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), leading to skin aging and cancer. However, a lack of non-invasive detection methods makes determining the degree of UVR damage to skin in real time difficult. As one of the fundamental features of light, polarization can be used to develop imaging techniques capable of providing structural information about tissues. In particular, Mueller matrix polarimetry is suitable for detecting changes in collagen and elastic fibres. Here, we demonstrate a novel, quantitative, non-contact and in situ technique based on Mueller matrix polarimetry for monitoring the microstructural changes of skin tissues during UVR-induced photo-damaging. We measured the Mueller matrices of nude mouse skin samples, then analysed the transformed parameters to characterise microstructural changes during the skin photo-damaging and self-repairing processes. Comparisons between samples with and without the application of a sunscreen showed that the Mueller matrix-derived parameters are potential indicators for fibrous microstructure in skin tissues. Histological examination and Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the relationship between the Mueller matrix parameters and changes to fibrous structures. This technique paves the way for non-contact evaluation of skin structure in cosmetics and dermatological health.
Brush-paintable and highly stretchable Ag nanowire and PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrodes
Authors: Lim Ji-Eun , Lee Sang-Mok , Kim Seok-Soon , Kim Tae-Woong , Koo Hyun-Woo , Kim Han-Ki
Published: October 2017

Highly transparent and stretchable Ag nanowire (NW)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hybrid electrodes were prepared on stretchable polyurethane substrates by using simple and cost-effective brush painting technique. The optimized Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrode showed a sheet resistance of 19.7 Ohm/square and a high optical transmittance of 88.64% comparable to conventional ITO electrode. It was found that shear stress of the paintbrush led to an effective lateral alignment of the Ag NWs into the PEDOT:PSS matrix during brush painting process. In addition, we investigated mechanical properties of the brush painted Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrode using inner/outer bending test, stretching tests, twisting test and rolling test in detail. The optimized brush painted Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS electrode showed a higher strain (~30%) than brush painted Ag NW or sputtered ITO electrode. Furthermore, we demonstrated the outstanding stretchability of brush painted Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrode in two applications: stretchable interconnectors and stretchable electrodes for stretchable and wearable thin film heaters. These results provide clear evidence for its potential and widespread applications in next-generation, stretchable displays, solar cells, and electronic devices.
Correction: Corrigendum: Minimizing the risk of allo-sensitization to optimize the benefit of allogeneic cardiac-derived stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Hocine Hocine R. , Costa Hicham El , Dam Noemie , Giustiniani Jerome , Palacios Itziar , Loiseau Pascale , Bensussan Armand , Borlado Luis R. , Charron Dominique , Suberbielle Caroline , Jabrane-Ferrat Nabila , Al-Daccak Reem
Published: October 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41125; published online: 24 January 2017; updated: 20 October 2017. The original version of this Article as well as the previous Corrigendum contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Hicham El Costa which was incorrectly given as Hicham E.L. Costa.
Correction: Corrigendum: Hydrogen sulfide-induced itch requires activation of Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel in mice
Authors: Wang Xue-Long , Tian Bin , Huang Ya , Peng Xiao-Yan , Chen Li-Hua , Li Jun-Cheng , Liu Tong
Published: October 2017

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 16768; published online: 25 November 2015; updated: 20 October 2017. This Article contains errors in the legend of Figure 5. “(A) Systemic zinc chloride (ZnCl2; i.p. 1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited NaHS-induced scratching. (B) Local application of ZnCl2 (i.d. 5nmol) significantly inhibited NaHS-induced scratching in both RTX- and vehicle-treated mice.
Selective analysis of epinephrine in the presence of uric acid by using an amplified electrochemical sensor employing a gold nanoparticle decorated cysteic acid film
Authors: Karim-Nezhad G. , Khorablou Z.
Published: October 2017

In the present work, an effective electrochemical sensor for the rapid and selective determination of epinephrine (EP) in the presence of uric acid (UA) based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cysteic acid was applied.
A nile red-based near-infrared fluorescent probe for endogenous hydrogen polysulfides in living cells
Authors: Li Kai-Bin , Chen Feng-Zao , Zhang Siqi , Shi Wei , Han De-Man , Cai Chen , Chen Cai-Xia
Published: October 2017

Endogenous hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn; n > 1) have attracted increasing attention because emerging studies have shown that it is actually the key signaling molecule rather than hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
Genetic alphabet expansion transcription generating functional RNA molecules containing a five-letter alphabet including modified unnatural and natural base nucleotides by thermostable T7 RNA polymerase variants
Authors: Kimoto Michiko , Meyer Adam J. , Hirao Ichiro , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: October 2017

Thermostable T7 RNA polymerase variants were explored for genetic alphabet expansion transcription involving the unnatural Ds–Pa pair.
Correlation between the electronic structure, topologic structure and dynamic properties of liquid cerium
Authors: Sun Xiaorui , Zhou Rulong , Zhang B.
Published: October 2017

We have shown an ab initio MD simulation evidence that both f-localized Ce and f-delocalized Ce can coexist in the low-density-liquid phase of Ce.
Phonon-mediated superconductivity in Mg intercalated bilayer borophenes
Authors: Liao Ji-Hai , Zhao Yin-Chang , Zhao Yu-Jun , Xu Hu , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: October 2017

B2MgB2 and B4MgB4 are predicted to exhibit good phonon-mediated superconductivity with Tc of 23.2 K and 13.3 K, respectively.
Benzannulated Re(i)–NHC complexes: synthesis, photophysical properties and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Siegmund Daniel , Lorenz Nicole , Gothe Yvonne , Spies Christian , Geissler Bastian , Prochnow Pascal , Nuernberger Patrick , Bandow Julia E. , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: October 2017

A series of novel Re(i)(CO)3–NHC complexes bearing unsubstituted benzimidazol-2-ylidene ligands is presented which provide strong luminescence as well as high antibacterial activity.
A lung-inspired approach to scalable and robust fuel cell design
Authors: Trogadas P. , Cho J. I. S. , Neville T. P. , Marquis J. , Wu B. , Brett D. J. L. , Coppens M.-O.
Published: October 2017

Lung-inspired flow fields are employed to overcome reactant homogeneity issues in PEFCs, resulting in enhanced performance and minimal pressure drop.
Direct mercury determination in blood and urine by means of high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using gold nanoparticles as a chemical modifier
Authors: Aramendía Maite , Guarda Ananda , Leite Diego , Resano Martín
Published: October 2017

The use of Au nanoparticles as a chemical modifier permits the direct Hg determination in urine and blood samples by HR CS GFAAS.
Dual-mode reconfigurable focusing using the interface of aqueous and dielectric liquids
Authors: Kim Wonkyoung , Lee Changho , Kim Chulhong , Kim Dong Sung
Published: October 2017

An optofluidic lens serves as a highly reconfigurable device to manipulate light by using a smoothly curved interface between immiscible liquids.
Donor–acceptor interaction-driven self-assembly of amphiphilic rod–coil molecules into supramolecular nanoassemblies
Authors: Yu Shengsheng , Yang Yuntian , Chen Tie , Xu Jingzhe , Jin Long Yi
Published: October 2017

Pyrene-based amphiphiles self-assemble into nanofibers, spherical micelles and multilayer nanotubes. The addition of TNF allowed polymerization of these objects through charge-transfer interactions to form various supramolecular nanoassemblies.
Nonaffine deformation and tunable yielding of colloidal assemblies at the air–water interface
Authors: Maestro Armando , Zaccone Alessio
Published: October 2017

A theoretical model that explains the deformation of colloidal nanoparticles assembled at fluid interfaces under shear deformation.
Lithiation-assisted exfoliation and reduction of SnS2to SnS decorated on lithium-integrated graphene for efficient energy storage
Authors: Zhao Bing , Chen Fang , Wang Zhixuan , Huang Shoushuang , Jiang Yong , Chen Zhiwen
Published: October 2017

A novel lithiation-assisted exfoliation and reduction strategy is applied to construct a layered metal sulfide/lithium-integrated graphene composite for efficient energy storage.
Correction: Bismuth oxyiodide coupled with bismuth nanodots for enhanced photocatalytic bisphenol A degradation: synergistic effects and mechanistic insight
Authors: Luo Shunqin , Xu Jinjia , Li Zijing , Liu Chen , Chen Jiawei , Min Xin , Fang Minghao , Huang Zhaohui
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Bismuth oxyiodide coupled with bismuth nanodots for enhanced photocatalytic bisphenol A degradation: synergistic effects and mechanistic insight’ by Shunqin Luo et al., Nanoscale, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05320g.
A study of the reactivity of S(VI)–F containing warheads with nucleophilic amino-acid side chains under physiological conditions
Authors: Mukherjee H. , Debreczeni J. , Breed J. , Tentarelli S. , Aquila B. , Dowling J. E. , Whitty A. , Grimster N. P.
Published: October 2017

Profiling the reactivity and stability of SVI–F warheads towards nucleophilic amino acids for the development of biochemical probe compounds.
Advances in polydiacetylene development for the design of side chain groups in smart material applications – a mini review
Authors: Huo Jingpei , Deng Qianjun , Fan Ting , He Guozhang , Hu Xiaohong , Hong Xiaxiao , Chen Hong , Luo Shihe , Wang Zhaoyang , Chen Dongchu
Published: October 2017

This review focuses on various side chain groups based on PDAs published over the last 3 years, covering urea, melamine, ferriferous oxide and coumarin. Perspectives on the remaining challenges and future developments are also proposed.
Recovery of scandium(iii) from diluted aqueous solutions by a supported ionic liquid phase (SILP)
Authors: Avdibegović Dženita , Regadío Mercedes , Binnemans Koen
Published: October 2017

Recovery of scandium from secondary resources like bauxite residue by a supported ionic liquid phase (SILP).
Goal orientations of general chemistry studentsviathe achievement goal framework
Authors: Lewis Scott E.
Published: October 2017

The Achievement Goal Framework describes students’ goal orientations as: task-based, focusing on the successful completion of the task; self-based, evaluating performance relative to one's own past performance; or other-based, evaluating performance relative to the performance of others. Goal orientations have been used to explain student success in a range of educational settings, but have not been used in post-secondary chemistry. This study describes the goal orientations of General Chemistry students and explores the relationship of goal orientations to success in the course. On average, students report higher task and self orientations than other orientation. Task orientation had a positive relationship with exam performance and self orientation had a negative relationship with exam performance. Clustering students showed that for the majority of students task and self orientations moved concurrently and students with low preference across the three orientations also performed lowest on exams. Finally, students in classes using Flipped-Peer Led Team Learning, a pedagogy designed to bring active learning to a large lecture class, showed higher task orientation than those in classes with lecture-based instruction.
Universal pilot relaying scheme for series and shunt‐compensated lines
Authors: Gupta Om Hari , Tripathy Manoj
Published: October 2017

The fault component power and energy‐based relaying schemes find limitation during the double phase to ground faults due to the effect of mutual coupling. In this study, a pilot relaying scheme for series and shunt‐compensated transmission lines is introduced which is based on incremental reactive power coefficients (IRPCs). The IRPC of a phase is defined as the ratio of integrated incremental reactive power (IIRP) to the maximum magnitude of IIRP among all three phases. If IRPC of any phase is found less than −0.5, the internal fault is detected else if none of the phases has IRPC less than −0.5, the fault is an external fault. The algorithm will start only if the incremental differential current of any phase is found >50% of pre‐fault differential current. The proposed scheme has various advantages including universal applicability to protect the series and shunt‐compensated transmission lines. The offline and real‐time simulations are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed scheme under different operating conditions. The scheme is robust and accurate for all the conditions. Further, the performance of the proposed scheme is superior to the recently proposed schemes.
Distributed multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar waveform and mismatched filter design with expanded mainlobe
Authors: Xu Leilei , Zhou Shenghua , Liu Hongwei , Zang Huikai , Ma Lin
Published: October 2017

Distributed multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar usually needs to transmit nearly orthogonal waveforms, but the constant‐modulus requirement from engineering applications often makes sidelobe levels difficult to suppress. In this study, the authors resort to two approaches to further suppress the sidelobe levels, i.e. orthogonal phase‐coded waveforms with expanded mainlobe (OPCWEM) and its mismatched filters design. Specifically, they first propose a minimisation criterion to design nearly OPCWEM, which is a non‐convex optimisation problem and solved by a least‐pth minimax algorithm. Next, they design mismatched filters with given OPCWEM, which is formulated as a convex optimisation problem with min–max criterion and solved by a convex optimisation algorithm. Numerical results validate the effectiveness of the two approaches and the Doppler sensitivity is also analysed.
Efficacy of Drainless Total Thyroidectomy in Intrathyroidal Lesions of Thyroid
Authors: Battoo Azhar , Haji Altaf , Sheikh Zahoor , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Mir Wahid
Published: October 2017

Introduction There is difference of opinion about the placement of the drain in thyroid surgeries, and, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of drainless total thyroidectomy regarding various parameters of thyroid lesions has not been well-established.

Objective To report our experience with drainless total thyroidectomy, and to define an appropriate patient population for its performance.

Methods This is a retrospective case analysis of the patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for intrathyroidal lesions with or without central neck dissection in a tertiary referral hospital (number = 74). The patients, who had undergone total thyroidectomy without any drain insertion, were analyzed, and the relationships among various parameters of thyroid lesions were noted in relation to seroma and hematoma formation.

Results Seroma formation was noted only in 5 out of 74 patents (6.75%). All of the seromas that occurred were observed in patients with thyroid lesions < 4 cm, and 4 out of 5 seromas were observed in patients with a malignant pathology. There was no statistically significant difference in seroma formation between patients younger or older than 50 years of age.

The nature of the lesion, whether benign or malignant, did not affect the formation of seroma. Of interest is the fact that none of the 10 patients who had central neck dissection performed as part of their treatment developed seroma.

Conclusions Drainless total thyroidectomy is safe across all age groups for patients harboring either benign or malignant thyroid pathologies. However, caution is to be observed in opting for drainless total thyroidectomy in patients with large lesions (> 5 cm)
Exact and approximate solutions for transient squeezing flow
Authors: Lang Ji , Santhanam Sridhar , Wu Qianhong
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we report two novel theoretical approaches to examine a fast-developing flow in a thin fluid gap, which is widely observed in industrial applications and biological systems. The problem is featured by a very small Reynolds number and Strouhal number, making the fluid convective acceleration negligible, while its local acceleration is not. We have developed an exact solution for this problem which shows that the flow starts with an inviscid limit when the viscous effect has no time to appear and is followed by a subsequent developing flow, in which the viscous effect continues to penetrate into the entire fluid gap. An approximate solution is also developed using a boundary layer integral method. This solution precisely captures the general behavior of the transient fluid flow process and agrees very well with the exact solution. We also performed numerical simulation using Ansys-CFX. Excellent agreement between the analytical and the numerical solutions is obtained, indicating the validity of the analytical approaches. The study presented herein fills the gap in the literature and will have a broad impact on industrial and biomedical applications.
Seminal plasma and cryopreservation alter ram sperm surface carbohydrates and interactions with neutrophils
Authors: Pini Taylor , Leahy Tamara , Paul de Graaf Simon
Published: October 2017

Spermatozoa deposited vaginally must navigate the physical, chemical and immune barriers of the cervix to reach the site of fertilisation. Characteristics that favour successful cervical transit remain largely unknown beyond the obvious factors of motility and viability. Epididymal and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa demonstrate poor cervical transit, for unknown reasons. We hypothesised that seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation alter the surface sugars of these sperm populations and, consequently, their interaction with immune cells, both potential factors for successful cervical transit. The carbohydrate profiles of epididymal, ejaculated and frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting using lectins for galactose, sialic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose. Seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation caused significant changes to the relative amounts of surface sugars detected by flow cytometry and lectin blotting. Immune cell interaction was characterised using a neutrophil-binding assay. Seminal plasma acted as a robust protective mechanism, limiting binding of spermatozoa, whereas the media used for cryopreservation caused a significant disruption to opsonin-mediated binding. We were unable to demonstrate a link between changes to surface sugars and neutrophil susceptibility. Seminal plasma and cryopreservation clearly alter the sperm glycocalyx, as well as the interaction of spermatozoa with immune cells.
Effects of pulse-impact on the welding of SiCP/Al-6061 aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Kwok Yeeli
Published: October 2017

The effects of pulse-impact on liquid-phase pulse-impact diffusion welding of an SiCp/Al-6061 aluminium matrix composite were investigated. The results show that under the influence of pulse-impacts: (i) the extent of the two-phase liquid–solid region increases with increments in welding temperature; (ii) the internal stresses at the interface are released, resulting in welded joints with a higher strength; (iii) the density of dislocations near to and away from the interface in the matrix are higher than in the parent composite, and the dislocations entangle extensively; (iv) nano-grains form which appear to improve the properties of the welded joints.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Light Alloys.
Elevated temperature thermal conductivities of some as-cast and austempered cast irons
Authors: Jalava Kalle , Soivio Kaisu , Laine Jarkko , Orkas Juhani
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to provide insight on thermal conductivity of three cast iron groups, namely lamellar, compacted and spheroidal graphite irons at elevated temperatures up to 673 K (400°C) in as-cast and austempered states. Austempering treatments increased mechanical properties of all the studied materials while decreasing thermal conductivity across the line. The effects of austempering on conductivity were lower for grey and compacted graphite iron than for spheroidal graphite irons. The results indicate that heat treating can be a viable option in increasing cast iron performance in thermally stressed applications. One ferritic low-silicon spheroidal graphite iron surpassed lamellar graphite iron in conductivity at elevated temperatures, while high-silicon spheroidal graphite irons exhibited low conductivities.
The parasite Toxoplasma sequesters diverse Rab host vesicles within an intravacuolar network
Authors: Romano Julia D. , Nolan Sabrina J. , Porter Corey , Ehrenman Karen , Hartman Eric J. , Hsia Ru-ching , Coppens Isabelle
Published: October 2017

Many intracellular pathogens subvert host membrane trafficking pathways to promote their replication. Toxoplasma multiplies in a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that interacts with mammalian host organelles and intercepts Golgi Rab vesicles to acquire sphingolipids. The mechanisms of host vesicle internalization and processing within the PV remain undefined. We demonstrate that Toxoplasma sequesters a broad range of Rab vesicles into the PV. Correlative light and electron microscopy analysis of infected cells illustrates that intravacuolar Rab1A vesicles are surrounded by the PV membrane, suggesting a phagocytic-like process for vesicle engulfment. Rab11A vesicles concentrate to an intravacuolar network (IVN), but this is reduced in Δgra2 and Δgra2Δgra6 parasites, suggesting that tubules stabilized by the TgGRA2 and TgGRA6 proteins secreted by the parasite within the PV contribute to host vesicle sequestration. Overexpression of a phospholipase TgLCAT, which is localized to the IVN, results in a decrease in the number of intravacuolar GFP-Rab11A vesicles, suggesting that TgLCAT controls lipolytic degradation of Rab vesicles for cargo release.
UNC-45a promotes myosin folding and stress fiber assembly
Authors: Lehtimäki Jaakko I. , Fenix Aidan M. , Kotila Tommi M. , Balistreri Giuseppe , Paavolainen Lassi , Varjosalo Markku , Burnette Dylan T. , Lappalainen Pekka
Published: October 2017

Contractile actomyosin bundles, stress fibers, are crucial for adhesion, morphogenesis, and mechanosensing in nonmuscle cells. However, the mechanisms by which nonmuscle myosin II (NM-II) is recruited to those structures and assembled into functional bipolar filaments have remained elusive. We report that UNC-45a is a dynamic component of actin stress fibers and functions as a myosin chaperone in vivo. UNC-45a knockout cells display severe defects in stress fiber assembly and consequent abnormalities in cell morphogenesis, polarity, and migration. Experiments combining structured-illumination microscopy, gradient centrifugation, and proteasome inhibition approaches revealed that a large fraction of NM-II and myosin-1c molecules fail to fold in the absence of UNC-45a. The remaining properly folded NM-II molecules display defects in forming functional bipolar filaments. The C-terminal UNC-45/Cro1/She4p domain of UNC-45a is critical for NM-II folding, whereas the N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain contributes to the assembly of functional stress fibers. Thus, UNC-45a promotes generation of contractile actomyosin bundles through synchronized NM-II folding and filament-assembly activities.
Comparison on the calibrations of hydrometers for liquids density determination between SIM laboratories
Authors: Morales Abed , Quiroga Aldo , Daued Arturo , Cantero Diana , Sequeira Francisco , Castro Luis Carlos , Becerra Luis Omar , Salazar Manuel , Vega Maria
Published: October 2017

A supplementary comparison was made between SIM laboratories concerning the calibration of four hydrometers within the range of 600 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3. The main objectives of the comparison were to evaluate the degree of equivalences SIM NMIs in the calibration of hydrometers of high accuracy. The participant NMIs were: CENAM, IBMETRO, INEN, INDECOPI, INM, INTN and LACOMET.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Complex powers for cone differential operators and the heat equation on manifolds with conical singularities
Authors: Roidos Nikolaos
Published: October 2017

We obtain left and right continuous embeddings for the domains of the complex powers of sectorial

B

\mathbb {B}

-elliptic cone differential operators. We apply this result to the heat equation on manifolds with conical singularities and provide asymptotic expansions of the unique solution close to the conical points. We further show that the decomposition of the solution in terms of asymptotics spaces, i.e., finite-dimensional spaces that describe the domains of the integer powers of the Laplacian and determined by the local geometry around the singularity, is preserved under the evolution.
The Laminar Organization of Piriform Cortex Follows a Selective Developmental and Migratory Program Established by Cell Lineage
Authors: Martin-Lopez Eduardo , Ishiguro Kimiko , Greer Charles A
Published: October 2017

Piriform cortex (PC) is a 3-layer paleocortex receiving primary afferent input from the olfactory bulb. The past decade has seen significant progress in understanding the synaptic, cellular and functional organization of PC, but PC embryogenesis continues to be enigmatic. Here, using birthdating strategies and clonal analyses, we probed the early development and laminar specificity of neurogenesis/gliogenesis as it relates to the organization of the PC. Our data demonstrate a temporal sequence of laminar-specific neurogenesis following the canonical “inside-out” pattern, with the notable exception of PC Layer II which exhibited an inverse “outside-in” temporal neurogenic pattern. Of interest, we found no evidence of a neurogenic gradient along the anterior to posterior axis, although the timing of neuronal migration and laminar development was delayed rostrally by approximately 24 h. To begin probing if lineage affected cell fate in the PC, we labeled PC neuroblasts using a multicolor technique and analyzed their laminar organization. Our results suggested that PC progenitors were phenotypically committed to reach specific layers early in the development. Collectively, these studies shed new light on the determinants of the laminar specificity of neuronal/glial organization in PC and the likely role of subpopulations of committed progenitors in regulating PC embryogenesis.
Formation of precessing jets by tilted black hole discs in 3D general relativistic MHD simulations
Authors: Liska M , Hesp C , Tchekhovskoy A , Ingram A , van der Klis M , Markoff S
Published: October 2017

Gas falling into a black hole (BH) from large distances is unaware of BH spin direction, and misalignment between the accretion disc and BH spin is expected to be common. However, the physics of tilted discs (e.g. angular momentum transport and jet formation) is poorly understood. Using our new GPU-accelerated code h-amr, we performed 3D general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of tilted thick accretion discs around rapidly spinning BHs, at the highest resolution to date. We explored the limit where disc thermal pressure dominates magnetic pressure, and showed for the first time that, for different magnetic field strengths on the BH, these flows launch magnetized relativistic jets propagating along the rotation axis of the tilted disc (rather than of the BH). If strong large-scale magnetic flux reaches the BH, it bends the inner few gravitational radii of the disc and jets into partial alignment with the BH spin. On longer time-scales, the simulated disc–jet system as a whole undergoes Lense–Thirring precession and approaches alignment, demonstrating for the first time that jets can be used as probes of disc precession. When the disc turbulence is well resolved, our isolated discs spread out, causing both the alignment and precession to slow down.